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22 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN. 
that, although unusually hard and somewhat suspiciously 
high in the amount of albuminoids and chlorides contained, 
the water from these wells is apparently safe so far as 
present sewage or surface contamination is concerned. 
But it was shown that from the backing up of water in the 
sewer during heavy rains, the cistern that has furnished 
water for the Director’s residence is entirely unfit for use. 
The wells which have been pronounced safe, will, as in the 
past, be kept open, since they afford much cooler water 
during the summer than is obtainable from the city water 
supply; but early in the coming season it is proposed to 
place a small drinking fountain on the main near the gate- 
house, for the convenience of persons who wish to obtain 
water on leaving the Garden. 
Imperfect drainage, and the close proximity of cesspools 
and vaults, have made it necessary during the year to 
granitoid the cellars of the gate house, the farm house, and 
the dwelling of the Head Gardener. Each of these build- 
ings has also received other repairs, so that all have been 
rendered much more comfortable and healthful. Early in 
the season the attention of the Board was drawn to the 
obviously unsanitary condition of the late residence of Mr. 
Shaw, now assigned to the Director of the Garden in 
accordance with Mr. Shaw’s wishes. It is known that for 
many years inmates of the house have been subject to 
fevers, and an examination of the premises by several 
physicians showed that the entire surroundings were so un- 
sanitary that nothing but radical measures could make the 
building at all safe. It was, therefore, decided to carry 
city water to the house, lay a new sewer and cut off all 
connection with the old one, —a loosely laid stone drain 
clogged by the filth of many years, — and remove and re- 
build the east wing of the house, which was especially un- 
safe, and at the same time not in keeping with the remainder 
of the building. This work of renovation has apparently 
been thoroughly done, and is now substantially completed. 
The unsightly ice house east of the dwelling was removed 
