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tality amongst Quakers is between the ages of 70 and 80;
the next greatest, between 60 and 70; and the third greatest,
between the ages of 80 and 90." Their "average duration
of life is 51 years, 2 months and 21 days," which is "equivalent
to a rate of mortality of only 9.76 to 1000 annually."
Like experience in Prisons, where health is now at a premium;
and the reduction in the mortality of the Navy from 7.2 to
1.6 per cent. testify to the saving that may be made in life.
But the latter two augment only adult force, which has not
deteriorated in the same proportion as infant life.* We have
before us a double task—to fortify the tenure of the two.
And as we save infant life, we shall lessen the tax on the
mother's strength; there will be fewer but stronger children
born, and our sum of vitality will be increased! So shall we
"substitute men for children,"—vigour for weakness,—long
life for early decease!
I have the honour to be
Gentlemen,
With great respect,
Very faithfully yours,
SAMUEL PEARCE.
To the Gentlemen of the Vestry
of St. Matthew, Bethnal Green.
*It is stated by Mr. Edmonds in his Paper on the Mortality of England, that,
"the actual mortality under the age of 5 years had increased in the interval of 20
years in the high proportion of 44 per cent; "while" the mortality at every age
above 20 years has remained the same, with little or no variation, for the last
30 or 40 years."