Page:The reports of the Society for Bettering the Condition and Increasing the Comforts of the Poor (IA b21971961 0001).pdf/162

124 as a shilling a cottage; but, as a general average for each cottage, two-pence or three-pence a year, expended by the landlord or the parish, in supplying the cottager with the materials for white-washing his cottage, would wonderfully contribute to the cleanliness and health of the poor throughout the kingdom.

If lime-wash is used that has been prepared with lime already slaked, it may in many instances require size to be mixed with it: but if quick lime is used, and in the metropolis and in large towns it may be obtained at all times in the smallest quantities, it will not be necessary to mix size with it; and the good effects of the white-washing, in destroying vermin and removing infection, will be much increased. The sooner, indeed, the lime is used after it is slaked, the better; especially if there is any apprehension of infection in the house. In that case, it is proper that the walls should be frequently washed with quick lime, fresh slaked in water, and put