When
any injuries happen to the men from accidents in the mines, the
suffering natives show remarkable fortitude in bearing pain and
enduring the necessary surgical operations. Their blood is warm and
pure, and cuts in their flesh, or bruises, heal very rapidly. They
suffer most from diseases of the lungs, especially phthisis and
pneumonia, which are common maladies of the native tribes outside of
the mines, as well as within the compounds. They can readily obtain
fresh vegetables and fruit, but the common choice of food, such as
mealie meal and meat, exposes them to attacks of scurvy. In spite of
the careful and repeated medical examinations before men are admitted
to the compound, cases of leprosy are occasionally found. In such cases
provision is made at once for the isolation of the sufferers. The
Government officials are notified, and the diseased men are
transferred to Robin Island, where the Government has a permanent
leper station. Outbreaks of other contagious or infectious diseases are
met by the isolation of the patients in a special lazaretto outside of
the town, which is under the supervision of the board of health.
Natives suffering from
