148 MR. J. P. JOULE ON THE UTILIZATION OF THE 
general opposes the plans of the referees, appears to be 
the one finally adopted by the Board of Works on June 
the 29th, 1858. 
In justice to the eminent engineers I have named it is 
needful to premise that the duty they were called on to 
perform was rather to carry out a system predetermined 
by the hasty voice of public opinion, than to devise a plan 
entirely agreeable to their own views. 
It would be beyond my province as well as my ability 
to describe the vast works which are now being attempted 
in conformity with the last resolution of the Metropolitan 
Board. It will however be sufficient to describe the gene- 
ral principle, in order to enable us to decide how far the 
two great objects, which any reasonable person must place 
before him, will be met. These are first, and T say especially, 
as it to a great extent includes the second, the economical 
use of sewage; second, the beauty and healthfulness of 
the metropolis. And here it is most deeply to be regretted 
that the projectors generally, instead of applying themselves 
to the fair consideration of both the above objects, have 
hastily abandoned the first one, so that, even if the plans 
answer the intention of the designers, the first great object 
will be further than ever from its realization. In fact, to 
illustrate how steadily, and I may say determinedly, the 
opposition to economy has been carried on, I have only to 
quote the following language of the government referees 
in page 38 of their Report: — “ We consider it very inex- 
pedient for the Metropolitan Board of Works to adopt any 
plan which is based upon the deodorization or the utiliza- 
tion of sewage; that if an attempt is to be made to utilize 
London sewage, it should be made by private enterprize ;” 
and in page 43 —‘“ That the value of the fertilizing matter 
contained in London sewage is undoubtedly great; but 
that the large quantity of water with which it is diluted 
precludes the possibility of separating more than about 
