THE DAILY EVENING TELEGKAPH. PHILADELPHIA, MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 18GG. Continued from the Firtt Page. nail, delights (lie eye. The aspect of nature can not bo too highly estimated in its effects upon the bet'er class of patients ; it Is the moot promi nent alleviation ot the anticlines they feel In bolnp separated from friends, and lor no sin con tinea In durance vile. It affords .hem that on 'which they can build many a pleasant thought, and helps them to relieve their minds of the fancies which oppress them. Among other noticeable objects pertalnlnrto the grounds ts a pond of considerable size, which, though ol lathpr brackish water, Is useful in thi winter, furnishing ice forth Workhouse and the Asylum, and pood skating lot the officers and certain patterns. There are fifty-six officers, attendants, and employes salaried by the Commissioners. Of these the resident f hysiclan holds the entire executive power. There are usually three assist ant phslcians and a chaplain attached to the Institution. An engineer and two w itchmen are among the officials. The duties of the Intter extend dunne the night as well as day. There are two attendants to each hall in the Asylum and Retreat. The Lodge is presided over by a female superintendent, and each ball hasasluglo keeper. The Matron has the charge ot the neno ral housekeeping in all the buildings, and stands highest in rank among the lemale attaches. A gardener and a cook are noticeable, as well as the attendants in the sick-room. The laundry, wash-house, and kitchen include most of the other employes GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PATIENTS. The number of patients Is usually about eight hundred. More tnan one-half perhaps two thirds aio of foreign nativity; Ireland annu ally furnishing 15(1, and Germany GO. The usual number ot admissions during a year is 340, while discharges and deaths amount to a similar num ber. Ot male patients who are single there are more than of those who are married, while with females it is the reverse. The lemale majority in respect to age lies with those between thirty and forty years; the male between twenty and thirty. The term of residence of those dis charged is generally from three to six months, though not a tew have spent three years in the Asylum, and some from six to eighteen. The lat ter are usually discharged unimproved. I shall not trouble my readers with medical subdivisions ot the forma ot insanity; suffice it to say that mania afflicts more than four-tilths of the patients dementia, or idiocy, and general paralysis being the mislortune of the remainder. Mania lucluoes the violent and raving mudman and those oppressed by a single delusion. From six to. twelve improper subjects are annually sent to the Institution. These are mostly per sons laboring under a short-lived delirium occa sioned by intoxicating dilnk, though sometimes a criminal, relieved lor a time from the penalty ot his crime by t plea ot iusanlty, makes his ap pearance Ironi a court of justice. Even where the criminal is really a lunatic it Is not considered that the Asylum is the proper place tor biw, there being at Auburn, erected by the State, an asylum lor insane convicts, which combines as far as may be tne comforts of an asylum with the strength of a prison. In the construction of ordinary asylums atten tion is riven more to the homelike comforts than to the great streiigth ot the establishment. It is the moral power that holds the patients more effectually than strong rooms, and probably there is no asylum in the country, except that at Auburn, from which a sane man could not readily escape. In the Asylum oa Blackwell's Island there are no rooms really stronger than the usual sleeping-rooms of the hotels in the city, and the only appearance of extra strength is in the cast-iron sashes of the windows, which might be read'.ly broken. They are well adapted, however, to common coses ot insanity, but are insecure for the crimi nal insane with dangerous propensities, and atford to those who teign the disease, in order to escape punishment lor their offenses, ready facilities lor elopement. One of the unhappiest results of the reception of this class id, that the other insane feel truly degraded by the associa elation, and we feartul that their own lives are endangered. Manv of the patients are exceed- inaly sensitive, and leel deeply any real or fan cied injury or injustice, it Decomes with tnem a matter of complaint that murderers even occupy the same halls with them and sit at the same table. Expressions ot feeling arouse a spirit ot ill-will and antagonism, and serious Quarrels and difficulties result. There are usually between thirty and forty persons with suicidal tendencies confined in the institution. Most ot their manifestations aro. however, made previous to admission. The greatest cure is taken to prevent the success of their attempts at self destruction while in carcerated, vet one or two annually effect their purpose. The nature ol the attempts 19 various: jumping from windows and heights, hanging, Dtnui'tttiikii DfrommlotiAn tntinrr thfAat fr arm Dial I RVlUUl O 1A UlUtllVU) VUlhlUf, . VI , X Ml drinking laudanum or morphine, and beaming the head aga.nst the wall are enumerated. Con sidering the disproportion ot the sexes within the Asjlum, it may be stated that such cases are equally divided between them The clunk of chains and fetters is no longer heard in the Asylum. All meaus are taken to conceal every orison-like appearance. Iron doors are nownere seen; entrance to tne differ ent, halls in. of course, onlv obtainable bv a kev: but, though extremely strong, ordinary locks are used; bolts and bars are not visible. The iron gratings ot the windows correspond in their openings to the size of the panes ot glass before them, so tnat a casual glance would detect no thing peculiar. The most violent cases are put simply into a ceil containing only a mattress and a wooden vessel; and w here that is tnsutli clent to prevent harm a strait-jacket of bed-tick closely fastening the arms to the sides is used; but it is rareiy worn. The same care now extends to the clothes ot the patients; these were formerly of striped cloth, resembling that upon convicts in other buildings on the island. Withiu a few years thev have been exchnnge.1 lor