Transcribed by Candi Horton, 2007 © Genealogy Trails History Group. This almshouse was designed and drawn by Louis Dwight, Secretary of the Prison Discipline Society and G. J. F. Bryant, architect. The plans have been so highly approved, that they have been adopted in the enlargement of the State Prison in Charlestown, in the new Almshouse, in Cambridge, the Prison at Dedham, for the County of Norfolk and the new jail in Concord, N .H.. Almshouse Reports Of the 220 almshouses reported in the foregoing tables the majority have been visited during the year which this report covers; and several towns which do not maintain almshouses have also been visited by direction of the Inspector of Charities. The object of these visits has usually been to ascertain the condition of the insane persona and children maintained by the different cities and towns, at their alms houses or in private families; but advantage was taken of the opportunity thus afforded to inspect the sanitary condition and general management of the almshouses. The Visitor in most cases was a woman, who has exercised the experience gained in domestic life for testing the housekeeping of these establishments. Many of them have not met this test very well; and the publication of a brief and frank report of what was observed will probably be useful to the town authorities in improving the condition of their poor. The new law of 1887, allowing the State Board to make provision for placing almshouse children in families when the cities neglected this duty, has been enforced by the Board, and has led to a considerable reduction in the number of children residing in the local almshouses. This result only began to appear in the summer and autumn, and therefore is only occasionally mentioned in the following reports of almshouse visitation. It was found, as might have been expected, but apparently against the expectation of some Overseers, that there is little difficulty in placing children from almshouses in families, where the cost of maintaining them is actually less than it was in the almshouse. Three or four small town almshouses have been condemned as unfit to occupy, or as not needed because the number of paupers in town was so small, and have been abandoned during the past year. The most striking example of this is in the town of Prescott, where the unfortunate circumstances preceding the death of an insane inmate (Mrs. Joseph Lindsey), who ought not to have been kept in such an establishment, led the town to offer its almshouse and farm for sale. Several new almshouses have been occupied or built during the year, and others have been noticeably improved. The last is true of the Lowell almshouse, which is still, however, in a very unsatisfactory condition, by reason of the mingling of so many classes of occupants in one set of buildings. SUFFOLK COUNTY. This, which is the largest county in Massachusetts, with a population exceeding that of several of the smaller States, has in some respects a very complete, and in others a very imperfect, system of management for its sane and insane poor. The city of Boston has five or six almshouses, including the new one at Long Island, and the Austin Farm establishment, which is still in law an almshouse, although in fact an asylum for the chronic insane; but neither the city of Chelsea nor the small towns of Revere and Winthrop have any almshouse. Moreover, the care of the poor in Boston itself has long been divided between two boards, the ancient Overseers of the Poor, who have existed under that name for more than two centuries, and the Directors for Public Institutions of the city of Boston, a board created by legislative act about thirty years ago. Disputes have sometimes arisen between these two boards in regard to jurisdiction over particular cases, or the policy to be pursued concerning full support at certain seasons of the year; and it has frequently been declared that the city expenditure is greater than it would need to be if the whole pauper management were in a single board, or if it were differently divided. It is now proposed by the Boston authorities to ask the Legislature to abolish the Board of Directors, and establish a smaller board of paid commissioners to manage the present establishments on the islands, at Roxbury and South Boston, and at Austin Farm. This would still leave the Suffolk Jail under an independent management, and would make no provision for the poor of Chelsea and the smaller towns. It might be well, therefore, for the Legislature to consider the propriety of creating a county board for the whole of Suffolk County, in which the cities and towns should all be represented, and which should be free, so far as practicable, from political influence, both in its original appointment and in its management of the large revenues devoted in Suffolk County to the relief and support of the poor. Reports of Almshouse Visitations The following abstracts of reports made by the Visitors in the Inspector's department omit, in most cases, the names of almshouse inmates, but not the names of Superintendents of the almshouses inspected. It is not intended to present reports of all the visitations, but mainly of such as an illustrate the general character of the almshouses in the different counties, or else show a special condition, good or bad, in certain almshouses. Listed by Cities A through K L through Z -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABINGTON - Plymouth County -(Mrs. S. M. BROWN). The almshouse of Abington, visited June 29, 1887, is about half a mile from the railroad station, on a hill near the main road. The house is of wood, painted yellow, without blinds; is out of repair and does not have in the least a home look. For several years the town has adopted the plan of allowing the superintendent $2.50 per week for each inmate, and the use of the farm and house. The water supply is good, but the drainage flows on the top of the ground near the house. There is a kitchen which is used as a dining-room, a large pantry and a wash-room; near these and adjoining these rooms are three bed-rooms. On this same floor are two sitting-rooms for the officers. On the second floor are seven sleeping-rooms ; two in the attic are not in use. The bedsteads are old, of wood, and abound with vermin. The matron says that it is impossible to get rid of them. With this exception, the house was passably clean. It is heated by stoves, although there is a furnace in the building, the woman saying that she can "run the house" more economically with stoves. There is a great temptation to cheapen the living and economize in all directions, possibly sometimes at the expense of absolute necessities, by this plan of boarding the poor. The superintendent, Columbus Alger, has been here two years. Of the inmates, four are men and one a woman ; none are insane or idiotic. ACTON. (Visited June 10, 1898.) There have been no changes at this almshouse since the last report. The house is clean and well managed, but there is urgent need of better bathing arrangements. The farm is quite productive, and vegetables, milk, etc., to the amount of $1,300, were sold last year. There are three inmates, one of whom is insane and one idiotic. The house provides for no separation of the sexes. The warden and matron together receive a salary of $325. ACUSHNET. (Visited September H, 1898.) This town no longer maintains an almshouse, but boards its dependents in private families. ADAMS -Berkshire County (H. C. PRENTISS) The almshouse of Adams was visited July 21, 1887, and the superintendent, M. J. Wheelock, and his wife the matron were both at home. The condition of the place is good, and not essentially different from what it was found by the Inspector a year ago. The situation is pleasant; the families entirely on the Hoosac mountain slope, and seem to be of very good quality. Both house and are efficiently managed. It was stormy weather, and all the inmates but one were found in the shelter of the two buildings where they room; the women in the main house, the men in the detached building. None of the men had anything to do, hut two or three of the women were helping about the house, and one was ironing. Tin- rooms were reasonably clean and orderly; the inmates as a rule take care of their own, with the usual result that those of the men were in poorer condition than the others. There are thirteen paupers here, — five men, four women, three hoys and one girl. None of these are insane, only two or three are able-bodied. The list is as follows : A. M., 78; feeble. (His wife Betsey died here last winter.) H. R., 76; palsied, as a consequence of intemperance. M. H., 61; a good worker. M. L., 56; who has lost both his arms and his sight, and is otherwise disfigured by an explosion in a quarry, but is corpulent and contented, though helpless. Z. C., 81; said to have been a preacher of " Millcrism." E. J., 81; (she has been called S.) whose husband, F., left within the past year. B. R., 57; (who insists that her name is A.). E. M., 36; a deserted wife, who has here two children, — W., 7; and Jessie, 4. J. M., 11. F. E., 6. All of whom were here a year ago, and M. F., a middle-aged woman who came recently. The children seem very well eared for, attending school when it keeps, but the new law has moved the Overseers to find places for them in families. Mrs. M., who seems poorly, much dislikes this prospect of separation from her children. It may possible stimulate her to self-support outside The sanitary arrangements of the almshouse are suitable ; drainage is almost necessarily good, the waste water passing underground on each side of the house; and being discharged upon the sloping fields below the highway. There is now an abundance of good spring water flowing to the house from its sources up the hillside. Separate privies are provided for the men and women, and are suitably cared for. The place is quite healthy. The establishment as a whole is satisfactory, quite equal to most of the country almshouses. ADAMS. (Visited July 22, 1898.) This almshouse was undergoing quite extensive repairs at time of the inspection, the town having appropriated $3,000 for the purpose. An addition for the use of the warden and his family, as well as more commodious and satisfactory accommodations for the inmates, will be provided. The objectionable arrangement whereby the warden received $2.50 per week for the support of each inmate has been done away with, and a salary of $750 is now paid the warden and matron. There are eleven inmates, one of whom is epileptic and two are children. There is complete separation of the sexes at night. AGAWAM. (Visited July 19, 1898.) The management of this almshouse is good, but the house is still in need of the improvements suggested in last year's report, namely, better provision for the separation of the sexes, and a bath-room. The kitchen drainage is defective, but might be remedied at small cost. The old wooden bedsteads should be replaced by iron ones, in order to insure cleanliness. The farm is small, providing only sufficient vegetables for the use of the house. There are six inmates, one of whom is insane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $275. AHESBURT. (Visited April 27, 1898.) As reported last year, this house is defective in structure, but under good management. It is proposed to add a bath-room, a much needed improvement. The heating arrangements are still inadequate, though somewhat improved since last year. The sexes are separated at night. There are twelve inmates, three of whom are insane and one is idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $500. AMHERST. (Visited August 22, 1898.) This almshouse was found in better condition than last year. A bath-room, and provision for the separation of the sexes, are still needed. The management is good, and the inmates are kindly treated. The farm contains 150 acres, about one-third of which ia tilled. There are three inmates, one of whom is idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400. ANDOVER. (Visited February 18, 1898.) The management of this almshouse continues excellent. There is complete separation of the sexes except at meals. The farm contains 75 acres, 30 of which are under cultivation. There are twenty-five inmates, six of whom are insane and five idiotic, and two are children. The warden and matron receive a salary of $700. ARLINGTON. (Visited September 7, 1898 ) This almshouse is under good management and in good repair. A hospital room and another bath-room are still needed. There is no separation of the sexes. There are five inmates, one of whom is feeble-minded. The matron receives a salary of $360. ASHBT. (Visited June 13, 1898.) This almshouse is old, in poor repair, and lacking in modern conveniences. Painting and papering are needed, and the old wooden bedsteads should be replaced by iron ones. There is no provision for separation of the sexes. A large part of the products of the farm is used for the inmates, about fifty of the one hundred and seventy-five acres being tilled. The income from the farm last year was $1,016. There are seven inmates, of whom two are insane and two idiotic. The warden and matron receive $400 per year. ASHBURNHAM. (Visited August 29, 1898.) The management here is good, but the heating and bathing arrangements are poor. The cellar is damp, and needs draining. There is complete separation of the sexes at night, but none by day. About fifty of the two hundred acres are cultivated. There are twelve inmates, three of whom are idiotic, and three are children. The warden and matron receive a salary of $500. ASHFIELD. (Visited September 14,. 1898.) Excellent management is found at this almshouse. Praise is due the matron for the satisfactory condition of the bed and person of one helpless inmate. Separation of the sexes is observed at night, but not by day. A bath-room is needed. There are three inmates, one of whom is idiotic and epileptic, and one demented. The warden and matron receive a salary of $300. ASHLAND. (Visited April 22, 1898.) This almshouse was not found in as clean a condition as desirable. Better bathing and heating facilities are needed. There is separation of the sexes at night, but none by day. About forty- five acres of the one hundred twenty are under cultivation, and the income from the farm last year was $2,105. There are six inmates, of whom one is insane and two are idiotic. The warden and matron receive $500 for their services. ATHOL. (Visited August 22, 1898.) This almshouse, under new management, was found neat and clean, but it is poorly arranged and furnished. There is complete separation of the sexes at night, but none at meals or by day. The farm contains seventy-five acres, about twenty-five of which are tilled. There are ten inmates, three of whom are insane and one is idiotic and epileptic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $350. ATTLEBOROUGH . (Visited April 18,1898.) Although well managed, this almshouse is not a credit to the town. It is old, and not suited for its present use, and it has neither proper bathing facilities nor suitable heating apparatus. There is no separation of the sexes. There are five inmates, three of whom are idiotic and two are children. The warden receives a salary of $400. AYER. (Visited June 7, 1898.) This almshouse was found clean and orderly throughout. Since the last report a bath-tub has been placed in the house. Flush water-closets in place of the old privy vaults would be a great improvement. Better heating arrangements are needed. The structural arrangement provides for complete separation of the sexes at night. About twenty of the sixty acres are tilled, the income from the farm last year having been $600. There are at present five male inmates, one of whom is insane, and three are idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $650. BARNSTABLE (visited by Mrs. S. M. BROWN) This almshouse, visited July 19, 1887, at West Barnstable, is one-quarter of a mile from the railroad station, quite old, shingled on all sides, has blinds on the front only, and is two stories in height. The town officers have the room on the right as you enter the house, where they meet either as Selectmen or Assessors, and for any other official business. At present the assessors are there every day, and will be for a month, to make up the tax list. In the --ll of the house on the first floor are six sleeping-rooms occupied by the men. These are of good size, furnished with iron bedsteads and with straw and feather beds, all in good condition. The women have the second story, where are eight sleeping-rooms also furnished with good beds and bedding; these with two exceptions were in excellent condition. One of these is occupied by an old lady who is very filthy, and the room is intolerable; the other by an insane woman, who would not be persuaded to open her door. The inmates have a large dining-room or the kitchen, as all the cooking is done here upon a range, and also a sitting-room downstairs. All these rooms I found in satisfactory condition. The drainage is good, and the water supply is from wells. The superintendent, James Arey, has been in charge five years; salary $350. Of the ten inmates five are men and five are women; one woman is insane, and one man and three women are idiotic. I saw them all. The oldest is a man of 77 and there are three women of 72, 73 and 74; two men of 64 and 68; a man (idiotic) of 49 ; another (epileptic) of 27 and two idiotic women of 26 and 34. BARNSTABLE. (Visited September 20, 1898.) This almshouse, as usual, was found neat and clean, and under satisfactory management. The practice of lodging tramps in the house still exists, and should be abandoned. There is urgent need of at least one bath-room in a house where fifteen people live. There is complete separation of the sexes by night, but none at meals or by day. Three of the inmates are insane and three are idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400. BARRE. (Visited June 4, 1898.) Although the management of this almshouse is good, the condition of the sewerage and the water-closets is to be condemned. New and more suitably placed closets should be built, and the cellar should be drained. A better arrangement should be made for the care of the insane inmates. There is complete separation of the sexes. There are four inmates, of whom one is insane and one is idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $500. The town boards one of its insane poor in a private family, where she receives good care. The sum of $2 per week is paid for her board. BECKET. (Visited July 23, 1898.) Three dependents of this town, a mother and two daughters, are supported in a private family, at a cost of $110 per year for