CIRCULAR.

This Institution was established by the Sixteenth General Assembly of the State of Iowa, in the year 1876, and located at Glenwood, in the building formerly occupied by soldiers' orphans.

The object of this Institution is to provide special means of improvement to that class of children so deficient in mind, or afflicted with such marked peculiarities of intellect as to deprive them of the benefits and privileges of other educational institutions and ordinary methods of instruction.

The education imparted to this class, includes not only the simple elements of instruction of our common schools, where that is practicable, but embraces a course of training in the more practical matters of every-day life, the cultivation of habits of cleanliness, propriety and self-reliance, and to develop and enlarge their capacity for useful occupations.

To promote these objects, children will receive such education, and such moral and hygenic treatment, as their peculiar and varied conditions demand.

Mental imbecility depends upon some abnormal or imperfectly developed condition of the physical system, a condition in which the nervous organization is especially defective, preventing the harmonious and natural development of the mental and moral powers.

Idiots and imbeciles, as a rule, are feeble in body as well as in mind. Their gait and voluntary movements are generally awkward and slow, and their special senses inactive and undeveloped, and are wanting in nervous and muscular power. Physical training and development, therefore, are essential, in order that their mental improvement may become permanent, hence the importance and necessity of gymnastic and calisthenic exercises in their treatment.

The very feeble power of attention must be cultivated and increased by the most attractive means. The special senses must be

trained and educated, vicious habits are to be corrected, and the idea of obedience and moral obligation must be planted and nourished. Some, who are only backward, and are undeveloped from being misunderstood, or abused, can be brought out and reclaimed by special means. Many others can be arrested in their downward course, made orderly and obedient, docile and industrious; and all can be improved in their general condition. and habits.

In order to secure these blessings to this afflicted class, they must have that special care, treatment and instruction, which cannot be obtained in the family at home, or in private medical practice, or by any of the ordinary methods of education; and it is only in some institution, well arranged and directed for the accomplishment of these special objects, that they can receive such benefits. Each individual case must be studied, and treated as its peculiarities demand. Every child and youth residing in the State, between the ages of five and eighteen, who by reason of deficient intellect is rendered unable to acquire an education in the common schools, shall be entitled to receive the physical and mental training and care of this Institution at the expense of the State.

The special system of instruction, training and management adhered to in this Institution, renders it a desirable residence for all children of this class.

Applications for admission shall be made, "First, By the father and mother, or either of these if the other be adjudged insane. Second, By the guardian duly appointed. Third, In all other cases by the board of supervisors of the county in which the child resides. It shall be the duty of such board of supervisors to make such application for any such child that has no living sane parent or guardian in the State, unless such child is comfortably provided for already." "The form of application for admission into the Institution shall be such as the trustees prescribe, and each application shall be accompanied by answers to such interrogatories as the trustees shall require propounded."

The Institution is under the management of medical officers, and the inmates receive all ordinary medical and hospital treatment free of charge.

The progress and improvement of our children have been very encouraging, and parents and friends almost invariably express satisfac