14                             ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.

(l.) Treatment.—The treatment has consisted in giving the patients as much
liberty as possible and in occupying them. This is the third annual report written
since the open-door system has been entirely carried out. The result has justified
its introduction, as the patients are happier and quieter.

                           V.—OCCUPATION AND AMUSEMENT.

(a.) Occupation.—The bedding and clothing are manufactured by native men,
and are made up by Eurasian and native women with the help of two paid tailors.
Gardening and keeping the place in order afford work for many.
A printing press has been bought lately to do the asylum printing.
Some of the patients help the asylum carpenter in his work.
During the next year the asylum will probably do its own washing.

(b.) Amusement.—The asylum library is used by a few. Cricket and other
games only flourish when there are soldiers here. Some patients amuse them-
selves by making toys and fans : others have books and slates.

Once a month the patients are amused with fireworks, jugglers, &c.

At Christmas they have a treat on a larger scale, with presents; and on New
Year's day a dinner. The annual treat and dinner are paid for by subscriptions.

A pair of dissolving view lanterns and slides are coming from England.

Generally speaking, I think that the asylum staff have done their best to make
the patients happy.

                                   VI.—THE OFFICIAL VISITORS.

Have visited the asylum monthly.

                                           VII.—VACCINATION.

Has been performed when necessary.

I certify that the orders respecting the custody of poisonous drugs issued by
the Inspector-General, Indian Medical Department, dated 23rd January 1863, were
carefully carried out.

                                                                  S. L. DOBIE, Surgeon-Major,
    MADRAS,                                                              Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum.
  9th May 1884.