1893-1894 - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

FIFTH BIENNIAL REPORT. 131
of sui)ply at least once a year, and that a bacteriological
examination be made as well. In thi.s way only can we
get an intelligent idea of the true character of the water
supplied to our citizens or be made aware of the changes
that are taking place. Semi-annual or quarterly examinations
would be still more desirable.
DISPOSAL OF GARBAGE.
Although not mentioned specifically as one of the objects
of this inspection, I have taken occasion to inquire into
the methods of disposal in the various cities of what is
known as garbage ; that is, the rubbish from houses, stores,
lots and streets.
I find that the usual custom is to have it carted
away by the city teams and deposited where it is supposed
no offense will be caused, which result is not universally the
case. In a few cities the accumulation is burned from time
to time, but not until it has a chance to be pretty thoroughly
overhauled by the local rag-pickers. Our cities are
too small, with perhaps two or three exceptions, to adopt a
system of garbage cremation, and the method above mentioned
is probably the best to pursue under existing circumstances,
but it is highly desirable that the places for dumping
should be at a distance from habitations and in some
suitable excavation that will prevent the loose stuff from
being promiscuously strewn about the vicinity. The burning
should take place as soon as sufficient has accumulated
to make a satisfactory fire, and it is C[uestionable if the overhauling
of the rubbish by the rag-pickers should not be
prohibited, for reasons that hardly need setting forth.
It would hardly seem necessary to say that such material
should never be used for filling streets, yet such has been
the case in some of our cities and in close proximity to
habitations.
The stable manure is usually liauled away by the farmer.s
for fertilizing purposes. The contents of the i)rivies in