in the putrefaction of vegetable and animal matters; hence it is found in sewers, and especially in cesspools and similar places. where accumulations of this filth take place. During the emptying of such receptacles, workmen sometimes suffer from asphyxia, or, as the French call it, "le plomb" (probably from the oppression on the chest which accompanies it). Parent Duchatelet states that the symptoms of poisoning by sulphuretted hydrogen are very alarming, for "the individual is either seized suddenly, and dies instantly, or, if the quantity of deleterious gas is too little to bring instant death, the asphyxiated person, suddenly losing consciousness, is taken with convulsive movements or other very grave nervous disturbances, and it is only after several days that he recovers perfect health." The presence of sulphuretted hydrogen is readily detected by its odor, which resembles that of rotten eggs; but it is soothing in its nature if inhaled, which renders it especially dangerous when escaping into rooms where persons are sleeping.

It will be seen, then, of what extreme

importance is the prevention of the passage of sewer gases into our houses, and I have entered somewhat fully into the properties of these foul gases, because I wish to show clearly that they are not things to be trifled with.

Carbonic oxide is, like carbonic acid, a product of the combustion of carbon, or the union of carbon with oxygen, but the proportion of oxygen is less in the former than in the latter compound. Carbonic oxide, though a dangerous gas, need not be considered at length here, as it does not, I believe, exist in sewers, and is very seldom found in houses. It cannot, like sulphuretted hydrogen, be detected by its smell, as it is inodorous as well as colorless and tasteless. Carbonic oxide burns with a blue flame, which probably most people have noticed at some time or other, either playing over burning charcoal or dancing upon an ignited lime kiln.

I must now leave this part of the subject and say a few words useful, I hope, to those who are about to choose a house, whether as tenants or purchasers, and in

doing so I may, perhaps, travel somewhat away from ventilation.

The first consideration, after settling which town or part of the country it is desired to live in, should be the situation of the house, i.e., not only its aspect, but the condition of the soil on which it stands, and its position with regard to any ponds, streams, rivers, or other natural features.

Taking first the aspect. It is generally considered that a house is most favorably situated when its principal front is towards the south-east, for it then gets the morning sun, while the rooms are sheltered to a great extent from the midday heat. The south-west is the rainy quarter in the country, and should, therefore be avoided. A gravel soil is commonly to be preferred to any other, although, I believe, that in towns which are well sewered and drained, the nature of the soil is not of so much importance; indeed, one might readily imagine a case in which a gravel soil would be anything but a benefit-as, for instance, where there is a pond near the house, and on about the same level, or in towns where

percolating cesspools are the fashion. Running water near a house is not objectionable, indeed many persons consider it rather beneficial than otherwise; but before taking the house, care should be exercised in ascertaining that the water is free from sewage contamination, especially if it be a small stream, or liable to dry up in summer. Stagnant ponds should always be avoided, especially if the house is on nearly the same level.

With regard to artificial sanitary conditions, as distinguished from natural situation, soil, etc., the first question to be asked of the landlord should be as to a good water supply to the house other than from wells on the premises. There being no such supply, nor means of laying one on, would certainly be against the house, inasmuch as where there are no water works, there is generally no system of sewerage, and it may safely be said that in any unsewered town there is hardly a well the water of which is fit to drink ; to say ing of the labor of pumping water into cisterns, etc. From this follows, naturally,

noth

I say

the question as to the sewerage of the town or village. If there is no system of sewers, I would say, "live anywhere else if you possibly can," for the absence of sewerage indicates the existence of some form of cesspool, an evil so great that nothing but absolute necessity should cause any person to take a house to which a cesspool is attached. some form of cesspool," for I am quite aware that there are schemes which profess to do away with water-closets, and cesspools, and partially with sewers, but upon examination, they will all be found. wanting in some material point. Among these plans are the "dry earth" and "pail" systems, both, in my opinion, but forms of cesspools. If the town or village is sewered, the first point is to make sure that the house drains are properly connected with the sewers. It is no uncommon thing for the drain to be carried from the house to the outside of the sewer, and to stop then, being thus rather worse than useless. The bricklayer would probably call this "leaving another job." After seeing that the connection is properly made,