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the surveyor was directed to report on its effects.
His report being unfavourable, the Committee
resolved on the 18th of March, 1858, again to communicate
with the Canal Directors, and to repeat the
expression of their conviction that no other means,
except those before pointed out to them, would
answer the purpose. The further steps to which
this gave rise will fall within the scope of my next
year's statement.*
II. The Serpentine.
On the 16th of July, I presented a report on the
Serpentine, containing microscopical and chemical
analyses of the water and of the mud at the bottom,
and showing the dangers arising from its foul
condition, and the advantages to be anticipated
from the execution, as contemplated by Sir B. Hall,
of works of improvement, similar to those which
he has so admirably carried out in the lake in
St. James's Park. At the direction of the Vestry
I waited on Sir B. Hall on the subject, and
at his request sent him a copy of the report.
He expressed his intention of forwarding the
improvements in question to the utmost of his
power.
*During the present Summer a second conference was held
with the Directors, which was attended by Lord Ebrington and
the Right Hon. Sir B. Hall, Members of Parliament for the
Borough. The result was satisfactory in so far, that a promise
was obtained that the Basin should be excavated by spade labour
next Winter.