64 On the Lunatic Asylums in the United Stales. 



tion, the governors resolved to carry it into effect, if they could 

 obtain the aid of the legislature. Application having been made 

 for that purpose, an act was passed on the 17th April, 1816, 

 granting to the hospital the yearly sum of $10,000 until the year 

 1857, to enable the governors to erect further and more extensive 

 accommodations for insane patients." Grounds to the amount of 

 77 acres, and lying on the Bloomingdale road, about seven miles 

 from the city, were purchased, and here the corner stone of a 

 building was laid on the 7th of May, 1818. It was completed 

 in 1821. 



The building is of stone, three stories high, and contains ac- 

 commodations for about 200 patients. The land attached to it is 

 laid out in walks and gardens, and when the weather will permit, 

 the patients are allowed to walk abroad, accompanied by the su- 

 perintendent or one of the keepers. Tame animals have also 

 been procured for their amusement, and innocent diversions are 

 permitted : they are allowed to dine in classes, while religious in- 

 struction is from time to time imparted to those who appear able 

 to profit by it. 



Dr. John Nielson has been the physician of the Bloomingdale 

 Asylum since its opening. There is also a physician resident at 

 the institution, while a sub-committee of governors visit it every 

 week, and a standing committee every month.* 



The following details are taken from the annual reports. 



