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18
from small-pox, all in unvaccinated subjects or infants; 52 from
measles, 45 from scarlet fever, 84 from hooping-cough, 66 from
diarrhoea, and 48 from typhus.
On comparing these deaths with those of 1856, the number
from small-pox is the same; that from measles 22 more than in
the latter; from scarlet fever 10 less; from hooping-cough 20
more; from diarrhoea 22 more; and from typhus 3 less. Hence,
the excess of deaths from measles and hooping-cough nearly corresponds
to the total excess of deaths from the entire class of
diseases.
663 of the total number of deaths occurred in children under
five years of age—nearly one-half: and 297 in persons sixty or
more years of age.
274 deaths arose from consumptive diseases or those of the
tubercular class.
The births during the year were 2,219, those of 1856 being
2,579.
The mean temperature of the year was higher, and the movement
of the wind slower than the average.
It will be presently seen that a great deal has been done during
the year in the removal of cesspools, making of drains, &c., and
yet the mortality from zymotic diseases is greater than in the
preceding year. It must be remembered, however, that the
noxius influences have been under removal, and the agency of
death resulting from the previous action of malaria, have been at
work nearly at the same time; so that no material benefit can be
expected to have resulted from these important proceedings at
present. It is evident, however, that unfavourable influences have
been at work in promoting the propagation and increased fatality
of zymotic diseases; and I may remark, that in most instances,
where death from zymotic disease has occurred, I have visited the
houses, and it has been but very rarely that I have not found some
striking cause for the production of disease and death. A high
temperature and slow wind are undoubtedly favourable to the
production and spread of zymotic diseases, and tend to bring into
full play the action of unfavourable sanitary conditions, which
otherwise might have remained inert, or exerted but a feeble
influence. To these unfavourable influences, may probably be
referred the large increase in the number of deaths from diarrhœa;
although when it is considered that two deaths only are registered
as having arisen from "want of breast-milk," we may be sure that
many of the deaths referred to diarrhoea have arisen from the latter
cause, as explained in my former Report, page 18.
Water supply.—The water supplied by the New River Company
continues satisfactory in quality. It is even purer than it