PATIENTS WORKING RASPBERRIES
The colony buildings, outhouses and surroundings at the Morganton colony were made as near as possible like the farm houses in this section of the State. This was done to give it a home-like appearance, and the management has been such as to make each patient feel at home; they are free to sit on the porches and the lawn in the summer, in the sitting room before open fires in the winter. They smoke, have games, read or do what pleases them during these hours of recreation. They have their own garden, orchard, vineyard, berry patches, poultry, pigs and cows, which they attend to. Every effort is to make each one feel that these things are his own, he can gather berries, pull the fruit when he wants it or as he pleases. Every one is expected to do something if no more than pick up chips for the cook.
GENERAL VIEW OF COLONY
Early Experiments.
The first party of patients sent to the colony, about 15, were quiet, industrious men who were expected to be the nucleus of the organization. After these became accustomed to their new surroundings, others who were quiet and who had some remnant of mind left, but who did little or no work were tried. These readily dropped into the ways of those who preceded them and who set the pace. Further experiment was made by sending those who seemed incurably demented, incapable by reason of their weakened minds of doing any kind of work. Most of the last mentioned had been residents of the hospital for years and years in whom the last vestige of hope for any improvement had long vanished. Strange as it may seem to you, as it did to us, acquainted with these men and their disease, they immediately went to work and are to-day profitably employed. They have gained in health and self-confidence, they are happier because they feel there is yet something in life for them.
SNAP SHOT—COLONY PATIENTS CULTIVATING STRAWBERRIES