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sisting here of a plastic ferruginous clay drift, sometimes mixed with sand,
sometimes with small portions of gravel, and at other times with broken up
London clay (upper tertiary), upon which it is based. The thickness of this
crust varies materially in different localities, being in some places 20 or 30
feet in thickness, at others not more than 4 or 5.
The water from wells varies very much here, on account of this quality
of soil, holding frequently in solution salts of magnesia, alumina, and iron.
A well of this kind, originally situated in Wells Road, and from its proximity
to Dulwich, called the Dulwich Well, was much brought into notice
in 1640. From the chalybeate properties of the water, it was doubtless
serviceable in many cases where such treatment was to be desired.
On the crest of Sydenham Hill it is more sandy, and here some very good
water is to be obtained, at a depth of about 30 feet.
Sydenham is now, however, supplied by the Lambeth Waterworks Company,
who obtain their water at Thames Ditton, and which Company supply
710 houses. Also by the waterworks upon Peak Hill, which supply 100
houses: the water is here obtained from "Eeigate Sands," by a well and
boring 410 feet in depth, and is of good quality.
The number of houses in this Ward is 789. The population, according
to the census of 1851, 4,501.
Many parts of this district require, from the careless drainage of the
neighbourhood, and the absence of outlet for drainage in many parts, the
most careful supervision as a preventive measure.
It is the nature of such a soil as exists here to absorb and retain moisture,
and consequently especial attention to drainage is required.
Professor Johnstone, in his Agricultural Lectures, states that water will
drop from
l00lbs. of dried quartz soil when it has absorbed 25lbs. of water.
l00lbs. of calcareous sand ditto 251bs. of water.
l00lbs. of loamy soil ditto 401bs. of water.
l00lbs. of chalk ditto 451bs. of water.
l00lbs. of clay loam ditto 501bs. of water.
l00lbs. of pure clay ditto 701bs. of water.
Part, however, in this instance, being returned by evaporation, part being
retained, and part, owing to the undulating nature of the country, finding
its way into the natural water courses.
I would particularly mention the state of the roads in this Ward, and
request the assistance of the Surveyor and Inspectors of Nuisances to report
on this matter.
They are in so extremely filthy a state as to be, in my opinion, positively
prejudicial to health.
Some of these roads, in fact, better deserve the name of marshes in wet
weather, at which time, and for some time after, constant evaporation is
taking place from their surface, frequently doubtless mixed with decomposing
animal matter. Added to which some of the roads are in such an insecure
state as to be dangerous for the transit of horses and vehicles.
I would also beg to call your attention to the part called "West Kent
Park," or more commonly, "The Freehold." Unless some outlet is made
for the drainage of this locality, which is covered with houses, I fear the
most disastrous results to the health of the neighbourhood in case of hot
weather setting in.