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+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
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+
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #66640 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/66640)
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-The Project Gutenberg eBook of Illustrations of the Croton Aqueduct,
-by F. B. Tower
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
-most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
-of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you
-will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before
-using this eBook.
-
-Title: Illustrations of the Croton Aqueduct
-
-Author: F. B. Tower
-
-Release Date: October 31, 2021 [eBook #66640]
-
-Language: English
-
-Produced by: deaurider, Charlie Howard, and the Online Distributed
- Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
- produced from images generously made available by The
- Internet Archive)
-
-*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE CROTON
-AQUEDUCT ***
-
-
-
-
-
-Transcriber’s Note
-
-
-Italic text is indicated by _underscores_, boldface by =equals signs=.
-Other Notes will be found at the end of this eBook.
-
-
-
-
- ILLUSTRATIONS
-
- OF THE
-
- CROTON AQUEDUCT,
-
- _BY_
-
- _F. B. TOWER_
-
- OF THE
-
- ENGINEER DEPARTMENT.
-
- [Illustration]
-
- New-York and London:
- Wiley and Putnam,
- 1843.
-
-
-
-
- ENTERED according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1843, by F. B.
- TOWER, in the Clerk’s office of the District Court of the Southern
- District of New-York.
-
-
-
-
-
- TO
-
- THE INHABITANTS
-
- OF THE
-
- CITY OF NEW-YORK,
-
- WHOSE ENTERPRISE IS STRIKINGLY EXEMPLIFIED
-
- BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE
-
- CROTON AQUEDUCT,
-
- THIS BOOK
-
- IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED,
-
- BY
-
- THE AUTHOR.
-
-
-
-
-PREFACE.
-
-
-The _views_ which I have given of the important points on the line of
-the Croton Aqueduct, are from sketches taken for my own satisfaction;
-but the interest so generally taken in the work, has suggested to me
-the propriety of presenting them to the public in this form. Having
-been engaged in the Engineer Department during the whole of the
-construction of the Aqueduct, my acquaintance with it would enable
-me to present more of its details; but I have given those of the
-construction of the Aqueduct, and a general _outline_ of the structures
-connected with it, trusting that a more detailed description may
-emanate from JOHN B. JERVIS, Esquire, who, as Chief Engineer, gave
-_Plans_ and _Specifications_ for the work during its construction.
-
-A description from such source, accompanied with detailed plans of all
-the appurtenances of the Aqueduct, with the results of experiments
-on the flow of water in the Aqueduct, would be a useful contribution
-to the cause of science, a valuable work to Engineers generally, and
-particularly so to younger members of the profession.
-
-The history which I have given of the preliminary measures leading
-to the accomplishment of this work, has been obtained, mainly, from
-printed documents of the Common Council. I have also had conversations
-with persons who were intimately concerned in some of those measures,
-and trust that I have made the history sufficiently full to embrace the
-leading steps which were taken.
-
-The accounts of the Aqueducts of ancient Rome, and those built by the
-ancient Romans in other parts of Europe, also that of the Aqueducts of
-modern Rome, of Italy, France, &c., have been mostly obtained from the
-French work of J. RONDOLET, in which the account of the Aqueducts of
-ancient Rome is translated from the Latin of Frontinus.
-
-For the account of the Aqueducts of Mexico and South America, I am
-indebted, in a great degree, to “_Bradford’s Antiquities of America_,”
-and “_Ewbank’s Hydraulics_.”
-
- F. B. TOWER.
-
-
-
-
-TABLE OF CONTENTS.
-
-
- PAGE.
- Aqueducts of Ancient Rome, 13
-
- Principal Aqueducts constructed by the Ancient Romans in other
- parts of Europe, 18
-
- Aqueducts of Modern Rome, 28
-
- Principal Modern Aqueducts of Italy, France, etc., 30
-
- Aqueducts of Mexico and the adjacent States, 37
-
- Aqueducts of South America, 40
-
- Fountains, 47
-
- * * * * *
-
- History of the Progressive Measures for Supplying the City of
- New-York with Water, 57
-
- Of Plans Proposed for furnishing the City with Water and of the
- Plan adopted, 69
-
- Sources of the Croton River, 75
-
- Flow of Water in the Croton River, Capacity of the Fountain
- Reservoir, &c., 76
-
- General Design of the Channel-way and Reservoirs, 78
-
- General Construction of the Aqueduct, 81
-
- Description of the Line of Aqueduct, 95
-
- Appendix, 125
-
- * * * * *
-
-PLATES.
-
- Aqueduct of Spoleto, Italy, 32
-
- Sections of the Croton Aqueduct, 84 & 86
-
- Entrance Ventilator, 88
-
- Isometrical View of Culvert, 90
-
- Tunnel and Gate Chamber at the head of the Aqueduct, 92
-
- View above the Croton Dam, 95
-
- Entablature over the entrance to the Aqueduct, 96
-
- View below the Croton Dam, 98
-
- Croton Aqueduct at Sing-Sing, 101
-
- Aqueduct Bridge at Sing-Sing, 102
-
- Aqueduct Bridge for Road-way, 103
-
- Croton Aqueduct at Mill-River, 104
-
- Croton Aqueduct at Jewell’s Brook, 105
-
- Croton Aqueduct at Hastings, 106
-
- Croton Aqueduct at Yonkers, 108
-
- Croton Aqueduct at Harlem River, 110
-
- View of the Jet at Harlem River, 112
-
- Croton Aqueduct at Clendinning Valley, 113
-
- Aqueduct Bridge at Clendinning Valley, 114
-
- Plan of the Receiving Reservoir, 116
-
- Isometrical View of the Distributing Reservoir, 119
-
-
-
-
- “The radiant aqueducts
- Turn their innumerable arches o’er
- The spacious desert, brightening in the sun,
- Proud and more proud in the august approach:
- High oe’r irriguous vales, and woods, and towns,
- Glide the soft whispering waters in the wind,
- And here united pour their silver streams,
- Among the figured rocks, in murmuring falls,
- Musical ever.”
-
- _The Ruins of Rome._
-
-
-
-
-INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
-
-AQUEDUCTS, FOUNTAINS, ETC.
-
-
-A supply of pure and wholesome water is an object so essential to the
-health and prosperity of a city, that it should form one of the leading
-features of the public improvements which characterize its growth. The
-advantages arising from it are so numerous, and the comforts so great,
-that every effort should be made to accomplish it.
-
-The means which have been resorted to for such purposes in almost
-every city of importance in the Old World, are examples for us of the
-_New_, and should induce us early to avail ourselves of that important
-element of health. We contemplate with mingled emotions of wonder and
-admiration, those works of art which were achieved by ancient Rome in
-her palmy days of wealth and power, and among them we find that her
-_Aqueducts_ hold a prominent place.
-
-Among the ruins of cities whose history is shrouded in mystery on this
-continent, we find provisions for bringing water from distant sources.
-In the wilds of Central America, the persevering traveller finds
-ruined cities buried in the depths of the forest, where nature is at
-work covering and concealing them: among those ruins he tells us of
-the _Aqueduct_. We find them also among the ruins of cities along the
-western coast of South America. With such examples before us, we may
-consider that by the construction of the Croton Aqueduct for supplying
-the City of New-York with water has been secured an important measure
-for the promotion of its growth.
-
-Many cities of the United States have directed their attention to this
-object, and some have been fortunate in finding a supply of water near
-at hand, but others will look towards distant sources for a supply, and
-will, ere long, resort to the construction of _Aqueducts_.
-
-In the history of cities built in remote periods of antiquity, we
-find mention made of plans for supplying water, and among remains of
-those cities which are found at this day, are traces of Aqueducts. We
-have accounts of Aqueducts constructed under the reign of Solomon,
-and the remains of them still existing in Palestine, give evidence
-of an extensive acquaintance with the principles of hydraulics among
-the Hebrew architects. The Pools of Solomon, which are mentioned by
-travellers who combine in their researches a regard for the arts
-as well as the religion of Judea, are connected with a scheme for
-supplying Jerusalem with water.
-
-The vast expense incurred in the construction of Aqueducts by the
-Ancient Romans, as well in Italy as in other countries of Europe,
-proves the value that was attached by that people to a plentiful
-supply of pure water, and the details of the plan of construction of
-the different works, evince an acquaintance with the principles of
-hydraulics which, at this day, is not generally accorded to them.
-That they understood the principle that water seeks the level of its
-source after encountering depressions in its conduit, is sufficiently
-proved by instances, in works constructed by them, where the inverted
-syphon of pipes was used in crossing valleys. That this plan was not
-_generally_ adopted by them in cases where great expense has been
-incurred to maintain the uniform declivity of the conduit over valleys,
-may be accounted for perhaps by the want of proper material for the
-construction of pipes. In cases where this plan has been adopted
-leaden pipes were used, and since it is only within the last century
-that iron pipes have been invented, we may reasonably conclude that
-considerations of such a nature would have induced them to adopt the
-more expensive plan of maintaining the general inclination of the
-conduit by vast structures of masonry.
-
-By substituting inverted syphons instead of maintaining a uniform
-declivity in the conduit, would not give the requisite discharge of
-water at the elevation of the _terminus_ of the Aqueduct, and perhaps
-they preferred, rather than diminish this elevation of the supply
-of water, to incur the expense of high structures across valleys.
-The Roman Emperors, with all their power and the wealth which was at
-their command, knew how to perpetuate the glory of their reign by the
-erection of Temples, Palaces and other public buildings, and what
-is more natural than to suppose that in the construction of these
-Aqueducts, which were considered so essential to the public welfare,
-they should encourage works of such architectural magnificence?
-Whatever the reasons might have been for maintaining the elevation of
-their Aqueducts over valleys by such expensive structures, we have no
-right to charge them with the want of that knowledge which the plan of
-_some_ of their Aqueducts clearly proves them to have possessed.
-
-Trusting that it will be interesting to the reader, I shall present
-an account of some of the principal Aqueducts built by the Ancient
-Romans,--some of the modern Aqueducts of Italy and France; also of
-Aqueducts in other parts of the world. This account might be enlarged,
-to embrace a description of more of the modern Aqueducts of Europe;
-but sufficient will be presented, it is thought, to interest without
-detaining the reader too long in arriving at the principal object of
-this work,--_a description of the Croton Aqueduct_.
