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Insufficient clothing or improper diet would produce cachexia, but no change in either
of these has been introduced of late years.
The great alternations of temperature in December had a most injurious effect on the
health of the inmates. The cells have barred windows through which the night wind blows.
Those lunatics who cast aside their bedding were particularly subject to cachexia and
pulmonary complaints. Curtains, made of tât or coarse canvass, are being manufactured.
When ready they will be hung in the verandahs, and the wind will be prevented from blowing
directly on the inmates, while the ventilation of the dormitories will not be interfered with.
The great increase in the mortality from constitutional diseases of late years is to be
attributed to the above causes. From 1841 to 1864 the deaths from this class of diseases
averaged only 2.7 per annum, while during the last three years it has risen to 15.6 of the
total mortality. As has been shown above, the deaths from zymotic or preventable diseases
have decreased in a remarkable manner.
The daily average number of sick in hospital during 1867 was 21.56. This does not
include many who were physically unfit for work. The diseases treated were chiefly fevers,
anœmia, diarrhœa, and pulmonary diseases. The deaths to treated averaged 22.15. Much
of the sickness is to be referred to the exposure the inmates undergo. From want of accom-
modation within the wards, 30 to 40 lunatics always sleep in the verandahs. This exposes
them to sudden chills, which cause chest complaints, diarrhœa, and fevers.
Statement No. 9 shows the expenses incurred on account of the Lunatic Asylum for
the year 1867.
The total expenditure was Rs. 19,849-1-6. The average cost of each lunatic was Rs. 94-8-3.
These figures include the Superintendent's salary. The sum paid for establishment is below
that sanctioned in the revised rules of 1860. By these Rs. 7,032 are allowed per annum for
210 lunatics (173 males, 37 females). Under other heads, however, the increase has been very
rapid. In 1855 the yearly cost of each lunatic was Rs. 31-2-6 only. In 1860 a new scale of
diet was introduced. This and the dearness of all the necessaries of life have since that year
increased the expenditure under the head of dieting by nearly 50 per cent. In August 1866
a contract was made most unfavorable to Government and binding for 20 months. Up to that
date, rice was sold at 18 seers a Rupee, afterwards at 11 seers. The visitors have induced the
contractor to relinquish his rights, and a new contract has been entered upon by which he
binds himself to supply rice at 22½ seers per Rupee. Rice, however, is not the only article which
has risen in price of late years. Fish has increased from 3-12 to 5 Rupees a maund. The
annual expenditure under other heads has also augmented. During 1867 Rs. 135-4-6,
included in contingencies, was spent in petty repairs. This in former years was defrayed
by the Barrack Department. The price of blankets too has risen from Rs. 35 to Rs. 38-12
a score.
Statement No. 10 is the abstract of the estimated value of lunatic labor during the
year. The daily cost of each worker has been calculated at the low rate of two annas
per diem.
Statement No. 11 shows the amount of profit derived from the labor of the lunatics
during the year. The most remunerative work has been the oil mill, by which Rs. 61-14-11
has been added to the funds, after paying all the expenses of the machinery.
Statement No. 13 is a nominal return of the criminal lunatics who have been under
treatment during 1867. Out of 293 treated, 51 or 17.4 were criminal lunatics. On the
1st January 1867, 46 were in confinement, 5 were admitted during the year, 10 died,