July 1,
DR. LYONS' ON RELAPSING OR FAMINE FEVER.?BY W. J. MOORE.
187,3.]
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. \
^
REMARKS ON I)R. LYONS' "TREATISE ON RELAPSING OU FAMINE FEVER." By W. J. Mookh, L.R C.P.,
"Surgeon-Major, Hajpootana dent-General
Political Agency, and Superintenand
of Dispensaries
Vaccination, Rajpootana.
Wiien ally person writes a book, he must be prepared for it. But general criticism riticism, even if lie do not invito of Dr. Lyons' book is not my intention, as such may be well amateur reviewer, and to consigned to the professional or searching test of lapsing time." Whether, as the still more, Dr. Lyons desires us to believe, there is but one fever, and we are still to place confirelapsing is its name; or, whether dence in our old friend, malaria and its influence, are queries which time only may solve. Whether contagion" is suffi-
^
"
"
cient to account for the occurrence, or even the prevalence of fever among classes where scarcity and famine are unknown,
Dr. Lyons is justified in may well be questioned. Whether calling recurring intermittent and remittent, relapsing fever, simply because they do so recur, may be matter of opinion. Whether all the medical authors describing epidemics of Indian fevers during the past half century or so, were, as Dr. Lyons opines, mistaken in their diagnosis, may be committed for answer to one or other of the living writers thus impugned. Whether Dr. Lyons has, or has not, fairly depicted the miserable condition of the Indian ryot, and whether such description applies with equal force to the whole of India, is which it would
vitally incumbent on the civil these, and many other interesting and important bends, presenting from the perusal of Dr. Lyons' "relapsing or famine fever," I shall not refer. But the author having in the course of his argument, as I think, somewhat unfairly, but doubtless undesignedly so, used my name and my writing, I desire thus far to criticise the work. As Socrates says in the Phoedrus :?" Writing is something like painting : the creatures of the latter art look very like living beings; but if you ask them a question, they preserve a solemn silence; and written discourses do the same." Unless, therefore, Dr. Lyons' observations receive a reply, I must, to some a
question
authorities to
answer.
seem
To all
extent, appear to his readers
as
wrong in certain statements I
whereas, had Dr. Lyons been better informed, imagine, readily have admitted me right. My name and my writing are first mentioned in Dr. Lyons' book at page 177; and this with reference to the subject of the mortality from relapsing fever, which is thus stated by the
have made ; he would, I
author. "
,
The average mortality from relapsing fever occurring among all classes of the community might be stated to be 10 which approximates to the mortality from per cent.; a ratio and typhoid fever in Europe. The extremes of the
typhus mortality
the
from
disease
are
wide, being
a
small and
fraction amongst Europeans, and 39 per cent, amongst the villagers, or poorer classes of the natives, or one in 2 8 of those attacked." " On the not unreasonable But in a foot note it is added: almost
inappreciable
assumption, that the epidemic fever of Lower Bengal is relapsing fever, the rato of mortality given in tlio text is probably not, beyond tlio fact. The following astounding passage occurs in an article by W. ?T. Mooro on Sanitary lie form, in
No. 0. of the Calcutta Review, page 21." 'At, length, in 18GU, the natives themselves, like the cartman calling on Jupiter, submitted a memorial to the Bengal
mortuary returns of 181 villages were memorial; and it was stated that in tlio village Dwarbasini, mentioned as an example, out of a population
Government.
The
169
of 2,700 souls, 1,900 had perished during the last fire years, and tlint among 820 living men there were not 200 able-bodied. The
drawn by the natives was a sufficiently gloomy but the testimony of Dr. Smith, the recently-appointed
picture
one ;
Sanitary Commissioner
for Bengal, fully confirms the statements which the memorial contained.' Now, why Dr. Lyons should, after assuming the disease in
question to be relapsing fever, apply the term astounding to the passage from my article in the Calcutta Review entitled? " A review of the progress of sanitation in India"?I am unable to understand. If the official alluded to are it will
consulted, absolutely
be
reports
found that
the statements made
are
I regret that I cannot just now lay my hands on the official documents in order to quote the words of the memorial, and the words used by Dr. Smith, whose report was characterized at the time as presenting a more correct.
