thinks she might make
use. Her own note-book is filled with accounts of the lives of Holman,
Gough, Huber, Laura Bridgman, and others. Many letters sent to her at
this time have been preserved; one from a blind man, Elisha Bates,
interested her greatly:--

ELISHA BATES. I am thirty-three years of age. I was born at Coburn
near Richmond, Yorkshire. My parents were agricultural labourers. I
was born quite blind. I was always fond of horses. I used as a
little boy to drive the horses in Mr. Fryer's threshing machine. I
began this about nine years of age. I went daily to the ploughing
fields, and although so young I was allowed to drive the horses for
the ploughman. I could very early find my way about the village and
to the different fields of the farmers. Up to eleven years of age I
went with the other boys of the village to seek birds' nests, and
often found my way to and from the neighbouring villages. I always
had an excellent memory for recollecting the turns in the road and
the variations of the surface, by which I was guided. I never had a
stick up to this time, and up to the present time I rarely use one.
I went to the Liverpool Blind Institution at twelve years of age,
and learnt to read in the characters for the blind, and was taught
the trade of ropemaking. I was so good in finding my way at
Liverpool that I used to take charge of an old man [Hewell Kennedy]
in our walking excursions. He was lame, deaf, and blind, and I used
to take him about three miles up the London Road to the Old Swan
Inn. I never forget a road I have once travelled over. I have no
difficulty in avoiding obstacles. I think I do so from the
acuteness of my hearing; I listen attentively to my footfall, and
when approaching any object which may intercept my progress, even a
lamp-post, I can discover a slight difference in the sound. If I
have any doubt I tread a little louder, so as to satisfy my ear. I
never fail in making it out. The difference in the sound is
difficult to describe; but if I am near a wall or any object in my
path I feel the sound to be more confined and not to extend itself
as in an open space. It comes quicker to my ear. I left Liverpool
at the age of seventeen and returned by railway to my native
village. I remained a year at home and drove the farmer's horses. I