View report page

22
referable to the intermediate ages; I have therefore endeavoured to
ascertain if any spccial canse existed why such a high death-rate should
occur at such au age; and, in order to satisfy myself respecting many of
these deaths, have made special inquiries, but I have failed to attribute
them to more than the habits of the parents, the size of the apartments
in reference to the number of occupants, the general absence of ventilation,
and neglect. In many, the children are confined during the day in
close apartments while the parents are seeking a living; while in others
the habits of the family are such as to materially contribute to the propagation
of disease; and although, with the latter class, everything that
can be done to add to their comfort and health may be, their generally
filthy habits precludes their reaping the benefits they otherwise
would do.
The following is a Table of the Ages and Causes of Death, as
occurring during the Year, from January to December, 1857:—