STATEMENT.

Showing by counties, the number of cities, incorporated towns, and townships in the State; the number of each from which reports have been received; the number of clerks and health physicians of local boards of health who have reported, and the number of cases of contagious diseases prevailing within the jurisdiction of such local board, for the yeer 1880.

The foregoing statement is compiled, not because of the value it contains, but for the purpose of showing those whose duty it is to furnish the reports from which the statement is compiled, the methods, and the importance of greater completeness and care. In many cases it is impossible to tabulate the reports. Instead of giving figures to designate the cases of diseases, entries would be made of "several"; "a few"; "unknown"; "some "; " none reported"; "several, but not reported to me." The very meager reports from health physicians evidences that very few local boards were organized throughout the State. It will be seen that only eight clerks of cities, twentyone clerks of incorporated towns, and 388 clerks of townships, have reported. The only value of statistical reports rests in their completeness. It is hoped there will be a more perfect compliance with the law. The names of every city, town, and township clerk in the State are on record in this office, but it has been deemed best not to give the statement of townships, cities, and towns in this report, believing that as the local officers and the people become familiar with the law and its object, there will be a more general compliance with its provisions.