all. Arrangements have been made with the Overseers of the Poor for a different and better disposition of these cases, which are all feeble-minded. BEDFORD. (Visited February 9, 1898.) This almshouse is under the same efficient management as last year, and was found in a neat and clean condition. Better heating facilities, a bath-room, and some repairs are much needed. Of the one hundred and eighteen acres of land about twenty-five are under cultivation, the income from the farm last year having been $1,800. There is no separation of the sexes, or of the sane from the insane. There are eight inmates, of whom four are insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $500. BELCHERTOWN. (Visited June 3, 1898.) With the exception of its poor heating and bathing facilities, this house was found in a satisfactory condition. A new creamery has been built, and some minor but important repairs have been made. A building for tramps has also been erected, detached from the main house. The management is good and the house is clean. There is no provision for separation of the sexes, or of the sane from the insane. About one-third of the one hundred and seventy acres is under cultivation. There are seven inmates, of whom two are insane, and one is idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400. BELLINGHAM. (Visited September 1, 1898.) The management of this almshouse continues good, but the building is poorly arranged and equipped. The bath-tub should be supplied with hot and cold water, and the house should not be heated by stoves. There is complete separation of the sexes by night, but none by day. There are nine inmates, three of whom are insane, and one is idiotic. The warden and matron receive $500 for their services. BERKLEY. (Visited February 15, 1898.) No inmates were found at this almshouse, although it is kept open. The warden and matron receive a salary of $200. BERLIN. (Visited July 8,1898.) This town, having no almshouse, supports three of its demented poor in private families, where they receive good care. BEVERLY. (Visited March 2, 1898.) This almshouse is poorly arranged, and the rooms are small and not as attractive as they could be made by a generous use of paintand whitewash. The management is good, but more hired help should be employed in-doors. There is complete separation of the sexes. As twenty-two of the thirty inmates are mentally defective, they need more careful supervision than they now receive, and provision should be made for their separation from the sane inmates. The warden receives $500 for his services. BILLERICA. (Visited June 6,1898.) This almshouse was found clean and well managed, but lacking in proper heating and bathing facilities. There is suitable separation of the sexes by night, but not by day. The farm contains one hundred acres, fifty of which are cultivated, the income from the farm last year being $2,624. There are eight inmates, two of whom are insane, and one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $504. BLACKSTONE. (Visited May 18, 1898.) This almshouse is in the same condition as before reported, fairly well managed and in fair repair, but lacking in provision for proper separation of the sexes, and of the sane from the insane. With the exception of the cellar drainage, no repairs of note have been made. Ninety-five of the one hundred and ninety-six acres of land are under cultivation, the products from which yielded $323 last year. There are nineteen inmates, two of whom are insane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $450. BOLTON. (Visited July 8, 1898.) There have been no repairs of note at this almshouse for some years, and the place is unfit for its present use. Better heating and bathing facilities should be supplied. The rooms are poorly furnished and cheerless, but the management is as good as can be expected, and the house clean and neat. The drainage is in a bad condition, and may cause trouble unless it receives attention. There is no separation of the sexes. There are six inmates, of whom one is insane, and three are idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $300. Mrs. S. M. Brown visit began with the old Charlestown Almshouse, March 7, 1887, where the superintendent, because she had no pass from the Directors, was unwilling to give her access to the rooms and to furnish information. Her report is as follows : The almshouse of Charlestown is located on Alford Street, as you pass over the bridge to Everett. It is a large brick building of four stories, and has two wings. This house has been built a great many years and needs repairing. It is over-crowded, several of the rooms having five or six beds in them. The attic has the past year been finished and accommodates about forty persons. There were present on the day of my visit 213 inmates, of whom 43 were men and 170 women; and of these women, 12 appeared to be insane, but quiet. The inmates generally sleep on iron bedsteads with straw beds, and I found both beds and bedding generally in good condition. The house throughout was neat and in good order, and the inmates seemed to be well fed and properly cared for. Repairs and improvements have been made in the old building and some of these were not completed. There are now five bath-rooms for the inmates, where formerly there was but one; and cooking by steam has been introduced during the past year. It will be observed that most of the inmates here as at Austin Farm, when I visited there, are women; and this classification by sex is one of the features of the Boston almshouses. The Charlestown almshouse, however, still retains the pauper men who were there many years ago, although the number has not been increased as that of the women has. There is an entire separation of the sexes, and the house is under strict and competent management. CHARLESTOWN. - Boston- (Visited April 8, 1898.) This almshouse was found under the same management, and in a very satisfactory condition. No changes in structure have been, made, though some may be necessary in the near future. There are one hundred and twenty-five inmates, all apparently receiving the best of care. BOXFORD. (Visited September 8, 1898.) This place is under the same inefficient management reported last year, being dirty and disorderly throughout. A bathroom, supplied with hot and cold water, and a flush water-closet have been added since the last report. The use of paint and whitewash, and good housekeeping would make this almshouse an attractive place. There is no provision for the separation of the sexes. There is but one inmate, an epileptic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $450. BOYLSTON. (Visited May 24, 1898.) This almshouse was found under good management. Since the previous visit the interior of the house has been renovated by the use of paint and whitewash, and is now clean and attractive. It is hoped that the need of a bath-room and better bathing facilities will be realized in the near future, and the necessary changes made as soon as possible. The house provides for no separation of the sexes. There are four inmates, two of whom are mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $400. BRAINTREE. (Visited April 7, 1898.) The management of this almshouse remains the same, and no changes are reported. The practice of lodging tramps in the main house still exists, and should be tolerated no longer. There is complete separation of the sexes by day and by night, but none at meals. There is no separation of the insane from the sane. There are eleven inmates, one of whom is insane, and three are idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $480. BREWSTER (Mrs. S. M. BROWN) The almshouse of Brewster, visited July 27, 1887. is one mile from the village of Brewster, is a wooden house of one story with an ell which has two stories, and is in good repair. The superintendent, Elkanah Rogers, came May 1st, 1887; salary $260. The management is good, and one of the selectmen said the town was fortunate in procuring the present superintendent and his wife to care for the poor. There are no facilities for bathing. On the first floor are five bed-rooms, a dining-room, used also as a sitting-room, a kitchen and pantry; and there are eight rooms on the second floor. The sleeping-rooms are provided with wooden bedsteads with straw and feather beds, and have clean and comfortable bedding. The drainage is good and the water supply, which is from wells and a cistern. Of the seven inmates three are men, two are women and two boys ; one man and one woman and one boy are idiotic. Three of the inmates were away, one of them painting in the village, and two were in the pasture picking berries. The list is as follows : C. E. B., 60; partially paralyzed, but is able to earn a little money painting. L. L., 30; a cripple, cannot walk, knits edging which he sells. F. P. M., 30; idiotic, sometimes works for people away from the almshouse. W. S., 13; simple-minded, but attends school. C. S., 12; (I called the attention of Mr. Foster, one of the selectmen, to this case, but he thought the boy was not bright enough to board out; the matron calls him a smart boy. Polly M., 53; able to work, simple. M. M., 31; idiotic daughter of Polly. BREWSTER. (Visited August 3,1898.) Good management was found at this almshouse. Better heating and bathing facilities are still greatly needed. There is partial separation of the sexes at night, but none by day; there is no separation of the insane from the sane. There are twelve inmates, of whom one is insane and five are idiotic. The matron receives a salary of $300. BRIDGE WATER. (Visited September 22, 1898.) The almshouse here, although old, remains under good manage ment, and is neat and clean. Some minor repairs have been made, but many more are needed. Two new water-closets should take the place of the present one, which is in bad condition. There is no separation of the sexes. There are twelve inmates, three of whom are insane, and one is epileptic and idiotic. The warden and matron receive $300 a year for their services. BRIMFIELD. (Visited June 2 and July 9, 1898.) New and improved management was found at this almshouse. Inside, the house is badly out of repair, poorly furnished, and cheerless. There are no bathing facilities, and no means for the separation of the sexes or of the insane from the sane. There are seven inmates, two of whom are insane ; one of the latter, a blind and demented man, is to be committed to a hospital for the insane. BROCKTON - Plymouth County - (Mrs. S. M. BROWN). The almshouse of Brockton is about one and one-half miles from the railroad station. It was built in 1883, at a cost of $12,000; is of wood and has two stories, besides a basement. The superintendent occupies the central portion, the inmate men have the north wing, and the women the south wing. The basement has a kitchen, laundry, and smoking-rooms, besides pantries, boiler room and vegetable- cellar. On the first floor on the left is the office, while on the right is the dining-room for the superintendent; in the rear of the hall is the dining-room for the inmates; and on the right of this dining-room are five sleeping-rooms for men, a bathroom, water-closets, and padded rooms for refractory persons or those determined to injure themselves. On the south side are six sleeping-rooms (one having two beds), water-closets and a bathroom. The second story has five bed-rooms, one padded room and water-closets, while the north side has six sleeping-rooms and water-closets for the men. The attic has a large hospital-room with four neat beds, pictures on the walls, and every way pleasant. The hall doors were locked, yet the men could from their own side of the house pass down into the yard when they chose. Four women were locked in their rooms, and one was in the padded room, who refuses to wear anything, and tears her bedding and clothing. The fourteen insane were very quiet, except one, who was noisy, singing and screaming; and with three exceptions they were neatly clothed and comfortable. All but one were idle; this one was sewing. The house is heated by steam. The water comes from wells, and by a windmill is forced into a tank, whence it is distributed through the house. The bedsteads are iron, furnished, some with straw and some with feather beds, all clean and free from vermin. The food is taken by a dumb-waiter from the basement to each floor above, and the house is very conveniently arranged. There is an old structure just back of the main building containing twelve lodging rooms, but with the exception of the hired man who sleeps here it is empty ; when necessary it will be occupied. The old almshouse near by is used by C. D., his wife and four children. The town gives him the rent of the house, fire-wood and milk for family use, and pays him small wages; otherwise the family would be in the almshouse. The superintendent, R. J. Peck, has been here five years ; salary $700. The house, with the exception of the basement, was in excellent order but the kitchen, laundry and smoking-rooms were in bad condition. Of the 25 inmates 12 are men, 10 women and 3 children; 6 men and 8 women are insane, and 1 is idiotic. I saw them all. BROCKTON. (Visited June 2, 1898.) As reported in previous years, the management of this almshouse is most excellent, everything about the place bearing evidence to the fact. The farm is well managed, yielding a satisfactory income. There are thirty-one inmates, twelve of whom are insane, five idiotic, and one is epileptic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $1,500. BROOKFIELD. (Visited June 7, 1898.) The almshouse remains under the same management. It is neat and clean, and the inmates apparently receive good care. There is no separation of the sexes, or of the insane from the sane. The farm of two hundred and ninety-seven acres is partially cultivated, and yielded an income of $1,383 during the past year. There are eight inmates, of whom one is insane, and one idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400. BROOKLINE. (Visited July 8, 1898.) The management of this almshouse and of the farm is excellent. The house is in good repair and was found neat and clean, and the inmates receive kind treatment. There are eight inmates; no insane are received. BUCKLAND. (Visited September 14, 1898.) A new almshouse is greatly needed in this town, as the present one is hardly worth repairing. The management is fairly good. The separation of the sexes at night is insecure, and there is no separation during the day. There are eight inmates, of whom four are insane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $420. BURLINGTON. (Visited September 5, 1898.) This almshouse is under fairly good management. It needs painting on the exterior, and repairs and improvements inside. Both the heating and bathing facilities are inadequate. There are four inmates, one of whom is feeble-minded. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400. CAMBRIDGE. (Visited March 25, 1898.) As usual, this almshouse was found under good management. There have been no changes during the year. A larger house, built in accordance with modern plans, is needed. There is complete separation of the sexes, and partial separation of the sane from the insane. The inmates number one hundred and fourteen, twenty-six of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $1,500. CANTON (H. C. PHENTISS) This town, whose almshouse has been in a disgraceful condition for some years and so reported by the Inspector of Charities, has now built a new one, which, no doubt, will be satisfactory when completed and furnished, which, however, will not be before March next. The old almshouse when visited Dec. 30, 1887, had seventeen inmates, — ten men, four women, and three children ; one man is insane. The new almshouse is on Walpole Street, a mile west of the Junction station. The farm contains about forty acres, but of this not over three acres are, at present, tilled, and the greater portion is wooded. The establishment consists of a large farmhouse in good repair, which is having an addition, — two stories of wood, about thirty-two by seventy-three feet. The farmhouse has a dozen sleeping rooms, and there will be as many more in the addition. Steam heat is provided, and water flows from a source on the farm into the second storyv. There are to be two bathtubs in one bathroom on the second floor, with water-closets attached ; the drainage seems well provided for. The house is nearly finished within, the plastering being completed, but it is not likely that it can be occupied before April, as the present appropriation, in all $13,000, will not suffice for the building and furnishing. The work is not in the hands of the Overseers. CANTON. (Visited September 22, 1898.) Excellent management prevails at this almshouse, both within the house and on the farm. There is partial separation of the sexes by day, and complete separation by night and at meals, but there is no special provision for the insane. There are fifteen inmates, two of whom are insane and two idiotic. The warden and matron receive $500 for their services. CARVER - Plymouth County - ( Mrs. S. M. BROWN). The Carver Almshouse, visited August 26, 1887, is about a mile from the village of Carver, and seven miles from the Plympton station. It is an old, one-story building, so much dilapidated as to be hardly worth repairing. The rooms are small, inconvenient, poorly-ventilated, but numerous, six bed-rooms, two sitting-rooms, a pantry and a kitchen. The furniture is old, and the beds and bedding poor. The water supply is sufficient, but the drainage unsatisfactory. The superintendent is a woman, Mrs. Shurtleff, here since February, 1887 ; salary $5 per week. She makes no use of the farm, except for a small vegetable garden. There were five inmates, four men, and one woman who is blind ; all the men are old, one is a cripple, and one, W. 8., is insane but quiet. CARVER. (Visited September 22, 1898.) This almshouse has been opened for the first time in eleven years. It was found under the excellent management of a matron. The building has been renovated within, and presents a pleasing and homelike appearance. The drainage needs attention, and a pump connected with the well should be placed in the house. There is no provision for separation of the sexes. There are four inmates, two of whom are insane. The matron receives $5 per week for her services. CHARLEMONT. (Visited September 15, 1898.) This town supports one of its dependents, an insane woman, in a private family; $2 per week is paid for her board. CHARLTON. (Visited June 8,1898.) This almshouse was found clean and orderly within. There is partial separation of the sexes at night and during the day, but none at meals. There