464 J. ASHEURTOX THOMPSON. 



unhealthy the results might have been very disastrous. The same 

 too with this garbage that Mr. Moore speaks of. I do not think 



because it so happens that no harm was experienced then. With 

 regard to the ferrous-sulphate, I do not think that a small 

 quantity of it is injurious, but does the ferrous-sulphate pass out 

 in the form of ferrous-sulpliate ! Does it not pass out in the form 

 of ferric-oxide 1 We all know ferruginous soils are not particularly 

 fertile. It may be that the want of benefit Mr, Moore noticed in 

 this particular poudrette was due to the large quantity of sulphate 

 of iron. It may be that there was too much, and that the plants 

 were over stimulated. After all, these are only surmises. No 

 doubt if these poudrettes are properly prepared they are good for 

 the land, and a good means of getting rid of a troublesome sub- 

 stance. I have much pleasure in conveying to Dr. Thompson the 

 thanks of the Society for his very valuable and interesting paper. 



Mr. Moore— If any gentleman here has the slightest interest in 

 this poudrette, I will most willingly place a portion of ground at 

 his disposal in a very reserved part of the Gardens, in order that 

 he may test it in any way he likes, and he shall not be interferred 

 with. He can try it under his own superintendence. 



Dr. Thompson— The discussion lias tended to become a discussion 

 upon manures. Mr. Moore's remarks upon that subject are no 

 doubt of very great interest, but I have spoken solely from the 



value is not within my knowledge. He said that 'men, women, 

 and children, wallowed in garbage, and yet did not fall ill. 

 Perhaps not; but I can tell Mr. Moore this— that when the 

 immense deposits of garbage at Wentworth Park was cut into by 

 the Sewerage Department in 1886, there was great difficulty in 

 getting the Avork carried on, because the men were repeatedly 

 macle ill ; they would work for two or three hours and would then 

 be siezed with illness so severe that their lives appeared endangered. 

 Even the other day did not some ingenious persons endeavour to 

 get permission to bore for natural gas in Wentworth Park 1 There 

 was an escape of gas there which I saw ignited ; but it was the 

 gas of decomposition arising from the monstrous deposits of gar- 

 bage that have been made there. That poisonous gas penetrates 

 every house that is built on garbage— at Wentworth Park or else- 

 where, and kills the wretched inhabitants. But I can tell you 

 something more, of which perhaps you are not aware. What 

 were those children wallowing in the garbage for ? In the case of 

 that stinkinix accumulation which was made this year at the 

 } Centennial Park, which has an approximate depth 

 — approximate superficial area of 1,600 square 



of 14 feet and i 



