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During the latter performance I advanced forward amongst them, so as to be able to observe more accurately how far each youth took his portion, or whether some remained silent or not. This unfortunate step on my part disturbed their attention, and some irregularity as well as discord was the consequence, but only for a short time. Aware that my presence amongst them had unintentionally formed a cause of disturbance, I became sensible of my error, and was made conscious how slight a cause is sufficient to destroy the order and precision which has been created in these feeble and imperfect minds.

This completed the musical exercises, which were gone through in a manner that would have done credit to any juvenile class of singers enjoying the full use of all their faculties. The songs were sung with much clearness and great power. Indeed, such was the force of sound produced, that whenever any of the musicians took up their violins by way of an occasional accompaniment, the instrumental music was completely drowned by that of the united voices. The general effect was remarkably good, and such as would have met the approval of any person ignorant that the performers were composed of a class of imbeciles. The effect of music, at all times grateful, was in this instance exalted in a high degree by the contemplation that it formed a powerful means of exciting faculties which otherwise might forever have remained dormant. Its influence was manifest among this assemblage of persons, formerly supposed to be incapable of any amount of execution, still less of any capability of appreciating it. It was evident, however, that not only did each join with full spirit in the general chorus, but also that an exhilarating effect was produced throughout the whole body, well calculated to quicken the feeble and scanty germs of intellectual power bestowed on these forlorn creatures. Apart from this higher consideration, the evident delight they all manifested when engaged in singing their songs, was of itself very pleasing to witness; and I could not avoid thinking, that if it were to serve no other purpose than that of illuminating, by a momentary consciousness of happiness, an existence otherwise dark, blank, and joyless, it would be desirable to institute such exercises.

In a future article will be given a description of the various methods adopted to communicate to the pupils a knowledge of things and signs, of reading, writing, and calculating, as well as the mode of instruction pursued to enable them to follow various mechanical employments.

The means of educating the juvenile idiots at the Bicêtre, as formerly mentioned, consists of a variety of exercises, likely to rouse the dormant capacities of the pupils. Some of the exercises, not already described, consisted of marching in various figures, as arranged by small ornamented flags. These evolutions seemed to impart much pleasure.

The next series of exercises, though less attractive as a spectacle, were probably equally useful, if not more so, as a means of exciting attention and compliance with the particular directions of the instructor. At his request each pupil held up first the right hand, then the left, then both hands. Subsequently, the right hand was ordered to be pointed to the right side, and then to the left; the same also with the left hand; the corresponding leg and arm were now required to be advanced, then those of the opposite side; and lastly, they were desired to kneel and rise again at the word of command. They then embraced each other, and remained standing two and two in an easy and graceful posture, producing an appearance of mutual good-will and friendship. Indeed, it is more than probable that the mere assumption of such attitudes may become the means of exciting some small share of fellow-feeling and attachment between the different members of this singular community. These various positions and motions of the limbs were simultaneously performed by the whole of the pupils at the instant the order issued from their preceptor.

A large mat was now unrolled, and placed in the centre of the room, when various gymnastic exercises were entered upon by several couples. At this time it was especially gratifying to witness the amount of observation and attention excited in the bystanders, as was manifested by their hearty laughter, whenever a failure or accident happened. As only a few could be engaged in these gymnastics, the rest were left to their own discretion, and in a little while they became distributed in various parts of the room; the majority, however, remained watching those at play, others loitered near the musicians, touching, with simple curiosity, the various instruments which had performed an important part in leading and guiding their feeble and wandering faculties. Before entering on the next series of instructions, it was desirable that the whole should assume an orderly demeanor, and they were accordingly required to arrange themselves, and prepare to march round the room. Having done this once or twice, they were ordered to halt opposite the seats placed ready for them; then desired to be seated; each taking his place at once, and all seeming ready to attend to their next lesson.