A commodious and conveniently arranged asylum is the first requisite for the skilful care and treatment of the insane. Without this no alienist physician can deal successfully with any number of patients. It is, indeed, the bad workman who complains of his tools; and it will be found in practice that a superintendent fertile in resources, and skilful in their application, will do more with a bad building than another can effect with the newest, the most expensive, and the most commodious asylum that ever was constructed. It is not the bricks and mortar which cure patients, but the living spirit which, as it were, animates them. Nelson, in his old tubs, effected deeds at which the world grew pale; his braggadocio and vituperative successor has exhibited the gigantic masterpieces of naval architecture in an useless and ridiculous parade. In like manner it has happened that some of the worst asylums have been the best conducted, and some of the largest and most costly have. brought more disgrace than honour upon the psychiatric branch of the profession.