unsuited to the needs of the school, would have afforded some measure of relief, had not the number of pupils been nearly doubled. But with 239 pupils, the rooms were still crowded, the school was unrelieved in respect to ventilation, and still suffered from the unsuitableness of the light. In this attitude of the affairs of the school, the Board asked the legislature to set apart the requisite amount of the lands owned by the State at the corner of Boylston and Dartmouth streets, as a site for a Normal School building, hoping that, a site being secured, private munificence would erect a building. The request was not granted. We trust, however, it is only delayed. Meantime the second year drew to a close. The legislature adjourned. The question of the still greater needs of the school challenged anew the attention of the Board. Early in the vacation the Visitors learned that the lease of No. 24 would expire before the third year would commence, and that the State did not intend to renew it. Nor, had it been otherwise, is it at all possible that the school could have been carried on during its third year in the quarters it had hitherto occupied, since it early became probable that its numbers would reach, if not exceed, 300. After inquiring in different directions, examining various premises, and receiving full authority form the Board, the Visitors deemed it expedient to lease, subject to the approval of the legislature, adequate rooms in School Street Block, opposite the City Hall. Though not everything that could be desired, they are a very great improvement upon the accommodations previously had. They are ten in number, three of them being large, furnishing ample space for lecturesand all at a rent of about $6,000 and taxes-but slightly exceeding that of No. 24, which was relinquished. It was found necessary to prepare and furnish the rooms for their uses, to connect some of them together and separate others, color the walls, and secure means for the control of the light. The expenditure for these purposes will amount to about $5,000. Classes A, B and D are established in these rooms; while Class C remains at 33 Pemberton Square. This is attended with very little inconvenience, since the instructors of that class have no other connection with the school. Still the policy undoubtedly should be to bring the entire school together in the same building as soon as practicable, thereby facilitating ampler oversight. The officers of instruction for the current year are somewhat changed from preceding years. Class A has Mr. G. H. Bartlett as Principal Instructor, and Miss R. L. Hoyt as Assistant, with Mr. William Briggs as Lecturer. Class B has Miss Mary Carter as Principal Instructor, and Miss Grace Carter as Assistant. Class C has Mr. Otto Fuchs as Principal Instructor, and Professors W. R. Ware, of the Institute of Technology, and C. D. Bray, of Tufts College, as Lecturers. Class D has Mr. G. H. Bartlett as Principal Instructor, and Miss Grace Carter as Assistant. The Director, Mr. Walter Smith, whose office is in the building, lectures, and otherwise gives close attention, to all departments. The Visitors are gratified with the condition of the school, and the progress it appears to be making. They cannot doubt that it is exerting a happy influence, both by its example and through the pupils it sends out, upon the interests of art-education throughout the country. It is believed that its contributions will add not a little to the interest of the Art Department of the approaching Centennial Exhibition, as it has added to the several annual exhibits in this city. The appropriation for the current expenses of the school for 1875 was $9,000, exclusive of incidentals. The expenses, including incidentals, have been, $10,987.25. Respectfully submitted. A. A. MINER, GARDINER G. HUBBARD, PHILLIPS BROOKS, HENRY CHAPIN, Visitors. DECEMBER 29, 1875. 8 |