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Vanity is not peculiar to the insane mind, although it seemeth so in some of its displays; but we do aver that there is as little of "Come, see what I can do" in our Asylumian sisters as in any company of their sex on this mundane sphere. Music, painting, flowers, dancing, poetry, beauty, light, hope, joy and love, if there were no opposites, would render life pleasant, and if there were no discordant materials, no agonies, no disappointments, no sighs and tears, no real heart-ache that music cannot drown, no deferred hopes, palsying human energies, withering earthly expectations, casting on the ocean of life the shattered barque of intellect without pilot or a rudder.

Besides the various adornments of the hall and the excitements of the Post-Office, views of the Thames Tunnel, Fortune's favors, and the presence of distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, and occasional music from Mrs. B--, the band of Mr. Saxe was there, and did discourse most prettily and thrillingly, contributing most effectively to the interest of the scene, and rendering a favor which will be cherished in the heart's archives of Asylumia. Although not favored with the glorious moon light, still the weather was favorable, and boquets and ice-cream and shell-fish were among the visibles -- although we never saw the cream before in winter, and supposing for the instant it was summer, looked at a "serving" from a kind gentleman, but placing it on the old medicine-board, there was a mistake in the person, and the old adage was true, that there was "many a slip between the cup and the lip," and our winter cream melted away. The condiments were nice and the cake artistic and tasteful. Mother Ann in Connecticut has pastry that would make Queen Victoria's mouth water, and some "plain cake" that would weddingize all the "celibicates;" but our hopes are that Asylumia will ever remember Jacob, not only for his summer but his winter retreat, and that the brethren of the household may improve in gallantry, of which they have such good examples in their officers on duty at the Fair and at the Soirees. We spied some pretty flowers, and some pretty ones behind them, really looking as interesting as the inanimates, and whose simple grace and beauty delighted as it gave by its industry and talent zest to the whole scene. The valentines of the Saint were duly appreciated, and we are thankful for the notice of him; but some person had one of ours before we had read it, and had an intimation that we had forsaken a dear one from our native Stamford, and another unbroken seal from Clinton; but we dream of our misfortunes, and with correspondents more respectable and handsomer fellows than we are; and although St. Valentine has been so liberal, and his office perverted -- although it grieves us to learn that for reasons!!! Oh dear! the practice of courting the saint's favor is proposed to cease, because some reckless ones have violated the taste and refinement incident to the pure old saint, and soiled the petals of the roses adorning his garden. The world should blush and sink down in an Irish bog for ever for it. Our purpose is to celebrate the annual feast of joy with more interest, if possible; and if we are old and grey-headed, we hope the saint will not forsake us, and that the good old times of sweet prospects, sweet birds, and sweet flowers -- animate and inanimate -- will ever be returning in the annual evolutions of St. Valentine, and that here peace and happiness, love, friendship, sense, genius, taste, humanity, and the memory of departed friends may be cherished in the heart of hearts, -- that ever may this monument of the humanity be a memorial of unadulterated enjoyments, having an affiance with the substantial and permanent benefit of immortal beings. Thanks to all who shared in the feast of reason and the flow of soul; and blessed are they who have, poor Richard-like, learned to take care of the pence. Our ever active Physicians, Steward, Apothecary, and Clerk did their duty like good soldiers and aids to the Commander-in-Chief.

The ladies of Asylumia have had the Fair which has been talked about for the last three months, and which has called out industry and ingenuity in all departments of needlework. Improvement has been making every day in the varieties which ladies manufacture, for new ways are introduced to fashion over old articles, and old ways to produce new. Many original ideas are brought out, some quite fantastic, others altogether utilitarian. For three days the door of 1st Hall South Wing, was open for visitors from 10 o'clock, P. M., to 9 o'clock, A. M., to take a view and make purchase of articles displayed. Imagine yourself one of them, and you will enter a festal scene, for the walls of the long hall are festooned with garlands of evergreen. Small tables are scattered through it covered with fancy fare; a lady salesman presiding at each invites your attention and tempts to make a selection. Surely there must be something here to suit your taste. This screen is exquisitely carved, and the painting is so truthful to nature -- that pincushion is so beautifully embroidered -- that reticule so tastefully fashioned -- also caps and collars of the latest style -- and all very cheap, especially when the object is brought to your mind to which your money will be devoted. It is not alone the new piano which is to be bought -- it will be played with skill -- it will wile many from sorrow; but of higher price is the inspiring influence of a piece of work accomplished and profitably disposed of. The book-mark, or basket, has called out social feeling; it has, perhaps, invigorated and restored a diseased mind; it has called out dormant faculties -- excited a mind from its morbid sensations to look at bright reality; and if it come in the form of doll, or a dress to be carried home some future day, or to be admired and copied now, the work of cure is begun -- you have ministered to mind diseased, and that is noble charity. A post-office calls for notice. You inquire for letters and you will not fail to meet your wishes -- you can have either sentimental or comic correspondents, and valentines are there for any price. At the end of the hall you will find a lady stationed by a net bag of large dimensions and well filled -- "Ladies and gentlemen, this is the grab-bag -- only one shilling for your chance." You can but pay it and thrust in your hand for a grab at a pincushion, a neck tie, or a pinafore ; you will get the worth of your shilling and a hearty laugh in the bargain. The chief sport is in the evening -- a band of music then is playing -- a table to refresh with cakes and ice-creams is set out -- there is a large party of well-pleased guests -- patients and attendants form the chief proportion. This house contains 600 persons, and every department is represented. It is a day of recreation. New dresses and new caps have been bought in expectation of seeing and being seen on Fair day. It is the beginning of a new era to some benighted mind. It may cast out an old fancy and bring in its place something new to brighten up the mind. New faces are seen and old acquaintances are found. The ladies all look gay and witching; the gentlemen are good-humored, ready to please and be pleased -- they pay good prices. A call to supper breaks up the sale and ends the scene. Thus pass three days, leaving behind them a good profit, and, in many, pleasant recollections.