A DEAF AND DUMB BOY'S DEVOTION.



Under the trees standing by the left bank of the Thames, and sheltered from its waters by a mound of earth, is an old but comfortable boathouse. A few roughly-hewn steps lead from the mound to the water's edge, where some six or seven boats rock idly on the surface. Over the door of this tottering mansion hangs a wooden board, with the words "Timothy Gainsad" inscribed in large letters upon a black ground. A gush of light and warmth issuing from the door guides the weary traveller to a haven worthy of his choicest desires. Well can I remember the dark outline of St. Paul's Cathedral, lifting its rounded dome in massive grandeur to the skies, and the faint outline of the opposite bank shining dimly in the distance. I remember, when a lad of seven, a rich and influential lady coming down from Yorkshire to spend the winter months in London. She brought with her a dumb boy attendant, whom she had adopted and treated with the greatest kindness. One dark night she hired a boat, and rowed out upon the river. Scarcely was she lost in the river mist ere the flood gates of heaven were opened, the rain came down in torrents, the waves dashed against our rude pier and threatened to dislodge it, while now and then an occasional streak of lightning, accompanied by a clap of thunder, lit up the dark surface of the river. My friends had gone off in a boat in search of the lady, and I was alone in the room. Seated on a stool by the side of a blazing fire, I was reading an interesting novel, when the door was violently pushed, and the dumb attendant of the young lady rushed in, seized a life belt from the wall, and made for the door. I ran to intercept him; but guessing my purpose, he raised the stool and brought it down with a crash upon my head. I staggered back to the wall and fell, and he disappeared through the door. With a reeling head I tottered to the door, and looked out upon the river. "Great heavens!" I exclaimed, "he will be dashed to pieces!" For there, revealed by a flash of lightning, was the dumb boy, standing on the rail of the bridge, preparing to plunge into the surging waters below. A short distance from the bridge was the boat occupied by the terrified lady. It was fast sinking, and as he plunged from the bridge it sank. I saw him come to the surface, stunned and bleeding; I saw him raise the life-belt in his hand, and throw it to his mistress. She caught it, and his face lit up with joy; then—he sank! His mistress was saved, and some time after the dumb boy's lifeless body was washed to the shore, and laid in an honourable grave. Over it stands a beautiful angel of white marble, holding a scroll inscribed with these words:—"Here lies Gustavus Arisild, who died in the surging waters of the Thames to save his mistress."



THE DEAF MUTE'S FAITH.

One day a minister's servant brought a subscription book and laid it on his study table, saying, "A dumb man brought it, sir." On looking at the book, a thought struck the minister that he should not let that dumb man out of his house without seeking his soul's good. He invited the man in, and after kneeling in prayer before the man, and putting a subscription into his hand, the following conversation took place in writing. The minister wrote: "My dear friend, have you found the Lord Jesus Christ to be precious to your soul? Are you born again?" The dumb man answered, "Yes, I understand what is meant by 'born of the Spirit,' it means a 'new creature' in Jesus." The minister was not quite satisfied with the answer, and therefore he asked, "When were you made a 'new creature,' and how?" He answered, "I was under the impression of sin six years ago, but I prayed to God for Christ's sake to give me a new heart, and I felt joy and peace in my mind. I prayed O Lord, have mercy on me a poor sinner. I also read the Psalms of David." In order to bring out distinctly whether he really arrived at scriptural peace, for he feared that, after all, the dumb man's faith might turn out to be only a vague and wavering confidence, the minister asked him again "If God were to call you away this night, would your sins be brought against you, and would you have to answer for them all?" He answered, "I trust in God for Christ's sake, because Jesus died for me. All those who trust in Jesus' precious blood are cleansed from all sin. He is mighty to save." The minister then asked, "Was it through the instruction you got at the Deaf and Dumb Institution that these good impressions were made upon your mind?" He answered, "My teacher used to teach the Bible to all deaf and dumb pupils, but I did not feel any grace from God till I was afraid to meet God for sins; then I looked to Christ by faith and got peace." The minister then asked, "Will you write a sentence for me to read to poor sinners, from a dumb man that cannot speak?" He then wrote as follows—words which he meant to be used by the reader:—

"O Lord, have mercy upon me a poor sinner!" "O Jesus, save me from death and hell!" "O Jesus, take me away to heaven and eternal bliss!" "O Jesus, take care of me every day!"

"Will you sign your name to all this?" then asked the minister. He immediately complied with the request. We only give the initials J—— G——.



DEAF, DUMB, AND BLIND.

An examination of students who were deaf, dumb, and blind took place on Washington Heights. The principal, Dr. Isaac L. Peet, gave various interesting exhibitions of their skill and accomplishments. A blind, deaf, and dumb boy, about fourteen years old, who had had less than a year's instruction, was given an order to count out twenty crayons and put them under a mat. The order was given by means of the sign language, transmitted by feeling the motion of the hands of the person who communicated with him. The order was correctly performed amid the applause of the audience. A blind deaf mute also wrote several sentences on a type-writer, and on another type-writer a deaf mute without hands wrote by means of a stick inserted in his coat sleeve.



ORDINATION OF DEAF MUTES IN PHILADELPHIA, U.S.A.

Nearly all the deaf mutes connected with the Protestant Episcopal Church in this city assembled yesterday morning in the church of the Covenant, to witness the ordination into the priesthood of two deaf and dumb men. The ceremony had been long talked of among the deaf mutes, and as none of this class of persons had ever before been ordained to this order in the church in this country, there was a widespread desire among the Episcopal community to be present at the ceremony. The church was well filled when the exercises began. Owing to the length of the services, the regular morning prayer was omitted, and after hymn 153 had been sung, Rev. Thomas Gallaudet, D.D., Principal of the Deaf and Dumb Institution in New York, who was to preach the sermon, was introduced. Dr. Gallaudet prefaced his sermon by saying that when a deaf mute was addressed, the words were not spelled out, but that the ideas were represented by signs. Ideas about the intellect were conveyed by a sign about the head, those relating to the sensibility by a motion near the heart; in short, the sign language was as distinct and individual as the English language. Rev. Mr. Chamberlain, of Iowa, stood up in the chancel as Dr. Gallaudet began his sermon, and interpreted the sermon to the deaf mutes who sat in a body near the front of the chancel. Dr. Gallaudet sketched the progress of deaf mute education from the establishment of the first school in Hartford by his father in 1817. As illustrating the individuality of the sign language, he mentioned that while he was in Brussels in August last he preached to a congregation of about twenty deaf mutes, English, French, Belgian, and his sign language was comprehended perfectly by all. "Sounds," he said, "are only outward symbols of ideas, just as signs are." At the conclusion of the sermon, Rev. Henry W. Syle and Rev. Arthur M. Mann were presented for ordination, the former by Rev. Dr. Miller, and the latter by the Rev. Dr. Atwell, of Toledo. Sitting within the chancel, one at each end of the communion table, were Bishop Stevens and Bishop Bedwell, of Ohio, while nine other clergymen surrounded them. Among them the placid countenance and venerable form of Rev. W. H. Syle, father of one of the candidates, was especially noticeable. Bishop Stevens then read the exhortation, and it was interpreted by Dr. Gallaudet to the two candidates, who stood in their robes at the chancel rail. Eagerly did they watch the motions of the reverend gentleman as he conveyed to them the words the Bishop was speaking. The Bishop then asked Mr. Syle the questions laid down in the prayer book. As Dr. Gallaudet finished interpreting each question, Mr. Syle handed a slip of paper on which was written his answers, to Rev. Mr. Clere, of Phillipsburg, who read it aloud. Rev. Mr. Mann then arose, and Bishop Bedwell stated that the questions and answers would be interpreted. He asked the same questions asked by Bishop Stevens, and Mr. Mann slowly communicated his answers, using only his right hand in replying. The ceremony of laying on of hands was then performed, Bishop Stevens and several others laying their hands on Mr. Syle's head, and Bishop Bedwell performing that office for Mr. Mann. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was then administered to the newly ordained priests, and they were welcomed within the chancel rail. A special invitation was given to the deaf mutes to commune immediately after the clergy, and there were enough present to occupy the long chancel rail twice. The sacrament was then administered to the congregation, and the audience was dismissed with the benediction by Bishop Bedwell. On Saturday, the second biennial session of workers among the deaf mutes in the Episcopal Church was begun in St. Stephen's Church. Rev. Dr. F. J. Clere, of Phillipsburg, was elected President, and Rev. Mr. Syle secretary and treasurer of the conference. An address of Bishop Howe, and papers by Messrs. Clere and Syle were interpreted to the conference by Dr. Gallaudet.—Philadelphia Inquirer, 15th Oct., 1883.



