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immigrants forms nearly a third. In the 10 years 1841—50,
out of a total increase of 15,991, the excess of births over
deaths was 10,697, the immigration—addition 5,294, or 529.4
per year. Where an area is not over crowded, immigration
recruits the original stock. Where too, the migratory stream
ebbs and flows, as in our Irish colonies of Elizabeth Place
and John's Court, the sickness and deaths are probably less
than a stationary population would have.* Since the census
many new streets have been built, and the influx has, doubtless,
further advanced.
2.—MORTALITY AND SICKNESS.
Mortality.
1905 Deaths were registered in the Parish in 1856; of
which, 518 occurred in the first, 422 in the second, 468 in
the third, and 497 in the fourth quarters of the year. They
were, consequently, less by 238 than in 1855, and 449 below
the corrected average of the preceding 10 years. One person
died of cholera at 16, Anchor Street, opposite a gully hole
which receives the surface drainage of several streets and at
times overflows.† The 6 Epidemics proved fatal to 385
persons, or to 1 in every 259 of the population. Their percentage
to the total deaths was 20.2—nearly 1 in 5. Numerically—385
against 475, and 20.2 per cent against 22.16—
they also contrast favourably with the previous year. One
in every 90 deaths arose from Small Pox; 1 in 50 from
Measles; 1 in 32 from Scarlatina; 1 in 22 from Hooping
Cough; 1 in 25 from Diarrhœa; and 1 in 17 from Typhus.
These returns, tested by those of last year, show, that the first
4 diseases were of less, and the last 2 (which depend more on
endemic causes) were of greater amount. Their relative
proportions, in the several Sub-districts during 1856, are
* On shifting the Surgeons annually on the west coast of Africa, the mortality fell
53 per cent. Taper by Alex. Keith Johnston, F.R.S.E.
† Because it only leads into a street reservoir.