Here they are considering a proposition to place a gang of laborers on a county farm. The warden is favorable to the experiment and will do all he can to make the effort a success. So far as we know to date, they are not discharging prisoners, detained on account of fines, on condition of paying costs or fines in instalments. Next year we hope to hear they have established this system which in some other counties has proved to be eminently satisfactory. The prisoners listlessly parade for an hour and a half each day either in the corridors or in the small exercise yard. They spend the remainder of the time in their cells excepting those who weave carpet or engage in domestic duties. In 1916 the average daily cost of the food per prisoner was 17.8 cents, and there was an attempt to serve some variety. They purchase bread. None were reported on the parole list. What is the matter with this county? Are there no prisoners fit for parole? Or is the Court still unconvinced? Will Northampton County be the last to adopt a system, the principle of which is becoming universally recognized? No change this year in Efficiency grading. PHILADELPHIA COUNTY. The two departments of this prison, one the convict prison at Holmesburg, the other the receiving prison at Moyamensing, pursue the even tenor of their way. There is little change to report. The sanitary appliances have had much attention within the last few years, and are now in practically perfect condition. The latest cell blocks at the Holmesburg prison represent the best thought in most ways of prison construction. The cells seem like rooms, not cages, the windows deserve the name, and the sanitation is correct. At this prison the solitary system may still be studied. Those who work, however, and there is a goodly proportion, eat at tables and converse freely at all times while employed. There is still no special work other than domestic service and work of repairs and extensions. The hospital at both departments is well equipped. For years prisoners have not suffered much detention on account of non-payment of fines. Fines have been imposed but within the last five years less than 10 per cent. of the amount has been collected. We have no report of the operation of the new law by which fines may be paid in instalments. Grand juries may come and grand juries may go, but the institution pursues its unwavering course. Sometimes the jury recommends improvements which the management desires as sincerely as the jury. Many of these improvements have been made, and it may be the published reports of the grand jury may have rendered the task of securing appropriations a little more easy. But it is an impossible task for any body of twelve or fifteen men within the time of two or three hours to study the conditions of an institution so as to present a well-developed scheme for its management.