TRUSTEES' REPORT.

To his Excellency, GOVERNOR LARRABEE, and the General Assembly:

In communicating the Sixth Biennial Report, the Trustees note with pleasure the prosperous condition of the Institution, with requests for your consideration of the detailed statements in the Superintendent's and Treasurer's reports herewith appended.

We have observed that, while the population of the Institution has increased twenty-eight per centum since the beginning of the period, the percentage of sickness and mortality has been less than for preceding periods. We also have reasons to know that of the number discharged and those remaining in the educational division, the greater number of them have improved and others have been favorably influenced by the care and training received, while the asylum charges have received such care and attention as their condition and circumstances would permit.

The more prominent facilities added during the period have been: The partial completion of the central building, with its conveniences mentioned by the Superintendent; the extension of the water pipes to the creek, and locating horizontal pump in the well from which water is used for culinary and drinking purposes; grading and improvement of grounds; the changes made in the old building, and erection of a new barn.

Following the increased capacity and growth in numbers, we have observed with interest the effect upon the workings of the Institution. In locating the girls' wards in the old and new buildings, the division of the male and female departments is much more definitely defined, thereby the mingling of the sexes more readily controlled.

Additional school rooms and teachers necessarily followed the increased roll call. We heartily commend the interest and zeal manifested on the part of the Superintendent and teachers in the contin

ued development of this beneficent work in caring for these dependent wards of the State.

The organization of the special classes for the benefit of the children possessing more than ordinary mental peculiarities, together with the results of the band class and work in hammered brass and copper, merits our approval and encouragement.

For the more complete development of industrial pursuits, there should be an appropriation of two thousand dollars.

For making improvements on the farm, we recommend an appropriation of two thousand dollars.

Storage for provender and shelter for cattle and hogs are very much needed.

Six hundred dollars could be advantageously used for horticultural purposes, with returns to the State in a few years far in excess of the outlay.

The Superintendent's views relative to the need of better facilities for the care of the sick, meet our endorsement. The law governing the Institution justly provides that all types of imbecile children shall be cared for, which brings together a household requiring a greater range of facilities than the present accommodations afford.

The Institution has never been provided with suitable rooms for hospital care. In view of this, and the fact that continuous demands are likely to be made upon the Institution for admissions, we recommend an appropriation of twenty-two thousand dollars to be used in constructing a building as indicated by plans secured by the Superintendent.

For completing and furnishing the central building, including engine and boiler house, smoke-stack and two new boilers, changes in steam heating and laundry supplies, thirty-nine thousand, five hundred and ten dollars will be required.

The dangers connected with the use of lamps suggests a change in the method of lighting the buildings. We recommend an appropriation of five thousand dollars for this purpose.

The further needs of the Institution referred to by the Superintendent are indicated, and in our judgment should be provided.

As referred to in the appended report, we believe the expenditure of the funds has been made in accordance with the act creating them, with a good showing for the several amounts paid out.

Since the initial step was taken by Iowa in the interest of her feeble-minded, the resources for their care and training have encour