MARRIAGE AMONG DEAF-MUTES. 12 I 



distinctly says that it made no difference whether the left or the right 

 eye was extirpated in the turbot. In either case the changes of colour 

 went on as before when the fish was changed from one bottom to 

 another, but when both eyes were extirpated the changes ceased. 



Finally I must refer to the remarks of Prof. Semper in his "Animal 

 Life" * who says that the absence of colour in animals is certainlv not 

 to be ascribed to the absence of light, since we know that animal pigment 

 like vegetable pigment can be developed m total darkness, and in fact is 

 so developed normally in many animals. 



MARRIAGE AMONG DEAF-MUTES. 



An Address delivered by ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL, on March 6th, 1891 

 ("Science, 1 " Vol. NVIL, p. 160). 



It always gives me pleasure to respond to the invitation of the 

 members of the Literary Society of Kendall Green, and it will always 

 be my object in addressing you to choose subjects that will be of 

 interest and importance to you in your future lives. You have come 

 together here from every part of the United States to receive in the 

 National College for Deaf-Mutes that higher education which you 

 cannot obtain in the States from which you came. 



Tn a very little while — it may be in one year, or two years, or 

 more — you will separate from one another, and each go back singly to 

 the places from which you came, to begin the battle of life. You will 

 go out into the great world, — the world of hearing and speaking 

 people, a world of people who cannot spell upon their fingers or make 

 signs. Are you prepared for that change, and what is to be your 

 position in that world ? 



I would have you all remember that you yourselves are a part of 

 that great world of hearing and speaking people. You are not a 

 race distinct and apart, and you must fulfil the duties of life, and 

 make your way to honourable positions among hearing and speaking- 

 people. 



Now, I have considered what subject I could bring to your 

 attention to-night the consideration of which would be of assistance 

 to you when you go out into the world ; and there is no subject, I am 

 sure, that lies closer to your hearts than the subject of marriage. 



It is a very difficult thing for me to speak to you upon that 

 subject, because I know that an idea has gone forth, and is very 

 generally believed in by the deaf of this country, that I want to 

 prevent you from marrying as you choose, and that I have tried to 

 pass a law to interfere with your marriages. But, my friends, it is 

 not true. I have never done such a thing, nor do I intend to ; and 

 before I speak upon this subject I want you distinctly to understand 

 that I have no intention of interfering with your liberty of marriage. 



* Natural conditions of Existence as they affect Animal Life. £ni ec it., p. 90. 



