IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V / A O .<<% :/. 1.0 I.I 1.25 12.2 m 1.16 ii 1.4 12.0 1.8 1.6 m jaP^„ 4^1 \ ,{M*4f .<^»'>/ 4li'4ir «j««»,»>«i*<<. ifMMlilO^ FEWM ,^':* i ■^ «r7« r^n K ^ ^ k..'" 'Ji^ n ...^~*-w-«™«^. ' B k« ' L^ .;::», ^tifSFss&xt'^'^:;^-:- aaaaiair a KM H , ,;: ■ 1* 4i J BM^ ■r. J 4| r ^E %r-^ 'Jt-!.*5. '**fe'.'4'*iifJ5 - 'vi- ■*., ighiing in % Mnth. m A V?' PUfifeiSHED BY l^^ T/T c F.'^ FRASER, ft • SuperinteT»dei\t Institution f*or Blintt, Halifax, N. S. 1879. 1,^0 f^ "^/^ta^^/^ NOVA SCOTIA PHlN'HNG CO. Corner SackvUU and GranviUe Streets, Halifax. LIVES OF /sjlii BRIEIAN Ai OLM MELl; Z)r. S. G. Howe, Director of the Perkins Institute for the Blind, Boston, Mass., U. S. < ' <^» » » [These two persons though totally blind and if, and therefore speechless, succeeded in learn- to work so well as to earn a livelihoo'd. They TQ excellently to illustrate the capacity of id persons to work and thereby support jmselves, and particularly so because, if they \o, besides lacking sight, lacked also another )ortant sense, can do it, a portion of those who [l have, in addition, the sense of hearing, can it. )nly three or four cases of this kind are men- led in* history, and those but vaguely, and lout any distinct fact, save that of combined idness and mutism. 16 question has been discussed by writers on [philosophy of education, whether beings in lan form, but so closely shorn of those senses lisite for communing with the outer world, |d be taught any systematic language for such nunion. The renowned Abbe Sicard, of naturally proud of his success, and of ice. his eminent authority in matters connected with the education of deaf mutes, formed the opinion, in his learned speculations, that they might be, and he made some rough observations about his mode of proceedure, should such a case ever come to his knowledge. But none ever came to his knowledge, or to that of any other regular teacher, in any language with which I am acquainted. It was therefore considered as an open question whether such a person, if found, could be taught any system of signs which would serve for a language ; but Sicard did not venture, I think, to suggest any way by which it could be done. I often, while reading or thinking of the matter, had asked myself the same question soon after becoming familiar with tlie usual methods of teaching the blind and the deaf mutes, and I resolved to make the attempt to teach the first one I should hear of. When, therefore, I read in a country paper an account written by Dr. Muzzey, of a girl in New Hampshire said to be devoid of sight, hearing and smell, I started forthwith to ascertain the facts of the case. LAURA BRIDGEMAN. I found in a little village in the mountains, a pretty and lively girl, about six years old, who was totally blind and deaf, and who had only a very indistinct sense of smell : so indistinct that, unlike other young deaf mutes, who are con- tinually smelling at things, she did not smell even at her food. This sense afterwards de- veloped itself a little but was never much used or relied upon by her. She lost her senses by am o be I arted ns, a who ily a that, con- araell i de- used IS by scarlet fever so early tliat she has no recollection of any exercine of them. Her father was a sub- stantial farmer, and his wife a very intelligent woman. My proposal to give regular instruction to the child seemed to be a very wild one. But the mother, a woman of considerable natural ability, animated by Wixrm love for her daughter, eagerly assented to my proposal, and in a few days little Laura was brought to my house in Boston, and placed under regular instruction by levssons improvised for the occasion. I required her by signs which she soon came to understand to devote several hours a day to learning to use her hands, and to acquiring command of her muscles and limbs. But my principal aim and hope was to enable her to recognize the twenty- six signs which represent the letters of the alphabet. She submitted to the process patiently, though without understanding its purpose. I will here give a rou^h sketch of the means which I contrived for her mental developement. I first selected short monosyllables, so that the sign v/hich she was to learn might be as simple as possible. I placed before her, on the table, a pen and a pin, and then, making her take notice of the fingers of one of my hands, I placed them in the three positions used as signs of the manual alphabet of deaf mutes, for the letters p, e, n, and made her feel them, over and over again, many times, so that they might be associated together in her mind. I did the same with the pin and repeated it scores of times. She at last perceived that the signs were complex, and that the middle sign of the one, that is the e, differed from the middle sign of the other that is i. \ >*'i IH u h: m }'\\ This was the first steps gained. This process was repeated over and over, hundreds of times, until, finally, tlie association was established in her mind between the sii^n composed of three signs, and expressed by three positions of my fingers, and the article itself, so that when I held up the pen to her she would herself make the complex sign ; and when I made the complex sign on my fingers, she would triumphantly pick up the pen, and hold it up before me, as much as to say, " This is what you want." Then the same process was gone over with the pin, until the association in her mind was intimate and complete between the two articles, and the com- plex positions of the fingei-s. She had thus learned the arbitrary signs, or the names of the two dift'erent things. She seemed conscious of having understood and done what I wanted, for she smiled, while I exclaimed, " Eureka ! Eureka!" I now felt that the first step had been taken successfully, and that this was the only really difficult one, because by continuing the same process by which she had become enabled to distinguish two articles, by two arbit?'ary signs, she cjould go on :.>nd learn to express in signs two thousand, and, finally, the forty and odd thousand signs, or words in the English language. Having learned that the sign for these two articles, pin and pen, was conjposed of three signs, she would perceive that in order to learn the names of other things, she had got to learn other signs. I went on with monosyllables, as being the simplest, and she learned gradually one sign of a letter from another, until she knew all the alp t com- thus ►f the ►us of d, for jreka ! been only the abled ?'ary ss in and glish the arbitrary, tangible twenty-six letters of tho alphabet, and how to arrange them to express various objects : knife, fork, spoon, thread and the like. Afterwards she learned the nanies of numerals or digits ; of the punctuation and exclamation and interrjogation points, — some forty-six in all. With these she could express the name of every- thing, of every thought, of every feeling, and all the numberless shades thereof. She had got the " Open Sesdme" to the whole treasury of the English language. She seemed aware of the importance of the process, and worked at it eagerly and incessantly, taking up various articles and inquiring hy gestures and looks what signs upon her fingers were to be piit together in order to express their names. At times she was too radiant with delight to be able to conceal her emotions. It sometimes occurred to me that she was like a person alone and help- less in a dark, deep, still pit, and that I was letting down a cord and dangling it about, in hopes she might find it ; and that finally she would seize it by cliance and cling to it, be drawn up by it into the light of day, and into human society. And it did so happen ; and thus she instinctively and unconsciously aided in her happy deliverance. After she had mastered the system of arbitrary signs, made by the various positions of the fingeis used by deaf nmtes and called dactylology, the next process was to teach lier to recognize the same signs in types, with the outlines of the letters embossed upon their ends. Thus with types, tw^o embossed with p, two with n, one with e, and another with i, she could, by netting them