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SPREADS THROUGH THE BOMBAY rEESIDENOY, 1818. 25

the northern countries lies, and by which, during the south-west monsoon, is the principal line of com- munication."*

It will be observed that the cholera had extended itself steadilj from east to west through the presidency of Bombay; and Dr. Jukes remarks in July, 1818 : — " It was hoped here (in Bombay) that as the disease had for some months been moving gradually south- westjborne along, as it were, by the nqrth-east monsoon, that it might be checked by the violent south-west gales which blew on our coast during that season. "f In spite, however, of these opposing storms, the cholera marched forward, and having arrived at the coast, spread through the Concan.

The following is a valuable record as affording us an idea of the mortality and number of cases of cholera which occurred among the civil population of the Island of Bombay during the year 1818 :| —

Abstract of Gases.

1818.

CASES.

DEATHS.

POLICE.

August

4400

256

409

September

4804

287

478

October

2411

146

181

November

824

44

29

December

806

64

72

1819.

January

889

144

125

Februaiy

517

27

14,651

938

1254

Proportion of deaths in these cases when medicine was administered, 6*4 per cent. The population of the island may amount to between 200- and 220,000,

  • ' Bombay Cholera Report,' p. 9. •

t Idem, p. 171.

X Idem, p. 13, Appendix.