are eight inmates, two of whom are insane, and one is idiotic. The warden receives $350 for his services. CHATHAM (Mrs. S. M. BROWN) The nearest railroad station to Chatham is Harwich, ten miles away. The almshouse, visited July 27, is in Chatham village. It is a large building of wood, two stories high, and in pretty good repair. The management seems to be efficient, and the inmates are well clothed and apparently kindly treated. Food is ample, and the inmates are contented. On the first floor are a kitchen, seven bed-rooms and a dining-room; this kitchen and two of the bed-rooms are for the superintenclent's use. The second floor has ten sleeping-rooms. No provision is made for bathing or for a separation of the sexes. Iron bedsteads with straw and feather beds are furnished, which I found clean and comfortable. The house is heated by a furnace, and the water is from a cistern. The drainage is good. The superintendent, Charles R. Atwood. has been in charge a year; salary $200. Of the seven inmates three are men, three women and one a boy. I saw all of them but two, who were away. Of this number none are insane or idiotic. CHATHAM. (Visited August 3, 1898.) This almshouse is well managed, and clean. There is lack of provision for separating the sexes, and also of a bath-room and proper heating facilities. No repairs have been made for some years. There are seven inmates, of whom two are feeble-minded. The warden receives a salary of $150. CHELMSFORD. (Visited June 6, 1898.) At this almshouse two well-equipped bath-rooms and water- closets have been added since the last report, and the house has been well renovated by the use of paint, paper, and whitewash. A windmill is to be erected soon, which will furnish water for the house. The management is good, but there is no provision for separation of the sexes. There are seven inmates, four of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $350. CHESHIRE. (Visited July 19, 1898.) This town supports two of its insane dependents in private families, at a cost of $10 per month for each. Although one of these houses was dirty, the patient living there reported herself as satisfied. CHESTERFIELD. (Visited August 23, 1898.) This town supports one of its idiotic dependents in a private family, at a cost of $1.25 per week, where he apparently receives good care. CHICOPEE. (Visited March 15,1898.) During the year the sum of $1,500 has been expended for repairs at this almshous'e, and much has been done to improve its condition. A new wing, which will provide suitable separation of the sexes, and relieve the over-crowded condition of the house, is greatly needed. The housekeeping should be improved, and sufficient means should be taken to exterminate the vermin, which abound. Only one of the two bath-rooms is in use. There are fifty-one inmates, six of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $650. CLINTON. (Visited February 24, 1898.) This almshouse is fairly well managed, but it was not found as clean as it should have been. No changes have been made since the last report, except in management. There is complete separation of the sexes by day and by night, although there is none at meals. A small part of the farm is under cultivation. There are twenty inmates, only one of whom is mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $700. COHASSET. (Visited September 27,1898.) No changes are reported at this almshouse, and it is totally unfit for its present use. Owing to structural defects, separation of the sexes, and of the sane from the insane, cannot be secured. The place is well managed, and the inmates receive good care. There are eight inmates, two of whom are insane and three idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $600. CONCORD. (Visited August 18, 1898.) Good management and a general satisfactory condition of affairs were again found at this almshouse. The one objectionable feature here is the lodging of tramps in the house, a practice that should be discontinued. There are six inmates, all sane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $480. CONWAY. (Visited Angust 26, 1898.) No repairs of note have been made at this almshouse, although a few are about to be made. A bathroom supplied with hot and cold water, and a safer method of heating the house, are greatly needed. The practice of lodging tramps in the bed-chambers should not be allowed. There is no separation of the sexes. There are six inmates, of whom one is insane and one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $300. CUMMINGTON. (Visited May 27, 1898.) This town supports a feeble-minded dependent in a family, where she is kindly treated. The sum of $2 per week is paid for her board. Another dependent, a weak-minded man, was seen August 23, 1898, in Worthington, where he is boarded. He also receives satisfactory care. DALTON. (Visited July 18, 1898.) This town supports two feeble-minded dependents in the families of relatives; in each case they receive satisfactory care. The whole family to which one of these cases belongs comes upon the town for support. The other case is boarded at a cost of $10 per month. DANA. (Visited August 23, 1898.) As reported last year, this house needs many improvements to make it a satisfactory almshouse. No changes have been made during the year. The house is scantily furnished, but was found in a clean and neat condition. There is but one inmate, an insane woman, who has good care. The warden and matron receive a salary of $200. DANVERS. (Visited October 10,1898.) Four of the idiotic and insane dependents of this town are boarded in private families, where they receive satisfactory care, at an average cost of $10 per month. DARTMOUTH. (Visited September 13, 1898.) As reported last year, this almsbouse was found neat and clean, and under proper management. No changes have been made. The greatest need now is a properly equipped bath-room. There is complete separation of the sexes. There are seven inmates, one of whom is idiotic. The farm of eighty acres is partially cultivated. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400. DEDHAM. (Visited March 11, 1898.) This almshouse was found in excellent condition, and under most efficient management. It is quite probable that the almshouse will be sold in the near future, as it is in a part of old Dedham now known as the town of Westwood. In this case it is probable that Dedham will build a new almshouse within the town limits. Complete separation of the sexes was found. There are eleven inmates, three of whom are insane or idiotic. DEERFIELD. (Visited August 25, 1898.) As reported last year, the cellar at this almshouse has poor ventilation and bad drainage. That this condition should have been allowed to remain is most discreditable. No changes of any kind have been made during the year, though many are needed. A bath-room and a furnace are among the much needed improvements. There are but two inmates, both insane women. The warden receives a salary of $275. DENNIS (Mrs. S. M. BROWN) The almshouse of Dennis, visited July 26,1887 is two miles from the railroad station on a very lonely road, far from neighbors. The house is large and with the outbuildings presents a very neat appearance, all of them being painted or whitewashed. There are no bathing facilities. The selectmen have a front room for town business, and here the town records are kept, as well as all town accounts. The kitchen is used as the inmates dining room. There are eleven sleeping rooms on the second floor with straw and feather beds. These were clean and in good order; one room occupied by an idiotic man was somewhat faulty, and the only exception. This room has a barred window, and the occupant is locked in at night. The establishment seems to be well-managed, and the inmates kindly treated. The sewage matter from the kitchen and the rest of the house is carried away in pails and emptied upon the land, for there is no drain. This arrangement is objectionable. The superintendent, Barzillai Chase, has been here three years ; salary $225. Of the inmates four are men and two women ; one man is idiotic, one woman is insane. I did not see them all, for two were away on a visit. One of these was the insane woman, M. P., who is at times noisy. She is 76, and there are two men of 75 and 76, and another of 57. The idiotic man, W. B., 23 years old, is an epileptic, and needs restraint at times. He is then fastened by a chain attached to his ankle in the corner of the dining-room, for he is apt to run away; is troublesome, very noisy, etc. DENNIS. (Visited August 3, 1898.) The condition of this almshouse is the same as reported last year, and it remains under good management. The town authorities should not allow tramps to lodge in the house. There is no provision for the separation of the sexes either by day or by night. There are six inmates, two of whom are idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $300. DlGHTON. (Visited February 15, 1898.) Excellent management was found at this almshouse. The house needs better heating apparatus and a bath-room. Though there are but three inmates, separation of the sexes cannot be secured. The farm is small, and but little income is realized from it. The warden receives a salary of $275. DOUGLAS. (Visited June 9, 1898.) Though this almshouse was found neat and clean, it is not well equipped for its use. It needs better heating and bathing facilities. No provision is afforded for separation of the sexes. There are seven inmates, two of whom are idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $300. The town supports one of its dependents with his mother, at a cost of $3 per week. He has every necessary attention. DRACUT. (Visited. March 9, 1898.) The appearance of this almshouse has been improved, both outside and inside, by the use of paint and whitewash. The management is satisfactory, and the inmates have the appearance of being kindly treated. No provision for separation of the sexes is made. There are at present but three inmates, one of whom is an insane woman. The warden receives a salary of $400. DUDLEY. (Visited June 9, 1898.) This almshouse was cleaner and more orderly than at the time of the previous inspection, though still better management is desirable. No changes of note were found. There is no provision for separating the sexes, or the sane from the insane. There are six inmates, three of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $450. DUXBURY. (Visited September 28, 1898.) The management of this almshouse is fairly satisfactory, but it is very poorly arranged. The house was built only two years ago, yet it provides for no separation of the sexes. There are five inmates, one of whom is insane. EAST BRIDGEWATER. (Visited January 24, 1898.) This almshouse was found in good condition, and under good management. About twenty-five of the one hundred and thirty acres of land are under cultivation, and yielded a small income last year. The sexes are completely separated, both by day and by night. There are nine inmates, two being insane and three idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $425. EASTHAM. (Visited August 4, 1898.) Two of the dependents of this town are boarded in private families. One is a feeble-minded woman, who is boarded at a cost of $2 per week; the other is insane, and the sum of $4 per week in winter and $3 in summer is paid for her board. EASTHAMPTON. (Visited August 29,1898.) As usual, this almshouse was found in a clean and orderly condition. Little repairing has been done upon the house, but the barns have been greatly altered and improved. About one-half of the fifty-eight acres of the farm are under cultivation. There is partial separation of the sexes by night, but none by day. There are thirteen inmates, seven of whom are insane. The warden receives a salary of $600. The town supports one of its insane dependents with her sister, who receives $1 per week for her support. EASTON. (Visited September 27, 1898.) This almshouse was found under the same management as when last visited, and was in a satisfactory condition. No repairs have been made during the year. There is no separation of the sexes, and none of the sane from the insane. The farm is well managed, about fifty of the one hundred and fifty acres being tilled. The income from the farm last year was $2,400. There are ten inmates, six being insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $500. ENFIELD. (Visited June 30, 1898.) This town supports one of its feeble-minded dependents in a private family in South Leverett, where she has a good home, at a cost of $2 per week. ERVING. (Visited June 29, 1898.) One insane woman, a dependent of this town, is supported in a private family in Montague, at a cost of $2 per week. ESSEX. (Visited June 22, 1898.) This almshouse was found under the same good management as in former years, but little else can be said in praise of it. As has been stated in previous reports, a new house is greatly needed. There is partial separation of the sexes by day and by night. There are eight inmates, seven of whom are mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $400. FAIRHAVEN. (Visited September 13, 1898.) This almshouse presents a pleasing appearance on the outside, and cleanliness and order prevail inside. The house is comfortably warmed, provides for the separation of the sexes, and has excellent bathing facilities. The farm of fifteen acres yielded an income of $275 last year. There are five inmates, two of whom are insane and one is idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $400. FALL RIVER. (Visited March 4, 1898.) As usual this place was found in a satisfactory condition, being clean and orderly, and well managed. The sexes are completely separated, but there is no separation of the sane from the insane. At present there are one hundred and twenty inmates, sixteen of whom are reported to be idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $650 and the matron $350. FALMOUTH. (Visited October 3, 1898.) The same excellent management was again found at this almshouse, but the warden and matron are soon to resign. Owing to the unwise economy of the Overseers of the Poor, bathroom facilities are still lacking. The drainage is bad, and needs immediate attention. There is no separation of the sexes. There are seven inmates, four of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $375. FITCHBURG. (Visited May 11, 1898.) Good management was found at this almshouse. The exterior of the house has been painted, which much improves its appearance. Improvements are to be made in the barn, and it will be enlarged to twice its present size. About one-half of the eighty-nine acres of land are under cultivation, and the products are used for the inmates' table. There is complete separation of the sexes. The inmates number seventy-four, of whom twenty-eight are insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $700. FOXBOROUGH. (Visited March 28,1898.) As before stated, this almshouse is disgracefully out of repair, and entirely unfit for its present use. There are but two inmates, both women. The warden and matron receive a salary of $300. FRAMINGHAM. (Visited April 22, 1898.) Good management was found at this almshouse. No repairs have been made during the year, though many are needed. The bath-tub, situated in the men's smoking room, is not fit for use; and the water-closet, placed out of doors, is unsafe. There is no separation of the sexes. There are sixteen inmates, four being insane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $550. FRANKLIN. (Visited September 1, 1898.) The management here is excellent, but the house is in great need of minor repairs. The bath-room, though well supplied with hot and cold water, is poorly located in the basement. The cellar needs better drainage and ventilation. There is no separation of the sexes. The inmates number six, two being idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $450. FREETOWN. (Visited February 15, 1898.) Although under the same management as when previously visited, this almshouse was found in a disorderly and dirty condition. The house is entirely unfit for its present use, being damp, poorly ventilated, and much out of repair. There is no separation of the sexes. There are four inmates, all of whom are weak-minded. The warden and matron receive a salary of $250. GARDNER. (Visited August 24, 1898.) Good management was again found at this almshouse. No repairs have been made during the year. There is satisfactory separation of the sexes, but none of the sane from the insane. About fifty of the four hundred and fifty acres of land belonging to the farm are under cultivation, and the income from them last year was $1,119. There are sixteen inmates, five of whom are insane and two idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $500. GEORGETOWN. (Visited April 21, 1898.) The management of this almshouse is good, and the inmates are well cared for. Minor repairs have been made, greatly adding to the attractiveness and comfort of the interior. A bath-room is soon to be added, in the room now used by tramps, and a few other repairs are to be made. There is complete separation of the sexes by night, though there is none by day. There are ten inmates, four of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $300. GLOUCESTER. (Visited January 31, 1898.) The same excellent management was found at this almshouse. The criticisms made last year concerning the overcrowded condition of the house, its poor sanitary conveniences and inadequate water supply, should be repeated, but with greater emphasis. Thirty-three inmates were found here, ten being insane or idiotic. All had the appearance of being kindly treated. The warden receives a salary of $550. GOSHEN. (Visited May 26,1898.) One feeble-minded woman is supported by this town. She is still boarded with her son, at a cost of $2 per week. GRAFTON. (Visited May 17,1898.) New and good management was found at this almshouse. Since the last visit, about twenty of the rooms used by the inmates have been papered. Paint instead of paper should have been used, and would have been found to be cleaner and more serviceable. There is no separation of the sexes at night or by day. There are eighteen inmates, three being insane. The warden receives $400 for his services. The town supports one of its dependents, an insane woman, with her mother in Worcester, the sum of $3 per week being paid for her board. GREAT BARRINGTON (H. C. PRENTISS) J. B. Chadwick, one of the Overseers of the Poor, was seen July 20, 1887 at his house in the outskirts of the village, and the condition and management of the town's poor were discussed. The poor are now kept by contract with Orin Monson, who lives in a