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Thus in Massachusests -sic-, for example, to quote from the report of Dr. S. G. Howe, on the "training and teaching of idiots," made in February, 1850. "There had been also several cases where blindness was accompanied with feebleness of intellect approaching to idiocy, and the degree of success which had crowned the effort to instruct the sufferers, gave a portion of the knowledge and faith necessary, to those who would have the management of the new experiment.

That these cases, thus alluded to, had not received a special education as idiots, is evident from the language of the same report on a previous page: "It may be well, in this first report, to put upon record a brief history of this interesting movement in behalf of a class of unfortunant -sic- creatures, who have hitherto been thought to be beyond the reach even of the most earnest hand of charity.

"In the winter of 1845-6 several gentlemen became interested in the sad condition of the idiots of the State, and, without any precise knowledge of what had been done for such persons elsewhere, or what could be done, determined that a fair trial should be made of the capacity of this unfortunate class for improvement. The State had most readily and generously seconded the efforts of humane men for the relief of the insane, the deaf mutes, and the blind, and made ample provision for their care and instruction. While, like a wise parent, she left all her other children to wholesome liberty and strengthening self control, she gathered these feeble ones under the wings of her motherly love, and nursed and nurtured them with unsparing pains and care. Nothing had been done for the most wretched and helpless of all -- the idiots, but this was only because their case seemed hopeless."

Those connected with the deaf and dumb asylums of the country had been especially awakened to the importance of the subject. They were not uncommonly receiving pupils of this character, because muteness is so common a symptom of idiocy. I am aware of only a few cases that were retained and partially educated even at these institutions.

A boy was received at the New-York institution in 1839, and retained for the space of three years, under the instruction of professor Morris, with quite favorable results.

In the American Annals for the Deaf and Dumb, January 1848, will be found an article by Professor Turner, in which two or three cases are described, that had been under instruction for longer or shorter periods, at the American Asylum at Hartford, Conn.

A brief account of some of the European schools was given also, in the reports of the American asylums, which are extensively distributed.

It only remains to append a list of the American institutions for the education of idiots, in the order in which they were opened.

A private institution at Barre, Massachusetts, that was established by Dr. H. B. Wilbur in July, 1848. This is now in successful operation, under the management of Dr. George Brown.

The Massachusetts Experimental School, at South Boston, commenced in October,1848. Dr. S. G. Howe, Superintendent.

The New York State Asylum, at Albany, opened in October, 1851. Dr. H. B. Wilbur, superintendent.

A private institution opened in the winter of 1852, at Germantown, Penn., by Mr. J. B. Richards, who was connected with the Massachusetts State School, as instructor, from its commencement. This is now merged in the Pennsylvania State Institution, founded in 1853. Mr. J. B. Richards, superintendent.