The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-03-17
BOYS AT PLAY.
BLISD BOYS MAKING MATTRESSES
AND DROOMS
SUPERINTENDENT w. A. nowLEs
President of Board of Visitors.


literature. civil government physiol-
osy and hygiens. histories of the Unit
ed States and of England, physical
geography. natural philosophy, Latin
and the use Of the typewriter. In the
latter occupation. the blint become
very prohcfent, the touch system b,ing
enforced.
Naturally. the work OF teaching the
puma is exceedingly laborfous. and in
Unite patience and infinite capacity for
taking pains are required on the part
or the teachers. Yet with retent:vc
memories and usually quick appreoia-
uon, the unfortunate children learn
rapidly, once start is made and thu
basic principles grasped.
Use Modern system
The New York point-type system is
used by the blind a, S,aunton III read
Ing and writing. l; is stated TO be far
more practical and useful than tn. old
system OF raised type. For In addition
TO It's being more easily learned by a
pupil who has poor memoir, blind
children can be quickly taught TO
write 1t for themselves. and to cor
r T3Hj "'''h Zach other and with their
parents who can easily read the mis-
slNes by using an alphabet card
This point-type system consists of
sort OF code representing BY what
looks Ike pin pricks. each repres ant
ing something. Pupils learn TO read IL
rapidly.
There are now thirty blind pupils in
the typewriter classes ueinE the same
k'n1 OF machines as those In avery
business office. This is found 10 he
one of the most popular studies in the
school
In the musical division there is an
orchestra Instruction is given in vo.
cal music both solo sn6 chorus on ,he
organ, tho piano. violin. mandolin.
SMtaF' flute, ciarionet. corn=t and
trombone.
Books for the Hind.
One Of the most important features
OF the work among the blind /. that
undertaken by the State Library. Thi.
institution is supplied with q number
OF carefully selected point-type books,
which are loaned. under certain re
strictions. to the blind OF the state.
THESE books can pass through The
mails free OF postage. In this way tho
oiind nave at their disposal. without
cost. supply OF books for purposes
OF amusement and instruction.
There are several periodicals print
ed In point-type. and devoted TO the
blind and 10 their interests Th,re ara
regular text books. Memory. gem.
containing 500 short and easy quota
tons from 800 authors: 900 Bible
memory verses. and 400 familiar HYMNS
nave been compiled in separat. volumes
by superintendent William A. Bowles
Vi the Virginia School for the Deaf
ana the Blind. and are much used
These publications ara naturally ex.
pensire. The complete Bible comprises
eleven volumes. and. although tbs VII
gina Bible Society sells II at 81, this
Is said TO be only one third of It's
actual cost. the society putting the
price a the low figure. The Old Tes-
lament is in eight volumes and the Nav
Testament in three
Hours of Recreation.
Amnsements OF various kinds are NOT
neglected. Thcra are merry-go- rounds.
inclined slides. rotary parallel bars.
swinging seats and other devices for
outdoor exercise, in which the ollpd.
as well as the deaf, take part. The
olind may safely go through with part
OF the gymnasium opportunities.
race track has been butt espe-
cially for the blind, and 1t is so pro
tected by cables and handles as to
make 1t safe. a photograph shows
two blind boys starting on l00-yard
dash. running by the side OF cables
OF which they keep hold by means of
An amusement fund is maintained
which Is used for the entertainment ana
pleasure Of the pupils in various ways.
The blind are treated every two weeks
TO Sraphone concert, with nav
program each time. Birthday parties
are held for the first and second wear
pupils, which are made occasions Of
Importance and, are events in school
lifs Sociables and receptions come
along occasionally. AT Christmas there
Is tree. the children not being per-
mit;ed to go home at this season.
Plight OF Deaf Mutes.
Educating the deaf presents a to-
tally different viewpoint and q new
angle. They can see to read and can
see what other nsont, are doing and
Know what everything looks like.
The first difficulties (always the most
important surmounted. the text books
are open to them as thay are to the
students in the public schools scat
tered over the State
But no sound reaches them They do
not know what music is. nor what
thunder is, nor what n strG,et car or
a train sounds like No spoken word
reaches them through their ears and
the verbal explanations made to the