34
The above figures, while larger than heretofore, are not to be estimated
on grounds of financial consideration alone. The prime purpose of work,
especially out of doors, is as a curative agent, and its high value as an aux-
iliary in treatment has already been amply confirmed in the history of this
asylum. In this regard, the profits, such as they are, appear gratifying, when
it is remembered that employment is mostly limited as a healthful recreation
to the morning and evening hours.
General health.
27. The sanitary state of the asylum has always been satisfactory. But,
as will be understood from the remarks under "mor-
tality," many of the patients are in wretched physi-
cal health on reception, and most of them, as is customary among the ignorant,
neglected, and much-enduring poor, are either anæmic, or exhibit symptoms
of scurvy, conditions, however, ordinarily susceptible of speedy relief in the
absence of organic disease. Apart from such, ailments are rare; a solitary
case of pneumonia, occasional trivial derangements of the digestive system,
and some passing attacks of ague, comprise the list for the year. Among
those remaining at this date, there are 2 cases only of unfavourable promise
in respect of physical health, both being dependent on visceral implication,
existing antecedent to admission.
Buildings.
28. The buildings and out-offices are all in excellent order. No
additions or alterations have been made during the
year. The accommodation consists of 58 separate
cells, 5 associated rooms, a large convalescent ward, and the keeper's room,
available for such as have recovered, and may only be awaiting friends to
accompany them home. But the space has again become inadequate, and its
capacity has been so far strained of late, with a population of 109, that, in the
general interests, it has become necessary to decline further admissions; a
fact already recounted, and now repeated, under the belief that it presses for
early remedy. Extension should be in the direction of providing a separate
building for the females, as contemplated when the additional ground,
referred to in last report, was purchased. The existing accommodation, it
should be added, is admirably adapted in its homely, unpretentious arrange-
ments to meet the wants and requirements of the classes it was designed
for, a matter of much moment in the interests of the insane, reason in
their case being often promoted by the presence of familiar things.
Grounds.
No further additions have been made to the grounds, the present area
of which is some 24 begahs, the larger half
now irrigated and under grarden cultivation. The
construction of an additional well, mentioned as progressing in last report,
was completed in July, at a cost of Rs. 1,147-3-11, entirely defrayed from
the profits of the garden. All care, both in supervision and materials, was
used, that the new well, equally as that formerly constructed, should be a
thoroughly sound, enduring work; and there is certainly nothing better of
the kind in this province. It is of solid masonry throughout, 60 feet deep
(giving some 35 feet depth of water), and 10 feet inner diameter, provided
with fixed chains to meet any accident, and the estimated cost at Public
Works Department rates is Rs. 2,400. The difference or saving, equal to
Rs. 1,252-12-1, is due to the bricks having been made and the lime burned by
the patients, who also supplied much of the unskilled labour employed in the
construction. This well as yet is only partially worked in the want of