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Trusting, however, in that Providence which has heretofore so kindly watched over this Institution, to enable them to overcome the embarrassments which attend some of its operations; and anxious to satisfy the public and the friends of the deaf and dumb, that their great desire is to do good to the interesting objects of their care; -- the Directors have lately made an attempt, at a considerable expense, to introduce mechanical employments among the pupils, upon a regular and systematic plan.

Two neat and commodious brick workshops have been erected near the Asylum. An ingenious and skilful mechanic, himself a cabinet-maker, has been employed to oversee this department of the Institution. He resides with the pupils; the better to become familiar with their language of signs and to be able to discharge the duties of his station. -- Tools and other necessary accommodations have been provided, and, although it is vacation, a considerable number of the pupils are at work, while others are expecting to join them, on their return. -- Six are now engaged in learning the trade of a cabinet-maker or joiner; and another who had acquired considerable skill in this branch before he came to the Asylum, aids in instructing them. One who understands the cooper's business, is at work. -- In one of the shops, a forge is erected, at which a very ingenious blacksmith and cutler is employed, while three of the pupils, under his instruction, are learning the same trade. -- Six shoemakers are at work; two of whom had previously made considerable proficiency, and another, a first rate workman, gives instructions to the rest. Several of the female pupils are employed in binding the shoes. It is hoped, that those who wished to be tailors will soon be placed at work; much effort has been made to find a suitable person to instruct them, but, as yet, without success. In the present state of the Institution, it was impossible to make provision for the six pupils who wished to be printers; three of them, however, have begun to learn the trade of a cabinet-maker, and two others will join them at the end of vacation. Some of the articles, already made by the pupils, evince much skill, and command a ready sale; the patronage and custom of the friends of the Institution, in this department, are respectfully solicited.

From what has been previously stated, it will be easily seen, that these arrangements for the introduction of mechanical employments among the pupils, must have been attended with a considerable pecuniary sacrifice on the part of the Institution. It was made, however, in hopes that the way might thus be prepared, for meeting the wishes of the public, and of the friends of the deaf and dumb, with regard to this very interesting and important part of their education, and preparation for the active duties of life. This object will be kept steadily in view by the Directors, and hastened to its complete accomplishment, as rapidly as the funds of the Institution, now having an encouraging prospect of an increase, will permit.

There is another topic, which though not, perhaps, properly forming a part of the report of the operations of the Institution, is, nevertheless, connected so intimately with the interests of the deaf and dumb generally, that the Directors wish to avail themselves of so good an opportunity of expressing their sentiments upon it to the public. In doing this they profess to be actuated, by what they conceive to be liberal and comprehensive views, with regard to the best mode of promoting the education of the deaf and dumb throughout our common country; and, while they offer their thoughts with freedom and frankness, they disclaim all feelings of rivalry or competition towards other Institutions either now, or yet to be, in existence.

How far it is desirable to increase the number of establishments for the instruction of the deaf and dumb in our country, and especially in this northern section of it, is an inquiry which certainly deserves the patient and candid consideration of all who take an interest in this unfortunate class of our fellow-men. In forming an opinion on this subject, possibly the following remarks, founded on a considerable course of experience and observation, may not be without their use.

A school for the deaf and dumb is so entirely different from those for the education of youth in possession of all their faculties, that it is difficult to give one correct ideas respecting it, without actual inspection. A prominent feature of such a school is, that one instructor cannot successfully teach but a comparatively small number of pupils; and hence, the instruction of this class of people is attended not only with a considerable increase of labour but of expense. It is one of the greatest difficulties which such a school has to encounter, to procure individuals of such an education, and more especially of such peculiarity of talents and skill, as to qualify them for the employment of teaching the deaf and dumb; an employment, which, strange as it may seem to those not familiar with it, demands for its successful prosecution a certain natural turn of mind, somewhat like that, though directed to a very different object, which is called, a genius for mechanical pursuits. In addition to this, a training of several years is necessary to make one competent to the task of undertaking the complete instruction of a deaf and dumb person in the common branches of education. To induce one to engage permanently in such an employment so unlike that of an instructor in a school, academy, or college, which is usually considered as but temporary, and introductory to some professional pursuit, a prospect not only of present, but of future support, must be offered; for nothing would be more embarrassing to the progress of an Institution for the deaf and dumb, than to have its instructors frequently changing; inasmuch as each new instructor must himself, for some time, become a learner, while the task of teaching him devolves upon his more experienced colleagues. Hence the department of instruction in such an establishment, is attended with much greater expense than is necessary for the education of youth who are in possession of all their faculties.