“No more can we expect,” sayde each to each. “Que woolley woo?”
Stout Percy hies him to the work, nor lists to knave nor fool.
“Plenty of ‘cry’ there be,” quoth he. “My ears hold cotton-wool.”
“As walls have ears, I trow,” quoth he, “those at Westministeere
Will thank me soe for saving them from much that else they’d heare.”
* * * * *
Then Heav’n send Doctor Percy may bring them light and peace!
May Fogge clear from Westministeere, and all obstruction cease!
Punch. March 19, 1887.
In August 1887, Mr. Plunket, questioned by Mr. Esslemont and Dr. Kenny, said “he had no reason to believe that the air of the House of Commons was noxious. As to the artificial system of ventilation, it simply consisted in drawing up the air through the ceiling when it had been breathed by members, in order that there might be a freer and more constant access of fresh air from below. That air passed over ice to make it cooler, and he could not recommend the discontinuance of the system. Straining the air through cotton wool had been tried, but the officials were waiting for the next fog before making another experiment.”