-
-A view is given of the Aqueduct of Spoleto, in Italy. The bridge
-supporting this Aqueduct is remarkable for the slender form of the
-piers and their great height; being only ten and a half feet thick
-and two hundred and fifty feet high to the base of the arches. This
-Aqueduct was built by the Goths, a people who gave a model for Church
-Architecture which is much admired at the present day. It is said that
-they borrowed the idea of the form of their arch from the opening
-beneath an arbor of trees.
-
-The plan of the bridge for the Croton Aqueduct at Harlem River has been
-criticised on account of the small thickness of the piers as compared
-with their height, and because they were not made piers of equilibrium;
-that is to say, having their bases broader, so as to include the line
-of thrust of the arches, so that if a portion of the bridge were
-removed, the remainder of the arches and piers would maintain their
-position. By the present plan the permanency of any one individual arch
-may be considered to depend upon that of the whole structure.[1]
-
-The Aqueduct of Spoleto, has been standing about eleven hundred years
-and is still in a perfect state of preservation.
-
-With proper care in preparing the foundations of the bridge at Harlem
-River, there is no good reason to fear that it will be less durable
-than that of Spoleto.
-
-
-AQUEDUCTS OF ANCIENT ROME.
-
-The largest and most magnificent Aqueducts of which we have any
-account, were the work of the Romans; and the ruins of several of them,
-both in Italy, and other countries of Europe, remain to the present
-time monuments of the power and industry of that enterprising people.
-
-For 440 years from the foundation of Rome the inhabitants contented
-themselves with the waters of the Tiber, and of the wells and fountains
-in the city and its neighborhood. But at that period the number of
-houses and inhabitants had so augmented, that they were obliged
-to bring water from distant sources by means of Aqueducts. Appius
-commenced this scheme of improvement. About 39 years after him, M.
-Curius Dentatus, who was censor with Papirius Cursor, brought water
-from the neighborhood of the city of Tibur; and applied towards
-defraying the expense, part of the sums taken in the spoils of Pyrrhus.
-After them Lucius Papirius, Caius Servillius Cepion, Lucius Longinus
-Crassus, Quintus Marcius, (who brought water to Rome from a spring at
-the distance of nearly sixty miles,) Marcus Agrippa, Augustus, and
-others, signalized themselves by their noble Aqueducts. Even Tiberius,
-Claudius, Caligula, and Carracalla, though in other respects not of the
-best character, took care of the city in this useful article.
-
-In the remains of these ancient Aqueducts, some are elevated above the
-ground upon a solid mass of stone work, or upon arches continued and
-raised one above the other; other portions are subterraneous, passing
-through deep excavations, and in many instances piercing through
-mountains of rock; such is that seen at Vicovaro beyond Tivoli, where a
-_tunnel_ of about five feet deep and four broad, pierces a rock for a
-distance of more than a mile.
-
-These Aqueducts were generally built of stone and covered by arches
-or large flat stones. At certain distances vents were provided to
-discharge the water from the channel-way; and cavities were formed,
-into which the water was precipitated, and where it remained till its
-mud was deposited, and ponds in which it might purify itself.
-
-One of these Aqueducts was formed with two channels, one above the
-other: they were, however, constructed at different periods; the most
-elevated was supplied by the waters of the Tiverone, _Anio novus_, and
-the lower one by the _Claudian_ water. It is represented by Pliny, as
-the most beautiful of all that had been built for the use of Rome.
-It was begun by Caligula, and finished by Claudius, who brought its
-waters from two springs called Cœruleus and Curtius. Vespian, Titus,
-Marcus-Aurelius, and Antonius Pius, repaired and extended it; it is now
-called _Aqua Felice_.
-
-The Aqueduct that conveyed the Aqua Neroniana to Rome, was built of
-brick; this, as well as the former, was in some instances 70 Roman feet
-high.
-
-The Aqueduct that brought the _Aqua Marcia_ into the city was repaired
-by Agrippa, who laid pipes from it to several parts of the city.
-
-The _Aqua Marcia_, _Aqua Julia_, _Aqua Tepula_, entered Rome in one
-and the same Aqueduct, divided into three ranges or stories; in the
-uppermost of which flowed the _Aqua Julia_, in the second the _Aqua
-Tepula_, and in the lowest the _Aqua Marcia_. This accounts for the
-extraordinary height of this Aqueduct, which far surpassed that of any
-other in Rome. From the ruins of this fabric, which are still seen, and
-are called “_Il castel del Acqua Marcia_,” it appears to have been a
-very superb structure.
-
-The Aqueducts were under the care and direction, first of the censors
-and œdiles, and afterwards, of particular magistrates called “Curatores
-Aquarum,” instituted by Agrippa, to whom the Aqueducts of Rome were
-objects of particular attention. Messala was one of these curatores in
-the reign of Augustus, and Frontinus held the same office in that of
-Nerva. Augustus caused all of them to be repaired.
-
-Procopius reckons only fourteen Aqueducts in ancient Rome; but Victor
-has enlarged the number to twenty.
-
-Frontinus, a man of consular dignity, and who had the direction of the
-Aqueducts under the Emperor Nerva, mentions nine. From other accounts
-we are informed that nine great Aqueducts existed at Rome at the
-commencement of the reign of Nerva. Five others were constructed by
-that Emperor, under the superintendence of Julius Frontinus; and it
-appears that at a later period the number amounted to twenty.
-
-Frontinus, who had the superintendence of the Roman Aqueducts under the
-Emperor Nerva, died A. D. 101. He gave an account of the Aqueducts,
-which has since been translated into French by Rondolet. The following
-table is made up of data from that work.
-
-The table is arranged to show, _First_, the name of the water or
-Aqueduct; _Second_, the era of its construction; _Third_, the length
-of each Aqueduct in miles and decimals; _Fourth_, the cubic feet
-discharged in 24 hours, and _Fifth_, the gallons in wine measure.
-
- +--------------------+-----------+---------+------------+------------+
- | | | | | |
- | NAME. | ERA. | LENGTH. | CUBIC FEET.| GALLONS. |
- | | | | | |
- +--------------------+-----------+---------+------------+------------+
- |1. Appian Aqueduct, | B.C. 312 | 10,3250| 3,706,575| 27,724,181|
- |2. Old Anio „ | „ 273 | 36,6775| 8,932,338| 66,813,887|
- |3. Marcian „ | „ 146 | 56,9417| 9,525,390| 71,249,917|
- |4. Tepulan „ | „ 127 }| 14,2341| { 903,795| 6,760,386|
- |5. Julian „ | „ 35 }| | { 2,449,386| 18,321,407|
- |6. Virgin „ | „ 22 | 14,3116| 5,085,624| 38,040,467|
- |7. Alsietina „ | A.D. 14 | 20,4526| 796,152| 5,656,016|
- |8. Claudian „ | „ 49 | 42,1989| 9,356,817| 96,988,991|
- |9. New Anio „ | „ 90 | 54,1644| 9,622,878| 71,979,127|
- | | |---------+------------+------------+
- | | | 249,3058| 50,378,955 | 376,834,379|
- +--------------------+-----------+---------+------------+------------+
-
-Some auxiliary supplies or feeders make the total length of the Roman
-Aqueducts, at that period, exceed 255 miles.
-
-The names of the Roman Aqueducts are taken from those of the River or
-Lake which supplies them, or from the emperors who caused them to be
-constructed. Frontinus gives the following as the origin of the name
-_Virgin Aqueduct_: “It is called the Virgin (Virgo), because it was a
-young girl who showed some veins to a few soldiers who were in search
-of spring water. Those who dug followed these veins and found a great
-quantity, and there is a painting in a little temple erected close by
-the source representing this event.”
-
-
-
-
-SOME OF THE PRINCIPAL AQUEDUCTS CONSTRUCTED BY THE ANCIENT ROMANS IN
-OTHER PARTS OF EUROPE.
-
-
-_Aqueduct of Nismes._
-
-This is probably one of the most ancient Aqueducts constructed, out
-of Rome, by the Romans. It is attributed to Agrippa, son-in-law of
-Augustus, to whom that emperor gave the government of the country
-becoming a Roman Colony.
-
-Agrippa, flattered by the honors which he received from the inhabitants
-of Nismes, made his residence there: he enclosed the town with new
-walls, built baths, and probably the Aqueduct of the bridge of Gard
-(“_pont du Gard_”) for bringing water to them.
-
-This Aqueduct is nearly thirty miles in length, forming, in its course,
-the figure of a horse-shoe. It brought water from the fountains of Eura
-and Airan, situated in the neighborhood of the town of _Uzès_. The
-bridge of Gard was about the middle part of the work, and the Aqueduct
-terminated at Nismes.
-
-This Aqueduct traversed a very mountainous country, piercing through
-mountains and crossing valleys by means of arches upon arches,
-forming magnificent structures entirely of cut stone. The Aqueduct or
-channel-way is formed of stone throughout the whole length. The bottom
-of the interior has a curved form, being an arc of a circle; the sides
-are vertical, and the top covered with a flagging of cut stone, except
-where it is under ground, in which situation the top is covered by
-an arch of stone. The interior face of the walls and the bottom were
-covered with a coat of plastering two inches in thickness, composed of
-quick-lime, fine sand, and brick nearly pulverized. This coating has
-now a tenacity and consistence equal to the hardest stone.
-
-The size of the channel-way is the following: 4 feet wide and 5⅓ feet
-high, except where the top is covered with an arch, in which case it is
-7½ feet high in the interior.
-
-The descent of the Aqueduct is 1 foot in 2500 feet, or 2-11/100 feet
-per mile.
-
-The water which flowed in this Aqueduct formed a deposit upon the
-sides, of lime, until nearly half the channel was closed; this deposit
-amounting to a thickness of 11 inches on each side. By the height of
-this deposit it has been ascertained that the water flowed generally
-with a depth of 3¼ feet.
-
-The _pont du Gard_ is that part of the Aqueduct of Nismes which crosses
-the deep valley in which runs the _Gardon_ or _Gard_. This part,
-considered alone, is one of the noblest monuments built by the Romans
-among the Gauls. It is composed of three ranges of arches one above
-another. The first range, under which the Gardon flows, is formed by
-6 arches; the second by 11, and the third by 35, all of which are
-semicircular; supported upon piers of greater or less height.
