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diffused cluster between the Chalk Farm and the Kentish Town Railway Depots
If more cases of this disease were notified, it is probable these clusters would
stand out still more distinctly. The importance of localising Typhoid is due to
the fact that the amount and situation of this disease mark the insanitary condition
of the drainage of an area more certainly than any other disease.
Diphtheria shows its peculiar characteristic preference for high ground. The
green spots increase in number in proceeding from the south to the north of the
district (stopping short of the extreme north, which is sparsely inhabited, and by
high-class residents). This is shown more clearly in figures in the mortality
statistics for the sub-districts in Tables 8, B and C, and reasons for this are
suggested under the head of Diphtheria, amongst Causes of Death, page 15.
Scarlatina, or Scarlet Fever, like the two preceding diseases, also shows its
most characteristic peculiarity, rapidly spreading from person to person and house
to house by personal contact. This is very marked upon the map by the strings of
red beads, and shows how easily one infected person becomes the first link in a
chain of cases, and how necessary is the immediate separation of the affected
person from others, and the prevention of convalescents from exposing themselves
to disseminate the disease.
METEOROLOGY.
First Quarter.
January.—The month was dry, snow falling in the last week. Fog was
prevalent in the second week; generally, the weather was fine.
February.—Also a dry month and very cold, with some rough winds. Snow
fell at intervals during the month.
March.—Nearly as cold as the preceding month. Snow fell frequently, and a
low barometric pressure prevailed.
The First Quarter was characterised by cold, dry and snowy weather.
Second Quarter.
April.—The weather was cold and variable, and comparatively dry. Vegetation
backward.
May.—A cold month, although fine. North and east winds prevalent. Rainfall
small. Vegetation still backward.
June.—A warmer month, but gloomy. Rainfall variable and somewhat
deficient.
The Second Quarter possessed little characteristics above or below the average.
Third Quarter.
July.—This month was exceptionally cold, gloomy and wet. The temperature
was constantly below the average. The rainfall was heavier than had been
experienced in July for very many years and there was very little sunshine.