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victed by a Magistrate of the Peace for any act equivalent to a breach
of any of the rules of the Association."
So far as they go these regulations are very good; but they are
too vague; moreover, but few have joined the Association, and it is
to be feared that the most untidy cowkeepers will stand aloof, and
thus not be subject to its rules.
It may perhaps be useful for me to give an outline of the way in
which such establishments as these are treated in Paris. All places
of business which are considered unhealthy are there divided into
three classes. Before any of these establishments are permitted, certain
authorisations have to be obtained. Those belonging to the first
class are altogether forbidden near private dwellings; those in the
second class are only allowed on certain conditions; those in the third
class (to which cow houses belong) are under the constant inspection
of the police.
The following conditions are required in respect to cow sheds:—
They are not to be less than thirteen feet high; for one row of cows
they must not be less than thirteen feet wide, and for two rows not
less than twenty-three feet from one manger to another. The space
allowed for each cow is not to be less than six and a half feet wide.
On no account is any establishment to be permitted below the level of
the surrounding soil. No cesspools are allowed.
I would submit for your consideration the following regulations
which if enforced would secure very great benefit to the community,
but would no doubt fall heavily on some individuals. They are in
the main taken from a set of rules framed by a Committee of
the Metropolitan Association of Medical Officers of Health, and
closely resemble the regulations enforced in the city.
I.—As to the construction of the sheds and their accompaniments.
1. Every cow house shall be paved with flag stones or other nonabsorbent
material, set and embedded in cement or concrete, with
a proper inclination to the foot of the stalls so as to lead into a
channel, having a fall of not less than 1½ inch in 10 feet, towards a
trapped gulley.
2. Every cow house shall be provided with a good trapped drain
for the entrance of fluid matter only into the sewer.
3. Every cow house shall be furnished with an adequate supply
of water.
4. There shall be a covered dung pit properly constructed so as