in whitelaws 1798 census of dublin the census officer writes into the backyard of each house , frequently not ten feet deep , is flung , from the windows of each apartment , the ordure and other filth of its numerous inhabitants ; from whence it is so seldom removed , that i have seen it nearly on a level with the windows of the first floor ; and the moisture that , after heavy rains , oozes from this heap , having frequently no sewer to carry it off , runs into the street , by the entry leading to the staircase .