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23
that up to the end of the year, 208 had been
removed or abated. This investigation has led
to a great improvement in the condition of the
stables, which cannot fail to have a beneficial effect
not only on the health of the human inhabitants
connected with them, but also on the health of
the animals to which they are devoted. In fact,
the response to the notices of improvement in the
stables shewed that the owners were quite alive to
the value of the health of the animals that lived in
them—a response which it is sometimes difficult
to arouse in behalf of the human occupants of
houses needing sanitary amendment. With regard
to the practice of allowing families to dwell in rooms
above stables, I have the conviction that it is
injurious to their health, and that the sooner the
practice is abolished, the better will it be for the
health of the community.
For some years past I have taken considerable
interest in the purification of the water of the
Serpentine in Hyde Park. This piece of water is of
interest not only to the inhabitants of the parishes
in which it is situate, but to all the neighbouring
parishes. It is not only a place of exercise and
recreation for the more opulent classes of society,
but it is a great public morning and evening bath,
open to all who have time and leisure to gain access
to it. On both accounts it is connected with the
health of the community, and claims the attention
of the Medical Officers of Health in whose locality