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"Assuming then, that this enterprise is not to be abandoned, the next inquiry should be, to what extent shall provisions be made for its continuance? Various causes conspire to render a change of the present location of the asylum indispensable. It is found to be too much exposed to a great thoroughfare constantly crowded. Two railroads are proposed, and one in the course of construction, passing in the immediate vicinity of the present building, and exposing the helpless and imbecile children to constant danger, however great may be the watchfulness exercised. The title of the property is such that it can not be purchased, and any additions must be made to the house at the risk of losing them.

"In any event, we should recommend the procuring another location. It is very improbable that any suitable house can be hired, and if it be now determined that the institution shall be continued, its best interests will be promoted and true economy observed, by the erection of a plain building adapted in all respects to the purpose.

"The size of the building and its consequent expense, will depend upon the number of pupils to be received. This number must have reference to the probable extent of the demand for such provision, and to the capacity of one institution to meet it.''

The report then proceeded to state the probable number of idiotic children under 14, who would require and whose age would admit of their receiving instruction, at 700, as above-mentioned, and it continued:

''This number is far too large for one school. In our report of last year, we expressed the opinion that more than 150 pupils can not be properly attended to by one superintendent. We are disposed now even to reduce that number. From the peculiarity of each case, the pupils cannot be arranged in classes embracing large numbers; and when in classes, the training and education of each must be guided by an experienced and steady hand; assistants require constant oversight, and too many of them would divert the attention of the superintendent from his appropriate duties.

''A building that would accomodate -sic- about 100 pupils, with the necessary teachers, servants, &c., would enable us to receive eight pupils from each judicial district making 64, and leave room for 36 pay pupils, a number which would soon be filled.

''There should be room for pay pupils, to afford an opportunity to those who are able and anxious to pay for that kind of training and instruction of their children, which can be obtained nowhere else in the State, and also materially aid the revenues of the institution.

''Some inquiries have been made, and it is believed that sufficient land can be procured in an eligible situation, and a plain substantial building, with all necessary out-houses, can he erected, at an expense not exceeding twenty thousand dollars for the whole.''

In pursuance of this suggestion, chapter 159 was passed on the 11th of April, 1853, by which the sum of twenty thousand dollars was appropriated for the purchase of grounds and the erection thereon of buildings, for the reception of pupils of the State asylum for idiots.

The attention of the trustees was immediately directed to the selection of a proper site for the contemplated building. The action of the Legislature had already indicated its expectation, that the institution should be so near the Capitol, as to be accessible to the four State officers, who were appointed its trustees: and to the members of the Legislature, that they might become personally acquainted with the system and its results.

The inquiries for a proper site were therefore confined to the environs of the city of Albany. Various places were visited and examined, and considerable difficulty was experienced in arriving at a decision. The principles, which all the trustees agreed should govern in the selection, were the following: That the building should be so retired as to secure the necessary privacy for the pupils, and yet in such a public position as to afford to them the opportunity of observing the movements of the world around them, and to see those objects calculated to awaken thought. Our superintendent very justly remarks, that education is commenced and carried on very much through the medium of the eye. The remark is peculiarly applicable to the class of children under our care, whose dormant faculties require every stimulant to excite them to action.

Another important consideration for a conspicuous position was, that a subject like this, entirely new to our citizens, should be so prominently presented as to secure public attention and provoke inquiry into its merits; that thus the current prepossessions against this hapless class might be converted into sympathy and beneficence.

Salubrity of position was regarded as indispensable, and, in connection with this, an abundant supply of water became a prime necessity.

Economy and convenience in obtaining the necessary supplies for such a large family were also prominent objects to be attained. The relative apparent cheapness of a site, which would involve the continual and heavy expenses of carriage of these supplies, would very soon prove to be most expensive, as had already been ascertained by our experience. Vicinity to places of public worship, at which the elder and more advanced pupils might attend, was also deemed important.