60 Medical Topography of Malacca. 



ally met with, and ulcers of an indolent and obstinate character ; 

 these form the principal, all depending as a primary cause upon relaxa- 

 tion of the tone of the system, and lastly dropsical affections, which 

 are very common, particularly amongst the lower orders, Chinese 

 especially, this in them being combined with poor living ; acute 

 inflammatory diseases occurring as primary affections, are compara- 

 tively rare. 



The comparative absence of malaria in a Settlement, seemingly 

 surrounded by generating sources, may be accounted for by the vary- 

 ing atmosphere, the alternating breeze or prevailing wind, the free 

 circulation of air unopposed by neighbouring mountains, or natural 

 obstructions, the porous quality of the mineral and vegetable soil, 

 and indeed by the extensive and dense forest tracts themselves ; their 

 very denseness by preventing the direct action of the sun's rays 

 prevents likewise a too rapid decomposition of the decaying vegetable 

 mass, and moreover assists with the atmospheric air, in absorbing 

 much of the noxious exhalations evolved. 



The average number of transmarine convicts during the year has 

 been 166. They are divided into four classes (formerly into 5). 



The 1st Class. — Are out on bail, perfect masters of themselves, men 

 of good character, find themselves in every thing, as they are per- 

 mitted to employ themselves in any manner they choose. 



If brought to the Police Office for any offence, they revert to the 

 last or rather the chain class, No. 4. 



The 2nd Class. — Of these some are given, or as it is termed rented 

 out, to gentlemen by the Company. The persons so employing them 

 give them 2*8? monthly, for their food, the Company providing them 

 with two suits of clothes every six months. Others formerly classed 

 as a 3rd class, but now included under the 2nd class, reside in the 

 Convict Lines, men who behave well, work on the roads, &c. and 

 are allowed by Government Co's. Rs. 4 a month. 



The 3rd Class. — Men of bad character, most of them work in 

 chains ; at present and during the past year there have been no men 

 under this class. (The men seen about in chains, being local con- 

 victs, mostly Chinese). This class are allowed by Government 12 

 annas a month, together with l^tb of cocoanut oil, l|tb of salt, 

 and eight gain tons or 50 lbs of rice each. 



