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35
of houses and of population, those services are likely
to be every year in greater request.
The Canal Basin.
Upon the condition of the Canal Basin much
consideration has been bestowed by the Sanitary
and Public Health Committee. It at all times
demands the attention of the Sanitary Inspector.
The bottom of the Basin is covered with ooze
irregularly distributed over it—the largest deposits
being in the centre—consisting mostly of decomposed
animal and vegetable substances, with more
or less earthy matter, which have accidentally fallen
from the wharves on either side of it and from
the boats in the course of their being loaded and
unloaded. Much of the excreta from persons living
in the boats when in the Basin is thrown into it.
Bilge water, the liquid from offensive cargoes, and
surface water from the wharves, find their way
into it. The ooze, soft mud or slime, nearly black
in colour and amounting to several thousand tons,
varies in thickness from a few inches to three feet.
This was ascertained by me, with the help of
Inspector Biorn, by means of measuring rods in
1878, and again within the last few days by
Inspector Clifford.
In front of some of the wharves, from carelessness
in loading the boats, there are still larger