1870.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 709

tions, with the towering "Sugar Loaf" mountain in the
East, and the beautiful "Catoctin" bordering the West. It
is probable no place could have been selected for this pur-
pose combining so many advantages and in all respects so
desirable.

The buildings now occupied by the institution consist of
two long narrow stone buildings, 125 feet long by 16 feet
wide, erected during the Revolutionary struggle for indepen-
dence. Between these is a large temporary wooden building
erected during the late war, and used for hospital purposes.
These have been fitted up by the Board of Visitors as well as
could be done by the limited means placed at their disposal
by the State for that purpose.

It was thought several years ago, when the institution was
first founded, that these buildings might be made to serve
the State for several years to come, but such has been the
promptness with which parents have availed themselves of
this generous provision made by the State, that the buildings
are already overcrowded, while large accessions are shortly
expected.

The Institution opened in the summer of 1868 with fifty
pupils. They now number seventy-eight, and it is expected
by the Board of Visitors that this number will be increased
to 125 by the 1st of April next. There are at present—
through the omission of the last General Assembly to repeal
the law-making provision to that end—in the "Columbia Col-
lege for the Deaf and Dumb at Washington," more than 20
pupils, beneficiaries of the State, and for whose education the
State pays the sum of $200 each.

It is desirable that this law should be repealed, and these
pupils transferred to our own Maryland Institution.

With the present buildings, only the most meagre accom-
modations can be provided for so large a number. There is
also a strong probability of a still larger increase during the
next five coining years. By the last census there was found
to be in the State of Maryland 480 deaf mutes, and it is esti-
mated that with this mute population there will be an aver-
age attendance of 250 pupils when the Institution becomes
thoroughly established and prepared to receive them.

In view, therefore, of the inadequacy of the present build-
ings—their old and dilapidated condition—their want of com-
fort to the teachers and to the pupils—the increasing num-
bers of these children of silence, who, with grateful hearts,
throw themselves on the bounty of the State—the Board of
Visitors desire to erect a new building suitable for the wants
of the Institution, and such as shall reflect credit and honor
on the State.

They, therefore, earnestly appeal to the General Assembly,