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A small ward, to be used as a hospital for the treatment of females, is still
much needed. Those suffering from bodily ailments are now treated in the dormi-
tories. Two or three wells are needed to irrigate the reclaimed land.
2. Water-supply.—No change has been effected in this. The water is
entirely derived from wells—three in all—in the asylum grounds. It is to all
appearance of excellent quality, and, from the position of the asylum in an open
space, free from encumberment by population, the chances of its becoming con-
taminated by animal refuse other than the infinitesimal proportion that may
possibly be washed off the feet of those drawing water from the wells are small.
However, as a precautionary measure, the water for drinking purposes was boiled
and then filtered. It will be noticed that there was only one case admitted on
account of intestinal worms during the year ; but numbers of patients on admis-
sion were observed to be suffering in this way.
3. Conservancy.—The latrines were the same in number as before and
occupied the same position. Those in the criminal enclosure are deemed not
sufficiently large for the number resorting to them.
The dry-earth system is, as far as possible, enforced ; but some of the lunatics,
especially the idiots and imbeciles, are, as a matter of course, incapable of compre-
hending the simple rules of the dry-earth system, so that one has to be satisfied
with the fact of their resorting for the purpose of nature to the latrines, and the
latrines only, from which it is possible to remove all traces of ordure. The latrines
are frequently cleansed during the day by the mehters and their assistants, and
the filth, well intermixed with dry-earth, carried away and buried in trenches dug
in the garden ground. The night-soil, however, will in future be buried at a
greater distance from the cottages and wells.
It was proposed years ago that the land around the asylum wall be enclosed
and used as a garden and recreation ground, and on representing the matter to
Government a sum of money was sanctioned to erect a wooden railing around it;
but for some reason or another the work was not carried out, and lately a bamboo
hedge was planted, and the ground reclaimed, prepared, and manured. It is in
this land that the trenching for the reception of the poudrette will be done ; and
as the trenches will be far removed from the wells, there will be no danger of
contamination. It is hoped that in a short time the greater part of this land
will be brought into cultivation, and that an extended walk will be formed round
the garden ground.
4. Cleanliness.—The precincts have been kept invariably clean and neat.
The means for ablution may be said to be well provided for and as perfect as it can
be. Two commodious, and in every way suitable, bath-rooms were erected during
the past year, and are in close proximity to the wells, and have a plentiful supply
of water. The inmates are regularly bathed. The majority bathe themselves,
and take apparently a great delight in using the new bath-rooms.
5. Occupations.—There has been no change under this head during the
year. They are—rough carpentry, cane-work, gardening, rice pounding and
grinding, water-carrying, fuel-cutting, basket and rope making, and out-door
labour. The flower garden has been well kept up, and is the admiration of all the
visitors ; while the whole of the large vegetable garden has been under constant
cultivation, and has afforded abundant vegetables of all kinds for the use of the
patients for every day throughout the year, and this has been a source of profit as
well as useful occupation.
6. Clothing and bedding.—The clothes of both sexes is in good order and of
suitable quality. It consists chiefly of white linen duck cloth purchased from
the Commissariat as far back as 1877. What remains of this and a supply which
was purchased lately for Rs. 40 will suffice for the requirements of the asylum for
some years to come. Excepting the first year it was opened, the inmates of the
asylum have always been clothed with this material, which is found to be both
lasting and economical, and far more suitable for insanes than the cloth generally
used in asylums in India.
The bedding is also ample, in good condition, and kept clean.