468 Transactions. — Miscellaneous. 



perfectly, and are at the same time more expensive than the 

 simple earthenware form. No valve closet is convenient for 

 pouring a large pailful of slops down, because the valve pre- 

 sents an obstruction, even if held up, which is not an easy 

 operation to perform while pouring. There are two principal 

 varieties of the closet recommended, which are generally distin- 

 guished as the "wash-down" and the "wash-out" closet. On 

 Plate XLVIII., fig. 2 shows a section of the former, and fig. 3 

 of the latter. For the former it is contended that the force of 

 the flush goes directly downwards into the trap and carries all 

 before it more effectually than it can do in the latter, in which 

 it first discharges into the pan, and then flows over the rim 

 into the trap. I am inclined, notwithstanding this, to prefer 

 the latter, because, owing to there being a larger surface of 

 water immediately under the centre of the pan, its sides are 

 less likely to become soiled. It will be seen that both of these 

 closets are of the simplest possible construction, and that as 

 long as they remain unbroken, and are used frequently enough 

 to prevent the water in the trap from evaporating, it is abso- 

 lutely impossible for any return of foul air from the pipe to 

 take place. Even if the water-seal should be destroyed by 

 evaporation such air from the drain would find a readier exit 

 upwards through the ventilating-pipe rather than by descend- 

 ing between the lips of the trap into the pan. There is also 

 the minimum of surface, and that of the smoothest, for 

 any foul matter to collect upon, and there is no mechanism 

 to get out of order. 



The closet should always have a flushing-pipe not less than 

 l^in. diameter, which should come from a waste-preventer 

 cistern, separate from all others, holding not less than two 

 gallons of water, and placed at least 6ft. above the closet. 

 The use of a separate cistern will prevent the possibility of 

 contaminating any water used for drinking or washing. It 

 should be placed in the room, where it is always accessible, 

 and not above the ceiling. 



To insure the most wholesome closet arrangement the 

 wooden casing round it should be entirely dispensed with, and 

 only a hinged flap should be provided as a seat. By adopting 

 this plan it will, when the lid is raised, serve the purpose of a 

 slop-sink and urinal as efficiently as anything that could be 

 contrived for these uses, and will at the same time save the 

 space and extra cost of providing and fitting them. If expense 

 does not stand in the way a very nice addition is to cover the 

 floor and surrounding walls for a short space with glazed tiles 

 set in cement. You have then the most perfect arrangement, 

 in my humble opinion as a householder, which has as yet been 

 suggested by the experts. 



The detailed arrangements which have so far been de- 