-
-The channel in which the water flows is upon the top of the third range
-of arches, and is 160 feet above the water of the river. The whole
-length of this bridge is about 900 feet.
-
-The bridge of Gard having been broken down at the two extremities,
-at a period very remote and uncertain, it is thought that this
-destruction may be attributed to the Barbarians who invaded the country
-of Nismes a short time after their first invasion, which is fixed at
-the commencement of the fifth century, about the year 406, and it
-is supposed that by this means they would deprive the inhabitants
-of Nismes of the water furnished by the Aqueduct, and force them to
-yield. But by this supposition, which is very probable, the water had
-been running in this Aqueduct for more than four centuries; and this
-structure which has been out of use during fourteen hundred years, is
-still in such a state of preservation that it could be restored without
-a very great expenditure of money.
-
-
-THE ANCIENT AQUEDUCTS OF LYONS.
-
-Nothing gives a better idea of the splendour of the city of Lyons under
-the reign of the first Roman Emperors, than the remains of the ancient
-monuments. We see there at the present day, remains of temples, of
-palaces, of amphitheatres, of basins for mock sea fights, of baths and
-of many Aqueducts, of which three were constructed under the reigns of
-Augustus, of Tiberius and of Claudius, for conducting water to that
-part of the ancient city situated upon the mountain.
-
-The first and the most ancient of these Aqueducts, constructed by Mark
-Anthony, brought the waters from _Mount-d’Or_, by means of two branches
-which embraced that group of mountains.
-
-The water furnished by the first Aqueduct having been found
-insufficient, they constructed a second one to bring the water of the
-Loire.
-
-The third Aqueduct was built by the Emperor Claudius to furnish water
-to the palace of the emperors situated upon an elevated mountain. The
-Aqueducts built at this era are all of the same construction; that is
-to say, from the plan and construction adopted by the Romans. A fourth
-Aqueduct was also constructed for this city, but there is some doubt
-whether it was built by the Romans.
-
-
-AQUEDUCT OF MOUNT PILA.
-
-This Aqueduct was built by Claudius, who was born at Lyons, to conduct
-water to the emperor’s palace, situated on the highest part of the
-city. The sources which supplied it, were in the neighbourhood of Mount
-Pila, and they were brought into the main Aqueduct by branch aqueducts.
-The main Aqueduct was forty miles in length; and adding the branches,
-the length of the Aqueduct was forty-five miles.
-
-There were 13 bridges of stone to support the Aqueduct across valleys
-or over rivers, two of which were not built up to the plane of the
-Aqueduct, but were crossed by leaden pipes which descended on one
-side of the valley and, crossing the bridge, ascended on the opposite
-side. In another instance the pipes descended and crossed upon a wall
-of masonry and reached the opposite side of the valley. One instance,
-where pipes were used, will give an idea of their general form: the
-bridge was about 40 feet high and the perpendicular height of the
-Aqueduct above it was 140 feet. Nine leaden pipes of about 8 inches
-interior diameter and one inch thick were laid upon the inclined planes
-and across the level part of the bridge; thus communicating with the
-opposite crests of the valley.
-
-These bridges which were constructed for the support of pipes, were
-wider in the bottom of the valley and also half way up the inclined
-plane, than they were for the remainder of the distance; and this
-form has suggested the idea that the pipes of 8 inches diameter, when
-they reached half way down the plane, separated, each one into two of
-6 inches diameter which crossed the bridge, and converged into one
-again half way up the opposite plane. But it may be supposed that they
-continued of the same interior form throughout their length, and that
-this extra width was made for the purpose of giving an opportunity to
-fortify the pipes at the place where the pressure to which they were
-subjected was the greatest.
-
-
-_Construction._
-
-They commenced the construction by making a trench in the ground of
-sufficient dimensions for the masonry of the Aqueduct: upon the
-bottom of this trench was laid a mass of masonry 1 foot thick, upon
-which two walls were built, each 1½ foot thick and 5⅓ feet high, these
-walls standing 2 feet apart, and surmounted by a semicircular arch of
-a thickness of 1 foot and generally covered with earth 2 feet deep.
-The interior had a coat of cement plastering, 6 inches thick on the
-bottom and 1½ inch thick on the sides. The walls were constructed with
-small stones from 3 to 6 inches in thickness, bedded in mortar so
-that no spaces could be found between them. They avoided the use of
-stones of greater thickness than 6 inches, because the walls built of
-small stones, well filled with mortar, formed a mass more solid and
-impervious than with larger stones, on account of the great quantity of
-mortar used.
-
-No bricks were used in the construction of the channel-way of the
-Aqueduct.
-
-Ventilators were constructed along the course of the Aqueduct 2 feet
-square, and rising above the ground 2 or 3 feet. The Aqueduct when it
-was above the ground, was supported upon a wall of masonry, and the
-side walls of the channel-way had an increased thickness. When it was
-elevated 6 or 7 feet above the ground, the foundation wall was six
-feet thick; but when it had a greater elevation it was supported upon
-arches and piers, and upon the elevation depended the span of the arch,
-the thickness and height of the piers. The general declivity in the
-channel-way, was 1 foot in 640, or about 8¼ feet per mile.
-
-This Aqueduct supplied about 1,200,000 gallons of water in 24 hours.
-The velocity of the water was about five times that of the water in the
-Aqueducts of Rome.
-
-This work was constructed at an immense expense, and in substituting
-the “_inverted syphon_,” for high structures across valleys, there is
-evidence of the intelligence and skill of those who had charge of the
-construction.
-
-A fragment of a pipe forming part of this reversed syphon, is
-still preserved in the museum at Lyons, and an instance of the
-Romans having laid pipes across the beds of rivers, is given by M.
-Gautier, Architect, Engineer, &c., in his work called “_Traité de la
-Construction des Chemins_,” published in 1778.
-
-About 70 or 80 years ago, he was directed by Mr. Pontchartrain,
-Minister of State, to repair to Rochefort, to conduct spring water to
-the port from the fountains of the city, which were supplied from a
-source, though quite insufficient for the city, in the neighborhood. In
-his researches he discovered a good and copious source, at less than
-half a league, but on the other side of the river, the Charente. Many
-difficulties were presented, because at low water vessels might ground
-upon the pipes and injure them.
-
-However, Mr. Gautier proposed to lay down two leaden pipes, to preserve
-a supply in case of accident to one, and to protect them by wooden
-frames in an effectual way against injury, should vessels lay upon the
-defence frames during low water. Mr. Begon, intendant of the Marine,
-approved the plan, but it was finally rejected.
-
-“Some years after,” says Mr. Gautier, “when I had charge of the roads
-on the Rhone, and of many other works in the Province of Languedoc, and
-while at Arles, I heard that a vessel had cast anchor in the Rhone,
-opposite the city, to take some loading; but when the commander wanted
-to sail again he could not raise the anchor. This fact attracted much
-attention, and many people went to witness the singular circumstance.
-The Captain, unwilling to lose his anchor, sent down a man, to find
-what was the matter. The diver reported that the anchor was hooked
-under something round, but he could not tell what it was. A capstan was
-applied to raise it, which succeeded.
-
-It brought up a leaden conduit pipe from the bottom of the Rhone,
-which crossed it from the City of Arles, towards Trinquetaillade, over
-a breadth of about 90 toises (576 feet) in a depth of 6 or 7 toises
-(about 40 feet,) the deepest part of the Rhone. I saw some pieces of
-this conduit of lead, 5 or 6 inches in diameter, about 4 lines (one
-third of an inch) thick, in joints of 1 toise each soldered lengthwise,
-and covered by a strip or sheet of lead of the same thickness covering
-the first solder about 2 inches. The conduit was soldered at the
-joints, 6 feet apart, by the same material, which made a swell at
-that distance. On each joint were these words in relief =C. CANTIUS
-POIHINUS. F.= which was apparently the name of the maker or architect,
-who laid down the conduit pipe in the time of the Romans. I delayed
-not to inform Mr. Begon, at Rochefort, of this discovery, because he
-had always favoured my project of conducting water along the bottom and
-across the Charente, which would not have been half so difficult as it
-had no doubt been, to lay one across the Rhone where this was found.
-
-Hence it may be believed, as I think now myself, that many things
-supposed now-a-days to be new and never to have been previously
-invented, may have been thought of long before, even in remote ages.”
-Pp. 129, 130.
-
-
-_Ancient Aqueduct of Metz._
-
-This Aqueduct was built by the Romans when that city was under their
-dominion; but it is difficult to fix upon the precise era of its
-construction. It is said in the history of the city of Metz that the
-Roman legions built roads in the year 70; but there is reason to
-suppose that the construction of this Aqueduct, as well as that of
-other important structures built by the Romans at Metz, belongs to a
-time more remote, and that the date of the reign of the first emperors
-may be the era when the legions of Cæsar occupied the country of the
-Gauls.
-
-The total length of the Aqueduct was 14 miles, and the fall for this
-distance was about 73 feet.
-
-The channel-way was 6⅓ feet high, by 3 feet wide, constructed with
-stone masonry and having an arch over the top: the interior face of
-the walls and the bottom was covered with a coat of plastering; 3
-inches thick in the bottom, and 2 inches on the sides. From remains of
-this Aqueduct which are now found at various points along its course,
-it appears to have required many expensive structures for crossing
-valleys; in one instance the Aqueduct bridge was 3,600 feet long, and
-the greatest height was 100 feet. In constructing the Aqueduct over
-these bridges, they formed it in two channels separated by a wall, and
-each covered with an arch; thus they insured a supply of water across
-the bridge by one channel in case the other required repairs.
-
-
-_Aqueduct of Bourgas, near Constantinople._
-
-Three Aqueducts exist in the valley of Bourgas, 8 miles from
-Constantinople, for conducting water into the city. One of them
-is remarkable for the beautiful architectural arrangement and the
-solidity of its construction. It is 115 feet high, and was built under
-the Emperor Justinian, A. D. 527. It has two ranges of arches, one
-above the other, and the Aqueduct supported upon the second. These
-Aqueducts are in some parts unlike those of Rome, which were formed on
-a continuous line for many miles, with a regular inclination from the
-source to the city, but are interrupted by reversed syphons. Instead of
-crossing deep and wide valleys in the usual manner of stone structures,
-the Aqueduct terminates on one bank in a reservoir or cistern, and a
-pipe is laid from it down the sloping side of the hill to a stone pier
-erected at a suitable distance; the pipe rises up the pier to the top
-where the water is discharged into a small cistern nearly as high as
-that in the reservoir. From the cistern, another conduit pipe descends
-to the bottom of the pier, passes along the ground to a second pier at
-a proper distance and rises to another cistern on the top of it, and
-so on till it rises on the crest of the opposite bank, where the water
-resumes its regular motion along the Aqueduct.
