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such dwellings, is the elementary and most considerable
cause of disease and increased town mortality.
The evil influences of the same extent of overcrowding
in isolated dwellings in rural districts are, to a
great extent as regards bodily health, combated or
neutralized by surrounding open space, pure air, and
light. In large towns external air, even in open spaces,
is much vitiated from numerous sources, such as
exhalations from human beings and animals, from
sewers, dust and refuse, manufactories, &c., all combining
to destroy or depreciate the vitalizing properties
of the atmosphere, and other causes antagonistic to
health of a more voluntary character contribute to the
foregoing, such as irregularity of living, intemperance,
&c., which are more prevalent than in rural places.
Our duty is, as far as possible, to remedy these evils.
Reference to the Report of the Sanitary Inspector will
show that continual efforts are being made in that
direction, in this district. The Annual Report of your
Surveyor will show much work done in his department,
having valuable influence upon the sanitary condition
of the Hamlet.
One great source of atmospheric pollution, and to
which I have several times referred in my reports, is
the present system of sewer ventilation. Sewers must of
course be ventilated, and the present best known system
must continue till a more approved and efficient plan is
discovered; but it is disappointing that such a great
sanitary work as the main drainage of the Metropolis
should still be deficient in this one great requisite ; the
lower stratum or breathable portion of the atmosphere
must always contain a quantity of sewer gases, escaping
as they do, more or less profusely according to the condition
of the weather, from ventilators, gratings and sinks.
This condition of the atmosphere of London is especially
observable on summer evenings, and before rain, The