turns. The institution is well supplied with flour, fuel and bedding; and appearances indicate a decreased expenditure and increased income for the coming year.

The last report of the Massachusetts State Prison, which, like the House of Correction, for several years previous to 1873, had not only been self-sustaining but paying a profit of from $2.00 to $50.00 for each prisoner per year, shows a deficit against the prison of $66.00 for each prisoner in 1874, and $97.47 for each prisoner in 1875.

There are now forty men under contract at the House of Correction, employed by Mr. Jason Wentworth in the manufacture of slippers.

The master reports that the prison school resumed its sessions in November last, and is now in successful operation. He reports "the progress made by most of the scholars, especially in reading and writing, has been highly satisfactory."

Respectfully,

SAMUEL LITTLE,
President.

REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF DEER ISLAND INSTITUTIONS.

DEER ISLAND, BOSTON HARBOR, May 1, 1876.

To the Board of Directors for Public Institutions :

GENTLEMEN, -The following reports for the year 187576, beginning May 1, 1875, and ending April 30, 1876, both inclusive, of the Public Institutions on Deer and Rainsford Islands, designated as House of Industry, Almshouse and House of Reformation, are respectfully submitted.

The continued increase in the number of inmates in all departments has been the cause of some anxiety. We have, however, been able to provide thus far for all, by crowding still closer than before, and by using space not intended for or appropriated to sleeping apartments.

During the fall and winter the laundry building has been occupied, first by a number of the House of Industry inmates, and later by inmates of the Almshouse.

The chapel was also occupied for some time by the male inmates. The most serious of all the crowdings, at this time, is in the pauper boys' school building, where all the various departments are overcrowded, school-rooms, diningrooms and cooking arrangements as well as the dormitories. This place will be relieved, however, by the proposed school for truants and neglected children, now being prepared for that class of boys in the building on Marcella street, Highlands.

A portion of the women will also be provided for at the Austin Farm, should proposed arrangements be carried out. Last year we thought the accommodations at Rainsford Island were fully tested, the highest number being 242. This year 296 were lodged at one time and in the same space, excepting that 14 were accommodated in the attic of the bakery, which was fitted with bunks.

Notwithstanding the number of inmates increase, the income does not; for all necessary labor upon the farm could be performed by a small portion of the numbers employed,

and produce quite as much as with the large force. We have, however, when weather permitted, kept all ablebodied men at work improving the island or the buildings in various ways. The mechanics have continued to be employed in making and repairing the many articles used in and around the institution and farm, and the repairs of buildings.

The piggery, barns, male prison and yard give employment to quite a number of the male inmates.

A portion of the females have quite recently been kept at work on sewing-machines, making garments for outside parties; but the income from this source will be quite small, as for the whole year we were unable to obtain any of the class of work which we can make. Those not employed on contract work have been employed making and repairing "institution" clothing, cleaning, washing and ironing, cooking, etc.

During the year the floors in nursery and in boys' reformation dining-hall, entry and school-rooms have been relaid; water-closets and fixtures renewed in the tower of the female wing; a covered walk from female prison to laundry built; six basement bulkheads or door-ways rebuilt; a portion of the wall of the institution building pointed; the woodwork and trimmings outside, and matron's rooms inside painted; all of the iron bed frames in the cell were rebottomed with hoop iron; a portion of the ground northerly of the institution enclosed with a picket fence, for a play-ground for the boys in reformation schools; the steamboat wharf enlarged and repaired; the enlargement proving a convenience, if not a positive necessity.

Many other small jobs have kept the mechanics busy. During the night of April 4th the brick wall fence enclosing boys' yard on line of the "Avenue" was blown over, and has been rebuilt.

At Rainsford Island the more important improvements were rebuilding and enlarging the wharf, shingling roofs of the "Old Mansion" house, and the house occupied by the overseer, and sheathing the attic of the hospital.

A well was dug between the "Old Mansion" and brick building to the depth of seventy-five feet; but, the water being brackish, is unfit for general use. We hope that another trial will bring more satisfactory results.

The farm has been successfully worked, the products showing favorably as compared with former years, notwithstanding the want of rain early in the season. Besides the usual quantity of garden vegetables for supplying officers' tables, we estimate there was raised of

The dairy has produced 16,825 quarts of milk, furnishing a supply for officers' tables, hospitals and children; there were made 1,868 pounds of butter.

The increased number of sick during this spring, to whom the physician prescribed milk, casued an unusual demand, and for a time we were obliged to reduce the quality allowed for officers' and family use. For several years it has been represented that the cow-barn was too small, and also dilapidated, and not suitable for our requirements; the present situation more than confirms the statement.

I am of the opinion it would be economy to build a barn, for the more comfortable the cows the more milk; besides, constant repairs are needed to keep the present one respectable.

There was slaughtered during the year 35,434 pounds of pork, supplying hams and fresh pork for officers and salt pork for inmates. The income from the sales of pigs was small; nearly all the spring pigs died, being troubled with a disease which could not be controlled.

The piggery is small and requires considerable repairing to keep it in condition; our efforts for a new building have thus far been unsuccessful; an addition could be made at small expense, that would answer for a short time, and would be a profitable investment.

The House of Reformation department continues as previously reported. "Minority" boys, who have fair education, work on the farm for six months, from the first of May; the balance attend school the year round, they also being required to keep their dormitories, school-rooms, dining-rooms and officers' rooms in order.

A brass band was formed last August, and under an instructor have made commendable progress. The contem

plated removal of the boys committed for truancy, if carried out will be a great benefit to all connected with the reformatory department. Their removal alone will not afford any relief to other portions of the institutions; but could all the boys be removed, the House of Industry would have ample sleeping-room for a number of years.

In the girls' department, the numbers continue small; besides schooling they are taught to sew and knit and perform their housework.

I would call your attention to the fact that numbers of our House of Industry inmates are regular "rounders; " that they are discharged and in a few days returned for non-payment of the usual fine and costs for simple drunk; they are held for "thirty days" and again discharged, to be again arrested and sentenced. How to regulate and meet such cases is a serious question; they not only take the time of the courts and officers and otherwise cause expenses, but they frequently return quite destitute of clothing, and upon their discharge must be furnished with enough to make them presentable.

We have one case, who, during the year, has passed through the courts eleven times, and remaining with us thirty days each time; several cases have passed through the courts eight and nine times. It is my opinion some easy way should be provided, whereby the record of such should be sufficient to enable some power to hold them for longer terms.

Notwithstanding the increased number of inmates, and consequent increase of care, responsibility and labor imposed upon officers and matrons in all departments, we have passed through the year without any addition to the number of employés. To those who have so faithfully and successfully carried their several departments, I extend my thanks.

The usual statistical information will be found on the following pages; also reports of Dr. Luther G. Chandler, Resident Physician, and Rev. J. W. Dadmun, Chaplain and Superintendent of Schools.

In conclusion, I desire to again extend my sincere thanks for counsel and advice so freely given by members of your Honorable Board.

ALMSHOUSE DEPARTMENT.

There were remaining May 1st, 1875:

Men, 172; boys, 111; women, 73; girls, 36; total, 392. Admitted from May 1 1875, to April 30, 1876, inclusive: Men, 503; boys, 103; women, 193; girls, 42, total, 841.