gloomy picture than anything which had been before written the subject. My name again occurs at page 237 of Dr. Lyons' book, in connection with the question of the relation of famine and destitution to relapsing fever. After, through several pages, laboriously, and not altogether successfully, tracing a connection between absence of suitable nourishment and epidemics of fever in India, (which by-the-bye Dr. Lyons assumes were relapsing fevers, although described by eye-witnesses under other names,) the author suddenly as it would appear, impressed with a spirit of liberality, ventures to admit the exception, which doubtless he hopes will exemplify the common proverbial saying, and thus tend to prove his rule. He writes, page 237, thus:? But, though the foregoing facts strongly indicate the intimate association of destitution, or of the deficiency of food, with relapsing fever, there is apparently some evidence of the existence of destitution unattended by the appearance of the disease. W. J. Moore states that during the famine in Rajpootana in 1869, there was no epidemic of fever. It is not improbable that the measures of relief carried out had the effect of preventing the degree of want necessary for the generation of the disease." But I beg to mention that Dr. Lyons is mistaken in writing? "W. J. Moore states that during the famine in Rajpootana in 1869, there was no epidemic of fever;" and I am at a loss to know where he could have found authority for the assertion. I certainly stated there was no relapsing fever; but neither in my "memorandum on the effects of famine in Rajpootana" 1869), nor in my official reports (Medical Gazette, December on the subject (Gazette of India, June 1868, July 1869,) is it said there was even ordinary freedom from fever during the period in question. Instead of stating there was no epidemic of fever in 1869 in Rajpootana, I particularly mention in my the province, and in the report on the medical institutions of
on
"
article in the Medical Gazette above alluded to, the existence of fever than usual. "When reviewing a much larger proportion of a
table
treated
giving percentages of the principal diseases to totals the different dispensaries, I remarked :?"Compared
at
with the former years, the above table presents a considerable difference. There is a larger proportion of remittent fever than usual; also of abscess, of ulcer, of diarrhoea, and
maladies,
to
which
scarcity
of food
dysentery?all predisposition. greater prevalence
produces
a
Compared with last year, 1868, a much of intermittent fever is noticeable. In the last report it was particularly mentioned that in those localities where little or no rain fell, malarious fever was reduced to a minimum; and a map
was
attached
copious, The fact is,
more
illustrating
attached to tlio
with what I wrote
of
years iu
on
the
this.
In 1869 the rain-fall
being prevail throughout." being sufficiently well acquainted subject, has confused the two famine
malarious fevers Dr. Lyons not
are seen
Rajpootana (1868-1869),
to
aud has taken
what
was
THE INDIAN MEDICAL GAZETTE.
"L70
[July 1,
1S73.
written with reference to the former as applicable to the latter Of 1868, the first year of the famine, I certainly did nearly as stated by Dr. Lyons, that there was no epidemic
given to cattle. 2nd, the long roots of a rush or cyperus, also found- in the beds of tanks. This contains a large mass of pithy substance, looking like coarse arrowroot. 3rd, the kernels of
of
the wild
year. write
fever; and what I wrote is here reproduced. I beg, liowerer, to draw attention to the columns exhibiting the percentage of intermittent fever for the two years (1867-68). It will be seen that in every locality, excepting "
Deolee and Jalra Patan, the amount of malarious fever presenting in 1868 was less than in 1867. And this comparative immunity from the class of diseases named, is evidently attri-
If we divide butable to the scanty rain-fall of last monsoon. Rajpootana by a line passing north from Keraolee to Agra, and south from Keraolee to Deesa, but circling round the Aravellis and the
hilly
districts of
and north-west of the a
Serohee,
line,
we
where little
find the- localities or
no
smaller ratio of fever cases, than others
on
rain
on
fell, giving
the south-east
by more rain. In all this, there is confirmation of the accepted view regarding malaria, viz., that the drying process must be in vigorous action before the agent is produced. The accompanying table shows the comparative percentage of malarious fevers, with the localities arranged as divided by the line above-mentioned." "Referring to the two exceptions, viz. Deolee and Jalra of the said
line,
favoured
Patan, where the ratio of fever noted
1867, it may be presumed peculiar local influence was
than for some
was
greater for 1868
that at the former in
operation.
