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77
These tables exhibit a less satisfactory state of affairs in
respect of the physique of Willesden children than one could wish.
To exhibit still further the differences, I have charted the
curve of deviation for Willesden scholars from the mean weights
and heights at each age and for each sex, as calculated by
Dr. W. Stevenson, from the tables of British and American
statistics. These mean weights and heights are represented in the
charts by the straight line. The deviations of the averages of
Willesden scholars above and below this mean are so represented
in the curves. It will be observed in respect of weight that at the
age of seven Kensal Rise girls start well above the average; at
eight their average is the same; while at each age after that they
steadily lose ground, at 14 having fallen farthest below the mean.
Kensal Rise boys at seven have an average weight just below
the mean, and they lose ground less steadily, yet in the end to a
greater degree than the girls. Lower Place scholars exhibit a
deviation below the mean even more marked, and with the same
downward tendency of theaverage weight curve at the higher ages.
The height curves similarly charted are, on the whole, more
satisfactory, though the converse of this holds when taken in
conjunction with the weight. For subnormal weight averages are
found to be associated with height averages for the most part in
excess of the mean. How far these observations justify a
pessimistic view of the physique ot the rising generation in
Willesden it would be premature to conclude. The data
are too few to warrant the startling conclusions to which
they point; yet they cannot be viewed with complacency.
For it must be remembered that Kensal Rise is a picked school,
where the most satisfactory results were anticipated. Compared
with other schools in the district this would doubtless hold good,
but this makes the comparison with the mean weights and heights