side by side in the quadrilateral holes in the blind man's slate, make the sign pen or pin, as she wished ; and so with other signs. The next process was to teach her that when a certain kind of paper was pressed firmly upon the ends of these types, held close together and side by side, there would be a tangible sign cm the reverse of the paper, as pin or pen, according to the position of the three types ; that she could feel of this paper, distinguish the letters, and so read ; and that these signs could be varied and multiplied, and put together in order, and so make a book. Tien she was provided with types having the outlines of the letters made with projecting pin points, which, when pressed upon stifl'ened paper, {nerced through, and left a dotted outline of each ettcr upon the reverse side. This, she soon ascertained, could serve for writing down what- ever she desired, and be read by herself, and also could be addressed to friends and sent to them by mail. She was also taught to write letters and words with a lead -pencil, by the aid of the French writing board, which is the n.ost simple, most effective, and cheapest method ever yet invented. This apparatus is made out of a piece of stiff pasteboard, of the size of a common meet of letter paper, and has grooved lines or channels, about the eighth of an inch deep, running, an inch apart, transversely across the pasteboard plate. This pasteboard is inserted between the two pages of a common sheet of letter paper, and the first leaf is pressed with the forefinger into the grooves. This leaves depressions or channels. teral I pen ligns. en a upon r and Ti on rding could id so { and id so »g the ig pin paper, t* each soon iwhat- d also them linels. the upp<»rand iower edge of which can he foUhy the pencil point, and this, a little ])rcs.se(l, leaves it marked with an o, or an i ot a. t The sides of the grooves also give to tVie paper which is pressed between i\iem rounded edges, .so that the pencil can slide upwards and downwards, over and under them, and also be guided from left to right- It would occupy more space than can be spared here to explain how, after she had learned the names of substantial noun«, or names of things in the concrete, she came to understand words expressive of the various material, or moral qualities thereof. The process was slow and diiiicult, but i was so aiegin, and perseverance to finish the work. OLIVER CASWELL. The next case of this kind which I heard of was tliat of a boy^named Oliver Caswell. This was after my success in developing the latent talent of Tjaura Bridgeman. I immediately sought him out, and found him 13 to be a comely youth, of about 8 ycar» old, in good health, but totally blind and deaf from tender infancy, and unins true ted by any special process. I procured his admission into our Institution ; and by the aid of the zealous and intelligent young ladies who had been engage';t!i^A 2C' In the development of the natural sciences, the blind have made valuable contributions, and have assisted in unfolding those branches which require profound thought and minute calcula- tion* In the realm cf song tliey liave also been eminent Two of tlie greatej^t poets the world has ever known W3re blind. No other epic poems have so long held a prominent place in the literature of the world as the Iliad and Odyssey by Homer, the blind bard, written about nine hundred years before the Christian era. Paradise Lost and others of John Milton's most famous poems were Avritten more than a decade after he became blind, yet his name stands prominent among English poets. Nicholas Sanderson, who was blind from infancy, was born in England, in 1GH2. While quite young he manifested nmcli fondness for learning, and several wealthy gentlemen were induced to supply tlic nicans which enabled him to acquire a thorough education. When twenty- nine years of age, through the influence of his personal friend, Sir Isaac Newton, he succeeded that gentleman as Professor of Mathematics in the Cambridge University, in which position he distinguislied himself not less for the clearness and precision with which he taught the Hcience of optics to his large class of students, than by the success which attended his lectures in all other branches committed to his charge. He was the author of several works on mathematics, and invented and used the first ciphering slate for the blind. Sir John Fielding, of England, U 'gh blind 27 from childhood, was educated for the har. In this piofr-ssion lie rose to eminence, and his superior knowledge won for him in 1752 the position of Chief Magistrate of tlie kingdom, and he received the honor of knighthood. In deeds of mercy he was no less distinguished. He founded the tiivt Orphan Asyhmi for girls established in London, an institution still in existence. Francis Hul)cr, who was blind from boyhood, was born in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1750. From an early age he was fond of obseiving the nature and habit*? of insects, and wa« particularly inter- ested in the natural history of bees. He was aided in his studies by a faithful servant and other intelligent friends, who under his direction made minute and careful observa- tions. Among other discoveries which he thus made w^ere, first, the origin of the propolis ; second, settled the disputed point as to the origin of the wax, and the manner in which bees pre- pare it for their use ; third, showed the part each class of bees takes in the economy of the hive. So thoroughly did he exhaust this subject, in his writings, that naturalists have been able to add but little to it since his day. When asked by a doubting friend how he could thus write about what he had never seen, Hubcr replied : " I am much more certain of what I write than you are, for you publish only that which your own eyes have seen, while I take the mean among many witnesses." Near the close of his long and eventful life he remarked to a friend : " I can only say that resignation and serenity are bless- imn which have never been denied me.** 28 Professor Henry Fawcett, at present one of tlie {prominent leaders in tlie British Parlianioiit, lost lis sight as he was about entering upon the active duties of manhood ; but he was not dis- couraged, as he believed that in spite of blindness a career of honor and usefulness still awaited liim. A glimpse of the spirit which then actu- ated him, is shown by a remark he is reported as having made at that tine. His father was condoling with him on the oss of his sight; the son replied, " Fortunately we have the means to secure aid from fne eyes of others for practical needs ; rejoice with me that my health is unim- pared, my purpose still strong, and my spirit as cheerful as ever." Time will not permit a reference to but few of the many successful blind in our own country. The blind deserve much credit for the part taken by them in the organization and management of our Institutions ; and the prosperous condition of these Institutions represented in this associa- tion by blind superintendents, attest to the character, efficiency and ability found in that class of persons. The peculiar fitness of the blind as teachers among those of their own class, has long been recognizied, and all or nearly all of the Institutions in this country are employing them more or less. Music must coi^tinue to be prominently taught in our Institutions, not simply because of the pleasure the pupils c^erive from it, but especially because so many are able to make a practical use of it after leaving school. Probably there are hundreds of graduates from our ]nstitution^;, in different parts of the country, who are success- 20 fully solviiii^ the i)robloni of life as organists, choristers, music teachers, or piano tuners, 't is well that our Institutions expeml so much tinnj and money in teaching mechanical trades, for by- such training pupils are taught to work skilfully with their hands, and to be regular and industri- ous in attending to business. Most of our trades are easily and quickly learned by the seeing, and consequently when a young man undertakes to start a shop for himself, he finds that compara- tively unskilled