] ] ( I hope this doesn't seem to "political" for board supervisors. I am trying to express an opinion on environmental matters of the 1800's, not make a political statement, which I know is frowned upon here )

] Point taken. However, I must say that your 'opinion', which you are expressing as 'facts' of the environment is perhpas too rosy. There have always been some parts of the earth that have been made hideous by man's activities.

I totally agree. The health of the rural England landscape and it inhabitants, were often horribly affected by pollution back in the 1800's. I just don't think that think this pollution was as widespread and as far reaching, as it is now, that's all.

I think my view of air quality of the day is far from "rosy". My grandmother lost 2 uncles ( in the late 1890's ) in an explosion/fire at the iron foundry where they worked and an another uncles lungs were permanantly damaged by inhaled anthracite. So my vision of the rural 1800's is a far cry from carefree maidens, frollicing merrily in the fields with the lambs and the bunny rabbits.