THE obvious importance of preserving the historical records of a permanent institution has led to the republication of these Reports. The interest of such documents is often found even greater after they have become matter of history than while they were only serving to note the events of a succession of brief periods. There are some special reports, made by legislative committees, during the period embraced in these regular issues, which are not deemed of sufficient importance to be preserved. The extraordinary labors and adventures of Miss D. L. Dix, in collecting the facts on which her memorial was based, appear both in the light of history and romance, and, so exclusively was the design her own, that, outside of the sphere of her own labors, there will be found little of historical value which does not appear in these pages. The appearance of future volumes is earnestly enjoined on those to whom the institution will be entrusted.

ILLINOIS STATE HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE,

Jacksonville, February 23, 1863.

COMPILER.