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54
factorily, so much so, indeed, that with constant supervision
they are as perfect as such places can be. It would
be well if cow-houses were subjected to similar stringent
regulations, and if piggeries could be brought within
the scope of the Act. It is certain that the latter
especially create much annoyance to the surrounding
inhabitants, and I am strongly of opinion that slaughterhouses,
cow-houses, and piggeries should be removed
much farther from the city than they at present are.
Water Supply.—The vexed question of water supply
is one of vital importance to the community. The source
of our present supply is objectionable in every sense.
The Government Water Examiner, Col. Bolton, described
it in some instances as of the colour and consistence of
pea-soup, and the nature of the foreign matters which
give it this appearance is almost too disgusting to
be mentioned or even considered. No filtration, no
engineering, not even distillation, can make water contaminated
with sewage fit for drinking purposes. The fact
is, the Thames water is not suitable for dietetic purposes.
It has been proved practically that along the sides of the
" London Basin" water both good and plentiful enough
for drinking, &c., can be had by deep-well borings. This
has been discussed more fully in previous reports, and
to these I refer all who feel an interest in the matter.
JOHN MAC DONOGH,
Medical Officer of Health, Clapham.