178 LABEADOR 



as to the dangers of infectious diseases, and especially 

 how to deal with and avoid tuberculosis. Consumption 

 is the main enemy of these people who live here in one 

 of the purest atmospheres in the world. But it is fostered 

 and propagated in every possible way by the customs of 

 the people and by their poverty. The total number of 

 residents is now about four thousand, inclusive of thirteen 

 hundred Eskimo. In spite of new mills and other new 

 industries recently introduced, the number is not increas- 

 ing. This is due partly to the fact that some return to 

 Newfoundland to benefit by the schools and other ad- 

 vantages, or to escape starvation or the isolation that 

 arises from no line of communication in the winter. Those 

 residents, who make this journey, invariably tell me they 

 would greatly prefer to remain on the coast in winter if 

 it were possible. 



The lack of increase is partly due, also, to the want of 

 care of the young. I have no statistics to show the rela- 

 tive mortality in childhood. I know it to be great. The 

 families are comparatively large. I call to mind one of 

 thirteen, one of fourteen, and several of seven and eight. 

 Most men marry young. Bachelors are very few on the 

 coast. A knowledge of the cheaper food-stuffs and how 

 to use them would be a great help. Thus, corn meal, 

 oatmeal, and rice are seldom used. The average age 

 attained is certainly low. The older English and Scotch 

 settlers live and maintain their vitality much longer than 

 those of the succeeding generations. They also hold their 

 own much better in the battle with their environment. 

 One man proudly told me, " Father is eighty-two and hasn't 

 a kink in him." 



