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is beyond all present productive power. This general
custom of adulteration often explains the cause of many
small and mysterious manufactories which we so frequently
discover, where least expected, in crowded and
obscure neighbourhoods. One of these little industries is
very common, and consists in rendering all kinds of
refuse, fat and dripping, the product of which, under the
alterative influence of a voyage from Brewer's Quay,
London, to Rotterdam and back, undergoes transmutation
into Prime Dutch Butter. The "Presiding Genius"
of this same Quay could make interesting revelations
with respect to the chemistry of many articles of
human food, both liquid and solid, producing an impression
upon the mind of the very successful application
to the science of human food of the ancient art
of Alchemy.
Cow and Slaughter Houses.
Accompanied by the Inspector Iexamined the slaughter
and cow houses in the Hamlet; the latter were 23 in
number, containing, at that time, the very limited
number of 253 animals. In my report to the Committee
I stated that, with one exception, the cow-barns
were totally unfitted for the purposes used. There is
no ventilation where most required, near the heads of
the animals; and owing to the places immediately
abutting upon private grounds, yards, &c., this defect
could not be remedied. The animals are, therefore, continually
respiring a poisoned atmosphere, so that it is
impossible for them to be healthy, and lung disease,
rinderpest, etc., are the necessary results from the blood
poisoning. Generally the places were kept clean, but
many orders were issued for cleansing and improving
the drainage (see report to Committee).