-
-This plan was probably adopted with a view to avoid the expense of
-constructing a bridge which should preserve the general inclination of
-the channel-way; but it is difficult to imagine any advantage arising
-from the construction of the piers, instead of laying the pipe along
-the bottom of the valley.
-
-
-_Modern Rome._
-
-Rome is now supplied with water by three Aqueducts, being three of the
-ancient works restored in modern times.
-
-First, _Aqua Virgini_, called by Frontinus, Aqua Virgo, or _Virgin
-Aqueduct_.
-
-The trunk of the Aqueduct having been injured, the reparation was began
-under the Pontificate of Nicholas V. and Sextus IV., and completed
-under that of Pius IV. in 1568. This water supplies the beautiful
-fountain Trevi, thus named from the three discharges issuing from it,
-or from its being placed at the junction of three streets. The water
-this Aqueduct furnishes is 2,322,762 cubic feet (14,168,848 gallons)
-daily, discharging through 7 principal conduits, at 13 public and 37
-other fountains.
-
-Second, _Aqua Felice_. This is a part of the ancient water of the
-Claudian and Marcian Aqueducts united with many others, and collected
-under Sextus V. The daily quantity it furnishes is 727,161 cubic feet,
-(4,435,682 gallons,) and supplies 16 public and 11 other fountains. The
-Moses fountain discharges from this source.
-
-The Pauline Aqueduct, called _Aqua Paola_, is the third of the ancient
-works restored. The water is collected within the territories of Arcolo
-and Bassano, and conducted along the ancient Aqueduct of Alsietina.
-This was effected under Pope Pius V., and directed by Charles Fontana,
-an eminent Hydraulic Architect, who constructed the great fountain
-of S. Pietro-in-Montorio. Additional water was also taken from Lake
-Bracciano by Fontana in 1694, under Clement X. The whole quantity in 24
-hours is 3,325,531 cubic feet, (20,285,739 gallons,) about one third
-of which goes to feed the fountains of St. Peters, and those of the
-Pontifical Palace on the Vatican Hill; the rest is distributed among 8
-public and 23 other fountains, as well as to 21 work-shops, (_usines_)
-in St. Pancras-street.
-
-An evidence of the durability of these old Roman structures is
-furnished in this junction of water from Lake Bracciano by Cardinal
-Orsini, under authority of Clement X., upon condition that a part of
-the water should be used to feed a second fountain about to be built
-in St. Peter’s Square at Rome, and the rest to be divided between the
-Apostolic Chamber and the House of Orsini. From the lake the conduit
-leads to the old Alsietina Aqueduct, in which it flows 20 miles to
-the city, and it was found to be in so perfect a state when the trial
-was first made after the restoration, October 13th, 1693, that all the
-water which entered the old Aqueduct was discharged at Rome without any
-loss, after its use had been suspended nearly 1000 years.
-
-
-
-
-THE PRINCIPAL MODERN AQUEDUCTS OF ITALY, FRANCE, ETC.
-
-
-_Aqueduct of Caserta._
-
-This Aqueduct was built by the order of the King of Naples, Charles
-III., for conducting water to his residence which he had at Caserta, a
-town situated about fifteen miles north of Naples.
-
-This Aqueduct was commenced in 1753. It is twenty-seven miles long,
-from the sources which supply it to the gardens of Caserta. The sources
-are at the base of the mountain called _Taburno_; the principal one is
-called _Sorgente de la Sfizzo_; it is afterwards joined by streams from
-many other sources, which are in the country called _Airola_.
-
-These waters are all joined in one Aqueduct, crossing the river
-_Faënza_, upon a bridge of three arches, built in 1753. Again, in
-the valley of _Durazzano_, there is another bridge of three arches,
-upon which the Aqueduct crosses the valley, passing over the river,
-and extending from the mountain called _Santa Agata de’Goti_, to the
-mountain of _Durazzano_.
-
-This Aqueduct afterwards crosses a deep valley, which it meets between
-_Monte-Longano_ and the hills _Tifata_, where ancient Caserta is
-situated, about the place called _Monte di Gazzano_. The crossing
-of this valley required the most important of all the constructions
-connected with the work. It was accomplished by an Aqueduct bridge,
-1724 feet long and 190 feet in height, composed of three tiers of
-arches, one above another. The lower range has nineteen arches, the
-middle twenty-seven, and the upper one forty-three; making in all
-eighty-nine arches.
-
-The labor of constructions under ground for this Aqueduct was more
-than that above; it pierced through five hills or mountains, making an
-aggregate length of tunnel of about four miles, and most of this was
-through rock.
-
-To give air and light to the channel, they made pits or wells; some of
-which were 250 feet deep, 10 feet diameter at the bottom, and 4 at the
-top.
-
-
-_Aqueduct Bridge of Castellana._
-
-This Aqueduct was built in connection with an ancient _Causeway_, which
-led to _Civita-Castellana_.
-
-This _Causeway_ was about 820 feet long and 32 feet wide; the greatest
-height was about 130 feet. It was pierced in the middle of this extent,
-by nine large arches; three of which were 86 feet span, and the others
-were each 64 feet span. Above these arches of the bridge the Aqueduct
-is built, the height of which is about 57 feet, and it is sustained
-upon a series of arches of about 19 feet span each.
-
-
-_Aqueduct of Montpelier._
-
-This Aqueduct is one of the most beautiful works of the kind, which
-exist in France. The length is about 3,200 feet; it conducts to
-Montpelier the waters of _Saint Clement_ and _du Boulidou_. It was
-built by M. Pitot, engineer and member of the Academy of Sciences. He
-was thirteen years constructing it. This Aqueduct is formed by two
-ranges of arches; those in the lower tier are seventy in number, and
-each 28 feet span; the piers of these arches are each 12 feet thick.
-The arches of the second or upper tier are much smaller, and are
-arranged so that three of them come within the space occupied by one of
-the lower arches. They are 9 feet diameter; their piers are 4 feet and
-a quarter thick.
-
-The greatest height of this Aqueduct is 90 feet.
-
-It is constructed entirely of cut stone. The quantity of water
-furnished by it is about 300,000 gallons in twenty-four hours.
-
-
-_Aqueduct of Spoleto._
-
-This Aqueduct was constructed in the year 741, by Theodoric, King of
-the Goths, to communicate with the town of Spoleto, situated upon the
-summit of a mountain. It is composed of ten grand Gothic arches
-each 71 feet diameter, supported upon piers of 10½ feet thickness. The
-middle arches which are over the river _de la Morgia_, are about 328
-feet high.
-
-[Illustration:
-
- _Napoleon Gimbrede. sc._
-
-AQUEDUCT OF SPOLETTO, ITALY.]
-
-On the top of this bridge is the Aqueduct which carries the water to
-Spoleto.
-
-This structure was difficult to execute, and being built of a very hard
-stone, remains entire at the present day.
-
-The total length is 800 feet, and the breadth is 44 feet.
-
-The greatest height of this bridge is 420 feet.
-
-
-_Aqueduct of the Prince of Biscari._
-
-This Aqueduct was constructed by the Prince of Biscari, in Sicily, at
-his own expense, across the river Saint-Paul, the ancient _Symète_. It
-conducts a pure stream of water to the estate of the prince, and at the
-same time serves as a public bridge over the valley. This bridge is
-composed of thirty-one arches, the largest of which, over the river,
-is 90 feet span. This arch is of Gothic form, while all the others
-are semi-circular. The bridge has two tiers or ranges of arches; the
-roadway is upon the first range, and the channel for the water, upon
-the second or upper range. The length of the bridge is 269 feet.
-The height to the top is 120 feet. It is said that this magnificent
-structure was accomplished in two years.
-
-
-_Aqueduct of Arcueil._
-
-The Emperor Julian built this Aqueduct to bring water to Paris, A. D.
-360; it supplied the palace and hot baths, but was destroyed by the
-Normans. It was above nine miles and a half long, and was entirely
-under ground, except the stone arcade over a deep valley at Arcueil.
-After its use had been suspended 800 years, a new and beautiful arched
-Aqueduct was built by the side of the ruins of the old one, and its
-final restoration to public use was completed in 1634.
-
-Part of this ancient construction, consisting of two arches
-substantially built, still exists, near the modern Aqueduct.
-
-The Aqueduct bridge over the valley of Arcueil has twenty-five arches,
-is 72 feet high and 1,200 feet in length.
-
-In the interior of the Aqueduct on each side is a parapet which forms a
-walk. On the outside along the whole line are various openings, called
-_regards_.
-
-This Aqueduct was thoroughly repaired in 1777; and fresh sums of money
-have lately been devoted to the same purpose by the city of Paris. It
-supplies 36,000 hogsheads daily.
-
-
-_Aqueduct of Maintenon._
-
-This work, had it been completed, would have been one of the most
-remarkable of modern times. The project was one of the noblest
-examples of the enterprise which characterized the reign of Louis
-XIV., and had it been carried out would have presented a work equal in
-grandeur to any of the kind constructed by the Romans. It was projected
-by Vauban, and the work was commenced in 1684, but was abandoned in
-1688.
-
-It was intended to conduct water from the river Eura to Versailles;
-a distance of over seventy miles; and it was also contemplated to
-continue the work to St. Cloud and to Paris; had this been done it
-would have been over ninety miles in length. It was intended to be
-of a mixed construction; partly by a canal formed by excavations and
-embankments, and partly by a channel of masonry.
-
-One of the most remarkable structures connected with it, was the
-Aqueduct bridge across the valley of Maintenon. This was designed to be
-entirely of masonry, having three ranges of arches, one above another.
-The length of this Aqueduct bridge would have been three and a quarter
-miles, and the height from the lowest part of the valley would have
-been 234 feet.
-
-The whole number of arches designed for this bridge was 685.
-
-Some of the piers and arches of the lower tier were constructed, but
-have since been suffered to crumble and fall. Many deep valleys were
-filled with embankments, and the canal was completed for a portion of
-the distance, but the course of the work is now but faintly marked by
-the remains of these structures.
