Allan Macdonald, a private institution for the insane, was carried into execution after an interval of about three years. For this purpose two houses, agreeably situated on Murray Hill, in the suburbs of the city, were selected, but the rapid spread of our population soon rendered this situation no longer available. Fortunately, an excellent opportunity for a change of residence soon presented itself. The elegant and spacious mansion of the late Chancellor Sandford, at Flushing, was purchased, and in May, 1846, the Institution was permanently located in this new situation.

Since this period, gentlemen, we have enjoyed the annual pleasure of a visit to the institution, at one of the regular meetings of the Society. Year after year we have watched the progress of those improvements which have at length rendered Sandford Hall probably the finest private asylum in the country, and, perhaps equal to any in the world. In addition to the natural advantages of the situation, the original erection of the building could hardly have been better adapted to the purposes to which it was afterwards to be applied. What the hand of chance first so well erected, the hand of skill and of good taste soon admirably adapted. Beauty, neatness, comfort, threw their enchanting influences over the spot and left nothing to be desired.

In this Institution, so admirably adapted to its object, Dr. Macdonald now seemed permanently established. No one could doubt its success, and a long career of usefulness seemed promised to the auspicious enterprise. But such was not the decree of Providence.