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It will be observed that the result of the training and teaching is stated not by any summing up of customary school acquirements, as so much reading, so much writing, so much geography, or so much knowledge of numbers, etc., but rather in the capacity for occupation, which is the practical evidence of the intelligence, mental discipline, habits of diligence and obedience that well conducted school-room work in all these branches should develop.

Conjoined, then, with the exercises of the school-room are others that aim at applying what is there learned, and the powers acquired thereby, to some practical work. This part of the system is susceptible of much greater development than it has yet obtained. A larger experience in the work will accomplish this.

To the pupils who have had homes to return to, where favorable circumstances could be brought to bear to confirm good habits acquired, and to continue the exercise of powers and faculties therein begun, this institution has been an advantage, the value of which it is difficult to estimate. In the case of others less fortunate, there has been a drawback to its effectiveness that the establishment of a custodial institution alone can obviate.

Such an asylum would receive, first, those unteachable, or properly hospital cases, that, as has already been stated, now interfere with the most successful and satisfactory operation of the educational institution. In such an one, their wants could be met in such a way as to promote their comfort and happiness to a considerable degree. In such an one, their habits would be gradually improved, to the extent, at least, of considerably diminishing the trouble and annoyance their care involves under other circumstances. At the same time, the relief to the families from which they come can hardly be estimated.

Besides this provision, the custodial institution might receive the homeless graduates of the educational institution, and carry forward the work there begun with them. It could utilize, in a positive way, the capacities before acquired. It would embrace in its plan and scope simple industrial occupations, that would help to diminish the cost of support in such an asylum. It might use the intelligence and skill, before developed, in the care and management of the more helpless class committed to its charge.

This plan involves no large outlay for buildings, and but a moderate annual expense for the support and management of its inmates. The structure for their accommodation needs only to be plain, substantial and convenient. To warm, feed and clothe the inmates thus collected would cost but little if any more than if they were scattered, as now, in indigent families, or even in the county poor-houses throughout the State.

In England, where the matter of public provision for the class in question has been much considered and discussed, they are now being separated, and cared for by themselves, as a matter of public economy. This measure has been repeatedly suggested, in our annual reports, to the Legislature, and is again renewed this year.

The room already obtained, and that to be furnished by the remainder of the appropriation of last winter, when expended, will give a total capacity of 220 pupils.

This will suffice to meet the present educational wants of the State for its idiots, of a proper school attending age and condition. In estimate, the fact is considered that the city of New York has an institution of its own for the reception of pupils of the most indigent class. In this estimate, also, it is to be understood, that in the future management of this asylum the unteachable or hospital eases to be quite rigidly excluded. That when such are admitted, inadvertently, they are to be dismissed promptly, after a fair trial. That when the practical ends of education in any case have been accomplished, all pupils are to be dismissed to make room for new applicants. This plan of exclusion and dismissal can only be fairly carried out after the establishment of a proper custodial institution; either in connection or apart from it, where the unteachable and hospital cases may go, at the outset; and also for the reception of those who have passed through the educational institution. Till this is done, some of the cases of idiocy most afflictive to the families in which they occur, must remain a burden upon their friends, or the public. Till this is done, some of the graduates of our asylum must be returned to the care of friends, or elsewhere, to lose in part, the benefit obtained by proper training and management here.

In concluding this report, it gives me pleasure to say that my assistants in every department, have labored zealously and efficiently in promoting the general objects of the institution.

H. B. WILBUR.
Superintendent.
SYRACUSE, January 1, 1872.

TREASURER'S REPORT. ALLEN MUNROE, Treasurer of New York Asylum for Idiots, in account current with the State of Yew York, for cash received and expended for the general supplies and the salaries and wages of officers, teachers, attendants and servants of said asylum, during the year ending September 30, 1871.