-
-
-_Aqueduct of Lisbon._
-
-The site of Lisbon, as well as the ground in its vicinity, consists
-chiefly of limestone and basalt, which render it necessary to obtain
-good water, at about three leagues distance, for the beverage, and
-other uses of the inhabitants. The source consists of several springs
-that are near to the village of Bellas, and their produce is conveyed
-to Lisbon by an Aqueduct, constructed of a kind of white marble, and
-finished in 1738. In some parts its course has been excavated through
-hills; but near to Lisbon it is carried over a deep valley, for a
-length of 2400 feet, by means of several bold arches, of which the
-largest has a height of about 250 feet, by a breadth of 115. The arches
-being pointed have an interesting aspect, particularly when viewed from
-below, the interior of the spacious vaults being not only majestic in
-appearance, but reverberating every sound. The water flows through a
-stone tunnel, or covered arch-way, about 8 feet wide, formed in the
-middle of the structure; and on each side there is a foot-path, with a
-parapet wall, having a sufficient width for two persons to walk. The
-Aqueduct enters the town on its northern side, at a place called da
-Amoreira, where it branches into several others, in order to supply the
-different fountains, from which the inhabitants are supplied. Persons,
-denominated _gallegos_, obtain a subsistence by selling the water,
-which they procure at the fountains in small barrels, and afterwards
-cry it through the streets.
-
-
-_Aqueducts of Mexico and the adjacent States._
-
-The people who, in remote times, inhabited the region of Mexico, were
-advanced in civilization and in the arts; they had regularly organized
-states and established forms of government, and their immense cities,
-their roads, Aqueducts and other public works, give evidence of the
-advanced state of the arts among them and their knowledge of the
-sciences.
-
-The location and great population of some of their cities required a
-familiar knowledge of hydraulic operations to supply them with water;
-and hence it would seem as if they had cultivated this department of
-the arts equally with others, for some of their Aqueducts were of a
-character that would have done honor to Greece or Rome. Nearly all the
-ancient cities of Mexico were supplied by them.
-
-“The city of _Mexico_, which was built on several islands near the
-shore of the lake, was connected to the main land by four great
-causeways or dikes, the remains of which still exist. One of these to
-the south, the same by which Cortez entered, was nearly two leagues
-long--another to the north about one league, and the third at the
-west somewhat less. The fourth supported the celebrated Aqueduct
-of Chapoltepec, by which water was conducted from springs, upon an
-insulated hill of that name, at the distance of from two to three
-miles.”
-
-The Aqueduct of Chapoltepec was the work of Montezuma, and also the
-vast stone reservoir connected with it.
-
-This Aqueduct consisted of two conduits formed of solid mason
-work--each five feet high and two paces broad--by which the water was
-introduced into the city for the supply of various fountains.
-
-Olid and Alvarado commenced the siege of Mexico by attempting to cut
-off this supply of water, an enterprise which the Mexicans endeavored
-to prevent. “There appeared on that side,” says De Solis, “two or three
-rows of pipes, made of trees hollowed, supported by an Aqueduct of
-lime and stone, and the enemy had cast up some trenches to cover the
-avenue to it. But the two captains marched out of Tacuba with most of
-their troops, and though they met with a very obstinate resistance,
-they drove the enemy from their post, and broke the pipes and Aqueduct
-in two or three places, and the water took its natural course into the
-lake.”
-
-Humboldt says, there are still to be perceived the remains of another
-Aqueduct, which conducted to the city the waters of the spring of
-Amilco, near Churubusco. This Aqueduct, as described by Cortez,
-consisted of two conduits composed of clay tempered with mortar, about
-two paces in breadth, and raised about six feet. In one of them was
-conveyed a stream of excellent water, as large as the body of a man,
-into the centre of the city. The other was empty, so that when it
-became necessary to clean or repair the former, the water might be
-turned into it; which was the case also with those of Chapoltepec, “of
-which one was always in use, whenever the other required cleaning.”
-
-The gardens of Montezuma were also adorned and nourished with streams
-and _fountains_, and appear to have rivalled those of Asiatic monarchs
-in splendour.
-
-The ruins of the city of _Tezcuco_, which with its suburbs was even
-larger than Mexico, and according to Torquemada, contained one hundred
-and forty thousand houses, still betoken an ancient place of great
-importance and magnificence. Without the walls, tumuli, the sepulchres
-of the former inhabitants, may yet be observed, and also the remains of
-a _fine Aqueduct_ in a sufficient state of preservation for present use.
-
-Two miles from _Tezcuco_, the village of _Huexotla_, situated on the
-site of the ancient city of that name, which was considered as one
-of the suburbs of _Tezcuco_, exhibits signs of ancient civilization,
-in the foundations of large edifices, in _massive Aqueducts_, one of
-which, covered with rose-colored cement, still exists in a perfect
-state, and in an extensive wall of great height and thickness. A
-covered way flanked by parallel walls proceeds from the ancient city,
-to the bed of a stream now dry, over which there is a remarkable
-bridge, with a pointed arch 40 feet high, and supported on one side by
-a pyramidal mass of masonry.
-
-_Tlascala_ was furnished with abundance of baths and fountains, and
-_Zempoala_, like the city of _Tezcuco_, had every house supplied with
-water _by a pipe_.
-
-_Iztaclapa_, which contained about ten thousand houses, had its
-Aqueduct that conveyed water from the neighboring mountains, and led it
-through a great number of well cultivated gardens.
-
-Among the ruins of the city of _Zacatecas_, are found the remains of an
-Aqueduct; and at _Palenque_ is found an Aqueduct of stone, constructed
-with the greatest solidity.
-
-Among the hieroglyphical ornaments of the pyramid of _Xochicalco_ are
-heads of crocodiles _spouting water_, and much proof may be found that
-the ancient Americans were acquainted with that property of liquids by
-which they find their level; and applied it not merely to fountains and
-_jets d’eau_, but to convey water through _pipes_ to their dwellings.
-
-
-_Aqueducts of South America._
-
-The ancient inhabitants of Peru, Chili, and other parts of South
-America were undoubtedly a refined, civilized and agricultural people;
-they constructed extensive cities, roads, _Aqueducts_, &c. Though they
-constructed many and extensive Aqueducts for the supply of towns and
-cities with water, yet the object of the greater part of the public
-works of this kind was for the encouragement of agriculture.
-
-“The Peruvians and some of the neighboring nations carried the
-cultivation of the soil to a higher stage of perfection than any of
-the American nations. In consequence of the narrow extent of land
-intervening between the mountains and the sea, the rivers in this
-region are usually of small size, and the soil, being arid and sandy,
-needs the aid of artificial irrigation. To such an extent did they
-carry their ingenious efforts, that the sides of the steepest mountains
-were converted into productive fields, by being encircled with
-terraces, supported by stone walls, and watered by _canals_.”
-
-“Upon the sides of some of the mountains,” observes Mr. Temple, “were
-the remains of walls built in regular stages round them, from their
-base to their summits, forming terraces on which, or between which, the
-Indians, in days of yore, cultivated their crops.”
-
-“Frezier says the Indians were very industrious in conveying the waters
-of the rivers through their fields and to their dwellings, and that
-there were still to be seen in many places Aqueducts formed of earth
-and stone, and carried along the sides of hills with great labor and
-ingenuity.”
-
-“I have had various opportunities,” says a recent traveller, “of
-closely examining one of these canals, which is formed at the source
-of the river Sana, on the right bank, and extends along a distance of
-fifteen leagues, without reckoning sinuosities, and which consequently
-supplied a vast population; particularly one city, whose ruins still
-remain in the vicinity of a farm now called Cojal.”
-
-“These Aqueducts were often of great magnitude, executed with much
-skill, patience and ingenuity, and were boldly carried along the most
-precipitous mountains, frequently to the distance of fifteen or twenty
-leagues. Many of them consisted of two conduits, a short distance
-apart; the larger of these was for general use; the other and smaller,
-to supply the inhabitants and water the fields, while the first was
-cleansing; a circumstance in which they bear a striking resemblance to
-those of Mexico.”
-
-Molina, in his “Natural and Civil History of Chili,” observes, that
-previous to the invasion of the Spaniards, the natives practised
-artificial irrigation, by conveying water from the higher grounds
-in canals to their fields. Herrera says, many of the vales were
-exceedingly populous and well cultivated, “having trenches of water.”
-
-The Peruvians carried the system to a great extent. “How must we
-admire, (says Humboldt,) the industry and activity displayed by the
-ancient Mexicans and Peruvians in the irrigation of arid lands!
-
-“In the maritime parts of Peru, I have seen the remains of walls,
-along which water was conducted for a space of from 5 to 6000 metres,
-from the foot of the Codilleras to the coast. The conquerors of the
-16th century destroyed these Aqueducts, and that part of Peru has
-become, like Persia, a desert, destitute of vegetation. Such is the
-civilization carried by the Europeans among a people, whom they are
-pleased to call barbarous.” These people had laws for the protection of
-water, very similar to those of Greece, Rome, Egypt, and all the older
-nations; for those who conveyed water from the canals to their own land
-before their turn, were liable to arbitrary punishment.
-
-Several of the ancient American customs respecting water, were
-identical with those of the oldest nations.
-
-They buried vessels of water with the dead. The Mexicans worshipped
-it. The Peruvians sacrificed to rivers and fountains. The Mexicans had
-_Tlaloc_, their god of water. Holy water was kept in their temples.
-They practised divinations by water. The Peruvians drew their drinking
-water from _Deep Wells_, and for irrigation in times of drought, they
-drew it from pools, and lakes, and rivers.
-
-There is reason to believe that Peru, Chili, and other parts of the
-southern continent, were inhabited by a refined, or partially refined
-people, centuries before the time of Manco Capac, the first Inca; and
-that a long period of barbarism had intervened, induced, perhaps,
-by revolutions similar to those which, in the old world, swept all
-the once celebrated nations of antiquity into oblivion. The ancient
-Peruvians had a tradition respecting the arrival of giants, who located
-themselves on the coast, and who _dug_ wells of immense depth _through
-the solid rock_; which wells, as well as cisterns, still remain.
