ABSTRACT
The position in Southern India, grievous as it is, becomes much aggravated by the fact that the summer rains have hitherto been extremely scanty in the North-Western Provinces and the Punjab. The prospect in Southern India, more especially in Madras and Mysore, is, therefore, as serious as it could possibly be. Before scarcity of food deepens into famine, there is a large and increasing section of the population who are out of work and have no means of buying food at dear rates. At the beginning of a famine there are some, and before the end of a famine there will be many, people who, from physical infirmity, or from social custom, or from some other reason, are unable to earn wages on relief works, and who have no means of buying food. At large centres of population relief camps are useful; for the inmates are prevented from wandering about the streets, and starving for want of miscellaneous alms.
