9                        ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.

at the close of the year. The mortality was certainly high. Dr. Smith remarks in
explanation, "only hopeless and incurable cases are retained in this asylum, and
many of them are subjects of organic disease and impaired constitution, the result of
malnutrition and from mental disease, also of starvation and exposure prior to
admission."

Dr. Smith reports that occupation, recreation, appropriate diet with plenty of
fresh air are the remedies chiefly trusted to for promoting recovery. All the
deaths, he says, except two occurred amongst the non-workers.

The asylum buildings are stated to require repair, and accommodation is
required for the segregation of violent and noisy patients.

Dr. Smith speaks well of his medical subordinate (Assistant Apothecary White)
and establishment.

Financially the cost of the institution hasfallen from Rupees 7,929-8-6 in 1878-79
to Rupees 6,323-10-6 in the present year. This sum appears to include an item of
Rupees 104-6-3 for purchase of sheep, but no particulars are given to show whether
the sheep-farming in the past year has been profitable or the reverse.

Calicut.—The asylum at this station was under the charge of Surgeon-Major
Roberts throughout the year. Forty-one patients remained at the beginning of the
year. Twenty were admitted, 12 discharged cured, 2 died, and 47 remained in the
asylum at the close of the year. The general health of the inmates was good, and the
mortality low. The proportion of recoveries was fairly satisfactory. The asylum
buildings are said to be in fair repair. A scarcity of water in the dry months has
been complained of the two last years, and the wells will have to be deepened.

The patients are employed within the asylum in gardening and other suitable
occupations. A difficulty has been experienced in getting suitable warders. The
Hospital Assistant resides on the premises, and is well reported on for steadiness
and attention to his duties.

Financial.—There has been on the whole a considerable decrease in the
expenditure on Lunatic Asylums, due in part to the cheaper rates of provisions.
The following table shows the total expenditure in each asylum for 1878-79 and
1879-80:—

Against this should be shown the sums recovered and credited to Government
for dieting of paying lunatics, or Local Boards, Municipalities, and value of labor
as follows:—

                                                I have the honor to be,
                                                            Sir,
                                                   Your most obedient servant,

                                                            W. R. CORNISH,
                                                      Surgeon-General, C.M.D.

                                                                              3