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ger of typhus spreading either to the inmates of the general
workhouse or to the inmates of other parts of the workhouse
infirmary. The plan above sketched would not preclude two or
three contiguous parishes from combining, if it seemed advantageous
for them to do so, to erect and maintain a common
fever house; it is obvious too that wards capable of receiving
fever cases would be capable of receiving any other form of infectious
diseases, and might in the absence of such diseases be
used for the reception of the ordinary sick.
The main points in the plan which I propose are, that there
shall be many fever houses, and that they shall be paid for out
of the rates. I suggest the workhouse infirmaries for fever
houses, because they abundantly fulfil these cardinal conditions;
and because, though it might be a matter of some little expense,
it would be a matter of no real difficulty to make, in connection
with them, the necessary arrangements and to provide
the necessary buildings.
I may point out finally in relation to this subject, that
unless power be given by the Legislature to local authorities or
those acting under them, to insist on the removal of such as
are sick of infectious diseases to the institutions whatever they
may be which may be provided for their treatment, neither the
plan which I have advocated nor any other plan that can be
conceived of, will avail to arrest the progress amongst the
poorer classes of epidemics of typhus or other such diseases.
During the twelve months, which ended on the 31st March,
1865, the ordinary sanitary labours of my department were
systematically carried out (Table VIII.) 1154 houses were inspected
in the course of the usual house to house visitation,
and 874 complaints in reference to nuisances arising from accmulations
of ashes, refuse, dung, from pigs, manufactories, &c.,