abitants throw all kinds of
rejected animal and vegetable matters, which then undergo decay and
emit the most poisonous exhalations. These matters are often
allowed, from the filthy habits of the inhabitants of these
districts, many of whom, especially the poor Irish, are utterly
regardless both of personal and domestic cleanliness, to accumulate
to an immense extent, and thus become prolific sources of malaria,
rendering the atmosphere an active poison."

Dr. Edward Knight, speaking of some parts of the town of Stafford, says,

"These parts of the town are without drainage, the houses, which are
private property, are built without any regard to situation or
ventilation, and constructed in a manner to ensure the greatest
return at the least possible outlay. The accommodation in them does
not extend beyond two rooms; these are small, and, for the most part,
the families work in the day-time in the same room in which they
sleep, to save fuel.

"There is not any provision made for refuse dirt, which, as the least
trouble, is thrown down in front of the houses, and there left to
putrefy."

Mr. William Rayner, the medical officer of the Heaton Norris district of
the Stockport Union, thus describes a part of that town:

"There are forty-four houses in the two rows, and twenty-two cellars,
all of the same size. The cellars are let off as separate dwellings;
these are dark, damp, and very low, not more that six feet between
the ceiling and floor. The street between the two rows is seven
yards wide, in the centre of which is the common gutter, or more
properly sink, into which all sorts of refuse is thrown; it is a foot
in depth. Thus there is always a quantity of putrefying matter
contaminating the air. At the end of the rows is a pool of water
very shallow and stagnant, and a few yards further, a part of the
town's gas works. In many of these dwellings there are four persons
in one bed."

We might have hoped that country districts at least would have been free
from the evils occasioned by contracted building, want of ventilation,
want of drainage, and the like; but this is far indeed from being the
case. The following is from the report of Mr. Aaron Little, the medical
officer of the Chippenham Union:

"The parish of Colerne, which, upon a cursory view, any person
(unacquainted with its peculi