labor has already stocked the market with his class of goods, and the margin between the cost of raw material and manufac- tured goods is so small that he can receive but a trifling i-eturn for his labor. A blind person who has ability to manage a business, should not be contented with merely gaining a scanty support by working at a trade, for there are many occu- pations in which a well- trained mind, coupled with industry and honesty, would insure success in spite of blindness. It is no small credit to the blind, that one of our number has organized and is successfully managing the Working Home for Blind Men in this *city. - David N. Sellig, who has been blind from early c'liidhood, became a pupil in the New York Institution when quite young. At that time, pupils could be retained in the school for but a limited time, and young Sellig's term expired when he was about seventeen years of age. After leaving school he attempted at different times, several branches of business, in each of which he met with disappointments enough to *Phila(leli>liia. HBi 30 have discouraged one having less resohition, or less faith in himself. About fourteen years ago he started in the city of Newburg, the mattress and furniture Vmsiness, on a scale commensurate with his limited means, and by good management the business increased, until it became the largest establishment of the kind between New York and Albany. Not satisfied with this, he recently sold Ins en- tire retail business, and commenced the manufac- ture of furniture. His shops are fitterl up with the most improved machinery and appliances for the business, in which he now employs twenty men and intends soon to increase the number. Among those educated at the New York Insti- tution, was a young man who established himself in a neighboring city as a music teacher. After following his profession for a few years with a fair degree of success, he abany living in the open air, or on the liouse tops, is anotlu^r freijuent cause of this malady. China we find almost as bad, one in four hundred. Tliis larranch of science that has not been adorned by the sightless. Within the present century, both in Europe and America, much has been accomplished to- ward the amelioration of the social condition of the blind. In our own country, in the past forty- tive years, twenty-nine institutions have been trected for the instruction of the blind, and thus the means of obtaining a liberal education has been placed within the reach of every blind per- son. Vast has been the irood resultiuL' from theso institutions blind. in elevating the great ma^s of the 30 M The erroneous idea that many parents enter- tain, that their children who arc born blind or lose their sight at a very early age, are incapable of receiving instruction, has frequently occasion- ed either the most culpable neglect, or the most absurd treatment of such unfortunate children, and when they are afterwards admitted into institutions, very often presents to their instruc- tors greater ditHculties than blindness itself, and not unfrequently prevents the object in view from being accomplished, or at least renders it painfully tedious. Many blind children are made to sit or lie down during the day, and are not encouraged to ve/iture out alone ; hence the nerves and muscles become weakened and almost paralyzed for want of proper exercise. Sitting idle, they contract habits peculiar to the blind, such as rubbing and shaking the hands, working the head, making faces and the like. Such habits often cling to them in after-life, and frequently are the means of impairing their usefulness. The minds of such children are often found in as deplorable a condition as their bodies, although they may possess niany first-rate abilities, which for want of development lie useless. It is therefoi'e high- ly necessary that blind children should, from their earliest years, be well accustomed to the use of their hands and feet, and of their powers of observation. They should be encouraged to associate with their sighted companions as much as possible, and shoidd not be guarded and look- ed after as though they were totally helpless. Such treatment would tend to made them vigor- ous and self-i'eliant. 37 gest It might not be out of place liere to sug- that a pamphlet be published Ijy this Convention on the early training and education of blind children, to be circulated among the parents and guardians of the blind. Dr. Howe in his last report speaks of this. A similar work was published and circulated in Germany in 1837, by a member of the Prussian Government, at his own expense. In 1839 another edition was published and distributed at the expense of the Government, and special means were taken that they should be explained to such of the humbler classes as were unable to undersand them. Our American institutions can not make too great exertions in counteracting the evil re- sulting from neglect of early training of blind children. I regret to say that too frequently but littje effort is made on the i)art of the teacher towards the improvement of tlieir manners, both in society and at home. When in company, they are unable to conduct themselves with propriety and thus make it unpleasant for themselves and tliose around them. These defects are often urged as objection^' to their employment as in- structors of literature and music in schools and families, as it would produce an undesirable ett'ect on the minds of their pupils. It is this that has been one of the greatest barriers be- tween manv of the able graduates of our institu- tions, and success. And until this ol ejection has, l>een removed, and society learns better to ap])reciate the efforts and capabilities of the blind, one of the noble objects fur which our institutions have been established can never be accomplished, and all the education we may ■Bl 38 l>. 1^ give will aflbrd them but little means of self- support. And it is to be hoped that our insti- tutions will awaken to a keener sense of the necessity and importance of attending to the habits and manners of the blind. They should be taught to be very particular in attending to every thing which demeanor, custom or modesty, requires or forbids. But as blindness makes this more difficult,* more attention and patience is required on the part of the teacher They should be taught to attend to their toilet proper- ly, how to behave at table, and be given a proper understanding of the rules of etiquette and good behaviour. Before closing this essay, I desire to call the attention of this Convention to a custom now prevalent in a few of our institutions — that is, of making a social distinction between the blind and seeing teachers. This subject is certainly deserving of your most earnest consideration. It is one upon* wliich the social condition of the blind much depends. In such institutions the seeing officers have nicely iitted up dining and sitting rooms for their especial use, while the blind teachers, who may occupy superior and more responsible positions, are compelled to eat in the dining-room with the pupils. This mark- ed distinction is easily detected by visitors, and no doubt often leaves an impression on their mind which is very detrimental to the interests of the blind. The reasons offered for such a distinction are, that the blind possess many of those peculiar habits which make them disagree- able at the table and in company. Such an arfjument is verv inconsistent, for it is a virtual 39 acknowl(3(lgcment of a lack, on the part of such institutions, of proper attention to tliinr manners (luring their education. Moreover tliis is in direct opposition to the great fundamental principles of all our institutions, viz. : That of giving the blind an education, both intellectual and moral, which- will give them social caste equal to their sighted companions. The blind, like the rest of humanity, are the steersmen and oarsmen of their own bark of life. At times they will be elated to hope, through success ; again dejected by despair. They may meet with reverses which would seem at first almost insurmountable, but by continual perse- verance and trusting their Divine Creator, they will