Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol 7.djvu/399

RETURNING STRENGTH. 355 was checked by au outbreak of cholera, which, CHAP, approaching our troops in May, declared itself ' fully in June ; but apart from that grave inter- ruption, and some others (which however proved slight and brief), the advance towards good health went on steadily home down to the close of the war. Computed in proportion to force, the decrease since January 1855 in the number of admissions to hospital became so great during the last month of the occupation of the Crimea in 1856, that it might be indicated without very large error by a ratio of ten to one ; (^^) and, if tested by the change taking place in its rate of mortality, the health of our army advanced from a state such as history indicates when recording the ' Great Plague of London,' to one on a level with that enjoyed by our great towns in Eng- land.(36) So, its numbers slowly augmenting, its toils at Restored last happily lightened, its wants almost all sup- strength oi plied, our army regained healtli and strength. "^^rmy