The adinission rate ainong men under 20 years of age was 942.9 per 1,000, Ceylon. that among men between 20 and 25, 1029-6; that among men in the next quinquennium 511-5, and that among men over 30 years of age 791.2. The death rate among men under 20 years of age was nil, among men between 20 and 25 years of age 673, among men between 25 and 30 years of age 5.29, and among men over 30 years of age 21.98 per 1,000. Compared with the results in the previous year, there was an increase of 941 in the admission rate of men under 20 years of age, a decrease of 988 between 20 and 25 years, and in the next quinquennium a decrease of 403·1, and also a decrease of 259-4 in that of men over 30 years of age. Mortality decreased 1:38 among men between 20 and 25 years, 4:49 among men between 25 and 30 years, and 3:34 among men over 30 years of age.

With regard to service in the Command, the admission ratio of men in their first year of service was 6505, being a decrease of 413 3 on that of the previous year, among men in their second year of service 895-8, a decrease of 529.7, in their third year 9000, a decrease of 773, and among those of longer service 394 4, a decrease of 1770. The mortality under one year's service in the Command was 5:39, one and less than two years 4:58, two and less than three years 8:33, and among men over three years in the Command it was 42.25 per 1,000. Mortality decreased 3'46 in men of under one year's service, and 24.35 per 1,000 in men of over three years' service, but increased in men of one and less than two years, and two and less than three years' service in the Command.

In Abstract XII. will be found the principal statistics of sickness and mortality arranged according to groups and orders of diseases.

GENERAL DISEASES.-Diseases dependent on Morbid Poisons.-No case of small-pox occurred during the year, and eruptive fevers caused no admissions.

Enteric fever caused one admission and one death, being in the ratios of 7 and 70 per 1,000, which are lower than the corresponding ratios in the preceding year by 72 and 89, and below the average ratio for the preceding seven years by 99 and 3:38 respectively. The percentage of mortality to attack was 100, as compared with 20 in the preceding year, and 38 the average of the previous seven years. The case under consideration cccurred at Trincomali; the cause was unknown, it could not be attributed to any insanitary condition, but the medical officer then in charge at that station stated that it was most probably contracted on the journey from Kandy, at which station the deceased had been for change of air.

Simple Continued Fever caused 43 admissions, being in the ratio of 29.9 per 1,000, which is lower than in the previous year by 367 and by 46'8 than the preceding seven years' rate. The majority of the cases were mild, and were due to climatic causes. There were no deaths.

Dysentery caused 25 admissions and 2 deaths, being in the ratios of 17·4 and 139 per 1,000, which is higher in the admission rate by 39, but lower in the death rate by 98. Compared with the preceding seven years' average there is a decrease in the admission rate of 3'6, but an increase in the death rate of 50 per 1,000. The other diseases of this sub-group were represented by one case of influenza.

Malarial Fevers caused 37 admissions, being in the ratio of 257 per 1,000, which is below that of the previous year by 417, and that of the preceding seven years by 10.1. All were cases of ague. There were no deaths.

Venereal Diseases.-There were 89 admissions for primary syphilis, equal to a ratio of 620 per 1,000, which is a decrease of 387 on the previous year. Including the sickness from simple venereal ulcer, the ratio of admissions for primary venereal sores was 93.3 per 1,000, which is lower than in the previous year by 486, and than the preceding seven years' average by 70 5. Secondary syphilis caused 99 admissions, being in the ratio of 68.9 per 1,000, which is higher than the rate in the preceding year by 37.2, and by 164 than the average rate for the previous seven years, which is due to a considerable extent to many young soldiers having contracted the primary affection at Aldershot prior to their embarkation for this colony. Gonorrhea caused 191

Ceylon.

admissions, being in the ratio of 133.0 per 1,000, which is lower than in the previous year by 14.5 and the seven years' average rate by 17. Including all forms of venereal disease, the total admission ratio was 295.2 per 1,000, which, compared with the previous year's rate, shows a decrease of 25·9, and a decrease of 558 on the average rate for the preceding seven years. The total amount of constant inefficiency on account of these diseases was equal to 23:44 per 1,000. being an increase of 375 when compared with the previous year, and an increase of 105 on the average rate for the preceding seven

years.

