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REMARKS ON THE SEVERAL
ASYLUMS.
Dullunda.—The report is very satisfactory. The number of insanes under treatment
remains nearly as last year, viz., 445 and 444, but the daily average is 10 higher, which
has increased the overcrowding formerly noticed. The mortality is slightly reduced,
but the improvement in this respect would have been considerable if the exceptional deaths
from cholera were excluded.
There is a marked connection between mortality and overcrowding in all cases when
this disease appeared in a barrack or jail. Omitting the cholera cases, the mortality would
be 13.2 per cent.,—a great reduction from former years.
Dr. Saunders reported an anæmic or scorbutic state of the inmates, induced by deficient
diet, and at his suggestion it was improved in August, with advantage to certain classes
of the lunatics. Further experience will show if extension in this direction will be required.
The overcrowding was palpable last year, and it has been aggravated during the present.
It is much to be regretted that the progress of the extra building has been stopped for want
of funds. I would strongly recommend the completion of the buildings for the female
ward.
The effect of working the lunatics is, in a remediable point of view, satisfactory;
but hard work requires good feeding, and as it can be afforded by the profits of the work-
shops, an increased diet for the hard-worked insanes might be employed with advantage,
as pecuniary profit is not the chief object of their labor.
Dr. Payne continues his able and intelligent superintendence, which is efficiently
carried out by Mr. overseer Bancroft. The native doctor has been changed, and a sharp,
intelligent new one supplied, who has not yet got into the way of conducting his new duties.
Dacca.—The report is satisfactory. The daily average strength of the institution has
been 231.76, which is an increase of 31.53 per cent. on last year. The buildings intended
for their reception, which were progressing slowly, have been stopped. There has been in
consequence great crowding. There is only 28.92 superficial space for each inmate.
The mortality has been 41, or 17.69 on the average strength. Of these, 6, or 2.59 per cent.,
were from cholera. This ratio is stated by Drs. Buckle and Cutcliffe's report as over 13 per
cent., but this ratio is taken from the number of cases remaining last year with those
admitted during the year, instead of the average daily strength, as is usual in all medical
statistical tables. The mortality in insane asylums is always high, but I think it would not
have been so high at Dacca had there been more accommodation.
I do not think stoves or fires necessary when the minimum temperature is not under
60°F. The excessive perflation might be remedied, or an extra blanket allowed for the cold
months, at the discretion of the medical officer.
The lunatics were usefully employed in earth-work for the improvement of the asylum
grounds, where previously much profit has been shown from the labors of the lunatics. The
introduction of the castor-oil pressing machine will show better results next year.
Mr. Cutcliffe shows great intelligence and zeal, and the management of the asylum has
been highly praised by the Deputy Inspector-General and numerous intelligent visitors. Mr.
overseer Blackwell continues to receive great commendation for his kindness and attention
to the lunatics, and the native doctor Shaik Kurreem Bux is kind and attentive.
Patna.—This report is not very satisfactory. The number of inmates is nearly the
same as last year, but the mortality is higher, being 13.66 per cent. compared with 3.70 in
1868. There were three deaths from cholera.