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20
C. MISCELLANEOUS PROCEEDINGS.
I. The Canal Basin.
Owing to the deficiency of rain during the
Spring of 1859, the water of the Canal basin became
putrescent at an earlier period than in any
former year, in which it has been under my observation.
During the calm and hot weather which
prevailed in the beginning of June, the exhalations
from its surface were peculiarly fetid, and could
be perceived at a great distance. In consequence
of the urgent complaints of residents in the neighbourhood
of the basin, a letter was addressed
(June 16) to the Directors of the Grand Junction
Canal Company, requesting them to take "prompt
and effectual measures for abating to the satisfaction
of the Medical Officer, the nuisance arising
from the present unusually offensive condition of
the Canal basin." In answer to this communication
a letter was received dated July 1st, stating
that "the water was in a much purer condition
than during the previous December" (see former
Report) and suggesting "the expediency in every
point of view of postponing for the present the running
off of the water;" at the same time assuring
the Committee that the Company would take every