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14
Physical Features.
eastern side of the district rises with a gradual slope from the river
towards the south, proceeding westwards the slope of the ground
gets more marked, till at Vicarage Road the highest level is
reached.
In addition to the fine and permanent stretch of open spaces,
there are many large recreation grounds for polo, golf, football,
cricket, tennis, hockey, etc. There is also a large number of country
houses with extensive grounds attached. Mention should be made,
also, of several market gardens and nurseries.
The soil is gravelly over the London Clay, which latter outcrops
in the vicinity of Palewell Park. There is a gentle slope up from
the river to Richmond Park and Roehampton ; surface water gets
away very quickly and the ground soon dries.
The district is growing rapidly and many new houses are being
erected, but at the same time the rural charms of the place are
not disappearing and probably never will. It would be difficult to
find any district so near London with more town facilities and more
country advantages.
The population has increased from 17,900 in 1901 to 33,386 in
1913, i.e., nearly doubled itself. There are no occupations in the
district which could adversely influence the public health.* The
majority of the male inhabitants are business and city men ; a large
brewery employs many men, and several large laundries employ
many young women. A large number of men also are employed by
the London General Omnibus Company and by the London & South
Western Railway, also by contractors and builders. The Hospitals
supplying this district are the West London at Hammersmith, the
Putney and the Richmond Hospitals. The Poor Law Hospital is
*A small Carbon by-product factory and a Rubber factory have been causes
of complaint, and this matter has been referred to the Inspector of Factories.
The proposed erection of a large Gas works in the neighbourhoood is meeting
with a very active and justifiable opposition.