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doubtless in part due to the fact that the population of Lambeth
increases more rapidly than the calculations allow for. Moreover,
it is believed that in the present year, 1859, the death.rate has
been again diminishing.

The fifth Table exhibits the composition of the principal
well and other waters of the Parish, according to the analyses of
the Medical Officer. Concerning these waters, the Medical Officer
writes as follows:—" The above analyses shew that the amount
of organic matter in the different specimens has varied from little
more than 1 to nearly 18 grains in a gallon ; while the amount
of saline or mineral matter has varied from 20 to 112 grains per
gallon. The great variety in their composition fully warrants
the view put forward by the Medical Officer for St. Martin's.in.
the.Fields, that shallow well waters ought not to be condemned
wholesale, but that each should be judged on its merits.
Altogether, however, the impurity in well water greatly exceeds
that in the Companies' waters ; and many of the samples of well
water when concentrated to a small bulk, acquire a decided
brown color, and urinous smell, from contamination with drainage.
But, unfortunately, the chemical analyses do not correctly estimate
the unwholesomeness of the waters, which depends, not so
much upon the quantity, as upon the condition of the organic
matter. Those shallow well waters, which were almost