LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN BENGAL.                                  7

The greatest number of admissions, both of males and females, takes place between twenty
and thirty years ; this is equally true of the five years 1865-69. The other decades shown,
follow in this order:—30 to 40, 40 to 50, 10 to 20, 50 to 60, 60 to 70, and 70 to 80.
Females are admitted in comparatively smaller numbers in the decades 10 to 20, 20 to 30,
and 30 to 40 (result of five years); but in the other decades the tendency seems to be to a
greater proportionate number of female admissions. It is impossible to say what the relative
number of persons living in each of these decades is, but the results correspond pretty closely
with European experience ; the number becoming insane between 30 and 40 is, however, very
slightly less, equal to, or slightly greater than between 20 and 30. This disparity is probably
owing to an underestimate of ages in this country, and the statement above given is nothing
more than an approximation.

The following statement exhibits the annual ratios of recoveries:—

This result shows well for the asylums under report, but the disturbing effect of a
relatively large residual population is displayed in the two last ratios, in which that element
is taken into account in contrast with the two first, where it is excluded. A writer on the
statistics of insanity (Dr. Thurnam) has put the case thus : "As regards the recoveries in
asylums which have been established during any considerable period, say twenty years, a
proportion of much less than 40 per cent. of the admissions is, under ordinary circumstances,
to be regarded as a low proportion, and one much exceeding 45 per cent. as a high propor-
tion." Judged by this canon, the results of the asylums of this province are favorable. The
relation of recoveries to length of residence is an interesting question, which I am unable to
enter upon in this report for want of correct data ; the omission will be supplied in future.
Recoveries according to age, sex, causation, and type of insanity, will also be studied in next
year's report. It would delay this year's report unduly to collect the necessary data.

8. Twenty-one lunatics were discharged under other circumstances in 1870. This number
includes nine insanes transferred from Cuttack to Dullunda, one escape from Moydapore,
and 11 escapes from Dacca. The number of escapes from the Dacca asylum is put down
to the inefficiency of the keepers, and is most probably due also in part to the lunatics being
so much employed out-door, and to the want of walls.

9. Mortality.—The mortality of 1870 from all causes was 9.3 per cent. of total
treated, and 13.8 per
cent. of average daily
strength. These ratios
compare favorably with
the series and average
of the five preceding
years. The death ratio
of other asylums in the
Presidency are given
marginally, and the comparison is in favour of the Bengal asylums. This constitutes
a most important and encouraging feature in the events of the year. It will be
observed from statement No. 1 that the fluctuation of deaths is greatly owing to the