suits ot navy blue. so that patients in whom some degree of sanity exists present a repectable appearance; the females are attired in calico gowns. Apprecia tion of their apparel is a great Inducement to cleanliness and neatness. The majority of the insane are furnished with clothes by the com missioners, though many are provided by friends and relatives with siicn necessaries. At .lmcs. however, some ot these are not allowed to wear their own garments, their destructive natures necessitating stronger and less valuable attire. Most of the inmates of the Lodge are thus clad. The food, as I have said, consists mostly of t oup with spjon meat, the impracticability of allowing the insane the use of knives and forks rendering this essential. The bill of lure is not luxurious, though better than in other institu tions upou the island. Beet soup, really merit ing great, commendation, is erved three times wee kiy ; tor dinner mutton und alt beef once. The soup is thickened withlndiun meal, und contains a variety of vegetables. Occasionally, in the sea son, other vegetables, such as radishes, accom pany the dish, but this is seldom. The breat is very good, and ot all edibles furnished there h always an abundance. Friday is a black day with those of squeamish stomach, for musb and molasses is then furnished instead ot soup. The break last is composed of br9ad and coifee; the supper of bread, nutter, an J tea. Frequently, as putients are recovering from their discuses, and manifest a desire for employment, they are lurnislied with it, and attendants' fare; this has greater variety, ad includes roast meats, with cotlee. It would be desirable thit each unfortunate should occupy a separate bed-room, and, as far as possible, his is done; but the overcrowded state of the institution prevents it as a general rule. In one hall of the Retreat there are no bed-rooms, and bedsteads line the walls merely. In most of the small bed rooms, also, two sleep, though on separate mattresses. Disturbances ocrasionallv arise through this arraneemeut. Most of the patients are from the lower ranks of life. Thev are In general friendless or poor. Persons able' to afford it, and gifted with natural feeling, would, of course, preler to send their diseased relatives or friends to other than a charitable institution. Many, however, arrive, committed by the city magistrates, their friend being ignoraut of their atllictien or whereabouts iiiiillweeks, or perhaps months, after their pres ence in the Asylum. Manifesting dangerous sunntoms in the street, thev are arrested by the police, brought to the station-house, (hence U the Tombs; the physician there file a certificate, and 1 lie steamboat transiers tnem to tue L.uuauc Asylum. OCCUPATIONS OF INMATES. ' , The time of many Is mainly passed In coursing from one end f the long hall to the other, some rapidly, with violent gestures and occasional ex- clumations, invectives, and oaths; other-;, with dejected countenances and hanging head-t, pace wearily to and tto. some wui staui or sit mo tionless tor hours together, and of them there are those who w ould not go to their meals unless bid. Some, again, are loquacious, soiiable witn their companions, dcligTltert at the presence of visitors; while others sedulously avoid all so ciety, and will not speak even if addressed. The main treatment on which reliance is placed lor cure consists in fedutives and tonics, the freedom trom active qxekemehts, and the establishment of correct hub.ts. ; As happiness or unhuppincHS in all depends much upon men tal training, so whatever tends to establish an evenness ol temper aids not only in preventing Insanity, out in actually restoring tue diseased mind to its normal condition. ' Bv lar the maiontv of those in confinement being of an uncultivated class, it would bo dif ficult to find means to alleviate the weariness, they experience tn their seclusion. But there aro many to whom books and papers would prove highly valuable. Ot these and such liko inducements to mental case the Institution ex hibits a great deficiency. The position in this Asjlum of a patient from the better ciass of society is not enviable. Crazy though he mav be. be has vet tne instincts, pre judices, and habits of the class to which hobo longs, and being in daily companionship with bis opposites in every respect nis scnsioiuties are shocked on every side. Amidst the ignoble mass there are at tunes scholars and gentlemen. Men who have obtained distinction in thoir various walkaof life find in this' institution a lorary resting-place or a final abode. Clever rs, tine musicians, artists, literary men, law vers, doctors, and clergymen have been num bered anions the inmate?. Insanity, like, death, is no respecter cf persons. Visitors to mis institution, 11 tney como pro vided with the proper ticket, will, upon pre senting it to the clerk, be shown through a single female hall of the main building, usually Hull 3. 1 nave supposed that ladies are ot the n 11 ft t f T niriA "Kiit rrnntlaman ora Tirnain fr tlmtr are escorted in addition through male Hall 3. in these two nuns tne quieter and better class of patients are confined. The Lodge and the Ketreat are, as a rule, closed from public cu riosity, tbe indecencies in both word and action of many ol the inmates rendering them unfit for scrutiny. The reason for refusing all applica tions to see more of the lunatics, is the unhealthy excitement induced by an influx ot strange laces among them, reviving, as it necessarily must, old associations and sturting anew delu sions whit h have almost died out. Visitors, though always treated with politeness, are not at all desired bv the physicians ot the pluce. The cleanliness and neatness evtry where appa rent always commands admiration. The white washed walls and spotless floors show constant attention; certain ot the patients, under the guidance of attendants, swecpinir and dusting the boards daily, and thoroughly scrubbing thtm once a w eek. Alter contemplating the strangely attired, close shaven residents, chatting, perhaps, with some mild-eyed, ladylike inononiauiac, shuddering at the approach of a haggard wretch with uncouth gesticulations, receiving urgent prayers from many to etlect their release, the sight-seer de scends the long winding staircase of the octagon and proceeds "to the grounds