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97
The old familiar receptacle is a pit usually several feet deep from which
dung on removal has to be inconveniently dug and from that it follows
generally that the lower stratum, however rotten and foul, is seldom disturbed
from one years' end to another; such pits being usually uncovered
their contents are alternately drenched with rain and heated with the sun, and
are thereby usually reeking abominations. And it cannot be regarded as any
real improvement that some pits are covered, for in such cases, the foul
gases are condensed and from time to time on being liberated, pollute the
air, and persons complain that thereby they are subject to nausea.
To minimise the annoyance, inseparable from stables adjoining dwelling
houses, I venture to recommend that dung pits, in all such cases be
abolished, and that dung be retained only in receptacles constructed as
follows :
(1.) The bottom of the receptacle should be six inches above the adjoining
pavement of yard, and formed of Portland Cement Concrete trowelled
to a smooth face.
2.) The walls should be of substantial brickwork and also finished ins1de
with Portland Cement trowelled to a smooth face.
(3.) The cover should be a permanent fixture to protect the contents from
rain and sun, and should be either of stone or substantial woodwork
dressed with pitch and tar ins1de.
(4.) The front should be fitted with a substantial wood frame, in the upper
part of which there should be a sufficiently large opening for the free
reception of dung and litter and for ventilation ; and in the lower
section a substantial door, large enough to admit of the free removal
of the contents, and the washing and purification of the interior from
time to time.
Experience shows that dung accummulations (which were previously
intolerable nuisances) can now be kept in the new receptacle within a few
feet of dwellings without annoyance.
STEPHENS MEWS, HOXTON.
The whole area of this place was paved and drained in a very defective
manner, the surface could therefore not be kept clean. The owner's
attention having been called to the conditions by letter, an interview was
obtained, and it was not nccessary to serve a notice. Acting on my recommendation
the owner has re-constructed a large part of the drain, and has
repaved the whole area of the Mews, measuring 359 square yards with
granite cubes in a very satisfactory manner.