Parasitic Diseases caused 2 admissions, compared with 5 in the preceding year. The admissions were for tænia solium.

Alcoholism. There were 5 cases of alcoholism admitted, compared with 3 in the previous year.

Debility caused 12 admissions, as compared with 18 in the previous year, giving a ratio per 1,000 of 8.3, which, when compared with the year preceding, shows a decline of 60.

Rheumatism caused 48 admissions, compared with 37 in the previous year, giving an increase in the ratio per 1,000 of 4·1, and in that for the preceding seven years of 5.5.

Tubercular Diseases caused no admissions, compared with a ratio of 3-2 in the previous year, and of 4.3 per 1,000 for the seven years' average rate.

Other diseases of this group consisted of 9 cases of non-malignant new growths (1 lipoma and 8 papilloma), one case of malignant new growth (scirrhus), which proved fatal, and a case of scrofula. The case of lipoma was successfully operated on and returned to duty.

LOCAL DISEASES.-Diseases of the Nervous System caused 18 admissions, giving a ratio of 12.5 per 1,000, which is 8-5 higher than in the previous year; the principal cause of admission was neuralgia, which contributed 12 out of the 18 admitted. Compared with the preceding seven years' average, there is an increase in the ratio per 1,000 of 8. There were no deaths.

Diseases of the Eye caused 16 admissions, equal to a ratio of 11.1 per 1,000; compared with the previous year there is a decrease of 11.9. Of the admissions 15 were for conjunctivitis.

Diseases of other Organs of Special Senses caused 17 admissions, compared with 39 in the preceding year, and a decrease in the ratio per 1,000 of 19.2. Fifteen of the admissions were for inflammation of the external meatus.

Diseases of the Circulatory System.-There were 7 admissions for diseases of this group, compared with 12 in the preceding year, a decrease in the ratio per 1,000 of 46. Two deaths occurred, one from pericarditis and the other from valve disease of heart.

Diseases of the Respiratory System ceusad 36 admissions and 1 death, giving an admission ratio of 250 per 1,000, which is below the rate in the previous year by 43. Among the cases were 32 of bronchitis, and 1 case of pneumonia, which proved fatal.

Diseases of the Digestive System caused 123 admissions and one death, equal to ratios per 1,000 of 85 6 and 70 respectively, which, compared with the previous year show a decrease of 32:5 and 9 respectively. Compared with the preceding seven years' average, there is a decrease of 17·0 and 96 respectively. The principal causes of admission were dyspepsia 33 cases, diarrhoea 32, sore throat and follicular tonsillitis 15, and hepatic affections 25 cases. case which terminated fatally was due to abscess of the pancreas.

The

Diseases of the Lymphatic and Glandular System were the cause of 74 admissions, being in the ratio of 52.2 per 1,000, an increase of 23 on the corresponding rate in the previous year. Out of the total admissions for this

group, 66 were due to inflammation of glands.

Diseases of the Urinary System were represented by a single case of inflammation of the bladder, corresponding with last year.

Diseases of the Generative System caused 61 admissions, being one less than in the previous year. 45 of the admissions were cases of simple venereal ulcer. The admission rate was 42'4 per 1,000, showing a decrease of 68 on the cor responding rate of the previous year.

Diseases of the Organs of Locomotion caused 6 admissions, being one more Ceylon. than in the previous year, with an increase of 2 in the ratio of admissions.

Diseases of the Connective Tissue caused 36 admissions, giving a ratio of 25'0 per 1,000, which is below that of 1892 by 6·7.

Diseases of the Skin caused 80 admissions, being less than in the previous year by 35. The admission rate was 557 per 1,000, which is 35.5 below the last year's rate, and 184 below the seven years' average rate.