-
-There is much uncertainty respecting Manco Capac. Who he was, and
-from what country he came, are equally unknown. According to their
-_Quippus_, or historical cords, and the opinion of the Inca, who
-was uncle to Garcilasso, and who communicated to the latter all the
-knowledge of their ancestors then extant, he made his appearance in
-Peru about 400 years before the invasion of the Spaniards. It is said
-he was whiter than the natives, and was clothed in flowing garments.
-Awed by his presence, they received him as a divinity, became subject
-to his laws, and practised the arts he introduced. He founded Cusco,
-and extended his influence to all the nations around. He taught them
-agriculture and many useful arts, especially that of irrigating land.
-His son succeeded him, and without violence greatly extended the limits
-of the kingdom; prevailing with the natives, it is said, by a peaceable
-and gentle manner, “to plough, and manure, and cultivate the soil.”
-His successors pursued the same mode, and with the same success. The
-fifth Inca, we are informed, constructed Aqueducts, bridges and roads
-in all the countries he subdued. When the sixth Inca acquired a new
-province, he ordered the lands to be “dressed and manured;” the fens
-to be drained, “for in that art (draining) they were excellent, as is
-apparent by their works, which remain to this day; and also they were
-(then) very ingenious in making _Aqueducts_ for carrying water into dry
-and scorched lands, such as the greatest part of that country is; they
-always made contrivances and _inventions_ to bring their water. These
-Aqueducts, though they were ruined after the Spaniards came in, yet
-several reliques and monuments of them remain unto this day.”
-
-The seventh Inca, _Viracocha_, constructed some water works, which, in
-their beneficial effects, perhaps equalled any similar undertakings in
-any other part of the world. “He made an Aqueduct 12 feet in depth, and
-120 leagues in length; the source or head of it arose from certain
-springs on the top of a high mountain between Parcu and Picuy, which
-was so plentiful that at the very head of the fountains they seemed to
-be rivers. This current of water had its course through all the country
-of the Rucanas, and served to water the pasturage of those uninhabited
-lands, which are about 18 leagues in breadth, _watering almost the
-whole country of Peru_.”
-
-There is _another_ Aqueduct much like this, which traverses the whole
-province of _Cuntisuyu_, running above 150 leagues from south to north.
-Its head or original is from the top of high mountains, the which
-waters falling into the plains of the Quechuas, greatly refresh their
-pasturage, when the heats of the summer and autumn have dried up the
-moisture of the earth.
-
-“There are many streams of like nature, which run through divers
-parts of the empire, which being conveyed by Aqueducts, at the charge
-and expense of the Incas, are works of grandeur and ostentation, and
-which recommend the magnificence of the Incas to all posterity; for
-these Aqueducts may well be compared to the miraculous fabrics which
-have been the works of mighty princes, who have left their prodigious
-monuments of ostentation to be admired by future ages; for, indeed,
-we ought to consider that these waters had their source and beginning
-from vast, high mountains, and were carried over craggy rocks and
-inaccessible passages; and to make these ways plain, they had no help
-of instruments forged of steel or iron, such as pickaxes or sledges,
-but served themselves only with one stone to break another. Nor were
-they acquainted with the invention of arches, to convey the water
-on the level from one precipice to the other, but traced round the
-mountain until they found ways and passages at the same height and
-level with the head of the springs.”
-
-“The cisterns or conservatories which they made for these waters, at
-the top of the mountain, were about 12 feet deep; the passage was
-broken through the rocks, and channels made of hewn stone, of about
-two yards long and about a yard high; which were cemented together,
-and rammed in with earth so hard, that no water would pass between, to
-weaken or vent itself by the holes of the channel.
-
-“The current of water which passes through all the division of
-Cuntisuyu I have seen in the province of Quechua, which is part of
-that division, and considered it an extraordinary work, and indeed
-surpassing the description and report which hath been made of it.
-But the Spaniards who were aliens and strangers, little regarded the
-convenience of these works, either to serve themselves in the use of
-them, or to keep them in repair, nor yet to take so much notice of them
-as to mention them in their histories, but rather out of a scornful
-and disdaining humor, have suffered them to run into ruin, beyond all
-recovery. The same fate hath befallen the _Aqueducts_ which the Indians
-made for watering their corn lands, of which two thirds at least are
-wholly destroyed, and none kept in repair, unless some few which
-are so useful that without them they cannot sustain themselves with
-bread, nor with the necessary provisions of life. All which works are
-not so totally destroyed but that there still remain some ruins and
-appearances of them.”
-
-In describing the temple and gardens at Cusco. Garcilasso observes,
-“there were five fountains of water, which ran from divers places
-through pipes of gold. The cisterns were some of stone, and others of
-gold and silver in which they washed their sacrifices, as the solemnity
-of the festival required.”
-
-
-
-
-FOUNTAINS.
-
-
-Artificial fountains and _jets d’eau_ are of extreme antiquity; they
-have been used for beautifying public grounds of cities, and have
-served the purpose of moderating the temperature of the air; in these
-cases the water has been in some instances perfumed.
-
-“From excavations made at Pompeii it appears that in almost every
-street there was a fountain, and that bronze statues, through which
-the water issued were common,--several have been found,--four or five
-are boys of beautiful workmanship; the fluid issued from vases resting
-on their shoulders, or held under their arms, and in some cases from
-masks. Paintings of elegant fountains, from which the water issued in
-perpendicular jets, have also been discovered both at Herculaneum and
-Pompeii.”
-
-“In the middle of the square of the Coliseum, is a pretty remarkable
-piece of antiquity, (says Blainville,) though very little minded by
-most people. Here stood anciently, a beautiful fountain, adorned with
-the finest marbles and columns; and on the top was a bronze statue of
-Jupiter, from which issued great plenty of water, as may be seen on the
-reverse of one of Titus’ medals. This fountain was of great use both
-to the spectators and the gladiators in the amphitheatre to refresh
-themselves. Pope Alexander VII. caused it to be repaired, but since his
-time it has been entirely neglected.”
-
-“During hot weather, Augustus the Roman Emperor slept (observes
-Sentonius) with his chamber doors open, ‘and frequently in a portico
-with waters playing around him.’”
-
-The garden water-works of the Duke of Devonshire at Chatsworth are
-probably the finest in England; being ornamented by many fanciful
-devices and from a jet of six inches diameter the water rises
-perpendicularly to the height of 90 feet.
-
-The most remarkable fountain or _jet d’eau_ in the world, is at
-Cassal in Germany, where the water rises from an orifice of 12 inches
-diameter to a perpendicular height of 250 feet. The source from which
-it is supplied is at the top of a mountain near by, being about 500
-feet above the level of the town. The surplus water not used for the
-supply of the fountain flows down the mountain-side forming a beautiful
-cascade.
-
-The cities of Europe abound in fountains which in their arrangement
-furnish beautiful designs and are ornamented with specimens of
-workmanship displaying much skill and refinement of taste: a minute
-description of them would, however, occupy too much space, and since
-we have had our attention drawn (on the subject of Aqueducts) more
-particularly to the works of the Romans, we will revert to the
-
-
-_Fountains of Rome._
-
-“If during the most distinguished eras of the Roman state, the
-Aqueducts conduced to the luxurious enjoyments of the wealthy and
-powerful, yet in modern times, the residents of Rome have also found
-them particularly advantageous, by their furnishing occasions for the
-cultivation of those elegant arts, which, in a peculiar manner, call
-forth the energies of genius, and the exercise of refined taste, in
-realizing and decorating her productions. Qualities of this kind appear
-conspicuous in several of the numerous fountains which adorn that
-celebrated city; and the most intellectual and accomplished professors
-of sculpture and architecture, have happily united beauty and grandeur
-in the construction of many such admirable edifices. These structures
-are also characterized by great diversity of design, as well as skilful
-execution; hence, a concise description of several of them may be
-interesting.”
-
-“The largest structure of this kind in Rome, is that denominated the
-_Pauline_ Fountain, which was built by order of Pope Paul V., with
-the materials of Nerva’s Forum. This spacious edifice is situate on
-the highest part of the Janiculum hill, and Dominica Fontana, and
-Carlo Mederno, furnished the designs for its construction. The front
-is adorned with six Ionic columns of red granite, on which an attic
-has a tablet containing an inscription with the pontiff’s arms placed
-above it. Between the columns the spaces are open, and from these
-arcades the currents of water flow with a loud noise, and in great
-abundance. The apertures on the sides are smaller than the others, and
-in each of those is placed a dragon spouting water into the spacious
-magnificent marble basin below. This fountain is furnished with water
-by the Aqueduct called _Aqua Paolo_; and it runs from the basin, in a
-very large stream into several canals, whence it is employed to work
-various corn, paper, and other mills, as well as to supply fountains
-and fish-ponds in the gardens and palaces of the opulent.”
-
-“Near to the baths of Dioclesian, and in the square of the _Termini_,
-stands the fountain of the _Aqua Felice_. The edifice is not only
-elegant but fanciful, and it has three arcades ornamented with four
-Ionic columns of granite. The middle arcade has a colossal statue of
-Moses, causing the water to issue from the rock; and at the sides are
-two basso relievos, one representing Aaron leading the Israelites to
-the miraculous spring, and the other Gideon selecting the soldiers
-to enlarge the passage for the water, which flows in great abundance
-through three apertures into marble basins. The sides are adorned
-by four marble lions, with the water issuing from their mouths: two
-of these are formed of white Grecian marble, and the other two of
-black granite. The latter are Egyptian workmanship, and covered with
-hieroglyphics. This noble fountain was erected from a design of Cav.
-Fontana; by the order of Pope Sixtus V., and its supply of water is
-obtained twenty-two miles from the city.”
-
-“Another of these fine structures is that called the _Fountain of
-Trevi_, in which boldness of design, and elegance of architecture
-are admirably united. The erection of this very magnificent edifice
-commenced during the pontificate of Clement XII., who repaired the
-Aqueducts. Niccolo Salvi designed the grand front, but the work was
-completed under Clement XIII., who decorated it with statues, basso
-relievos in marble, and different columns of the Corinthian, Ionic,
-and Composite orders. In the centre is a statue representing Oceanus,
-standing in a car, drawn by two large sea-horses, guided by Tritons.
-One of the horses appears furious and impatient, whilst, on the
-contrary, the other is exhibited as calm and placid, so that both are
-symbolical of the tempestuous or tranquil state of the sea.
