Situated in a hole, which in winter becomes a swamp, it is cold, damp and gloomy, shut in by hills in the immediate vicinity, there is no cheerful scenery upon which the eye may rest, look in whatever direction you may.  The yards are surrounded by walls so high that during the whole of the winter time, the sun is excluded except when at its greatest altitude, for about two hours during the day.  The whole place and its surrounds have a depressing influence, and instead of being a fit place for the cure of mental disease, is rather calculated to produce melancholy madness in the sane.
[cited in Poverty is Not a Crime by Joan C Brown, p.98]

On Christmas Day the inmates of the Hospital for the Insane, Cascades, were regaled with the accustomed good cheer of roast meat, plum pudding, ale, etc.  That the treat was fully appreciated, and as fully acknowledged was sufficiently made known by the smiles and cheers of the recipients on the occasion.  And although in every instance, "the seat of reason" was overthrown, no disturbance of a similar kind had taken place in respect to the inner man.  All enjoyed themselves, and, thanks to the liberality and kindness of Messrs. Syme and Co., the "season of good will" will be further extended to them in the disposal of a barrel of ale, which by daily appointment will see the old year out.