appear to have been neglected for a long time. The lids do not fit, consequently these cisterns are receptacles for all kinds of filth. Those who live in the upper rooms are not over-scrupulous as to how, when, or where, they dispose of their waste matters, but it often finds a lodgement on the outbuildings, and not seldom is washed more or less into the cisterns. These cisterns, like the people and the rooms they inhabit, are not characterised by cleanliness. If I might judge from appearances, I should conclude that they are seldom washed out. If I ask when the tub or cistern was last cleaned out, nobody seems to know; for, what is everybody’s duty is nobody’s work. It is a well-known fact, that when animal and feculent matters are suspended in water, and that water is used for drinking purposes, that it has produced diarrhœa. In water that is contaminated with sewerage the diarrhœa is accompanied with choleric symptoms, such as purging, vomiting, cramp, and even some loss of heat. This should be a warning not to allow impurities of any kind to abound in our drinking water. Fetid gases absorbed by water render the water bad; not that the sulphuretted hydrogen in itself is the thing to be dreaded, but because its presence fosters the growth of vegetable and animal products that are highly detrimental to health, and are, I believe, predisposing causes, if not virtually the agents in choleraic diarrhœa. It is in water under these conditions that plants and animals abound. They are minute, microscopic, I admit, but on that account none the less dangerous. The living plants and animals are not to be regarded with so much horror as the dead, because they rapidly undergo decomposition; and, while in this state, if taken into the system, act as ferments disturbing the normal functions of the body, and often giving rise to diarrhœa. This is not a mere assertion or hypothesis, but is supported by well-observed cases by some of the most competent men in the medical profession. In support of the above, I quote the following words from Dr. Parkes, professor of military hygiène. He says:—“An epidemic of diarrhoea in a community is almost always owing to either impure air, _impure water_, or bad food.” The practical deduction is, that if we would maintain the health of a parish and prevent cholera, diarrhœa, typhus, or any other epidemic, we must improve our sanitary condition. Pure water lies at the foundation of all sanitary improvements. Let it be well known that impure water is to be dreaded, and the fear of an epidemic may prove a healthy stimulus to increased activity and cleanliness in connection with a subject of such vital importance. Whether cholera visits us or not, we shall be all the better for having paid proper attention to our sanitary arrangements. I would suggest the propriety of having all tubs, cisterns and reservoirs cleaned out; all waste matters removed from the roofs of outhouses; all back premises thoroughly cleaned.