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cases, although it is very desirable that this should be done
where possible, in order to save loss of time in fruitless
inquiry.
Another and most valuable mode of assisting in maintaining
a high degree of public health is for each householder to
insist upon scrupulous cleanliness being observed in the
premises under his control.
It cannot be too strongly urged that proper precautions
against infection will also do much to ensure immunity from
sickness generally. The great preventive of disease is cleanliness—cleanliness
in living, cleanliness of person, and cleanliness
of surroundings. The Vestry, as the local Sanitary
Authority, are constantly striving after this condition of
things, but unless the parishioners generally heartily cooperate
in their several spheres, a great part of the work of
the Vestry will be rendered nugatory.
Three possible sources of danger exist in every house, and
yet, with proper attention, very slight risk need arise from
either of them. These are the dust receptacle, the water
supply, and the house drains. With regard to the dust
receptacle, greater cleanliness might be obtained, and
considerable economy effected, if such of the house refuse as
cannot be destroyed by fire were to be deposited in metal
receptacles with a proper cover, instead of in a brick-built
dustbin. The receptacle, which can be purchased for a few
shillings, should not be larger than to admit of being readily
moved by one person; it could be kept in the dustbin and
taken by the householder or a servant to the street door,
handed to the dustman, emptied into the cart, and returned.
By this means, the entrance of the dustman into the
premises, transferring the contents of the dustbin into
baskets, and the accompanying dirt, annoyance, and possible