54 Transactions.— Miscellaneous. 
abolished by law, due regard in point of time being had to the condition of 
each locality." 
By referring to appendix I.,* the cost of the several systems of town- 
cleansing will be seen at a glance, which will be found to vary from 1d. to 
114d. per pound on the rateable value of house property, local peculiarities 
evidently having influence in this matter. For instance, at Rochdale, 
scavengering is put down at 83d., Birmingham at 53d., and Leamington at 
1d.; while sewage for Rochdale is put down at 0d., Birmingham at 41d., 
and Leamington at 54d.; the totals being 83d., 10d., and 61d. respectively. 
The highest rated is Blackburn, viz., at 114d. in the pound. 
Coming to my own observations, I shall first notice Berwick-upon-Tweed, 
as I had an opportunity of watching the construction of the waterworks 
and drainage of that town 23 years ago, so I inspected their state lately 
with more than ordinary interest. This is a town of 20,000 inhabitants, 
situated on rising ground near the mouth of the Tweed, and where its waters 
are fully affected by the tide. I ascertained that the drainage on the whole 
had worked well, excepting when the water-supply ran short, which occurs 
periodically in the summer. The sewers, constructed about 23 years ago, 
were well executed; but the engineer had under-estimated the water- 
supply, which had rendered the working somewhat experimental. The first 
trouble that was experienced was in the high-pressure mains being con- 
nected directly with the water-closets ; this, when the supply of water was 
intermittent, sent the excreta back into the closets, creating great nuisances ; 
this difficulty has now been obviated by each closet being provided with a 
small cistern filled by the mains, from which the closets are supplied. 
Before this was done, people, finding the water not on in leaving, tied up 
the valve, so that it might run when it came on, thus much of the supply 
was wasted by the water running continuously, 
The poor classes especially are difficult to manage or to deal with, owing 
to the practice they are given to of abusing the conveniences, hence this 
class always demand sharp looking after by the inspector. 
Ashpits are allowed in this town to a limited extent, but for small houses 
boxes or pails are used for the removal of rubbish, ashes, &c. 
The sewage falls into the river Tweed, but to this the Tweed Salmon 
Commissioners object as it is tending to pollute the stream and destroy fish. 
When the high-pressure water-supply is good and sufficient, the water- 
closet and sewage system of the town has worked well, but the entire 
problem of the removal of house-refuse has not yet been fully solved. 
It is quite clear that here, as elsewhere, the subject is one for continuous 
effort, not possible to be settled by spasmodic exertion, and then to be 
done with. 
Ls 
* End of Glasgow Report copied, 
