The  average  intelligence  of  pupils  taught  in  the
kindergarten  is  decidedly  superior  to  that  of  chil-
dren who  enter  the  primary  schools  without  such
training.  The  foiiner  are  more  or  less  accustomed
to  exert  themselves  in  the  search  for  information,
and  prepared  to  derive  greater  benefit  from  instruc-
tion and  mental  discipline  than  the  latter.  They
generally  obsei-ve  accurately,  seize  ideas  rapidly
and  definitely,  illustrate  readily,  work  independ-
ently and  express  their  thoughts  with  correctness
and  fluency.  To  persons  bereft  of  sight,  FroebeFs
system  promises  even  higher  results  than  these.
It  affords  them  unequalled  facilities  for  gaining  an
adequate  conception  of  forms  of  various  kinds,  and
rare  opportunities  for  the  practice  and  refinement  ;
of  their  remaining  senses,  especially  of- that  of
touch,  which  is  their  chief  reliance  for  the  acquisi-.
tion  of  all  concrete  knowledge,  and  consequently
the  most  important  factor  of  their  education.
Above  all,  the  drill  obtained  through  its  exercises  so
early  in  life  and  under  such  genial  influences,  will
prove  a  valuable  auxiliary  for  future  achievements
and  the  most  effective  agent  for  raising  the  stand-
ard of  attainments  in  this  school.  For  a  great  part
of  the  time  which  is  now  necessarily  spent  in  mere
primary  routine  work  and  elementary  training,  can
then  be  devoted  to  the  pursuit  of  advanced  studies
both  in  the  literary  and  musical  departments,  and


64  INSTITUTION  FOR  THE  BLIND.       [Oct.
to  a  thorough  preparation  for  a  professional  or  other
calling.    Thus  there  will  be  a  positive  and  most
significant  gain  at  both  ends,  which  will  in  some
^  measure  pave  the  way  for  the  solution  of  the  great
I  problem  of  the  higher  education  for  the  blind  and
•  their  thorough  equipment  for  the  struggle  of  exist-
ence.