for lurther spec tacles. Here, if the weather be favorable, he will doubtless find inclosed -in a yard, profusely set with trees, a motley crowd of men. Almost every variety of dishabille is visible. Some are playing or wrestling with each other, some en gaged in altercation, some in quiet socal con verse. Occasionally one starts as on a loot-race, another jumps as it' lor a wager. Singing, preach ing, bowline: is heard, producing a Babel of the most discordant noises. Having gazed sufficiently, the summer visitor strolls into tne garden, the season boiug summer, and there consulting his watch, learns he has just time in which to walk the quarter of a mile to the steamboat dock, and the wlflstle Of the vessel coming up the river quickens his steps, lie is soon after landed at Twenty-sixth street, joyful at having "done" the Lunatic Asylum; but that he has seen and heard merely a hun dredth part ot what is most interesting the suc ceeding conversations will, I hope, prove. With a stranger the insane are often slow to unbosom themselves. If I occasionally seem to push the sportive vein too tor to be insuffi ciently filled with compassion 1'or misfortune, the reader w ill please accept as my excuse that 1, too, have been a madman, and feel entitled to greater license han the ordinary pleasure seeker. . THE FEMALE TATIEMTS. ' ,' The lemale puiients (as well as the male) ex hibit every variety of ugliness of leaiiire. It would seem, lrom a general survey of the in mates, that the demon of insanity prefers the most repelling abode. The "lair" sex; is really represented but three or lour times among the live or six hundred women in the Institution, so nt least to the .casual spectator it would appear. Their close-cropped hair, slovenly attiro, and maniacal expression -are doubtless among the causes of this. And again many have contracted a habit of sitting in the broiling sun until tbe skin peels off from their noses. , If a painter wished to depict the Witch Scene in Maubetti he would here find the finest models et prominent among all the monstrosities, a very paragon of hideousness, stands Ann Barry. The pen is Inadequate to describe ner, . Contemplation of her grotesque bulk induces the ilioucht.that like the monster In "Frankenstein," she became distracted through tbe- sensation her appearance ever caused among her fellows. Her gigantic head, with its reiL bushy, unkempt hair, is supported by a bugu misshapen body, covered usually by a coarse blue cotton gown, while her arms and hands would astonish a prize-fighter. Upon meeting her for the first time one experiences a feeling akin to awe. Not withstanding her terrific asuect, this singular creature Is ot a tractable disposition and very useiul in the cook-house, carrying twavy ves sels. Her conversational powers are not exten sive; to all questions slie replies by monosyla bles, given ma deep bass voi:c, like the growl of a woaried lion. Her appetite are strong, yet she is not aevoid of lovo in tbe'tine arts. Music, or what doubtless tn her is Tuch, is her great deiighi. Would you till her soul with sort con tent, place in her hands a guitar. Hugging it as though it were the idol ot her heart, mhe will sis absorbee in ecstaey lor a whole afternoon, producing a monotonous turn, turn, turn. Though stupid,' Ann seems always happy, and dcubtless is one of those who are satisfied with their posi tion in the Asylum. .With her there is usua'ly associated in the mind of the resident her l'ciloiv-putient, Norah. She hiu the same carroty locks with the same frizzled texture (though not so profuse). But. while Ann i sedate and rarely smiles, a continual grin over-spreads the innocent face of Norah. To ulance at her (s to excite a simper ; a protracted look will influence her risibles to such an extent as to close her eyes and involre her whole frame in wriggles and contortions ; then a pleasant ex pression upon vour face, and she will beat the ground with both fact, turn her body from side 10 side, and amidst chuckles and snickers con ceal her beaming countenance awkwardly with both hands and her aprm. All this would be very pretty In a child of three years of age, but it is supremely ludicrous in ths forty-five years Koran numbers, and ihe spectator's mirth s. on equal hers. To her concluding erunt, "Ugh, ugh! go away! go away! there! stop it!" he is hardly able to attend. Upon her picture being taken she went through every variety of emotion, ending with suspicious glances at the artist, when her moaesty burst forth in tears, evading all tbe endearing words and efforts of the attendants to repress. Norah always impresses her acquaint ance as an elderly and overgrown baby. When provoked she w ears the sullen, angry look of a spoiled boy, and emits a roar, intermingled with broken words, w hile she stamps savagely upon the ground. In persou Norah is rather nnwiely. Mie muy frequently bo lound ;it the cntrauce to Female Hall 3, where she assumes the sine cure office of doorkeeper, ever seeming in an intense stato of satisfaction with nothing in particular, and indulging In a vacant reverie. She may also be occasionally met carrying pails or water trom the cook-house. Her in telliqeiK e is sufficient to enable her to eat and drink, year her clothes, and sleep when sho should. She also reads in the visapes of those about her their expression, ascoffl rendering her frantic; her mental acumen Is not otherwise nuteworlhy. ' It is customary, during the pleasant weather, for the female attendants In the Lodge to give their charges an early morning airing. In troops of filtcen or twenty, two by two, these fantasti cally garbed patients proceed through the walks ot the Asjlum grounds. Prominent tn their midst is one styled the" Queen," rejoicing in lief Crown of artificial flowers and old rags.' The iioual number of sceptre-bean rs are present in this Inst tution; there are some six kings; Prince Albert rows in a small boat belonging to the lesiuent pnjsician. FEMALE ODnirTTES. Now and then, from the motley ranks prome nading, there will dait some particularly hila rious member, who is soon brought back by threats, entiratlcs. or force. The principal of these undisciplined stragglers is a gross, portly woman, w ho, w ith wheedling smiles on her sen sual countenance, attneks every man who mny happen to be a few