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12 Parish of Saint George the Martyr, Southward.
examination was made into this case, when the fact came out, that an underground water
tank had a communication with the drains which had been made by rats, and consequently
the water was contaminated with sewage. It was asserted however, that the water was used
only for washing the cans and utensils connected with the business. An explanation may
be found perhaps in an amusing instance related by the Lancet;—A can, delivered to a
large buyer in the north of London, was being emptied of its milk, when a fish in the lull
vigour of life and activity came tumbling out.
Cases of diarrhoea and cholera have arisen in the most unexpected places, and to individuals
placed precisely as many others with the exception of diet. These cases stood as
abiding difficulties to every theory concerning these diseases, that could be entertained.
For instance, during the last cholera epidemic, some isolated cases occurred in Montjoy
Prison, Dublin, the sufferers had been no more exposed than others similarly situated ; in
fact they had not been exposed at all. It was found, however, that the milk which they had
used as food, was adulterated from a quarter to half its quantity with water from the city
pumps, "The foulest supply ever offered to humanity." Other cases of a like character
have been reported from time to time, taking their origin from the same cause.
There is a decrease in the deaths of children from scrofulous diseases; which if permanent,
will show an improvement in the race.
There is also a decrease of deaths from diseases of the Brain and Nerves. For many
years they have been slowly on tho increase.
Forty-five deaths were attributed to premature birth and debility. Fifteen infants,
their ages ranging from eight days to eight months, were accidentally suffocated. A male,
aged 37 was killed by a train, whilst crossing the line of railway: another aged 54, was
kuockcd down by a carriage, and ruptured his bowels. A female, aged 41, fell with he''
head against a piece of iron. A male, aged 62, and a female aged 42, hung themselves.
A male, aged 48, cut his bowels open. Two males, one aged 42, and the other 40, cut
their throats. A female aged 42, was killed by being dragged violently down stairs.
The deaths under five years of age were 642, at 40 to 80 years 445, and 38 at 80 years
of age and upwards. The lives of four extended over 90 years ; they were all females.

*The tons figured, are so many tons of impurity in 100,000 tons of water.