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dcnced by the fact that it is a great rarity to find such a
drain leaky upon testing the same many years subsequent to
its construction. The first cost is also only slightly in excess of
a stoneware drain, but exception is occasionally taken to iron
pipes owing to their alleged liability to more or less rapid
oxidation. In practice, however, it is found that the protective
solution with which the pipes are coated, and the
greasy film which forms on the interior of such pipes from
the sewage passing through them, prevents any appreciable
oxidation. Iron pipes must not, however, be laid in contact
with ashes or clinker, which has a destructive effect upon
them, nor should they be used for conveying corrosive acids.
Since it is becoming a very common practice for persons in
occupation or about to take possession of dwelling-houses to
require the drains to withstand an efficient water test,
property owners will, in my opinion, be well advised to use
for drainage purposes suitable heavy cast iron pipes in preference
to glazed stoneware pipes, the former proving almost
invariably to be ultimately the most economical.
House to House Inspection.
The special visits paid to dwelling houses by your Inspectors
arise from some particular cause, such as a complaint
alleging the existence of a nuisance, or the occurrence of
infectious disease. On the occasion of such visits the premises
are examined, and any existing defects are promptly
dealt with. The method of procedure differs, however, to
some extent from that employed when making systematic
house-to-house inspections. The latter inspections are made
on tho initiative of your Sanitary Department, and the areas
selected for visitation are, of course, those considered to be
most in need of attention. A thorough sanitary survey of
each premises is made, and both good and bad conditions in
respect to the structure generally and the sanitary arrangements
are duly recorded in the Register, together with such
particulars as the number of occupants and the name of the