retired spot in the western part of Monterey, and several miles away from Great Barrington village, a distance much increased by the circuitous approach. As there were no insane among them I did not deem it wise to take the time necessary to reach them. The board of Overseers is distinct from the board of selectmen, but the latter made the contract for the full support cases at $1,050, while the relief cases were left in the Overseers' hands. Considering that the average number fully supported outside of the hospitals is less than five, the weekly rate under the contract is above $4. So far as I could learn the poor at Mr. Monson's are well enough cared for. They number five: E. M., 34. B. O. B., C. D., 67. T. M., 77. C. H., 11. The hospital list of Great Barrington is large, seven in number, all at Northampton Hospital, viz. X. C., 44. J. T., 44. C. H., 27. L. C., 59. M. D., 43. R. B., 47. M. B., 30. The Overseers are understood to favor the establishment of an almshouse. Such a step would be likely to make the annual expenses of the poor at least no greater than now, and insure more direct supervision of their management and treatment. GREAT BARRINGTON. (Visited July 22, 1898.) This town supports five of its insane dependents in private families, where they are kindly treated. GREENFIELD. (Visited December 30,1897.) Although the management of this almshouse is good, the house is not a credit to the town. It lacks a bath-room and proper heating facilities; there is no provision for the separation of the sexes ; and the cellar needs draining, its floor being often covered with water, and at all times damp. There is no reason why the necessary changes cannot be made. There are nine inmates, five being insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $400. GREENWICH. (Visited June 8, 1898.) This old building of one and one-half stories, is poorly arranged and badly placed. It is kept clean and neat, and the inmates receive good care. No repairs have been made for years. Painting and whitewashing, and some new ceilings, are greatly needed, and can well be afforded, the expenses for the last year having been $300 less than for twenty-five years. There are two inmates, one of whom is a deformed idiot. The warden and matron receive a salary of $325. GROTON. (Visited June 7,1898.) Good management was found at this almshouse. The house is old, and much out of repair. The bedsteads are for the most part of wood, and it is very difficult to keep them free from vermin. There is complete separation of the sexes by night, but none by day. There are ten inmates, five of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $550. GROVELAND. (Visited April 21, 1898.) Since the last visit to this almshouse, a wing has been added, containing a bath-room, a sitting-room, and Bve bed-rooms. The bath-tub is supplied with neither hot nor cold water. Waterclosets are being built out of doors. The old part of the house is greatly in need of repairs, and it is hoped that it will be thoroughly painted and whitewashed. About $1,000 was realized last year from the farm of ninety acres. There are four inmates, three of whom are idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $300. HADLET. (Visited August 20, 1898.) Good management was found at this almshouse. Repairs are needed inside, and better separation of the sexes should be secured at night. An addition of some size has been made to the barn. There are seven inmates, one of whom is insane, and one idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400. HANOVER. (Visited September 26, 1898.) New and good management was found at this almshouse. Since the last visit, an addition has been made, which affords a smoking- room for the men and four bed-rooms. There is complete separation of the sexes by day and by night, though there is none at meals. A bath-room and better heating apparatus are much needed. There are eight inmates, two of whom are insane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $250. HANSON. (Visited September 26, 1898.) New and good management was found at this almshouse. Many repairs must be made before the house can be brought up to the proper standard. The condition of the water-closets and of the kitchen drainage needs immediate attention. There are six inmates, one being insane, and one idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $350. HARD WICK. (Visited June3, 1898.) No changes have been made at this almshouse since the last visit. A bath-room and better heating facilities are needed. The management is excellent, both on the farm and in the house. There is no provision for separation of the sexes. From the farm of one hundred and fifty acres of land about $1,000 was realized last year. There are five inmates, one being insane, and three idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $425. HARVARD. (Visited July 8, 1898.) This house was found in a clean and satisfactory condition, and under new management. No repairs have been made since the previous visit. As before urged, a bath-room and better heating facilities should be added as soon as possible. Tramps should not be tolerated in the main house. The house provides for no separation of the sexes. There are at present only two feeble-minded women here. The warden receives $350 for his services. HARWICH (Mrs. S. M. BROWN) The almshouse of Harwich, visited July 27, 1887, is a mile from the railroad station, is one and one-half stories, of wood, and has a good-sized ell; the whole is painted white. Some of the rooms are now being whitewashed and painted. It is kept in good repair, and the housekeeping is excellent. The rooms were in good order, with one exception, a room occupied by a woman who had here two illegitimate children and a daughter, who is a Lancaster girl; and this daughter has also an illegitimate child. This room with so many occupants was dirty and foul. The men and women have separate sitting and dining rooms, and there are eleven small bed-rooms on the first floor, besides six on the second floor, and a lock-up. Some of the floors were nicely scrubbed, especially on the men's side ; these are taken care of by one of the men. There is no bathroom. The clothing of the adults was in fair order but the children were dirty. The diet for the superintendent and the inmates is the same, and is all that can be expected. The superintendent, Mark Allen, came Oct. 27, 1886 ; salary $250. Of the fifteen inmates six are men, five women and four children; one woman is idiotic. HARWICH. (Visited August 3, 1898.) This almshouse was found in a neat and clean condition, and the inmates apparently receive good care. A furnace is much needed, and should be added as soon as possible. There is partial separation of the sexes during the day, and complete separation at meals and at night. There are twelve inmates, of whom one is insane, and four are idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $250. HAVERHILL. (Visited September 21,1898.) This almshouse is under excellent management, and in good repair. There is complete separation of the sexes both by night and by day. The custom still exists of keeping criminals here, a practice strongly to be condemned. There are fifteen criminals, who are only partially separated from the other inmates. There are also one hundred and twenty-five pauper inmates, twenty-two of whom are either insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $1,200. HAWLEY. (Visited September 14, 1898.) Although this almshouse is under good management, and the inmates receive good care, little else can be said in praise of the place. The building is old, and lacking in the conveniences necessary to an almshouse. The few stoves in use are insufficient to keep the house comfortable in winter. Better bathing arrangements are also needed. There is no separation of the sexes. There are four inmates, one being insane. The warden receives $285 per year for his services. HINGHAM. (Visited September 27, 1898.) , The arrangement of this almshouse is good, and the old and helpless inmates are kindly cared for. A bath-room is greatly needed, and also a more convenient water supply. All water has to be carried in pails from the well outside. No repairs have been made since the last visit. At night the sexes are completely separated, though they are allowed to mingle during the day. There are nine inmates, two of whom are insane, and one is idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $840. HOLBROOK. (Visited September 27, 1898.) One of the idiotic dependents of this town is supported in the family of relatives, $3 per week being paid for his board. HOLDEN. (Visited April 7, 1898.) New and better arrangements have been adopted by the towns supporting poor in this almshouse. The town of Holden now assumes the burden of the general expenses, and charges each town for the support of its poor. Quite extensive improvements are contemplated, and some are already in progress. Better heating arrangements are needed. There is no provision for the separation of the sexes, — a serious fault. There are twenty-two inmates, of whom eleven are mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $600. HOLLISTON. (Visited September 21, 1898.) Cleanliness and order were found in this almshouse. All inmates who are able are required to do some work. There is complete separation of the sexes. There are eleven inmates, five of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $450. HOLYOKE. (Visited March 15, 1898.) It is most unfortunate that the important structural changes that were begun on this almshouse in 1896 are still incomplete. The sum of $27,749 is to be expended in the improvements. Considerable confusion was found at this visit throughout the house, and in fact competent management has not existed here for some years. The separation of the sexes is complete by day and by night, though only partial separation is secured at meals. There are eighty-three inmates, twenty-seven being reported as insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $45 a month, and the matron, $25. HOPKINTON. (Visited April 22, 1898.) Fairly good management was found at this almshouse. Although paint, paper, and whitewash have been used throughout the house, it still presents an unattractive appearance inside. A more suitably placed bath-tub should be furnished, as the one in the shed is seldom used. Water-closets placed farther away from the house should be built, the present ones being foul and entirely unfit for use. About fifty of the one hundred and thirty-five acres of land are now under cultivation, and the farm yielded an income of $1,400 last year. There is no separation of the sexes, or of the insane from the sane. There are eleven inmates, four of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $750. HUDSON. (Visited July 9, 1898.) A new and well planned almshouse has been erected by this town since the last report. It provides good accommodation for the superintendent's family, and satisfactory separation of the sexes. The house is well heated by steam and there are two bathrooms. An excellent new barn has also been built. There are eight inmates, two being insane. The warden receives a salary of $500. IPSWICH. (Visited April 27, 1898.) This almshouse is clean and well kept, but considerable renovation is needed inside. The old wooden bedsteads should be replaced by iron ones. Bathing is well attended to, and the inmates appear to receive good care. There is complete separation of the sexes by day and by night, but there is none during meals. There are seventeen inmates, ten being insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $600. KINGSTON. (Visited September 28,1898.) One of the feeble-minded dependents of this town is well cared for in the family of a relative, $5 per week being paid for her support. Cities L through Y LANCASTER. (Visited February 24, 1898.) Excellent management and a generally satisfactory condition were found at this almshouse. No changes have been made during the year. Of the eighty acres of land about fifty-five are tilled, and last year the income from the farm was $1,633. There are sixteen inmates, two being insane, and five idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $600. LAWRENCE. (Visited April 26, 1898.) This almshouse, still in an unfinished condition, was found under new management. It was thought that the new building would be ready for occupancy by October, 1897, but at this visit it was found unfinished. A large sum of money has been expended, resulting in a badly planned, incommodious building, in which administration will be seriously handicapped by the poor structural arrangement. The management is not so good as is to be looked for in an almshouse of this size. There are one hundred and eighty-six inmates, fifty-three of whom are insane. The warden receives a salary of $700, and the matron $300. LEE (H. C. PIIENTISS) . I visited the Lee almshouse about 8 A. M., July 19, 1887. The superintendent, H. J. Perry, was absent at his usual work on the highways, with one of the male paupers. There is but little land attached to the almshouse, and therefore little out-door work is required. Mr. Perry, who came in 1886, receives $450 a year. Besides working on the roads he cultivates some rented land to secure farm supplies for the almshouse. His wife, with the aid of a domestic whose wages they pay, does most of the in-door work, which seems fairly well done. The house is old and inconvenient, a farm-house of a story and a half, looking westward, with an ell in the rear, two stories high above a basement story. Room is found in the main house for the women paupers; the men lodge in the ell, where two men sleep in a chamber of the second story fitted with two beds, and six men lodge in the large basement room where there are four beds. The upper rooms are comfortable enough; the basement can hardly be a suitable place for old men, rheumatic and otherwise infirm. The floor of this room is but a few inches above the cellar bottom, which was stated to be very damp at times from the overflowing of surface water The inmates complained of dampness, yet the floor seemed quite dry, and the door and two windows open upon the sunny side of the house. Before this door the old men lounge away the time. Arrangements are being made for raising the roof of the main house, by which alteration six new rooms will he secured. These are to be for women only. Possibly better sleeping room will be made for the men also, so that the basement may become a day-room only. The town has appropriated $1.000 for this. The drainage and water-closets are not objectionable. Drinking water is obtained from a well suitably located, and a large underground cistern supplied with rain water from the roofs serves for other uses. There were ten inmates on the almshouse list, eight men and two women ; among them one insane woman and three idiotic men, as follows : J. F., 65; idiotic, but capable of some work at the barn, where he was seen. C. K., 40; idiotic and irritable, the result of an old injury, well able to work under supervision, and to-day off with the superintendent. W. B., 30; idiotic and sometimes destructive, tearing and breaking articles, and filthy in his habits. K. C., 44; a woman mildly insane, and industrious, but never at a hospital, so far as known. The sane inmates are : J. S., 82; a rheumatic old man rather disposed to grumble, and unable to do much else. T. M., 74; too feeble to wait on himself. J. K., 74 ; pretty well, and able to do chores. W. R., 82; an intemperate man, now weakened in mind by age and bad habits. C. B., 69; a bachelor, who owns a small farm some miles away, which he goes to till, taking provisions from the almshouse and staying away for days. M. C., 86; well, and industrious at knitting and sewing; annt of J. F., before mentioned. Excepting C. B., all these paupers have been inmates for years; all but B. and K. were seen to-day. The cost of support at the almshouse is quite high, as might be expected from the smallness of the farm, and the general inefficiency of the inmates, reaching $3.80 per week for the past year. In this state of things there can be no inducement to remove. LEE. (Visited July 22, 1898.) Fairly good management was found at this almshouse. Since the last visit a bath-room, supplied with hot and cold water, has been added. The house is small and poorly arranged for its use, though separation of the sexes is secured at night and at meals. There are six inmates, three of whom are insane, and two idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $500. LEICESTER. (Visited September 8, 1898.) New and satisfactory management was found at this almshouse. Bathing is regularly attended to, and the inmates had the appearance of being kindly cared for. The structural arrangement is such that no separation of the sexes can be secured. There are thirteen inmates, nine of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $275. LENOX. (Visited July 19, 1898.) This town supports one of its insane dependents in the family of relatives, where she receives kind care. The sum of $3 per week is paid for her board. LEOMINSTER. (Visited May 11, 1898.) This almshouse was found in good condition and under fairly good management. Complete separation of the sexes is secured. Bathing is regularly attended to, and the inmates are apparently well cared for. There are ten inmates, five of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $700. LEXINGTON. (Visited February 9, 1898.) No changes of note have been made at this almshouse since the last visit. The management is fairly good, but the house is entirely unfit for its use, and provides for no separation of the sexes. The appearance of the interior is somewhat improved over that of last year, as some whitewashing has been done, but it greatly needs further renovation. There are five inmates, all sane. The warden receives a salary of $550. LITTLETON. (Visited June 2, 1898.) This almshouse was found in a more satisfactory condition than when last seen. The house was cleaner, and more interest had evidently been taken to make it attractive inside. A new floor is to be laid, and some painting and whitening are to be done. A bath-room is needed. There is but one inmate, an insane woman. The warden receives $275 for his services. LONG ISLAND -Boston -(Visited October 29, 1898.) This large department of the city's poor was found in excellent condition, and under the same good management as last year. The improvement noted at that time has been continued with most gratifying results, and many changes have been made and reforms instituted, which have greatly increased the usefulness of the institution. Much remains to be done, however, and a large amount of work has