1874.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 367

better protection of game in Montgomery county, and to
amend and re-enact the same as amended.

Which was read a first time.

Mr. Johnson, Chairman of a Select Committee, report-
ed favorably,

A bill entitled an Act authorizing the appointment of a
Coroner for Dorchester county.

Which was read a first time.

Mr. Cooper, Chairman, on the part of the House, of a Joint
Select Committee, submitted the following

REPORT.

To the Honorable,

The General Assembly of Maryland:

The undersigned Joint Committee appointed by your Hon-
orable Body for the purpose of visiting and examining into
the condition of the House of Refuge and the Maryland Peni-
tentiary, would respectfully report, that in the discharge of
their duty, they visited first the House of Refuge. The wor-
thy Superintendent, Mr. W. R, Lincoln, together with a
number of the Board of Managers, assisted your Committee
in making a thorough and satisfactory examination of the
Institution.

The buildings were found to be in good repair, and in a
cleanly condition; the inmates had a cleanly appearance,
both as regards their persons and their clothing; their gen-
eral healthy appearance, ruddy cheeks, &c., gave evidence
of their being well fed and otherwise properly cared for.

A number of the larger youths are employed by contrac-
tors, subject, however, to the strict discipline and rules gov-
erning the institution. It was surprising to see with what
cheerfulness and zeal they applied themselves to their re-
spective tasks; those not engaged on contract work are labor-
ing in the various departments of the Institution—some at
making shoes, some at tailoring, some at baking, and others
at washing, cooking, &c., all being put at some trade or
occupation which will learn them habits of industry and fit
them for future usefulness. They are required to devote six
hours to mechanical labor, and five hours to schooling each
day. They are instructed by competent teachers in all the
branches necessary to give them a good common school edu-
cation; nor are their spiritual training neglected—appropriate
religious exercises being had every day.

At the date of our visit, the inmates numbered 298, and of
this number there, was but a single case in the hospital.
The commodious accommodations, the well lighted and ven-
30