place
What this
may have been, I am unable to determine. But with regard Jalra Patan, lying to Jalra Patan, the explanation is easy. so far to the east, was favoured by a moderate, although not average, monsoon, and therefore cannot be included among those districts poorly compensated for want of rain by diminution of malarious maladies." measures of relief adopted having, as prevented relapsing fever, and with regard to my opportunities of judging, the following extract from the same report, may be quoted :? Although this annual report has necessarily assumed considerable length under the peculiar circumstances of the times, a few lines on the condition of the country I passed through while on inspection duty may not be considered out of place. Famine and disease are generally so intimately associated, that as a rule the latter attends or follows the former. But happily, whatever may have been the distress from want of food, the usual concomitant disease has not appeared. It is true an epidemic of small-pox broke out, but this was not confined to the famine tracts of Rajpootana, being prevalent more or less throughout India. But I do not believe there has been any severe widespread distress from actual want of food. People have emigrated from want of water, and cattle have died in thousands from want of grass, and doubtless many have sorely experienced hunger. But as far as Rajpootana is concerned, the latter class occupied a circumscribed area, and either emigrated or found employment on the various famine works commenced for their relief. During my whole tour I met with no case of famine or relapsing fever, neither did I notice disease more than ordinarily characterized by cachectic symptoms or debility. And I hope for continued immunity from such conditions, although during the next malarious season a greater mortality than usual among those previously debilitated, and then influenced by malaria, must be expected. But such mortality is trifling to what has occurred during famines, and which might be decimating the country at the present period. Atta being scarce and expensive, I found the inhabitants of Rajpootana use the following materials ground up, and mixed with various proportions of flour. 1st, the roots of a peculiar coarse grass called nage moth, found growing near tanks, jlieels, and wells. Of this there are two varieties, one sweet and soft, consumed by the people, tlie other hard and pungeut, and
With regard to the
Dr.
"
"
Lyons
supposes,
plum where it grows, as, for instance, in Shekawutty. 4thly, the inner bark of the tamarind, nim, and accacia trees. 5th, -where produced, kurree or linseed cake formed of the seeds after removal of the oil. Thus, the country supplies a large., amount of aliment than would have been supposed. " During the time I passed through various parts of Marwar, and the impression I derived was that no very great distress prevailed in that state, simply froqi those wanting means ar:^. food having loft the country. In British Mhairwarrali, the various works in progress effectually sufficed to prevent actual famine. Crossing from Nyanuggur to Deolee, and from thence to Tonk, although the country was barren and destitute of verdure, I do not think there was much suffering from want of food. To the north-east of Tonk, through Jeypoor territory, enroute to Keraolee, was the worst district I passed through, not excepting Marwar, and evidencing more distress than the latter. I think this resulted from more people being left in the country. Unlike the Marwarees, the inhabitants of the district of Jeypoor did not appear to have emigrated at an eai'ly period of the scarcity. Women, children, and men, digging the roots of grass, dotted the country; beggars witli their cry of hooka murta surrounded the tent; while, although to a less extent than in Marwar, the number of bones scattered about evidenced the mortality which had occurred among the cattle. At one place, where, instead of giving money, I purchased grain for distribution, men, women, and children, rushed at the mass, devouring it on the spot. From Keraolee I passed down the centre of that state. There was little evidence of distress, and many peoplo were employed on public works. Through that tract of Jeypoor, intervening between the south of Keraolee and Indurgurh, the people were evidently worse off. South of Indurgurh, At Jalra towards Kotah, improvement was perceptible. Patan, and from that place to Neeinuch, the inhabitants appeared well-to-do, and were busily engaged collecting the opium crop. In this district I came on several camps of emigrants, from Jeypoor and Marwar, who appeared fairly nourished, but anxiously awaiting the time to return to their villages. Passing from Neemuch to Kankrowlee, through Meywar, the tract whero little or 110 rain fell is gradually entered, and the condition of the country and people became At Dessooree, in Marwar, I witnessed one less satisfactory. of the most disgusting sights imaginable, and only mention it as serving to evidence the condition of the people. A bullock having died, was circled by a number of Dlians sitting in In the middle of the rows round the carcase. latter, covered, with blood, stood a man almost nude, brandishing a long, sharp knife, with which ho cut strips of red meat, handing them to the expectant crowd ; and some of this flesh was eaten raw. "
I
am
aware
the Dlians do
oat flesh of dead animals oven in
ordinary seasons, but the best pieces are then chosen, and little anxiety is evinced about the matter. In the presont instance, however, the whole scene was eminently suggestive of a Saturnalia of famished savages. In conclusion, I have to remark that neither the village dogs, nor vultures, or other birds of prey, looked happy or healthy, notwithstanding the many feasts of dead bullock presented to them. A great mortality liasindeed, occurred amongst the dogs, and their melancholy condition, as that of the carrion birds, arises I believe from rppeated surfeits of animal, or perhaps diseased animal food." This was a truthful, although general, description of what I saw during an extended tour through a largo portion, but perhaps not through all the worst part of the famine districts in the cold season of 1868-1869. And, doubtless, Dr. Lyons would seize upon this description, as supporting his views. But
July 1,
CALCUTTA MILK.?BY F. N. MACNAMARA.
