Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-29

Our Lewis County Letter.

sengers who went to the 3rd and 4th
Districts returned on Saturday.
bringing with them seven new pa
TENTS, some of whom are quite ex-
cited and insane, Others very calm
in manner. From general observa-
ton ofindividuals as they come here
as patients, | believe that those who
are most excited, as a class, are the
first generally toimprove, or at least,
we who have charge of them observe
changes in their condition more read
lily than in those of a quiet demeanor.
/ hear among old attendants the re-
mark frequently made that they
would rather see persons entering
as patients with show of will pow
er, rather than quiet disconsolate
don't-care. Style such frequently be-
come the worst class, and are often
dangerous, sudden and unexpected
outbreaks of violence. 1t is dis
tressing in many cases to hear the
muttering sounds of voice mani
testing distress, and upon effort to
know by question, either get no re-
ply or one entirely foreign to your
inquiry.
We are having most delightful
weatherat present. Heat, just enough
to make it agreeable, With plenty of
rain to keep vegetation in rapid
growth. Our garden is now furnish
ing daily supply of onions, lettuce,
and peas blooming and in pod, giving
promise of an early and ample crop.
| also notice tomatoes in bloom.
The wheat, of which small crop is
growing, is coming into head, and
bids fair to give good yield for this
section. This high region of coun-
try is not equal to our valley for
wheat; here if eight to ten bushels
per acre is secured, they claim it
good crop. We can raise fine crops
of oats and potatoes. and all garden
vegetables as could be desired, and
fair crops Of corn; and with fair, sea-
sonable, damp weather in the spring,
the grass crop is wonderful in yield.
1 had the pleasure of meeting two
of your worthy citizens, 9. p. Math-
rel aud Ajax. Parks, Jr., who were
in attendance to the Knights Tenn
plars assembly, which held its yearly
meeting in Weston. They seemed
greatly pleased with their visit to
the hospital and courtesies extended
toward them. | much regretted that
nay duties required such close atten-
ton that failed seeing them as Oft
en- as ] wished.
General health Of inmates Of the
hospital is very good at present, and
every effort is made to keep it so.
At present the entire building has
been carefully examined and cleaned
in every part, from basement to gar
ret, and wherever lime in whitewash-
ing can be used it is found. The
walls and ceiling Of basement present
bright and clean appearance, and
every evidence of dampness by leak
age from water main or sewer is i'm
mediately attended to. tits difficult
for one unfamiliar with q building of
such immense proportions as this
institution to realize the fact that
we have water pipe conveying hot
and cold water through the building,
which in straight line is over "a
miles in length; all Of which are liable
to break and leave dampness, which
if neglected would Likely produce mi
asma, from which disease might re-
suit.
Work on the new annex, in course
of erection, has been temporarily
suspended, waiting upon the cooling
Of brick just burned. The delay
is unfortunate. They were progress
ing rapidly, and by suspension many
employees have left who may not re-
turn. 1t is now complete to joist of
second story, some Of which are in
place. Mr., Pratt, engineer, under
whose direction it was placed has re-
signed and accepted position in
the engineer department of b. & o.
r. r. He was clever and efficient
officer and pleasant associate. His
place is filled by Mr.. Thomas Brad.
bury, citizen of Weston, q pracI-
cal mechanic and worthy gentleman.
DR.. Bland is still absent in attend
ance of National Convention Of Sup
erintendants Of Insane Asylums, at
Lexington, KY. Admitted during
the week, four males and three fe-
males, from Kanawha and Mason
counties. None discharged. No
deaths. Number under treatment,
343 males, 337 females; total $50.
Patients of our Eastern panhandle
counties are in general good health,
and many improving mentally.
p. G.