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23
the water from the Paddington Basin until such
supplies could be obtained as would restore the
quantity so run off." The letter concluded with
the assurance that this circumstance alone prevented
the immediate cleansing of the Basin.*
Under these circumstances it became a question
whether or not the Directors should be called upon
to purchase from the water companies the supply
requisite for the fulfilment of their engagements.
In consideration of the heavy expense which it
appeared that this would involve, and in the hope
that before the end of the winter the natural sources
of supply might be available, the Committee decided
not to press the matter further at that time.
Unfortunately these anticipations have not been
realized ; the quantity of water in the Canal having
been on no occasion since the beginning of the
year more than sufficient to meet the ordinary
requirements of the traffic.
II. The Serpentine.
During the past winter the Sewer in the
Uxbridge Road, referred to in my last Report, was
constructed. One of the results of this improvement
has been that the Serpentine is now almost
completely free from contamination by sewage.
* The year 1858 was remarkable for the small quantity of rain
which fell. The deficiency was greatest during the last three
months, the rain-fall of which was 3.1 inches, instead of 7.6
inches, the average quantity during the corresponding quarters ot
the previous 40 years.