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from gulley gratings and from ventilating grids were very
numerous) amply satisfies me that it is indispensable
to secure a better fall, and a more abundant water
supply and periodical flushing in many of the Sewers.
The natural water supply may be enough for this
purpose in some houses and streets, but a supplementary
flushing should be employed in others to remedy sluggish
drainage and foul emanations, whether arising from
structural defects in the original construction of the
Sewer or not.
The result of the investigation has not been
fruitless. A large number of gullies have been
reconstructed in lieu of the old and imperfect ones
with open throats and no catch pits for the sand and
dirt which find their way into the Sewers. A large
number of new ventilating openings have been made.
What however was the greatest and most dangerous
nuisance of all, the large deposit in the Sewers, is
now being removed by a staff of men employed in the
Sewers department for the special purpose of flushing
and cleansing.
From long experience in Sanitary matters, I take
the occasion to remark that the supervision of sewers
and drains, whether of streets or private houses, must
sooner or later be a department of Sanitary administration,
and for several reasons. 1. The Inspector of
Nuisances has to give an accurate opinion, and often
suggest an immediate remedy for complaints that come
before him, more especially of smells and nuisances
from house-drains, respecting which he has to see the
owner or occupier, and give advice. He should base his
knowledge upon plans and data. At present he