population in the several States. The irregularity in making additional provision for the insane in the several States explains the variations in part, but why marked decreases should be followed by increases of like magnitude is not clear.

Insane in State Hospitals

(See Table V, page 364.)

Table V shows the number of State hospitals in each State, the number of insane patients cared for therein on January 1, 1917, and the average number per hospital. Although there are 156 State hospitals for the insane housing 203,206 patients, or an average of 1,303 per hospital. New York has 15 State hospitals with an average of 2,451 patients per hospital; Massachusetts has 12, with an average of 1,138 patients; Illinois and Ohio each have 8, with an average of 2,013 and 1,514 patients respectively; Pennsylvania has 7, with an average of 1,360 patients; of the other States, 2 have 6 each; 3, 5 each; 5, 4 each; 8, 3 each; 9, 2 each; and 16, 1 each.

In 1910 there were 143 State hospitals with a total patient population of 159,096, or an average per hospital of 1,113. The data for 1917 with respects to State hospitals therefore show an increase of 13 institutions, and 44,110 patients. The average patient population per State hospital has increased 190 since 1910.

Increase of Feebleminded in Institutions

(See Table VI, page 365.)

That the movement for more adequate provision for the feebleminded in institutions is bearing fruit is clearly shown by Table VI. The feebleminded in institutions in the United States increased from 20,731 to 37,220, or 79.54 per cent, during the 7-year period from January 1, 1910, to January 1, 1917. In 1910, 17 States reported no feebleminded in institutions; in 1917, all but four States were making some institutional provision for this class. In 1910 the Federal Census Bureau estimated that not over one-tenth of the feebleminded in the United States were being cared

for in institutions. On the same basis and assuming that the increase in feebleminded has been at the same rate as the general population, there is now about one-sixth of the total feebleminded population in institutions.

This brief review of the insane and feebleminded in institutions indicates that marked progress is being made in caring for these classes of unfortunates. The number of institutions is rapidly increasing and the number of patients is mounting higher and higher. Institutions are also being much better constructed and methods of treatment are becoming more enlightened. The number of insane and feebleminded at large with the evils associated therewith is consequently lessening.

TABLE I

TABLE I-Continued