Page:Gazetteer of the province of Oudh ... (IA cu31924073057345).pdf/22

 14 HAR Speaking broadly then, the rains commenced well in 1868, badly in 1873. They ended with slight showers in 1868, and too soon; in 1873 they were scanty for the last month, and ended still earlier—in September. So far 1873 was about equally bad with 1868; there was absolutely no rain in either year from October till January, but in February there was no rain in 1869, and a-third of an inch in 1874. Total rainfall. 1868. 1873. From June 1st to October let 11:20 18.3 PE DP Ifrom October Ist to December 31st 000 ... 0 0 In June I. 2.3 E> 0:3 » September 1.8 . October 00 00 June 17th. AP 04 June 16th. Date of rain commencing of rain ending Rajn in January, February of ensuing year 73 ae September 20th. September 15th. 0.0 .. 0.3 Two severe storms passed over the district in the hot seasons of 1865 and 1868. They did considerable damage to houses, trees, &c. The wind blew from the west, and travelled with considerable velocity. Slight shocks of earthquake have been occasionally felt, but they were not phenomena demanding special mention. Medical aspects.* -Statistics of births have been discontinued from July, 1870. The records of deaths are given in the accompanying tabular statements for the years 1870 and 1871. Deaths are recorded by the agency of village chaukidárs. The totals are probably correct, or at least an approximation to truth, but the causes of deaths given are quite un- reliable. Malarian fevers are the only prevailing endemic diseases of the district, and they are to be attributed to the extensive marshes which abound. These diseases prevail to a small extent in the dry weather of the year, but subsequent to the close of every rainy season, i.e., from October to December (for about 2 months), the deaths from these causes are very large. No attempt has been made at drainage of swamps, but increased cultivation and the clearing of jungles have no doubt lessened sickness and mortality due to disease of malarious origin. No statistics, however, exist to institute a comparison between the mortality now and that sixteen years ago, at least none worthy of confidence. Sanitary efforts are very limited, and have not in the least tended to reduce the death-rate in any part of the district.
 * By the Civil Surgeon.