been mapped out. During the year many insane persons have been removed and committed to the different hospitals in the State, leaving but a few cases of mild dementia, which require no special care and treatment. There are six hundred and eighty-four inmates; three hundred and twenty-five males and three hundred and fifty-nine females. Of this number twelve are infants, six males and six females. Since February 1, six hundred and eighty-seven persons have been admitted, and eight hundred and sixty-one discharged. LOWELL. (Visited April 20, 1898.) The almshouse in this city was found under efficient management, and in a satisfactory condition. The undesirable practice of keeping criminals in the almshouse is still maintained, and at the time of the visit thirty-seven of this class were found here. They are only partially separated from the other inmates. There were three hundred and fifty-seven inmates at the time of the visit, and of these one hundred and thirteen were insane and idiotic. There were also thirty-six children. The warden and matron receive a salary of $2,000. LUDLOW. (Visited June 22, 1898.) The one dependent of this town, an insane man, is boarded in a private family, where he appears to receive excellent care. LUNENBURS. (Visited September 23,1898.) Excellent management was found at this almshouse. No changes have been made since the previous visit. The house does not provide for the separation of the sexes, but at present there are only female inmates. The farm is partly under cultivation, and milk and vegetables are sold. There are six inmates, of whom four are insane and one is idiotic and epileptic. The warden receives a salary of $350. Lynn. (Visited May 9, 1898) Excellent management was again found at this almshouse. It was expected that before this time the old building, now occupied by the insane men, would be torn down, and a new building for their use erected, but nothing has been done to accomplish this result. The old building is in every respect to be condemned. The sitting-rooms are hot and improperly ventilated in summer, and the plumbing is bad. Either these insane men should be removed to a state hospital for the insane, or proper sanitary arrangements should be provided for them. There are one hundred and nine inmates, twenty-five of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $1,200. At the children's home, twenty-one children were found. This house is excellently managed, being under the supervision of a matron. MALDEN. (Visited February 17, 1898.) As usual, most efficient management was found at this alms house. The new wing affords excellent accommodation for the male inmates. Complete separation of the sexes at all times is now secured. There being no insane inmates here, separate provision for their accommodation is not necessary. There are thirty-six inmates, six of whom are children. The warden and matron receive a salary of $700. MANCHESTER. (Visited June 22,1898.) Although this house is old and lacking in modern improvements, it was found in good condition. The management is excellent, and the inmates are all kindly treated. There is no separation of the sexes. The farm of twenty-seven acres yielded an income of $507 last year. There are five inmates, all sane. The warden receives a salary of $300. MANSFIELD. (Visited February 8,1898.) This is an old building, badly planned, and in a poor state of repair. Painting, papering, and whitewashing have somewhat improved the appearance of the interior, but further repairs are greatly needed. A bath-room and better heating accommodations are also much needed. There is complete separation of the sexes at night, bat none during the day. There are six inmates, two of whom are idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400. MARBLEHEAD. (Visited July 16, 1898.) The management here is good. The almshouse has improved in recent years, and is now fairly well supplied with modern conveniences. The house is very clean and orderly, and the inmates are kindly treated. The drainage is defective. There is complete separation of the sexes. There are twenty-three inmates, of whom six are insane or idiotic. The farm is small, but provides most of the vegetables used in the house. The warden receives a salary of $400. MARION. (Visited September 12, 1898.) This town boards two of its dependents in private families. One, a feeble-minded man, lives with relatives, $4 a week being paid for his board. The other case, an insane man, is boarded in a family, where he receives excellent care. MARLBOUOUGH. (Visited August 4, 1898.) This almshouse was found under good management. The present house is not well adapted for its use, and a new one is greatly needed. The sexes are separated at night, but not during the day. The farm of eighty acres yielded during the past year an income of $1,230. There are thirty-one inmates, thirteen of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $800. MARCELLA St. Home - Boston- (Visited April 8, 1898.) This institution was found under the same management, and in splendid working order. The public school system has proved to be most satisfactory. At the time of the visit there were one hundred and thirty-seven children here. Children over ten years of age are boarded in private families. MARSHFIELD. (Visited May 10, 1898.) Much credit is due the matron for the satisfactory condition of this almshouse. The house is old, and entirely lacking in modern conveniences. A bath-room and better heating apparatus are needed. There are six inmates, two of whom are idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $300. MATTAPOISETT. (Visited September 14, 1898.) This almshouse was found clean and orderly, and apparently under efficient management. The house is old and out of repair. There is no provision for separation of the sexes. There are five inmates, one of whom is idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $350. MAYNARD. (Visited Jane 10,1898.) This almshouse was found under good management and scrupulously clean. No changes have been made since the last visit, and it is to be regretted that steam heat and a bath-room are not to be added soon. A small income is realized from the farm of twenty acres. There is complete separation of the sexes. There are six inmates, one being feeble-minded. The warden receives a salary of $350. MEDFIELD. (Visited September 1, 1898.) New and satisfactory management was found at this almshouse. No improvements have been made during the year. Better bathing and heating arrangements should be supplied as soon as possible. The house provides for no separation of the sexes. At present there is but one inmate, a feeble-minded woman. The warden receives a salary of $388. MEDFORD. (Visited February 17, 1898.) This city has a first-class almshouse, under efficient management. Complete separation of the sexes is provided, also good hospital rooms, and excellent sanitary arrangements. There are nineteen inmates, three of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $700. MEDWAY. (Visited September 1, 1898.) A new almshouse is to be erected in this town, at a cost of $7,000. It will be ready for occupancy about February 1, 1899; therefore no changes have been made in the old house. It is under fairly good management. The income from the farm of one hundred acres was $674 last year. There is no separation of the sexes except at meals. There are seventeen inmates, three being insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $450. METHUEN. (Visited September 30, 1898.) Efficient management was found at this almshouse. A bathroom and more suitably placed water-closets are greatly needed. There is no separation of the sexes. Some papering and painting have been done during the year. There are eleven inmates, one of whom is mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $450. MIDDLEBOROUGH - Plymouth County - (Mrs. S. M. BROWN). The new almshouse of Middleborough stands near the site of the old one, one and and one-half miles south of the village of Middleborough, and was visited once by Mrs. Brown and by several members of the Hoard, and the Inspector of Charities. It is large, convenient and well-heated, with numerous sleeping-rooms, a bath-room, laundry, hospital-room, etc., all in very good condition. The superintendent, E. S. Lovell, has been here nine years ; salary $500. His management is excellent. The inmates, when visited early in April, 1887, were eighteen, ten men and eight women ; of whom two men and two women were insane, and one man idiotic. (S9) MlDDLEBOROUGH. (Visited September 22,1898.) The same good management is again found at this almshouse. It is still necessary to urge the addition of another bath-room, one being insufficient for twenty-two inmates and the superintendent's family. The house provides for complete separation of the sexes, but none of the insane from the sane. Of the twenty-two inmates, ten are feeble-minded or insane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $600. MILFORD. (Visited May 13, 1898.) Satisfactory management was found at this almshouse. No changes of note have been made during the year. Two more bathrooms are greatly needed, one being entirely insufficient for twenty-eight inmates and the warden's family. There is complete separation of the sexes at night, but none during the day. There are twenty-eight inmates, five of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $600. MlLLBURY. (Visited May 17, 1898.) This almshouse is badly in need of repairs. The water-closets are in a disgraceful condition, and should be removed at once. Good bathing and heating arrangements are needed. There is no provision for the separation of the sexes. There are six inmates, one being insane and one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $400. MlLLIS. (Visited September 1, 1898.) An insane woman, a dependent of this town, is boarded in a family where she receives excellent care, at a cost of $3 per week. MILTON. (Visited September 6, 1898.) The management at this almshouse is, on the whole, good. More attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the portion occupied by the male inmates, and they should be made to bathe more regularly. Since the previous visit, a flush water-closet, a bath-room, and a room for the accommodation of sick men, have been provided. The separation of the sexes is complete, except at meals. There are nine inmates ; three being insane, and one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $500. MONSON. (Visited June 20, 1898.) Cleanliness and order were found throughout this almshouse. The house is heated by stoves. If better heating arrangements could be made, the bath-tub might easily be supplied with hot water. The separation of the sexes is complete at night, but not during the day. There are seventeen inmates, six being insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $600. The town boards one of its feeble-minded dependents in a private family, at a cost of $3 per week, where he is apparently kindly treated. MONTAGUE. (Visited June 28, 1898.) The same excellent management was found at this almshouse as heretofore. Running water has been led into the inmates' dining-room, a new ice-house has been built, and many rooms have been papered. Much credit is due the warden and the matron for the satisfactory conditions found here. The great needs of the house now are a bath-room and more efficient means of heating. There is no separation of the sexes. The inmates number ten, three being insane or idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $350. The town supports one family of three persons, two of whom are mentally defective, and are now a great care to the third, an oldman. The sum of $20 a month is paid for the support of the three. Another dependent, an insane woman, is supported at a cost of $2 per week. She has a pleasant home, and receives kind treatment. MONTEREY. (Visited July 20, 1898.) This town supports a feeble-minded dependent in a family, where she appears to be kindly treated. The sum of $7 per month is paid for her support. NANTUCKET. (Visited October 3, 1898.) This almshouse was found in its usual satisfactory condition, but a bath-room is a still needed improvement. The inmates are comfortably clothed and fed, and kindly treated. One insane woman, who is a great care, should be removed to a hospital for the insane, where she can be properly controlled. There is complete separation of the sexes. There are twenty-eight inmates, sixteen of whom are mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $300. NATICK. (Visited March 10, 1898.) This almshouse is under the same management as when last seen. Bathing of the inmates should be enforced oftener, the facilities being sufficient. The house is kept clean inside, but the condition of the grounds is little changed from that found two years ago, being unfinished, and showing evidence of poor management. There is complete separation of the sexes. The inmates number twenty-two, two being insane and one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $600. NEW BEDFORD. (Visited September 13,1898.) Since the previous report, city water has been introduced at this almshouse, and connection with the city sewer established, but it is to be regretted that the other improvements, so much needed, namely, a new administration building, a hospital, and electric lights, have not been made. The house is under good management. There is complete separation of the sexes, though no special provision is made for the insane. There are eighty-three inmates, twenty-five of whom are insane or idiotic. NEWBERRY. (Visited May 4, 1898.) At the time of the visit this town was supporting three of its dependents in private families. One, an idiotic child of fourteen, has, since the visit, been sent to the Massachusetts School for the Feeble-Minded. The other two dependents are insane women, who should be placed in a hospital for the insane, where they would receive proper care. NEWBURYPORT. (Visited April 27,1898.) Excellent management was again found at this almshouse. No changes have been made during the year. The house affords satisfactory separation of the sexes, although no special provision for the insane is made. There are fifty-five inmates, of whom eight are insane and seven, idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $720. NEW SALEM. (Visited September 15,1898.) This almshouse has been closed for some months, and the town now boards its poor in private families. NEWTON. (Visited. August 31, 1898.) Excellent management was found at this almshouse. Full separation of the sexes is now observed. It is still necessary to urge that an additional bath-room be provided. The inmates are kindly treated, and bear evidence of the fact. The farm of sixty-five acres, of which thirty are tilled, yielded an income last year of $1,801. There are nineteen inmates, two being insane. The warden receives a salary of $800. NORTH ADAMS. (Visited July 22, 1898.) The condition of this almshouse is improved. More hired help should be allowed for the inside work, the matron having too much responsibility. The old wooden bedsteads have been replaced by iron ones, and vigorous means have been taken to clear the house of vermin. Separation of the sexes is complete. There are twenty-seven inmates, one of whom is insane, and one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $750. This town also supports one of its demented dependents in the town of New Salem, where she lives with her father. It is probable that she will be removed to a hospital for the insane at an early date. NORTHAMPTON. (Visited May 30,1898.) New management was found at this almshouse. The old system of paying the warden $2.25 per week for all town paupers supported within the almshouse has been abandoned, and he now receives an annual salary of $650. At the time of this visit, the house was not found as clean as it should have been, but at a later visit, on August 29, there was manifest improvement, some floors having been painted, and vigorous means taken to exterminate the vermin. The house, although comparatively new, already shows signs of poor construction. The products of the farm of fifteen acres are consumed in the house. The separation of the sexes is complete. There are twenty-seven inmates, sixteen being insane or idiotic. NORTH ANDOVER. (Visited February 18, 1898.) New and satisfactory management was found at this almshouse. About $550 has been spent in shingling the house and building a new carriage house. The farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres yielded an income during the past year of $2,600. The sexes are separated except at meals. There are six inmates, one being insane, and three idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $500. NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH. (Visited January 11,1898.) Excellent management was found here, the house being scrupulously clean and orderly. No changes have been made during the year. The house is comfortably warmed, has good sanitary arrangements, and provides for separation of the sexes, except at meals. There are eleven inmates, eight of whom are insane or feebleminded. The warden receives a salary of $550. NORTHBOROUGH. (Visited September 19, 1898.) This almshouse was found clean and orderly throughout, and the one inmate, a feeble-minded woman, receives good care. Since the last visit the house has been painted on the exterior, and a few other repairs have been made. A bath-room and better heating facilities are much needed. The warden receives a salary of $365. NORTHBRIDGE. (Visited May 11,1898.) Good management was found at this almshouse. Better heating facilities are needed, and a better equipped bath-room. There is no separation of the sexes. Only a small part of the one hundred and fifty acres belonging to the farm is under cultivation, and a small income from the farm was realized last year. The inmates number eight, one being insane and one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $300. The town also supports one of its insane dependents with her son, in the town of Bellingham. She is well cared for, at a cost to the town of $10 per month. NORTH BROOKFIELD. (Visited June 7, 1898.) Since the last report a new and, in most respects, a very well constructed almshouse has been built in this town. A great mistake was made in not following out the original plans, which provided for the warden's quarters and two wings. Only one wing was built, and no provision for the separation of the sexes was made. But since then, separation has been secured by building a door at the entrance to each corridor; these doors are kept locked. Fire escapes leading from the third floor are needed. There are eleven inmates, of whom