Table 21, showing the duration of insanity before admission, in those discharged as unimproved. Table 22, showing time of residence in Asylum of those discharged as unimproved. The Institution is under many obligations to Archbishop Purcell, of Cincinnati, for thirty elegant and beautiful engravings of "SHAKSPEARE ILLUSTRATED," accompanied with a fine letter-press description of the different scenes. They are quite an instructive, as well as ornamental addition to our Reading-room and Picture gallery. To the members of the "First Regimental Band" of musicians, of Dayton, we wish to express the thanks of the inmates for the serenades given in our front grounds. We are indebted to the "Campbell Minstrels," for a fine concert which they gave in the chapel, much to the gratification of the patients. The clergy have, as heretofore, kindly furnished us with service in the chapel when called upon. The following papers are still furnished us by the generosity of the publishers. If they could but know how welcome they are received by many of the patients, they would feel fully compensated for the donation: Empire, daily, Dayton, Ohio; Journal, daily, Dayton, Ohio; Gazette, daily, Dayton, Ohio; Volksfriend, daily, Cincinnati, Ohio; Times, weekly, Cincinnati, Ohio; Gazette, weekly, Cincinnati, Ohio; Christian Advocate, weekly, Cincinnati, Ohio; Star in the West, weekly, Cincinnati, Ohio; New Church Herald, weekly, Cincinnati, Ohio; Episcopalian, weekly, Cincinnati, Ohio; Republicaner, weekly, Cincinnati, Ohio; Der Hochuater, weekly, Cincinnati, Ohio; Der Westbote, weekly, Columbus, Ohio; Cultivator, weekly, Columbus, Ohio, Schildwache, weekly, Hamilton, Ohio; Republic, weekly, Springfield, Ohio; Wochenblatt, Dayton, Ohio; Torch Light, weekly, Xenia, Ohio; Telescope, weekly, Dayton, Ohio; Froliche Botschafter, weekly, Dayton, Ohio; Christian Enquirer, weekly, New York City; Life Illustrated, weekly, New York City; Phrenological Journal, monthly, New York City. Below will be found the productions of the farm for the past year, as reported by the steward: In addition to the above, it might be well enough to mention, that a show case has been fitted up, in which the work of the female patients is on exhibition and for sale. Within a short time they have supplied it with 4 tidies—35 yards edging-7 crochet collars-knit balls and baskets, besides quite a number of articles of miner value. We have been careful to keep up our usual amount of recreation and amusement in the separate halls, as well as to have the patients frequently meet together. The experience of every day spent among the insane, impresses us the more deeply, with not only the importance but the necessity of furnishing them, as a means of cure, if for nothing else, with regular and rational amusements. We have made an addition to the Library the past year, of about one hundred volumes, and more is needed. Many patients, who at first have an accession to books, can finally be induced to read, by frequently putting them into their hands, or by reading short paragraphs to them; and there is no instruction that goes farther towards awakening new sensations in the diseased mind, than the reading of well selected books. When notified that our drafts could no longer be paid by the State Treasurer, for want of funds to meet them, it was deemed advisable by the board of managers, in compliance with an established rule, to contract no debts, to limit the expenditures to daily necessaries, without providing, as is usual this time of the year, future wants; consequently the grounds remain without much change from last year-many repairs about the house which must soon be done, remain undone-the planting of trees has been postponed-the workshop up, but unpaid for the "abatement of nuisance," from sewer, under contract. When all the labor and repairs are done that were not only contemplated, but which should, as soon as practicable, be done, the balance of the appropriation which remains unexpended will all be used. From a careful survey of the actual wants of this Institution, for the coming year, we deem the following appropriations necessary to fully secure its best interest. For current expenses, repairs and improvements..... $30,000 00 The Board of Trustees, officers of the house, as well as every one employed about the Institution, will accept my thanks for the faithful manner in which they have assisted me in discharging the various duties of Superintendent. With gratitude to a benign Creator for the health and comfort which continues to our household, we respectfully submit the above report. J. J. McILHENNY, Superintendent. |