Injuries. For general injuries there was one admission compared with none in the previous year; the case was one of multiple injury, the cause of which was supposed to be a fall from the verandah of a barrack room (upper story). Two deaths from asphyxia from submersion occurred, compared with 3 in the previous year, both were accidental. Local injuries caused 107 admissions, compared with 127 in the previous year, the admission rate being smaller by 26-2 than the rate in the preceding year, and 27.9 below the seven years' average rate. The principal causes of admission were contusions, wounds, and sprains.

Invaliding.-The number of men invalided to England was 19, being at the rate of 13-23 per 1,000, which is higher than in the previous year by 4:51, but below the preceding ten year's rate by 12.60. The ratios per 1,000 of invalids sent home by arms of the service were as follows: Royal Artillery, 11:54; Royal Engineers, 28.57; Infantry, 13:14; Garrison Staff and Departments, nil. Compared with the previous year there is a decrease of 6:08 in the Royal Artillery, an increase of 28.57 in the Royal Engineers, an increase of 5.54 in the Infantry, and in the Garrison Staff, no change. Seven of the men invalided, or 942, were between 20 and 25 years of age; nine, or 15 87 per 1,000, were between 25 and 30 years of age; and three, or 32.97, were over 30 years of age. With regard to service in the Command two men, or 5:38 per 1,000, were in their first year of service, eleven men, or 12.60 per 1,000, were in their second year of service; five men, or 41.67 were in their third year of service; and one man, or 14:08, was over three year's of service in the Command. The causes of invaliding were dysentery 2 cases, secondary syphilis 3, debility 3, and scrofula, paralysis, neuralgia, epilepsy, conjunctivitis, valve disease of heart, palpitation, diarrhoea, hepatitis, abscess of the liver, and multiple injury one case of each. The number of men finally discharged as medically unfit for further service was 13, equal to a ratio of 9.05 per 1,000, which was higher than that for the previous year by 3:50, but lower than the decennial average by 4:33. Three of the men were discharged for secondary syphilis, and 2 for diseases of the circulatory system.

Officers.-The average strength was 53, and the number of attacks of illness 22. There were no deaths. The ratio of sickness per 1,000 was 415 1, being an increase of 818 on the corresponding rate of the previous year. Among the cases 3 were for simple continued fever, 1 dysentery, 2 intermittent fever, 2 debility, 4 rheumatism, 2 hepatitis, and 2 fracture, the others being of a trivial nature. Four officers were invalided: 1 for dysentery, 2 for debility, and one for hepatitis.

Women. The average strength was 62, and there were 41 attacks of illness, equal to a ratio of 661 3 per 1,000, which is lower than the corresponding rate of the previous year by 258.0. The principal causes of sickness were intermittent fever, debility, and diseases of the digestive and generative systems. There were no deaths.

Children.-The average strength was 107, and the number of attacks of illness 71, and deaths 3, being in the ratios or 6635 and 28.04 respectively, which are lower than the corresponding ratios of the previous year by 2168 and 6:15 per 1,000.

The principal causes of illness were fevers, dysentery, conjunctivitis, bronchitis, and diseases of the digestive system. The deaths were due to dysentery 1, infantile convulsions 1, and diarrhoea 1.

Sanitary Conditions.-The Senior Medical Officer, Brigade-Surgeon LieutColonel J. Maturin, reports that the sanitary condition of the barracks at all stations has been satisfactory, every effort to keep the vicinity in a good sanitary state and to remedy all defects noticed having been made. There was no overcrowding, and all the barrack-rooms, hospitais, &c., are well ventilated. The water supply has been satisfactory. The dry-earth system of conservancy has been in use in all latrines, but requires constant supervision to ensure its being

83200.

F

Ceylon.

carried out satisfactorily, coir dust is frequently substituted for dry-earth and answers the purpose very well.

The following improvements have been made in the rations: good purified white sugar substituted for brown unpurified; half-an-ounce of ordinary English table salt substituted for one ounce of native unpurified; best quality (superfine) flour for the manufacture of bread substituted for second quality flour; and English potatoes were increased from 8 to 11 ozs., non-farinaceous country vegetables being reduced from 6 to 3 ozs.

