( VI ) 



STATE OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH. 



1st Quarter. — The total nnmber of deaths in the quarter was 

 112,133 against 112,384 in the previous summer quarter, but con- 

 siderably more than in the same quarter of 1862. The annual rate 

 of mortality in the quarter was 2-139 per cent, of the population, 

 against the summer average of 2*000 per cent. In the country dis- 

 tricts the mortality was 1*831 (the average being 1*713) ; whilst in 

 urban populations it was 2*374: (the average being 2-253). 



2nd Quarter. — The number of deaths in the three months ending 

 31st December was 123,458, the highest number ever registered in 

 this quarter. The death-rate was 2*349 per cent, (against an 

 average of 2*180). No higher death-rate has been observed in 

 England in this quarter, excepting in 1847, 1848, and 1858. 

 495,520 deaths were registered in the year, the mortality being at 

 the rate of 2*385 per cent, against 2-214, the average of the previous 

 ten years. 



PKICE OF PEOVISIONS. 



Ist Quarter. — Tlio average price of wheat was 425. 3c?. per quarter, 

 which is less than in the September quarter of last year ; while in the 

 corresponding quarter of 1862 the price was 56s. 10c/. The average 

 of the highest and lowest prices of beef at Leadenhall and Newgate 

 Markets was hhd. per lb., and of mutton Qi\d. Best potatoes ranged 

 from 80s. to 120s. per ton at the Waterside Market, South wark. 



2nd Quarter. — Wheat sold at decreasing prices, the average for 

 the three months being 38s. bd. per quarter against 40s. Qd. in the 

 corresponding period of 1863, and 48s. 2d. in 1862. The high price 

 of meat is a matter of daily experience with all consumers ; in the 

 last quarter of 1863 beef sold on an average at Ad. to 6 id per lb. 

 (by the carcase) at Leadenhall and Newgate Markets, but in the 

 quarter ending 31st December last the price ranged from A^d. to Id., 

 according to quality. The wholesale price of mutton was bd. to 7c?. 

 in the last quarter of 1863, and it was bid. to l^d. in the same 

 period of 1864. The dry summer was prejudicial to the crop of 

 potatoes, and the price was 25 per cent, higher than in the autumn 

 of 1863 ; the wholesale price of the best qualities was 60s. to 80s. 

 in the last quarter of 1863, and rose to an average of 80s. to 95s. in 

 the same quarter of 1864. 



