TABLE I.

Shows the number of Children Committed since the opening of the Institution, September 2d, 1856, the number in the House at the date of the last Report, the number Admitted and Released During the Year, and the Present number in the School.

No. admitted No. in House No. Admitted No. Released Present No. since open'g. Nov. 16, 1865. during year. During year. in House.

Shows the Disposition made of the Boys who have been Released.

Average time of detention,-2 years 1 month and 8 days.

Average age, 13 years and 10 months.

The oldest boys in the School are 20 years.
The youngest boy in the House, 7 years.

Number.

91

8232

117

IV.

Showing the Number of Officers and Employes in the School.

Showing Work Performed and Produce Raised by the Boys.

The foregoing statistics give an outline of our numbers and what may be expressed by figures. But even the labor tables do not express all that is done, as incidental requirements demand labor here and there. Repairing and fixing up new conveniences often demand labor and money that does not appear in specified items. Some of the largest of these have been the re-building of new fence and chimneys, which were all leveled by a severe storm during the summer, and repairing old and constructing new reservoirs for our supply of water.

In making this report, I the more cheerfully meet this duty, because I make it to gentlemen well acquainted with the difficulties met with in each day's work in this School; and who having placed me here temporarily, know well the peculiar relations I have tried to sustain.

The death of Mr. C. B. Robinson, late Superintendent, coming upon us so suddenly, and the strength of his name and influence upon all connected with the School, would alone have caused me to shrink from assuming the duties of his office.. But the demands of the school were imperative, and you called me to act till such arrangements could be made as should furnish a permanent head, approved and acting by your direc tions.

My efforts have been to carry out as far as possible the plans and work as I found them. With what success, you have been judges, as from time to time you have supervised the operations. The year was passing on when Mr. Robinson was taken from us; his special plans and purposes that in his experience and mature judgment should be submitted to you in this report, cannot now be produced, only detached thoughts as to this great work.

But with you I have seen the magnitude of the work, which the reformation of these boys demand; also the too limited. means for continuing to advantage these restraining directing efforts.

The death of Mr. Robinson alone retards the progress, and that occurring as other changes were going on, has seriously

affected us in every point of our work. Then the crowding and more than filling every available space in the building, tends to demoralize rather than assist efforts for order, personal neatness and virtue. A look into our school-rooms, dormitories, bath-rooms, &c., will convince any one of our crowded state; and we are thus induced to recommend boys for dismissal, when we would rather retain them longer under our watchful care, and when we know by going home so soon they are exposed to temptation and sometimes overcome.

We feel that the people of our State through you and their representatives, should know what must be done to complete the results sought from this Institution. This special condition of our School and its efforts should be known and felt by our State, that its desire to raise the standard of physical, mental and moral training, essential for good citizenship and a noble manhood, may be attained.

The recommendation of the Superintendent last year seems to have comprehended this necessity of the School, and should be fully considered, and an effort made to secure its benefits. Our boys are intelligent, sprightly, interesting boys, and no ef-. forts should be spared in redeeming them from the errors of the past, and if a more perfect test can be given in the "Fam- . ily system," if the confidence merited by the improvement made, we feel that now is the time to step forward in the development of the system.

The limited space, and the great number of boys, have prevented the correct grading of our school department, which is essential for the successful advancement desired.

Several changes have taken place during the year. Mr. Barker, the Principal of that department, left us in the Spring, and Mr. C. E. Taylor took his place. Changes have occurred with the assistants also. But all these teachers have endeavored to meet their duties with faithfulness,-seeking the best interest of the boys committed to their charge.

The work of the School Department is appropriately expressed in the report of last year; and the progress is as

marked as could be expected, when so much is to be done. Boys who came here without the knowledge of the simplest rudiments, stand to day an evidence of the devotion and efforts of their teachers; and it cannot be but that these results, often sought under discouraging circumstances, as far as previous habits, and mental condition of the pupil is concerned, will be seen in the character of those unfortunate boys, in coming years.

The religious instructions of the school have been coupled with the every-day associations of pupils and teachers. It is, literally, precept upon precept, line upon line, &c., and in connection with this, the Sabbath School has received the kindly aid of ladies and gentlemen from the city, who have endeavored to impress the higher motives of the gospel, as the preparatory spirit of their lives.

The Sabbath worship in the regular services has been conducted as was reported last year, by the clergymen of the city alternating, and thus giving that pleasing variety, which attracts as well as instructs.

The boys have been remembered in special favors from their friends. Judge Wells of Kalamazoo has contributed two valuable pictures for the entertainment of the boys. Mr. H. C. Morgan of New York, three dozen "Happy Voices," and Mr. J. Mills, of this city, half a dozen "Singing Pilgrims. These gentlemen are remembered by the boys for their kindness.

A word touching the general quiet of the boys for the past year: Fewer efforts for escape have been made than in previous years, and for the past few months not a single attempt has been made. This must indicate the hope of the boys in reaching freedom in good deportment, and inspired increasing confidence in the system you are carrying out.

The general health of the school has been good. We have had no prevailing disease, as the Physician's Report will show. In conclusion, permit me to express the hope, that under