yards oir with demands for tobacco. If her request is complied with, she pockets her treasure, pat9 the donor on the back or cheek, in token of thanksgiving, and reloins her companions at a pace scarcely war ranted by her unwieldy proportions. Another oddity among tliese poor creatures is one who seems to irragine herself a steam boiler, her mouth being the valve. At the bid ding of her keener, or for hir omrn ease, she will emit, during her excursions, a screech thaf would do nonor to tne whistle or tne largest boat on the river. It is given with a passionless expression and an energy of purpose that are extremely comical. Leaving her and her asso ciates to wander leisurely bark to the Lodge, let us pass that building, and enter the gate ot the yard of the Retreat. Here we are at once assailed bv the comrilainins old maid Miss B. This lady is a neatly attired personage, some forty years of ace. of a plain but by no means unpleae.ant cast of features. Her hair is very f;rey and in thick curls. The only peculiarity n her appearance is induced by the gieat care which she takes of herself, and consists of a mask made lrom a pasteboard box, with two rough holes cut therein, to protect her skin from the sun. A an of the same material is held in her right hand. The left is, as a rule, occupied in buttonholing visitors. The story ot her wiongs is endless. She wishes that she could write a book to horrify the world with her dire revelations ot the fiendish corruptions and abuses that exist in the Asylum. She s cogni zunt of murders that have been committed, and gazing carciully about inlorms you in a thrilling whisper that she hus more awlul secrets, but dare not breathe them ; her life would be taken should she do so. Her discourse is coherent, and she is generally judged sare by those who talk with her. The writer himself once had that belief. He knew what it w as to be treated as ii crazy. Since, how ever, she rushed up to him one day, dissolved in tears, and crying "outrage," and exhibited a biuiscd finger, he has changed his opinion con cerning her. The unheard-of .atrocity by which such serious Iniury was mfficted was caused by a irolicsomc patient snatching trom her lap soms needlework. Miss B. pursuing her to regain the goods stumbled against a table and fell. Ten arsons and lorty assassinations were as nothing to this viflanv. to judge from her denunciations. If it were not lor that girl she would never have etumblen, if it were not lor that stumble she would not hive hurt herself, the eirl was guilty of all a perfect monster, should such tn.nps no, etc. etc. roor JUiss 15., you are crazy, no doubt of it; but there are others as crazy un- con fined. If you bad friends willing to support yon, jou would not remain iere. You are just liipane enougn to De wretcneci. LOQUACITY AND PUGNACITY. Miss B. is rivalled in loquacity by Mrs. N., who, however, pissesses a lar wilder imagination. Her stylo Is different, also, being that of a preacher. At times she has informed the world in general, and the writer in particular, that the whole Institution belongs to her, not a rag worn on the place but is hers; but that her servants somehow have got ihe upperhand and order her When she should order them, though a reckoning will surely come. Her mood changing, she has aeciured inut every doctor now on tne island, and many who have left it, is her husband. Mrs. N. has singular facility in extempore rhvmiag. yet occasionally the right word eludes her grasp; and it is amusing to hea her. without a cause. overthrowing on all sides sense rmd syntax, rush headlong through sentence after sentence before arriving at tne destined goal. An altercation now going on In the vard airests our attention. Iwo women stand shakiug their clencbsd hands at each other. One of them is a tall German with dishevelled hair, sun burnt skin, and toothless mouth. Her enuncia tion is rnpia in the extreme, and bitched in a high key. Part ol her discourse is in;her native tongue, part in broken English, but all so jumbled together, so strangely uttered, as to render 110 unnble to get at her meaning. We are less f'oitunnfe with respect to her Irish opponent, a wrinkled hag, whose maledictions, given with equal ferocity, are every where interlarded by profane expressions and obscenity. Satisfied at length that no serious harm will bo inflicted, by either, we approach a crouching figure, whose preternatural ugliness fixes the eye. She is engaged in embrodering strange characters on a strip of cotton cloth. "What have you there?" we ask. irreverently. "Take, care, don't dare to touch it; hell yawns ceiore you i" is tne response; and atmghted eyes gaze into ours. , "What's the matter ?" "This is sacred. It contains a despatch from tne Aimifibty tioti. it is worth millions on nnl liors. ' 1 am the Queen of Heaven !" naeii mortals Unit we weie! we etlect our re treat. And now there advances towards us 'with light, tripping footstep and outstretched hand a plump female. Hf r clothing is soiled and slovenly worn. Her conntenance is unctuous with the milk cf human kindness and mutton-suet. .Her discolored leeth are fixed in the thigh-bone of sheep, and licr bare arms glisten to theel'oows w ith the fat of the aiiimal. As she nears us she drops the bone, nr Scad fulls to one side, and her mouth expands in a lovinc leer. It is she- the irrepressible "Moonshine." Woe is me that I am a man. It is I who have drawn the crea ture to us. -I have whiskers, I am therefore adored. That feartul seene is to be repeated, She sidles hcsitatinelv up to me and extends her dripping digits my modeMy takes nlurm f I retire. She grows bolder, poiits her hps, and essays to itissme; botn urms aie now extended, and a tender embrace would surely follow did 1 not precipitately dodge behind a companion. In a low murmur are constantly emitted expres sions ol affection. Finally she gets wearied by my shy manner, und sportively claps me on the back. 1 thenceforward bear a love-token on my coat, the imprint of her greasy hand. To state it mildly, Miss M. is continually playing the ancient game 01 1 opeimugen; without mucn re- Vara, nowever, to certain ol its rules. But where is our accomplished friend Funny L.? Our search ol her is interrupted bv a red lared woman in the rageedest ot towns, who seizes us by both arras, and. rapidly