ANNUAL BEPOIIT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.
In the Vizagapatam Asylum, the four day latrines where the dry-earth system
is in use, are utilized only during the monsoon. At other seasons, trenches are
used and the grounds subsequently cultivated.
In the Calicut Asylum the dry-earth system is in use in the detached latrines
and the flushing system in the night latrines attached to the cells. The Superin-
tendent has represented to me the necessity for the construction of a latrine to the
hospital, and he has been asked to make his proposal the subject of a separate
communication.
(2) General hygiene of the insanes.—This subject has received the careful
consideration of the Superintendents of all the asylums ; particular attention
having been paid to the bathing, clothing, exercise and food of the insanes.
The Superintendent of the Madras Asylum remarks that the general hygienic
condition of some of the very filthy insanes could be considerably improved, if the
Avails of the rooms in which they are lodged, which are now limewashed and
absorbent, be plastered with some glazed material like Portland cement. At present
these insanes make the walls and ceilings very filthy and these not admitting of the
necessary washing and cleansing, contaminate the atmosphere of the rooms and
must tell on the health of the inmates. The subject of cementing the walls of
some of the rooms is under consideration.
(3) Drainage.—Owing to the defective drainage of the Madras Asylum,
water stagnated in all the low-lying grounds during the heavy rains of November
last and injured the kitchen garden and the asylum produce generally.
With reference to G.O., No. 1701, Judicial, dated 28th October 1896, in which
I had been asked to report about various points connected with the drainage
scheme of the Madras Asylum, I have directed the Superintendent to submit his
detailed report on the subject after communicating with the Sanitary Commissioner,
the President of the Madras Municipal Commission, and the Consulting Architect.
He has replied only about the impossibility of cultivating the Modavakam tank-
bed and the use of asylum labour. As 1 am not yet in full possession of informa-
tion regarding the other questions, my report to Government will be submitted
later on.
The drainage of the Vizagapatam Asylum is naturally good.
V-shaped drains run all round the main buildings of the Calicut Asylum
except the refractory ward.
(4) Water-supply.—The Madras Asylum had an ample supply of water. The
Red Hills water was used for all except agricultural purposes. With the new well
sunk in the criminal enclosure, a larger area was brought under cultivation.
In the Calicut Asylum there was a fair supply of good water except for a few
months in the hot weather, when water had to be brought from a tank adjacent to
the asylum.
In consequence of the complete failure of the north-east monsoon, the water-
supply of the Vizagapatam Asylum was very insufficient, the water from the well in
the asylum being barely sufficient for drinking and cooking purposes. A cart was
sanctioned for bringing water for other purposes from a distance.
(5) Food and weiyhment*.—Raggi was the staple grain in use in the Madras
Asylum, but the Superintendent states that it is greatly disliked by a very large
proportion of the inmates, and considers it, on the whole, not so satisfactory as rice,
as it can be given only to the stronger and more robust men and women.
Cumbu and cholum were the grains in use in the Vizagapatam Asylum and
the Superintendent considers them to be very satisfactory after an experience of
two years. Extras were very seldom required, and rice was allowed only in the
case of a few paying patients.
The Superintendent of the Calicut Asylum gave a careful trial of cocoanut oil
instead of ghee and reports that he is well pleased with the result. Mangoes, the
produce of the asylum, were used pickled instead of the pickled lime formerly in
use for the morning conjee. The Superintendent strongly recommends the adop-
tion of a dry grain diet, and I have directed him to give cholum a careful trail, and
submit separate weighment statements for such patients as he gave it to.