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In my last annual report I published a short sketch of Helen's case, together with a most interesting and instructive account of her history, and of the means and methods employed in her education, written by Miss Sullivan. I shall now notice in brief such of' the developments or striking phenomena as have occurred during the past year, dividing them into physical, intellectual and moral.

Before proceeding with my story, I deem it my duty to state, that personal observation and careful study of the multiform phases presented by this human marvel have convinced me, that there is not the slightest exaggeration in what has been said about her. This opinion is shared by all who have come in contact with her.

Helen enjoys excellent health. Her appetite is exceedingly good, and her sleep, which, in the language of the poet, constitutes the "chief nourisher in life's feast," is sound and unbroken. Her bodily growth has been perfectly symmetrical. She is now eight years and four months old, and her height is four feet, five inches and three-fourths. Her waist measures twenty-four inches, and her head, which is broad and full, measures twenty-one inches and a half in circumference -- in a line drawn around it and passing over the prominences of the parietal and those of the frontal bones. The measurement over the head from the orifice of one ear to that of the other is eleven inches and three-fourths, and from the chin to the top of the crown it is thirteen inches. Notwithstanding the rapidity of her physical development, her frame is so fitly proportioned and so well filled out, her stature so erect, her features so symmetrical, and her figure so graceful, that the following words seem to be peculiarly fitting to her case: --

"How tall she grows! What subtle grace
Doth every movement animate!
With garments gathered for the race,
She stands a goddess, plump and straight."

Helen's mind is incessantly active, and its energy is so intense that men of the medical profession often ask the question, "does she rest well?" and seem to be surprised at the unexpected affirmative reply, which is invariably given to them. There is sufficient ground, however, not only for mere apprehension, but for serious fear, lest the continual excitement of her brain should undermine her health. Of this danger both her teacher and her parents are fully aware, and they are very careful to guard against it. They cause her to take appropriate bodily exercise daily, and avoid everything that might produce disturbance in the nervous system, or serve to stimulate vigorous thought. Since March last no regular instruction has been given to her either in reading, writing, arithmetic or any other branch. Nevertheless, it is utterly impossible to prevent her studying. Whether she is in the house or in the garden, out in the open country or in the crowded streets of a city, on land or on the water, she finds everywhere abundant materials for a lesson in geography or botany or mathematics, or on some other subject. As soon as she enters a car on a horse railroad, she wants to know the color of' the animals, the names of the conductor and driver, the number of the passengers, and whether there are any babies among them, and asks what can be seen on either side of the vehicle as it moves along on the track. In June last she visited the Bunker Hill monument at Charlestown, in company with her mother, her teacher and her friend, Mrs. Hopkins, and manifested great interest in its history and in its height. She had hardly reached the ground after descending from the top of the tower, when she informed her companions that there were two hundred and ninety-two steps in it, missing only two from the exact number.

For six weeks I have had the rare pleasure of sitting by her side at the table, and of walking, playing, romping and travelling with her constantly, and only once during this period did I see her exhibit a spirit of impatience. This occurred during a visit to Pilgrim Hall at Plymouth, where, after examining various articles, such as a model of the " Mayflower," a spinning wheel, Peregrine White's cradle, and several ancient chairs, tables and utensils, she was very much disappointed because everything was not explained to her minutely, and because she was not allowed to lay her hands on the contents of the cabinets, and on the precious relics that are treasured in that sacred shrine. Her hunger for knowledge is insatiate. She is always on the qui vive for something new which seems beyond her reach. No sooner does one begin to converse with her, than the interrogatives, "why," "how many," "who," "what," "when" and "where," fly from her fingers in rapid succession.

This constant seeking after information, and incessant mental alertness, taxing as they do the intellectual and reasoning faculties to the utmost, might prove calamitous to a person of ordinary organization; but fortunately Helen is provided with a safeguard of inestimable value in her cheerful temperament, for she is ever merry, lively and hopeful. She is full of sportiveness and glee, of fun and frolic. She has in a full measure the buoyancy and gayety of childhood. When playing with other little boys and girls, her shrill laugh sounds loudest in the group.