﻿IX, B, 2 Sanitary Survey in Mindoro 151 



An extensive and elaborate system of ditching and draining 

 has been undertaken and is going forward under the direction 

 of the engineers. This cannot fail greatly to facilitate the control 

 of mosquito breeding, just as the disappearance of talahib 

 deprives the mosquitoes of their natural shelter. The increased 

 porosity of the soil from cultivation should be of great assistance 

 in lessening the number of mosquito-breeding places. 



The climate of San Jose does not differ materially from that 

 of other portions of the Philippines of similar latitude (12° 

 north), and as the altitude of this plain in few places exceeds 

 15 meters above sea level no extremely cool weather is to be 

 expected, but sea breezes during the southwest monsoon meet 

 with no obstruction and temper the climate pleasantly. During 

 three of the six nights spent at San Jose, comfort demanded a 

 heavy blanket or two light ones. Upon the other three nights, 

 a very light covering sufficed. 



There is nothing in the climate, in itself, to account for the 

 unhealthfulness of this region. The vegetation and rainfall 

 combine to provide breeding places for mosquitoes, and in 

 this indirect way only may the climate justly be held responsible 

 for malaria. With extensive cultivation and drainage, we should 

 expect the ultimate passing of the mosquito and the repetition 

 of the history of malaria in the lowlands and river bottoms of 

 the central United States, once notorious by reason of the so- 

 called paludial fevers, but now healthful and providing wealth 

 and sustenance to the millions of prosperous people resident 

 there. 



II. POPULATION, INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY, FROM 

 A MEDICAL STANDPOINT 



In the matter of composition, the population may be described 

 as heterogeneous; while the Filipinos predominate largely, 

 Japanese, Chinese, Americans, Hindus, and Negroes are also 

 present. The Japanese are the second strongest people numeric- 

 ally, while the Chinese and Negroes are very few in numbers. 

 The population of San Jose, comprising the three camps of 

 Lubang, San Jose, and Mindoro, for the quarter ending Decem- 

 ber 31, 1912, was given in the official health report of the surgeon 

 to the company as 2,800, while that of the third quarter of the 

 year, ending September 30, was given as 3,285. An average 

 population of 3,000 people may, therefore, be assumed. It is 

 ultimately proposed to employ and quarter 10,000 persons, ac- 

 cording to the statement of company officials. 