1873.]
although generally at that period, owing chiefly to emigration of the poorer classes, there was not severe and widespread suffering among the remaining population; still, in some districts, as the text sufficiently shows, there must have been quite enough want to create relapsing fever, if the two are always t^onnected. But, although constantly in the way of observing such malady if existing, I certainly saw no disease to which the term was applicable. The following extracts from Colonel Brooke's report on the famine in Rnjpootana, will at once evidence why in the cold season of 1868 there was comparatively so little distress in : many parts of the country ?< The emigration from Marwar commenced as early as August 1868. The ryots put the little grain they had left at the bot-
tom of their carts, and spread their clothes over it, as a seat for their families, whilst they themselves drove their herds alongside. Complete village communities travelling together thus swarmed out of the country by every road. Those from Na-
the northern gore and
portion
of Marwar went to
Bliowanee,
Delhie, and the Panjaub. From Mairta and the north-east of the country they streamed through Ajmere. Part journeyed to Malwa, but the greater portion crossed the Chumbul, and sought an asylum in the dense jungles of Kotah and Central India. out
A
beings and cattle passed pergunnali of Marwar, and the Joudhdistricts, across the Aravalli mountains by the
mighty
stream of human
of the rich Godwar
poi'C and Pallee Dessooree Pass to Neemuch.
Rutlam, the Rajah being
Thence
went to Malwa and
some
Ralitore of the
Joudhpore family, Pertabgurh jungles. Those who came first secured the pasturages. The later arrivals had to pass on. Another great mass of human beings and cattle passed south, through the various villages in the plain country, vid Thurrad and Pahlunpore into the Kattywar Peninsula, Ahmedabad, and Baroda. No less than 90,000 adults passed through Pahlunpore alone, and more than double that number took other roads into Guzerat. At least 300,000, including About 100,000 women and children, went in this direction. went to the north, to Bhowanee and Delhie, and 50,000 into Soinde and Jeysulmere. It is calculated that 200,000 crossed the Ghats into Meywar, and 100,000 entered Shekawattee and Joypore, and 250,000 Mhairwarra, Ajmere, and other places. Altogether about a million of human beings streamed out of the country, leaving only half a million behind. Extensive portions of country were deserted; large villages were left with only a few old men and women. Even towns like Pallee lost two-thirds of their population, and Joudhpore itself a third. Some went to save thoir cattle, others because there was no employment; while many went for the sole purposo of living during the duration of the calamity in places where food was cheaper than in Marwar." I have placed a sentenco in the foregoing extract from my annual report for 1868 in italics, which was not so distinguished when the report from which it is quoted was written. The sentence is as follows :?" During the next malarious season, a greater mortality than usual among those previously debilitated, and then influenced by malaria, must be expectedAnd this foreboding proved unfortunately even too true. For the second year of famine, although not caused by so general an absence of rain, was worse than the first; the very rain itself, and the resulting so-called malarious influences, acting as virulent causes of disease on a population already debilitated, and who became further weakened from want of food, even although rain in plenty had fallen on their fields. They would, indeed, have been better off, had less rain fallen; for there would then have been less malarious influence in action, and
some
a
into the
"
when the locusts camo into the land and devoured the crops. We have already seen how markedly in former years the amount
of fever
prevailing depeuded
on
the rainfall.
Where
little
171
no rain, fever was at a minimum and the irrespective of the scarcity prevailing. The second year had in most places almost the ordinary monsoon, and therefore would have been nearer an ordinary fever year, had not the people been further debilitated by the deprivation of food caused by the ravages of the locusts. y (To le continued.)
there
was
reverse;
or
and this
\
/
DR. LYONS' ON RELAPSING OR FAMINE FEVER.?BY W. J. MOORE.
