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metropolis. This improvement can be attributed, humanly
speaking, but to one cause,—the official recognition of the
truths of science, and the consequent attention exercised in
cases to which those truths are applicable.
The Vestry have shown great and commendable zeal in
the promotion of all means which tend to the general
improvement in the condition of the Hamlet; but there is
still room for improvement. It is barely sufficient that the
governing body in a parish acknowledge the value of scientific
data, as applied to health and mortality. It is necessary
to disseminate such knowledge as widely as possible,
before we can take full advantage of experiences we purchase,
often very dearly. Every individual in the community
should be thoroughly impressed with the value of
sanitary contrivances, and so informed concerning them,
that, instead of regarding the examinations as inquisitorial
and the means adopted as arbitrary, he should be entirely
willing to co-operate in every measure that tends to promote
the general well-being of himself, his family, and his neighbours.
So far as regards atmospheric and social influences,
there is really no reason why the poorest districts could not
be made as healthy as the wealthiest. Certainly the rich
have the advantage of a plentiful supply of nourishing food
and comfortable clothing, but sins against sanitary regulations
are not confined either to the wealthy or the indigent; for,
if in a single family are neglected the precautions modern
sanitary science considers indispensable to the well-being of
the people, a whole district may possibly suffer. An untrapped
drain, an overcrowded house, an unventilated alley,
a rotting dung-heap, or a foul privy, may spread disease and
sorrow in an entire neighbourhood, while the real