Litchfield enquirer., 1859-07-21

MR EDITOR Having recently been permitted to visit the Institution for Imhecies and feeble-mnded youth, at Lake vile. Conn, under the charge of Dr. H. M Knight, I have thought brief description of that visit might be acceptable to the readers of your paper.
 Lakeville is small village in the town of Sails bury and is justly noted for the beauty of its ry, and the refinement of its citizens. On hill overlooking the village. stands the Institution fer Idiots. The site commands an extensive prospect embracing an extent of many miles on every side Directly in front to the east) is Prospect Hill-
 from which you get picturesque view of the valley of the Housatonc, with it's clustering villages. To the north of this Mounts Everett and Washington lift their peaks to the sky while far beyond, as far as the eye can reach, old Greyock and the hills of Williamstown are plainly discernible. In the rear of the Institution and adjoining its grounds lies circular lake of unsurpassed beauty. Its waters are clear crystal, and filled with the finest fish, In stuaion then, this Institution leaves nothing more to be desired. The air is dry and healthy, water pure, the prospect landscape of wonderful beauty and variety, while yet it is not far from the v- Iage to shut out its inmates from all intercourse with man.
 The Superintendent introduced me to the pupils under his charge, and rarely have received more cordial welcome than they gave me.
 They have been under treatment but short time, as the institution was opened in October last-yet in cleanliness, obedience and general department they put to shame many of more intelligence.
 The plan of instruction embraces everything that relates to the actual improvement of those sent here The theory held is. that the impcrfections of body we'll the weaknesses of the mind are to be cared for. Hence the utmost attention is paid to the physical wants. By frequent walks and constant exercise in the gymnasium, the awkwaldncss of gait and manner which characterizes this unfortunate class is as much as may be removed. Habits long, seated overcome by the most rigorous, yet earn est and kind attention.
 The intellectual attention commences with the simplest elements-pupils being taught to read by the hand method, with constant exercise in articu- aton, and embraces all that the developed capaci ties of the pupil demands. The blackboard is an indispensable aid Nor are the moral and religious wants of the child neglected The great object with the teachers seems to be to insl correct principles into the minds of those taught The habit of lying so nveterate in this class is carefully but decidedly resisted, and love for trsh inculcated. Each day the inmates gather together in prayers and it is an interesting sight, and not easily forgotten, to witness these poor youths lowing down in prayer.
 The Principal and his teachers are enthusiastic in their work, but failre with their efforts does not seem possible. The services of MT. Charles T. Will bur, brother of the distinguished Superintendent of the Syracuse institution, have fortunately been se cured.
 The buildings have recently been fitted up with express reference to the object for which they are employed, and any accommodation that can be furn- saed anywhere may be had here It is to be hoped that the citizens of Connecticut will not let this inc stituton, the only of the kind within her bord FITS, suffer for want of patronage. The community cannot afford to let it go down. It needs it as a means of selfprotiction and defence.
 The impression, once current that this class can- not be improved is happily fast being removed. At no distant day we may hope to those engaged in this work honored and rewarded as they deserve. They are not less the benefacto of their race than the founders of asylums for the deaf and dumb, re- treats for the insane inrmaries for the blind, and as such are entitled to the gratitude of thankful w. Ia