1858.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES.           263

sury, your committee were diligent to make most careful in-
quiry.

Salubrity . We ascertain that Catonsville is justly esteemed
one of the most healthful villages in Maryland. It is located
upon an elevated plateau, 550 feet above tide water and is
thoroughly drained by gentle slopes towards the Patapsco
south and west, and Gwyn's Falls north and east. Malarious
diseases have never prevailed as epidemic, indeed such is the
established reputation for health, that the vicinity has been
selected as the site of four important institutions for the educa-
tion of the young.

Ease of Access. Spring Grove lies between the Frederick
Turnpike and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. It can be
reached from Baltimore in less than an hour. Persons com-
ing from the west, by leaving the cars at the Washington
Relay can be at the Asylum in half an hour, while from other
points, there are avenues terminating in the Frederick Turn-
pike, thus rendering Catonsville accessible, by means of solid
roads from all sections of the western and by Steamboat to
Baltimore, from Eastern Shore. An Omnibus from the Me-
tropolis passes the Asylum gate, six times per day. Proximity
to Baltimore is of great importance, enabling the State to
secure the best medical talent to aid the resident Physician,
which from the high character of the profession for benevo-
lence, we have every reason to believe will be most cheerfully
bestowed.

The 3rd, 4th, and 5th points have likewise been secured.
Baltimore is the centre of trade and the cheapest as well as
the largest our markets, for such supplies as the farm of the
Asylum or the farmers of the vicinity cannot furnish. We
were informed that the officers of the Institutions about
Catonsville consider their position of great value as regards
matters of domestic economy.

The scenery is of unusual beauty, embracing a full view
of the city and bay, and extending south as far as Annapolis,
the dome of our State House being, in a clear atmosphere,
visible to the naked eye.

The adjacent improvements are such as to promise that
quiet and freedom from intrusion, essential to the success of
the sanative measures to be employed, while the known intel-
ligence and refinement of the residents will secure a benevo-
lent co-operation with the officers of the asylum for the ben-
efit of its unfortunate inmates.

The local opposition which we understand existed a few
years ago seems to have ceased. At all events, it is evident
that no injury can be apprehended, even by the most sensitive,
inasmuch as the Commissioners, before commencing the pres-