[ 16 ] 



Dr. Hallipax said it was acknowledged as a general principle 

 that the growth of vegetables purified the water; and this was 

 found to be the case even in tanks or globes, where the purity of 

 either fresh or sea water was preserved by the presence of weeds. 



The rapidity of growth of the anacJiaris weed was then dilated 

 upon. 



Mr. C. F. Dennet enquired whether there was no mineral 

 substance pumped up with the Brighton water? 



Mr. WoNFOB replied that there was a quantity of chalk in 

 solution — he believed about fifteen grains to the gallon. 



Mr. Glaisyer said the proportion was about seven grains to 

 the gallon, as supplied by the Corporation. 



Mr. WONFOB observed that boiling would to a great extent get 

 rid of the chalk ; or, if the Brighton Corporation would adopt the 

 plan which used to be a patent, but which was now public property, 

 the quantity would be reduced to about three grains, the water 

 would lose what was commonly called its hardness, there would be 

 a wonderful saving to the ratepayers in soap, and to the house- 

 holders in connection with their boilers and kitchen ranges. 



Mr. Dennet handed in a newspaper paragraph which stated 

 that Dr. Letheby had come to the conclusion that moderately hard 

 water was safer and more healthy for drinking than soft water. 



Mr. WoNFOR remarked that, as a matter of fact, absolutely 

 pure water was not good for drinking. 



The meeting then resolved itself into a conversazione for the 

 exhibition and inspection of the various objects of pond life 

 which had been brought by Dr. Hallifax, Mr. Wonfor, Mr. J. E. 

 Haselwood, Mr. T. Glaisyer, Mr. R. Glaisyer, and Mr. G. Nash. 

 Among the most noticeable were the rotifera exhibited by Dr. 

 Hallifax. 



Mr. Wonfor specially drew the attention of the meeting to a 

 specimen of the Daphnia which was covered with Vorticellac — small 

 bell-like animals. 



The larvis of the English gnat, and specimens of impure well 

 water containing Bacteria, were also shown. 



