1176 APPENDIX 0. 



if possible, the water should be made to flow to both house and 

 barn. 



Lead pipes should never be used to convey water which is to 

 be used for drinking purposes ; as the lead poisons the water, and 

 makes it dangerous to the health. 



Another, and the principal source of supply, is to be found in 

 the ordinary well, as by far the larger part of the farmers in this 

 country are unable to obtain running water. This, if properly 

 made, and fed by living springs, is comparatively safe. A well 

 SHOULD NEVER be located close to a cellar, nor in a low spot of 

 ground which receives the drainage from the surface of the sur- 

 rounding land. No sink drain or any other drain should be allowed 

 to pass near a well, and closets and' vaults should be placed at such 

 a distance as to make it utterly impossible for the well to be af- 

 fected by their drainage. You should look to these points carefully. 



There are other ways by which* the water in farm wells becomes 

 contaminated. Organic matter in large quantities is washed into 

 the wells, and slowly decays. By the presence of this matter the 

 water is poisoned, as previously shown, and becomes a most danger- 

 ous source of disease to those who use it. Poisonous matters are 

 carried in this way a much greater distance than people generally 

 suppose, and the poison may be so subtle that the water looks and 

 tastes as well as ever, although it holds in solution elements which 

 are dangerous to the health of those who drink it. If at all doubt- 

 ful, examine it as directed, and if impure, take all necessary precau- 

 tions. Knowing the great danger from this source, we would repeat 

 that the greatest care should be taken to keep the water, for both 

 the house and the barn, perfectly pure. See article on " Parasites," 

 Stock Department, page 173, explaining more fully the dangerous 

 effect of impure water upon stocks 



Filters. 



No family should be without a filter unless the water supply be 

 unquestionable. By this means, foul gases, organic and all sus- 

 pended matter, is filtered out. Rain-water should never be used for 

 drinking without first filtering, as, during a rain storm, foul gases and 

 germs are absorbed arid collected from the air, making it unfit for use. 



Select a simple filter, or make one yourself by constructing a 

 water-tight box or barrel, and closely packing a few inches (12 to 18) 

 of charcoal in the bottom, which should be elevated a few inches in 

 order to allow a space for the water beneath. Upon the charcoal 