-
- ‘Bounding to light, as if from ocean’s cave,
- The struggling sea-horse paws the lucid wave,
- While health and plenty smile, and Neptune’s form
- Majestic sways the trident of the storm.’
-
-“A statue, designating Abundance, is placed at the right of Oceanus,
-and on the left another emblematical of Health. The basso relievo,
-which adorns the right side, portrays the Emperor Trajan, contemplating
-a plan of the fountain; and that on the left exhibits a girl showing
-to some soldiers, the spring that supplies it with water. Various
-other sculptures decorate this superb edifice; and at the top of
-the principal front are two figures of Fame, supporting the arms
-of the Pope. Its supply of water is furnished by the Aqua Virgini,
-and it flows in very large streams from three arcades. The cost of
-constructing this splendid and useful fountain was great; but it ranks
-among the most interesting objects conspicuously embellishing the city
-of Rome.”
-
-“The _Piazza Novana_ has a very noble fountain standing in its centre.
-It is composed of a large circular marble basin 79 feet in diameter,
-in the middle of which is placed a rock of square form with apertures
-at the sides. The figure of a lion adorns one side, and that of a
-sea-horse another. From the base to the top of the rock, the height is
-about 14 feet; and on its summit stands an Egyptian obelisk formed of
-red granite, 55 feet in height, and covered with hieroglyphics. At the
-four sides of the rock are colossal marble statues, which designate the
-four great rivers in different quarters of the world: viz. the Danube,
-the Nile, the Ganges, and the Plata: and from these statues the water
-flows in copious streams to the spacious basin below.
-
- ‘The Nile and Ganges from the silver tide:
- La Plata too, and Danube’s streams unite
- Their liquid treasures, copious, clear and bright.’
-
-“During the summer, it is the custom occasionally to permit the water
-to overflow the whole square, for the entertainment of the people;
-and on midsummer’s eve persons amuse themselves by wading and driving
-through the flood. This practice has sometimes been attended with fatal
-accidents, and not only men but horses have actually been drowned in
-the attempts to pass it in carriages.
-
-“In the month of August the area of the square is likewise filled with
-water for the purpose of amusement.
-
-“The same square likewise contains two other fountains, one of which
-consists of a capacious marble basin, having at its centre a Triton
-holding a dolphin by the tail; and on the margin of the basin are four
-heads with the same number of Tritons that spout the water from their
-mouths. The other fountain has not any remarkable characteristics to
-entitle it to peculiar attention.”
-
-“Where formerly stood the circus of Flora is now the site of the Piazza
-Barberinni, which has two fountains to embellish it:--one of them being
-composed of four dolphins supporting a large open shell, with a Triton
-in the middle ejecting water to a great height. The other is fanciful,
-being also formed of an open shell, from which three bees throw out the
-water.”
-
-“In the vicinity of the Temple of Vesta stands a handsome fountain,
-having a capacious basin, in which some Tritons support a large
-marble shell. From the centre of the latter, the water spouts to a
-considerable height, and then descending flows over its margin into
-the basin beneath. Some fine fountains adorn the magnificent colonnade
-in front of the Cathedral of St. Peter. The _Piazza di Spagna_ has
-likewise for its embellishment, a fountain in the form of an antique
-boat. Besides the structures described above, there is a great number
-of other fountains which evince much diversity of taste and ingenuity
-in their contrivance. But at the different villas of the opulent, the
-abundance of water is rendered subservient to amusing as well as useful
-purposes, and several of them are rather singular. The description of
-one will convey some notion of what is common to many of them.
-
-“The delightful promenades, groves, and gardens belonging to the Doria
-family, are interspersed with fountains of various forms; besides
-having a beautiful lake with waterfalls. Statues, antique basso
-relievos, and small fountains, adorn a kind of amphitheatre, where
-a circular edifice contains the marble figure of a fawn holding a
-flute, on which it seems to play different airs: the music, however,
-is produced by a machine resembling an organ in its construction, and
-motion being given to it by the flowing of the water from a cascade.”
-
-“Perhaps the few instances recited above will suffice to demonstrate
-the different modes employed at Rome, for calling into exercise
-genius, fancy, and taste, to diversify the public edifices concerned
-with its abundant supply of water; thus rendering them subservient to
-magnificence, entertainment, and utility. Whilst John Dyer resided
-there, he viewed these celebrated fountains with the mingled feelings
-of the painter and the poet; hence, associating them with other
-interesting circumstances, they furnished the materials for one of his
-most striking and pathetic delineations.
-
- ‘The pilgrim oft,
- At dead of night, ’mid his oraison hears
- Aghast the voice of Time, disparting towers,
- Tumbling all precipitate, down-dashed,
- Rattling around, loud thundering to the moon;
- While murmurs sooth each awful interval
- Of ever-falling waters; shrouded Nile,
- Eridanus, and Tiber with his twins,
- And palmy Euphrates; they with dropping locks
- Hang o’er their urns, and mournfully among
- The plantive echoing ruins, pour their streams.’”
-
- _Ruins of Rome._
-
-
-
-
-HISTORY
-
-OF THE
-
-PROGRESSIVE MEASURES FOR SUPPLYING
-
-THE
-
-CITY OF NEW-YORK WITH WATER.
-
-
-As early as 1774, when the population of the city of New-York was only
-_twenty-two thousand_, the Corporation commenced the construction of
-a reservoir and other works for supplying water; and for the purpose
-of defraying the expense of the undertaking, issued a paper money,
-amounting to _two thousand five hundred pounds_, under the denomination
-of “_Water Works Money_,” and bonds were executed in favor of certain
-individuals for land and materials to the amount of _eight thousand
-eight hundred and fifty pounds_ more.
-
-A spacious reservoir was constructed on the east line of Broadway,
-between, what is now known as Pearl and White streets, and a well of
-large dimensions was sunk in the vicinity of the Collect. The war of
-the revolution, which commenced in 1775, and the consequent occupation
-of the city of New-York by the British troops, was the cause of the
-abandonment of the work in its unfinished state.
-
-In the year 1798, Doctor Joseph Brown addressed a communication
-to the Common Council, strongly recommending the Bronx River as a
-source from which to obtain a supply of good water for the use of the
-citizens. This recommendation induced the Common Council to employ
-William Weston, Esquire, a Civil Engineer, to examine the subject, and
-he reported on the 16th of March, 1799, in favor of the practicability
-of introducing the water of the Bronx into the city. Neither of these
-gentlemen had used levels or made any survey of the country over which
-the water should be brought, nor was there any measurement obtained of
-the flow of the stream; consequently, their opinion was only founded on
-personal view, gained by walking over the ground.
-
-In April, 1799, the _Manhattan Company_ was incorporated by an act
-of the Legislature, and the object of this Company was declared to
-be, to supply the city with pure and wholesome water; but instead
-of looking for a supply from foreign sources, they resorted to the
-plan of furnishing the water from wells which they sunk within the
-city limits. Besides these wells of the Manhattan Company there were
-others subsequently sunk by the Corporation of the city, as well as
-by individual enterprise. Some of these wells were of great depth
-and capacity, having, in some instances, horizontal excavations at
-a considerable depth below the surface, branching off from the main
-shaft. Efforts of this kind, however, proved unsatisfactory, and much
-solicitude was felt by the citizens on account of the scarcity of
-_pure_ water.
-
-On the 17th of March, 1822, the Mayor among other measures suggested
-by him to the Common Council, brought to their consideration, the
-important question of supplying the city with pure and wholesome water,
-and requested its reference to a Committee, which was accordingly done.
-The Committee, of which the Mayor was one, proceeded to the principal
-source of the Bronx River, in the county of Westchester, known as the
-Rye Pond. They spent two days, the 20th and 21st of March, in exploring
-the country adjacent to the River and Sound, and at a meeting of the
-Common Council, on the first of April, the Mayor, as Chairman of the
-Committee, made a report of their observations, and recommended an
-appropriation, with authority to employ a competent engineer to survey
-and profile the whole line between the city and the main source of the
-river Bronx, and to ascertain the quantity of water it would afford,
-and an estimate of the probable cost of completing the project of
-supplying the city with good and wholesome water from the aforesaid
-source. The recommendation was concurred in, and the Mayor employed
-Canvas White, Esquire, a Civil Engineer, to make the said survey and
-estimate.
-
-The yellow fever prevailed in the city during the summer of 1822,
-and shortly after the termination of the epidemic, on the 25th of
-November, the Mayor, in a communication to the Common Council, on
-subjects relative to the preservation of the public health, stated that
-a very important subject connected with the health of the city, was a
-sufficient supply of good water; and that on this subject all had been
-done that it was practicable, under existing circumstances, to perform;
-that arrangements had been made with Mr. White, a Civil Engineer of
-repute, to examine the several sources from which a supply was likely
-to be obtained, and to furnish correct surveys and profiles of the
-heights and depressions of the country through which the water must be
-conveyed, and that he had been requested to report as soon as it was
-practicable.
-
-In 1823, the Sharon Canal Company was chartered by the State, and among
-its duties was that of supplying the city of New-York with pure and
-wholesome water. The work was not, however, undertaken.
-
-In January, 1824, Mr. White made his report, which he prefaced
-as follows:--“That he had the honor of receiving a request from
-Stephen Allen, late Mayor, to make an examination and estimate of
-the expense of furnishing the city with a copious supply of good and
-wholesome water. Agreeably to that request, I have made the necessary
-surveys, levels and examinations to ascertain the practicability
-of the project,” &c. &c. At the same date, Benjamin Wright, Esq.,
-reported to the Common Council on the same subject, which he prefaces
-as follows:--“In obedience to a request of your honorable body,
-communicated to me by Stephen Allen, Esq., late Mayor, in November
-last, desiring me to assist Canvas White, Esq., with my advice and
-counsel, as to the best method of supplying the city of New-York with
-plenty of good water, I beg leave to make the following report,” &c.
-
-Mr. White reported in favor of bringing the water of the Bronx to
-the city; taking it from the River at the Westchester Cotton Factory
-pond. The natural flow of the River at this place, he stated to be
-3,000,000 of gallons per day, in the driest season, and he proposed by
-artificial works at the upper Rye pond, and by lowering the outlet of
-this pond, to obtain 3,600,000 gallons more per day; thus furnishing
-a daily supply of 6,600,000 gallons. The cost of bringing the water
-to a reservoir near the Park, was estimated at $1,949,542. Mr. Wright
-concurred with him in this opinion.
