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of all the deaths. At the next age-period of 1/5 years, that is to
say above 1 year and under 5 years, the mortality was somewhat
in excess, having been 17.7 against 16.9 per cent. in 1876-85,
and 15.7 in 1866-75. Between 5 and 15 years of age, as well
as between 15-25, 25-35, and 35-45, the most active years of
life, the proportion of deaths was less than in any of the
decennial periods 1856-85, having been 4.1, 4.0, 5.3, and 6.7
per cent., making a total of 20.1 per cent. of the deaths at all
ages, against 5.2, 5.1, 6.4, and 7.2, or a total of 23.9 per cent.
in 1876-85, 24.8 per cent. in 1866-75, and of 25.3 in the 10
years 1856-65. This great and continuous diminution in our
mortality at these ages, and especially at 15-45, is a very great
gain, especially when taken in connection with the diminution
in the annual death rate at all ages. It points to a great
increase in the vitality of those who have been born since
sanitary measures have been carried out, and induces us to hope
for a further extension of longevity amongst those now growing
up. Of course when a diminished death-rate occurs amongst
the living who are under 45, a larger death-rate, when compared
with deaths at all ages, must occur in those above that age, as
there are a greater number of persons above 45 who are left to
die: thus, in 1887 the number of deaths above 45 years of age
reached 38.7 per cent. against 34.8 per cent in 1876-85, and
35.2 per cent. in 1866-75.
In the Forty-ninth Annual Report of the Registrar
General, to which I have already referred, it is stated that in
1886 the low death rates between 5 and 35 years of age, was
very noticeable in all England, as he says that "the rate for
each separate age-period, from 5 to 35 years of age, was the
lowest on record." The fact that this low death rate has
extended in Hackney to a later period in life, viz.: to 45 years
of age, is very satisfactory.