176 



REPORT — 1855. 



and in no instance has this privilege been abused. Of 229 boys dismissed during 

 the last five years, after the most rigid examination, we can discover but nine cases 

 who have fallen into the hands of justice. From 80 to 90 per cent, are doing well. 

 The following are some of their occupations, viz. 30 sailors, 6 soldiers, 19 tailors, 

 16 shoemakers, 14 farmers, 2 mechanics, 3 iron-founders and moulders, 4 wrights, 

 5 message-boys, 3 shop-boys, 3 brassfounders, 1 baker, 1 carver and gilder, 4 office- 

 boys, 3 carters, 1 shopkeeper, 1 clerk. 



Conclusions. 



1. That our great cities are the centres of crime; and that many incitements to 

 juvenile delinquency there existing, might, through judicious interferences, be 

 greatly modified. 



2. That gaol punishments, instead of reforming, invariably demoralize juvenile 

 delinquents. 



3. That to benefit youthful delinquents, and successfully induce parents to con- 

 tribute to their support, thej' should be sent to Reformatories till their majority, 

 giving power to the directors of such places to send them out, on being satisfied 

 that they would do well. 



4. That the law of love and kindness, combined with intellectual and moral 

 training, never fails in reclaiming youthful oftenders, and making them useful mem- 

 bers of society. 



5. That the experience of many years in the Glasgow Reformatory Schools, proves 

 the reformability of from 80 to 90 per cent, of juvenile delinquents. 



6. That, in an economical point of view, prevention is better than cure; the 

 gross cost of a boy in the Glasgow Reformatory being ^13 per annum, and, de- 

 ducting his earnings, about ,^10. 



Table I. Showing the Number of Boys admitted and disposed of from 1st July 

 1854 till 1st July 1855. 



Boys in House 1st July 1854 232 



Boys admitted from 1st July 1854 till 1st July 1855 87 



Boys disposed of from 1st July 1854 till 1st July 1855 69 



Of these there were sent to Canada and the United States , . 10 



Sent to the Navy 7 



Boys for whom situations have been procured 41 



Boys who left the House irregularly 9 



Boys who died in the House 2 



Boys who returned of their own accord 5 



Average number of Boys in House during the year 237 



Boys in House 1st July 1855 250 



Table II. Showing the average age of Boys when they began to steal, age when 

 admitted into the House, and age at present (1st July 1855). 



Table III. Showing the time the inmates have been in the Institution. 



One year Two Three Four Five Six Seven Total, 



and less. years. years. years. years. years. years. 



No. of Boys 143 41 44 23 18 15 2 286 



