THE PRESERVATION OF HEALTH 



present, would be prevented. The same care should be 

 taken in the country, when the drinking water comes 

 from springs or shallow wells. 



Probably the safest source of a water supply is from 

 deep welh, sunk far below any possible befoulment from 

 the surface. Many towns are now thus supplied. Ordi- 

 nary wells and cisterns are seldom safe, unless great care 

 is used. The leakage from a barnyard or cesspool many 

 rods away may find its way into a well through the layers 

 of earth, and poison the water. Rain water is mixed with 

 dust from the air and the roof, with bits of leaves and 

 other organic matter, and should be thoroughly filtered 

 and boiled for drinking. 



Ice (unless manufactured from distilled water) contains 

 impurities, and should not be put into water used for 

 drinking. 



527. Public Bathing and Washing Conveniences are now 

 provided by the most progressive cities, and contribute 

 much to the health of the people. They should be free, 

 or so nearly so that the poorest families may be able to 

 enjoy the luxury of cleanliness. 



528. Disposal of Garbage and Sewage. Not only must 

 the daily waste in towns and cities be gathered up and 

 removed from sight, but it must also be treated in some 

 way which shall destroy its dangerous character. It must 

 not be dumped upon vacant lots in the poorer quarters of 

 the town, and left to decay and poison the air. And it 

 is seldom safe to pour it into neighboring water ways or 

 lakes. Various devices have been tried for the better 

 disposal of the poisonous waste -of human life, no one of 

 which is absolutely best for all localities. That which is 

 most desirable for a particular community must be deter- 

 mined in view of all circumstances and surroundings. 