The clothing was satisfactory and suited to the climate.

The drainage at all stations is surface and satisfactory.

The following are the sanitary improvements of importance carried out during the year :

Colombo.-Verandahs built to the end of married quarters at Queen Street, this gives an extra room to each quarter. Additional baths for the married quarters at Galte Face have been provided.

Trincomali.-New barracks at Ostenburg ridge for 108 men completed and occupied; renewal in cement concrete of floors of wards in Station Hospital.

II. ASIATIC TROOPS.

The Asiatic Troops consisted of two companies of Ceylon Royal Artillery, the average strength of which was 189, and the Ceylon Company (Submarine Miners), Royal Engineers, with an average strength of 39. Total strength 228, being an increase of one on the previous year.

The Ceylon Companies Royal Artillery are distributed between Colombo and Trincomali; and the Ceylon Company (Submarine Miners), Royal Engineers, at the latter station.

The admissions into hospital were 154 in number, equal to a ratio of 675'4 per 1,000 as compared with 1427-3 in the previous year, and the average number constantly sick was 24-78 per 1,000, compared with 45-24 in the preceding year. The principal causes of illness were skin diseases, fevers, rheumatism, diseases of the respiratory system, and debility.

The average sick time to each soldier was 9:04 days, and the average duration of each case of sickness 13:39 days, as compared with 16:56 days and 11:60 days respectively in the year preceding.

Two deaths occurred at Trincomali, one from debility, the other from rheumatism.

XI. ON THE HEALTH OF THE TROOPS SERVING IN CHINA.

Sickness and Mortality.

I.-WHITE TROOPS.

The average strength of the troops serving in the Command was 1,414 China. warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and men. The force consisted of the 25th Company, Southern Division, and District Establishment, Royal Artillery, detachment Royal Engineers, 1st Battalion, Shropshire Light Infantry, with detachments Medical Staff Corps, Ordnance Store Corps, and Garrison Staff throughout the year.

The subjoined table gives the principal statistics of sickness and mortality among these troops :

Compared with a similar table for the previous year the ratio of admission has increased by 149-3 per 1,000, the rate of mortality by 43, and the rate of constantly sick by 21.91; in comparison with corresponding average ratios for the preceding ten years an increase of 3077 is observed in the admission rate, one of 2-43 in the death rate, and one of 29.45 in the rate of constant inefficiency through sickness. The average sick time to each soldier was 29.93 days, which is longer by 7.93 days than the corresponding period in the previous year, and by 10.75 than the average of ten years. The average duration of each case of sickness was 21:00 days, longer than in the preceding year by 3.76 days, and than the average decennial period by 3.83 days.

The principal statistics of sickness and mortality according to arms of the service and particular corps will be found in Abstract XL. The highest admission rates occurred in the 1st Battalion, Shropshire Light Infantry, 1593.5, and in the Royal Artillery, 1307.7. The mortality rate was highest in the Royal Engineers, 1899. The constantly sick rates were in the same order as those for admissions.

Taking sickness and mortality according to age, the admission rate of men under 20 years was 17600, between 20 and 25 it was 1971-5, from 25 to 30 it equalled 1088 6, and from 30 upwards, 713'1. All these rates exceeded those for 1892. The mortality rates for the periods referred to were 40'00, compared with nil in 1892, 17:39 compared with 7.58, and 8.67 compared with 13.91. Above thirty there was no inortality. In 1892 the rate equalled 26.31.

With regard to length of service in the Coinmand the admission rate for men under 1 year's service was 1495'8, in their 2nd year 14787, in their 3rd year 12116, and over that period 11702. All these rates were above those for the same periods in 1892. The death rates, on the other hand, were lower than last year, with the exception of that for men in their 3rd year of service, and were 8:26, 13:49, 5·29, and 21-27 respectively.

In Abstract XIII. will be found the principal statistics of sickness and mortality arranged according to the different groups and orders of diseases.

Sick.