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14
months, that some process of complete and safe
deodorization of the sewage must be effected before
it is discharged into the river; for though it may
be poured in at high tide, and at a point low down
in the course of the river, it will return during
those months to the higher bed of the stream, and
be carried upward beyond the Houses of Parliament.
At that time, if the sewage is not carefully
treated, and its solid constituents removed, the
offensive decomposition of it and the sea-water with
which it is mixed will be unbearable. I have had
sewage under such circumstances fermenting continuously
in the Laboratory for more than two
months, and the volumes of foul gas evolved from
it have been enormous. This must be provided
for, or the mischief of the present system will not
only be not abated, but will be seriously aggravated.
The sanitary work of the year is exhibited in
Tables X. and XI. of the Appendix. It may be
expressed thus:—5,548 houses have been inspected,
and 3,145 visits have been made to the 130 common
lodging-houses of the City. These have
resulted in the issuing of 2,461 orders for sanitary
improvement.
The Markets and Slaughter-houses have also
been duly inspected, and the officers have seized