PICTURES BY DEAF AND DUMB ARTISTS IN THE ROYAL ACADEMY, 1876.

No. 1301. "Despatches." T. Davidson. " 30. "Elter Water, Langdale." C. E. Emerson. " 1235. "The late W. A. Langdale, Esq. " 1247. "Portrait of a Lady." Mrs. North, deaf from girlhood.

WHAITE'S WATER COLOUR EXHIBITION, MANCHESTER.

"The Staff of Life," by F. T. Tavare, is a drawing worthy of Hunt for its literal truth.—Manchester Courier.

March 25th, 1876.



FAIRLY DONE.

A good story is told of ex-governor Magottin, of Kentucky, who is a good talker and likes to do most of the talking himself. Recently, in making the journey from Cincinnati to Lexington, he shared his seat in the car with a bright-eyed, pleasant-faced gentleman. The Governor, after a few common-place remarks, to which his companion smiled and nodded assent, branched into a description of the scenes that he had witnessed in different parts of the country, grew eloquent over the war, described with glowing speech the numerous horse races he had witnessed, talked learnedly of breeding, and told thrilling stories of his battles with the Indians in the North-West. The hours slipped rapidly away, and when the train was nearing Lexington the two exchanged cards and parted with a cordial shake of hands. The Governor drove to an inn, and to a number of friends he remarked that the ride had never seemed so short before. "Then you must have had pleasant company aboard." "You are right. I met a gentleman of unusual intelligence. We conversed all the way over. I never was brought in contact with a more agreeable man." "Indeed! Who was he?" asked his friends. "Wait a minute; I have his card," and the Governor felt in his pockets and produced the bit of pasteboard. "His name is King." "Not Bob King?" shouted a dozen in one breath. "Yes, gentlemen; Robert King—that is the way the card reads," was the proud reply. A roar of laughter followed. "Why, Governor, Bob King is as deaf as a post; he was born deaf and dumb!"



A NOVEL SITUATION.



During the past year a gentleman had occasion to visit a certain city in New England. He arrived at night, went directly to his accustomed hotel, and to bed, slept soundly throughout the night, and in the morning discovered his watch had stopped. When he opened the door of his room another gentleman was taking in his boots on the other side of the corridor, and of him our friend asked if he could tell him what time it was. To his surprise, the gentleman took no notice whatever of the question. He asked again, "Sir, will you be good enough to tell me what time it is? My watch has stopped." No answer. The gentleman, without looking up, shut his door and disappeared. At that moment two other gentlemen came walking down the corridor, and Mr. X. asked of them the same question. The two gentlemen, without looking to the right or left, continued their walk without an answer or sign. "Well," thought Mr. X, "this is very curious." However, he went back to his room. Presently the bell rang for breakfast, and immediately a waiter entered the room, seized him by the arm, and began a series of gesticulations. Mr. X. lost his temper, and burst forth with "What in the name of goodness is the matter?" when the waiter cried "Oh," and vanished, laughing. Mr. X. began to think something was very wrong, but went down to breakfast. When he entered the salle a manger, which commonly had a dozen or twenty people at the tables, he found the hall filled with gentlemen in black coats, all feeding gravely, and in silence. A waiter silently beckoned him to a place, and when he was seated he said to his neighbour—"Sir, will you be kind enough to tell what all this is about?" No answer. The person, like Charlotte in Werter, went on eating bread and butter. Our friend began to feel decidedly queer, and getting out of his seat, went to the nearest waiter and piteously besought him, for heaven's sake, to tell him what was the matter with the house. "Oh," said the waiter, "don't you know? Why this is the Deaf and Dumb Convention, which meets to-day at Hartford."



THE DEAF AND DUMB BOTH HEARD AND SPOKE.

Vincent Ogden was recently charged with begging, under the pretence of being deaf and dumb, at Launceston. P. C. Barrett said that he saw the prisoner in the butcher's market. He was making signs, and pretending to be deaf and dumb. He took him into custody, and after they arrived at the police station asked him his name; he made no reply at first, but subsequently said he was called William Ogden, that he was a native of Manchester, and had just come out of Bodmin Gaol. Committed for two months, with hard labour.



ENTERTAINMENT BY DEAF AND DUMB.

The inhabitants of Mansfield had some most enjoyable meetings on Monday last, when a number of the pupils from the Deaf and Dumb Institution at Derby gave some very interesting illustrations of blackboard sketching, including animals, birds, fishes, &c. In reply to the question asked by one of the audience, "What have you come to Mansfield for?" A little girl, amidst considerable laughter, wrote "To get money." The gentleman then asked her what work she would like to do on leaving school? The reply was "I would like to be a lady's servant."—Mansfield Paper, 1885.



LORD SEAFORTH.

Lord Seaforth, who was born deaf and dumb, was to dine one day with Lord Melville. Just before the time of the company's arrival, Lady Melville sent into the drawing-room a lady of her acquaintance who could talk with her fingers, that she might receive Lord Seaforth. Presently Lord Guildford entered the room, and the lady, believing him to be Lord Seaforth, began to spell on her fingers quickly. Lord Guildford did the same, and they had been carrying on a conversation in this manner for about ten minutes, when Lady Melville joined them. Her female friend said, "Well, I have been talking away to this dumb man." "Dumb!" exclaimed Lord Guildford, "Bless me, I thought you were dumb."



A "SUPPOSED" LUNATIC IN DERBY.



At the Borough Police Court this morning, a man, who said his name was "Jim," but from whom no further information could be obtained, was charged with being a wandering lunatic. Sergeant Parker said that, at a quarter-past one o'clock on Monday afternoon, his attention was called to the prisoner, who was on the Midland Railway platform. He noticed that the prisoner was wandering about in a strange manner. After making enquiries, he had telegrams sent to Bath, the replies to which were to the effect that the prisoner had been found wandering about the line there greatly excited, that they did not consider he was right in his mind, and that they had given him written directions to enable him to obtain a ticket for Derby, which he succeeded in doing. He spoke to the man, and thought he wanted to go to London; but when the London train came in he could not prevail upon him to take a ticket. He had L1 8s. in his possession, and also some tea, a razor, basket, and other articles; but no letters or anything from which they could find out his address. He took him to the police station, where the police surgeon examined him on Monday night, and pronounced him to be of unsound mind. The doctor promised to call again this morning, but had not yet done so. The Bench remanded the man until the following morning, so that the police surgeon might attend and give evidence.—Derby Daily Telegraph.

The alleged lunatic,—the deaf and dumb man, whose only name was Jim, and who had been charged with being a wandering lunatic, was again brought up. Mr. W. R. Roe, head master of the Deaf and Dumb Institution, said that he had been sent for, and that he had been communicating with the prisoner by means of signs, and found that he was deaf and dumb, and totally uneducated, but certainly of sound mind. The police surgeon again appeared, and said he had examined the man, and had come to the conclusion that there was no indication of insanity about him. The prisoner was discharged and handed over to Mr. Roe, who promised to take care of him till something was heard from his friends.—Derby Daily Telegraph.

The man was kept at the Deaf and Dumb Institution for a few days, when it was found that his friends were residing on the other side of Bath. It transpired that the man had been on a visit to some friends at Bath and could not make the authorities understand where he wanted to go, hence the error in sending him to Derby.—W. R. R.



