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low, and the soil so thoroughly sodden, that the evils of their
marshy condition are far from being eradicated. Dulwich is
situated high, and consequently enjoys a natural drainage, in
virtue of which it escapes those evils which fall on the lower
districts, and in which the other subdistricts of this parish unfortunately
for them partake. The truth is, that the greater
part of the southern districts is situated nearly on the same
level as high water mark, varying from two or three feet above
that line, to two or three feet below; and there is ever hanging
over this level, clinging as it were to the soil and rising but little
above it, stopping short along the margin of the hills, but
sometimes probably sweeping over them, a cloud of unhealthy
moisture, which is constantly steaming from the sodden earth,
and bears in it not merely a portion of the poison due to a
marshy soil, but a considerable portion also of poison due to
the sewage with which the soil is so thoroughly impregnated.
It is in marshy character, in their low level, and in the want
of proper drainage dependent on that low level, that the
southern districts differ from the other districts of London;
and, I have no hesitation in saying, that it is from this cause
mainly, that cholera seizes with such frightful virulence on
these localities in preference to others, of which many are more
densely populated, many are poorer, and many with the exception
of enjoying a superior drainage, are in all other sanitary
arrangements far worse than these. Can I bring any stronger
argument to show how vastly important it is to these districts,
above all others, that some scheme for the effectual drainage
of the Metropolis should be carried into execution ?
Ventilation—is a sanitary requirement of the utmost importance
; and indeed when it is recollected that about twenty
times in a minute, night and day, we are drawing in a fresh
supply of air, the value of pure air cannot be over estimated;
and when it is further borne in mind, that every inspiration is
succeeded by an expiration of poisonous gas, the necessity of
having this gas removed must become strikingly apparent. It
is astonishing how often we find persons, even in the higher
grades of society, who habitually neglect to avail themselves of
that ventilation which their houses are constructed to allow of,
and who seem to delight in close, sickly and unhealthy rooms.
The same want of appreciation of the value of fresh air is still
more frequent among the poor, whose apartments are often