368 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SECTIONS. 
on the question, that while the system spoken of is not perfect, 
yet it has so far stood the test of criticism and practice with the 
best practicable results. 
I would much like to have had more time to have thoroughly 
digested his recommendations, but was not aware before to-day 
that he was engaged on the work. 
I would reiterate here my former statement as to pumping the 
sewage in its raw state to farms at some distance from town, as 
were tried it would be attended with success. 
REPRODUCTIVENESS OF SEWAGE. 
Up to the present time information is conflicting both as to the 
manurial value of the residium of sewage, and no doubt it varies 
in different localities. Writers on the question must be read as a 
whole and not individually, as their writings sometimes assume 
the view most advantageous to the side they are contending for. 
I deem it safe to advise communities to refrain from expecting 
any great return for their outlay. Some of it they will no doubt 
get back, but should look to the benefits arising indirectly in the 
form of improved wholesomeness of their breathing-air as well as to 
the comfort, convenience, cleanliness, and cheapness, of the accom- 
modation for their return. 
The products will be marketable, but the cost of producing them 
will always reduce the returns. 
The adoption of a system of sewers of the character here 
sketched has uniformly lowered the death rate in communities 
where it has been introduced. 
VENTILATION. 
T have, ina previous paper read in this room, advanced my 
opinions on the ventilation of the sewers and the dwelling, and 
refrain here from doing more than saying that the system then 
vocated is recommended for adoption in all the suburbs as well 
the city, and may be briefly described by stating that it consists of 
intercepting the sewer-gas at the front of a large proportion of 
lofty houses, and conveying it by pipes to the ridge of the roof, 
where it will get diluted with the surrounding air. 
I would now conclude with the recommendation to local bodies 
to persevere in effort until they secure their object, which will at 
once lower the sickness and death-rate ; not to require the Govern- 
ment to provide for their wants, but boldly to apply themselves to 
the work, remembering that if the Government did the work the 
residents must pay for it in the long run, and remembering also 
