( 2 )
The grounds are well kept by the lunatics under the careful superintendence
of Mr. Goodwin.
Water-supply.—The water on analysis has been found to be of good quality.
Unfortunately the quantity is deficient during the hot weather. More wells are
required, and if a pump was put over the large well much time and labour would
be saved. This matter has been laid before the Public Works Department.
Water for bathing purposes is sufficient in quantity.
3. Conservancy has been carried on efficiently on the dry-earth system.
4. Drainage is sufficient.
5. Cleanliness.—Special care has been taken to maintain the personal clean-
liness of the lunatics and to keep their habitations pure.
The inmates are systematically bathed at the large bathing troughs, and
they are carefully inspected at the same time to ensure speedy detection of skin
diseases, such as itch and ringworm. With few exceptions the Burmese, as is
their habit, bathe readily enough, clothing is frequently washed, carbolic acid or
other disinfectant being freely added to the water.
The cottages and cells are washed out daily, and frequently a disinfectant
is used.
There are about 40 inmates of the asylum whose habits may be described as
filthy, and it is to the credit of the establishment that none of the cells or cottages
have ever been found to smell disagreeably, even in the hot moist weather of the
rainy season.
Labour.—With the exception of lamp-lighting all work connected with the
asylum buildings and grounds has been done by the lunatics.
The inmates are further occupied in the asylum on coir-pounding, basket-
making, broom-making, and at carpentry. Outside they are employed planting and
cutting hedges, weeding, cleaning compounds, cutting grass, and making private
roads. Light labour is found to be the best treatment for the sleeplessness from
which the insane so frequently suffers.
Clothing and Bedding.—The greater part is obtained from the workshops of
the Central Jail. Some of the clothing is made there and some in the asylum.
The material is good, strong, serviceable stuff and wears well. The cost of
clothing is considerable, but it must be remembered that a large number of the
lunatics constantly tear their clothing. Flannel for use during the cold weather
and rains is obtained from the bazaar.
Lunatics are very susceptible to cold, and any sudden fall of temperature
leads in their delicate state of health to attacks of such diseases as diarrhœa,
dysentery, fever, or chest affections.
Diet.—The various articles supplied are carefully examined and if not of
good quality are rejected.
It has seldom been necessary to reject any portion of the supplies this year,
although owing to the famine in various parts of Burma the price of food stuffs
was high towards the close of the year.
Much attention has been devoted to ensure the efficient cooking of the
rations.
When the general health of a lunatic begins to fail, the first indication is
frequently loss of appetite. This attracts attention to the patient and loss of weight
confirms the suspicion that health is failing. If now the appetite can be tempted
and improved by careful dieting and treatment the result is frequently very satis-
factory.
In such cases the milk supplied from the asylum dairy is most useful. An
abundant supply of good vegetables, both Native and European, is obtained from
the garden. There have been no cases of scurvy in the asylum.
The dairy, besides fully supplying the want of the asylum, affords a reliable
supply of good milk to many people living in the vicinity. The demand from
outside is more than double the supply.
At present there are 10 cows and 10 calves belonging to the dairy, one cow
died during the year and two cows were purchased.
9. Population, Admissions, &c., Statement I.—In making remarks on this state-
ment it is necessary to point out that in the last year's report an error occurred