United The next table shows the heights of recruits finally approved, and the proportion of each height per 10,000. It also gives the heights of recruits finally approved, arranged in series according to age, together with the proportion per 10,000 of each height at each age: The proportion of recruits under 5 feet 3 inches in height per 10,000 approved has decreased by 57, as compared with 1892, that of 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 4 inches by 278, from 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet by 8 respectively, and for over 6 feet by 7. On the other hand, an increase of 24 per 10,000 is found in those between United 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 5 inches, of 228 in those between 5 feet 5 inches and Kingdom. 5 feet 6 inches, of 52 between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 7 inches, of 5 between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 9 inches, of 48 between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches, and of 1 between 5 feet 10 inches and 5 feet 11 inches. Omitting boys, the highest proportion of recruits at any age of any height per 10,000 finally approved was 2,892 between 17 and 18 years of age and 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 5 inches in height. In 1892 the highest proportion was at the same age and height. The next table shows the weights of the recruits who were finally approved, and the proportion of each weight per 10,000. It also shows the weights of these recruits arranged in series according to age, together with the proportion per 10,000 of each weight at each age : Totals at each age 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 United Kingdom. As compared with the previous year a decrease of 124 has occurred in the proportion of recruits between 100 and 110 lbs. in weight per 10,000 finally approved, of 258 in those between 110 and 120 lbs., and of 63 between 120 and 130 lbs. A general increase has occurred in the proportion of recruits at all other weights. Omitting boys, the highest proportion of recruits at any age and of any weight was 4,379 among recruits of between 17 and 18 years of age, and between 110 and 120 lbs. in weight, the next being 3,984 per 10,000 among those of from 18 to 19 years of age and between 120 and 130 lbs. in weight. In 1892 the highest proportions, 4,271 and 3,952 respectively, were amongst recruits at the same ages and weights. In the next table is shown the chest measurements of recruits finally approved, and the proportion of each measurement per 10,000. It also shows the chest measurements of these recruits arranged in series according to age, together with the proportion per 10,000 of each chest measurement at each age. Total 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 As compared with the preceding year a decrease of 1 is shown in the proportion of recruits under 31 inches, of 115 in those from 31 to 32, of 225 in those between 32 to 33, and of 30 per 10,000 in those of over 35 inches. An 25. upwards. Total at each Chest Mea sure ment. increase of 155 is found in the proportion of those recruits between 33 and 34 United inches, and one of 216 in those between 34 and 35 inches. Kingdom. Omitting boys, the highest proportion of recruits at any age and of any chest girth was 5,331, among men of 25 years and upwards and above 35 inches chest measurement. In previous years the highest proportions are also found at these ages; but they are, however, dependent on comparatively few inspections. Taking the age at which the greatest number of recruits are examined, it is found that the highest proportion per 10,000 was 4,272 between 33 and 34 inches chest measurement as compared with 3,998 at the same age and measurement in 1892.. From these tables it is calculated that, excluding boys under 17 years of age, the average age of recruits finally approved during the year was 19.4 years as compared with 193 in 1892. The average height was 5 feet 5.8 inches as compared with 5 feet 5.7 inches, the average weight 1251 lbs. as compared with 1238 lbs., and the average chest measurement 336 inches as compared with 33.5 last year. The next table shows the state of education of recruits finally approved, together with the proportion per 1,000 of those well educated, able to read and write, able to read only, or unable to read. Compared with the corresponding table for the preceding year an increase of 29 per 1,000 has taken place in the proportion of recruits returned as well educated, and one of 2 in that of recruits able to read only, but there is a decrease of 2 in the proportion of recruits returned as able to read and write, and one of 9 in that of recruits unable to read. HOME STATIONS. United SANITARY CONDITIONS. North-eastern District. The Principal Medical Officer, Surgeon-Colonel J. W. Maxham, M.D., states that the general sanitary arrangements in the district have been, on the whole, satisfactory. The population in the neighbourhood of Sheffield barracks is very dense, and the drainage of the locality has not been all that could be desired. During the heat and drought of last summer, the drains throughout Sunderland were offensive, and the town unhealthy. The new drainage works are proceeding, as far as possible, without disturbing the old drains, the intention being to connect the new at the last moment, doing away entirely with the old. The urinals, ashpits, barrack grounds, and enclosures have been in good sanitary condition. The barracks and buildings generally have been kept clean and well ventilated, except the infant school at York, the ventilation of which was defective. It is about to be rebuilt. The water supply has been generally satisfactory, notwithstanding the very dry summer, except at Lincoln, where it was stated to be indifferent, and a sample was analysed and reported on as of impure quality. The matter is being fully investigated. The rations have been good, and the cooking arrangements satisfactory. With the exception of an outbreak of enteric fever and a few cases of septic sore throat at Beverley, due to the accidental blocking of a drain, which was at once remedied, and an epidemic of scarlet fever at Sheffield in May and August, there has been no exceptional sickness in the district. The hospitals themselves are, on the whole, satisfactory, the exception being that at Bradford, which is very old and out of repair. It has formed the subject of frequent report. A good deal of trouble and annoyance has been caused by the bursting of the water pipes from frost. As far as possible, the hot water pipes should be in juxtaposition with the cold water pipes. The want of proper provision of means for isolation and treatment of infectious diseases occurring in the soldiers' families is much felt, as the authorities of the civil hospitals will not admit them. North-western District. The Principal Medical Officer, Surgeon-Colonel H. S. Muir, M.D., reports that the health of the troops contrasts very favourably with 1892. With regard to sanitary improvements throughout the district, at Ashton-underLyne the ventilation of the cells has been put in thorough order. At Burnley it is understood that large building operations are shortly to be undertaken, and it is hoped that a new hospital will be built, and the drainage put into thorough order. At Chester an isolation ward is much wanted, and the position of the mortuary is not suitable. At Fleetwood, Euston Barracks are unoccupied, and the troops located in the hutments only. The hospital is large and in a separate enclosure. Fleetwood might well be used in summer as a sanitarium for men requiring change of air. At Lichfield the ventilation of the main sewer, which was defective, has been put in good order. Ashpits have been replaced by iron bins. New barrack buildings are in course of erection, and some are near completion. At Seaforth a new block of married quarters was finished and occupied on the 15th December. The building is two-storied, and contains twelve quarters. The accommodation for examining recruits is insufficient. At Lancaster the library and reading room have been enlarged, but, as at Seaforth, increased accommodation is much wanted for the examination of recruits. At Warrington the ventilation of the officers' mess |