696 GEOLOGY OF OHIO. 



Seven deaths in all occurred in the tavern, and two also took place in a 

 dwelling directly opposite to the hotel, and others in the neighborhood, 

 the whole number amounting to forty. The water used in the tavern was 

 derived from a street well, to which the occupants of adjacent dwellings also re- 

 sorted to a considerable extent. If the facts could all be reached, it is quite 

 probable that this street well would be found responsible for the violent 

 outbreak and terrible fatality of the disease. 



These " limestone wells," in all thickly settled areas, as towns or vil- 

 lages, must obviously be looked upon with grave suspicion. The water 

 which they furnish is very grateful to those who use it, it is true, for it 

 is cool because of the depth from which it comes, and clear because it 

 has been filtered efficiently enough, at least to remove all grosser im- 

 purities, but despite its clearness and coolness it may be laden with the 

 germs of the deadliest pestilence. Clear water is not necessarily pure 

 water. 



A word of warning needs to be given in the same connection against 

 the common Drift wells of the country. An ordinary well serves a two- 

 fold office — it is a way to water and a draining-pit besides. Because the 

 first office only is regarded in its construction, it is too often forgotten 

 that it must, of necessity, discharge the latter function. Great care needs 

 to be exercised over the area that can be influenced by this deep exca- 

 vation. Certainly the drainage of privy-pits, barn-yards, and kitchen- 

 waste ought to' be most carefully excluded from the household water-sup- 

 ply. Too often water from all of these sources contributes to the contents 

 of wells, and they thus become, in an evil hour, fountains of disease and 

 death. 



One purpose, however, they sometimes serve, which, though not de- 

 signed or recognized, may be a source of positive advantage. When 

 placed near dwellings they do much toward draining the building site, 

 and thus add to its healthfulness. Of course this incongruous work 

 ought not to be required of them, but in default of other provision for it 

 the well assumes the office vicariously. A question may be raised as to 

 where such water would do the greater harm — in a damp foundation and 

 a wet cellar, or in the household well. If choice must be made between 

 such unseemly alternations, probably the latter would be found the less 

 of two evils. But water-supply is altogether too important an element 

 in the health of a community to be safely left to accident or to a short- 

 sighted economy. It ought to be guarded with conscientious and intelli- 

 gent care from possible contamination. 



