( 3 )
As in 1872, there was a decided excess of deaths in the rainy and cold months.
The number of deaths among short residents was larger than in either of the
two years previous. This is especially noticeable in the Dacca asylum, where
the death-rate on the whole was also high.
9. With reference to the causes of mortality, the peculiarities of 1873
are said to have been rather less cholera and more chest disease than usual.
Dysentery and diarrhœa continue to be the great scourge of the asylums. The
increase in chest diseases was confined to the Dullunda and Dacca asylums,
and is attributed to overcrowding. In the latter institution a severe outbreak
of cholera also occurred. With this exception, no epidemic prevailed in any
asylum during the year. The sick-rate was rather below the average of the five
previous years, though the daily average of sick for all asylums was 56.15, or
slightly more than usual.
10. There is little calling for remark on the present report on the types
of insanity or its causes. Of the 394 males and 120 females who were
admitted to the asylum during the year, the majority were drawn from the
cultivating and laboring classes, or were beggars, shop-keepers, or domestic
servants. 70.6 per cent. of the whole were Hindoos; 26.1 per cent. Mahomedans,
and the rest Christians or other castes. It is remarked that the districts where
the asylums are situated are those which contribute the most insanes, because
probably the residents of remote districts are unaware that provision is made
by Government for the custody of lunatics. It is to be remembered, however,
that the asylums are all situated in large towns, where cases of insanity are
likely to attract more attention than among an agricultural population. Of
the exciting causes of insanity, ganjah-smoking is still shown in the returns
for the whole of the Lower Provinces as one of the most frequent; and it is
observable that in many cases of re-admission the patients are said to have
been confirmed smokers of the drug. The Lieutenant-Governor is giving
special attention to the best means for further augmenting the check (which
has been imposed of late years apparently with some success) on the con-
sumption of this most deleterious drug.
11. The total expenditure of the asylums amounted to Rs. 1,01,641,
against Rs. 88,057 in 1872. The average cost of each patient, after deducting
Rs. 1,824-5-6 (the amount realised from friends of patients), was thus
Rs. 100-10-7. This increase in charge is in part only nominal, and due to a
change in the system of accounts. It chiefly arises, however, from the increased
cost of provisions; to the more generous dietary allowed; and to the increase
in the number of persons in confinement.
12. Taking the asylums separately, the results of the past year may be
summarised thus:—
Dullunda ... ...
Dacca ... ... ...
Patna ... ... ...
Cuttack ... ... ...
Moydapore ... ...
Total
treated.
581
360
383
65
97
Cured.
138
46
65
11
18
Transferred
to
friends.
39
25
13
......
9
Died.
40
47
27
1
4
Remaining.
364
242
278
53
66
Daily
average
strength.
369.2
244.3
268.8
49.2
59.9
Daily
average
sick.
8.6
24
19
2.3
2.25
13. Dullunda.—Sir Richard Temple has had the advantage of inspecting
this asylum, and considers its condition to be honorable to the Superintendent
Dr. Payne, and the Deputy Superintendent Mr. Bancroft. Allowing 50 super-
ficial feet for each patient, the buildings are calculated to accommodate 293
patients. This number was considerably exceeded in the past year, and the
overcrowding in consequence has formed the subject of serious complaint.
Steps were taken by Government to remedy the evil as soon as the completion
of the Berhampore asylum rendered this possible. It is not, in the opinion of