specimens of the real German system. Her own pupils had the greatest commiseration for persons who were dumb, and repudiated with horror the idea of such an appellation being applied to them. She was confident if this system were more widely followed, immense advantage would ensue.
Mr. M. S. Difnall said he was associated with an institution which had the largest endowed charity for the blind in England, and he therefore came in contact with a great many afflicted persons. He had been visited by a graduate of Cambridge University, who was not only deaf but blind, but he brought with him an intelligent lad, who, by touching his fingers, could convey to him what was said. This was one instance which showed that something beyond lip-reading was required, and the remarks of Mr. Smith showed that there were a great many adult deaf mutes for whom the finger and sign language was still a necessity. Therefore, while offering his warmest thanks to Mr. Ackers, he did not think they should confine themselves to lip-reading as the only channel by which to reach the intelligence of the deaf and dumb.
Mr. A. Kinsey remarked that it was not wished in any way to interfere with existing institutions conducted on the sign system. There were a certain number of deaf mutes who, by reason of weak intellect, and others who, from the additional deprivation of sight, must still be educated on the French system. In answer to a remark made by Mr. Smith, he did not conceive it was at all necessary that large congregations of the deaf should be collected in a church for religious instruction which could be imparted to them in other ways. He believed that an easy sermon could be easily followed by a moderate number; for he had been present at two confirmations in Germany, where the whole of the service was conducted orally, there being sixty or seventy deaf persons present, the greater part of whom at any rate followed all that was said by the officiating clergyman. Anyone speaking to the deaf must speak deliberately, and without gesticulation, which would throw as great difficulties in the way of being understood as to ask anyone to read from a book which you kept moving about before his eyes. He also thought it was open to question
