Browne — The Ethnography of Garumna and LeitermuUen. 24^3 



rather the abuse, of tea, and the share inclian meal pLays in the dietary 

 during part of the year, may be counted as the most common causes. 

 Diarrhoea is very common, in fact prevalent, when the Indian meal first 

 comes into use as a staple of the dietary. 



As in most fish-eating communities entoparasites are a frequent 

 cause of trouble. Ascaris lumhricoides is the worm most commonly 

 observed, but L)r. Connolly has also seen others, some of which he could 

 not identify. Cases of " gravel " and vesical calculus are of rather 

 common occurrence it is said, but it is hard to be certain on this point, 

 as all urinary troubles are classed as " gravel," in popular parlance • 

 for instance, one case which really was traumatic stricture of the 

 urethra was termed " gravel " by the people. 



Respiratory Diseases. — Bronchitis and pneumonia are, as might be 

 expected considering the hardships and exposure of the peoples' life, 

 common in winter and spring months. 



Eye Affections. — Seem to be rather common. Several cases of cata- 

 ract in old people were roted. 



Granular conjunctivitis, aggravated by the smoky condition of the 

 houses, and corneal ulcers frequently come for treatment to Dr. Connolly. 



Skin Affections. — Scabies, "sea boils," eczema, tinea tonsurans, 

 and alopecia ai'eata are common. 



Venereal Diseases. — Here, as generally throughout the rural dis- 

 tricts of the West of Ireland, syphilis and gonorrhoea are unknown. 



Diseases of Women. — Few or no cases come for treatment except an 

 occasional case of amenorrhoea. 



Accidental Injuries. — Wounds, bruises, fractures, and burns are 

 of common occurrence. 



(e.) Longevity. — The people of these islands attain to a good old age, 

 and persons of eighty years and upwards are not unfrequently to be 

 met with. Two men died recently on the islands at the reputed ages 

 of 105 and 108 years, respectively. One old man was met with who 

 had walked several miles to get some goods at the shop, as he frequently 

 does, though, to use his own expression, " weak in the legs now." Ho 

 said that he was born on the 2nd of May, 1796, so that he is now over 

 102 years old. 



4. Psychology. — A sketch of the mental characters of the people 

 seems essential in a report such as this, and inquiries on this point 

 have always formed a part of the work of these surveys. Besides 

 personal observation such as could be made during a visit of limited 

 duration, information was sought from people who are brought into 

 daily communication and dealings with the inhabitants, and who, from 



K.I. A. TEOC, SEK. HI., VOL. Y. 8 



