The Sun.
London, England, 1862-04-21 00:00:00

RETROPOLITAN BOARD OF W ORKS.

By the terms of the Metropolitan Local Manage-
ment Act, once in every year the Metropolitan
Board have to present to Parliament a report of
their proceedings. For the first two or three
years of their existence the board, if they acted
strictly in accordance with the truth, would have
recorded nothing but bickerings, tedious debates,
and wearisome speeches without meaning; now,
however, the case is very different. They can
and do report works of great magnitude
not only determined on, but in some cases
actually completed. We will not here advert to the
difference of opinion that still exists on the subject
of the gigantic system of the proposed main drain-
age, as to whether it is or is not the best plan that
could be adopted, but will simply refer to what has
been accomplished. It is but common justice to the
engineer and contractor generally to state that the
work seems to be admirably done, especially the
work for the high-level sewer, which is being
rapidly finished. Some of the works are stupendous,
and have been constructed of great strength, and in
the face of no ordinary difficulties. The structure of
the northern outfall is a work of which any en-
gineer or board may justly be proud. It is intended
in divert the water descending from the high lands
of Highgate, .Hampstead, and the Fleet ditch or
river, and has abolished that greatest of pests, the
notorious Hackney brook. The difficulties in an
engineering point of view were very great, especially
when the sewer had to be carried through the
marsh lands of Bow and Plaistow. The subsoil was
found to be of peat, saturated with water, so that an
artificial foundation of concrete had to be made
before the sewer could be constructed. This portion
of the work has been universally praised by all the
engineers who have inspected it. The middle level
sewer is also a great undertaking. It will be more
than 12 miles in length, and more than half of the
distance will have to be tunnelled. The sewer will
he constructed at depths varying from 10 to 60 feet.
The low level sewer, which would have been the
most difficult work of all. from the nature of the
subsoil through which it would have had to pass,
is for.the present in abeyance, and will not be corn-
menced until the new Thames embankment is being
LULItIV, W Hell lb 11 111 r'ALLA .41 t
neou sly. On the southern side of the Thames the
works have made great progress. But the engi-
neer has had much to contend with. The subsoil at
Deptford has turned out to be little better than a
running sand filled with an unprecedented volume
of water. To meet this unlooked-for difficulty it
was frond necessary to construct 132 feet of double
sewer of seven feet of internal diameter. The
engineer of the board is sanguine in the belief
that he has conquered this natural obstruction
to his work ; but we cannot forget that the unfor-
tunate
`Victoria sewer was constructed under similar
circumstances, and that it has cost an enormous
sum in keeping in repair, and will, as long as it
is there, be a heavy burden on the ratepayers. It
is to be hoped that this portion of Mr. Bazalgette's
scheme will not turn out equally unfortunate. The
contracts in hand amount to very nearly two mil-
lions of money, which is only a portion of the large
sum that will eventually be required. The report
further calls attention to the fact that at length the
Legislature has provided means for forming the
Thames embankment. and there is every reason to
anticipate that by this time next year the works
will be in course of construction. But almost all
must agree with the Metropolitan Board that,
unless the mud banks of the Thames are removed
or covered over, it is hopeless to expect that the
river will be purified or that the effluvia which
arises from it, and which are such exciting
causes of disease and sickness, will be obviated.
The board are of course adverse to the pro-
posed constitution of the committee to whom
this heavy work is to be entrusted, but the public
generally will be of opinion that it would not do to
give the absolute control of such a national under-
taking to a body who would practically be irrespon-
sible. The board refer with great satisfaction to
the formation of the new street from Covent-garden
to St. Martin's-lane, and especially to the subway
under the road, by which all the gas, water-pipes,
and sewers pass, and which can be repaired without
its being necessary to break up the roadway. If the
board had done nothing else they would have de-
served great commendation for having brought to a
successful termination this experiment. The same
system is proposed to be adopted in the new street
now in course of construction between Southwark and
Westminster; and we trust that in every possible
manner the board will extend this very simple and
effective plan. The cost at first is large, but it is soon
more than repaid by the great saving from not having
the roads broken up again and again when a water-
pipe bursts, a gas-main leaks, or a sewer becomes ob-
structed. We cannot compliment the board on the ra-
pidity with which they have carried on the forma-
tion of the latter thoroughfare. They have had the
money in hand now for some years, and it is idle to
attempt to account for the delay by stating that
difficulties have arisen in obtaining possession of the
houses and land, and in awarding
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foCrhasothmaem
compensation.
,diasntadnclie orNu'enr
parallel with the new street, show 'what may be
done by men of energy and determination. If the,
new street is confided to the architect of the board,
he would do well to imitate his colleague, +4l, engi-
neer, in energy and perseverance. W;.th reference
to the future utilisation of the se,;,,a_e
the board
have not come to any positive determination, but
await the report of the select committee of the House
report ;
of Commons now taking evidence on the subject.
That they eventually hope to make it available
is evident from the general tenor of the
but the :public would be better pleased if the
board were to resolve to adopt some one of the
many plans
submitted to them, so that by the
time the main
drainage works are completed,
t
instead of the sewage being allowed to run 0 waste
into the Thames, polluting that noble river, it might
be made available for agricultural purposes, and
become a source of great wealth and advantage.