A CLEVER GYMNAST.

Walter Stevens, a member of the British Mission to the Deaf and Dumb, last year won the first prize for "all round performances" at the Gymnasium of the Young Men's Christian Association. The prize consisted of a very handsome gold and silver medals with silver buckle and strap. He was successful in 1883 and 1884 in winning second prizes, but this year he carried off in grand style the much-coveted first prize. His performance on the horizontal bar was truly marvellous.



WILLIAM DE COURCY.

This boy was educated at a Deaf and Dumb School. He was fond of learning, and soon had many companions. One of the delights of his life was visiting the farmyard which was attached to the Institution. William had been taught to be kind to dumb animals. He watched the little birds with much interest, and liked to feed them. There was one bird which came daily to be fed which he used to call his own. He was eager for religious instruction, and soon knew God made him, and that Jesus was his best friend, and that sin was displeasing to God. He loved Jesus much, and often signed about Him to his school fellows. After William had been at school for some years he was taken seriously ill, and he was asked if he were afraid to die? His reply was, "No, I know that God sent His Son to save me." Shortly before he died his school mates signed to him that Jesus was kind. William smiled, and then signed in answer, "Yes, Jesus is kind," and shortly after fell asleep, his happy spirit took its flight to that world where there are no deaf and dumb.



A DEAF AND DUMB SCULPTOR.

There has just been placed outside St. Saviour's Church, for the Deaf and Dumb, Oxford Street, London, a statue of "The Good Shepherd," which has been entirely modelled and carved by Mr. Joseph Gawen, a deaf mute, who was a pupil of the late Mr. Behnes, and an assistant of the late Mr. Foley, R.A. The statue is pronounced by competent judges to be an admirable work of art. He also executed a marble bust of the wife of Sir G. E. Hodgkinson. Some years ago he produced a splendid model in competition for the Wellington Memorial.



BUXTON.

The Entertainments given on Tuesday in the Pavilion by Deaf and Dumb children from the Institution at Derby drew large audiences. The children looked bright and happy, and their personal appearance was a sufficient indication that they were taken good care of at the Institution. Mr. Roe gave some interesting illustrations of teaching the dumb to speak on the oral system by placing the youngest girl on a chair and explaining how sounds were produced. Mr. Roe asked various questions as to names and objects orally, to which answers were instantly given in the same way. The Institution at Derby is an excellent one, and the Committee of management deserve the warmest thanks for what has already been achieved, and we hope will be materially assisted in north Derbyshire by all christian people who have at heart the welfare of an afflicted class of society.—Buxton Advertiser, Sept., 1884.



One of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools recently visited the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb at Derby, and says the children wrote some texts which pertinently answered some questions on religion which were given to them. In answer to the question "Who made the world?" a little girl at once wrote on the blackboard "In the beginning God created the heaven and earth." The second question was "Who are sinners?" One of the boys wrote "All are sinners and have come short of the glory of God." A little Irish girl was then asked "How do you hope to be saved?" The child wrote "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ came into the world to save sinners." In answer to the question "What does the Bible say about the righteous?" a little girl wrote "The righteous are as bold as a lion." The last question proposed was "How can you show your love to Jesus?" when one of the pupils at once wrote "He says if ye love me keep my commandments."



HER LATEST AND BEST.

A little girl was admitted to a Deaf and Dumb Institution, and in due course, before she had obtained a thorough knowledge of language, learned "Little Jack Horner." Two nights afterwards, when the deaf and dumb pupils were kneeling at prayer, they were surprised to see this little girl kneel down and earnestly repeat "Little Jack Horner." It might be said she was offering the latest and best thing she had.



THE LITTLE DEAF AND DUMB PREACHER.



In a small town in Germany lived a locksmith and his wife, to whom God had given one child, a girl, who rejoiced the hearts of her parents as she grew up strong and happy. But the father longed for a son, and God heard his prayer, and a boy was born to him. Now indeed there was joy in the home; but their happiness was soon saddened, for the child was found to be deaf and dumb. He was otherwise a beautiful boy, with large blue eyes. What could they do for him but pray?

"Ah, if only the Lord Jesus was here now," spoke the father once, "how would I seek Him, and bring our child to Him; how would I pray Him to lay His hand on our dear child, too, and give him hearing."

"And I know He certainly would," the mother answered.

"But the Lord Jesus is with us, though we see Him not; let us entreat Him for our child."

At length the boy was three years old. His eyes were full of intelligence, and he seemed to understand everything around him. The God-fearing habits of his parents had a great influence over him. At family prayer the mother held the little one on her lap, his hands clasped together, and when the father asked a blessing on their frugal meal, the little child would also stand behind his stool, and would never taste a morsel before it was asked.

It was advised that the boy be placed under the care of a famous physician in a neighbouring town. The father would leave untried nothing possible for the welfare of his boy, and so very soon set out on his journey. The sun was already set when they reached their destination.

Then the father took the boy's hand, and they went together to a relative's who lived in the town. But what a different home from that which the boy had left: the relative did not believe in the Word of God, but only thought of pleasure and doing according to his own wisdom. So long as the father was with him the child was content. He would not move from his side, and at night slept locked in his arms. But the father could not stay long; pressing business compelled his return home. His departure was very sorrowful for the child, and the father felt it no less.

At length the dinner time came. All was prepared, and the family gathered round the table, and with a good appetite began the meal. But the dumb child sat not; he stood behind his chair and waited. The others told him to sit and eat, but he understood not. His lips were speechless, but he made signs that they should pray. The people understood him, but would not show they did. Then the child ran to each, and, with a supplicating look, tried to clasp their hands together. A feeling of shame came over them. They wished to quiet him, but dared not try. Should they pray? They had never done it, but the child waited. At length the wife stood up, then the husband, and then all the others, for they did not know what else to do, and the wife prayed, with trembling voice, "Lord Jesus, come to our meal and bless it, and grant us Thy mercy."

Thus did the dumb child become a holy messenger, and, though he was speechless, witness for God where He was entirely forgotten.

But how was it with the child? Was his coming so far any use? Was he cured? No; the doctor could do nothing for him, and he remains speechless still. But later he attended a deaf and dumb institution, where he learnt reading, writing, and arithmetic, and many other useful things. Above all, he has learnt to know for himself the Lord Jesus, and to be resigned to the affliction God has laid upon him. He still lives, and is a God-fearing young man, and the joy of his old parents. He has learnt the trade of bookbinding, and can well support himself. Speaking with his sister of the old times, he said in the deaf and dumb language, smiling, "Ah, God has made me deaf and dumb that I should preach of the holy Jesus."



A NAVAL CHEF D'EUVRE.



Gervase Murray, a deaf and dumb young man, the son of a poor widow living at Balbriggan, has just completed a miniature merchant ship, which in mechanical structure, symmetrical build, and neatness of finish, is not probably surpassed by anything of the kind to be seen in Ireland. It has been minutely inspected by competent judges, who assert that its tout ensemble a more perfect piece of ingenious workmanship they have never seen; nor could the most experienced ship carpenter do more justice to the various compartments, appendages, and riggings than has its mute architect, with but very indifferent apparatus—a penknife, a file, and a bradawl being the principal instruments employed in the work. It measures exactly six feet from the figure head to the helm, and is precisely the same extent in height from the top of the mainmast to the keel, the width being of proportional dimensions. The materials are all of the best description, are tastefully polished or painted where necessary, and are so exactly fitted in every part as to baffle the detection of any conspicuous fault whatever. It is fully manned with a crew of little wooden men, and officers in uniform, and completely equipped with boats, capstan, blocks, hawsers, cables, davits, cat-heads, bars, bolts, buckets, chocks, compasses, and even three brass cannons; in short with everything that may be seen in a large ship. She bears the significant name of "The Star of the Sea." Had he been able to exhibit it, as he intended, at the late Dublin Exhibition, there is no doubt that it would have attracted considerable attention, which perhaps might have led to a substantial recognition of merit having been awarded to a poor dumb youth, the chief support of his widowed mother, as a well-deserved recompense for the patience and native talent displayed in the construction of this tiny chef d'euvre of naval art, which must have given him an immense amount of trouble and anxiety during the two years he has been engaged in building it.—Irish Journal.



