am aware that the motive is to
prevent the possibility of seeing a fellow-prisoner; but I think a
prison for separate confinement should be so constructed that the
culprits may at least see the sky--indeed, I should prefer more
than the sky--without the liability of seeing fellow-prisoners. My
reason for this opinion is, that I consider it a very important
object to preserve the health of mind and body in these poor
creatures, and I am certain that separate confinement produces an
unhealthy state both of mind and body. Therefore everything should
be done to counteract this influence, which I am sure is baneful in
its moral tendency; for I am satisfied that a sinful course of life
increases the tendency to mental derangement, as well as to bodily
disease; and I am as certain that an unhealthy state of mind and
body has generally a demoralizing influence; and I consider light,
air, and the power of seeing something beyond the mere monotonous
walls of a cell highly important. I am aware that air is properly
admitted, also light; still I do think they ought to see the sky,
the changes in which make it a most pleasant object for those who
are closely confined.

When speaking of health of body and mind, I also mean health of
soul, which is of the first importance, for I do not believe that a
despairing or stupefied state is suitable for leading poor sinners
to a Saviour's feet for pardon and salvation.

Mrs. Fry held quite as decided opinions upon lunatic asylums and their
keepers. It was something terrible to her to know that poor demented
creatures lay pining, chained and ill-treated, in dungeons; knowing no
will but the caprice of their keepers. She spared no efforts to improve
their condition; by tongue and pen she sought to enforce new principles
and modes of action, in relation to lunatics, into the mind of those who
had to govern them. So incessant were her labors to attain the ends she
had set before her, that there was not a country in Europe which she
did not influence. Almost daily communications were coming in from
France, Denmark, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, and other countries,
detailing the success of the new plans which she had introduced and
recommended to the respective Governments. A regular correspondence was
kept up between her and Mr. Venning of St. Petersburg, by order of the
Empress of Russi