1874.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 773

ments when several other family buildings under the "family
plan" shall be in successful operation.

Time would not permit your Committee to fully survey the
large tract of land, the old mansion and other buildings,
valued at nearly twenty-three thousand dollars, the gener-
ous contributions of Enoch Pratt, Esq., of Baltimore; but
from the appearance and character of the soil, so far as ex-
amined, it seems eminently adapted to the growth of the ce-
reals, vegetables and all kinds of fruits and berries, by the
cultivation of which, when the necessary family buildings
are had, and such team and farming utensils supplied as may
be needed, will probably, at no distant day, render the In-
stitution self-sustaining.

Your Committee further examined the gas-works for sup-
plying all the buildings with gas, and also several fine
springs situated near the buildings, from which a plentiful
supply of pure and wholesome water is had at all seasons of
the year, which water, by means of a hydraulic ram, is be-
ing continuously carried to the upper rooms of the central
building.

Your Committee deem it appropriate to say that the boys
were all neatly and comfortably clad, and seemed contented
and happy in their out-door prison life, whilst we would
make especial mention of the respect and consideration which
they readily show towards all visitors and superiors, and
that this is strongly inculcated upon them by the very wor-
thy and efficient Superintendent.

Your Committee, in conclusion, would respectfully Submit,
that in their judgment the incorporation of this Institution
was a most wise State policy, the economy of which will be
more and more manifest, as our almshouses, jails and peni-
tentiaries become depleted of its non-producing class of pris-
oners, convicted of minor offences, and all such placed in this
Institution, where they will be trained to all kind of useful
work, and where their hours of useful labor will be alternated
with hours of instructition and study in school, and thus he
made useful to the agriculturist and mechanic, and to the
State, as good and law-abiding citizens.

Your Committee, finally, in recommending as they now do,
a liberal appropriation by the State, to enable the Institu-
tion to prosecute fully and successfully the work so auspi-
ciously begun, will take occasion to say, that the taking of
little boys guilty of petty offences against the law, who know
not the laws of the land, nor the laws of God, and instruct-
ing them in the ways of rectitude, and to make of them useful
citizens, is a work which should commend itself to the favor-