23

During the past year 231 persons were vaccinated with success, thus showing a decrease as
compared with 1862 of 93. The vaccine lymph failed last year on the 9th of May on account
of the heat, a fresh supply of matter was got from Bombay, and vaccination was recommenced
on the 26th of November.

                                          AHMEDABAD.
One Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon, Surgeon D. WYLLIE, M. D.

In respect of age, males as usual predominated, the number being 1,508 to 1,178 females.
But this difference was less marked than it was during the previous year, when the former
equalled 57.6 per cent. of the whole. As to age, 1,862 were under one year, against 824
over that age. Previous to 1859 the number falling under the latter head had been uniformly
the larger. The results were particularly satisfactory, and compare favourably with previous
experience, the failures only amounting to 51, and the doubtful cases to 47.

The lymph continued of good quality up to September when there were signs, in some few
cases, of deterioration which led to a trial of lymph from Europe. A larger and better form-
ed vesicle was the result, and thus the new lymph was gradually introduced till it finally
supplanted the old towards the close of the year.

A few isolated cases of small-pox occurred in camp during January and February, but the
first appearance of the disease in the city was delayed till March. It lingered on till the
middle of June, and vanished with the first heavy fall of rain. The type of attack was not
only milder, but the seizures were also fewer than I have hitherto known; while the entire
number of deaths did not exceed twelve.

No instance of inoculation has come to notice for many years, and no doubt the practice
has altogether ceased in this Collectorate. Vaccination is in no way opposed. Ordinarily
speaking it must simply be brought to the doors of the people, and be arranged to suit their
convenience to succeed. There are exceptions, of course, for some few voluntarily seek it,
mostly the humbler class of settlers from a distance, and particularly those from Rajpootana ;
while others stand quietly aloof, notably the Borah and other exclusive sects of the Maho-
medan population.