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certified as the cause of death in 32 instances. With reference to
Bronchitis and Pneumonia, neglect and exposure are the main
factors in the majority of instances. While as to Diarrhoea,
improper feeding stands as the primary cause. In this connection
I would especially mention deprivation of breast milk and the
substitution in lieu thereof of preserved milk and farinaceous
foods in its various forms, while the use of unclean feeding bottles
and tubes are a frequent cause of pollution of the food and consequent
gastric irritation in the infant.
Resort to artificial feeding and its attendant evils are, of
course, necessitated by the absence oi the mothers, who are
engaged in various occupations away from their homes for many
hours at a time, not infrequently, however, the infants are left in
the care of older children who themselves are not far removed
from infancy.
I am, Gentlemen,
Yours obediently,
G. E. YARROW,
Medical Officer of Health.
October 26^, 1897.