METEOROLOGY WATER. 213 



and state authorities, who differ from the oyster growers in their views on 

 several points. 



"The second part of the hook is devoted to a recital of American experience 

 in the disposal of sewage hy dilution in inland streams, lakes, tidal estuaries, 

 and oceans. Although several early American reports upon this subject were 

 prepared with much thoroughness, they have not received the attention in 

 recent years that they are entitled to. The prevailing method in America of 

 disposing of sewage by dilution has been applied in a faulty way in many 

 instances, and corrective measures are needed. It is not necessary, however, 

 in a majority of cases, to abandon this method in favor of complete purilicatiou. 

 The limiting factors and conditions in present practice are described at length, 

 with suitable summaries. 



"The third part of this book deals with what have been generally called pre- 

 paratory arrangements for the treatment of sewage. Screening, settling tanks, 

 septic tanks, chemical precipitation tanks, electrolytic treatment, and strainers 

 are discussed in much detail, particularly septicization in two-story tanks. 

 Ilesuuies as to their present standing are given for each device. 



"The fourth part deals with filtration matters with a view to recording pres- 

 ent practice. The closing pages of the book are devoted to aeration, steriliza- 

 tion, and ozonization processes as they are now understood, with a few expla- 

 nations as to institutional and residential plants, and a final comi)arative sum- 

 mary of general costs and efliciencies." 



The chapter on broad irrigation is of special interest from an agricultural 

 standpoint. In a resume of this chapter it is stated that " in America broad 

 irrigation or sewage farming is not practiced to-day even in the arid regions 

 so as to give satisfactory results for the sanitary disposal of sewage. There 

 may be scattering exceptions to this statement, but an examination of the 

 r.resent facts does not bear out earlier reiwrts that broad irrigation is really 

 used regularly and carefully in numerous places. 



" Objections to the method have increased rather than decreased in recent 

 years. These relate to objectionable odors, prejudices against the use of sewage 

 in growing vegetables, and to the transmission of disease germs by tlies and 

 other insects. 



" Experience shows that only nominal aid financially has been received from 

 the use of sewage in broad irrigation. 



" The present outlook is that broad irrigation or sewage farming is decidedly 

 on the wane with little prospects of adoption even in the arid districts except 

 perhaps for an occasional project where local conditions are unusually 

 favorable." 



Practical methods of sewag'e disposal, H. N. Ogden and H. B. Cleveland 

 (Neiv York and London, 1912, pp. VI-\-132, pi. 1, figs. 51; rev. in Engin. Neivs, 

 67 {1912), No. 2.'t, p. 1157). — This book explains the increasing need for more 

 eflScient means of sewage disposal in country homes and rural communities. It 

 deals with the individual system as distinguished from the community or 

 municipal plan of disposal. "The higher standards of living which have made 

 themselves felt throughout the rural community have demanded in farm- 

 houses and country homes sanitary conveniences which have hitherto been 

 wanting. 



"Gradually every house is using more and more water for various purposes, 

 and living conditions, which in the past tolerated a scanty supply drawn from 

 a pump, are no longer endured. The increased water supply and the demands 

 of extended plumbing mean a greater amount of sewage — so great an amount 

 that, in many cases, soils "which could receive and digest the waste waters 



