14 
An admirable institution is provided by the State for the education 
of orphan girls. It is known as the Institut Ben jamin Constant, and 
is thoroughly equipped on modern lines. 
In former years the authorities inaugurated many extensive works 
which involved the raising of the levels of the low lying areas, the 
filling up of some of the igarapes, and the making of extensive ex ava- 
tions. Unfortunately, as is often the case, mature consideration does 
not appear to have been exercised before undertaking the improve 
ments. Igarapes were incompletely filled in ; streets were made 
across swamps, thus damming back the waters; and street levels 
altered without a thought as to the consequences. ’I he surface waters 
draining into these places created miniature lakes and swamps where, 
formerly, only puddles had existed. In 1897 and 1898 such works 
were in progress in all parts of the city, and with the excavating, 
filling and re-excavating which seems to have occurred, collections of 
water were multiplied all over Manaos, mosquitos bred in their 
thousands, and fevers reigned supreme. Hundreds of workmen were 
attacked with malaria, and the deaths from this disease alone rose to 
1,074 in 1898 and to 1,495 in the year 1900. Happily for Manaos 
and her citizens such a condition of affairs is at an end, and the 
authorities are alive to the necessity of carrying out improvements 
methodically and with the collaboration and advice of the sanitary 
authorities. 
During our residence in Manaos, 1905 to 1909, we have noted the 
efforts of the various departments in the direction of abolishing the 
many foci of water which had resulted from the past operations, and 
we desire to record our appreciation of the immense difficulties which 
have been successfully overcome. It is hard for a newcomer to realise 
how much has been accomplished unless he learns from old survey 
maps etc., that where many of the buildings and streets are. at one 
time there was nothing but igarapes and swamps 
The situation of Manaos admits of many movements being 
effected. There still exist too many low-lying areas of land in the 
thro T U P°P ulated districts, which are e.ther swampy 
throughout the year or, at any rate, during the rainy season These 
CuleTetc Th 35 breedin ^ laces Anophehnes, Stegomyia. 
Culex, etc. The propagat.on of flies is also encouraged by the 
populace being afforded opportun.ties for the depositing of refuse 
