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the education of school instructors. Little else is needed to render our system of primary schools aa perfect as can be desired. I must however refer to the views presented upon this topic in a former message to the Legislature for the further illustration of it , which I desire to place before you only adding that observation and experience have since concurred to strengthen in my own mind the convictions there expressed. If the Legislature in the present flourishing state of our finances should think favorably of extending a portion of the public bounty to the higher seminaries of learning as contemplated by the Constitution I would respectfully recommend that some system be devised and adopted, by which regular and just distribution may be made to these institutions, having reference to the necessities and usefulness of each, and to the past appropriations, which several of them have received from this State. To ensure however correctness of legislation, permit me to suggest, that accurate returns should be required, annually, from each of these institutions, of the number taught, the several branches of study pursued, the amount annually paid for instruction, and any other items on which information, may seem desirable. I share the satisfaction to inform you, that the sum of twenty thousand dollars has been raised by individual donations, in aid of the establishment of an Insane Hospital. An eligible site upon the east bank of the Kennebec river in Augusta, has been purchased for this purpose, and a deed conveying the premises to the State, has been duly executed. It has not, however, as yet, been deemed expedient to appoint a Board of Commissioners to Superintend the erection of the buildings, as it is now, I believe, satisfactorily ascertained, that it would be more for the interest of the State to entrust this duty to a single individual. If upon