Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1838-12-05

verge OF recovery, because thew are so
much improved, that they can be easily
managed at home. These cases some
times continue to improve and entirely re-
cover but, too frequently, relapse into
their former deplorable stale. The friends
OF patients should not despair if even re-
cent cases should not Immediately recov.
er. One of the recent cases, of only six
weeks duration before admission, which
mas recovered the past year, at the end of
one year from the time of her admission.
a superficial observer would perceive no
improvement in her case, and at the expi-
ration or fifteen months was entirely re-
covered.
Since the greatest portion of the State
live at distance from the asylum, and
nave no means of minute acquaintance
with the institution and its affairs, but
through the medium of an annual report,
shall OTTER no apology for relating sun
dry details that may be quite familiar to
those who reside in the immediate neigh
borhood of the institution.
Most of our male patients have been
employed either in the garden or on the
farm. The anticipated benefits from la
Dor have been fully realized; and not
outstanding the patients have had the
free use of tools, no accident whatever
has occurred. These employments i'm
prove their health, give them an appetite
for food, furnish amusement as we'll as ex-
ercise, awaken former associations, and
what is of great importance, call into ac-
tlon their powers Of Judging, which not
only improve by exercise, but counteract
the operation of those faculties which are
too much excited. When employment is
not furnished the patients. they too fire.
quently employ themselves in destroying
their clothing or other property.
Much attention is paid that all of our
patients take due exercise in the open air.
The males, in addition to Iaboring in the
garden or on the farm, frequently walk
abroad, and sometimes make excursions
of considerable distance. All the females,
who are in a suitable condition, ride out
every fair day, excepting Sundays, besides
frequently walking abroad with their
nurses.
Our religious exercises have been con.
tinued the same as last year. We have
family worship every evening after tea
when all who are in a proper condition
are present. The exercises at these times
consist of reading a portion of the scrip
lures, singing hymn, and prayer. On
the Sabbath in the afternoon, in addition
TO the above exercises, short sermon OF
part of one is read These seasons art
source Of great comfort to many of the
patients, and we have received letter:
| from those who have recovered and re
turned TO their friends, who mention thes,
seasons as among the most interesting O
their lives. In no case has it appeared t,
have an injurious effect, and in MANY.
has been the commencement of that exer
else of selEcontrol, and hope of recovery
which has resulted in their restoration
One patient who could not control he
feelings, language or conduct, or refrai
from tearing her clothing, would behas
with proprety during family worship
Whenever the usual family worship h;
been prevented, . general expression
disappointment has been manifested
Those who are ia a suitable condition a
tend church on the Sabbath Attendant
upon these exercises is entirely voluntal
with the patients.
In order to promote their self-respe
|, the patients are brought forward in the
classification as fast as their condition w
/ allow, and are never returned, until aft
trial they have shown that they cam
control their feelings SO as to retain the
places. They are also allowed all t
{. liberty of which their condition will a
St nit, and if at any time :hey are restrai
v ed, they are made to understand, as far
= possible, that it is for their own safety a
N those around them, and always for tn
n good. Very few of the patients are S,
rs ject 10 any personal restraint. 1t is sor
times necessary to prevent their destrt
:. ing their own clothing and the furnit,
of the building.
"a AS soon as the new building shall
of completed, we shall have great additio
ut conveniences for classifying and empl
I'd ing the patients. BY means of the I
he buildings, we can separate the noisy fr
in those who are quiet, so that the la
id shall feel themselves at quiet and CHI,
nd fnI boarding house, without being ann
IT. ed by any noise or disturbance of
bois;erous and violent. Neathess. con,
ur. fence and durability, have chiefly
The consulted 10 its construction, and at
,av same time, it contains all the impr
he ments and advantag es which have rec
ne Nv been made in the construction anc
tic rangements of buildings for the insan
eff Insanity was formerly considered a
Jot- incomprehensble and incurabIe diso1
Try, The insane were regarded as objec