MODERN METHODS OF STREET CLEANING 



tions. Street dirt which can be shoveled is hauled 

 away in carts; the rest is flushed into the sewers. 



So much water is used on the streets and to flush the 

 gutters that algae grow and make some of the gutters 

 permanently green. The city has separate water- 

 supplies for drinking and cleaning purposes. But little 

 grit reaches the sewers, considering the use to which 

 they are put and the fact that there are no catch basins. 

 Comparatively little sand is used on the streets and it 

 is said that some of the sand which gets into the sewers 

 is taken out, washed, and used over again. Immediately 

 after showers squeegees are used and some sand is 

 sprinkled by hand on the hills. 



From 11 A.M. to 1 P.M., the street-cleansing force 

 lays off for luncheon, after which the men resume work 

 until 4 P.M. This final period is usually occupied in 

 flushing and sweeping the gutters, most of which have 

 been cleaned in the morning, and in collecting the 

 papers and other refuse thrown into the streets since 

 the morning cleansing. The larger refuse is placed in 

 some quiet place off the main thoroughfares where it 

 is likely to cause little annoyance until it can be col- 

 lected by the wagons of the regular morning service, 

 or, if necessary, by a special service in the evening. 



Since gutter flushing is one of the most prominent 

 features of Paris street cleaning, a few more words may 

 cutter be said regarding it. The water is obtained 

 Flushing f rom hydrants concealed beneath the sidewalk 

 and opening by simple overflows through the outer facing 

 of the curbs. When the water is turned on it usually 

 flows close to the curb along the street according 

 to the grade; but if the grade is insufficient for this 

 purpose, the direction of flow is regulated by tem- 



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