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20
Observations on the State of the Thames ; on the
Purification of the River; and the safe disposal
of the London Sewage.
It is needless to say, that during June last, the
waters of the Thames in its metropolitan course underwent
a remarkable putrefactive decomposition, emitting
the most offensive odour. I have discussed the influence
of this decomposition upon the London population. I
will now seek to trace the conditions that led to it. In
a right appreciation of these conditions lies the clue to
the measures necessary to prevent the continual recurrence
of this intolerable nuisance.
It is known that during a great part of the year,
the river is fully capable of so disposing of all the sewage
and other still more offensive matters that are discharged
into it, as to cause no inconvenience. During the winter
and early spring, the.low temperature, and abundance
of fresh water in the stream, effectually prevent the
putrefactive forms of decomposition. But during seasons
of excessive heat after long drought, the conditions