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11
water. At the request of the Sanitary Committee, I have lately been
engaged in an examination of the well-waters of this district, and at
some future time shall have to lay before you the detailed results of my
investigations. The extension of deep sewerage through both Fulham
and Hammersmith, which I trust may very speedily be effected, will so
entirely drain the present surface wells, that it is unnecessary, perhaps,
for me to say more now than that they supply a water of highlyobjectionable
qualities. A considerable deepening of these will of
course, where continued, be necessary, but it is of importance also
that every encouragement should be given to the extension of the mains
of the different water companies through the district, without which
the water clause of the amended Metropolitan Bill will be of little
service to us.
VENTILATION OF SEWERS.
As the contemplated new drainage work proceeds, the subject of the
ventilation of the sewers will demand your serious attention. The
working of the apparatus suggested by Mr. Bean and myself, which
has been in operation at the Broadway, and in the Bridge Road for a
considerable time, has been most satisfactory as an experiment. I am
of opinion that no objectionable influence has been exerted on the air
of the sewer itself, and no complaint has ever been made of smells
arising from the shafts where it has been used. Its action in preventing
debris falling into the sewer is of remarkable advantage, and the
only failing mentioned after a severe trial in the crowded thoroughfares
of the City, was its comparative weakness with regard to very heavy
traffic.
This is, however, entirely a mere question of construction, and does
not injuriously affect its applicability for its purpose. A deepening of
the flanges, and a slight modification of its superficial area, will
completely, I think, overcome this deficiency ; and if a second tolerably
close-fitting cage, filled with large pieces of charcoal, be hung at the
bottom of the shaft, or a vessel containing common vitriol to absorb
the moisture of the cases, be suspended at the same spot, I further
believe that the only real drawback to its efficiency would be entirely
obviated, and its action perfect.
METEROLOGY.
The mean reading of the barometer for the year has been 29 968.
Mean temperature 49 4. Mean humidity 81. (Saturation=100.)
Mean amount of ozone 2.8. Mean cloud 7. The total amount of
rain has been 2011 inches which has fallen on 166 days.
I have the honor to be,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
FREDERICK J. BURGE,
Medical Officer of Health.