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Although there is still a communication between
the Ranelagh Sewer and the lake, its contents
only enter after unusual falls of rain, and so
diluted by surface water as to be almost innocuous.
The subject of the cleansing of the Serpentine
was several times under the consideration of the
Committee, but was finally postponed in consideration
of a statement made on the 8th of March in
the House of Commons by the late first Commissioner
of Works, that he intended to take a vote
for the purpose during the present session.
III. Cow Sheds.
This subject has again received the attention of
the Committee. During last Summer complaints
were made of the most pressing nature by householders
residing in all those parts of the Parish in
which Cow Sheds exist. In these complaints it
was most reasonably represented that the practice
of keeping Cows in the immediate neighbourhood
of inhabited houses ought not to be allowed ; that
it is not only productive of great annoyance, but
really prejudicial to health—directly so on account
of the emanations arising from accumulated refuse,
indirectly by introducing into the market a vitiated
product instead of healthy milk.
Unfortunately there is, in the present state of
the law, no remedy for this evil. Pigs are prohibited
absolutely and unconditionally; slaughterhouses
are placed under strict regulations; but
Cow Houses, which are quite as objectionable as