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of a locality by another miasm, such as that of marsh fever or small-pox, is
antagonistic to cholera development in that particular field, the district statistics
of mortality should furnish the necessary evidence of it. I am aware that this
view has long been entertained by Inspector-General R. Lawson, and I am
disposed to think that the facts, as to the great prevalence of fever in certain tracts
untouched by cholera, seem to show a possible antagonism in the common pesti-
lential diseases of the east, so that the marked prevalence of one disease, such as
fever or small-pox, may be a cause of the temporary exemption of a locality from
another disease, like cholera.
CHAPTER VIII.
PILGRIMS AND CHOLERA.
203. I believe we are fast attaining a clearer insight into the real connexion
between pilgrim sites and cholera outbreaks, than we have hitherto reached.
Before I discuss the important bearings of such connexion, I shall briefly
chronicle the facts of 1870, that have been communicated to me in regard to
festivals in this part of the country.
South Arcot.-The festival at Trinamally in February passed off without
cholera. The usual sanitary measures were adopted. Cholera was dying out in
the district at the date of the festival.
Madura-Pulney Feast.-In March. 20,000 persons assembled. The usual
sanitary measures were adopted. Cholera broke out rather violently, and the
people dispersed; twenty deaths were noted by the Police. (The district had
only recently been invaded by cholera, at the date of the festival.)
Madura-Chittra Feast.-May. A large concourse of people, but no increase
of cholera. The epidemic had prevailed in the town during February, March, and
April, but appears to have ceased temporarily in May and June; extra sanitary
precautions adopted at the festival time.
Bellary-Mailar Festival.-February. 44,000 persons present. No sickness.
(No cholera in the district.) Sanitary regulations adopted as usual.
Ganjam-Mahanadi.-Festival of Maha Sevaratri in April. 90,000 persons
present. No cholera (none in the district.) Sanitary supervision as usual.
Tinnevelly-Trichendoor Festival.-In March. 40,000 persons present. No
cholera at the feast; but the district was beginning to be invaded, and some
people in returning to their homes got cholera. Usual sanitary precautions.
Kurnool-Brahmochavam Festival.-5,000 persons. No cholera (none in the
district). Sanitary regulations carried out.
Bellary-Humphi Festival.-April. No cholera (not a case in the whole dis-
trict). Usual sanitary measures carried out.
North Arcot-Tripatty.-Festival early in May. Severe outbreak of cholera;
deaths from the 2nd to 5th May, thirty-four. No proper sanitary supervision of
either Upper or Lower Tripatty can be made, as only " caste " people are per-
mitted to ascend the sacred hill. Cholera was prevailing all about the locality
from the time of invasion in 1869.
Madras-Conjeeveram.-Festival in May. Cholera had been prevailing at the
place of assembly from October to February 1870. It broke out again in May
PP