It is well known to the friends of this Institution, that the number of applicants has generally been greater than could be received. This favor of Divine Providence may be used to render the Institution an greater blessing to those who are admitted. For a few of the first years, answers to applicants were generally delayed for a time that a better selection might be made. But for a few of the last years they have been received nearly according to the date of their application. Facts, however, seem to indicate the desirableness of returning in some degree to the earlier mode of accepting candidates. But this is attended with difficulty. There is a liability to misunderstand descriptions, and to reject some who would be the most desirable members of the Institution, and to receive others in their stead, far less so. It is hoped, therefore, that parents and friends will be very lenient and forbearing in view of the errors which they may discover in this respect, believing it to be very difficult, though it may be a very important duty. There are strong objections to having the school composed in too great a degree of those who are of the lowest admissible age. During the first few years, there was no great tendency to this. But there has been for a few years past a constant increase of younger applicants, and especially applicants of an early date. In this way, there is a tendency to fill up the school early, with those quite young. A large proportion very young, would be unfavorable in many respects.1. The assigning of rooms.
Congeniality of feeling, and a mutual salutary influence between room-mates, are of vast importance. But if the proportion is large, who cannot go to the higher stories of the Seminary Building, it will often be necessary to separate the most desirable room-mates, or leave the higher stories unoccupied. The younger they are, the more unfavorable are such separations. Besides, a young lady of rather indifferent health, but of a little more age, and of good judgment and discretion, and one who understands, and can act on general principles, will often succeed in rooming in the highest story without the least injury, while it might be very hazardous for one of the same health, who was young, airy and imprudent, and of strong imagination, and who withal brings with her a strict charge to "room low." This principle is illustrated by the teachers. Though their duties often require them to pass over the stairs much more frequently than those of the pupils, yet they seldom make any objection, or suffer any inconvenience in rooming in any part of the building, where they can best promote the good of the scholars. It is not uncommon for parents to direct a daughter to ask for a low room, under the full impression that her health is an exception, and that almost all others have more strength than she has. But a little more general acquaintance with the health of young females at the present day, would convince them that any thing more favorable in the health of their daughter, would form an exception to the general rule. A few who need some favor granted them with regard to the position of their rooms, can be mingled among the multitude and thus be accomodated. But many such cases are a great obstacle in endeavoring to make the rooms and room-mates subservient to the best interests of the family. We must, however, expect, during the present generation at least, great disadvantage from the deficient health of our pupils. But we may perhaps avoid part of the evil, by seeking for a larger proportion of a little more age, maturity, and good judgment.2. The domestic work of the family.
It is well known to the friends of the Institution, that the ordinary domestic work of the family is performed by the pupils, for their physical, moral and social benefit. After sixteen years' experiment, those best acquainted with the institution have no doubt with regard to the desirableness of continuing this feature. But of one thing we are more and more convinced; it is, that continued success in this department depends very much on an equal distribution of domestic work, taking the whole time together. A kind of benevolence and generosity will, for a while, secure candidates for the more uninviting offices. But as years roll on, simple justice is our main dependence, even in these little matters. That there may be an equal distribution without danger to the feeble sort, every effort has been made to exclude almost every thing from the household duties, which might be called "hard work." Still there will be exceptions. And a few can receive some favor in this respect, if only a few ask it. But many requests of this kind will render it difficult to make any distribution which shall be easy and pleasant for those who superintend, or satisfactory to those who execute. We are aware, however, that in this department we must meet with difficulties on account of deficient health. But perhaps here again, in supplying the lack, we may call in the aid of a little more age and experience, a little more good judgment and discretion, and a little more ability to use strength where it is most needed.The large number of applicants at present may be favorable for making a desirable selection. We are aware, however, that this may be only a temporary circumstance. And we would ever regard it as a gratuitous favor of Divine Providence, for which we have no claim, and deserve no merit. When it is withdrawn, we may not be able to secure a due proportion of that age and character, so much needed in so large an establishment, unless we reduce the number, which may be the better alternative.
When this sheet is forwarded to any one making application, and an answer requested, information on the following particulars concerning the candidate for admission will be received as a favor, unless the information has previously been given.
1. Her full name, residence, and parentage.
2. Her age.
3. Her scholarship.
4. Her general health. Can she walk a mile a day in good weather?
5. Can she room in any part of the building, which shall best promote the good of the household?
6. Will she need any special favor in her domestic work?
7. What is her character for carefulness and prudence? Can she be depended upon to take good care of her own health, good care of her clothing, and good care of her money?
Candidates will of course be received in many cases, when the information on all these particulars is not as favorable as could be desired. But it is very convenient to know the facts in the case, that too large a number possessing the same deficiencies may not be received together.