vocilerating, commands us with threats to tell father that Moll Mugulre has a litter of pigs and the old sow is dead. She uhw insists uon our making Pat .Uulrooney keep away from Biddv M'Umnis, the ould varmmt, the ugly baste. Hi. ha. did we see Tim O'Flaherty climb the creased pule didn't he fall sudden. Ann Sullivan eha'n't wear ber silk dresses Into the dairy; and we must tell iiitner mat 'leiFly itoche doesn't mind bis busi ness and she wants to go home. I gravelv enter a note in my pocket-book, and promise an mat is BSKed. TNTBODUCTION TO FANNY L. Fanny is at length found, and a mock Intro duction is given her to the familiar luces about "Dr. Patch, the distinguished" "Happy to meet you, sir. I huve heard of a relative ol jours, who ascended into lunnj by descents into the water. He was en exceedingly drctitt performer Mr. Sam Patch. Do you re membei;" and forthwith Fanny recitej with ap picpriaie and striking eesturcs seveial stanzas ircm wen-known verses in honor of the hero ot Iv in gar a Falls. Her delivery both In word and act on would excite the admirat on of the elo quent Cough, and do no disciedlt to Mrs. Kero- i'ie. 'The gentleman before vou." some one re marks, "is not unwoithy of his illustrious an cestor. He also has lumped over wnterialls. The ladies wear them very large now, and orcasion- biij ioie inera. ' "All! then he is doubtless aennninled with the Maid of the Mist." Fanny renlles. ouicVlT; "for I presume he was gallant enonirh to nr- sent it to the lady, who, having let it drop, missed it." We have heard much of vour vnonl nnmn Miss L.; will vou not favor us with a sonir?" " 'Sing a song ol sixpence.' shall I. gentlemen 'a pocket full ot rye.' A bottle of rye w hisky is meant by the poet. I snrmlse; itoftenliidnp.es sirging lor sixpence. Ha, ha! As lor me I nave only a wry lace." Ac-Mi..., j oiiijj, mjAiifiinj t i: nic c.etTi-u- ingly fond of music, and w ould delight to hear you." "Well, what will vou havef What is vour favorite style r Operatic or the simpler ballad 1 Sad or gay ?" "nmg us the melody you Ilk? bet." "Well, the one I sing oltenest is the Blind Girl. It suits me, for I am always groping in the dark." She strikes at once Into a plaintive air. which with its pathetic words absorcs the attention of ner visitors. She sings witn real leeling and tru expression, and her voice, though not rich, is very sweet. Upon our repeated requests she sings another and vet another. ' ' We are infinitely indebted to vou. Miss T-. but we are not yet satisfied. VVe know how much further you are capable of pleasing us, and long to see you dance. You are not tired, w e nope r "On no. I have not vet thought of retlrinor. and so, of course, could not of tiring. What will you have?" "An j thing you please." She straightens herself, extends her shnbbv skirts with both hands, after the approved man ner of danseuses, and assumes a graceful atti tude. Then, humming the music that should be played, she bounds Into the first figure. Chasse ing, pirouctte-ing, she performs many of the more difficult feats ot the Terpsichorean rt, every movement full of ease and elegance. Her aguity is surprising, tor sue must number lull lorty-flve years, and her locks are quite gray. We clap our hands loudly as with a superb courtesy she sinks at our (cot. "inc uacnuca, r'anny, th Cachuca!" Lcnainiv. my lords. You will excuse my slippers, they are, ha ! ha 1 the best I have, but mcir ni is charming." bbo protrudes her bare iopb to our gaze, and then, inrowinc us a smite. launches into the wild dance with all the aban don of a Spanish senorita. The languor, the nre, tne passion ot its voluptuous ngures. are given con amove, yet chastely. Our plaudits aro lenewed with lervor at its conclusion, and we oio ner iareweu. Fanny was unquestionably at one period gifted with much beauty and more than ordinary mieiieci; sparKsoi tne latter even now remain. and frequently burst lorth in repartee. Yet all her tine qualities were during their perfection prostituted to base uses she has been one ot the celebrities of the demi-monde. Her acquaintance w ith men prominent in the world is extensive, and she delights to relate anecdotes concerning them. One of the most singular of her delusions is connected wivh a young physician attached to the Asylum. She believes him the Deity, and sits daily at his door, sadly disturbing his reflec tions by pouring lortn melody alter melody. She makes him presents of bouquets of weeds. and grasses, and is never happier than when she sees mm. MRS. BUCHANAN. 'Ihe interesting "Moonshine" 1 have men tioned is conjoined with her in persecutions of mis oocior, out snows less good taste in her de monstrationsbeing wont to fill the keyhole of his door with gristle and fat, and thrust into his room old pieces oi newspaper carefully tied up with various-colored string. At tne approach ot evening ho usually finds finds a dozen f these missives on his floor. For some reason (probably her long residence in the Asylum) "Mrs. Buchanan" is tne female patient best known to tbe public. She is often inquired after by the visitor. Her name indl cates her monomania; she believes President James Buchanan to have been her husband. quiet, motherly-looking old lady, she is always aecentiy umred, and lnnaous a comiortaDie bed room in liail h ot the main building. A large doll Is ever with her, which she sometimes im agines is one ot her children, no less than lortv five of w horn, she affirms, have blessed her union with the cx-thiet Magistrate. In times past Mrs, B. had some kittens, which she also nursed as her oflspnng. ihe writer made a call upon her not long since, and wishing to be well received, and knowing her predilection tor distinguished guests, announced iumseit, nis modesty consent ing, as travelling tutor to the Prince of Siara, then visiting the United States. She hoped the king, my mister, was well, and did me all the courtesy in her power, inviting me into her apartment and giving me a seat. In the course ol our conversation I ventured to say that it was strange that the wife of a President should be in her bosition. Oh no. not 'strange at all, some political end, she would soon be iree, Mr. buchunm was coming that very afternoon. (Mr. B. has been coming every day for the lu6t six years, yet the old lady Is as' cheerful as a cricket.) She suffers no disappointment, for she forgets every thin; said or done as soon as it has passed. I also hazarded tha remark that I was informed and, believed the venerable President was ae ceased. . She burst into a laugh, and turned to mv companion with the exclamation: "Do hear-.him! he would impose upon 'me with that! - No, sir; I had a letter from him yesterday." "Are vou well cared for here, madam ?" "Well. sir. the fare is without variety. The eoup is very good; but is nothing to the"ten courses to which 1 have been accustomed." 