POISSY, APRIL 17.

If the Norman, Charolais, and other breeds of
French cattle already noticed produce admirable
crosses with our shorthorns, the same can hardly be
said of the remaining breeds, which are so many
different varieties of one original type. We have
the Parthenais, Choletais, and Nantais cattle, from
the Western Departments of Vendee and Loire lu-
ferieure, of a brownish fawn colour, with brindled
black among it, black bushy tails, black noses, black
round the eyes, and black tips to their upturned
horns. They display tolerably level backs, but
little flesh on their ribs, though the mild expression
of face betokens docility that should imply feeding
propensity. The smaller Maraichin, or Marchais,
from the low district of the Charentes, is of a red-
dish fawn colour, with a curly coat ; some of those
shown are well shaped, and possess a soft touch
like the Scots. The Femeline, a native of Franche
Comte, the cheese;making breed of the Jura, is not
represented at the show, neither is the Bressan, to
which it is closely allied, Of the races of the South
Garonnais, and BeirMais, the
considerably Id/gee-Masses:
tt hweo Gl
aatstceorn ,a
lipgeeanro i
n,
The Garonnais are large, of a fawny cream colour,
with plain big heads, heavy down-turned horns,
and hanging dewlaps. In general they are raw
and bony, with huge limbs and flat sides; but a
few moderately deep framed weighty beasts and a
moderately good cow redeem the coarse character
of the whole. The Bazadais have black brindled
faces, legs, and tails, but are badly formed; and a
cross with the Garonnais does not give a better sort,
on -the principle of two, negatives making an affir-
mative. Several Garonnais crosses are exhibited.
With the Gascon it gives a plain bony animal; with
the Limousin, in one specimen shown, an immense
frame, but gaunt form, the beast standing sft. 1 lin.
high at the loin, but only sft. 7in. at the shoulder,
and exceeding 9ft. in length, head to tail. The steer,
crossed with shorthorn, however, of a red roan
colour, with a black nose, and the native formed
tint appearing about the head, is a nice animal,
well fed, and carrying weighty rounds of beef. The
Pyrean breeds are not shown. There are some good
specimens of the " Manceau," from the department
of Maine-et-Loire ; some are roan coloured, others
white with bluish .black patches ; the character of
head and shape of carcass resemble that of a coarse
shorthorn. Some are nicely fed ; but the shoulders
stand out unduly. Crossed with shorthorn, we
have very excellent beasts, deep in frame, with capi-
tal backs, and handling extremely well. The calves
exhibited are all Cotentin, from Normandy, several
of great growth and well forward in flesh for their
age.
If we have had to express surprise at the great
progress made by French breeders and graziers
with their native cattle, and within the four or five
past years, our gratification has been still greater at
the grand show of French pure shorthorns. Up-
wards of 20 years ago many of our finest English
shotthorns were bought for the French Government;
the Emperor has of late purchased largely for the
Imperial farms ; private breeders have obtained many
from Colonel Towneley, Mr. Jonas Webb, &c. ; last
year M. Sainte-Marie, Inspector-General under the
Minister of Agriculture, bought one of Captain
Gunter's Duchess bulls and also the yearling prize
bull at Leeds. And M. Trehennais, who publishes
for the information of foreign agriculturists the
quarterly Revue A gricole (1' .4 nyleterre, has for the
last 10 years introduced into France more than 800
head of pedigree shorthorns, at prices from 200
guineas on behalf of private breeders to 400 and
800 guineas for the Government herds. M. Sainte-
Marie edits a gtench _Shorthorn herd Book, the
• Isin2;
animals, ent clirsds•l4 1A n bro.a.vo• Upwards
of 15 breeders contribute shorthorns to the Poissy
Show. The first prize steer, descended from Mr.
Stratton's "Moss Rose" tribe, is a remarkably fino
animal ; the second prize steer, evenly fed, and
heavy fleshed ; and the third prize steer, 35
months old, exceeds in girth the British first prize
and commended steers ; both of the same
age. Some splendid backs, chines, and rounds are
exhibited, and so beautiful is the character of the
best, and this attained in such a few years, that our
British breeders will look forward with serious inte-
rest to future international competitions. Only one
pure Hereford is exhibited, by a French breeder ;
but it is a very good one, quite in Baker-street
style. Of Ayrshires, though used in some districts,
only one appears ; and but one Angus cow. One
of the curiosities of the showyard is the collection
of Algerian cattle ; small grizzled-gray animals of
the size of Bretons, which were taken out of a wild
African herd last October, and were shipped four
days prior to the Show. They evidently respond
readily to generous treatment, and will yisld meat
of good quality.
British cattle appears in 67 entries, of which 13
are shorthorns. Had it been a show of breeding
stock, of course the male animals:would haw formed
grand classes ; but, unfortunately, we lave here
but one steer and one ox, though these are certainly
of sufficient merit as to symmetry, breed, and early
ripeness of flesh, to be ranked ahead o! the best
shown by French agriculturists. Mr. Elolland's
steer is not grand enough to deserve a frst prize,
and therefore receives the second. AIL Crisp's
noble ox has been " disqualified" owing to a mis-
understanding of the:published conditions,no blame,
however, attaching either to this noted bleeder nor
to the managers of the Show. This animal was
Earl Spencer's first prize ox at Baker-street, since
purchased by Mr. Crisp. The shorthorn heifers and
cows make very fine classes ; and this is an impor-
tant feature of the exhibition, purposely designed
to remove the prejudice of Frenchmen against
female fat cattle by showing what splendid meat is
thus produced in England. Captain Ball's first
prize heifer well deserves her position ; and Mr.
Tennant's second prize heifer is but little inferior.
Whether or not Mr. Richard Strattan's beautiful
heifer should have been third, instead of being com-
plimented with an " honourable Mention," may be
open to difference of opinion ; but the third prize
heifer of Mr. Pain is heavier, riper, and of firmer
touch, though six months younger. These animals
are fine examples of early maturity at 29 to 35
months' ago, such as the French graziers have not
r d
mention,''
by n
t Mrsi
n otr
Ie
ns
yet succeeded in equalling. Lady gigot's cow, win-
ning the great gold medal of honour as the beat
olain ladyship's h,
female in the " Foreign" cattle classes, is magnifi-
cent,
Webb, and
also her
obtains' an honourable 'sc'oNv'b
some points Mr. Jones Webb's second. prize cow
excels the -winner, but is, neverthel fairly
4ess,beaten.
The V a ofFast-vo a
...fir prize Mr. related to Colonel
Towneley's wonderful Butterflies, carried off the
honours at the Irish show, is certainly very fine,
and Mr. Crisp's cow well merits her honourable
mention."

