View report page

18
dealt, and have improved the large district under their charge,
not only in appearance, but in reality. The quantity of pavement
which has been placed on the footways is not only
agreeable to the eye and pleasant for use, but by preventing
dampness to houses, contributes a large share towards the
improved state of the health of the public. The continual
addition to the general system of drainage has also contributed
its proportional advantage.
The clearing away in some places of unhealthy houses,
and the substitution of others constructed according to
modern ideas of fitness, is another great feature in the
improvements which have doubtless caused the low rate of
mortality. Although space is, according to the opinion of
those men who have most carefully considered the subject,
too much economised, and the houses too numerous for the
space they occupy, yet, if only by establishing a more perfect
contrast between the properly constructed, clean, and healthy
dwelling, and the decayed, dirty, and unwholesome one,
some benefit will accrue to compensate for the disadvantages
arising from close congregation. It may also excite a sort
of competition between the holders of house property, when
it is discovered that, as persons proceed to distinguish their
own interests with regard to health, and the interests of their
families, the best landlords will alwavs secure the best
' •/
tenants.
But although so much has been effected by the public
improvements at the general expense, there remains much
more to be done than is usually credited. If the low state of
mortality we appear to have attained, is to be continued and
perpetuated, it will be necessary to look beneath the exterior,
which is acknowledged to approach a condition which
leaves but little to be wished for. Having done so much
for thestreets, pavementand drains, the improvements will lose
half their salutary effect on the public health, if the interior of
the dwellings, particularly those of the poorer class of inhabitants
are not placed in a corresponding condition of