three are insane, and two idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $450. NORTH EGREMONT. (Visited July 21, 1898.) This town supports a demented dependent in the family of relatives, where she receives excellent care, at a cost of $3 per week. NORTHFIELD. (Visited Jane 29, 1898.) This town has no almshouse, and supports an idiotic man in a private family, at the rate of $1.50 per week. It is reported that he is given but one meal a day, being obliged to saw wood for his dinner, or, more often, go without it. The Overseers have been requested to better his condition. NORTH READING. (Visited January 28, 1898.) The interior of this old almshouse looks as if paint and whitewash had not been used for years. It lacks all modern conveniences, and is not a credit to the town. There is no separation of the sexes. Of the one hundred and sixty acres, about twenty-five are under cultivation. An income of $1,740 was realized last year from the farm. There are five inmates, one being insane, and two feeble-minded. The warden and matron receive a salary of $450. NORTON. (Visited September 27, 1898.) The management of this almshouse continues to be efficient. With the exception of the painting of the house and barns, no improvements have been made during the year. A bath-room and better heating facilities are greatly needed. The separation of the sexes is complete by night, but not by day. There are six inmates, one being insane, and three idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $300. NORWELL. (Visited September 26, 1898.) Although this almshouse is a very old building, it was found neat and clean throughout. The practice of lodging tramps and prisoners in the cellar should be discontinued. A bathroom is greatly needed. No separation of the sexes is secured. The farm is small, yielding a small income and supplying the house with vegetables, etc. There are five inmates, three being insane or feeble-minded. The warden receives a salary of $300. OAKHAM. (Visited June 8, 1898.) This town provides for a demented woman in a private family at New Braintree, where she is well cared for. Nothing is paid for her board, as she does considerable work for the family. ORANGE. (Visited August 24, 1898.) This almshouse continues to maintain its reputation for cleanli ness and good order. A bathroom is still needed, and it is hoped that it will soon be supplied by the Overseers. The separation of the sexes is secured by night, but not during the day. There are four inmates, one being insane, and one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $400. ORLEANS (Mrs. S. M. BROWN) The almshouse of Orleans was closed in 1885, and the town decided that, considering the small number of paupers, it is cheaper to have them boarded out. At the present time the following persons are boarded in private families: U. L. P., 56; boards with M. H.; the town pays $2.00 per week. M. N., 70; boards with A. C.; the town pays $2.00 per week. C. S., 32; has two children. B. F., 4; R. F., 2; they board with the father of C. in South Orleans, - and the town pays $4.00 per week for the board of the three. M..V., 42; boards in Orleans with Mrs. J. R., and the town pays $2.50 for her board. She appears to earn her living, seems well, and one would not take her for a pauper. The main facts of this report were obtained from H. T. Newcomb, one of the selectmen, July 26, 1887. OXFORD. (Visited June 9,1898.) Excellent management was found at this almshouse. The exterior of the house and barn has been painted. Two new furnaces have been put in, and the house will now be comfortably warmed. The tramp house has been renovated. A bath-room is still greatly needed. There is no separation of the sexes. There are ten inmates, of whom one is insane, and seven are idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $400. This town also supports one of its demented dependents in the family of relatives in New Braintree. The sum of $2 a week is paid for her board, and she has a very comfortable home. PALMER. (Visited June 21,1898.) The management of this almshouse is not up to the proper standard, there being a general lack of order and cleanliness. The bath-room has been re-located during the year, and bathing should be more regularly enforced. Many of the rooms have been papered and painted, thus adding much to the attractiveness of the house. The farm is productive, and about $1,000 was realized from it last year. Separation of the sexes is complete by day and by night. There are twenty inmates, of whom four are insane, and two idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $600. PEABODY. (Visited May 2, 1898.) This almshouse was found in good condition and under good management. No changes have been made during the year. The separation of the sexes is complete. There are forty inmates, of whom eight are feeble-minded. The warden receives a salary of $600. PEMBROKE. (Visited September 26,1898.) This almshouse was found as usual, fairly clean and satisfactory, but a higher standard is to be desired. No changes have been made for some years, though many are needed, the house being an old farmhouse, and not well adapted to its present use. There is urgent need of a bath-room, but whether this improvement is made or not, bathing should be enforced. There is complete separation of the sexes by night, but none by day. There are six inmates; one being insane, and three idiotic. The warden receives a salary of ??? PEPPERELL. (Visited May 7,1898.) This almshouse was found clean and orderly, and under proper management. The bad practice of lodging tramps in the attic still exists ; during the past year two hundred and eighty-six were provided for in this manner. The farm of sixty acres is partly under cultivation, and $615 was realized from it during the past year. The house still provides for no separation of the sexes. There are four inmates, one being insane, and one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $360. PETERSHAM. (Visited August 22, 1898.) This almshouse, a small house of one and one-half stories, is poorly arranged for its present use. It provides for no separation of the sexes, though at present this arrangement causes no inconvenience. Though heated by stoves, the house is kept comfortable in winter. A bath-room is greatly needed. There are two inmates, both men, and both insane. The warden and matron receive together a salary of $400. PITTSFIELD. (Visited July 19, 1898.) This almshouse was found under the same management, and in an improved condition, but further improvement is desirable. The farm is under excellent cultivation. The house provides for the separation of the sexes except at meals, and for the separation of the sane from the insane. There are forty-one inmates, of whom twenty-two are insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $650. he town also supports a feeble-minded woman, in a private family in the town of Dalton, at a cost of $1 per week. She has a good home. PLYMPTON - Plymouth County - (Mrs. S. M. BROWN). The almshouse of Plympton, visited August 26. 1887, three miles from the railroad station, is a small, wooden house, old and somewhat out of repair. On the first floor are a kitchen, pantry, sitting-room and bed-room. The second floor has two small sleeping-rooms. The house is furnished by the woman who has charge of the establishment, Mrs. K. R. W., who is really supported by the town. She is allowed to use the house, and lives there with her three children, and she is also allowed three dollars per week. The last inmate (other than her family) died two years ago last March. I found the house neat and everything in order. The children were away. Mrs. W. has some opportunity of earning money by working in families occasionally. I obtained these facts after leaving the almshouse, and did not get the names of the children, not thinking there were any children. [Their names do not appear on the pauper list of Plympton, and if entered at all it is probably as persons partially supported.] PLYMOUTH - Plymouth County - (F. B. SANBOHN) The almshouse of this town consists of two parts, the first built many years ago, but kept in good repair, and still used for a portion of the inmates ; while the new structure which is added to the old towards the south is very well built, spacious and convenient, with rooms specially fitted for the insane, large and comfortable, but not all occupied. When visited, Nov. 3, 1887, there were only 14 inmates, 11 men and 3 women, nearly all of whom were old and some of them very old ; there being one woman of 92, a man of 89, two others of 85, and five other inmates upwards of 70. Several of these old people are in a condition of senile dementia ; one man, S. R., 50, is feeble-minded, and the youngest inmate, C., 35, is an epileptic whose mind is much affected. Although this almshouse stands near a mill-pond, and is much exposed to dampness, the situation is very pleasant and apparently salubrious, for some of these old people have resided here many years. The superintendent, Mr. Pratt, has been here four years; salary $400; his management is good. The water supply is excellent and the drainage seems to give no trouble. PLYMOUTH. (Visited June 13, 1898.) This almshouse was found in its usual satisfactory condition, the management being the same as for the last fourteen years. During the year, fire extinguishers, together with one hundred feet of hose, have been provided, and the house is now lighted by electricity. A well has also been dug, furnishing an excellent supply of water. The house provides for satisfactory separation of the sexes. There are eleven inmates; one being insane, and two idiotic. PROVINCETOWN. (Visited August 4, 1898.) This almshouse continues under the same good management that has been found here for the past nineteen years. It still needs better heating and bathing facilities, and provision for separation of the sexes. There are ten inmates. Three women are feeble-minded, and one man is epileptic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $260. QUINCY. (Visited June 20, 1898.) Although the inmates of this almshouse are kindly treated, the management is not good. The house was found in an unclean and disorderly condition. Another bath-room is greatly needed, one being insufficient for twenty-one inmates. The house provides for partial separation of the sexes at night, but none during the day. Four of the inmates are insane, and one is idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $500. RANDOLPH (Mrs. S. M. BROWN). The town almshouse, visited May 20, 1887, is a mile and a half from the railroad station, built of wood, two stories high, with a mansard roof giving sleeping room in the upper story for men, of whom seven were found here today. The other inmates were eight women and two children: William M., five, and Teresa L., nine, illegitimate children of an inmate woman, M. M., twenty-eight. Two of the women are insane, C. H., sixty-eight, and E. B., forty-six, both quiet, and the latter able to work. E. E., an insane man, sixty-seven, is also quiet. I saw all the inmates except the boy, W. M., who was at school. Since my last visit a new wing has been added, costing $1,600, and containing kitchen, laundry, bath-room and water-closets, besides ten sleeping-rooms. The whole house has forty rooms, in good condition, and heated throughout by steam. The bedsteads are of iron, furnished with straw and feather beds, all of which are in excellent order, as was the whole house. The inmates are well-fed and well-clothed, and I have seldom visited an almshouse where the inmates were so lavish in their praise of the superintendent and matron, Calvin Sanford and wife, who have been here two years; salary, $500. RANDOLPH. (Visited September 22,1898.) This almshouse, a three-story building with one wing, remains under the same management as in former years, which is only fairly good. Nothing has been done to improve the water-closets, which open off the women's corridor, and were condemned last year. They remain a menace to the health of the inmates and a disgrace to the Overseers. The house affords only partial separation of the sexes at night, and none during the day. There are eleven inmates, two of whom are insane, and three idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $500. RAYNHAM. (Visited September 27, 1898.) Two feeble-minded dependents of this town are supported in a private family, where they receive excellent care, at a cost of $3 each per week. READING. (Visited January 28,1898.) New and satisfactory management was found at this almshouse. The house provides good sanitary and heating arrangements, and the inmates receive good care. During the year the house has been painted on the exterior, and it now presents a pleasing appearance. No separation.of the sexes is secured. There are five inmates, one of whom is insane, and two are idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $500. REHOBOTH. (Visited June 7, 1898.) New and good management was found at this almshouse. Although the drainage was reported to be improved last year, it was found to be in bad condition at this visit; it should receive immediate attention. The house needs a bath-room, better heating facilities, and provision for separation of the sexes. There are seven inmates; one being insane, and two idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $300. ROCHESTER. (Visited September 14, 1898.) This almshouse, an old building of one and one-half stories, is much out of repair and is unfit for its use. It is, however, kept clean in every part, and the inmates are kindly treated. The Overseers of the Poor are seeking a new location. There are four inmates; three being insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $240. ROCKLAND. (Visited September 26, 1898.) Good management was found at this almshouse. An addition, providing a better bath-room, a dining-room, a sitting-room, and a kitchen, is greatly needed. The house provides for no separation of the sexes. There are twelve inmates, three being insane or feeble-minded. ROCKPORT. (Visited January 31,1898.) Excellent management was found at this almshouse. It still greatly needs a bath-room, supplied with hot and cold water. There is separation of the sexes at meals, but at no other time. There are seven inmates, six of whom are feeble-minded. The warden receives a salary of $400. SALEM. (Visited May 2, 1898.) This almshouse was found in satisfactory condition, and under new management. Since the last visit, three new bath-rooms and three flush water-closets have been placed in the insane wards. The house provides for separation of the sane from the insane, and also for separation of the sexes. There are one hundred and twenty-two inmates, forty-nine of whom are insane or idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $550, and the matron $400. SANDWICH (Mrs. S. M. BROWN) The almshouse of Sandwich, visited July 19, 1887, is about a mile eastward from the railroad station. The house is very old and shingled on all sides, poorly contrived and needs repairing. There is a large kitchen, used as a dining-room by the inmates, a back room where the washing is done, one sitting-room for the inmates, and three rooms used by the superintendent's family. There are seven sleeping-rooms on the first floor, five of them barred with wood at the doors, cage-like, and at the windows are wire screens. One of these has no furniture, for the woman occupying it is so destructive that she breaks everything she can reach. The other rooms have iron bedsteads with clean bed-clothing and beds. On the second floor are seven sleeping-rooms on the women's side of the hallway, which is very narrow, with four rooms on the other side, used by the men. There is also a room over the shed occupied by an idiotic man, and one dark bedroom which gets its light and ventilation from the adjoining room; of course the ventilation is deficient. On the first floor it would seem impossible for the inmates to be comfortable in winter; in fact the building appears wholly unfit for occupancy. The drainage and water supply are satisfactory. The personal appearance of the inmates, partly owing to their filthy habits, was repulsive. Most of them were barefoot. I saw them at dinner which consisted of boiled meat and potatoes, bread and butter, a bowl of tea with milk and sugar. One woman eats in her cell, two eat in one entry way, and two eat in another entry way. In the rear of the house is a large yard where the insane can daily exercise. There is no bathroom. The house was generally clean.The superintendent, Elijah Hancock, has been in charge sixteen years ; salary $300. Of the seventeen inmates six are men and eleven women, and of this number, one man and ten women are insane, and three men simple-minded; one man is also idiotic; I saw them all. J. M., 69; Sind and idiotic. H. D., 70; simple, does light work. G. H. W., 34; simple, the town of Bourne pays his board. J. A., 65; simple, epileptic, can do some light work. C. W. H., 49; insane, has to be confined, at times very troublesome. J. O. C., 67; feeble. A. M., 47; insane, no trouble, does most of the cooking for the inmates. S. N., 52; the town of Bourne pays for her board; she is insane, and is locked up most of the time. S. G., 73; Bourne pays for her board; insane. S. B., 62; insane, able to work, Bourne pays her board. E. N., 32; insane, is filthy, Bourne pays her board. M. J. J., 37; colored, insane, not troublesome, cannot work. S. C., 65; insane, able to work. S. G. B., 38; insane, works some, will not eat unless compelled to. M. D. K., 49; insane, has to be locked up most of the time, is very troublesome. These insane persons, the superintendent informs me, have been in Taunton hospital; the town authorities think it advisable to keep them at the town almshouse, and the town of Bourne, once a part of Sandwich, coincides in this view. SANDWICH. (Visited June 30,1898.) Good management was again found at this almshouse, but the house is old, unsafe, and entirely unfit for its present use. It provides for complete separation of the sexes, but the sane and the insane are allowed to mingle. The house is heated by stoves, which is a very unsafe method. A bath-room is greatly needed. With the number of inmates, and the facilities found here at present, bathing is accomplished with difficulty. There are thirteen inmates, eleven of whom are mentally defective. The warden and matron receive a salary of $425. SADGUS. (Visited August 12, 1898.) Although new and excellent management was found at this almshouse, little else can be said in praise of it. The building is old and very unsafe, and, as previously reported, reflects great discredit upon the town. Complete separation of the sexes is secured. There are eight inmates, three of whom are mentally defective. The warden and matron receive a salary of $600. SEEKONK. (Visited June 7, 1898.) The management at this almshouse is good, but many repairs are needed to bring the house up to the proper standard. Paint and whitewash should be less sparingly used. Modern sanitary appliances are the important needs. There is no separation of the sexes. The inmates number five, of whom two are feeble-minded. