A Special Committee, apppointed by the Charity Organization Society, have had under their consideration for a considerable time the subject of placing Institutions for Idiots, Imbeciles, and Harmless Lunatics on the most comprehensive and satisfactory footing. The investigations of this Committee, and the report to be made by them to the Parent Society, will be likely to have much influence on the determination of many questions in which our Association has a deep interest. The Committee have evinced laudable anxiety to obtain advice and information, and to consider their subject cautiously, thoughtfully, and impartially. I think they have, in consequence, the strongest claims on the confidence and thankfulness of our Association. From a communication made by the Committee to the Social and Statistical Society of Ireland, and from being furnished, through the kindness of Dr. Hack Tuke, with copies of its agenda up to this, I happen to have become acquainted with the views of the Committee, and I propose to avail myself of the opportunity thus afforded, by making some remarks on a few of the conclusions they have arrived at. I shall, however, try to do so in a way that will not, by any means, hamper the proceedings of the Committee, or the full and free expression of their opinions; but which may conduce to a community of opinion, and a co-operation in action, or, at least, to a friendly and harmonious rivalry between the Charity Organization Society and our Association, calculated to produce most desirable results.