Mr. Heath must have a cabinet full of medals ;
for to all his years of triumph at home he now adds
conquest by'coup de main abroad. His very hand-
some Devon steer and ox, and his Hereford steer
and ox, all take first prizes. Only six Devons are
shown. In the cow class, while Mr. Hambro's first
prize is well won, it has been contended that Mr.
Cecil Smyth's second
prize, and Mr. Pope's third
ought to change places. Mr. Pope's beautiful cow
is fatter, better on the back, but is nearly 10 years
old; the other at 6 years old, is much heavier, and
with better thighs and forequarter. The five male
Herefords are good specimens. The heifers are not
specially praiseworthy. Mr. Turner's first prize
cow is exceedingly good, and Mr. Morris's second 1

eow too lumpy in the back and rump, French
beefeaters do not appreciate the thick niatbkd
roasting pieces that we English glory in, and their
standard of excellence will long continue to in-
fluence the development of improved forms of car-
cass in their native and in imported breeds. Mr.
12'Combie, of Tillypons, Aberdeenshire, has the
honour of carrying home the 100 guinea cup offered
by his late Royal Highness the krinto Consort for
the best ox or steer in the exhibition. rny, win-
ner is the same superb (ix that discomfited the:
shorthorn and Hereford breeders at Birming-
ham and Baker-street this last Christmas. The
breadth of the back, the amazing depth and thl4-
ness of carcass, the deep stratum of primest beef
on loin, back, and ribs, and over the very 6hotidet
blade, are no less surprising than the fine quality
of nead and bone, and evident robustness of
constitution which distinguished this best of Soots
ever seen. But it must not be inferred from such a
rare individual gift of nature that our shorthorns and
Herefords are losing their place ; it may be many
years before we look upon an equal specimen from
beyond the Tweed. It does not appear that polled
Scots or West Highland cattle have been much tried
in France; but this great success will doubtless
lead to experimental importation and crossings. Mr.
Owen Wallis takes a first prize for his West High-
land ox, a splendid animal, with that rare fore-
quarter and constitution for which the breed is dis-
tin guishtd.
Unquestionably those of our British breeders
who have weetttUredoiree the. Chan,nel to.lhe lists at
Poissy have been astonished at the advanced con-
dition of their own art among foreigners; but
they see that the pre-eminence still rests with them-
selves. English cattle, particularly our shorthorns,
possess the blood which is indispensable for trans-
forming the strong native breeds of France, for
straightening their spines, arching out their ribs,
squaring the setting-on of the tail, fining the head
and horn, lessening the bony limbs, excising the
ponderous hoofs, and infusing a disposition to accu-
mulate nice-grained meat under a kindly coat. But
it is most important that others beside the few
breeders who travel to the Continent should see
what the French pure breeds are, what is the pro-
duce from each respective cross with English, and
judge for themselves what description of animal is
best adapted for carrying on the work of improve-
ment. Hence it is to be earnestly hoped that the
specimens at Battersea in June may be not merely
of the better breeds and crosses of France, but of
the still unimproved races noticed in this report..
Yesterday, the only day of public free exhibition,
attracted very large number of agriculturists by
special trains to Poissy; ladies, a few Paris sight-
seers, and many workpeople and humble culti-
vators of the district mingling with the throng about
the prize animals, observing the military and
musical parade that escorted M. Rouher, the
Minister of Agriculture, to the show, and attending
the ceremony of presentation of the honours to the
successful competitors.