by rapidly removing the sediment; this is accomplished by running the water, milky from the chemical reaction, over shelves, trays, or cloths, which present a large surface to which the precipitate adheres. One of the best of these is that known as "Howatson's water softener." In this machine the precipitated carbonate adheres to a sort of webbing, the process is continuous, the milky water running in by one set of pipes, and the softened clear water running off at the top. N CHAPTER XV. DRAINS. (125) Legal distinction between Drains and Sewers. THE legal definition and distinction between "drains" and "sewers" is thus laid down by the Public Health Act, 1875 :— "Drain' means any drain used for the drainage of one building only, or premises within the same curtilage, and made merely for the purpose of communicating therefrom with a cesspool or other like receptacle for drainage, or with a sewer into which the drainage of two or more buildings or premises occupied by different persons is conveyed. 666 Sewer' includes sewers and drains of every description, except drains to which the word 'drain' interpreted as aforesaid applies, and except drains vested in or under the control of any authority having the management of roads, and not being a local authority under this Act." The definition under the Metropolis Local Management Acts, 18 and 19 Vict., c. 120, sect. 250, and 25 and 26 Vict., c. 102, sect. 112, is almost the same, but with regard to" drain" the definition is extended to "and shall also include any drain for draining any group or block of houses by a combined operation under the order of any Vestry or district Board, or pursuant to the order, or with the sanction or approval of the Metropolitan Commissioners of Sewers." It is of practical importance to thoroughly grasp these two definitions, for a drain will be commonly maintained by a private individual, whereas public sewers are vested, maintained, and repaired by the local authority. It will be seen it is neither size nor |