finally overcome them all. Choose first the right path, then onward ; fame, honor, advance- ment, honest and legitimate success, may not come to-day, nor to-morrow, but to those of us who fight well the battle of life, the crown will come. Armed, then, with patience and faith, we shall finally reach the goal of our ambition. -•-^ THE MUSICAL EDUCATION OF THE BLIND. [Re-printed from the London Mirror.] It is with feelings of intense satisfaction, and in the full hopefulness of a bright and prosper- ous career, that we have to announce the establishment, under most influential auspices, of a Normal College and Academy of Music for the Blind, which will afford blind children throughout the country, who have the requisite r 40 1*1 talents, a thorough 0(Uication,(>specially in music, so as to qualify them to earn a living as oi-gan- ists, teachers, and pianoforte- tuners. With all deference and respect to the benevolent who so nobly support institutions for the blind, and day 1)}' day create new ones to meet an ever-increa.s- ing want, we think we have been going too long in the old o-rooves, and rej^ardinfj the blind as if the loss of one sense disqualified them from any- thing higher than mere manual labor. We have too much ignored the intellectual in our attempts to impart to them the means of earning a liveli- hood, and though reliance must ever be placed to a large extent on mat-making, basket-making, and such like industries, there are among this afHicted race others of far higher intellectual capacity, which only needs culture that the very best and most encouraging results must accrue. Music is ever a source of delight to the blind, and we have rare examples of their musical taste and powers, even amongst those who have had little or no opportunities of obtaining instruction in the art ; nevertheless, out of the thirty thousand blind in the United Kingdom, who, as a class, are wholly or partlj- dependent on public or private charity, and a considerable number of whom are inmates of various institutions, not more than one per cent, of the educated blind throughout the country have ever been qualified to earn their living by the profession of music. Such was formerly the case in other countries, but the special regard paid to the higher education of the blind, and the improved systems of musical in- struction adopted by various institutions abroad, have produced most gratifying results, and where- 41 ever the musical ediiCii'Jon of the blind, based on a tliorou^li intellectual training, has been properly carried out, this art, in its various branches, has been found, after long experience, to afford by far the most remunerative occupation of which the blind are capable. Thus, in Paris, aliout 60 per cent, of the pupils follow the profession of music, and of these about one-half are such suc- cessful pianoforte-tuners that incomes varying from £80 to £150 are by no means unusual amongst tuners who graduate at the Paris insti- tutions. The chief American institutions, and notably the Perkins' Institute at Boston, have also achieved great success. Both the male and female graduates earn excellent incomes as teach- ers, tuners, and organists, and some of the most successful of the pupils are children of poor emi- grants from the United Kingdom. Now there can be no doubt that what has been done for the blind in France and America can- be accomplished in this country, and it is to achieve this object that the Normal College and Academy of Music has been founded. It will consist of three departments — namely, general education, the science and practice of music, and pianoforte-tuning, and " in every department the whole of the instruction will be directed to the practical end of preparing the blind for self- maintenance." In addition to the tuning- school in the College, other tuning-schools will be established at convenient points of London to accommodate scholars who can live at their own homes ; and beside, the pupils in the Institution, (lay pupils, who may reside with their parents or l)oard w^ith private families in the neighborhood. 42 will ^ oivcfl there. But none of them will be I ed who liave not sufficient talent to jus- tify i,..o expectation tliat they may be rendered capable of self-support — therefore a much higher percentage of successful graduates may be antici- pated than in the institutions abroad, in all of which the children are admitted without refer- ence to their ability. The College will be essentially a national institution ; and in addi- tion to generous efforts by friends of the blind in London, arrangements are being made in various large towns, including Liverpool, Man- chester, Leeds, and Glasgow, to select and send a number of talented poor children to the Institu- tion. Suitable premises have been secured within two minutes' walk of the Crystal Palace, where, by the courtesy cf the directors, special facilities will be afforded the pupils for attend- ing the instructive rehearsals and the admirable .musical entertainments frequently given there. The whole practical management of the College has been placed in the hands of Mr. F. J. Camp- bell, late musical director and resident superin- tendent of the Perkins* Institution, at Boston, U. S., and who, with the assistance of teachers of improved capacity and under the general super- vision of the committee, will carry out the system which has been so successful in America, and which, to a considerable extent, is the result of his own experience. It is a good augury that the committee arc assured of the cordial support of very many influential friends of the blind throughout the country, as well as that of sev- eral musicians. Messrs. Broadwood and Sons, Messrs. CoLLARD and Collard, and Messrs. 43 Erard, have also promised their co-operation in promoting the success of the musical department, and have already offered some pianos for the use of the school. Such is the state of facts on which the com- mittee solicit the active co-operation of the benevolent in every part of the kingdom, " in order that all blind children, possessing the re- quisite talents, may be sought out and qualified by a musical education to become self-supporting and useful members of society." There are, as we have said, names connected with this new movement which place it far above that suspicion which unhappily seems to attach to so many philanthropic enterprises in these days. Identi- fied with it are the Marquis of Westminster, as President, the Earl of Shaftesbury, Lord Ebury, the Earl of Liohfiei^, Lord Eliot, Sir Charles Lowiher, Bart., George Moore, Esq., and Mr. W. H. Smith, M. P., as vice-presidents and trustees — it has a general council composed of gentlemen of the highest social standing, and an executive committee, with the Hon. Wm. Ashley as chairman, and the Hon. Edward P. Thesiger as vice-chairman, and on which there are also Dr. Armitage, Miss Gilbert, Dr. Hawksley, and other good friends of the blind — the musical Committee being headed by Sir W. Sternjdale Bennett. Certainly no institu- tion was ever ushered in under more promising auspices, and there is none which ought to meet with a larger amount of practical sympathy from the benevolent people of this country. We earnestly wish it overflowing coffers, for it is, wo believe, destined to supply a great want. 44 fs! PIANO-FORTE TUNING AS AN EMPLOY- MENT FOR THE BLIND. Ess(u/ by J. W, Smith, In entering upon the consideration of this subject, I am conscious of the scope and impor- tance of the work, and of my inability to treat it as this importance demands. I will, however, en- deavor briefly to set forth some of its advantages, as well as the obstacles it presents, and the qualifications and methods of instruction neces- sary for the profession, in the hope that my remarks may act as a suggestion to abler minds, and lead them to a more careful consideration of the subject. The experience •£ the past fourteen years as a tuner and teacher of tuning, has deeply impress- ed me with the growing importance of this pro- fession as an employment for the blind, and has shown mo many difticulties in the path of the blind tuner which were pot