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the third, that the lymph became deteriorated for some three months in 1856, the seeming
contradiction disappears.
" It is then to the Returns of the Superintendent of Vaccination* that we must look for the
falling off in the numbers vaccinated, and in them we must seek for an explanation of the
diminished benefits of the prophylactic, and the impediments which have come in the way of
its extension.
"Giving due weight to the fact† that the Government Vaccinators numbered eighteen (18)
in 1856, and averaged very little more than sixteen (16) in 1857, no great increase at all
events ought perhaps to have been expected,—it may even be sufficient to account for the
decrease,—and altogether the Returns may not be so very unfavorable, although they cannot
be viewed as satisfactory. But considering that the great obstacle to vaccination—the preju-
dices of the people—has been gradually yielding, I look upon any Return that does not show
an extension of its benefits, as unsatisfactory.
" Adverting now to the performance of the Vaccinators employed by the Native Chiefs, I am
sorry to say, that I find very little to praise, and much to be regretted. From some Vacci-
nators no Returns have been received, others are in arrears, and nearly all of those furnished
show a decrease in the number of persons operated upon. This unfavorable result becomes
still more a matter of regret, when it is considered that the number of Vaccinators was greater
than in 1856; that the practice had been longer in operation; that the Vaccinators had time
to learn their duty ; and that the prejudices of the people might have been supposed to have
partially given way. When, in short, there was every reason to expect a marked increase
instead of a decrease in the amount of work done, and in the sum of the benefits conferred.
In the States of the Jagheerdars, the prevalence of epidemic diseases, the disturbances,
and the uneasy and unsettled feeling produced thereby, might, as in other places, have acted as
impediments; but I fear that it is in the lukewarmness of the Chiefs that the principal cause is
to be found. I do not here allude to the change lately made in removing the Vaccinators from
the direct control of the Superintendent; for although my impression was that it would not
contribute to the advancement of the cause, I am well aware that there has not been time, and
that it has not yet had a fair trial, and until it may have been tried, it would, I think, be
unwise to make any further alteration. I therefore, in an interview with the Superintendent
of Vaccination, directed his attention to the resolution of Government on the subject, and
recommended him to bring the shortcomings of the Vaccinators to the notice of the Political
Superintendent, who, I have no doubt, will bestow upon the matter the attention it merits.
" In the age of the persons vaccinated very little difference is observed, the prejudice against
vaccinating children under one year appearing to be almost universal—a fact much to be
deplored, as the loss among children under that age during the epidemic visitations of
Small-pox must be great.
"As regards the sexes, the difference in the numbers shown by some of the Returns is very
remarkable. In those from Sawunt Warree and Kolapore for instance, the disparity is not
very great, while in that from Sholapore the males exceed the females by more than half.
To account for this satisfactorily is not easy, unless it can be attributed to some prejudice of
the people which operates more powerfully in one locality than in another.
"The condition of the lymph and vesicle would seem to have been generally better during
the past than the preceding year, and the percentage of success somewhat higher. In this
respect the result, as shown by the Returns, appears upon the whole satisfactory.
Relative to the extension of vaccination, some would be disposed to make it compulsory,
but to this there may be serious objections, and the prejudices of the people—especially those
of the Brahminical, and Lingaet caste—being the great obstacle; but by steady perseverance
in the means already at work, and hitherto used, it may be expected gradually to diminish
* Vide Superintendent's Report ante, and Table No. 1 Appendix.
† Stated by the Superintendent at p. 16 ante.