Incidence of Mental Deficiency Part IV. of the report of
the Mental Deficiency Com- mittee contains data which provide our social -reformers with an almost unlimited field. The incidence of mental deficiency among children and adults has been examined in six areas, taken as being typical of the conditions to be found in the country as a whole. The rural areas make the worst showing, the reason being, no doubt, the weaker local traditions and relatively less " social cohesiveness." The suggestions made at the end of the report are of a far-reaching character, and Dr. Lewis is to be congratulated on having greatly advanced our knowledge of the subject, and of its importance in our national life. It is to be hoped that action on this report may not be postponed unduly. The chances of the afflicted children appeal to us most : we believe that the Board of Educa- tion is alive to the needs and the difficulties.
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