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infants, was excessive in 1887; the mortality in 1888 was much below the average:
but the diminished mortality in 1888 had no relation to the excessive mortality in
1887. The conditions were altogether different : the summer of 1888 was cold and
wet, and, as always happens in these circumstances, the mortality from infantile
diarrhoea was low—-just as it is always high when the summer is hot and dry, as in
1887, Again, the significance of a high rate of prevalence of Enteric Fever
varies widely in different circumstances. This disease may be constantly present in
one district, as a result of drainage defects or of a polluted water supply; whilst in
another district its introduction may be wholly accidental, as when it is due to
casual pollution of water, or to a specifically contaminated milk supply introduced
from without. These and like circumstances must be kept in view, if we would
draw sound conclusions from a high or a low rate of prevalence of zymotic diseases,
particularly in relation to the sanitary condition of a district. Subject to
corrections for local circumstances, for climatic influences, and for high rate* in
previous years, the concurrence of a low zymotic death-rate with a low general
death-rate, furnishes just ground for satisfaction. For some years past the general
rate and the zymotic-rate had both been below the decennial average in Kensington.
In 1892 the general rate was (as in London also) above the average; the zymotic
rate was average. It need hardly be said that a persistently high rate of mortality
from zymotic diseases furnishes matter for serious consideration Kensington has
hitherto been fortunate in having a death-rate from these diseases much below that
of the Metropolis generally.