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charcoal; that the existing entrance and ventilators be blocked
up, and that two ventilating tubes be carried from the Vaults
to the roof of the School." The underground area here described
measured, in length, 47 feet; in breadth, 37; was subdivided
into 4 public and 13 private Vaults, and contained
252 Coffins, 4 of which were without lead, and 3 in a leaking
state. After the temporary suspension of scholastic duties and
the free use of McDougal's Powder, the Coffins were deposited
along the passages and floors, were covered over with 2 feet
of earth, and finally surmounted with 3 inches of charcoal,
60 sacks of which were used. The entrance from the churchyard
was then walled-up, all the original ventilators were
bricked in, and two ventilating tubes—one on the northern
and the other on the southern side—were carried outwards
from the vaults, above the roof. Nothing, in a sanitary point
of view, could so materially benefit the National Schools as
this grand hygienic appliance in 1859.
Order 2. — "That the Coffins contained in the Vault
beneath St. John's Church, Bethnal Green, be covered with
4 feet of earth, and that the entrance from the Porch be
blocked up. 2. That the works be effected under the supervision
of the Medical Officer of Health of the District, and
that McDougal's Powder, Chlorine, or other disinfectant, be
used whenever necessary." From this admirably ventilated
Vault one Coffin was removed by friends, two were allowed
to remain in a private vault, while the others, numbering
eleven, were placed iu the central gangway and embanked
under 4 feet of earth. In addition the entrance from the
Porch was filled-up with bricks. As only one infant was
buried under St. James the Less, no order was issued or
required.
'Deepening the Sewer in the Old Pord Road, and carrying
it under the Regent's Canal, was another life-saving work ;