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35
renewing the charcoal. Without speaking too confidently
of an untried scheme, I am of opinion that
during hot and dry weather, when sewage-gases are
most abundant and dangerous, these cages would be
of important service. The charcoal might be renewed
every day.
In an analogous manner the plan of relieving the
sewers of a portion of their foul gases by dischargepipes
carried up the sides of high buildings, would be
deprived of the great objection that the gases find their
way into the upper windows of dwelling-houses. The
disposition of charcoal-beds in these pipes would render
the gases less noxious when discharged.
I would also suggest on behalf of the men whose
occupation compels them to enter the sewers, that the
effect of Dr. Stenhouse's charcoal-respirator should be
tried.
The necessary experiments might be tried at a
small cost. But other extensions of the principle might
render more extensive experiments desirable. Some
parish, where the poor-rates do not exceed sixpence in
the pound, might very properly undertake the outlay
for similar sanitary investigations.
R. B.