Waier Supply of Belfast. 73 



Mr. Adam Speers. — I am sure all present have been much 

 interested in the instructive and eloquent lecture we have just 

 heard. Mr. Macassey, in his own clear and happy manner, has 

 given us much information on what is to the citizens of Belfast 

 a most important subject. In the lecture, I noticed that reference 

 was made to a series of experiments made by Dr. Percy Frank- 

 land some years ago with a view to determine the efficiency of 

 sand filters in removing organic matter and microbes from 

 drinking water, when it was discovered that sand filters were 

 efficient beyond previous expectation. I remember reading of 

 these experiments in some of the scientific journals of the time, 

 and, if I don't mistake, it was stated that the sand used which 

 produced the most unexpected results was not of the ordinary 

 sort, but a green ferruginous sand. It occurred to me while 

 Mr. Macassey was describing the mode of construction of the 

 filter beds, whether it would not be possible to get some of this 

 ferruginous sand and use it as part of the filtering medium. We 

 were not told what kind of sand was to be used, whether Lough 

 Neagh sand or pure sea sand. (Mr. Macassey, " Both kinds.'') 

 I think we may be all perfectly satisfied that the filtration works 

 are in safe and skilful hands, and that not only the quality of 

 the drinking water, but also the health of this great community 

 will be greatly improved after the completion of the works. 



Mr. Wm. Gray. — I am very deeply interested in this question, 

 but have been utterly nonplussed by the statement of one of the 

 gentlemen behind me who gives such a bad character of the 

 water of Belfast. There is some consolation in the fact, that 

 there is great diversity of opinion among the chemists them- 

 selves, as exem-plified this evening. The Commissioners have 

 done wonders, under the superior direction of our good friend 

 Mr. Macassey, in coping with immense difficulties. Regarding 

 the materials Mr. Macassey intends to use ; — in nature, fine clay 

 or earth does more in the filtration of the water than sand ; it has 

 the properties necessary for transforming even sewage water into 

 pure water. At the same time, I agree with the remedy that 

 Mr. Macassey has suggested. This point, however, suggests 



