89 



out their permission, excepting where they have been the subjects of 

 public premium or are connected with some public institution, to 

 subjoin their names ; but the public spirit, which has induced them 

 to make these communications, is much to be applauded. 



I have taken special pains to visit every Pauper establishment in 

 the county with which a farm is connected. I have accounts from 

 many of them, which are interesting and instructive, but I fear to 

 extend my report. Their condition and management in general 

 are respectable and encouraging. The condition of the unfor- 

 tunate inmates is enviable compared with what it was in former 

 times, when no out-door labor was provided for them ; and their la- 

 bor applied in this way does much to relieve the towns from the bur- 

 den of their expense. In only a single instance have 1 found any al- 

 lowance of spirituous liquor ; and very rarely the use of any fermented 

 or intoxicating drink among them. This is an immense advance in civil- 

 ization and humanity. It struck me as greatly desirable, if consistent 

 with the ends of public justice and the security of the wretched vaga- 

 bonds and convicts who are committed to these places, that the 

 county Houses of Correction should have a farm connected with them, 

 where the labor of the inmates, which is now applied with little compar- 

 ative adavantage, either in point of pecuniary profit, health, or morals, 

 might do much towards their support if devoted to agriculture or garden- 

 ing. There are insular or peninsular situations to be found, combining 

 every advantage for this object, where the perfect security of the con- 

 victs might be assured at an expense not greater than is now incurred. 



The condition of the population of Essex, before the recent finan- 

 cial derangements and calamities in the country, was singularly pros- 

 perous and thrifiy. The extraordinary gains acquired in mechanical 

 and manufacturing employments, though it increased the den)and for 

 agricultural products, tended to withhold from agriculture much of 

 the labor and intelligence, which would otherwise have been applied 

 to it ; and to encourage a distaste for it as a severe and unprofiiable 

 pursuit. The extraordinary reverses, which have taken place within 

 the last two years, have diawn atteniion and labor more strongly to 

 the earth as a bank sure not to fail ; always ready to honor the drafts 

 12 



