290 The Public Health. [ April, 
seen in the less virulent character of other epidemic diseases, its 
Lochee suburb has been growing more and more densely populated, 
and its want of drainage, its overcrowding, its nuisances, and its 
general insanitary state have at last led to a revolt, and action is 
now being taken by the Police Commission under the provisions 
of the Public Health Act (1867). In the face of that Act the 
nuisance-mongers sink into utter nothingness. 
It is probable that the same cholera epidemic produced a greater 
proportionate amount of misery in the town of Leven, Fifeshire, 
than in any other town in the kingdom. It was terribly fatal, so 
fatal, indeed, that the people fled in great numbers from the plague- 
stricken spot, and left it comparatively deserted. The town was all 
but without sewerage, and the well-water, on which the people 
almost entirely depended, was found to be strongly impregnated 
with putrefying animal matter, which had percolated through the 
soil from the numerous cesspools. Such direful results as attended 
the non-observance of the ordinary rules of health roused the people 
to a sense of their danger, and in March, 1867, they resolved on 
adopting Provost Lindsay’s Police and Improvement Act (1862). 
Commissioners were appointed, and the requisite measures taken to 
carry out the provisions of the Act. Already a bountiful supply of 
excellent water is introduced into the town, and now the commis- 
sloners are proceeding with the necessary drainage improvements. 
Leven is one of the most pleasantly-situated watermg places in the 
ancient kingdom of Fife, and it promises soon to be one of the tidiest 
towns in Scotland, to be no more, it is to be hoped, a hotbed of 
epidemic disease. 
It is a hopeful sign to notice the general anxiety prevailing 
throughout Scotland with regard to the adoption of measures to 
improve the Public Health. Where other statutory authority does 
not exist, the Acts of 1862 and 1867 are being called into requi- 
sition, and in various places a supply of water is brought in where 
it is wanted; drainage works are being constructed; nuisances 
removed, and sanitary inspectors and medical Officers of Health 
appointed. Stumbling-blocks, however, of various kinds are here 
and there showing themselves ; but the right will ultimately come 
to the surface. Upwards of eighty towns and populous places 
have already adopted, in whole or in part, the General Police 
and Improvement Act (1862). Amongst the other places in Scot- 
land in which there are signs of sanitary commotion, we may, in 
conclusion, mention the following :—Aberdeen, Montrose, Nairn, 
Hawick, Aberdour, Thornhill, Elgin, Pennicuik, Galashiels, Perth, 
Paisley, Greenock, Kirkcaldy, Dysart, and Vale of Leven. 