appreciated, or even anticipated, in his preparation for his work. With the single exception of music teaching, piano-forte tuning presents fewer obstacles in the way of success than any other profession the blind have attempted to follow. In choosing a trade or profession, the blind person should select one in which he can compete most suc- cessfully with his seeing brethren, and it is, therefore, necessary to consider how rapidly as well as how skillfully he can perform the re- quired work. That time is money, is a truth quite as important to the blind as to lie seeing, 4.5 anorer or artisan ihjpends as much upon successful competition in speed as in (juality of workmanship. Wherever the sense of hearing can be employed to aid the blind workman, just so far he is on an equality with the seein*:;. There is another reason why piano-forte tuning becomes a suitable occupAtlim for the blind. The study of music is becoming so general, and the manufacture of pianos so con- stantly increasing, that the services of the tuner must necessarily be in constant and regular de- mand. In this country the trades of chair-seating, broom, brush and mattress making have been followed with considerable success, yet it is im- possible for even the most energetic and skillful to compete with seeing workmen in these trades. The hand of the blind workman must pass suc- cessively over those parts which the eye takes in at a. glance, and thus the rapidity of his work is greatly diminished. The same is true of any trade in which the work depends upon the touch. In tuning, however, the sense of touch plays a secordary part, the quality of the work and the speed depending on the quickness and correctness of the ear. In Great Britain and on the continent, broom and brush making, chair seating, net weaving, wood turning, and in South America tailoring and shoemaking, are the principal trades in which the blind are instructed ; but in all these there are comparatively few who are able to earn a living. In a majority of cases their wages are supplemented from funds provided for that purpose. Dr. Armitage reckons the number of 40 those who ancccedofl in oarnin^ a Hvinnr, as low as two per cent,, ami in a li'tter lately jvceive^l from the must be armed with special weapons with which to fight or win his way to the confidence and respect of those w^hose patronage he seeks. To overcome the prejudice and secure the confidence of those who now dis- trust the ability of the blind workman, is the great work to which the blind and their educa- tors must address themselves. In the selection of a profession for the seeing child, the range is so extensive that the choice is not governed by necessity, and the taste and talent of the individual is consulted. The case is very different with the blind. The range of employments adapted to their w^ants is so limited, that they are often put to a trade for w^hich they have no talent, or even one for which they have a positive dislike, Their necessity, too, naturally inclines them to choose that em- ployment which promises to be most remunera- tive, auv. it is for these reasons that many have attempted to become music teachers and tuners without having any real love or natural capacity for the profession. It has too often been the case that when a pupil has failed in other de- partments, or when, from lack of musical ability or sufficient time to pursue his studies, he was unable to become a teacher of music, he has been turned over to the tuning department This I consider a fatal mistake, and the blind as a class are now sufliiglng from the fact that many persons have beroo(ling habit of mind naturally produced by their affliction ; it awakens their dormant capabilities, and urges their energies forward to seek their proper place among their fellow beings. Quick perceptions, retentive memories, and sound judgment, are characteris- tics which enable the educated, self-reliant blind to overcome all difficulties and throw all ob- stacles behind them. J low different it is with one afflicted with this physical imperfection of blindness, who is not taught and trained ! With such, blindness is the chief and sorrowful subject of thouglit ; faculties become benumbed, and perceptions grow blunt, or rather callous, and from lack of exercise the power of memory de- creases, and the person so circumstanced gradu- ally relapses into melancholy, from which oifiy education can rouse him. The educated blind stand in a moral point of view, not at all in- ferior to their fellow-men ; they enjoy with them the advantage of reading God's Word for them- selves and are eipially able to understand and appreciate theological discourses, therefore the same i-esults humanly speaking may bp looked for. It is noteworthy that virtues of patience and contentment, so often represented as charac- teristic graces of the blind, do not characterize them as a class, but hold good alone in that por- tion of them who have been or are being educa- ted. That blindness has a demoralizing (not using the word in connection Vith vicious habits) effect on t!ie unenlightened, we firmly believe, since the uneducated blind as a class are depres- sed and discontented. With them time rolls wearily oa — tedious days and more tedious ei nk'lits ! What advantage is it to them that the Bible is printed in raised letters ? They cannot avail themselves of this blessing, nor can they thoroughly understand it when read to them. Physical darkness, mental darkness, and moral darkness ! — a triple Egyptian gloom which naught but the light of knowledge can dispel. God grant that the light ""now dawning on the Maritime Provinces may soon break into an eternal day. Dr. Howe estimates that the average life of the blind is nine per cent, less than the average life in Massachusetts, U. S., and ten per cent, less than the average life in England. We believe, however, that the general health of the educated blind is superior to that of their un- educated brethren. Our belief is grounded on these three facts. 1st. The educated blind have confidence in themselves ; can walk at pleasure, and they exercise much more than they other- wise would do. 2nd. They arc enabled, by their own exertions, to surround themselves with many more of the solid comforts of this life. 3rd. They are more contented and cheerful. But education does still more for the blind. Even the worst afflictions have their compensations, and blindness is not an exception to the rule. Touch, hearing, and even smell, when cultivated by the blind become very acute and useful. .1,7.' ; .':>/, i r , , , , • u - 1- ,' - < J '-..ft' I •'»■■ 02 if y'fl PHYSICAL TRAINING OF THE BLIND. Communicated to American Association of Instructors of the blind; by -V. F. Frasar, Superintendent Halifax Insti- tution for Blind. 'uf.!- The physical training of the blind deserves the most earnest consideration from those entrusted with their education, and should be regarded in all schools for the blind as of equal importance with the training of the mind. A careful observ- ance of the natural laws which regulate diet, sleep, study, and recreation, may produce results in a measure satisfactory, but they cannot be entirely so, since the human frame, like the human brain, lequires to be systematically train- ed, in order that it may reach its greatest pos- sible perfection. Every Institution for the Blind should have, in connection with it, a thoroughly equipped gymnasium, in charge of a competent instructor, where the pupils could be systematic cally trained in such exercises as would tend to develop the nuiscles of their bodies, and increase their powers of endurance. Having had in the Institution imder my charge an opportunity of witnessing the benefits resulting from a course of gymnastics, I feel that it is a matter well worthy of the consideration of the Instructors of the Blind in Convention assembled. Annexed will be found the official report of D. Kay, 20th regi- ment, the Instructor of Gymnastics at the Halifax Institution for the Blind, showing the inci'ease and development in the pupils after a course of live months' training. 