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the preceding year, with the exception of the deaths from Zymotic
diseases, and the Convulsive diseases of infants. In other words,
the deaths from Pulmonary diseases (other than Phthisis), Tubercular
diseases, and the Wasting diseases of infants, are in increased
proportion per 1,000 deaths. In 1875 of every 1,000 deaths 198
were due to Pulmonary diseases (other than Phthisis), 124 to
Tubercular diseases, and 81 to Wasting diseases of infants. In 1876
two hundred and thirty-two of every 1,000 deaths were due to
Pulmonary diseases, 138 to Tubercular diseases, and 99 to Wasting
diseases of infants. As regards the deaths from Pulmonary diseases,
the same relative mortality between the deaths under 5 years and
above obtains in each of the years 1875—76, so that the increase
has not been in the section under 5 years more than in the section
above that age. From this fact we must conclude that inflammatory
affections of the lungs were more fatal to persons of all ages in the
year 1876 than they were in the preceding year. The deaths from
Tubercular diseases do not throw any light on the matter; but
when we come to the consideration of the deaths from Wasting
diseases of infants, we find an increase of 18 in the proportion of
deaths to 1,000 deaths. This is a large increase, and accounts, in
my opinion, to some extent for the increased infant mortality.
Now by referring to the foot note, we shall find that these
Wasting diseases include Marasmus, Atrophy, Debility, Want of
Breast Milk, and Premature Birth; and considering the habits of
a large portion of the population over which you possess sanitary
jurisdiction, I must say that I am not surprised at this result.
Close, ill-ventilated dwellings; insobriety and want of thrift; the