54 Suggestions for a System of 



ject before proceeding to those suggestions for the drainage 

 of our own city, which appear to me to spring naturally from 

 the data I have adduced. 



I need scarcely say that the pipes must be of adequate 

 thickness and strength, perfectly smooth in their bore, well 

 covered by a thoroughly repellent glaze on their surfaces, 

 and accurately jointed. The bed in which they are laid must 

 be of uniform solidity, well rammed, and where necessary, 

 concreted. The earth should be pressed round and above 

 them in layers, so that the danger of disjointing from uneven 

 bearing may be prevented. Taking a lesson from the circu- 

 lating system in the human economy, the junctions of the 

 pipes should be curved in such a manner as to blend the 

 current without opposition; a junction at right angles being 

 favorable to the accumulation of deposit. The stopping of 

 the joints should be such as to prevent any internal obstruc- 

 tions, and proper traps should be provided at all inlets to 

 prevent the admission of material for stoppage. Occasional 

 flushing from the water mains should be secured as both pro- 

 moting the cleansing and ventilation of the drains. The 

 shortest distance practicable from the summit of any drain 

 to its outfall should be sought for, but the fall should be the 

 quickest in tributaries, as in house drains. Means of exami- 

 nation should be provided at intervals ; and the execution of 

 the drainage, and its supervision when completed, should be 

 under competent engineers and workmen; in fact, none 

 others should be allowed to interfere with either the plan or 

 the construction. Without entering upon the subject of the 

 ventilation of sewers, I may remark that provision for escape 

 of noxious gases must be provided, otherwise they will force 

 their way through the water in the traps, and become injuri- 

 ous in a very high degree. Doubtless, the best methods of 

 encompassing many of these practical points are yet subjects 

 for professional and scientific investigation. As a most im- 

 portant, although subsidiary accessary to any system of 

 drainage, a proper water closet to each dwelling is indispen- 

 sable. I do not mean the antique combination of pulleys, 

 levers, and valves, so dear to plumbers and their customers, 

 but the common syphon trap, stoneware pan, and bason, 

 which at this time can be purchased in London for 7s. 6d., 

 and is insisted upon by the authorities acting under the 

 Board of Health throughout England. 



Returning, to the topic of the cost of the drainage of 

 Melbourne, I may state that on an average two miles of sewers 