ALEXANDER FERGUSON, THE FAMOUS DEAF AND DUMB SWIMMER.



Alexander Ferguson, a dock mason of Dundee, (though now in employment at Irvine), has rescued forty-seven persons from drowning—one paper says fifty-one—in the Tay, Forth, Clyde, Dee, Tyne, Mersey, Wear, Ayr, Irwell, Calder, Humber, and other rivers in England, Scotland, and Ireland. He is thirty-nine years of age, and made his first rescue when about ten years old. We have before us accounts cut from the newspapers and other publications, from which we give the following particulars of some of the rescues and swimming feats:—

At Troon Dock. One Sunday a boy, who was playing with his companions at the quay, missed his footing, and fell into the harbour. Alexander Ferguson, observing the occurrence, pulled him out in a very exhausted condition. A purse of L15 was presented to him.

At Ayr Harbour. A boy named William M'Lean, aged 12 years, fell into the water and was just disappearing when A. F. leaped into the water and rescued him.

At Androsan Harbour. A boy named Robert Bodman, aged 10 years. He was rewarded with the sum of L16 by merchants and gentlemen.

At Llanelly Harbour. A boy named Francis Cornwall, 10 years old.

At Towey Dock. Richard Pearce, 11 years of age.

In the Camperdown Dock, Dundee. Alexander Yule, 10 years of age.

At King William Dock, Dundee. James Anderson, a bricklayer.

At Devonport Dock. A girl named Victoria Napier, 10 years of age.

At Dundee Pier. A boy named Alexander Robertson, 10 years old, for which he received the rescue medal of the Forth Swimming Club and Humane Society (1864.)

At Falmouth Dock. Sarah Armstrong, 11 years of age.

At Lime Dock. Oliver Markham, 7 years old.

At Maldon Dock. A girl named Jessie Brown, 12 years of age.

At Camperdown Dock. Mr. Alexander Doig, merchant of Forfar.

At Swanage Dock. A girl named Catherine Bruce, aged 14 years.

At Portcawl Dock. A boy named Albert Jones.

At Exmouth Dock. A girl named Alexandrina Nelson, 14 years old.

At Victoria Dock. A boy named Charles Blair, 8 years of age.

At Alexandra Dock. Richard Harrison, 8 years old.

At Earl Grey's Dock, Dundee. Peter Band, 8 years of age.

At Teignmouth Dock. Edgar Thorpe, 8 years of age.

At Alnwick Dock. Caesar Franklin, 10 years old.

A brave man. The last official act of the late Mayor of Great Yarmouth was to present the silver medal of the Humane Society to Alexander Ferguson, mason, of Dundee, for having saved the life of Charles Cullen, a private in the 55th Regiment, who fell overboard the steamer "Juno" on returning to Inverness. Ferguson dived and saved him, but ran great risk of being drowned, Cullen having fallen under the paddle wheel, which was in motion.

Gallant rescue from drowning in the River Mersey, off Garston, near Liverpool. On Thursday afternoon four young lads had an exceedingly narrow escape from drowning in the ferry harbour; they were amusing themselves with a boat, when they overbalanced and fell into the water; this was noticed by Alexander Ferguson, mason, who was standing on the jetty, and he, without divesting himself of any of his clothes, swam to their rescue. Having succeeded in getting hold of three lads, he landed them ashore, and then struck out for the other, who by this time had almost disappeared, his hands only being visible above the water. Ferguson landed him ashore also. After some time all the four were able to walk home to Liverpool. A large crowd was on the jetty at the time, and great excitement prevailed. Ferguson deserves great credit for the courage and presence of mind he displayed, and it is believed that but for his efforts the lads would have been drowned.—Liverpool Mercury, 1872.

GREAT SWIMMING FEATS.

1. Fourteen miles down the river with the rapid ebb tide, from the middle buoys opposite the Tay ferries to far buoy at the mouth of the river Tay, in 5-1/2 hours (1859.)

2. Across the Frith of Clyde from Carrought, Ayrshire, to Ailsa Rock; 8 miles in 3 hours, through strong currents.

3. Across the Frith of Forth, from Buckhaven, in Fifeshire, to North Berwick; 18 miles in 7 hours (1862.)

4. Across the Bay of Leece, from the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse to Barrowhead; 10 miles in 4 hours.

5. Across the mouth of Loch Ryan, from Ronmach, in Ayrshire, to Kirkcolm Point in Gallowayshire; 4 miles in 2 hours.

6. From John O'Groat's House to Stoma; 8 miles in 2-1/2 hours, through dangerous currents (1873.)

7. Across the strong-currented river to Cardell Point, on the east of Cantyre, from Penrioch, on the coast of Arran; 11 miles in 3-1/2 hours (1874.)

8. Across the Frith of Clyde from West Kilbride, in Ayrshire, to Grombe, on the east coast of Arran, a distance of 12-1/2 miles in 4-1/2 hours (1874.)

9. Across the Frith of the Clyde from Port Glasgow to Cardross; 9 miles in 2-1/2 hours (1874.)

In all these instances he was followed by persons in boats.

We are informed that he has received presents for rescuing lives of the value of L300, besides twenty suits of clothes, and has also won many cups and other prizes in swimming and diving matches, and has also received several gold and silver medals.

Alexander Ferguson has on several occasions been present at the services for the adult deaf and dumb held at the Institution at Derby.



A DEAF MUTE'S GRATITUDE.



M. Felix Martin, an artist, deaf and dumb from his birth, has just executed a group representing the Abbe de L'Epee teaching a deaf and dumb youth. He desires it to be placed in the Court of the Sourds et Muets Institution at Paris, to which he gives it in recognition of the debt of gratitude which he and his deaf mute brethren in misfortune owe to the Abbe for their moral and intellectual emancipation.



SIR WALTER SCOTT ON THE DEAF & DUMB.

Sir Walter Scott in his novel "Peveril of the Peak," uses the following language as to the deaf and dumb of his day:—"All knowledge is gained by communication, either with the dead through books, or more pleasingly through the conversation of the living. The deaf and dumb above are excluded from improvement, and surely their institution is not enviable that we should imitate them." Aristotle considered the deaf and dumb as incapable of acquiring knowledge; while St. Augustine insisted that they could not be instructed in the holy faith of the Catholic Church. Could the worthies come back to this world they would be slightly amazed at the practical refutation of their prophecies.



UNEDUCATED.

What would any of us be without education? By education, I mean not book-learning only, but the training in good habits which is given in well-ordered homes and schools.

Can any one read the following true story of a deaf and dumb man without feelings of the deepest pity for the poor fellow left untaught and untrained, to wander at will over the wild though beautiful country of his birth. Was he happy? Read the story, and judge for yourselves.

A few years since an artist visited Ireland to sketch the wild and rocky scenery for which parts of the coast are celebrated. One of the places he went to was so poor and uncivilized that there was no house better than a cabin to be found in the whole district. In a cabin, therefore, he took up his abode.

One day he was busily engaged sketching some high cliffs, at the bottom of which the wild waves dashed in fury. His seat was in a position as perilous as it was grand.

Presently he observed a creature approach, whose appearance at first puzzled him exceedingly. A nearer view showed him that it was a man clothed in a goatskin, but with the gait and manners of one wholly unused to civilized society.

The artist thought that he was about to encounter an escaped lunatic, and, although no coward, he confessed to a feeling somewhat akin to fear passing through him as he looked down at the depths below, and calculated how small a push might launch him into eternity. Then he remembered something about the advantage of being civil to madmen, and determined to try and ward off his impending fate by a show of civility. Beckoning the poor creature to him, he commenced to talk to him, to show him his drawings, and to offer him a share of his lunch. The man made no reply, but apparently assured by the artist's manner came up close, sat down beside him, and was soon deeply absorbed in devouring his portion of the lunch and in admiring the pictures. Still he never spoke, only uttered some unintelligible sounds.

