alace, when she most kindly, and I may say,
joyfully, informed me that she and her august son, the Emperor, had
visited together this abode of misery. They were convinced of the
necessity, not only of having a new building, but also of a
complete reform in the management of the insane; and further that
the Emperor had requested her to take it under her own care, and to
appoint me the governor of it. I must observe that in the meantime
the old asylum was immediately improved, as much as the building
allowed, for the introduction of your dear mother's admirable
system. Shortly after, I had the pleasure of accompanying the
Empress to examine a palace-like house--Prince Sherbatoff's--having
above two miles of garden, and a fine stream of water running
through the grounds, situated only five miles from St. Petersburg.
The next day an order was given to purchase it. I was permitted to
send the plan of this immense building to your dear mother for her
inspection, as well as to ask from her hints for its improvement.
Two extensive wings were recommended, and subsequently added for
dormitories. The wings cost about L15,000, and in addition to this
sum from the Government, the Emperor, who was always ready to
promote the cause of benevolence, gave three thousand pounds for
cast-iron window-frames, recommended by your dear mother, as the
clumsy iron bars which had been used in the old institution had
induced many a poor inmate, when looking at them, to say with a
sigh, "Sir, prison, prison!" Your dear mother, also strongly
recommended that all, except the violent lunatics, should dine
together at a table covered with a cloth, and furnished with plates
and spoons.

The former method of serving out the food was most disgusting. This
new plan delighted the Empress, and I soon received an order to
meet her at the asylum. On her arrival she requested that a table
should be covered, and then desired me to go round and invite the
inmates to come and dine. Sixteen came immediately, and sat down.
The Empress approached the table, and ordered one of the upper
servants to sit at the head of it and to ask a blessing. When the
servant arose to do this, they all stood up. The soup, with small
pieces of meat, was then regularly served; and as soon as dinner
was finishe