H.—7.

very great. Public opinion demands that insane patients shall be treated with every attention, but will not and cannot make any allowance for the difficulties which the officers have to contend with. I had made arrangements to transfer forty or fifty females to Sunnyside, but the local increase made it impossible, so that we are compelled to face another winter in this condition. The statutory books and documents were examined and found in order. Ashburn Hall. 9th October, 1896.—1 found everything about this institution in good order. I examined all the patients, and found all, with one exception, to be chronic cases. Another patient is, I am convinced, suffering from an incurable form of mental disease. The new building on the male side, containing seven rooms, is admirably designed, and is now ready for occupation. One or two of the worst cases ought to be transferred thither at once, in order to relieve the others from the frequent noises they make, especially at night. The rooms are all admirably clean and comfortable, especially on the female side. The food is good, abundant, and well cooked. The bedding and clothing are all that could be desired. Dr. Burns is in charge, and his varied experience both at Home and in our own public asylums is a guarantee for the good management of this Asylum during Dr. Alexander's illness. Mr. Hume's lamented death is a great loss, and it is especially deplorable that such a long and honourable career as his should have been disturbed at its close. He was the kindest and most sympathetic of men in his dealings with his patients, and as an asylum administrator I have never met his superior. 25th March, 1897.—Dr. Hay, late of James Murray's Eoyal Asylum, Perthshire, has lately taken charge of this institution. From his experience of one of the best private asylums in Scotland, and my personal experience of him, J believe him to be admirably fitted for his duties here. I find everything in good order, and the moral and medical treatment of the patients is carefully attended to. I have seen all the patients, none of whom are confined to bed. I have, &c, D. MacGeegoe, M.A., M.8., M.C., Inspector of Asylums.

12