small and wholly inferior in point of usefulness to such as could be erected for a little more than the cost of repairing the old ones. They are, moreover, from their close proximity to, and obstruction of the. view of the south wing and central building, in a position which will ultimately require their removal to some more eligible situation. One large stock barn, with sheds, piggery and hennery attached, all grouped round a common yard, seems to be one of the most pressing needs of the hospital and farm at the present time. All our barns are poor, of small size, and wholly unsuited to the proper housing and care of the stock which we now have, and which will, of course, be increased with the growth of the institution. They are, besides, situated at an inconvenient distance from each other, necessitating much additional labor in the proper management of the farm and care of the stock, which would be economical in bringing them together, securing also the additional advantage of enabling us to utilize steam in preparing the feed, whether of roots and vegetables or of grain-a process acknowledged to be of the greatest value in the fattening of stock. We should also secure other results equally desirable, which cannot be attained in the present widely separated situation of the barns, without too great an expenditure of time and labor. The direct benefit which would accrue therefore, in concentrating the stock and lessening the labor of their care, would be considerable. To effect this, either at the present or at some future time, as may be thought expedient by your board, would require an appropriation of some $3,500 to $4,000. This sum, it is thought, would be sufficient to secure the erection of a new barn, with sheds, hennery and piggery, etc. attached, and cover the expense of moving the old ones (two of them at least) to a site-if thought suitable-not far distant from the new barn and carriage house, which is in process of erection at this time, and which will probably be completed and ready for occupancy sometime during the coming month. The amount of the appropriation ($1,500) granted at the last session of the legislature, was found to be insufficient for the erection of a "horse barn and carriage house" sufficiently large to meet the requirements of the institution in this regard, and at the same time secure a good and suitable structure that would prove either economical or creditable to the State. Your board, therefore, with commendable prudence, having regard only to the best interests of the State and the institution in your custody, thought best to abandon the idea of erecting a building to come within the amount of the appropriation, which completed (even with the practice of the strictest economy) would still prove far too small to meet the requirements of the hospital. Bids were therefore sought from different parties, looking towards the erection of a better and larger edifice, to be constructed of brick, which would prove in the end more satisfactory, both to the hospital and the State. The contract was finally awarded to Messrs. Bushnell & Co., the lowest bidders, for $2,800, exclusive of stable fixtures, water pipe, etc., which will raise the amount to about $3,000; and the results of this independent exercise of discretion will, without doubt, justify the action taken, and meet the sanction and approval of the legislature. The clerk makes the following report of the 10 bu. radishes, (winter) at 50c. 5 bu. raddish, (spring) at $1.00. 12 bu. lettuce, at $1 00.. 69 bu. peas, (green) at $1.25. 4 bu. peas, (seed) at $10 00. 123 bu. potatoes, at $1.00.. 38 bu. turnips, at 35c. 90 bu. cucumbers, at $1.00.. 60 bu. onions, at 75c. 56 bu. tomatoes, at 60c.. 106 bu. carrots, at 50c.. 25 bu. early sweet corn, at $1.00. 125 bu. beets, at 40c... 325 bu. celery roots, at 25c.. 9 bu. beans, at $2 00. 40 bu. beans, (string) at 50c... 30 bu. parsnips, at 50c.. 730 melons, at 15c... 3, 056 heads cabbages, at 4c. 4 tons squash, at $20.00.. FARM. $70 00 96 60 150 00 300 00 37 50 505 56 19 80 24 75 77 50 15 00 3 00 32 00 40 00 $1,371 71 Brought forward..... STORES ON HAND DECEMBER 1, 1872—Continued. 5 lbs. cast steel soap, at 16c... 28 lbs. corn starch, at 101c. 6 lbs. cassia, at 60c.. 6 lbs. cloves. at 20c. 3 lbs. nutmegs, at $1.35. lb. mace, at $1 90.. 1 gal. French mustard, at $1.00 .. 10 lbs. candles, at 19 c. 66 lbs. Ottawa starch, at 9c. 40 lbs. silver gloss starch, at 10c. 12 lbs. maccaroni, at 17c.. 40 boxes concentrated lye, at 71⁄2c... 54 gals. vinegar, at 20c.. 1 gross coffee essence.. 18 bath brick, at 6c......... 340 bars olive soap, at 63.. 420 Kirk's savon soap, at 6дc. 20 gals. soft soap, at 121 30. 13 gals. syrup, at 90c...... $45 15 80 3 01 4 50 11 25 6 25 2.40 3 60 1 20 4 05 95 1 00 1 95 4.00 2. 04 3.00 10 80 3.00 1 08 22 10 25 72 1 80 11 70 6c. 25 gals. molasses, at 55c 13 bbls. common salt, at $2.35. 3 52 LIST OF ARTICLES MADE AND REPAIRED, IN THE HOSPITAL, FROM APRIL TO DECEMBER 1, 1872. In conclusion, I desire to express to those upon whom I have relied for assistance in conducting the affairs of the Hospital my acknowledgments for the fidelity and zeal which they have manifested. Dr. Richard S. Dewey was appointed first assistant physician in December, 1871, and entered upon his duties on the first of January. His thorough medical education, scholarly mind, and uniform kindness of deportment, eminently qualify him for the responsible position which he fills, and I take this occasion to express my high appreciation of the valuable services rendered by him at a time when efficient co-operation was the most needed. By his untiring zeal and devotion to duty, my own labors have been lightened, and the comfort and prosperity of the Hospital advanced. It gives me pleasure, also, to make honorable and deserved mention of the faithful manner in which Mr. Clarkson-though but a short time with us has filled the office of clerk, and Mrs. Porter-who has been with us from the beginning-that of matron, both cheerfully and satisfactorily discharging the varied duties incumbent upon them, and giving evidence of increasing usefulness in the future. To Mr. Haid, supervisor of the male department, and Miss Hughes, supervisor of the female department, my especial thanks are due for their unwearied and conscientious labors to promote the welfare of those under their charge. To their unremitting fidelity, a large measure of the peace and harmony of the Institution may justly be ascribed; and to all those who have so ably seconded my efforts for establishing order and discipline, and securing the highest good of all concerned, I am under obligations. To the members of your Board I am greatly indebted for wise counsels and kind co-operation in labors to secure the complete organization and permanent prosperity of the Institution under your guardianship. May the favor of heaven be accorded to the sincere efforts all have put forth, and a period of unbroken prosperity mark our history thus auspiciously begun. EDWIN A. KILBOURNE, Physician and Superintendent. December 2, 1872. |