Last fall the press often seemed to indicate a startling increase of insanity among the inmates of the New York State prisons, and it aroused scientific discussion. As the number was larger from those prisons where work was silent, it was held that the want of exercise was the cause. But when it was shown that from the Elmira Reformatory, where work is constant, 65 were transferred to the State Hospital at Matteawan, the State prison authorities cannot account for the sudden increase. Over 700 the past year were sent to this hospital from penal institutions. Who can measure the value of services to those restored as producers, and who would lower the standard of care, if it would result in preventing a single recovery? Many live in hospitals surrounded with everything necessary to their comfort and who may never fully recover, but their burdens are lightened and lives sweetened so far as it is possible to do so. Hospital treatment of the insane in this country has made great strides in the right direction past few years, by substituting proper and healthful employment in place of mechanical restraint, thus stimulating a return in the patient to normal conditions, and naturally improving the prospect of final recovery. The hospital of to-day is not a prison. It is a place where those skilled in the treatment of mental and nervous diseases continually minister to those affected; where health-promoting vocations are encouraged; where books, magazines, music and entertainments contribute to the pleasure and restoration to health of patients. It is a startling fact that of those who were discharged as recovered nearly one-half had been received at the hospitals within a month or two after the affliction, and most all of them were afflicted less than a year prior to their admission. In view of this fact, it becomes the duty of friends and persons afflicted with insanity (whether in prison or out of it) to see to it that they are early placed in the hospitals, for the probabilities of recovery are greatly in their favor. Music both vocal and instrumental, has been found to be exceedingly valuable to restoring unbalanced minds; even brass bands and orchestras have been an untold help. The people of our State have a right to expect that its insane who are cared for at its hospitals, shall have the best medical skill and attention, and the best care that can be given them; pleasant surroundings and good dietary. To this end let us continually labor to always maintain the highest standard of care for those unfortunates. HAVANA PRISONS, CUBA.