187,3.]
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. \
^
REMARKS ON I)R. LYONS' "TREATISE ON RELAPSING OU FAMINE FEVER." By W. J. Mookh, L.R C.P.,
"Surgeon-Major, Hajpootana dent-General
Political Agency, and Superintenand
of Dispensaries
Vaccination, Rajpootana.
Wiien ally person writes a book, he must be prepared for it. But general criticism riticism, even if lie do not invito of Dr. Lyons' book is not my intention, as such may be well amateur reviewer, and to consigned to the professional or searching test of lapsing time." Whether, as the still more, Dr. Lyons desires us to believe, there is but one fever, and we are still to place confirelapsing is its name; or, whether dence in our old friend, malaria and its influence, are queries which time only may solve. Whether contagion" is suffi-
^
"
"
cient to account for the occurrence, or even the prevalence of fever among classes where scarcity and famine are unknown,
Dr. Lyons is justified in may well be questioned. Whether calling recurring intermittent and remittent, relapsing fever, simply because they do so recur, may be matter of opinion. Whether all the medical authors describing epidemics of Indian fevers during the past half century or so, were, as Dr. Lyons opines, mistaken in their diagnosis, may be committed for answer to one or other of the living writers thus impugned. Whether Dr. Lyons has, or has not, fairly depicted the miserable condition of the Indian ryot, and whether such description applies with equal force to the whole of India, is which it would
vitally incumbent on the civil these, and many other interesting and important bends, presenting from the perusal of Dr. Lyons' "relapsing or famine fever," I shall not refer. But the author having in the course of his argument, as I think, somewhat unfairly, but doubtless undesignedly so, used my name and my writing, I desire thus far to criticise the work. As Socrates says in the Phoedrus :?" Writing is something like painting : the creatures of the latter art look very like living beings; but if you ask them a question, they preserve a solemn silence; and written discourses do the same." Unless, therefore, Dr. Lyons' observations receive a reply, I must, to some a
question
authorities to
answer.
seem
To all
extent, appear to his readers
as
wrong in certain statements I
whereas, had Dr. Lyons been better informed, imagine, readily have admitted me right. My name and my writing are first mentioned in Dr. Lyons' book at page 177; and this with reference to the subject of the mortality from relapsing fever, which is thus stated by the
have made ; he would, I
author. "
,
The average mortality from relapsing fever occurring among all classes of the community might be stated to be 10 which approximates to the mortality from per cent.; a ratio and typhoid fever in Europe. The extremes of the
typhus mortality
the
from
disease
are
wide, being
a
small and
fraction amongst Europeans, and 39 per cent, amongst the villagers, or poorer classes of the natives, or one in 2 8 of those attacked." " On the not unreasonable But in a foot note it is added: almost
inappreciable
assumption, that the epidemic fever of Lower Bengal is relapsing fever, the rato of mortality given in tlio text is probably not, beyond tlio fact. The following astounding passage occurs in an article by W. ?T. Mooro on Sanitary lie form, in
No. 0. of the Calcutta Review, page 21." 'At, length, in 18GU, the natives themselves, like the cartman calling on Jupiter, submitted a memorial to the Bengal
mortuary returns of 181 villages were memorial; and it was stated that in tlio village Dwarbasini, mentioned as an example, out of a population
Government.
The
169
of 2,700 souls, 1,900 had perished during the last fire years, and tlint among 820 living men there were not 200 able-bodied. The
drawn by the natives was a sufficiently gloomy but the testimony of Dr. Smith, the recently-appointed
picture
one ;
Sanitary Commissioner
for Bengal, fully confirms the statements which the memorial contained.' Now, why Dr. Lyons should, after assuming the disease in
question to be relapsing fever, apply the term astounding to the passage from my article in the Calcutta Review entitled? " A review of the progress of sanitation in India"?I am unable to understand. If the official alluded to are it will
consulted, absolutely
be
reports
found that
the statements made
are
I regret that I cannot just now lay my hands on the official documents in order to quote the words of the memorial, and the words used by Dr. Smith, whose report was characterized at the time as presenting a more correct.
