( 4i ) 
fortunately take a considerable amount of slop waste, and the sea and the 
canals deal with the more offensive portion. 
1 he latrines are run out to sea or are placed over the canals. In the 
latter situation they do not cause the nuisance that might be expected from 
them, except when the water in the canals is very low. The reason being 
that Belize is exceedingly fortunate in possessing cat-fish which are very 
abundant along the sea shore, in the canals, and in some parts of the swamps ; 
they greedily devour all decomposed animal garbage and effectively deal with 
all foecal matter, which should be thrown into the sea or canals between the 
hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. I he result of both the prompt removal and 
destruction of decomposable garbage and the absorbent nature of the soil, 
where not waterlogged, is absence of offensive odour, and of the 
abominable cess-pits found in other towns. None should be allowed under 
any circumstances. It is, in my opinion, unfortunate that Section 8 of 
Oi dinance 19, 1897, implies that it is lawful to construct cess-pits under 
certain conditions. 
The position of the latrines calls for attention, they should only be placed 
where there is a circulation of water, and therefore abundant cat-fish. In 
Fig. 12 will, however, be seen a latrine on the edge of the swamp. 1 In 
addition, there is a considerable amount of night soil dumping both into 
unsuitable swampy ground and ditches close by, this should be prevented, as 
it is steadily bringing about soil pollution. To remedy the defect and to 
encourage cleanliness the new canals should be proceeded with as soon as 
possible. 
Refuse Disposal. 
Compared with American tropical towns, the lots in Belize stand out 
favourably. But there is not the same neatness of the yards amongst the poorer 
classes as is seen, for example, in Conakry, in the French Guinea. This is no 
doubt in a great measure due to the submerged and waterlogged condition of 
the yards, and the persevering attempts of the owners and occupiers to raise the 
level of their compounds with mahogany chips, tin cans, bottles, conch shells, 
brushwood, and everything else that will not disintegrate immediately. There 
is a disadvantage in this as black ooze is formed. I he occupiers of the houses 
should be instructed to bury the solid rubbish whenever possible, and to use the 
soil for levelling up purposes. 
The District Board itselt does not show the example it should do over this 
veiy simple matter, " The rubbish is thrown on to the dumping ground, which 
is largely composed of swamp land.” Dry material, as leaf and paper, should be 
burnt at suitable places. A certain number of dustbins are provided at different 
parts of the town. The appearance of piles of scrap-iron and tins, old 
broken-down iron tanks, and other rubbish is offensive. It could be remedied 
at once. 
Under Section 28 of the Public Health Ordinance, Belize, 1894, unsuitable 
1 By Section 34 of the Public Health Ordinance, 1894, Belize, it is unlawful to erect 
latrines over canals, river or sea shore, without approval of the Board; and by Section rc it 
can be ordered to be removed. 
6 
