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as before mentioned, viz., by water-closets and soil pipes,
waste pipes to water cisterns which communicate with the
closet pipe or with the sewer, by sinks, which are always
insufficiently trapped, in which the trap is frequently
removed, or by drain pipes under houses insufficiently
cemented.
The ventilation of sewers requires particular attention.
It is necessary that sewers should bo Ventilated, other
wise, whilst the present system of drainage exists, the gases
formed from their decomposing contents would be liable to
find their way into dwelling houses, especially when the
atmosphere within them is rarified by heat.
But the offensive smell from these ventilating apertures
is often complained of, more especially in the higher portions
of the district. In such cases charcoal boxes might be and
have in some cases been affixed. Ventilating pipes or shafts
might be placed by the sides of buildings; but in no case
should the number of ventilating apertures be diminished.
1869.—I am of opinion that a more rigid inspection of
houses in the district is advisable, to show whether they are
all properly drained into the main sewers constructed in
various parts of the district, and to see that old drains, cesspools,
and receivers, are done away with where practicable.
Constant observation proves, as I have before mentioned,
that the drainage of houses should be as much as possible
external to them, that the soil pipes from closets should be
outside buildings, that the pipes from sinks should never be
allowed to enter the drain, and that the overflow pipes from
cisterns should never be connected with a closet or sewer.
1870.—Same as abover,
Added to which that every drain should be provided
with a ventilating pipe of sufficient height to carry off foul
out of reach, and to prevent the possibility of sewer air
forcing itself into houses, especially at night, when houses are
closed.
That it would be as well if the public generally would
earbolic acid more extensively in private houses for drains