The artist congratulated himself on the success of his experiments; but, nevertheless, he thought that on the whole "discretion was the better part of valour," and after a little he got up and returned to his lodging, the man following him at a distance.

On arriving at the cabin he related his adventure, when the people exclaimed, "Ah! it's only poor dummy!" and assured him the poor fellow was perfectly harmless, but he was wholly untaught, had received no training in a Deaf and Dumb Institution, and lived in this wild neglected manner. He was never asked to work, but roamed about at will, being fed by the neighbours, who would give bits to him as they would to a dog.

The artist was greatly touched by what he heard, and continued to be kind to the poor deaf and dumb man, who, on his part, attached himself to his patron in the most docile manner. Every morning he went to carry the artist's drawing materials, waited on him during the day, and only seemed too delighted if he could perform any little service for him. In return the artist could only reward him by kind looks and a share of his sandwiches. Once he offered him money, but it was received in such a manner that showed plainly he did not understand its value. And the neighbours said it was no use to give him money: food was the only thing he seemed to care for.

At last the time came for the artist to return home. When it dawned upon the poor deaf mute he was about to lose his friend, he set up the most piteous wailing, and refused to be comforted, not even by the choicest morsels of food.

The artist, when relating it afterwards, said "that he was never more moved in his life than to see this unfeigned sorrow, and to feel himself unable (owing to the man not having been trained in a Deaf and Dumb Institution) to convey one single idea of suggestive consolation."



TRADES OF THE DEAF & DUMB IN ENGLAND AND WALES.

The following particulars showing the trades of the Deaf and Dumb are taken from the last Government Census of 1883:—

FEMALES:—

315 domestic servants, 12 teachers of the deaf and dumb, 74 charwomen, 158 washing and bathing service, 22 bookbinders, 21 cloth manufacturers, 146 manufacturers of silk and cotton goods, 62 making lace, carpets or trimmings, 580 milliners and dressmakers, 75 tailoresses, 28 straw hat and bonnet makers, 99 seamstresses, 12 glove makers, 19 baby shoe makers, 6 brush makers, 15 paper bag makers, 9 workers of porcelain, &c., &c.

MALES:—

24 artists (painters), 24 artists (engravers), 5 sculptors, 18 indoor domestic servants, 37 gardeners, 28 commercial clerks, 28 messengers, 47 engaged in harbour and dock service, 37 farming on own account, 3 farm bailiffs, 463 agricultural labourers, 15 nurserymen, 13 grooms, 2 veterinary surgeons, 2 gamekeepers, 40 bookbinders, 55 printers, 26 lithographic printers, 26 engine fitters and machinists, 11 watch and clock makers, 41 bricklayers, 137 carpenters and joiners, 61 masons, 99 painters and paperhangers, 75 cabinet makers, 21 French polishers, 22 wood carvers, 12 carvers and gilders, 12 coach-makers, 15 wheelwrights, 43 saddlers, 42 shipwrights and carpenters ashore, 5 innkeepers, 1 maltster, 5 brewers, 17 butchers, 19 bakers, 4 confectioners, 44 worsted stuff and cloth makers, 344 tailors, 507 shoemakers, 23 pattern makers, 10 hair dressers, 10 brush makers, 29 basket makers, 18 wood turners, 23 coopers, 71 coal miners, 22 brickmakers, 22 workers of porcelain, 29 glass makers, 11 jewellers, 55 blacksmiths, 65 iron and steel manufacturers, 14 tin plate workers, 360 general labourers, 11 engine drivers, stokers, &c., &c.

There are in Great Britain and Ireland about 20,000 deaf mutes.



A WILL MADE BY PANTOMIME.

The Supreme Court of Maine recently, after a six days trial, sustained the will of Horatio N. Foster, who was deaf and dumb, seventy-six years old, who could neither read, write, nor use the manual alphabet. The will, which was made by pantomime, devised 7000 dols. Only one similar case it is said was ever tried in the United States, and that was in North Carolina.



A BRAVE DEFENDER.

After reaching our encampment (at Jenin in Palestine) our dragoman told us that the people of the village were so quarrelsome and thievish that it was never safe to stop a night there without an extra guard, and he had engaged the brother of the sheik of the village to occupy this responsible post. This man was a great, tall, athletic-looking fellow, but a deaf mute. While we were taking our dinner he came into our tent, brandishing a revolver. He expressed to us by signs how safely we might lie down and rest, because he (brave fellow as he was) by the aid of that revolver would protect us from all harm. Directly after our waiter—Dominicho—came in and informed us that the guard had borrowed this revolver from our dragoman, Ali Solomon, but that he stood in mortal dread of the weapon he had flourished before us so heroically; that he refused to touch it till all the charges were withdrawn from it. With such a champion for our defender what cause could there be for fear?—In Bible Lands.



A DEAF AND DUMB LAWYER.

Mr. Lowe, a gentleman who has been deaf and dumb from his infancy, will, we understand, be called to the Bar by the Society of the Middle Temple on Saturday next. He has had a good legal education, and is considered very clever as a conveyancer.—Brighton Gazette, Nov., 1829.



A DEAF AND DUMB MAN ON THE BIBLE.

The following remarks on the Bible were written by a deaf and dumb young man 26 years of age:—"The Bible is more valuable than all other books in the world. It is divided into two parts, the one called the Old Testament and the other the New Testament. The former was written by inspired men, directed by the Spirit of God; the latter contains the news of the Gospel, written by the witnessing disciples while Christ was on the earth. The Bible informs us of the guilt of sin, of the punishment of the wicked, of the Saviour who died to save men from dangerous destruction, of the way of forgiveness by Christ, of the condescension of Him, of the mercy and love of Him, and of the happiness which Christ has promised to His disciples.

The Bible teaches us how to do good to others, how to help them in distress, how to avoid temptation, how to love and obey God, how to pray to God to keep us out of dangerous things, and pray to God for our parents, for their children, and for our other friends.

The Bible is a very precious gift from heaven, and contains many precious truths, therefore we should reverence it.



UNEDUCATED DEAF MUTE'S IGNORANCE OF GOD.



Vauncey Thompson wrote after having been under instruction in the Deaf and Dumb School for six years:—"When I was at home, I knew one word, 'God,' but I did not know what it meant, nor how the world was made, and my mind was very hard and uncultivated, resembling the ground that is not ploughed, and I was perfectly ignorant. I thought then that my mind would open when I was a man: but I was mistaken, it would not have opened if I had not come to school to be taught; I would have been ignorant and have known nothing that is proper, and no religion would have come toward me. I must study my Bible till my life is departed, and I hope God will please never forsake me."



DO THE DEAF & DUMB THINK THEMSELVES UNHAPPY?

Two deaf and dumb scholars of the late Abbe Siccard were asked—Do the deaf and dumb think themselves unhappy? The following is the answer of Massien:—"No; because we seldom lament that which we never possessed, or know we can never be in possession of; but should the deaf and dumb become blind, they would think themselves very unhappy, because sight is the finest, the most useful, and the most agreeable of all the senses. Besides, we are amply indemnified for our misfortune by the signal favour of expressing by gestures and by writing our ideas, our thoughts, and our feelings, and likewise by being able to read books and manuscripts."

The following is the answer of Clerc, the other pupil, to the same question:—"He who never had anything has never lost anything, and he who never lost anything has nothing to regret; consequently, the deaf and dumb who never heard or spoke, have never lost either hearing or speech, therefore cannot lament either the one or the other. And he who has nothing to lament cannot be unhappy; consequently the deaf and dumb are not unhappy. Besides, it is a great consolation for them to be able to replace hearing by writing, and speech by signs."



A DEAF MUTE'S IDEAS BEFORE INSTRUCTION.

