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100 grains per gallon, from this fact alone, even if the
water did disagree with a few individuals, that could be
no just reason for its universal condemnation. We are
all obliged individually to study what agrees and what
disagrees with us ; but because one man cannot eat
veal or pork can be no reason why those meats should
be universally condemned. The only real charge
against the London well water, therefore, is that it
contains organic matter in some quantity. This arises
from vegetable growths on the brick-work of the well;
from vegetable or animal matter getting into the well;
from percolation into the well of fluid from the too
near position of a drain or sewer, or some other
prevenlible cause of impurity. Nobody would put
wine into dirty bottles, and we ought not to store
our water in dirty wells. Who ever thinks of cleaning
out a well ? A few of us do occasionally clean out
our cisterns, and all ought to do this periodically.
So our London wells should be periodically cleansed,
and the brick-work rendered impermeable to contaminating
causes, and even to the destructive power
of rats. I cannot but believe at present that by proper
means we might preserve the spring water contained in
the superficial strata under London for the use of those
who prefer it to river water.*
It is a curious fact, that the deep well water obtained
from the chalk is not relished by water drinkers so
much as the superficial well water; and it is asserted
that it is the very impurity of the latter which constitutes
its popularity. I confess to have great faith in the
common sense of mankind, and that multitudes would
* Since the above was written, the well under the church supplying
the pump in Duncannon Street, has been examined and cleaned. In
taking up a pailful of the wet gravel it was found to be free from any slimy
or greasy feel, although the well had not been cleansed for 20 years.
The brickwork is quite sound, and the only fault to be found is that the
depth of water is insufficient for the daily demand.