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turned out to grass in the summer time, and brought up to
the cowhouses in winter.
But it is my opinion that cowhouses and slaughterhouses
should not be allowed to bo erected in the midst of dwelling
houses, as 1st, they must depreciate the value of property in
their neighbourhood; 2nd, as a matter of course nuisances
must arise, with ever so great attention to cleanliness, which
are likely to be prejudicial to health.
3rd. The shutting up of cows continually, in many instances
without light, and in a close locality, without sufficient supply
of air, must be productive of disease in the animals, and entail
consequent loss to the owner.
Cowhouses should be placed in country fields alone, where
the animals could have free fresh air and exercise, with an
abundant supply of fresh food.
This would make them more healthy, and would make milk
a much more desirable beverage, and food for children and
invalids, than a great deal of it is at the present day; and is
most important, when it is considered how dependant infants
and invalids arc upon this aliment.
The only way of overcoming the slaughterhouse nuisance
will be that of having public abattoirs erected out of reach of
dwelling houses, where only animals can be killed and whence
offal and filth can be frequently removed, under proper and
constant supervision.
Scavenger.
No efficient system of scavengering is at present adopted in
this district.
It would, I think, greatly improve the cleanliness of the
district, and at the same time conduce to the comfort and
health of the inhabitants, if a scavenger were appointed to
keep the roads and paths clean, and attend to the removal of
dust and refuse of all kinds from houses.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
F. E. WILKINSON.
December 31st, 1864.