1.: I^^^POI^T fax lase of Of a (^laas of Pupils of rtistifiition for the Blind, (johuj ihinuqh a Course of Trainintj in their (ti/miiasiitm at ffa/ifiix, Noi'a Scotia, Commencimj January 8, 1878, and ending June 6, 1878. * t < Measurement. Increase. Name, Weight — lbs. Chest- Inches. Forearm — inclies. Upper Arm — inches. Chest- inch. Forearm — inch. UpperAnn — inch. No. of Days tendance. C. F. Fnwer 28 187 38. J 11.2 13.2 173i 40J 11.3 13.0 2.0 O.l 0.2 47 A. Chisholm 21 148 33.0 10.0 11.4 137i 36 Jt 10.3; 11.6 3.5 0.3 0.2 48 P.Fletcher 16 150 35.1 10.6 11.3 14.5^ 40.0 11.0 12.6 4,9 0.4 1.3 49 J. Ross 19 108 33.0 8.0, 8.7 109 35.9 9.2 10.9 2.9 1.2 2.2 49 F. McLean 17 138 36.0 9.9 10.8 141 38.5 10.5 11.3 2.5 0.6 0.5 49 E. Leedham 18 119 32.7 9.0 9.7 115 34.7 10.7 11.2 2.0 1.7 1.5 49 J. Ililtz 17 148 140 34.2 10.4 11.3 11.5 2.3 0.1 0.2 36.5 10.5 29 M. Morri.son U 69 27.3 7.0 7.2 62.f 27.0 7.1 7.3 0.3 0.1 O.l 49 W. Collins 14 73 27.0 7.5 8.0 79i 29.9 8.4 10.3 2.9 0.9 2.3 49 C. Cole 14 97i 99 31.0 33.6 9.5 10.0 10.2 1 1 .3 2.6 0.5 1.1 49 J. Ilawbolt 10 69 27.0 7.0 7.5 68i 29.0 8.0 8.0 2.0 1.0 0.5 37 A. McNeill 13 64 25.0 6.7 6.9 63 i 25.3 7.5 8.5 0.3 0.8 1.6 45 J. Butler 11 67 26.3 6.8 7.1 70 27.8 8.0 8.2 1.5 1.2 1.1 45 G. Theixton 8 50 22.1 6.5 6.7 aOi 23.0 7.1 7.2 0,9 0.6 0.6 39 Greatest increase in the Class— Chest, 4.9 in. ; Forearm, 1.7 in ; Upper arm, 2..'1 in. Least increase in the Class— Chetit, 0.3 in. ; Forearm, 0.1 in. ; Upper arm, 0.1 in. Men and lloys, 14. Average daily attendance of Men and Hoys, 12- 1.5. DAVID KAY, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Jane 15, 1878. 20th Kegt. m » OJ.W. I '- D? ^^ a i\ *. ; i wf »' , ;/> ».•'.( ■.'ii : IT t I 1 -^^1 "W: (55 HALIFAX INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. IXCORPOBATKD IN THE TEAR 1867. WWflGERS AND OFFICERS OF THE INSTrTUTIOH. MANAGERS FOR 1879. JAMES F. AVERY M n JOHN s. Maclean; •' M. H. RICHEY CHARLES FLETCHFP JOHNDUFFUS ' w.c. silver/ S. A. WHITE. W. H. NEAL, GEORGE THOMSON Wm. COMPTON ' GEORGE MITCHELL. WILLIAM P. WEST |3re0tbent. JAMES F. AVERY, M. D. JOHN s. Maclean. GEORGE THOMSON. M. H. RICHEY. Sccorbing r. » ?. OFFICERS. ..„, .isai .if^ .. ?• made, and a a suitable brick building was erected, capable of accommodating about 40 pupils. As a Report of the Directors, lately submitted to the Annual Meeting, is annexed, it is unneces- sary to make further remarks than to express the hope that the blessing of God may attend this Institution, and that it may do all the good that the benevolent founder had in view in his kind- ly endeavors to increase the happiness and use- fulness of this hitherto neglected class of our fellow beings in the Province. The first meeting under the Act of Incorpora- tion to elect a Board of Managers and Officers, was held at the City Council Chamber, on tliQ 27th April, 18G8. ., 68 At this meeting, a Committee was appointed to receive 'jb5 rriptions towards the building fund, and the Board were empowered to proceed with the work as soon as the funds at their command reached the stipulated amount. ' During the following summer, the building was contracted for by Mr. H. Peters, and was com- pleted in the autumn of the following year, at a total cost of $14,027.08. The amount of subscriptions raised, including a grant of $2000 from the Government, was S15,.557.38. The following is a list of subscribers : m I Provincial Grant 112000 00 Hon. M. B. Almon 2000 00 " E. Collins 1000 00 Wm. Cunard, Esq 500 00 Sir W. F. Williams 500 00 Sir Edward Kenney.... 400 00 A Friend, per M. H. Richey 400 00 Hon. A. Keith 200 00 "J. H. Anderson.... 200 00 James Donaldson 200 00 Judge Bliss 200 00 Lewis Bliss 200 00 Bishop of Nova Scotia... 200 00 Sir Wm. Young 200 00 W. J. Stairs 200 00 J. Duffus 200 00 The Lieat. Governor... 200 00 W. P. iWest 200 00 Edward Binney 200 00 Wm. Hare 100 00 Edward Albro 100 00 Hon. Jerem'h Northup 100 00 "J. W. Ritchie 100 00 " D. McN. Parker.... 100 00 W. B. Hamilton 100 00 Chas. Cogswell, M. D.... 100 00 0. D. Hunter 100 00 Ann Vaps 100 00 S. A. White lOO 00 Hon. Jas. Cochran George Esson George P. Mitchell Edward Smith John Naylor John Doull John Tohin Archbishop Connolly... Miss Cogswell \J. F John Stairs Burns &; Murray Esson &; Co A. McLeod Alex. McLeod & Co.... Wm. Harrington Black Bros. & Co David Starr and Sons . . . J. B. Bland Bauld, Gibson & Co.... James Scott .. Daniel Cronan S. N. Binney Joseph Wier J. & R. B. Seeton Jas. F. Avery Geo. H. Starr Jairus Hart John Brookfield E. K. Brown 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 00 80 00 50 00 09 100 00 LOG 00 [OO 00 LOO 00 LOO 00 [oO 00 loo 00 too 00 loo 00 [go 00 loo 00 loo 00 loo 00 loo 00 loo 00 loo 00 180 00 l50 00 \Vm. Cogswell 80 00 Chas. Robson & Ca 50 00 E. W. Chmman 50 00 W. H. Neai 50 00 John Silver & Co 50 00 John S. McLean 50 00 Kobert Morrow 50 00 O. C. Harvey 50 00 Johnjaylor 50 00 W. |C. Silver 50 00 W. Jordan & Co 50 00 Fiaser, Paint & Co.... 50 00 Stephen Tobin 50 00 Tho8. A. Brown • 50 00 P. Lynch 50 00 J. &W. Compton 50 00 John G. Mashall 50 00 JohnC. Haliburton.... 40 00 J. B. Morrow 40 00 Hon. S. L. Shannon.... 30 00 John B. Campbell 30 00 Late K. S. Brookfield... 30 00 D. Murray & Co 25 00 Lordly & Stimpson 25 00 JohnL. Whytal 25 00 A. K. McKinlay 20 00 J. Withrow 20 00 Smith Brou 20 00 John Farquharsou 20 00 T. V. Woolrich 20 00 ThoB. A. AndersoB 20 00 Very Rev. Dr. Hannan 20 00 W. H. Newman 20 00 John H. SymoiM 20 00 "VV. H. TuUy 20 00 J. B. Elliott &Co 20 00 W. H. Creighton 20 OO James Tremaiu 20 00 M. H. Richey 70 00 Charles Fletcher 20 00 Shaw& Murphy 12 50 R. T. Muir 10 00 The securities for the bequest of the late William Murdoch, Esq., amounting to £5000, N. S. currency, were handed over by Charles Murdoch, Esq., in October, 1870, together with the interest thereon, which made a total of $24,000, to be invested as an endowment for the C. Kaizer 10 00 Everett Bros 10 00 J. C. Mcintosh 10 00 D. Falconer 10 OO P. Walsh 10 00 John Lithgow 10 00 H. P. Burton 5 00 M. A. Buckley.....'. 5 00 Col. Lowry, 47th Regfc. 5 00 St. Jolin's Ch., Lunen- burg 18 20 Onslow, per M. Bn.xter 8 00 Yarmoutli, i)«rRev. M. Moody 18 40 Wolfville, per Dr. John- ston 96 00 St. John's Ch., Truro... 95 50 Stewiacke 14.50 Y. M. Asaoo. Chalmers Church 15 00 Windsor Forks Church 8 00 Windsor.per Dr. Fraser 608 00 Upper Londonderry, per Mr. Morrison... 12 00 Rev. Mr. Wylie's Con. Londonderry 8 20 Legacy from late Jane MoUoy 88 87 Legacy from late Robt. Noble 100 00 Legacy from late Robt. Purvis, Pugwaah... 100 00 Legacy from late Jas. McDonald, Green Hill, PictouCo.... 150 GO AND LIFE MEMBERS SINCE. Hon. Robt. Roak 100 00 Jas. R. Lithgow 50 00 John Boyd, St. John, N. B 50 00 Mrs. Bauld, Senr 200 00 70 in Institution. The Boanl of Managers having en- gaged the services of Miss Reynolds as principal Teacher, and Miss Dwyer, a graduate of the Pennsylvania Institution for the Blind, as assist- ant Teacher, opened the school for instruction in August, 1871, with four pupils, two niale^u and two females ; Miss Dwyer having brought with her from Phila«lelphia a nundjcr of raised print V)oarticipato in the benefits of education, by granting $1000 towards the fund at the disposal of the Board. At the close of the year 1H72, the Board of Managers reported «»". increase of live pupils, making the number then in attendance eleven, 8 of whom were males and 3 females. During this year the males were instructed in the cane seating of chairs. The females in l>ead and wool work. A commencement was made in the study of vocal and instrumental music, Mr. Satt'ery kindly devoting two evenings a week to instruc- tion, which services were rendered gratuitously. Miss Catherine Ross was appointed principal teacher; to fill the position made vacant by the retirement of Miss Reynolds. The grounds which were in a very rough state when the building was first occupied, were laid out and much improved. Doctor l)o).scril>in<^ $.