APPENDIX. 419 but has formed an essential element in the educational interests in this county, and marks an important era in the history of the literary institutions of central New York. With a mild but strict discipline, and a thorough and effi cient course of instruction, it has risen to an eleyated position among the seminaries of the State. Connected with its almost unparalleled success, there are three points worthy of observation : 1st. Its location is such, that students are not exposed to the corrupting influences of tippling, gambling, and other collateral vices, which are the usual concomitants of cities and large villages. 2nd. Physical education receives its regular and appropriate attention. A systematic course in the instruction and practice of Gymnastics, has contributed much to the proper physical health of the students, both male and female. . 3rd. Its social character. The examining committee in their report add : ^'The domestic character of this institution produces a parental, a filial, and a fraternal feeling, which gives to it a close resembance to a well regulated and wisely governed family.^^ Connected with the institution, there is an excellent and improved farm, containing about two hundred acres, valued at five thousand dollars. The buildings cost $7000, including the G-ymnasium, erected a year since, at a cost of $1000. The buildings are commodious, and accomodate one hundred and twenty boarders. Rev. Samuel D. Ferguson, and Sanford I. Ferguson, A. M., retired from the institution in the summer of 1855, having devoted seven years of arduous and unremitting labor to the educational interests of the community. They were succeeded in the duties and proprietorship of the institution by James Oliver, Esq., whose elevated character, high standing, and well Jinown ability, afford the strongest guarantee of its future