The following extract from the correspondence of a deaf and dumb pupil with his teacher is a fair specimen of the natural condition of the deaf and dumb before receiving instruction:—

"Before I came to school I thought that the stars were placed in the firmament like grates of fire, and that the moon at night was like a great furnace of fire; I did not know how the stars and moon and heavens were made; but I supposed that the people, like us above the firmament, kindled the moon and stars; and I did not know whether the heavens was made by art or not. I thought the world little and round like a table, and was always intending to go to the end of it."



OBSERVATIONS OF DEAF & DUMB CHILDREN.

A gentleman called to see some little deaf and dumb girls who had been present at a large meeting in aid of the Institution on the previous day, when the gentleman asked, "What did you think of the great meeting yesterday?" "I thought," replied a little girl of ten summers, "people would give great money for deaf and dumb school." To another little girl the question put was, "Did you observe any difference in the behaviour of the people present at the meeting?" "I saw some smile, and I believe some were fretting." "What do you think was the reason that some fretted?" "I thought they fretted about the deaf and dumb and about God."



A DEAF & DUMB BOY'S REMARKABLE DREAM.



William Brennen, aged about fourteen and a-half years, having been awakened from sleep, his first words were that he had been dreaming; and when he got into the school-room he commenced writing upon his slate as follows, assuring his teachers that he described exactly as he thought he saw and heard in his dream, and from his character for truth there was no doubt he did so:

I was dreaming about God; that he sent Jesus Christ, who came into the world from heaven. He was present with twelve men; they saw Him, and were frightened. He said, "Will you love God, and why?" They said, "He is the creator of all things; He saved us from our sin; He was walking on the water; He made them to live on the water and on the land. He spoke unto them, whose names are Disciples. I saw them by dreaming.

He said unto me, "Will you love God, and why?" I said unto Him, "Because He made me in a happy state and holy; he brought me to heaven from this world." His face was luminous and beautiful; he had a long beard, his hair was short and shining—I could not look at him. He wrote judgments of mankind—some were very good. When they died he took some to heaven, and some were sent to hell. His robe was very bright, like a cloud round the sun.

I could hear more than all the people in the world. I was more obedient to God. There was not the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars. I saw Addington—(one of his friends who had died lately)—who was in heaven. He shook hands with me. He was more tall than you.

I saw Adam and Eve: God made him by His word. He made him of the dust of the earth. He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. God said, "Thy name is Adam." He took a rib of the man whilst he slept; he made woman by taking the rib from a man. Her name was Eve. He made them in a happy state and holy. He made a garden of Eden. He sent them to live in the garden. God said, "Thou shalt not eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge."

I saw God making the world and all things. First the world, firmament, sun, moon, stars, land and water. God made the water with His breath, He gave it into the world. He made the sun, moon, stars very quickly with his word. He made the sun of part of the earth, from the world, and the moon of a little part from the sun, and the stars of a very little part from the moon. He did not make anything with His hands, but by His word.

I saw the world before the sun was made—it was all earth. He made Europe, Africa—all! and with His breath He made the sea. (Here his action was remarkable. He drew on his slate the continent and islands, blew with his breath with scarce any motion of his lips, and showed that the waters instantaneously flowed through their channels, and the seas were formed.) God made the firmament by His word; it is like silk paper, it is all round the world: there is water over it and clouds under it, and the sun shines through it, and the moon, and the stars. (Here he described by gestures the motions of the earth, the sun, and moon, and that there were countless stars, larger much than the sun; that there was no axle on which the world moved, nor anything to keep it up like a cord, but that it was moved and upheld by the breath of the Almighty.)

There were many angels with him.

He had not a loud voice, and his eyes see the sun before him and behind him.

He spoke very kindly to me; I saw many spirits in heaven; they were worshipping God and obedient to God; they did not speak; they listened to God and were obedient to Him; and God was often speaking to them; and they loved Him. He was commanding them to look at evil and right things in the world, and they were very bright like clouds; thou couldst not see them, because they were invisible.

Angels are often in the world; they are always present with us, and in every place, separating the people's hearts, good from bad. God tells them to separate the good from the bad; and they are always soaring with their wings. Their wings have not feathers; they are like the clouds. The angels are soaring always, and standing on the air and the clouds; they never are flapping with their wings; they are never tired, nor sleepy, nor hungry, nor thirsty, nor eating, nor laughing, nor smiling; I saw some more crying a little, because the people have sin from them. They are very beautiful like the sun. God is more bright than an angel. They can walk on everything in heaven and in the world, and in hell they are not burned. God was sitting on the clouds, and on the air, and on the water. He is still, quiet; He never laughs. (His gestures here were striking in an astonishing degree, and his whole mind seemed overcome, with a sense of the Divine greatness and glory.) God was very kind to the angels, more than all the world.



THE SCRIPTURES AND THE STATE OF THE DEAF AND DUMB.

"Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

"Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy."—Prov. xxxi. 8, 9.

"Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

"And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?"—Exodus iv. 12, 11.

"But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."—I Cor. xiii. 10.

"But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth."—Psalm xxxviii. 13.

"All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing nor the ear filled with hearing."—Ecclesiastes i. 8.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."—Mark xvi. 15.

"And how shall they preach except they be sent? as it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things."—Romans x. 15.

"And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness."—Isaiah xxix. 18.

"Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

"Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing; for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert."—Isaiah xxxv. 5, 6.

"But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see; and they that have not heard shall understand."—Romans xv. 21.

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief."—I Timothy i. 15.

"As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.

"And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake; and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel."—Matt. ix. 32, 33.

"Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

"And said unto him, Art thou he that should come or look we for another?

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:

"The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

"And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me."—Matt. xi. 2-6.

"Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind and dumb; and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw."—Matt. xii. 22, 23.

"And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus feet; and he healed them; insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see; and they glorified the God of Israel."—Matt. xv. 30, 31.

"And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit:

"And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him; and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away; and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out, and they could not.

"He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

"And they brought him unto him; and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.

"And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.

"And often it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters to destroy him; but if thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.

"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

"And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

"When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou deaf and dumb spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

"And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him; and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

"But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose."—Mark ix. 17-27.

"And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

"And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

"And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, be opened.

"And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

"And he charged them that they should tell no man; but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;

"And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well; he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak."—Mark vii. 32-37.



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

The Tenth Census Report of the U. S. of America for 1880 contains some interesting statistics of the deaf and dumb, and apparently show a considerable increase as compared with the whole population.

1850. 1860. 1870. 1880.

Total population 23,191,876 31,443,321 38,558,371 50,155,783

Deaf Mutes 9,803 12,821 16,205 38,878

No. of Deaf Mutes in each million of population 423 408 420 675

Out of 33,878 there were 18,567 males and 15,311 females. The number of native deaf mutes was 30,507, and foreign 3,721. White, 30,661; coloured, 3,217, including 3 Chinese and 37 Indians.



CAUSES OF DEAF-MUTISM.

The intermarriage of blood-relations is doubtless one cause. In one school for the deaf and dumb 25 per cent., in another 20 per cent., and in others 15 per cent. of the pupils are said to be the off-spring of marriages between blood-relations.

Davy mentions the following case observed by Meniere:—A married couple, being cousins, who enjoyed excellent health, had eight children, of whom four were born deaf mutes, another was idiotic, another died when five years of age, and two others suffered from absolute deafness, which only made its appearance later on.

In the Institution at Derby there are three sisters, and also a younger sister at home, all born deaf and dumb, the parents being own cousins. On the other hand, there are at the same Institution several children having deaf and dumb brothers or sisters, where no relationship exists between the parents, notably one family, in which both parents are healthy, and in which there are four deaf and dumb children. In the same county there are other cases of three, four, and even six in a family, yet there has been no relationship between the parents. In addition to the born deaf, measles, bronchitis, typhus, scarletina, and other diseases are the causes of deafness, and consequently dumbness.

Cases are known to have resulted from lightning, fright, boxing on the ears, and where young children have been allowed to fall on the head, etc.

