EUROPEAN METHODS OF STREET CLEANING 



Gutter flushing is commonly practiced. It is car- 

 ried as far in Paris as it probably will ever be possible 

 to carry it in any city. The flow of water through 

 the gutters to the sewers is so large and continuous 

 that minute water plants frequently grow upon the 

 wood paving close to the curb, streaking it green. There 

 seems to be little trouble from street dirt in sewers. 

 Still', the practice of removing as much of the dirt as 

 possible from the streets with horse brooms is con- 

 sidered a wise procedure when there is much dirt to be 

 dealt with. 



In parts of London water carts are arranged to dis- 

 charge a stream of water upon the pavement toward 

 the gutter as the cart is driven along the curb. This 

 plan of gutter flushing is fairly effective and costs little. 



Much can be said in favor of an abundant flushing 

 of gutters. A good deal of fine refuse from the car- 

 riageways and sidewalks naturally accumulates in this 

 place and can easily be carried away to the sewers 

 when the gutters are flushed and swept. The custom 

 of flushing gutters exists generally throughout Europe 

 in cities of every size, but Paris makes the most use 

 of it. The streets are flushed every night in the city 

 of London except when the weather is so cold that 

 ice might form. The hydrants are about 120 feet 

 apart and sunk beneath the sidewalk. 



Flushing by means of hose is carried on in the same 

 general way wherever practiced. The nozzle used is 

 generally circular in form and about j of an inch in di- 

 ameter. It is often provided with a deflector by which 

 the shape and force of the stream can be regulated. 

 The hose is made of rubber or leather, often 2 inches 

 in diameter, and 50 feet to 200 feet in length. In the 



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