"I believe it
to be an impossibility." Many insist upon the point that it is not only
possible, but that they can substantiate it as a fact--having seen it with
their own eyes.

This I have, of course, no right to dispute, but in illustration of the
point in question, and in proof that one can be mistaken therein, I will
cite an incident that occurred in the Baltimore Institution.

Three gentlemen visitors to that place having completed their inspection,
were about taking leave, when they were attracted by "little Joe," a
bright, intelligent boy pupil, and immediately asked him if he could
distinguish colors in the above-mentioned way. The quick-witted little
fellow assumed the serene dignity of a sage and calmly answered, "Of
course I can," whereupon the gentlemen stood in a row and offered Joe the
tempting bait of one dollar if he would tell each one the color of his
pants. Two of them were dressed in broad cloth, and the other in a coarse,
grey suit. The boy naturally inferred that the smooth, textured fabric was
broad cloth, and would most probably be black, and being aware of the then
prevailing style of grey business-suits, he, with great ease, hit the
truth exactly.

They freely gave the promised dollar, and left fully satisfied that he did
it by the sense of touch. As soon as the door was closed, the mischievous
urchin exclaimed, "Golly, boys, suppose I hadn't guessed right?"

Upon this matter I can only say in conclusion, that I have met during my
life many blind persons, and have made this question an especial study,
while not one instance has come under my observation in which the blind
could distinguish colors by touch. By a systematic method of arrangement,
association, etc, as well as through a remarkable recollection of certain
distinguishing characteristics in objects around us, we attain to that
which serves us much the same purpose as distinction of color. Indeed, in
this, as in all things, the blind must, of necessity, be very methodical
in everything they undertake to do.

I sincerely hope that in my heterogeneous and apparently random remarks, I
may have uttered some word of comfort to the blind, some hint which may
truly aid them, some sentiment which may sustain, for my heart goes out to
them in the sympathy of a common affliction.

"SIGHT OF THE BLIND."

Since closing my preceding article I have received from the author, who is
one of the most distinguished blind writers, an essay Which