( 5 )
During the year 30 of the patients, who were when admitted utterly useless,
have been instructed to do something, either pounding coir, basket-making,
gardening, or carpentering, and every advantage is taken to advise those who can
work to occupy themselves in doing something. There were scarcely if any idlers,
or of those who would but from mental or physical fault could not work. A great
number of men in bad health suffering from " general debility " were, however,
present during the year; these of course did little besides picking leaves and
roaming about the ground. Mr. Goodwin reports that he has three men being
taught carpentry, and that two of them are likely to make firstrate carpenters ;
and one Burman is already very good at his work and is of immense service to
him in teaching the others.
All persons conversant with insanity now admit the advantages arising from
active bodily occupation in the treatment of the insane. In former years there were
doubts respecting the prudence of the system pursued here of allowing the inmates
so much freedom with dangerous weapons, and all sorts of calamities were predicted;
but I do not recollect any accident or misadventure amongst the selected working
gangs during the many years I have been in charge. It cannot be denied that
the system is carried out with much boldness, and the greatest credit is due to
the 1st Jemadar in particular for the vigilant and constant supervision which he
maintains over this most essential part of the institution.
Clothing and Bedding.—These have been procured economically in the same
way as in former years ; they are in good order and of suitable quality. The bed-
ding is also ample, in good condition, and, as far as possible, kept clean.
Diet.—The following is the scale of diet in use in the asylum :—
Natives.
Rice ... ... ...
Beef ... ... ...
Fish ... ... ...
Vegetables ... ...
Oil ... ... ...
Salt ... ... ...
Condiments ... ...
Fuel ... ... ...
lbs.
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
oz.
8
4
4
8
0
0
0
0
dr.
0
0
0
0
8
8
8
0
Europeans.
Bread ... ... ...
Meat ... ... ...
Butter ... ... ...
Milk ... ... ...
Sugar ... ... ...
Tea ... ... ...
Salt ... ... ...
Rice ... ... ...
Onions ... ... ...
Pepper ... ... ...
Ginger ... ... ...
Nutmegs ... ... ...
Barley ... ... ...
Flour ... ... ...
Fuel ... ... ...
lbs.
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
oz.
0
0
1
12
1
0
0
4
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
dr.
0
0
0
0
8
8
8
0
0
1
½
½
8
8
0
In addition to this Natives are allowed 8 ounces of meat or fish from the 1st
October to the 15th December at the discretion of the Superintendent (vide
letter No. 70-3C., dated the 2nd March 1882). This was considered necessary,
as from the antiscorbutic properties of the vegetables being greatly diminished
at the end of the rains, or during the rains, it was considered advisable to supple-
ment the diet with more meat.
The contractor of the Rangoon Jail supplied the articles of food, and the con-
tract is included in that of the jail. I find I could do better if I had my own
contractor, and for many reasons it would be better to have a separate contract
in future years. I regret I was too late to take steps to discontinue this arrange-
ment this season.
The rations were well cooked, and no change has been made in the scale
of diet. The rations are inspected and passed by the Deputy Superintendent
both in their raw and cooked state, and every attention was paid to the diet.
The meals have been issued at regular hours twice a day, and the same order and
decency of conduct during meals have been enforced.
POPULATION, ADMISSIONS, &c.
Statement No. I.—On the 31st December 1883 there were 190 inmates
in the asylum, namely, 176 males and 14 females. During the year under review
there were 57 admissions,—53 males and four females ; and three re-admissions,—
two males and one female, making a gross total of 250.
2