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400. SHARON. (Visited September 20, 1898.) This almshouse was found neat and clean. It is much in need of repairs, none having been made during the year. Much labor would be saved by introducing water into the house, for, under the present conditions, all water used has to be carried in pails from the pump outside. The practice of lodging tramps in the house should be discontinued, as there is great danger of fire from this custom. There is no separation of the sexes. There are five inmates, one of whom is insane, and one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $300. SHELBURNE. (Visited June 30, 1898.) This town has no almshouse, and at present supports two dependents in private families, one in the town of Charlemont, at a cost of $2.50 per week, and the other in Shelburne, at $1.50 per week; both patients receive satisfactory care. SHERBORN. (Visited June 17,1898.) This town has a new and well built almshouse, which affords complete separation of the sexes, and of the insane from the sane. It has two well equipped bath-rooms and four flush water-closets, and is heated by steam. Although the house was not found scrupulously clean, its condition in the main was satisfactory. There are four inmates, two of whom are feeble-minded. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400. SHERBORN. (Visited June 17,1898.) This town has a new and well built almshouse, which affords complete separation of the sexes, and of the insane from the sane. It has two well equipped bath-rooms and four flush water-closets, and is heated by steam. Although the house was not found scrupulously clean, its condition in the main was satisfactory. There are four inmates, two of whom are feeble-minded. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400. SHREWSBURY. (Visited September 7, 1898.) This old almshouse was found in the usual unsatisfactory condition ; it is now unfit to live in, the floors being sunken, and the walls falling in. This condition reflects discredit upon the town. There being but two inmates, both women, it might be better to board them in private families, or place them in the almshouse of some neighboring town. The warden receives $300 a year for his services. SHUTESBURY. (Visited June 27, 1898.) Satisfactory management was again found at this almshouse. The inmates receive kind treatment, and have a good home. There is still need of a bath-room. The inmates, five in number, are all feeble-minded, and two of them are epileptic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $225. SOMERSET. (Visited March 5, 1898.) Good management was found at this almshouse. No changes have been made here for some years. A well equipped bath-room and steam heat are greatly needed. There is no provision for the separation of the sexes. There are nine inmates, three of whom are insane, and one is idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $400. SOUTHBORUGH. (Visited August 31, 1898.) This town supports two feeble-minded dependents in a private family, where they receive good care. SOUTHBRIDGE. (Visited January 19, 1898.) Although lacking in modern conveniences, this almshouse was found under good management. No repairs of note have been made during the year. The bath-tub, which is supplied with neither hot nor cold water, is improperly placed in a room which is very cold in winter; it is seldom used, and a properly equipped bath-room should be furnished at once. Only partial separation of the sexes is secured at night, and none by day. There are eighteen inmates, of whom four are insane, and two idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $600. SOUTH HADLEY. (Visited August 27,1898.) This almshouse was found under satisfactory management, and in fairly good repair. A bath-room and a better water supply are still the two great needs of the house. Insecure separation of the sexes is obtained by night, and none during the day. There are eight inmates, all sane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $500. SPENCER. (Visited September 8, 1898.) This almshouse provides well for its inmates. The management is satisfactory, and the heating and sanitary facilities are good. Separation of the sexes is now secured. There are eleven inmates, six of whom are insane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $425. SPRINGFIELD. (Visited March 15, 1898.) This excellent almshouse was found under the same efficient management, and in a most satisfactory condition. Separate buildings, thoroughly equipped, are provided for the care of the sick, the insane, and the sane. It is proposed to build a hospital soon for the exclusive care of contagious diseases. With the exception of the new detached laundry-building, no changes were found. There are one hundred and eighty-six inmates, seventy-eight of whom are mentally defective. The warden receives $1,000, and the matron $240. per year. STERLING. (Visited September 23, 1898.) The same good management as heretofore was found at this almshouse. A more suitably placed bath-room should be provided. The house provides for no separation of the sexes. There are eight inmates, three of whom are mentally defective. The warden receives $540 for his services. STONEHAM. (Visited May 5, 1898.) This almshouse has improved much during the past few years in management and in appearance, and is now in a very satisfactory condition. It is heated by steam, is equipped with two bath-rooms, and provides for complete separation of the sexes. There are twelve inmates, two of whom are insane, and three idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $500. STOUGHTON. (Visited August 13, 1898.) Under new management this almshouse was found in a much improved condition. Although an old building, and ill adapted to its present use, it was found clean and orderly throughout. Many rooms have been painted and papered. The bath-tub has been more suitably placed, and is now used weekly by all inmates. There is complete separation of the sexes by night, but none by day. There are eleven inmates, three of whom are insane, and one is idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $450. STOW. (Visited June 10,1898.) This almshouse was found in a clean and orderly condition. It is an old and poorly furnished building, and should be replaced by a new one. It has no bath-room, is heated by stoves, and provides for no separation of the sexes. There are four inmates, one of whom is insane, and one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $400. STURBRIDGE. (Visited January 19, 1898.) This old and dilapidated almshouse was found in its usual unsatisfactory condition. Since the visit, the Overseers have reported that a furnace has been put in, and that some slight repairs have been made. No provision is made for the separation of the sexes. There are ten inmates, five of whom are mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $300. SUDBURY. (Visited August 18, 1898.) This almshouse was found clean, and the inmates appeared to be happy and well cared for. The house has no facilities for bathing, or for the separation of the sexes, and efforts should be made to secure these needed improvements. The condition of the privies has been improved, and a new well has been driven some distance from them. The house is to be painted and whitewashed inside, which, it is hoped, will improve its appearance. There are six inmates, four of whom are idiotic, and one is in sane. The warden receives $360 for his services. SUTTON. (Visited January 18, 1898.) Good management was found at this almshouse. The structural defects of the house are pronounced, and no separation of the sexes can be secured. As long as the filthy idiotic men are kept here, the house can neither be kept clean nor properly ventilated. The sum of $250 has been appropriated for improvements. The waterclosets used by both sexes are placed at the end of the corridor, from which open the rooms used by the male inmates. This shameful condition should receive immediate attention. There are sixteen inmates, five of whom are insane, and seven idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $500. SWANSEA. (Visited March 5, 1898.) The same excellent management was found again at this alms house. A bathroom is a greatly needed improvement. The insane and idiotic women inmates should be placed in a hospital for the insane. There are three female inmates, two of whom are idiotic, and one is insane. The warden receives a salary of $375 TAUNTON (Mrs. S. M. BROWN). The city almshouse of Taunton is a large brick building standing on the road to Norton, about two miles north of the Taunton station; it was built within the last twelve years, and has ample room, tolerable well arranged, for the number of inmates ordinarily found there. It has been frequently visited by the Inspector and by Mrs. Brown. The last visit made by the latter is thus reported : Nov. 8, 1887. — The Taunton Almshouse is in good repair; the rooms are comfortably furnished and all of them to-day wore warm, the building being heated by a furnace. The superintendent, Levi S. Pierce, has been here two years; salary $500. I found fifty-two inmates today, thirty-one men, of whom four are insane; sixteen women, of whom two are insane, and five children, three of whom I did not see because they were at school in the city school-house, not far off. The sleeping-rooms are furnished with iron bedsteads; most of them have feather beds and good bedding, and I found the clothing clean and well taken care of. One room occupied by two feeble old men was close and poorly ventilated, and, as the habits of these men are bad, and they are filthy, the appearance of the room is explained. There are two large dormitories, one for men and one for women, in both of which the beds are crowded too close together. There are also eight beds in the attic used by the men. The inmates were well clothed and evidently well fed. I saw the dinner on the table, and it consisted of baked beans, cold corned beef, turnips, carrots, potatoes, bread, and bowls of tea. Everything was well cooked, and the food looked as if it would be palatable. The insane women were in a room called the nursery, just back of the superintendents part; one was mending clothes and the other was holding a child. One of these women is sometimes troublesome, and is then secluded; the other is always quiet. The four insane men have nearly all been insane a long time and are quiet cases; one of them, however, is paralyzed, and another is very filthy. Two of them were removed from the hospital two years ago. While the almshouse has so few inmates as at present they can be well cared for where they are. Taunton has never kept many children in its almshouse, and has now fewer than usual. Three of them, Sarah H., 12, Charles H., 7, children of Mary H., an inmate, and John K., 5, son of Mary K., an inmate, were at school as above mentioned; of the other two, one is a colored boy of 14 and the other an infant under two years old. TAUNTON. (Visited March 1,1898.) The management of this almshouse remains unchanged. It has been necessary to convert the attic into a dormitory, and accommodations for nineteen more inmates is now afforded. A bathtub and a flush water-closet have been placed in this dormitory. A hot water heating apparatus has also been placed in the house since the last visit. There is provision for complete separation of the sexes. There are fifty-one inmates, six being mentally defective. The warden and matron receive a salary of $900. TEMPLETON. (Visited September 22,1898.) Excellent new management was found at this almshouse, and its condition is much improved. The sum of $500, appropriated for improvements, has been used to good advantage. The interior of the house has been thoroughly cleaned, whitened, papered, and painted; the old wooden bedsteads have been replaced by new iron ones, and new mattresses provided; the tramp quarters havebeen removed, and repairs have been made on the barn ; and the house has been provided with a more abundant supply of water and modern heating apparatus put in. The house provides for complete separation of the sexes by night but none by day. There are five inmates, two of whom are insane and one idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $700. TEWKSBURY (Dr. H. C. PRENTISS) The town almshouse of Tewksbury is half a mile from North Tewksbury, and about two miles from the State Almshouse; a large, old wooden building, somewhat out of repair, but with a good farm, which is so well managed by the superintendent that it costs the town little or nothing for the support of the five inmates, three men and two women, who have been here, with no accessions, for three or four years. All these persons are more or less defective in mind, and two of them have been patients at the State Hospital and the Tewksbury Asylum, viz. : Horace D. H., 52, who was removed from the asylum to this almshouse sixteen years ago, and Mary M., 32, who was brought here from the asylum in 1883. The man has virtually recovered ; he is a good worker, and when the almshouse was visited last (April 27, 1887,) he was working alone on a distant part of the farm. The woman is demented, but a good worker in the house. The other woman, B. D., 7., is quietly insane, and is boarded here by her friends.These two women have each a room in the wing of the house; the three men occupy one large room in the main house, with separate beds. The water supply is from wells, and the drainage is satisfactory, though the cesspool is too near the house. The superintendent, Chas. F. Atkinson, has been here several years ; salary $600. If this seems large for so few inmates, it should be remembered that he does nearly all the work on the farm, with the help of the three men, one of whom has been described, another is an epileptic, and the third broken down by bad habits. The sales of milk from 17 cows bring in $1,000 a year, and there is also a market garden and the ordinary farm crops. The management of this almshouse is very satisfactory. TEWKSBURY. (Visited June 8, 1898.) New and good management was found at this almshouse. The exterior of the house has been painted, and this has much improved its appearance. About one-half of the farm of one hundred acres is under cultivation, and the income from it last year was about $3,089. The invasion of the main house by vermin made the removal of the tramp quarters from the basement a necessity, and a tramp house was therefore built at some distance from the main house. There is complete separation of the sexes except at meals. There are six inmates, five of whom are mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $600. TOPSFIELD. (Visited September 8, 1898.) This almshouse was found clean and orderly throughout, and the inmates receive good treatment. The whole interior of the house has been much improved by the use of paint and paper. The house makes provision for separation of the sexes, although at present there are but two inmates, both men. The warden receives a salary of $350. TOWNSEND. (Visited Jnne 13, 1898.) Very satisfactory management was found at this almshouse. The custom that permits of the lodging of tramps in the room adjacent to the kitchen is to be condemned; the danger from fire is great, and the introduction of vermin cannot be prevented. When proper heating and sanitary appliances are furnished the house will be quite satisfactory. An effort should be made to secure separation of the sexes, at least during the night; at present there is no separation. There are seven inmates, five of whom are mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $450. TYNGSBOROUGH. (Visited April 4,1898.) This almshouse was found in the same dilapidated condition as heretofore, and it is difficult to keep it clean. There is no provision for the separation of the sexes, but at present there are but two inmates, both men. The warden receives a salary of $300. TYRINGHAM. (Visited July 21,1898.) The sum of $75 per year is paid by this town for the support of a feeble-minded girl, fifteen years of age, in a private family. She should be sent to the School for the Feeble-minded, where much could be done to improve her mental and moral condition. If she is allowed to remain as she is, untaught and undisciplined, only bad results can be expected. UPTON. (Visited May 13, 1898.) New and good management was found at this almshouse. Although a comparatively new house, no provision whatever was made for the separation of the sexes. There are five inmates, all sane. The warden receives a salary of $400. UXBRIDGE. (Visited May 18, 1898.) This old and dilapidated almshouse was found under the same management. The inmates are probably kindly treated, but dirt and disorder abound everywhere. Nothing commendable can be said of the place. Beams rot, floors sink, and ceiling and walls fall in, and yet no repairs are made. There are seven inmates, all old and feeble, and three of them idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400. WAKEFIELD. (Visited October 7, 1898.) The condition of this almshouse is not satisfactory. The housekeeping is poor, and the interior of the house is greatly in need of renovation. There is need also of proper bathing arrangements, the only tub in the house being improperly equipped, and placed in a room containing two beds. There are no flush water-closets, and the only closet used by the inmates of both sexes opens off a shed ; its condition needs immediate attention. Altogether this almshouse is a great discredit to the town. There is no separation of the sexes. There are eighteen inmates, seven of whom are mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $650. WALES. (Visited June 21, and July 9, 1898.) For the last twelve years this town has supported three insane dependents in a private family. Although they are treated with great kindness, and do not suffer for lack of the necessities of life, it would be more to the credit of the town if a larger sum of money were expended for their support. WALPOLE. (Visited March 28, 1898.) On the day of the visit, the warden and matron were preparing to move out. Much credit is due them for the homelike condition found in this old and poorly arranged house. Better heating and