gloomy picture than anything which had been before written the subject. My name again occurs at page 237 of Dr. Lyons' book, in connection with the question of the relation of famine and destitution to relapsing fever. After, through several pages, laboriously, and not altogether successfully, tracing a connection between absence of suitable nourishment and epidemics of fever in India, (which by-the-bye Dr. Lyons assumes were relapsing fevers, although described by eye-witnesses under other names,) the author suddenly as it would appear, impressed with a spirit of liberality, ventures to admit the exception, which doubtless he hopes will exemplify the common proverbial saying, and thus tend to prove his rule. He writes, page 237, thus:? But, though the foregoing facts strongly indicate the intimate association of destitution, or of the deficiency of food, with relapsing fever, there is apparently some evidence of the existence of destitution unattended by the appearance of the disease. W. J. Moore states that during the famine in Rajpootana in 1869, there was no epidemic of fever. It is not improbable that the measures of relief carried out had the effect of preventing the degree of want necessary for the generation of the disease." But I beg to mention that Dr. Lyons is mistaken in writing? "W. J. Moore states that during the famine in Rajpootana in 1869, there was no epidemic of fever;" and I am at a loss to know where he could have found authority for the assertion. I certainly stated there was no relapsing fever; but neither in my "memorandum on the effects of famine in Rajpootana" 1869), nor in my official reports (Medical Gazette, December on the subject (Gazette of India, June 1868, July 1869,) is it said there was even ordinary freedom from fever during the period in question. Instead of stating there was no epidemic of fever in 1869 in Rajpootana, I particularly mention in my the province, and in the report on the medical institutions of
on
"
article in the Medical Gazette above alluded to, the existence of fever than usual. "When reviewing a much larger proportion of a
table
treated
giving percentages of the principal diseases to totals the different dispensaries, I remarked :?"Compared
at
with the former years, the above table presents a considerable difference. There is a larger proportion of remittent fever than usual; also of abscess, of ulcer, of diarrhoea, and
maladies,
to
which
scarcity
of food
dysentery?all predisposition. greater prevalence
produces
a
Compared with last year, 1868, a much of intermittent fever is noticeable. In the last report it was particularly mentioned that in those localities where little or no rain fell, malarious fever was reduced to a minimum; and a map
was
attached
copious, The fact is,
more
illustrating
attached to tlio
with what I wrote
of
years iu
on
the
this.
In 1869 the rain-fall
being prevail throughout." being sufficiently well acquainted subject, has confused the two famine
malarious fevers Dr. Lyons not
are seen
Rajpootana (1868-1869),
to
aud has taken
what
was
THE INDIAN MEDICAL GAZETTE.
"L70
[July 1,
1S73.
written with reference to the former as applicable to the latter Of 1868, the first year of the famine, I certainly did nearly as stated by Dr. Lyons, that there was no epidemic
given to cattle. 2nd, the long roots of a rush or cyperus, also found- in the beds of tanks. This contains a large mass of pithy substance, looking like coarse arrowroot. 3rd, the kernels of
of
the wild
year. write
fever; and what I wrote is here reproduced. I beg, liowerer, to draw attention to the columns exhibiting the percentage of intermittent fever for the two years (1867-68). It will be seen that in every locality, excepting "
Deolee and Jalra Patan, the amount of malarious fever presenting in 1868 was less than in 1867. And this comparative immunity from the class of diseases named, is evidently attri-
If we divide butable to the scanty rain-fall of last monsoon. Rajpootana by a line passing north from Keraolee to Agra, and south from Keraolee to Deesa, but circling round the Aravellis and the
hilly
districts of
and north-west of the a
Serohee,
line,
we
where little
find the- localities or
no
smaller ratio of fever cases, than others
on
rain
on
fell, giving
the south-east
by more rain. In all this, there is confirmation of the accepted view regarding malaria, viz., that the drying process must be in vigorous action before the agent is produced. The accompanying table shows the comparative percentage of malarious fevers, with the localities arranged as divided by the line above-mentioned." "Referring to the two exceptions, viz. Deolee and Jalra of the said
line,
favoured
Patan, where the ratio of fever noted
1867, it may be presumed peculiar local influence was
than for some
was
greater for 1868
that at the former in
operation.
