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in some, exposure to noxious exhalations of various kinds;
in some, an excessive amount of labour; in others, there is
great exposure to heat or cold; and last, though not least,
in some there is great and overpowering mental anxiety.
1864.—In my first Report, published in 1856, I brought
under the notice of the Hoard the general results which
would take place from inattention to sanitary laws, such as
want of light, want of ventilation, deficient or inferior supply
of water; and this district, from its being spread over a large
surface, points out, perhaps, more clearly than many others,
the contrast between thoso parts which are well arranged, in
a sanitary form of view, and those that are deficient in that
respect; and as it is of the utmost importance fully to understand
what are the surrounding circumstances which add
to or detract from the causes which shorten or prolong life,
and what are the conditions especially necessarv to ensure
freedom from the epidemic class of disease, which annually
increases the mortality of every district, it will be desirable,
after some years' experience, to consider a few points which
are well known to bear upon the subject.
Much has been done by sanitary measures, frequent
inspection of houses, &c., removal of nuisances, new drainage,
and water supply, to render the district more healthy;
but still, undoubtedly, as population increases, much more
remains to be done; for the deaths from diseases of the
epidemic class do not represent a tittle of the trouble, sorrow,
and pauperism which is likely to result from sickness, and
consequent privation, among the poorer class, and it is in
localities which we know produce and foster disease, and are
foci of contagion for other portions of the neighbourhood,
that the force of the local authority is incessantly requisite to
compel the provision of proper water supply, proper cleanliness,
proper ventilation, and proper (well ventilated) drainage.
Ventilation.
1864.—The ventilation of houses is of immense importance;
no house should be so closed, either by day or