Damp houses are said to be a cause of deafness. In Paris among eight children born in a family, five were born deaf, and these had all been born in a damp house. The family who had previously lived in the same house had three children, among whom were two born deaf and dumb. It is sometimes said that certain unhealthy trades in which the parent or parents are engaged are responsible for some of these cases, but the only complete statistics are those of Nassau, the results of which are as follows:—

Among 27 Pipe-makers 3 deaf mute children, therefore 1 deaf mute to 9.0 " 146 Stonemasons 4 " " " 36.5 " 186 Brass-founders 5 " " " 37.2 " 106 Potters 2 " " " 53.0 " 590 Carpenters 8 " " " 73.7 " 176 Earthenware-makers 2 " " " 88.0 " 381 Sailors 3 " " " 127.0 " 1,716 Bricklayers 11 " " " 156.0 " 1,309 Smiths 7 " " " 187.0 " 374 Vat-coopers 2 " " " 187.0 " 1,894 Tailors 10 " " " 189.4 " 2,911 Shoemakers 15 " " " 194.0 " 1,614 Joiners 8 " " " 201.7 " 2,006 Vinters 9 " " " 222.8 " 514 Coopers 2 " " " 257.0 " 1,380 Bakers 5 " " " 276.0 " 49,201 Farmers 104 " " " 473.1 " 18,211 Labourers 24 " " " 758.8

Meckel says that in the families of tradespeople, who are constantly exposed to a damp unhealthy atmosphere or other injurious influences, deaf-mutism occurs most frequently. Moreover, Meckel has found that deaf-mutism is more frequently met with in flour-mills than elsewhere. Among 990 millers in Nassau, there were found eight deaf mutes, or one deaf mute to 123.7.



A DEAF AND DUMB BOY NOT AFRAID TO DIE.

Bernard Grimshaw, a little deaf and dumb boy, lay seriously ill in the sick ward of an Institution, and was asked, "Would you be afraid to die?" "No! because Christ has taken away the sting of death, if we believe in Him that He died for us; and we should not be afraid of death, if we believe in Him that He died for us; and we should not be afraid of death because He has promised to give eternal life to all believers."

"What do you consider the best thing you have been taught, since coming to the Deaf and Dumb Institution?" "I have learned about God and His beloved Son Jesus Christ, and the Bible. That is best."



A DEAF AND DUMB SEXTON ROBBED.

George E. Fischer, the deaf and dumb sexton of the St. Mary's Avenue Congregational Church, put out the lights and started for his boarding house at 10 o'clock at night. He had gone but a short distance from the church when he was pounced upon by unknown persons, who approached from behind and knocked him down. After striking him another blow the fellow went through his pockets, taking every cent he had. Fischer is a hard-working man, but is in poor health, and will feel the loss heavily.—Omaha World, May 24th, 1886.



ACUTENESS OF EDUCATED DEAF MUTES.

One evening the senior class of girls and boys in a School for the deaf and dumb were invited to put any questions they wished to the Teacher; amongst others, the following (which show considerable acuteness and reflection) were proposed to him:—Who made God? Were there any angels before the world was made? Before the world was made, how was God eternal? Do you know, are there houses in the moon which people inhabit? Do you think the dwellers in the moon have got the sin as well as ourselves? Will there be a new world when this is burnt up? How do you know the scriptures to be the word of God? Do the angels know when the last day will come?



A RUSSIAN DEAF AND DUMB YOUTH'S REPLY.

A young Russian, of great talents, though deaf and dumb, who had been to a Deaf and Dumb Institution to be taught, with a view to become the master of a similar Institution in Russia, was asked the difference between intelligence and discernment? He said "Intelligence is a faculty, by which we distinguish good and evil, what is useful and what hurtful. I think discernment is the faculty of distinguishing the greater and less degrees of good and evil."



THE AGE OF DEAF MUTES.

The question is frequently asked, "Is there a greater mortality among the deaf mutes than there is among the total population?"

The statistics so far published, on the whole, show a somewhat greater mortality among the deaf and dumb than that among the total population.

It may, however, be stated that the deaf and dumb having to labour under greater difficulties, generally succumb more easily in the struggle for existence than their more favoured fellow-creatures.

In Bavaria, in 1871, there were 4,348 deaf mutes; 557 of these were between 31 and 40 years of age; 556 between 41 and 50; and 852 were 50 years and upwards. In Prussia there were 23,579; of these 3,057 were between 31 and 40 years of age; 2,540 between 41 and 50; and 3,609 were 50 years and upwards. In 1883, the North Midland Counties of England had 705 deaf and dumb: 148 of these were under 5 years of age; 83 were 15 years; 81 were 20 years; 227 were 25 years; 127 were 45 years; and 39 were 65 years and upwards.



DEAF MUTES IN THE TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Wilhelmi tried to ascertain by means of his statistics in what proportion deaf mutism occurred in towns and in the country, and found that it preponderated in the country.

Deaf Mutes. Deaf Mutes among 10,000 Inhabitants. In Magdeburgh { In the Towns 181 5.2 { In the Country 338 6.7 In Erfurt { In the Towns 81 5.4 { In the Country 186 8.5 In Pomerania { In the Towns 378 8.3 { In the Country 1259 12.8



COMPARATIVE NUMBERS OF THE SEXES OF DEAF MUTES.

In all countries where statistics have been compiled, the number of male deaf mutes exceeds that of the female. In 1871 there were in Prussia 12,736 male and 10,843 female deaf mutes. In England and Wales in 1883 there were 4,408 male and 3,280 female deaf mutes. In Staffordshire 264 males and 217 females. In Leicestershire 64 males and 50 females. In Lincolnshire 112 males and 93 females. In Nottinghamshire 96 males and 75 females; and in Derbyshire 121 males and 88 females.



PROBABLE NUMBERS OF THE DEAF & DUMB.

There is an increasing desire on the part of the various Governments of the world to give information likely to be useful to the instructors of the deaf and dumb, but it has been proved beyond doubt that the Census returns in many cases are not altogether reliable, the numbers being considerably understated. The following Table by Hartman, compiled from the various census returns, shows the per centage to the population:—

EUROPEAN COUNTRIES. - - - - Date of Total No. of Deaf Mutes Statis- Population. Deaf among 10,000 tics. Mutes. Inhabitants. - - - - 1 Germany 1877 39,862,133 38,489 9.66 2 France 1872 36,102,921 22,610 6.26 3 Great Britain and Ireland 1871 31,631,212 18,152 5.70 4 Italy 1871 26,413,132 19,385 7.34 5 Austria 1869 20,394,980 19,701 9.66 6 Hungary 1870 15,417,327 20,699 13.43 7 Spain 1860 15,658,531 10,905 6.96 8 Belgium 1858 4,529,560 1,989 4.39 9 Netherlands 1869 3,575,080 1,119 3.35 10 Sweden 1870 4,168,525 4,266 10.23 11 Norway 1865 1,701,756 1,569 9.22 12 Switzerland 1870 2,669,147 6,544 24.52 13 Denmark 1870 1,864,496 1,156 6.20 - - - -

NON EUROPEAN COUNTRIES. - - - - 1 United States of America 1870 38,558,371 16,205 4.20 2 Argentine Republic 1870 1,743,199 6,626 38.07 3 British Colonies in N. America 1871 583,535 470 8.05 4 In the West Indies 1871 905,730 690 7.62 5 In Africa 1871 330,460 529 16.01 6 In Australia 1871 305,730 56 1.83 - - - -

In Prussia (1875) the Census showed a population of 24,604,351, the number of the deaf and dumb being 24,315, or 9.9 to 10,000 of the population. In India there are, it is said, over 200,000 deaf mutes. The total number in the world is supposed to be over 700,000.



KING GEORGE IV. & THE DEAF & DUMB BOY.

When King George IV. visited Ireland a deaf and dumb boy determined to send a letter to His Majesty. The following extracts taken from this characteristic letter will be interesting:

"Wednesday, 4th July, 1821.