place
What this
may have been, I am unable to determine. But with regard Jalra Patan, lying to Jalra Patan, the explanation is easy. so far to the east, was favoured by a moderate, although not average, monsoon, and therefore cannot be included among those districts poorly compensated for want of rain by diminution of malarious maladies." measures of relief adopted having, as prevented relapsing fever, and with regard to my opportunities of judging, the following extract from the same report, may be quoted :? Although this annual report has necessarily assumed considerable length under the peculiar circumstances of the times, a few lines on the condition of the country I passed through while on inspection duty may not be considered out of place. Famine and disease are generally so intimately associated, that as a rule the latter attends or follows the former. But happily, whatever may have been the distress from want of food, the usual concomitant disease has not appeared. It is true an epidemic of small-pox broke out, but this was not confined to the famine tracts of Rajpootana, being prevalent more or less throughout India. But I do not believe there has been any severe widespread distress from actual want of food. People have emigrated from want of water, and cattle have died in thousands from want of grass, and doubtless many have sorely experienced hunger. But as far as Rajpootana is concerned, the latter class occupied a circumscribed area, and either emigrated or found employment on the various famine works commenced for their relief. During my whole tour I met with no case of famine or relapsing fever, neither did I notice disease more than ordinarily characterized by cachectic symptoms or debility. And I hope for continued immunity from such conditions, although during the next malarious season a greater mortality than usual among those previously debilitated, and then influenced by malaria, must be expected. But such mortality is trifling to what has occurred during famines, and which might be decimating the country at the present period. Atta being scarce and expensive, I found the inhabitants of Rajpootana use the following materials ground up, and mixed with various proportions of flour. 1st, the roots of a peculiar coarse grass called nage moth, found growing near tanks, jlieels, and wells. Of this there are two varieties, one sweet and soft, consumed by the people, tlie other hard and pungeut, and
With regard to the
Dr.
"
"
Lyons
supposes,
plum where it grows, as, for instance, in Shekawutty. 4thly, the inner bark of the tamarind, nim, and accacia trees. 5th, -where produced, kurree or linseed cake formed of the seeds after removal of the oil. Thus, the country supplies a large., amount of aliment than would have been supposed. " During the time I passed through various parts of Marwar, and the impression I derived was that no very great distress prevailed in that state, simply froqi those wanting means ar:^. food having loft the country. In British Mhairwarrali, the various works in progress effectually sufficed to prevent actual famine. Crossing from Nyanuggur to Deolee, and from thence to Tonk, although the country was barren and destitute of verdure, I do not think there was much suffering from want of food. To the north-east of Tonk, through Jeypoor territory, enroute to Keraolee, was the worst district I passed through, not excepting Marwar, and evidencing more distress than the latter. I think this resulted from more people being left in the country. Unlike the Marwarees, the inhabitants of the district of Jeypoor did not appear to have emigrated at an eai'ly period of the scarcity. Women, children, and men, digging the roots of grass, dotted the country; beggars witli their cry of hooka murta surrounded the tent; while, although to a less extent than in Marwar, the number of bones scattered about evidenced the mortality which had occurred among the cattle. At one place, where, instead of giving money, I purchased grain for distribution, men, women, and children, rushed at the mass, devouring it on the spot. From Keraolee I passed down the centre of that state. There was little evidence of distress, and many peoplo were employed on public works. Through that tract of Jeypoor, intervening between the south of Keraolee and Indurgurh, the people were evidently worse off. South of Indurgurh, At Jalra towards Kotah, improvement was perceptible. Patan, and from that place to Neeinuch, the inhabitants appeared well-to-do, and were busily engaged collecting the opium crop. In this district I came on several camps of emigrants, from Jeypoor and Marwar, who appeared fairly nourished, but anxiously awaiting the time to return to their villages. Passing from Neemuch to Kankrowlee, through Meywar, the tract whero little or 110 rain fell is gradually entered, and the condition of the country and people became At Dessooree, in Marwar, I witnessed one less satisfactory. of the most disgusting sights imaginable, and only mention it as serving to evidence the condition of the people. A bullock having died, was circled by a number of Dlians sitting in In the middle of the rows round the carcase. latter, covered, with blood, stood a man almost nude, brandishing a long, sharp knife, with which ho cut strips of red meat, handing them to the expectant crowd ; and some of this flesh was eaten raw. "
I
am
aware
the Dlians do
oat flesh of dead animals oven in
ordinary seasons, but the best pieces are then chosen, and little anxiety is evinced about the matter. In the presont instance, however, the whole scene was eminently suggestive of a Saturnalia of famished savages. In conclusion, I have to remark that neither the village dogs, nor vultures, or other birds of prey, looked happy or healthy, notwithstanding the many feasts of dead bullock presented to them. A great mortality liasindeed, occurred amongst the dogs, and their melancholy condition, as that of the carrion birds, arises I believe from rppeated surfeits of animal, or perhaps diseased animal food." This was a truthful, although general, description of what I saw during an extended tour through a largo portion, but perhaps not through all the worst part of the famine districts in the cold season of 1868-1869. And, doubtless, Dr. Lyons would seize upon this description, as supporting his views. But
July 1,
CALCUTTA MILK.?BY F. N. MACNAMARA.
