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of the basin. During the last three days when
the weather was unusually hot, the emanations
were most overpowering, and afforded convincing
evidence of the inexpediency and probable danger
of exposing the channel to the summer sun. On
chemical examination, it was found that the mud
contained a large quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen,
fixed by alkaline or earthy matters.
With these facts before them, the Committee
thought it necessary again to request an interview
with the Directors, who accordingly appointed
Friday, July the 9th, for the purpose. The members
of Parliament for the Borough kindly gave
their attendance on the occasion. On the part
of the Committee, their Chairman insisted on the
necessity of the improvements already indicated,
and further proposed that the waste weir should be
removed from its present position to the eastern
end of the Basin, in order to create a current
throughout its whole length. The Directors
promised that the Basin should be emptied, and
the channel excavated by spade labour, during the
winter.
On the 6th of December the Committee again
communicated with the Directors, reminding them
of their engagements; a letter was received in
answer, in which the Secretary to the Company
stated that owing to the unusual deficiency of rain,
the reservoir from which the Canal is principally
supplied, was nearly empty, and that " it would
therefore be impossible to run off any portion of