"My dear George,—I hope I will see you when you come here to see the deaf and dumb boys and girls; I am very sorry that you never did come here to see them.

"I will be very glad to see you, if you will come here often to see me. Did you ever see the deaf and dumb in London? You must write a letter to me soon. Would you like to see me at Claremont? I could not go to London, because there is too much money to pay to the captain of a ship for me.

"Do you know Grammar, Geography, Bible, Arithmetic, Astronomy, and Dictionary? I know them very little. I am very delighted that I am improving much. Perhaps I will be an assistant of the Deaf and Dumb School. Where were you born? Would you like to correspond with me? I would be very fond of you. You ought to write a long letter to me soon. What profession are you of? I never saw you; I am very, very anxious to see you indeed, and would like to see the King of England very much.

"Will you send us some deaf and dumb children, and give us money to pay for educating them.

"I am, your affectionate friend, "THOMAS COLLINS."

The answer was as follows:—

"To Thomas Collins, Deaf and Dumb Institution, Claremont, Glasnevin, near Dublin.

"Sir Benjamin Bloomfield is commanded by the King to present to Thomas Collins ten pounds for being a good boy."

"Phoenix Park, 3rd Sep., 1821."

With these ten pounds the boy was afterwards apprenticed to a printer.



POOR SAM TRANTER.

The lot of the uneducated deaf and dumb in this world is a pitiable one, and their isolation is keenly felt. Often have we seen some of this portion of suffering humanity unable to plead for themselves, or tell their tale of woe or hardship. Such was the condition of poor Sam Tranter. Though Sam was never in a Deaf and Dumb Institution, his skill and plans for worldly prospects were extraordinary. In his boyhood he was left friendless and uncared for, but persuaded a shoemaker to give him work, at which poor Sam was fairly successful; owing, however, to the man's ill treatment he had to leave, and, to save himself from starving, went in the workhouse. After a brief stay he again went forth to try his hand as a shoeblack, and after various attempts to shift for himself, he began to master difficulties by wonderful energy and perseverance, and there is no doubt had the poor fellow been properly taught in a Deaf and Dumb Institution, he would have risen in life. After a time Sam commenced selling cockles, mussels, and oysters.

From a small beginning he increased, and in course of time he took a shop, and employed five women, at which he said he had made as much as L20 some weeks. Owing, however, to his lack of education, the poor fellow was continually robbed, and eventually got into trouble through debt, and was worried with summonses; hence his failure as a cockle and oyster merchant. He then took a stall, and afterwards a shop for the sale of gingerbread, &c.; this was also doomed to failure. He then tried street-hawking with a barrow, to keep himself from the workhouse; but this also failed, and his barrow was seized for debt.

Poor Sam was again penniless, friendless, and homeless, which compelled him once more to seek refuge in the Union, where he afterwards died after great suffering, at the age of 60 years. His remains were followed to the grave by a few deaf and dumb friends. Poor Sam might have said with David "Whilst I would do good evil is present with me."



FAITH COMETH BY HEARING.

A deaf and dumb Lady said that the first time she went to church after she was impressed with the truths of christianity, she saw over the pulpit the words "Faith cometh by hearing," which caused her great unhappiness; for, she thought, that as she had no hearing she could never have faith. Shortly after, however, she saw this text in the Bible, and observed that it was followed by "and hearing by the Word of God," which gave her so much delight, as shewing her a way in which it was possible for faith to come even to her, that she clasped the Bible to her heart.



MASSIEU.

One of the best educated and most distinguished deaf mutes was Massieu, who gave the following remarkable replies to questions put to him by various friends:—

"What is hearing?" "Hearing," said he, "is auricular sight." Another party asked him whether he made any distinction between a conqueror and a hero? "Arms and soldiers made a conqueror; courage of heart a hero. Julius Caesar was the hero of the Romans; Napoleon the hero of Europe," was the answer he wrote on the blackboard, without hesitation.

In reply to the following questions, he instantly wrote answers. "What is hope?" "Hope is the blossom of happiness." "What is happiness?" "Happiness is pleasure that ceaseth not; and misfortune is grief that endeth not." "What is the difference between hope and desire?" "Desire is a tree in leaf; hope is a tree in flower; and enjoyment is a tree in fruit." Another pupil standing by wrote, in reply to the same question, "Desire is the inclination of the heart; hope is a confidence of the mind." A stranger asked Massieu, "What difference do you think there is between God and nature?" His reply was "God is the first maker, the Creator of all things. The first beings all came out of His divine breast; He has said to the first beings, ye shall make the second; to the second ye shall make the third beings; His wills are laws; His laws are nature."

"What is time?" "A line that has two ends, a path that begins in the cradle and ends in the tomb." "What is eternity?" "A day without yesterday or to-morrow, a line that has no end." "What is God?" "The necessary being, the sun of eternity, the mechanist of nature, the eye of justice, the watch-maker of the universe, the soul of the world." The deceptive and acute question, "Does God reason?" was put to him, it is said, by Sir James Macintosh, Massieu at once wrote, "Man reasons because he doubts; he deliberates, he decides; God is omniscient; He knows all things; He never doubts; He therefore never reasons."

Lucien Buonaparte once asked Massieu, "What is laziness or idleness?" "It is a disgust from useful occupation; a disinclination to do anything; from which result indigence, want of cleanliness and misery, disease of body and the contempt of others." In writing this answer the gestures and looks of Massieu were in perfect accordance with the ideas that might be supposed to exist with him and the words he was writing. When he had finished the last word he turned round, and then his whole person, with his countenance and his eyes, exhibited one of the justest pantomimic representations of laziness which it is possible to conceive. After he had a moment dwelt upon this personification, which his fancy suggested to him, he made an expressive transition to the looks and manners of a person filled with that dread and abhorrence which the idea of laziness should ever inspire.



GRACE ANNABLE.

Grace Annable was deaf, dumb, and blind, and although her form and features were well proportioned, she was a great sufferer from constitutional weakness; yet her temper was mild and affectionate. Strange to say, Grace was a capital nurse, and was much attached to several very young children, some being mere babies; in order to ascertain whether they were crying, she would pass her hand most carefully over the mouth and eyes, and soothe their little distresses with all the care and success of a talkative nurse. Grace was fond of fruit, and would beat the pears and apples from the trees, and could select the best with as much judgment as if she had been possessed with the sense of sight.



She frequently went in a field to gather wild flowers, to which she was directed by the pleasantness of their odour. Her sense of smelling was remarkably exquisite, and appeared to be an additional guide to her fingers. Grace would feel and admire ornaments, etc., and would never break or injure the most brittle things even in a strange room.

A gentleman once made several experiments with her in order to test for himself her reported abilities, and expressed great surprise that one thus afflicted should be able to accomplish so much. Grace has, after a patient life, passed away into that land where deafness and dumbness is for ever unknown.



A DEAF AND DUMB BOY AND HIS BROTHER.

Brownlow Harrison, a bright little boy who had spent a few years in the school for the deaf and dumb, was watching with great earnestness for his father, who was to fetch him home for the summer vacation.



Brownlow had made unusual progress during the last half-year; this he himself knew, and made him intensely anxious that his younger brother, who was also deaf and dumb, should be admitted as a pupil in the Institution. Brownlow himself at once wrote to the Committee as follows:—"When I was at home I was ignorant, and I don't know about God; but I am now taught about religion, and it is wonderful; I will be taught before I leave school. My dear brother cannot read, and he cannot understand; I wish he will come to school, for he don't know about God and angels, and all things good or bad. I am afraid he will grow wicked if he is not taught. I will feel thankful to the gentlemen to send my deaf brother to school."



FRANCIS CARTER, PRINTER, IRON GATE WORKS, DERBY.



Transcriber's Note:

In the anecdote entitled "DEAF, DUMB, BLIND, AND LAME," the character is named once as David and once as John in the original text. This discrepancy has not been changed.

Punctuation and alternative spellings have been retained as they appear in the original text.

THE END