562 Abstract Report of Agricultural Discussions. 
cent. This fact is, I think, quite sufficient to prove, without my 
entering into further detail, the great value of inoculation, as a means 
of arresting the progress of small-pox in sheep, if it be properly and 
rightly carried out. I abstain from mentioning the rules which should 
be followed with regard to inoevdation, because this is a matter which 
is not well fitted for a meeting like the present, and because I have 
rather wished to confine myself to the more salient points connected 
with the important subject of the small-pox of sheep. 
Tho proceedings wero brought to a close by a vote of thanks to the 
Lecturer. 
Meeting of Weekly Council, Wednesday, June 22nd. Lord Feveesham 
in the Chair. 
Dr. Voelceee delivered a Lecture on the Chemical Qualities of 
Water for Economical Purposes. 
Dr. Voeloker said : An abundance of fresh air, a good supply of 
pure water, and a sufficiency of wholesome bread, are unquestionably 
the three greatest material blessings which a kind Providence has 
supplied for the use of man. Whilst it is universally admitted that 
we could not live for any length of time without them, it is strange 
that in actual practice many people appear unconcerned respecting a 
supply of pure wholesome water. It is admitted in theory to be most 
necessary for towns as well as for the country ; and yet, when we come to 
detail, we frequently find people entirely unconcerned respecting the 
source from which they obtain their water, or the* quality of that which 
they actually use. Thanks to the Sanitary Commission, almost all tbe 
large towns are now well supplied with an abundance of good water ; 
available for all the ordinary domestic purposes. Great care has espe- 
cially been exercised in providing fur the metropolis, but in many 
country towns, as well as in villages and isolated farm and country 
houses, the water is often very impure. This can only be attributed 
to an utter disregard of those properties which are all-important in the 
supply of our daily wants, it is no doubt for this reason that the 
Chemical Committee have desired me to give a lecture on the chemical 
and physical qualities of water intended to be used for ordinary, 
domestic, and general economic purposes. In my remarks 1 shall 
confine myself to those common uses which we ordinarily make of 
water, without referring to its applications in various other forms, 
such as ice and steam. 
Water Supply Defective in Country Towns. 
I have frequently examined well-waters which I found to be im- 
pregnated with an amount of injurious organic matter, and of mineral 
substances of a questionable character, that surprised me very much. 
Several of these wells contained nearly three times as much soluble 
matter as the tank liquid which Mr. Mechi usually applies to his land. 
Now impurities which are highly injurious to health are highly 
beneficial in promoting a luxuriant growth of plants ; we thus not 
