209 syphilis in a frightful form. I have made it my business to attend the shipping office and watch what class of men make application for service. Were the authorities to be present, they would have no difficulty in accounting for the present state of our mercantile marine, which, in a sanitary point of view, all will agree is at a very low ebb. Lime-juice, and all the antiscorbutics in the world, offer no remedy for such a state of things. The measure respecting these adjuncts to a sailor's

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... iet is most praiseworthy, and is calculated to prove of the greatest service in contributing towards the preservation of a crew's health ; but so long as men in a diseased and anaamiated condition are allowed to enter the service, so long will the present state of the mercantile marine remain unaltered. I have repeatedly asked captains how it is that they positively shirk having their crews inspected prior to shipment, according to the recommendation of the board. One and all answer that the clause relating to this point is a "permissive one." So long as it remains thus, owners will always disallow or grumble at the fee claimed by Government. Why, ask they, was not the Act compulsory in this respect as well as limejuice ? They would have been too glad to have seen it. They justly observe, they would rather go to sea with a healthy crew of eighteen or twenty men on whom they could rely, than thirty who show physical incapability. Thus far it is pretty plain; did it rest with captains alone, they would be but too pleased to avail themselves of the medical officer's services. But it is simply a question for the owner to allow or disallow the fee; so long as that is the case, we must consider the true meaning of the Act defeated, as usual, by a permissive clause. This is a lamentable state of things ; it is nevertheless the truth, at this port at all events, and I shall be glad to hear how far other medical inspectors can corroborate my statement. It is their duty to furnish Government with all the information in their power relating to this important question. I have brought the subject forward thus early, as I believe Mr. Cave contemplates consolidating the present Act next month. It is right he should therefore be informed how far the present clause as regards the inspection of seamen is likely to be effectual. Who should have greater physical ability to withstand the hardships of life than the sailor ? who should be so able-bodied as he ?-on duty at all hours, exposed to all weathers, to say nothing of artificial supply of nourishment. One who has to face a life of such deprivation should have a frame and temperament equal to the emergency. I would suggest that all captains trading to certain foreign ports should have their men, prior to shipment, examined by the board medical inspectors. Such a measure would materially assist the Diseases Prevention Act; inasmuch as a sailor, knowing such inspection is imperative, will show much more consideration for his own preservation than he does at present, and will do his best to keep clear of the evil that is the pest of all our ports. As the matter now stands, poor Jack daily is shipped en masse, a victim to syphilis, scrofula, scurvy, and ills that are not patent to a captain's eye, until he is called upon for work at sea, too late to remedy the evil. One word more : I deem it unjust to that part of a crew who are in the enjoyment of good health that they should be exposed to the companionship of others who may be fit subjects for a lazaretto. I feel sure, if those who have the power of legislating for poor Jack's benefit (if the Act is for that purpose) could only be witness of the minutiæ and working of a shipping-office, they would take a step in the right direction. At this port I find, in many instances, that captains never see their crews until the day they leave dock for the basin-a few hours prior to putting to sea. Notice is given to agents that he requires so many men ; the men are sent on board, good and bad together ; and when at sea their physical disability soon becomes apparent. I call upon you, Sir, with your usual ability, and the interest you have hitherto shown in this momentous question, to bring the matter before the proper authorities, and see if it is not possible in England to have an Act of Parliament something more than a subject to be considered at the caprice of captains and shipowners. If the Act is really for the benefit of the sailor, let no one have a voice in the matter after the Legislature has once decided. A compulsory clause as regards inspection of seamen would prove eventually as beneficial to the captains and owners as it will contribute to put our mercantile marine on a footing it has not hitherto attained. As regards the amended scale of medicine, it is to be hoped the Act will be carried out ; but some authorised person should inspect the chest prior to its being shipped. I would suggest that, on a vessel arriving in port, the captain should send the chest to a chemist, who, when he had replenished it according to the Government scale, should forward it to the medical inspector of the port, or some other authorised person, whose certificate should accompany the chest on board. The certificate in question would be a protection to the captain of a vessel in a foreign port, in case representation should be made by any of the crew to the consul that there had been an inadequate supply of medicines on board during the voyage. Such cases often occur, but the report of them seldom reaches. England. I am, Sir, your obedient servant.