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5
HEALTH AND SANITARY CONDITION OF
THE ENTIRE DISTRICT.
The exceptionally low mortality of the year 1877 tells
with somewhat disparaging effect upon the mortality of
the past year. A little study, however, of the statistics
presented in the following pages will convince the reader
that the increase is only partially a real one, representing
merely one of those fluctuations in the tide of life of
which the mortality of 1877 might be called an ebb.
Linked with the death-history of previous years the past
year's mortality appears natural if not diminished. The
increase is due entirely to the greater fatality from
Measles, Whooping Cough, Diarrhœa, and Lung Diseases,
and confined wholly to the extremes of life, especially the
period of infancy. The year was a moist one, the average
rainfall being exceeded considerably (4.9 inches). Towards
the close great cold was experienced, although the
temperature of the whole year was above the average.
These were the predisposing causes of the increased
mortality.
Population.— It has been the custom during the