152 
Sanitary Effects of Land Draining. 
sequences of its neglect in every part of the country, as well as by 
its advantages in the increasing salubrity and productiveness where- 
ever the drainage has been skilful and effectual. The following 
instance is presented in a report from Mr. John Marshall^ jun., 
the clerk to the union in the Isle of Ely : — 
" It has been sliown that the Isle of Ely was at one period in a deso- 
late stale, being frequently inundated by the upland waters, and desti- 
tute of adequate means of drainage ; the lower parts became a wilderness 
of stagnant pools, the exhalations from which loaded the air with pesti- 
ferous vapours and fogsj now, by the improvements which have from 
time to time been made, and particularly within the last fifty years, an 
alteration has taken place which may appear to be the effect of magic. 
By the labour, industry, and spirit of the inhabitants, a forlorn waste 
has been converted into pleasant and fertile pastures, and they them- 
selves have been rewarded by bounteous harvests. Drainage, embank- 
ments, engines, and enclosures have given stability to the soil (which in 
its nature is as rich as the Delta of Egypt) as well as salubrity to the air. 
These very considerable improvements, though carried on at a great ex- 
pense, have at last turned to a double account, both in reclaiming much 
ground and improving the rest, and in contributing to the healthiness of 
the inhabitants. Works of modern refinement have given a totally dif- 
ferent face and character to this once neglected spot ; much has been 
performed, much yet remains to be accomplished by the rising genera- 
tion. The demand for labour produced by drainage is incalculable ; 
but when it is stated that where sedge and rushes but a few years since 
grew Ave now have fields of waving oats and even wheat, it must be evi- 
dent that it is very great. 
" On reference to a very perfect account of the baptisms, marriages, 
and burials, in Wisbeck, from 1558 to 1826, I find that in the decennial 
periods, of which 1801, 1811, and 1821, were the middle years, the 
baptisms and burials were as under : — 
Baptisms. Burials. Population in 1801. 
1796 to 1805 1,627 1,535 4,710 
1806 to 1815 1,654 1,313 5,209 
1816 to 1825 2,165 1,390 6,515 
" In the first of the three periods the mortality was 1 in 31 ; in the 
second, 1 in 40 ; in the third, 1 in 47 ; the latter being less than the 
exact mean mortality of the kingdom for the last two years. (See 'Re- 
gistrar-General's Second Report,' p. 4, folio edition') These figures 
clearly show that the mortality has wonderfully diminished in the last 
half century, and who can doubt but that the increased salubrity of the 
fens produced by drainage is a chief cause of the improvement." 
Mr. R. Turner, medical officer of the Nevvhaven union, 
states, — 
" The district which has been under my care comprises five parishes, 
three of which, viz., Kingston, Iford, and Rodmell, are (more especially 
the two latter) situated in close proximity to marshes, which were for- 
merly for a considerable portion of the year inundated ; of late very ex- 
