( 14 )
or the results are unfavorable ; so that, although they modify, they do not contradict the collec-
tive conclusions. My report on mortality will be incomplete if I do not mention that the
method of treating cachexia by the free use of milk has been tried, and I see no reason to
doubt that some success has attended it. It was suggested to me by Dr. Fawcus, who had
obtained satisfactory results in the Alipore Jail. It is not always easy to predict the issue
of a case which at the outset shews only pallor, œdema, and general debility. Recovery may
take place under other treatment ; but there is with this method a rapidity and a decision
about the improvement, which leaves little room to doubt that life is often greatly prolonged by
it, if not ultimately saved. Every person admitted during the year was vaccinated, and among
them were 121 successful cases.
Expenditure.—The cost of maintenance per man differs only by one rupee from that of
last year. The price of provisions was exceedingly high through all but the later months of
the year ; and the diet containing meat, twice a week, was in use during the whole period,
but only during a portion of 1866.
Establishment, on the varying scale, naturally increased with additional numbers, and
the Native Doctor has drawn 10 Rupees per mensem of additional pay during 1867. Contin-
gencies and clothing are nearly as before.
The Statement of Profits of Labour during the year exhibits a very large increase on the
previous year. The industrial system of the place is undergoing rapid development in the
hands of Overseer Bancroft. The chief source of profits in former years, stone-breaking for the
Municipality, is absent from this return, but the great improvement is in garden cultivation,
the better sale of produce, and the making of a large quantity of soorkee for the Public
Works. Contractors have restored the balance.
Oil manufacture has been pursued under great disadvantage, from the scarcity and high
price of seed. A loan of Rupees 3,000 was obtained from the Government of Bengal, with
the object of laying in stock, during the rains, for the entire year ; very little opportunity,
however, was offered of doing this. The money has been re-paid.
Table No. 11 shows the several purposes to which the industrial funds have been devoted.
It has been considered that every charge incurred in creating or advancing industry should
be defrayed from this source, so that a complete series of work-sheds and a system of raised
canals for irrigation (nearly complete) have been provided without cost to the State, for ease
and convenience. In this manner much work has also been done which would rightly have
belonged to the Department of Public Works, and in a short time I expect to see the cumbrous
system of carrying water from the tank to the dwelling-houses completely replaced by a
constant supply through the garden channels to small reservoirs conveniently placed for
washing and other purposes.
Some useful artisans have been added to the inmates; a forge has been set up, and a good
deal of work done in garden fences by a smith who was discovered among the people; and a
tinman has been very profitably employed in making vessels for latrines, oil cans, and
various other work. To his work, indeed, it is mainly due that the old system of earthen
gamlas in latrines has given place to a much more convenient and cleanly form of apparatus.
A modeller in clay, of very considerable skill, has been for many years in the Asylum,
but his powers have been only lately known ; he has been chiefly engaged in ornamental works.
There is ample room for decoration in an institution where building is all severely plain ;
strength and economy being the sole aim of the architects.
A list of lunatics employed as domestic servants has been added to the returns.