Tuomson.—On the Cleansing of Towns. 55 
At the inland town of Dunse, coutaining about 4,000 inhabitants, and 
where the water-closet system has been introduced during these last 40 
years, I found that, as this was perfected and in operation, new and unan- 
ticipated difficulties presented themselves. Thus, as the town became 
satisfactory in its sanitary condition, the rural districts near and under its 
level became deteriorated by the nuisances flowing on them. Which cir- 
cumstance brought about long and expensive law-suits with the proprietors, 
and especially with the owner of Wedderburn House and Demesne. 
In the town of Kelso, situated on the banks of the Tweed, and about 
25 miles inland, it was observed here, also, that the increase of sewage, by 
the introduction of improved water supply and conveniences, was drawing 
opposition from the owners of the valuable salmon fishing stations. In view 
of this, the Corporation is now about to try and remedy the evil by carrying 
their outfall to an extensive shingle bank, where they hope to absorb the 
objectionable matters. 
At Edinburgh it was observed that the sewage that used to flow solely 
over the fields near Holyrood House uninterruptedly, and at least, without 
active objections, are now not only increased in their area, but the same 
system of irrigation is being applied to the west suburbs of the city. 
Hence, no certain action by the population can be anticipated on this 
subject. 
At Glasgow, from the report of whose Deputation I have so largely 
quoted, I found that still no general scheme had been decided on; in fact, 
that different principles had been found applicable to different parts, and 
broadly, the water-gravitation system to first and second-class houses, and 
the pail system to those inferior. The sewage yet falls into the Clyde, and 
Bazalgette’s recommendations were considered, if not impracticable, and 
beyond the means of the ratepayers, at least inadvisable. As a better 
scheme for conveying the offal away, steam barges, proceeding from Glasgow 
to the sea, were contemplated; as any attempt to utilize sewage is now 
abandoned. 
As my time and other engagements enabled me to ascertain, such is 
the state of town and city cleansing at home; and it will be noted that 
whilst much difference of opinion in detail exists amongst engineers, yet, 
to those who are able to bring an unprejudiced judgment to bear on the 
question, the principles to be adapted to the several and varied circum- 
stances are not difficult to be laid hold of. Comprehensively speaking, the 
interest is a n growing one, and in this respect it is not an exception from 
her great ts and expansions of modern civilization and requirements, 
If its necessities cause it to unduly infringe on other interests, then conflict 