1 1 burst forth into raae at the inhumanity of her spouse in allowing her to remain so long with strangers; but was brought to a stop by horrified look on mv host's features. is as much grieved at our separation as myself. ( lrciimstances are uncontrollable: hut 1 am re signed to tht will ol my Maker." And she uttered a long homily, as most Christian old ladies would in her imagined-position. Being informed that 1 was an artist desirous of taking her portrait, Mrs B., with her sweetest smile, couscnied to sit. Upon the completion of the picture tte respectfully withdrew. AMUSEMENTS OF THE PATIENTS. Most of the amusements of the patients are only acceptable to convalescents or to inoiioma urnc. Ol such a character are draughts, chess, dominoes, and card9. These game are con tinually played bv certain of the insane, and treat skill 'is not infrequently found among them. Loggerheads and quoits are at the dispo sal of those to whom it is sate to intrust them, and who are desirous ot exercising with tnem. At one time daily military drills, with drum and tile, took place in the yaid or tne Asyium. u was amusing and instructive to see the invigo rating effect- of- the martial airs upon even the il meuted. They wouid go through the evolu tions, too. with an exactitude tnat WRS li'Pr1'1- ing; and stimulating the melancholic cases to exertion, the orui prooaruy not a nine ueiiwu to promote their recovery. Falstatf, gazing lrom aiar. might think he beheld his ancient aimy in the grotesque company before him. Fine facilities tor swimming are afiordedon the islund; h small shanty serves as a bath-house at its extremity, and male and female patients enjov in the season the luxury of a dash Into the East river. Mention of sharks having been seen occasionally deters the timid from ven turing 1n, but no accident from the presence ol flatfish is recorded as having happened to island residents. There are sometimes dis covered among the patients accomplished per formers in the water men conversant with ull known feats, und able tn spend hull udayrts porting on the surface." Good skating ts abto to be obtained in the winter. ! Facb inninte Is allowed, as far as Is po-.s1b'e, if he is tit tor it, to busy himself with bis favorite pursuits. The penman finds ample occupation, under tne doctor s direction; the oaotnot-maser, painter, carpenter all may work at tbelr vari ous on pioymcLts. A museum until lately ex litrd, In which speclmwjs of the more curious work of inmates was exhibited. Drawings show ing InBniU" patience were exposed needle-work rt the most outre character. The larger part ot the museum, however, consisted of contribu tions from outsiders. Fishing is to be had, but it Is by no means as good as formerly. Lobster-nets arp, however, set a' the proper time, and not a few ol tbe shell fish find their way into them. There is One eccentric whoFe whole time is devoted to the placatory tribe. He is a sort ot hermit; has built a hut in ihe marsh at the upper end ol the island, where be spends most or the day, coming to ton cookhouse for bis meals (when he has not amply provided himself), and to his proper ball at bedtime. Ho is called Hudson, and his grizzly hair, long as a woman's, is coiled, Chinese lasinon. at the bark ol nis head, unuer a variety ol handkerchiefs, rags, and an old bat. He speaks little English, knowin0- apparently iust enough to enable bim to asic (or nsn-noons and tobacco, lor he is a continual smoker. He Is of Oeimsn nativity. Another prominent oisciple ol Isaak Waltou is "Black Jimmy," a lolly, clever darkey. who?e romantic story ol his incarceration, as given y himself, runs thus. Ho is not wholly a negro, his father having been an Indian, and ho in herits some of the characteristics of the savage people to which he is Bllied. His former mas tcr, whose coachman he was. is declared by him to nave also had Indian blood in his veins, and was once the Mayor of New York. Jimmy, as time progressed, manifested matrimonial in clinations, and as his tastes leaned towards his lather's race, a voune squaw became the favored ooiect ot nis addresses. - mis most beautmu ot women (Jimmy grows rapturous in picturing hor charms) favored bis suit, adoring him. But their marriage was not to be. When does tne course of true love run smooth? The Mayor Inter posed, influenced Dy leaiousy. tie intnrraea nis servant that If he espoused the fair Indian being, as he was, bait red man hi in sell he would become equal to him, the Mayor, and such a thing could not be. Jimmy, infatuated, would not listen, and his master, bv the high hand ot power, shortly transferred him to the Lunatic Asylum. It will be surmised by the reader. doubtless, that Jimmy's insanity manifested itself first in love-making to a beautiful guest of nis employer. At the conclusion ot nis story the writer re- marked that the narrator was certainly "done." "Oh! no," Jimmy wittily replied; "I ain't done, I'm accomplished!" And this is not far from the truth. An ingenious tinker, he repairs an tne umorenas, pans, Knives, rings, and spec tacles brought bim by attendants. lie soles and patches shoes, makes tobacco-pipes and fancy canes in fact, is a sort ol niechnnii al Admirable Crichton. Jimmy's great delight, however, is in tishing, and many a nue mess ot biack-bsh. bass, and eels does bo furnish for the resident physician's table. There are the remains in him ot a once surprising agility, but some injury has so affected his right leg that it bends with diffi culty, and he drags it stillly as he walks. His countenance is cupable of the most ludicrous ex piession. His fancies, as a rule, appear to tickle him amazingly, and he may not unfre' quently be found convulsed with smothered lacghter. His eyes close, every muscle ot his face is contorted, and his body writhes in a