Note 21 — FIRST ANNUAL REPORT.

Perhaps the expressions in my text are somewhat too general; not indeed as to the fact of the coffins ultimately giving vent to their fœtid contents (which is the real point at issue) but as to the time within which this occurs. In the dryer and better kept vaults, a longer period certainly elapses than that suggested; in the worse, probably a shorter one. The sooner or later is of little practical importance: but, on re-perusing my Report, I think it right to add this qualification.—J. S., 1854.