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per annum, whereas Lewisham Village contains the Union Workhouse,
where the sick, the decrepit, and aged poor are congregated,
and where a large proportionate mortality always obtains.
An analysis of the tables of mortality, as well as information
as to the sickness of the district, shows us that the district suffered
from epidemic disease in 1869, though not to an equal extent with
that of the previous year: the prevailing epidemic having been
scarlet fever.
From my own observation, 1 am of opinion that a more rigid
inspection of houses in the district is advisable, to show whether
they are all property drained into the main sewers constructed in
various parts of the district, and to sec that old drains, cesspools,
or receivers are away with where practicable. It appears to
be sometimes the case, that although sewers arc constructed, drainage
into them is avoided, and that the old form of drainage
exists.
Constant observation proves also (as I have before mentioned)
that the drainage of houses should be as much as possible external
to them: that the soil pipes from closets should be outside the
buildings; that the pipes from sinks should never be allowed to
enter the drain; and that the overflow pipes from cisterns should
never be connected with a closet or sewer.
There is much need in the district, as I have explained in
former reports, of a steam oven or other apparatus for disinfecting
the clothes, linen, bedding, &c., of those who are or have been
suffering from epidemic disease.
Especially amongst the poor, no means exist for stopping contagion,
and disease is constantly fostered and spread from infected
bedding and clothing.
Even amongst the better classes, infected apparel is constantly
sent to be washed (a process which does not disinfect), and is
mixed with the linen, &c., sent from the houses of the healthy;
and this is another means by which disease may be distributed.
As a precautionary means during the hot weather, when putrefactive
fermentation would be most rapid, the gullies were
supplied with water with which carbolic acid was mixed.
The antiputrescent properties of this disinfectant were very
useful in allaying the offensive smell arising from the sewers.
It would be well if the public generally would use this substance
more extensively in their houses, as its constant and