■)() each. During the year \ii7i* the Botud of Manageis report the nuniher of pupils in attendance to be thirteen. No new pupils were enrolled. They regretfully reconl the detith of Elizabeth LeBrocq, of Georj^etovvn, P. E. I., this being the lirst death since tlie opening of the .school. A new piano was purchased for the musical department. During the summer vacation the Superintendent by order of the Board visited the parents of eleven blind children in the eastern part of the Province, with a view of explaining to them the objects of the Institution. The Superintendent reports the parents of these children to be for the most part in indigent circumstances and unable to contribute anything towards their support at the Institution. The Board therefore urge upon the Government and the public the necessity of an increase l)eing made in their funds, so that the benefits of the Institution may be extended to all. Mr. and Mrs. Blair of Onslow were appointed to the offices of Steward an«l Matron in the place of Mr. and Mrs. John Dill worth, resigned. The Pro- vincial grant was $1200 and subncriptions were received amounting to $157. Also a donation from Mrs. Bauld, .sonr., of $200, and a legacy from the estate of the late James McDonald of Pictou County of $150. Our skilful and invalu- able f?i(;nd. Dr. D(xlge, is still with us, now as consulting physician; while Dr. Sinclair has kindly assumed the office of attending physician ; Doctor Cogswell, Dentist, continues to give kind I* 75 10( 1 and the Mr. Pro- Iwere ition Id of ralu- jian attention to the wants of our pupils when call upon. For the year 1870, the ?>er, Charles Miu'doch, Esq. brother of the ?i<3ble founder of the Institution^ who was a memlM^r of the Board, from the time of its or- ganization. E. D. King, Esq , was called tx) the Board to till the vacancv. The amonnt of the Provincial Grant for thi.s year was ^1000, and donations to the amount of $122.75, were re- ceived. The Managers report eighteen pypils as in attendance, in the year 1877. A valuable con- tribution of books, printed in Doctor Moon's sys- tem was presented to the school by Sir Chas. Lowther, Bart. A fine Piano was also added to the stock of musical instruments, and a Branson. 7(] Knitting Machine was purchased for the use of the girls work department. During this year efforts were made to secure funds for the erection of a gymnasium and workshops, which were successful. Mr. David Baird, a graduate of the Institution, was sent by the Board to the Philadelphia " Home for Blind Men," to acquire a more extended knowledge of the handicrafts taught to the Blind. During the summer vacation, the Superintendent, accompanied by the teachers and five pupils, visited twenty eight cities and towns of the Lower Provinces, in each of which a con- cert and exhibition was given. The proceeds were d'^voted to the gymnasium fund. During the Autumn the Tn&titution did not escape from one of those terrible diseases lately so prevalent in city and country. Diptheria made its appearance, and seven of our pupils, the teacher. Miss Ross, and one of the domestics, were at different times on the sick list. By the mercy of God all recovered but one ; a delicate boy of nine years, from New Brunswick, who, although well through the disease, had not suf- ficient strength to rally, even under the best of treatment. This successful dealing with so dan- gerous a disease, was due to the professional &kiM and unwearied attention of the House Physician, Dr. Sinclair, assisted, when required, by Dr. Dodge, the Ophthalmic Surgeon, and the Hon. Dr. Parker. This result was no doubt also largely due to the healthy, well drained buildi gs, its large airy rooms and halls, and the sound sub- stancial diet with whioli all are bountifully sup- plied. In this visitation Miss Ross proved that 77 sup- that she was not only a vahiablc toacbr-r, bu' a kind and loving nnrse. Tn these labors and watchings she was cheerfully seconded by the Matron, Mrs. Blair, whose unwearied care and motherly affec- tion assisted greatly in the recovery of the pupils. Messrs. William Compton and W P. West, were called to the Board, to fill the places made vacant by the retirement of Messrs. E. Smith and E. D. King. The grant from the Nova Scotia Government was $800, and from that of New Brunswick, $240. Donations to the amount of $1G8 were received, also subscriptions to the gymnasium fund $772,44. The managers grate- fully record two bequests during this year, the first from the late J. M. Walker, Esq., $500, the latter of the late N. L. West, $800. In 1878 the Board report, that since its incep- tion there have been in the school 43 pupils, 26 males and 17 females, of which number 21 are still in attendance. Of the remaining 22, two have died ; one by a successful operation, per- formed by Dr. Dodge, has entirely recovered the sight of one eye ; two arc music teachers, four Piano tuners, six mechanics, and seven girls, have returned to their homes, able to assist in many of the duties of the household. The workshops only just completed at the end o^ the last year, have been found to be of the greatest advantage, as it aflfords much greater accommodation and gives additional facilities to those formerly possessed. The workshops are at present under the charge of Mr. David Baird, who since taking charge, has proved himself to be a faithful and competent instructor. Dr. 78 Lawson w«as appointed house physician in the room of Dr. Sinclair, on the hitters appointment to the Lunatic Asyhnn. The manufacture of brushes was introduced this year. Towanis the close of the year, we parted reluctantly with the services of Miss Kfvss, w])o for six years occupied the position of a teacher in the Literary De- partment. This lady has taken her departure for New Zealand, to reside with her relations. Prior to her leaving, the Board took occasion to present her with a gold watch, as a slight ixjcognition and appreciation of her self-sacriticing spirit, in devoting all her spare time to attending upon and nursing those pupils, who in the previous year had been stricken down by diphthoiia. Al- though frequently urged, Miss Ross would not leave the Institution until her place could bo filled to the satisfaction of the Superintendent and managers. This they were enabled to do, in the selection of Miss Forrester, a daughter of the distinguished and revered late Rev. Dr. Forrester, who spent the best part of his life in Nova Scotia, in moulding and developing its educa- tional system. > We have every reason to believe that Miss Forrester will devote to her newly-assumed du- ties her best energies, and will do all in her power to bring about results that will reflect credit upon herself and redound to the benefit of the Institution, The Nova Scotia Government gi-anted $800 and that of New Brvmswick $480, and donations to the amount of $348 were received, also be- quests fi"om the estate of the late Charles Roche, $100 ; and from the executrix of the late W. S* 79 Black, $250. By the decision of the Judfi^e in Equity the sum of $2000 was made available to the Institution. The Managers gratefully ac- knowledge the courtesy of the Railway and Steamboat Lines in passing the pupils to and from their homes at reduced rates. Also the voluntary services of Miss McKie as mu.sic reader. They also acknowledge the kindness of S. Sichel & Co., Professors Doane and Bird, and the various musical organizations, in sending the pupils com- plimentary tickets for the entertainments under their management. -•-•- Miss du- her iflect it of j800 tions be- )ehe, SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1878. To the Board of Manaqers of the Ilalifax Institution far the Blind. Gentlemen : — In this Report, which I now submit for your consi * ^- .V o / /A Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ^'. 88 ft- III % in the year 1 875. They show the annual cost of educating the Blind in fourteen States of the United States, — to these I have added the cost of their education in Ontario, and Nova Scotia. Expense per Pupil. Georgia Institute $350.00 Illinois Institute 303.03 Indiana Institute 309.