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15
"The destrucior consists of eight cells, placed back to back
"in pairs, these have been constructed, using the two best des"criptions
of materials which could be obtained, with the view to
"ascertaining which will stand the expansion and contraction the
"best, wear and tear the best; special care has been given to the
"construction of the brickwork.
"There is an underground flue from the Destructor to the
"shaft, it is 7 ft. high, and 4 ft. wide, connecting the former with
"the latter, and along this the products of combustion travel, then
"up the shaft, the distance being about 300 ft.
"The shaft is construced of the best quality of Cowley stock
"bricks, laid in mortar gudged with cement, in proportion varying
"with the amount of elasticity considered requisite for the winding
"of the shaft of this size, the cap, or terminal, is constructed of
"iron-glazed brick and terra-cotta, and patent Victoria stones with
"a weathering of bricks and sheet lead.
"The work also comprises an office, dwelling-house for care"taker,
also a well with an unlimited supply of water for many
"purposes.
"There are two entrances, one in Wentworth-street, the other
"in George-yard.
"The brickwork of the furnaces is within one foot of the walls
"of adjacent dwelling-houses, without causing the least incon"venience—notwithstanding
the intense heat inside the furnaces,
"the bare hand can be held without danger on any external
"portion of the structure."
After six months' experience, it may be asserted that, so far
as its capacity goes, the experiment has proved eminently
successful. Refuse, of every description most likely to cause inconvenience
and danger to the inhabitants of the District, when
placed in the cells comprising the Destructor, very rapidly become
converted into inoffensive, and, perhaps, useful clinker. It is clear,
however, that the furnaces must be enlarged, and I am hopeful
also, that when the additional cells are in situ, steam power will be
added, so that when a Lyon's disinfecting chamber shall be placed