ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.
31
(m.) Diet.—The diet is the same as hithertofore and costs per head per
diem 2 annas and 6½ pies, which is 2½ pies more than the previous year.
The general health of the inmates has been excellent.
(n.) Treatment.—Improving the general health of the patients, good and
regular diet which is regulated very much by the weight book. Potassi bromidum,
Chloral hydras, Tinct. hyoscyami, Tinct. opii, &c., were given when required, and
I have nothing new to add. Bathing in cold water is regularly kept up ; cold
douche being applied to very restless and trouble some cases, which has a wonderful
effect in soothing the irritability of the nervous system.
No restraint whatever is observed in the institution; inmates are allowed to
move about under the supervision of the warders.
(o.) Occupation.—In-door, cotton and fibre spinning, coir-rope making, tailoring,
weaving, &c. 578 yards of excellent dungaree were made in value Rs. 180-10-0 at
the rate of 5 annas per yard; 15 rolls of coir, 40 feet in a roll in value Rs. 37-8-0
at Rs. 2-8-0 per roll.
Five coir rolls were taken for the asylum use and marked in the asylum
account. Six coir rolls were supplied to Calicut Rifle Volunteer corps, and 4 rolls
sold privately.
The lunatics make their own clothing, but owing to the want of hands the
weaving of clothing was a little interrupted, and to meet the demand a sum of
Rs. 37-8-0 was expended with the sanction of the Surgeon-General in purchasing
cloth.
A portion of bedding was also made in the shape of coir rolls and the remain-
ing were mats which were purchased.
Out-door occupation consists of gardening, cultivating, levelling, cutting
laterite stones, &c.
Paddy, raggy, and chama were cultivated. Though they have not given a
profitable crop owing to the want of timely rain, still it has given healthy employ-
ment to the inmates, who all seem to like the work.
Some portion of the grounds have been especially allotted for the cultivation of
betel vines, which work was taken up at the commencement of the year. The
vines require to be specially cultivated to yield good produce. The vine is allowed
to grow up to a certain height; and then it is turned down and put in the ground
and permitted to grow again. This is done three times, and the fourth time the
vine is allowed to grow upwards, and the leaves are taken in about three months
after the third ascent of the vine. These vines ought to last about eight years, if
well looked after, and they will yield a very profitable income.
The sale-proceeds of vegetables amounted to Rs. 98-8-0 ; of this Rs. 20-14-11
was sent to the treasury, and the remaining Rs. 77-9-1 spent in giving treat to the
inmates.
(p.) Amusements.—All festivals of Hindus, Christians and Muhammadans were
strictly observed. A small treat now and then was given on their feast days.
The usual Christmas and annual treat was also observed on a grand scale, the public
aiding with subscriptions.
(q.) Escapes.—None.
(r.) Epidemics.—None.
(s.) Suicides.—None.
(t.) Births.—None.
(u.) Vaccination is regularly kept up.
III.—FINANCIAL.
The following tables are annexed under this heading:—
(a.) Expenditure and receipts—
—
Expenditure ...
Receipts
... ...
1884.85.
RS.
13,512
2,610
A.
2
8
P.
9
2
Nine months in
1885.
RS.
10,515
4,280
A.
5
2
P.
3
3