1873.]
although generally at that period, owing chiefly to emigration of the poorer classes, there was not severe and widespread suffering among the remaining population; still, in some districts, as the text sufficiently shows, there must have been quite enough want to create relapsing fever, if the two are always t^onnected. But, although constantly in the way of observing such malady if existing, I certainly saw no disease to which the term was applicable. The following extracts from Colonel Brooke's report on the famine in Rnjpootana, will at once evidence why in the cold season of 1868 there was comparatively so little distress in : many parts of the country ?< The emigration from Marwar commenced as early as August 1868. The ryots put the little grain they had left at the bot-
tom of their carts, and spread their clothes over it, as a seat for their families, whilst they themselves drove their herds alongside. Complete village communities travelling together thus swarmed out of the country by every road. Those from Na-
the northern gore and
portion
of Marwar went to
Bliowanee,
Delhie, and the Panjaub. From Mairta and the north-east of the country they streamed through Ajmere. Part journeyed to Malwa, but the greater portion crossed the Chumbul, and sought an asylum in the dense jungles of Kotah and Central India. out
A
beings and cattle passed pergunnali of Marwar, and the Joudhdistricts, across the Aravalli mountains by the
mighty
stream of human
of the rich Godwar
poi'C and Pallee Dessooree Pass to Neemuch.
Rutlam, the Rajah being
Thence
went to Malwa and
some
Ralitore of the
Joudhpore family, Pertabgurh jungles. Those who came first secured the pasturages. The later arrivals had to pass on. Another great mass of human beings and cattle passed south, through the various villages in the plain country, vid Thurrad and Pahlunpore into the Kattywar Peninsula, Ahmedabad, and Baroda. No less than 90,000 adults passed through Pahlunpore alone, and more than double that number took other roads into Guzerat. At least 300,000, including About 100,000 women and children, went in this direction. went to the north, to Bhowanee and Delhie, and 50,000 into Soinde and Jeysulmere. It is calculated that 200,000 crossed the Ghats into Meywar, and 100,000 entered Shekawattee and Joypore, and 250,000 Mhairwarra, Ajmere, and other places. Altogether about a million of human beings streamed out of the country, leaving only half a million behind. Extensive portions of country were deserted; large villages were left with only a few old men and women. Even towns like Pallee lost two-thirds of their population, and Joudhpore itself a third. Some went to save thoir cattle, others because there was no employment; while many went for the sole purposo of living during the duration of the calamity in places where food was cheaper than in Marwar." I have placed a sentenco in the foregoing extract from my annual report for 1868 in italics, which was not so distinguished when the report from which it is quoted was written. The sentence is as follows :?" During the next malarious season, a greater mortality than usual among those previously debilitated, and then influenced by malaria, must be expectedAnd this foreboding proved unfortunately even too true. For the second year of famine, although not caused by so general an absence of rain, was worse than the first; the very rain itself, and the resulting so-called malarious influences, acting as virulent causes of disease on a population already debilitated, and who became further weakened from want of food, even although rain in plenty had fallen on their fields. They would, indeed, have been better off, had less rain fallen; for there would then have been less malarious influence in action, and
some
a
into the
"
when the locusts camo into the land and devoured the crops. We have already seen how markedly in former years the amount
of fever
prevailing depeuded
on
the rainfall.
Where
little
171
no rain, fever was at a minimum and the irrespective of the scarcity prevailing. The second year had in most places almost the ordinary monsoon, and therefore would have been nearer an ordinary fever year, had not the people been further debilitated by the deprivation of food caused by the ravages of the locusts. y (To le continued.)
there
was
reverse;
or
and this
\
/
