PUBLIC STATE INSTITUTIONS.    529

PUBLIC STATE INSTITUTIONS.
NEW-HAMPSHIRE ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE.

This popular Institution is located in the city of Concord, about
one half mile south-west from the State House. It is situated on
Pleasant Street, on elevated ground, overlooking the southern por-
tion of the City and an extensive range of country towards the
south and south-east.

This Asylum was created by an act of the Legislature, in 1838.
From this date, to 1842, the time was expended in the organization,
location, and erecting necessary buildings, which consisted of a cen-
ter structure, forty-six by fifty-one feet, four stories high, two wings
extending in opposite directions, each being thirty-six by ninety
feet, and three stories high. The center was devoted to business
purposes, while the wings afforded accommodations for forty-five
patients of each sex. It was opened for the reception of patients,
October 28, 1842.

In 1845, it was found necessary to erect a separate building, to
accommodate the more disturbed class of the insane, remote from
the quiet portion in the main buildings.

In 1849-50, another wing was added, which gives accommoda-
tions for fifty more patients. In 1854-5, a fourth extension was
made, on the same side, thirty-four by sixty feet, and three stories
high. This last building was also used for the accommodation of
the disturbed class, to the number of twenty-one. In 1856, another
wing was erected, on the opposite side, thirty-six by one hundred
and forty-six feet, and three stories high, adding room for about
sixty women. In 1856-7, another extension was made, on the same
side, giving additional room for thirty patients. In 1868-69 was
added a building in the rear of the original center for a bakery,
kitchen, ordinary, dining rooms and chapel in the second story.

As now constructed, the Asylum will give accommodations for
two hundred and sixty patients, and the buildings, together with
the land for the location, has cost the State one hundred and ninety-
fa    four    thousand dollars ($ 194,000). It has been the policy of the

State to provide buildings at the public expense, and require a
charge for board sufficient to cover the necessary running expenses
of the institution, and the Trustees have always sought to fix the
rate as low as consistent with the maintenance of a first class
hospital.

The Asylum is under the management of twelve Trustees, ap-