The Sun.
London, England, 1849-08-30 00:00:00

THE FLOATING HARBOUR.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE BRISTOL JOURNAL.

Sir,—l find it is considered needful to run off a
quantity of water from the floating harbour for the
purpose of scouring the mud from Bathurst-basin ;
and, in passing on Monday last, whilst this operation
was going on, I was much annoyed with the offensive
exhalations given off, and I learned from the men
employed that they frequently suffered from nausea
occasioned by their exposure to this atmosphere. I
obtained permission to make an experiment the fol-
lowing day, to ascertain the effects which would be
produced by chlorine gas mingling with this atmos-
phere,
and I procured some of Collins' preparation of
chlorine, or disinfecting powder, from his agent (who
liberally supplied this for the trial without charge),
and I caused it to be spread on the transoms of the
lock-gates as the water was lowered preparatory to
the scouring. The shuttles being then opened, an
immense volume of filthy water rushed from the basin
into the harbour, and I had the satisfaction to find
that the chlorine given off was amply sufficient to de-
stroy all the offensive exhalations, as the only percep-
tible odour was a slight smell of chlorine, producing
(as was observed by several gentlemen present, as
well as by Mr. Jennings, the superintendent of the
scouring) an atmosphere strikingly resembling that of
the sea-coast. This resemblance rather took me
by surprise, although I ought to have antici-
pated it, as it is well known that free chlorine is given
off from fresh sea-weed and other marine plants, and
it has been thought that it is to the presence of this gas,
in minute quantity, the curative power exerted by sea
air in many diseases is attributable.
I confess that I am an enthusiast in the use of chlorine
as a sanitary agent, and I cannot but feel much gra-
tified with the result of my experiment, as it demon-
strates the practicability of applying this agent so as
to destroy large masses of offensive exhalations.
Mr. Collins's agent informs me that the quantity
of his compound, which I used on this occasion, would
cost ten shillings. I am ignorant whether or not any
funds exist which can be appled to defray the expense
of such a proceeding, but there cannot be a difference
of opinion as to the desirability of destroying these
noxious gases, as I learn that this operation of
scouring is repeated twice or thrice a week, and its
duration extends from one to two hours, during which
the offensive exhalations are most oppressive at this
season of the year.
An additional inducement for the adoption of such
a proceeding, in this particular locality, arises from
the circumstance that the cholera hospital and house
of refuge, provided by the Bedminster guardians, are
contiguous to these dock-gates ; consequently, the
inmates are exposed to the offensive atmosphere.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

. ..,
A RETIRED PRACTITIONER.
Bristol, Aug. 22, 1849.

RAIL WAY INTELLIGENCE.
SOUTH DEVON.
The half-yearly meeting of this company was held
at Plymouth on Tuesday; T. Woolcombe, Esq., in
the chair.
The report of the directors stated that progress had
been made towards closing the capital account—the
liabilities having been examined and partially ascer-
tained. The sale of atmospheric plant had realized
42,6661., and they believed the whole apparatus would
reach the estimate when entirely disposed of. Surplus
land had been turned into money, and carried to
account. The revenue showed a diminution in the
number of passengers, an increase in the number of
miles travelled, and an increase in goods and traffic.
The cost of traction over the line, with six miles more
than last half-year, had diminished from 13,357/. to
10,857. Further measures of economy were under
consideration, such as the diminution of the number
of trains, and reducing the locomotive expenses. The
pressure of urgent claims precluded the possibility
of doing other than carrying the balance, 3,6381,
over to the next half-year. The directors had
the satisfaction of stating that the litigation with
reference to the preference shares has been amicably
terminated, and without compromise of principle to
either party. The directors had been making every
effort to obtain the arrears of calls. As respected
the whole amount of shares, out of 1,000,0001. sub-
scribed, the sum of 2,4301. only remained due. On
seventy of the preference shares no payment could
be obtained, without recourse to law ; and on 108
1,6271. 10s. remained due, and part of those would
have to be forfeited. The directors contemplated
going to Parliament for powers to capitalise their
debenture debt, and to issue that portion of capital
which was still disposable to repay advances to other
lines and works. This scheme they would have to
consider at a meeting to be held next month. At
the desire of the debenture holders, the official
assignee and eminent accountant of Bristol had
prosecuted a minute investigation of the accounts,
and communieated the result in a voluminous re-
port, which had been printed and placed in the
hands of the shareholders. The directors coincided
in the importance of a clear system of accounts, but
reserved their opinion on the plan proposed by Mr.
Hutton. In conclusion, they stated that they had
elected Mr. Beale, of the Midland Railway, to be a
director, in place of Lord Seymour, resigned.
The CHAIRMAN moved the adoption of the report,
which, after some discussion, was agreed to unani-
mously.
In reply to Mr. Fox, it was stated, that no arrears
of interest were due upon debentures.
Votes of thanks to the debenture-holders, com-
mittee, and legal advisers ; to Mr. Hutton, for his
report; and to the Chairman, closed the proceedings