(10 Iowa Institute 258.06 Kentuckv Institute 2G5.23 Maryland Institute 278.43 Massachusetts Institute 228.40 Minnesota Institute 2Cr>.G6 New York Institute 292.00 Ohio Institute 323.41 Pennsylvania Institute 361.04 , Tenessee Institute 263.15 Texas Institute 400.00 Wisconsin Institute 336.77 r Ontario Institute 200.00 Nova Scotia Institute 150.00 1^^ :-i i .ill The foregoing statistics prove most conclu- sively that your Board have administered the affaii*s of the Institution in a most economical manner, but the funds at your command will not allow of any increase being made to our present number of pupils. This is much to be regretted, as there are still many blind children in this and the neighbouring Provinces, who should now be in the Institution. In their interest, I would urge the respective governments to place the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind on the same liberal footing as children blessed with sight, by \^'^\ 80 adding to their existing school laws, such a clause as will make special provision for those whose misfortune prevents their taking advantage of the instruction now provided. Without such provision our school law is manifestly incomplete, as education cannot be said to bo free to all, whilst these two classes are but partially pro- vided for. In conclusion, let me thank your Board, on behalf of the Blind, for the interest you have evinced in their welfare and the earnest efforts you have ever made to secure to them the blessings of a liberal education. Allow me also to congratulate you on the creditable reputation that this Institution has obtained both at home and abroad. All of which is respectfully submitted. ' C. F. FRASER. „i . --, > 90 OPINIONS OF THE PKESS. Morning Chronicle, 25th March, 1879. The Blind Asylum Concert, — The annual concert and exhibition of the Pupils of the Halifax Institution for the Blind, took place in Freemasons' Hall last night before a large audience. From a musical point of view the entertain- ment was a decided success. The Choruses were beautifully sung, while the Piano and Vocal Solos, Duets and Trios, would have done credit to profcGi?ionals. During an intermis- sion, an exhibition was given of tho scholastic attainments of the pupils, which prove<'. them to be quick-witted and well taught. A recitation, " The Charge of the Light Brigade," by little Master George W. Theakaton, was capitally delivered. When "God save the Queen" closed the performance, the audience left more than satisfied. , Morning Herald, 2nd April, 1878. The Concert given by the Pupils of the Halifax Insticution for the Blind at Mason Hall last evening, was the best ever given by them. The various pieces sung showed how skilfully the pupils are trained, and what high degree of perfection in the study and execution of th*- " Divine Art" they are capable of reaching. Although the audience was large and apprecia- tive, still the state of the weather must have deterred many from attending. The wish was generally expressed for a repetition of the Concert, so that those who missed the rich treat afforded last night, may have an oppertunity of enjoying it. We heartily congratulate Mr. Fraser, the Superintendent, on the success and proficiency of his pupils ; while the Mana- gers of the Institution are to be congratulated for placing over the inmates an accomplished gontlenian, who evidently spares no pains in developing the various talents of those committed to his charge, and fitting them to occupy places in life, benefi- cial to themselves and creditable to the Institution. The Halifax School for the Blind already ranks high among its sis- ter institutions in other parts of the world ; and, judging from what we witnessed last nieen my privilege to attend the last Concert and Exhibition given by the Pupihi of the Halifax Institution for the Blind, it gives roe muc}' pleasure to endorse the opinions lieretoforc given, and to add my expression of unqualified u 08 satisfaction with the Entertainment. I was partiov.Iarly im- pressed with the musical portion of the }>ro;;rar ime, which gave evidence of very carefnl preparation, not only were the selections of high standard, hut their rendition was most com- mendahle, showing careful training of the voices in those important requisites of good Choms singing, vh. : uuifornn'ty of tone, perfect pitch, good pronunciation and time. I trust that their Concerts on this tour may prove as Hnancially suc- cessful as on former occasions." A. W. POUTER, Prof, of Vocal Culture. " As the talented pupils of the Halifax Tnstitntion for the Blind are ahout undertaking an extended tour tiironghout the Maritime Provinces, for the purpose of giving C'oncerts and School Exhibitions. I have much pleasure in re(;ommending their Entertainments to the pratronage of the pnblic, and hope that their efforts will be fully appreciated, and may meet with unqualified success. 8. SlCllEL. . ) J 04 \i ' ' I •■> '. PROaRAMME 0/ 00 Choice SeUcilims of Vocal and Ingtrumental Music, conuuifted to memory by the Pupils of the Halifax Inxtitntion, far the Blind, prepared by them duriny the School year of 1878-79, for their Concert tour through Newfoundland^ and tlie Ea)tt4im part of Nova Scotia. I. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. II. 12. 1.3. 14. 15. 14>. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. The Heart Ijowed down with Grief and Care. " Bohemian Girl,"— Ba//c. You Kemcniiicr Me, Ditto. Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep, J. P. Knight. The Old iSexton. Near the banks of that lone River. Faith aiid Hope. Among the Heather. Courting in the Rain. The Poultry Convention. I SAW Esau. Comin' thro' tlie Rye. Rohin Adair. ; I>ee|> in My Heart. I>»t Me Dream Again. Sing, Sweet Bird. Ala«! Once Again. Bird of Love. Hush thee, My Baby. Don't forget Me. 90N0S — DUETS. La Ci. Darem, What are tlie Wild Waves Saying. I.arboard Watch. The Minute Gun at Sea. When tlw Swallows Homeward T\y, The Musical Trial, Mozart. Abt. J. D. Woodbury. SOLOS AND CUORUSRa. 27. Oh ! Gently Breathe, J. S. Thomas. 28. Kiieeu Klauiiiih. 21). Gatheriiijr up tlio Shells from the Sea-shore, N. Thompson. 30. Wait, Little Birdie. 31. Hard Times, Foster. 32. The Birdie's Ball. 33. Our Cousins are Coming, '• ' • •- > s > Thompson. 34. Merry, Merry, Merry liclls. CHOBUSES. • . : 8^. Fairy Moonlij^ht. 36. March of the Men of Harlech, Joseph Bamley. 37. The Wanderer's Return, Arnold iJoane. 38. The Gipsy's Chorus, " Bohenaiau Giil/'—Bal/e. 39. Laud of the Trumpet and the Spear. 40. Joy, Joy, Freedom To-day. 41. Away! Away! .■: 42. Home, Sweet Home ! SELECTIONS FOR MA.LE VOICES. 43, Stars of the Summer Nipht. 44. There is Music in the Air. 45. That Lady iu the Cars. 46. Peter Gray 47. Upidee, idee, ida. 48, Faded Flowers. 49, The I^ast Good -Bye, • * 50, Little Sam, \ Mozart. Abt. }dburi/. SELECTIONS OV SACRED MUSIC — SONGS. Absalom, My Sou ! My Son 1 51. 52. Kesignation, 53. Sabbath Bells. 54. Flee as a Bird. 55. Tired, 56. Consider the Lilies, 57. There is a Green Hill, 58. One Sweetly Soleiuu Thought. Mrs. Limhay. Ditto. Mrs. Lindsay. M !) QUARTETTES. 59. Oh ! Trust in God, 60. Come, Holy Spirit, 61. Sound the Loud Timbrel, 62. Come Unto Me, Tirethnven. G. W. Warren. Hulluh. George H. Martin. I 6.3. 64. 6.5. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 7.5. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. W. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 8BLECTION8 FROM HYMNS OF MOODY AND 8ANKBY. There were Ninety and Nine. Precious Name. That will be Heaven for Me. Safe in the Arms of Jesus. The Half was Never Told. To the Work, to the Work. The Life Boat. Go, Bury Thy Sorrow. SELECTIONS FOR I'lANO-FORTE. The Cradle Song, March, Delta Kappa, Auld Lang Syne and MoeWug Bird, The Last Hope, Home, Sweet Home, The Priest's March, Oberon, Wedding March, Tara's Halls, Showers of Pearls, Silver Trumpet March, Alice, Moonlight Sonata, Amorosa, Moonlight Waltz, Bohemian Air, with variations, Overture to Tancredi, Revue Melodique, Overture to Caliph of Bagdad, Wedding March, arranged for 8 hands, Gottsehnlk. Alfred //. Pease. Hoffman. Gottachalk. Thalberff. Mendelssohn. Forveger. Mendelssohn. II. M. Pape. A. H, Osborne. Gounod. Archer. Beethoven. Egghard. E. Leedhavi. Czering. Rossini. Beyer. Offenbach. Mendelssohn, Ufethoven. ''. Warren. muah, I. Martin, otfsrhnlk. y. Pease. Flo ff man. ottschalk, Thalbenj. ^delssoKn. Forveger. idelssohv. M. Pape. Osborne. Gounod. Archer, 'eethoven. K(jghard. jeedham. Czering. Rossini. Beyer. ^enbach. ielsaohn. n I