56 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan., 



tion. That is one form provided by nature for the disposal 

 of filth or the decomposition of dead organic matter. 



A very different process follows if filth is deposited in 

 masses so deep in the ground that the light and air are ex- 

 cluded and where the little scavengers before mentioned can- 

 not live. 



The dissolution and disintegration, however, takes place 

 just as certainly, but under the action of other kinds of bac- 

 teria. This latter form of decomposition is called putrefac- 

 tion, and in a sanitary sense is exceedingly objectionable. 

 The mass of matter becomes liquefied and putrid, generating 

 disgusting and noxious odors and numerous solid, liquid, and 

 gaseous products which permeate the soil and produce poi- 

 sonous results dangerous to human health. It is said that 

 ptomaines produced by putrefaction are as active and dan- 

 gerous as any poisons known. 



This sort of filth disposal always takes place in cesspools 

 and privy vaults. When filth is stored in masses under- 

 ground, shut out from air and light, putrefying action with 

 its consequent products is inevitable. 



The putrid liquids fall by gravity to the water level and 

 pollute the water of your well. Prof. Vaughan has said that 

 bad water has killed more people than bad whisky. 



The gases find their way to the surface and mingle with 

 the atmosphere. But there are conditions when their ready 

 escape upward is prevented. This is particularly true when 

 the ground is frozen and impervious. This is the common 

 situation during Connecticut winters. 



But down below the frost in your filth pits the production 

 of toxic gases goes right on unhindered, seeking an outlet 

 somewhere, the nearest and most available being the cellar 

 of your house. That is not frozen. There is no impediment 

 to the passage of gases through its bottom, nor to their con- 

 tinuous passage up through the rooms above. The air in 

 the house being warmer than the outside air, the house acts 

 as a chimney to the ground air, and, as we say of a chimney, 

 it draws well and sucks in the defiled ground air from a space 

 all around the house. Thus our putrid filth pits become 

 another very serious source of house air pollution. It should 

 be remembered that about one-third of the space above the 

 level of the ground water is occupied with air. It is also true 



