LUNATIC ASYLUMS OF BENGAL,
17
a profitable industry. At Dacca the dairy was improved during the year.
The present Superintendent reports that formerly cows were badly fed, and
there were many useless animals which were sold during the year. The sale of
milk to the public was discontinued, the whole of the produce being issued to
the lunatics, and the dairy, therefore, yeilded no profit in the year under report.
The dairy started at Berhampore towards the latter part of 1896 worked
throughout the year under review, but the results were not as satisfactory as
was expected. Twelve cows were purchased, of which two died. Moreover,
they all calved very soon after purchase, and at one time the asylum had more
than enough milk, but this abundance was followed by insufficiency—a state
of things which, the Superintendent says, will be guarded against in future.
37. Sanitation.—At Dullunda a drain round the workshed was built.
Two openings were also made in the workshed itself to admit sun and air.
In the female ward a closed door was replaced by an iron grating for the same
purpose. Several new portable latrine iron receptacles were made in the
asylum. Steps were also taken to improve the arrangements for washing
clothes.
The Superintendent of the Dacca Asylum reports that the dry-earth
system for the male sleeping wards was continued, and found to work well.
It was not successful among the females. Formerly the night-soil used to be
trenched inside the asylum. This arrangement was discontinued during the
year, and all excreta removed from the asylum to the jail trenching-ground.
Much attention was given to cleanliness of latrines and wards. Additional
screens and purdahs were provided to protect the lunatics from cold at night.
From the beginning of the year the Superintendent divided the inmates into six
gangs, each of which is inspected daily. An infirm gang was also formed,
and extra diet given to the weakly patients, who are daily shown at the hospital.
All the lunatics were weighed fortnightly, but the members of the infirm gang
were specially weighed every week. The issue of prophylactics, composed of
cinchonidine, iron and sulphuric acid, was systematically carried on, and the
Superintendent has no doubt that the lessened sickness and mortality of the
asylum during the year was attributable to the measures adopted.
At Patna the sanitary arrangements introduced last year were con-
tinued. The water-supply of this asylum is reported to be good, and special
attention was paid to the use of dry earth in cells and latrines. The female
latrine was partly rebuilt, and a new contagious shed erected. Sulphate of
cinchonidine was issued every week to all lunatics with satisfactory results.
The Superintendent of the Cuttack Asylum reports that the dry-earth
system was carried out in the latrines and wards for improved cases. The
latrines were improved, and special precautions were taken for cleanliness and
bathing of the filthy lunatics. More attention was paid to the purity of the
water-supply, and the wards and cells were washed with carbolic acid and
phenyle. The latrine receptacles were fortnightly tarred.
At Berhampore much attention was paid to the purity of the water-supply.
The Alipore boiler was in use throughout the year with satisfactory results.
38. Amusements.—A greater variety of amusements was provided in all
the asylums, which were much appreciated by the inmates. In fact, this matter
received increased attention of the Superintendents. The lunatics were enter-
tained with theatrical performances, nautches, jugglery and acrobatic feats, and
were sometimes also feasted. Some were allowed musical instruments, pet
animals and birds, and every encouragement was given to tend them. Books
and papers were given to those who could read. In Calcutta the best conducted
lunatics were, under proper escort, allowed to visit the Zoological Gardens. At
Dacca and Berhampore harmless lunatics were taken to the bazars. At Cuttack
they were given walking exercise outside the asylum. At Patna, however, the
Superintendent reports that the lunatics were not allowed to go outside, as the
neighbourhood is crowded and insanitary.
39. Inspections.—The Dullunda and Bhawanipur asylums were inspected
during the year.
40. In all the asylums the employment of lunatics on manufactures
received careful attention. They were generally employed on easy and light
work.
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