Notes of a Recent Visit to Several Provincial Asylums for the Insane in France

Asylum at Le Mans. In the sketches given of the four asylums referred to in previous pages, whilst there was much to approve, still some points merited criticism, if not condemnation. The remarks I considered it necessary to make during my narrative, may perhaps seem severe; but as nothing was stated excepting from personal observation, and as I felt more anxious to communicate facts than opinions, even should the statements produce Unfavourable impressions respecting some of the institutions described, the fault was Dot mine, seeing my chief object was to be a faithful reporter. Respecting the asylum which I now propose passing under review, it becomes a very agreeable duty to state, by way of preface, that of all the public establishments for the insane I have recently visited in France, that of Le Mans has certainly given me the most satisfaction. But as this seems like pronouncing a verdict before taking evidence, I will therefore proceed, as in similar cases, to give the data which bear out the above conclusion. This public asylum is situated close to the banks of the river Huisne, near Le Mans?formerly the capital of the province of Maine, and now the chief town of the department of La Sarthe. Its position is somewhat low, but agreeable, open, airy, and apparently salubrious. Like other newly-established departmental lunatic asylums, it is under the authority of the prefet of the department, as also the minister of the interior, and has a local commission of surveillance, composed of five members, whose orders are administered by a resident Director, and hence dissimilar, in several respects, from some of the establishments to which attention has been hitherto directed. The Le Mans Asylum, in consequence of having been constructed expressly for the reception of lunatics, and under good medical advice, is consequently devoid of many of the defects often inherent to other institutions. The courtyards are spacious, airy, and quite distinct, although of easy communication. The dormitories are cheerful, well lighted, properly ventilated, and of scrupulous cleanliness. The chapel, offices, kitchen, and principal appendages of the establishment, are in the centre; the courtyards for