bathing facilities, and some provision for the separation of the sexes, are greatly to be desired. There are five inmates, four of whom are feeble-minded. The warden and matron are paid $400 a year. WALTHAM. (Visited August 1, 1898.) This almshouse was found under the same good management as in former years. The house provides for complete separation of the sexes, and partial separation of the sane from the insane. The Overseers of the Poor report that it has been proposed to renovate the interior of the house with paint, etc. This would much improve its condition, no repairs of this nature having been made since the house was built, seven years ago. There are forty-six inmates, eighteen of whom are mentally defective. The warden and matron receive a salary of $1,000. WARE. (Visited. June 2, 1898.) This old and poorly arranged almshouse is still occupied, and little is now heard of building a new one. It is under new and excellent management. The inmates are kindly treated and tenderly cared for when ill, and the house is neat and clean throughout. The foul privy, adjacent to the room occupied by a male inmate, should be removed. The house greatly needs a properly equipped bath-room and a furnace. There is no provision for separation of the sexes. There are fifteen inmates, one of whom is insane, and one idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400. The town supports a feeble-minded man in the family of relatives, where he is kindly cared for. The sum of $3 per week is paid for his board. WAREHAM - Plymouth County -(Mrs. S. M. BROWN). The town almshouse, visited July 20, 1887, is one and one-half miles north-west from the Wareham station, a wooden house of two stories painted white, and without blinds. The inmates have a large dining- room on the first floor; also a kitchen and back-kitchen, the latter used in summer to wash in, and partly to cook in. The other rooms on this floor arc occupied by the superintendent's family. On the second floor are six sleeping-rooms, three for men and three for women. The separation between the rooms occupied by the women and men is a slat-work partition, kept locked. All the chambers except one have two beds each. The bedsteads are of iron, and have straw beds, — several of which were sadly in need of filling. There is one feather-bed in the house to be used in case of sickness. Two of the rooms — one occupied by a man and another by a woman of filthy habits —were in need of cleaning ; the rest I found in good condition, with the exception that one or two of the rooms have vermin, which the matron is using every means to exterminate. A good diet is provided for the inmates, meat twice a day, tea with milk and sugar at every meal. Three of the eight men were away, one at the village and two on the farm. Three others were sitting under the trees near the house; one was scrubbing the kitchen floor. Both the women were in bed, one having a weakness, and the other not inclined to get up except to her meals. There is no bath-room ; water is supplied by wells and a cistern. The drainage is good. The superintendent, George A. Wood, salary $250, has been here four years. Of the ten inmates eight are men and two women; one woman is insane, and one man and one woman are idiotic. WAREHAM. (Visited September 12, 1898.) Good management prevails in this almshouse, and it was found satisfactory in most respects. A bath-room and safer heating facilities should be provided. The separation of the sexes is complete at night only. There are seven inmates, two of whom are feeble-minded. The warden receives a salary of $250. WARREN. (Visited September 8, 1898.) Efficient management was found at this almshouse. Many of the rooms have been painted, and the interior now presents a pleasing appearance. There is still urgent need of a bathroom, and of more complete separation of the sexes. There are seven inmates, four of whom are mentally defective. The warden and matron receive a salary of $600. WARWICK. (Visited March 16, 1898.) The management at this almshouse remains the same. The house was found clean and orderly, and the inmates apparently receiving good care. There is no provision for separation of the sexes. There are six inmates, two of whom are insane, and one is idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $375. WATERTOWN. (Visited August 1, 1898.) This almshouse was found neat and clean throughout. The house provides comfortably for its inmates. Complete separation of the sexes is secured except at meals. Another bath-room is greatly needed, and it is hoped that one will be provided in the near future. There are twelve inmates, four of whom are insane, and one is idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $500. WAYLAND (Mrs. S. M. BROWN) The old almshouse of this town, which has been unfavorably noticed by all the visitors of the board, is likely to be replaced by a new and better one. The old establishment was visited by Mrs. Brown early in the spring of 1887, when it had few inmates, who were in as good condition as the wretched state of the house would permit. WAYLAND. (Visited February 14,1898.) This almshouse, a building two and one-half stories high, provides a comfortable home for its few inmates. Separation of the sexes is not secured, neither has the house proper heating or bathing facilities. The bath-tub should be supplied with hot and cold water; at present all water has to be carried to the tub in pails. There are three inmates, one of whom is insane. The warden receives a salary of $400. WEBSTER. (Visited January 18, 1898.) Great credit is due the warden and matron of this almshouse for its very clean and pleasing condition. It is still necessary to urge that a well equipped bath-room and a furnace be added. The house does not provide for any separation of the sexes. There are fourteen inmates, two being insane, and two idiotic. The warden and matron, who have been here for twelve years, receive a salary of $600. WELLESLEY. (Visited January 17, 1898.) This almshouse was found under the same management, and in a disorderly and dirty condition. As has been reported in previous years, the house is cheerless and poorly arranged. The three insane women, who were found in one room in which they sleep and always sit, should be assigned better accommodations. No provision for the separation of the sexes is provided. The inmates number eight, six of whom are mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $550. WELLFLEET (Mrs. S. M. BROWN) The almshouse of Wellfleet, visited July 28,1887 is about a mile from the railroad station. It is built of wood, is one story in height and is in good repair. I found it thoroughly clean and in good order. The house is to be closed August 1, 1887, as there are very few paupers, at the present time only one woman, and the town thinks it entirely unnecessary to keep up this establishment for one person. This one is to board with Alden K. Rich, of Wellfleet village. The superintendent, J. H. Harding, has been in charge two years, and his salary has been $4 or $6 per week, according to the number of inmates. WELLFLEET. (Visited August 4,1898.) This town supports no almshouse. Two of its feeble-minded dependents are well cared for in a family, where the sum of $3 a week is paid for the board of each. One of the town's demented cases, a man of sixty-six years, is boarded with an old woman of eighty-four years ; the sum of $2.50 per week only is paid for his board, though this amount is expected to furnish support for both of these persons. The case should receive the attention of the Overseers of the Poor. WESTBOROUGH. (Visited July 16,1898.) This almshouse was found under good management, being clean and orderly throughout. No changes have been made since the previous visit. The house provides for complete separation of the sexes. There are ten inmates, four of whom are mentally defective. The warden and matron receive a salary of $600. WEST BOYLSTON. (Visited May 24, 1898.) No changes were found at this almshouse. The management continues the same, and the house was found in as clean a condition as could be expected, but the use of paint and white-wash inside is greatly needed. The practice of keeping petty criminals here has been abandoned. The house provides for no separation of the sexes. There are eight inmates, one of whom is insane, and one idiotic. The warden receives a salary of $500. WEST BRIDGEWATER. (Visited March 24, 1898.) Excellent management was found at this almshouse. Some minor improvements have been made, besides the addition of hot water to both bath-tubs and the kitchen. There is complete separation of the sexes. There are eight inmates, four of whom are insane, and one is idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $400. WEST BROOKFIELD. (Visited June 7, 1898.) This almshouse is under good management, and in good repair, though lacking in the necessary sanitary appliances. The water supply is inconveniently placed, and it might be changed at small cost. The foundation for a new barn has been laid, and the work is fast progressing. When complete, the barn will cost about $2,000. The farm interests are well looked after, and an income of $1,250 was realized last year. There is no separation of the sexes by day, though at night it is complete. There are six inmates, one of whom is insane. The warden, receives a salary of $500. WESTFIELD. (Visited July 19, 1898.) No changes have been made at this almshouse during the past year. The present warden and matron are serving their seventeenth year. The house is well managed, and the inmates evidently receive kind treatment. A large house like this, containing thirty-six sleeping rooms, cannot be properly heated by stoves, and steam heat should be supplied. There is partial separation of the sexes by day, and complete separation by night. There are twenty-five inmates, four of whom are mentally defective. The warden and matron receive a salary of $700. WESTFORD. (Visited September 29, 1898.) Efficient management was found at this almshouse. The house is kept neat and clean, and, with frequent use of paint and whitewash, is made attractive. It is proposed to build a wing to replace the old one. If this plan is carried out, a kitchen, pantry, coldstorage room, bath-room, and several sleeping rooms will be furnished. There should be no accommodations in the main house for tramps. At present, no provision is made for the separation of the sexes. There are six inmates, one of whom is insane, and one idiotic and epileptic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $450. WEST NEWBURY. (Visited May 4, 1898.) The management at this almshouse is the same as when last seen. The house was not as clean and orderly as it should have been. No changes have been made during the year. A bathroom and a furnace are greatly needed improvements. There is no provision for separation of the sexes. There are five inmates, one of whom is insane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $250. WESTON. (Visited February 14, 1898.) This almshouse remains in the same unsatisfactory condition as has been noted for some years past. That this condition continues to exist reflects discredit both upon the management and the Overseers of the Poor. There are three male inmates, one of whom is insane. The warden and matron receive a salary of $450. WESTPORT. (Visited September 28, 1898.) This almshouse was found scrupulously clean throughout, and the inmates looking neat and happy. A bath-tub has been purchased and is soon to be put in place. The house is now satisfactory in most respects, but the old wooden bedsteads should be replaced by new iron ones. The house provides for partial separation of the sexes at night, but none during the day. There are six inmates, three of whom are insane, and two idiotic. The warden is paid $400 for his services. WEST STOCKBRIDGE. (Visited July 20, 1898.) This town pays $8 per month for the support of a woman and her family of three idiotic children. The sum paid is entirely insufficient, and the deplorable condition in which the family was found reflects great discredit upon this well-to-do town. WEYMOUTH. (Visited March 21, 1898.) New and good management was found at this almshouse. The looked for improvements have not been made. The bathing accommodations, which consist of one bath-tub, are not sufficient for the large number of inmates found here. The house was neat and clean throughout, and the inmates had the appearance of being kindly treated. The house provides for partial separation of the sexes. There are thirty-four inmates, of whom two are insane, and eight feeble-minded. The warden and matron receive a salary of $800. WlLLIAMSBURG. (Visited August 26, 1898.) This town supports an insane dependent in a private family, where she has a good home. The sum of $2.50 a week is paid for her board. WlLLIAMSTOWN. (Visited July 21,1898.) The almshouse in this town remains precisely as reported last year, —in a dilapidated, discreditable condition. The arrangement whereby the warden is given the rental of the farm, and paid $2 per week for each inmate, is most objectionable. Under this arrangement it might be possible for those in charge to economize in the expenditure for food and clothing, to the detriment of the inmates. The house is insufficiently warmed by stoves, is not supplied with proper bathing arrangements, and provides for no separation of the sexes. There are four inmates, all of whom are sane. WILMINGTON. (Visited September 5,1898.) This almshouse remains unchanged. Many improvements are needed to make it satisfactory, among which are a bath-room, provision for the separation of the sexes, and steam heat. With the income from the farm, and that received from work done by the warden and the male inmates in the highways, the almshouse is made self-supporting. The income from these two sources last year was $1,506, and under these conditions, the town ought to provide a more satisfactory almshouse than the present one. There are two inmates. The warden receives a salary of $400. WlNCHENDON. (Visited May 3, 1898.) This almshouse is greatly in need of minor repairs. It is kept clean, and the inmates are kindly treated. Complete separation of the sexes is secured at night, but not by day. The farm of two hundred acres is only partially cultivated, the income from it was $1,960 during the past year. There are ten inmates, one of whom is idiotic. The warden receives $750 for his services. WOBURN. (Visited January 29, 1898.) Good management was found at this almshouse. The house is old, poorly arranged, and greatly overcrowded. A serious fault is the over-crowding of the small attic rooms, escape from which in case of fire would be impossible, there being no fire escapes from this floor. If it were not for the very creditable manner in which the almshouse is managed, it would be a greater disgrace to the city than it now is. There is complete separation of the sexes except at meals. There are forty-nine inmates, of whom two are insane, and three idiotic. The warden and matron receive a salary of $650 WORCESTER. (Visited September 9, 1898.) As usual, this large and well planned institution is under good management, and was found in a satisfactory condition throughout. Since the previous visit a new wing has been built, which furnishes accommodation for one hundred and fifty inmates ; it is to be used for the sane and insane men. The sanitary appliances, both in this new wing and throughout the other buildings, are very satisfactory. A new heater for supplying hot water has been put in operation, and a system of electric bells, connecting all the floors with the main office, has been put in. The building provides for the complete separation of the sexes, and of the sane from the insane. There are two hundred and six inmates, ninety-four of whom are mentally defective. The warden receives a salary of $1,500. WORTHINGTON. (Visited August 24, 1898.) This town supports one insane and one feeble-minded woman in private families, where they receive good care. WRENTHAM. (Visited September 29, 1898.) Minor repairs have been made at this almshouse since the last report, and the house now presents a pleasing appearance. Good separation of the sexes is secured, and bathing is regularly enforced. There are eight inmates, of whom three are insane, and three feeble-minded. The warden receives a salary of $300. YARMOUTH (Mrs. S. M. BROWN). The almshouse, visited July 20, 1887 is two and one-half miles from the railroad station. The house is built of wood, and is two stories in height with an ell. The entire house is shingled on all sides. It is painted white. The superintendent, Stephen Sherman, has been in charge fourteen years; salary $500. The selectmen have a room on the second floor, where the business of the town is transacted, also a small adjoining room to hold the town hooks. The house is inconvenient and unsuitable in many respects, yet the rooms are neat; many of the sleeping-rooms arc carpeted, and are made very pleasant by little adornments. During the hot weather a kitchen is used at the farther end of the ell, and a room leading from this is the dining-room for summer. There is no bathroom, but a common wash-tub is used for the paupers. There is no common outlet for sink drainage, but the sink water from the washing of hands and all culinary purposes is caught in a pail beneath the sink which, as often as full, is carried out and emptied upon the land at some distance from the house. There are twenty rooms in the house. The bedsteads are of wood, supplied with straw and feather beds, and clean and comfortable. An inmate who is blind has a simple-minded wife, also a son who is sick. Their rooms were decorated with cards and pictures to suit their fancy. Of the eleven inmates six are men, four are women and one a boy ; of this number two men are idiotic, one man feeble-minded and two women simple-minded. S. T., 68; blind, cannot work. S. T., 31; sick, cannot work. I. H., 81; feeble, cannot work. N. B., 73; paralytic, cannot work. A. R., 17; idiotic, cannot work. B. B., 62; idiotic, cannot work. F. B. G., 10; has tics, and is tied in the barn, and they charge the boy with killing chickens and doing all sorts of mischief. S. B., 41 ; has a useless hand. S. T., 60; simple, wife of S. T. A. G., 62; simple-minded. O. K., 46; can do light work. YARMOUTH. (Visited August 2,1898.) Though lacking in all modern conveniences, this almshouse is under excellent management, the same that has been here for twenty-six years. No changes were found. The inmates have a good home and kind treatment. There is no separation of the sexes. The inmates number seven, of whom one is insane, and three are idiotic. The matron receives $300 for her services.