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SANITARY CONDITION.

The general health of the household throughout the year has been excellent. No epidemic of any kind has prevailed, and no case of death or of serious illness occurred. This is the more extraordinary when we recollect the natural physical debility of the pupils, -MISSING TEXT-

In a large number of cases blindness is caused by some severe illness in early life, which often leaves an indelible impression on the constitution, and renders it more liable to the attacks of disease ever after. In another class of those who come under our care, the extinction of sight is simply a visible symptom of some latent organic disorder; and in still another, which is quite numerous, dimness of vision is produced by what is called, in general terms, scrofula. This disease is usually hereditary, or, when not so, results from want of proper regard to diet, exercise, and habits of personal cleanliness during the early years of childhood. If left unchecked, it undermines the constitution, wastes its vitality, and leads to consumption and other fatal disorders. The fact is, that either from the same causes which bring about the loss of sight, or in consequence of the effects of this misfortune, and the habits which it superinduces upon its victims, there are but very few among the blind who may be considered as typical specimens of perfect health. I am aware that this is a very serious statement, but it is as true as it is grave.

The healthfulness of the mental life and activity of our pupils depends solely upon the soundness of their material organism; that is, the physical condition which secures the uniform and regular performance of all the functions of the body arising from the harmonious action of every one of its parts. Hence all possible means are taken in our institution for the improvement and conservation of the health of the household, and no object is considered of greater importance than that of carefully and wisely guarding against any and all influences that would impair or endanger it. Our sanitary arrangements and hygienic regulations are most cautiously made; cleanliness and regular habits of life are strictly enforced upon all, and special attention is paid to the preparation, quality, quantity, and variety of food, which is one of the fundamental agencies in the promotion of physical well-being, since from it is obtained the material necessary for the growth of the body, and for the supply of the waste occasioned by muscular and mental action. It should be remarked, however, that in all changes of diet the real, and not the imaginary, wants of the pupils are consulted. For it is often the case that a false demand is created by injudicious supplies, which becomes imperious in after life.

TERMS OF ADMISSION.

YOUNG blind persons between the ages of ten and nine- teen, and of good moral character, can be admitted to the school by paying $300 per annum. This sum covers all expenses, except for clothing; namely, board, washing, the use of books, musical instruments, &c. The pupils must furnish their own clothing, and pay their own fares to and from the institution. The friends of the pupils can visit them whenever they choose.

Indigent blind persons of suitable age and character, belonging to Massachusetts, can be admitted gratuitously by application to the Governor for a warrant.

The following is a good form, though any other will do:--

"To his Excellency the Governor.

"SIR, -- My son (or daughter, or nephew, or niece, as the case may be), named --, and aged _ cannot be instructed in the common schools, for want of sight. I am unable to pay for the tuition at the Perkins Institution and Massachusetts School for the Blind, and I request that your Excellency will give a warrant for free admission.

"Very respectfully,

The application may be made by any relation or friend, if the parents are dead or absent.

It should be accompanied by a certificate from one or more of the selectmen of the town, or aldermen of the city, in this form :--

"I hereby certify, that, in my opinion, Mr. -- -- is not a wealthy person, and that he cannot afford to pay $300 per annum for his child's instruction. (Signed)

There should be a certificate, signed by some regular physician, in this form: --

"I certify, that, in my opinion __ has not sufficient vision to be taught in common schools; and that he is free from epilepsy, and -MISSING-

These papers should be done up together, and forwarded to the DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND, South Boston, Mass.

An obligation will be required from some responsible persons, that the pupil shall be kept properly supplied with decent clothing, shall be provided for during vacations, and shall be removed, without expense to the institution, whenever it may be desirable to discharge him.

The usual period of tuition is from five to seven years. Indigent blind persons residing in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, by applying as above to the Governor, or the "Secretary of State," in their respective states, can obtain warrants for free admission.