vain attempt to free himself from the srasp of mirth. An sitift might seize the habitual grin that adorns his features, but the chuckle would have to be lctt to imagination. Jimmy is not unable to utter brilliant savings. but he talks sad nonsense most of the time. lie is also a most amusing stammerer, working his laws tun hve minutes colore the word escapes, I subjoin a specimen ot his style of conversa tion : "Good mornln'. Mr. D." "Good morning, Jimmy, that was a capital eel you caught me yesterday. You shall have your tooacco to-morrow." "1 knew it! Honors as honors. When you deal with re-re-responsibilities of course you win, win i lenow honors, i know eentiemen, Gentlemen al-al-al-al-al " Jimmy seems going into a nt. "How, James, be careful what you say, .Don't do it. I would advise you to welt con sider" "D-ara it, look here, Mr. D. You think you've c-caught a gudgeon, but I've caught m-more fish 'n you have kick le, ktckie! ha, ha, ha I he, he, he!" And convinced "he had me there," my black friend goes off shuffling with his lame leg, and shrugging his shoulders with glee. Jimmy has all the negro fondness for high sounding words, and inasmuch, as one of his numerous professsons is that of com-cutter- general. I informed him that he was a d Id tin guished chiropodist. He labored to commit it to memory, and ever after announced himself in that capacity as a "stingus kiropokus." A large book bang under my arm one dey, he gravely asked it It was a " Hokopeekus," that being his nearest approach to the word Ency clopa-aia. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS AMUSEMENTS. On Christmas and New Year's day all the talent of the Institution is usually assembled. and an entertainment is given. An exhibition of this character is present to my mind in which a magic lantern was the prominent feature, the slides ol which were mainly furnished by ayoung artist recovering trom an attack, ot mania, ms productions were mostly of a comio character. and numbered some two hundred pictures. He was helned in the mechanical contrivances by an ingenious physician, since deceased. The designs were all original, and drew forth enthu siastic plaudits. The war ot Secession was waged at the time, and many of the drawings were political. Jhn Bull was represented in one about to fight a duel with Brother Jona than. Thev stool boldly confronting each other, according to the done, until Brother Jona than pointed his pistol, when J. B.'s counte- nance Jell, and he raised his right leg in an attempt to leave. A "Magic Mirror" excited much amusement; it had the quality, according to the lecturer, ot reiiecting upon tne cusraeter instead ot the face of the in-looker. Some dozen figures presented themselves. "Brother J. saw some pumpkins." J. B.. yery small po tatoes indeed, and Jeff. Davis no loss a person nee than Old Kick himself. A menagerie was shown, which numbered among its inmates all known animals, and in eluded the tar-famed Gvascutus. All the sped mens passed through a cago on the curtain, the riraiie w ith treat difficulty. The female elephant was only got through by means ot pulleys and the torcible endeavors of thre men, but when the turn of the monster male elephant, "Atlas," came, it was found only his head would enter the cage. The lecturer then announced that, unwilling to disappoint the spectators, he would have the animal cut up and his vast proportions be shown ihem in parts. Accordingly a proces sion at peared, which a hyena led, drawing in a cart a tusk; u uiuskrat with his cart brought up the rear in more tuan one sense, conveying us he did tbe fail ot "Atlas !" There was also a "Maeic Microscope." in which, a learner in a voung lady's cap, properly magni fied, exhibited a number of young men on a siring the limits of a magazine article forbid me to mention moie. A tine pianist, who had been a patient, accompunied tbe pictures; and a solo player on tie coruet-a-pistou added to the delight. Vocal music also lound skillul ex ponent?. A complete minstrel band at one period per tsined to the Island, with its bones and tambou rine, givingjconcerts on tne holidays, (ieutiemen lrom the eity used to tuvor .the' Asylum with sacred music every Sabbath, but ot lute have discontinued the practice. FOURTH OK JULY BALL. On the last Fourth of July a novelty was in augurated; a bull was given in the large hull of the Itctieut, and certain male and female pa tients intermingled in the mazy dance. An athletic Irishman distinguished himself by nis pianou-w nigs and extraordinary ability. Norah was there, bopoiug up and duwu as though plus were in each shoe. And .liumivtlie fiddler was ost in ecstasy; n perpetual snide oozed through his bristly moustache; and his left leg beat time extravagantly to the wheczlngs snd shriekint? of his liiHtrOment. , Hut the bail wss a Success no aocidont occurred patients, physicians, asifl visitors-were eqimliy delighted. i ; A LEOTURBR. A comic lecturer and ypntrtlonulst well knowa to the public has not tmrequontly given per formances in tho institution, and they wore of a chnractcrxeeerilnglv acceptable to the inmate. His late was most sad. He died the terrible death of a hypochondriacal maniac: not a single pleasing fancy Illumined his plteo is confinement? lie was an illustration ol the danger of allowing bp active intellect to run into a mlessness. He obtained a competence, retired lrom business. and went mad. lie voluntarilv"committed hlra . self to the Asylum two years ago, and his story ran mus: I bought me a house: ordered and oald for furniture to be put therein: arrived at It one r'ght and found it empty; slept on the floor; be came disgusted and sold it next day lor a mere song. I then reflected; found I had lost a large sum of money; knew I ought to be under care; ana came nere lor it." From the deepest melancholy ho ranldlv sank into hypochondria of the most extravagant character. He was living In tho midst ol nutre- 1 action: he could cut nothirg; his meat was de composed: milk was a mass of gangrene. He became a walking skeleton, and would unmis takably bavt starved himself to deat j had not food been forced upon hiin. His shrieks as the detested viands entered his mouth were appalling. Opium mBV be named as another cause of his- madness, no bad addicted bimseit to tbe habitual use cf that drug. Such got to be the unhealthy state of his cotistitutirn that a slight scratch on one of his leet caused it to swell inordinately. He ' wBirni pom i 10 uwiLu oespair. inatiooiia dead i LrfioKatii! isn t it nornoie ? it is all gangtene. rah: how it ! I shall die of cholera lrom that loot." He finally imagined himself -a corpse. Passing his door one after noon the writer heard a cry (as he understood it) for rofJee. "Bring me my coue, my cotlee!" "What do vou want cotfee lor. Doctor! haven't you had your dinner?" Cotfee!" exclaimed the poor msn. testily: "I didn't eav cotlee. 