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 782 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

and providing other facilities for their care, was begun in the early seventies. At present eleven states prohibit the retention of certain classes of children (all fit for family care) in the alms- houses, while others have made such provision that their reten- tion, although not prohibited, is unnecessary. In Massachusetts none but young children (under eight years of age), with their mothers, and children of unsound mind, are to be sent to the almshouse. 1 In New Hampshire no child of sound mind between the ages of three and fifteen is permitted to remain in the almshouse longer than sixty days. 2 Likewise in Pennsyl- vania pauper children, unless unteachable idiots, epileptics, or paralytics, are not to be kept in the almshouse longer than sixty days. 3 Similarly in Maryland none save the abnormal, between the ages of three and sixteen, are to be retained there longer than ninety days. 4

County homes are to be provided in Connecticut, and after they are so provided, no child between the ages of two and six- teen is to be kept in any almshouse. 5 None but the crippled and deformed are permitted to remain in the almshouses of New York. 6 After January I, 1898, none between the ages of three and seventeen are to be permitted to remain longer than ten days in the "poor asylums" of Indiana. 7 No child between the ages of five and sixteen, unless an unteachable idiot, epilep- tic, or paralytic, or one who is unfit for family life, shall be sent to the almshouse in the state of Wisconsin. 8 In Michigan, Min- nesota, and Colorado no child who may be sent to the state public school may be retained in the almshouse when there is sufficient room at the school. 9 The statutes of Ohio declare that, if children are permitted to remain in the "infirmary," they must be kept in a department separate from that of the adults. 10

Turning to the positive provisions in the several states yet to

1 4, ch. 84. 6 2, ch. 438, Law of 1884.

9 Act of March 26, 1897. 1 Act of February 23, 1897.

346, p. 1020. 8 I527.

4 1, 2, art. 4. 9 I975; 3513; Act of April 10, 1895.

53657. I0 78oo.