286 'The Philippine Jownal of Science ish 



examined in Illinois from 1907 to 1912 were condemned. H. E. 

 Barnard ® states that an examination of 5,000 wells in Indiana 

 showed over 50 per cent to be polluted, and he recommends the 

 abandonment of every surface well in the State. When such 

 is the opinion expressed in the United States, the general undesir- 

 ability of surface wells in the Philippines must at once be 

 apparent. Here we must contend with the effect of higher hum- 

 idity and temperature, increased bacterial activity, rapid putre- 

 faction, and the ignorance of many of the inhabitants with regard 

 to the necessity of pure water. A simple hole in the ground, 

 unlined and without a curb, covered partially with a loose bamboo 

 platform, has frequently been considered an adequate and satis- 

 factory installation. Such a well, situated in the midst of a 

 crowded barrio where life is conducted in a primitive manner 

 and where there are no sewerage facilities, cannot possibly be 

 and where there are no sewerage facilities, cannot possibly be 

 safe. Practically every shallow well examined by the Bureau 

 of Science has been found dangerously polluted. The analyses 

 given in Table III are typical. 



"Ibid. (1913), 43-4C. 