1 said coffin. I am dead. I won't keep long. I ought to have been buried two days ago." Clinging to this delusion, he had to be dressed and undressed bv the attendants, for he would do nothing lor himself. He was a corpse; no such thing could be expected of him. Out of this living death he soon now passed into the reality. A case ot more unmiiica'ed woe I have never seen before or since; yet tho sufferer was one who had convulsed large audiences with laughter at his finished imitations of a hypo chondriac. Shortly after his decease another miserable man breathed his lust within the walls of the Asjlum. An educated Hungarian exile, he practised law in the city even while a patient. Ilis death was caused by consumption. He was ever talking of his position in hi native land how he was wealthy and noble. Some of his hallucinations while upon his sick bed were amusing. Two holes lor ventilation were in the wall near the ceiling, and through them he imagined the doctor was playing upon him with iiuge wugueuc oaiiery in tne room auove. l tried in vain to disabuse him of the belief, em ploying incontestable arguments, but to no pur pose. THE BLACK rRKACHEIt. We want fresh air after contemplating tliese cases of extreme wretchednoss. A s'.roll about the grounds will recreate our sickened souls. Coming up the pathway towards us is a form I recognize; the placid countenance of Black Charley is about to pass. "How are jou, Charley!" "Quite well, tank you, massa." "In a hurry?" "No, no great, massa." "1 have here some friends who like instruc tion. Will yon not edify them by a discourse?" "Can't preach widout notes, sail.'' I know Charley's peculiarity, and at once hand bim a scrap of blank paper. He surveyed it tor a tew moments, and then enunciated the following: "Bredren, de Oueen of Sheba, Moses, and de ?rophets, de New Jeruslem for ebcrlasting. ea, berily. eben so, now and loreber. Kelah. In de beginning was de word, and de word was made in six days out ob noting. Paul an apostle to dem dat am wid Nebuchadnezzar peace. Blessed am de n erclful, for dey shMtl pluck corn ' nn Hp Rtihhn' tav " pf i Charley speaks as if reading from a book. There is no question but that tho piece of paper is of service to him; he never was known to jjieueu wuuuia it. xiih u ceimiuiy a ocnpiurai discourse, and delivered with earnest purpose, yet we are not sorry when he commences sing ing, in his weak, lackadaisical way, the words of an old Methodist hymn. While he is so occupied let us talk with 'Taddy," who is bitching desperately at his trowsers in the polato-patch yonder. He picks up his hoe as we approach and vindictively lace rates the ground. "Paddy 1" "Ah, go long wid ye; I'm busy." Then a sud den idea strikes him; he rushes up to us, thrusts his bleared eyes and haggard, twitching mouth into my face, and catchiug me by the lappcl of my coat, propounds the question: "D'ye remimbcr the ponies I gave your father three colts und a buy mare beauties, every son of 'em ?" "No, Paddy, you never gave them; they were bought at a good price." "D'ye mmd that, now? Wasn't I the largest landowner in the County Eillurney ? D'ye know Tim O' linen's tavern ? He was next door to me. Take this." He puts In my hand a bit of broken crockery, and closes my fingers upon it. "Keep Hint, now. D'ye mind? D'ye mind that ?" He hitches his trowsers again, and is off, with, a painful, nervous step. I turn my back, won dering, as 1 move aay, if he were not a horse jockey at one period, when my sleeve is pulled, and lo ! Paddy once more. He motions me to exrreme caution, elips auotber bit ol an old plate ino my hand, " D'ye mind that, no w ?" and is gone. As the artist i- putting the finishing touches to a likeness of bim he has picked up during the adventure just related, an attenuated and spec tacled figure looks' over his shoulder at the drawing, and then, with irrepressible indigna tion gleaming in his eyes and quivering in every werd. declares that he will have no such wort done in the lund. " Thou shalt not make to thyself the like ness of any thing in the heavens ubove or in the earth beneath.' . Dare ye disobey the Second Commandment?" The artist, in despair with the portrait he has obtained with such difficulty, mildly suggests that it can hardly be considered the likeness of anything. "New Jerusalem" looks puzzled, but solves the question by usking iorsome tobacco, which Is given. It is mine," he returns, as he pockets it. "All you have is mine. We look our titttitudo for the use of his pro perty, and retire from the presence of the ".pecil Messenger " Continuing our walk we soon reach the en trance of the main Asylum; and there belore it, comfortably smoking under a iaree willow-tree, we descry two individuals that deserve notice. THB OLDEST PRESIDENT. The little, bent old man, with tho long white beard, is the oldest re-ident of tho institution, having been a patient some thirty years. An. amiable Frenchman, it is one of his boasts that he once served under Napoleon tho First. Devoted to hia pipe, he raises all his own tobac co; and as he cuies it, it would prove innocuous to a babe. He mav be subject to aberration occasionally, but strongly marked symptoms of insanity have not been niaoiiested by him for a long time. He U very useful in his way, having "a great likias lor the medical officers, and doius ihem many services. .... Ills oon panion is M , an Irishman, who, without any peculiar delusion, is certainly dait. lie talks sense much of the time, but is also an utterer ol the most "hightalutlu" nonsense. Ho bus a learned fileud among the patieuta, with whom he is fond of dbcouising ethicj and politics, and a more amusing dialogue to.40. ContiimeJ on the Third l'ag.
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