PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO. BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE
PUBLIC
RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
Reference :--
4
36
Middleux, 2.7. The proportion of deaths throughout. England and Wales, in 1839, wons 2.1 per cent,
M
crearly double that of the Island of Kongkong
in 1847, whose insalubrity has biew the theme of
uncòcial invective..
There
can
be
no doubt that the
first colonization of this I land was attended.
with disastrous consequences to
and soldiers; and the
Fever is
any
our
ravages of
countrymen the Hongkong
opinion a modified_ form of
Cholera - were as
fearful.
as similar visitations
have been in other parts of the world. The
idea of this fearful epidemic being, the product
of of malaria, from "decomposing granite, is founded. - ignorance of both Chemistry and Geology
on ast
It is
#
much more reasonable to ascribe it to the influence of an atmosphere which had never been subjected to the purifying influence of civilization, and- animal recpiration; to the unprotected state of the inhabitants; and the physical exchauction of the soldiers after a long campaign,
in a
burning sun, and undrained swampy
157
98
country. Since these times, the Merchants and others have protected their owns healths and those comployed by them, by houses constructed swithout regard to
expense in a manner in
every respects calculated
to counteract the injurious influences of the climate, The ground on which they stand has been perfectly drained, and thus these princely, edifices have. contributed in a great degree to the general salubrity of Houglong. The soldiers, too, often the sources of epidemics, have become here remarkable for their healthfulness; and this improvement is to be ascribed in a great measure, if not entirely, to
the magnificent construction of the barracks, and Hospital, which will remain as lasting, monuments to the ability, liberality, and efficiency of the military Government of Major General D'Aquilar and his staff "Young, any predecessor in office, me that all diseases in the Colony, have appeared during the last year,
informes
lis ar
mitigated form, and their prevailing character