123 



had their detrimental effects, which have been augmented by a close inter- 

 marriage of families and by an inordinately large use of liquor." 



In general the mountain man is quicker than the Indiana plainsman, 

 but not as strong. A month's field work did not bring to note any of the 

 storied giants of the hills, though there probably are some. Not all of the 

 people are lank. 



About two generations ago trachoma penetrated into the mountains, 

 and is spreading rapidly, despite the efforts of the state and settlement 

 schools, and the Federal Government. Of over 4,000 people examined in 

 five counties, 12.5 per cent, had this disease. A report from the W. C. T. U. 

 Settlement School at Hindman names twenty-five per cent, for that locality. 

 Adenoid and turbinate cases are common. Several clinics held at Buck- 

 horn revealed that 90 per cent, of those examined were afflicted with hook- 

 worm. Splendid work is being done, but the area to be covered is a vast 

 one, and assistance is needed greatly. Superstitions that diseases are 

 visitations of the Lord to be borne with resignation are disappearing 

 slowly. 



The people continue to be poor. In 1900 land was worth $5.00 per acre, 

 and in 1910 $9.66. (Kentucky: $13.21 and $21.83; Indiana: $31.76 and 

 $62.36.) The average value of all farm property per farm in 1900 was 

 $860 ; and in 1910 it was $1,359. (Kentucky : $2,007 ; and $2,986 ; Indiana : 

 $4,410 and $8,396.) The average value of farm buildings per farm in 1910 

 was $247. (Indiana: $1,230.) 



Institutions. 



There is great need of education. In 1900, 24.3 per cent, of the voters 

 were illiterate, and a decade later, 20.7 per cent. (Kentucky: 15.3 and 13: 

 Indiana: 5.6 and 4.1.) In eight counties in 1900, the illiterate voters con- 

 stituted from 30.5 per cent, to 35.S per cent, of the total. In 1910, 61.6 per 

 cent, of the children, ages 6 years to 20, were in school. (Kentucky: 60.8; 

 Indiana: 66.) Corresponding figures for children from 6 years to 14 years 

 were 73. (Kentucky: 76.) 



However, improvement is being made. In 1900, there were more than 

 20 counties without a local publication. Now, there are but few counties 

 without a press, and several have more than one. 



Formerly, the term of school lasted but three months in the year. The 

 teachers received no training except in the common schools. The buildings 

 were tiny, two or three teachers in some cases teaching in the same room. 



