696 | GEOLOGY OF OHIO. 
Seven deaths in all occurred in the tavern, and two also took place ina 
dwelling directly opposite to the hotel, and others in the neighborhood, 
the whole number amounting to forty. The water used in the tavern was 
derwed 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 exea- 
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. 