-
-In 1825 a company was incorporated by the Legislature, and called the
-“_New-York Water Works Company_,” with authority to supply the city
-with pure water. Canvas White, Esq., was appointed Engineer to this
-Company, and in his report to the Directors, he recommended taking the
-waters of the Bronx at Underhill’s bridge; estimated that 9,100,000
-gallons of water could be delivered in the city daily, and that the
-expense would not exceed $1,450,000.
-
-The charter of this company proved so defective in practice, that they
-were unable to proceed under it, and they accordingly applied to the
-Legislature in 1826 for an amendment, authorizing the company to take
-such of the waters, land and materials, by appraisement of indifferent
-persons, as might be required for the work. In this application,
-however, they were defeated, by the opposition of the Sharon Canal
-Company, who claimed, under their charter, all the water on the route
-of their canal. The Water Works Company was accordingly dissolved in
-1827.
-
-In 1831, the Common Council of the city, impelled by a sense of the
-importance of a supply of pure and wholesome water, began to take more
-decided steps towards the accomplishment of the object: a Committee
-of the Board of Aldermen on Fire and Water, consisting of James
-Palmer, Samuel Stevens and William Scott, to whom were referred
-various communications and resolutions on the subject of supplying
-the city with water, presented a report adducing facts and arguments
-sufficient to prove the practicability of the project and the ability
-of the Corporation to meet the expense; and prefaced that report as
-follows:--“That they approach the subject as one of vast magnitude and
-importance to an already numerous and dense population, requiring our
-municipal authorities no longer to satisfy themselves with speeches,
-reports and surveys, but actually to raise the _means_ and strike
-the spade into the ground, as a commencement of this all important
-undertaking.”[2]
-
-Their attention was drawn, at that time, to the Bronx River, with the
-ponds at its head, as the source for supply; but appended to their
-report is a letter directed to the Corporation and signed Cyrus Swan,
-“who is President of the New-York and Sharon Canal Company,” in which
-it is asserted, “it has been ascertained that _that_ River (the Croton)
-can be carried into the city of New-York, and that without it, a supply
-which shall be adequate to the present and future wants of the city
-cannot be obtained.
-
-This Committee drafted an _Act_ for the Legislature to pass, which was
-approved by the Common Council, and presented to the Legislature in
-the session of 1832, but failed in becoming a law. That _Act_ provided
-for the appointment of a Board of Commissioners of three persons, by
-the Common Council, to superintend the execution of the plan and make
-contracts for introducing water into the city of New-York.
-
-In November, 1832, a report was made by Timothy Dewey and William
-Serrell to Benjamin Wright, Esq. They had examined the sources of the
-Bronx River and other streams, and the practicability of introducing
-the water of the Croton by connecting it with the Sawmill and Bronx
-Rivers;--they did not consider it possible to bring the Croton water to
-mingle with those of the aforesaid rivers without the aid of expensive
-machinery, from the great height it would be necessary to elevate the
-water. They finally recommended the Bronx as a sufficient source, with
-some artificial reservoirs, to answer all the city purposes.
-
-The frightful ravages of the cholera, during the summer of 1832, gave
-to the subject of _a supply of pure water_ a deeper interest, and the
-minds of the citizens were again aroused to the importance of it. The
-Committee of the Board of Aldermen, on “Fire and Water,” James Palmer,
-chairman, pursued the subject with energy; exhibiting on all occasions
-perseverance and industry in their researches.
-
-Myndert Van Schaick, Esq., being a member of the Board of Aldermen
-at that time, was familiar with the question of a supply of pure and
-wholesome water, and holding the situation of Treasurer of the Board
-of Health, became deeply interested in the measure, and urged it as
-a matter of the deepest importance to the permanence, welfare and
-financial interests of the city, that every method should be taken
-to investigate and probe the subject which cautious men could adopt,
-and his efforts in the subsequent measures and provisions of law in
-relation to it are of the same character.
-
-In December, 1832, De Witt Clinton, Esq., of the United States Corps
-of Engineers, made a report pursuant to a request of the Committee on
-Fire and Water, in which, after stating the substance of the several
-reports in favor of the Bronx as the source of supply, he arrives at
-the conclusion, that an adequate supply can only be obtained from the
-Croton River.
-
-He proposed to take the waters of the Croton at Pine’s bridge, which
-he stated to be 183 feet above the level of the Hudson; to conduct the
-water in an open Aqueduct, following the line of the Croton and Hudson
-Rivers, and cross Harlem River on an arch of 138 feet in height, and
-1,000 feet in length. The whole cost he estimated at $2,500,000.
-
-It does not appear, however, that any levels were run, or survey made
-by Mr. Clinton, of the route he recommended; but, that he depended on
-the information of others, together with his personal observation, for
-the subject matter of his report.
-
-In a report made to the Board of Aldermen in January, 1833, it was
-suggested that the failure of the law asked for the year previous,
-was in consequence of a want of sufficient information to warrant the
-opinion of the feasibility of the project, and it recommended that
-immediate application should be made to the Legislature, asking for the
-appointment of a Board of Commissioners, with full powers to examine
-all the plans proposed, to cause surveys, and to estimate the probable
-expense of supplying the city of New-York with water.
-
-The Committee recommended that the Commissioners should be appointed by
-the Governor and Senate, and that their number should consist of five,
-“inasmuch as the object of their appointment is to settle conclusively
-the plan to be adopted, and the amount requisite for its performance.”
-This report was concurred in by the Board of Assistants, and approved
-of by the Mayor, January 17th, 1833.
-
-In compliance with the request of the Common Council the Legislature of
-the State, on the 26th of February, 1833, passed an Act,[3] providing
-for the appointment by the Governor and Senate, of five persons, as
-Water Commissioners, whose duty it was by said Act declared to be “to
-examine and consider all matters relative to supplying the city of
-New-York with a sufficient quantity of pure and wholesome water for the
-use of its inhabitants, and the amount of money necessary to effect
-that object.”
-
-In pursuance of this law, the Governor and Senate appointed the
-Board of Water Commissioners, consisting of the following named
-gentlemen:--Stephen Allen, William W. Fox, Saul Alley, Charles
-Dusenberry and Benjamin M. Brown. They were directed to make their
-report to the Legislature, by the second Monday of January, 1834,
-and to present a _copy_ thereof to the Common Council of the City of
-New-York on or before the first day of November, 1833.
-
-The Commissioners proceeded in the discharge of their duties, employed
-as Engineers Canvas White, Esquire, and Major D. B. Douglass, of the
-United States Corps of Engineers, and made all necessary examinations
-so as to determine, whether a sufficient quantity of pure and wholesome
-water could be obtained for present and future purposes, whether
-its introduction into the city would be practicable at an elevation
-precluding the use of machinery, and also what would be the probable
-cost of completing the projected work. Their report satisfied the
-Legislature that a supply of pure and wholesome water was of great
-importance to the city--that its introduction was feasible, and
-that the expense was within the financial ability of the citizens.
-Accordingly an Act[4] was passed by the Legislature, on the 2d of May,
-1834, which provided for the appointment of five Water Commissioners
-by the Governor and Senate, and they were required “to examine and
-consider all matters relative to supplying the city of New-York with a
-sufficient quantity of pure and wholesome water; to adopt such plan as
-in their opinion will be most advantageous for securing such supply,
-and to report a full statement and description of the plan adopted
-by them; to ascertain, as near as may be, what amount of money may
-be necessary to carry the same into effect; to report an estimate of
-the probable amount of revenue that will accrue to the city, upon the
-completion of the work, and the reasons and calculations upon which
-their opinion and estimates may be founded; such report to be made and
-presented to the Common Council of the city on or before the first day
-of January, 1836.”
-
-It was further provided, that “in case the plan adopted by the
-Commissioners shall be approved by the Common Council, they shall
-submit it to the electors to express their assent or refusal to allow
-the Common Council, to instruct the Commissioners to proceed in the
-work.”
-
-The Commissioners who were appointed in 1833, were re-appointed under
-the Act of the 2d of May, 1834. They immediately entered upon the
-duties of their office, thoroughly re-examined their former work, and
-decided that the Croton River was the only source that would furnish
-an adequate supply of water for present and future purposes. In making
-these examinations they employed, as Engineers, David B. Douglass,
-John Martineau and George W. Cartwright, Esquires. Various plans were
-proposed for conveying the water to the city, and estimates made of
-the cost of the work constructed by either of these plans, but the
-one recommended by the Commissioners, and that for which a preference
-was expressed by the Engineers, Messrs. Martineau and Douglass, was
-a closed Aqueduct of masonry. These gentlemen each made an estimate
-of the cost of bringing the water of the Croton River to the city of
-New-York by a closed Aqueduct of masonry, and the Water Commissioners
-offered, as the true cost of the work, an average of the two estimates.
-The cost of the work, as estimated for this plan and presented by
-the Water Commissioners, (including the cost of the city mains and
-conduits,) was $5,412,336.72.
-
-The report of the Water Commissioners was referred to a Committee,
-who reported to the Common Council, on the 4th of March, 1835, two
-resolutions, the first approving the plan adopted by the Commissioners
-as described in their report; and the second referring the subject to
-the electors at the ensuing annual election, as required by the Act of
-May 2d, 1834. These resolutions were adopted by the Common Council, and
-at the election in April, 1835, the subject having been duly submitted
-to the electors of the city and county of New-York, a majority of the
-voters were found to be in favor of the measure. On the 7th of May
-following, the Common Council “instructed the Commissioners to proceed
-with the work.”
-
-Thus authorized, the Commissioners immediately commenced the
-preparatory measures for the construction of the work. David B.
-Douglass was employed as Chief Engineer; he proceeded in the location
-of the line for the Aqueduct and in preparing plans, until October,
-1836, when he was succeeded by John B. Jervis, who continued at the
-head of that department during the construction of the Aqueduct.
-
-The construction of the work was commenced in May 1837; and on the
-22d June, 1842, the Aqueduct received the water from the Fountain
-Reservoir on the Croton:--on the 27th of June, the water having been
-permitted to traverse the entire length of the Aqueduct, entered the
-Receiving Reservoir at the city of New-York, and was admitted into the
-Distributing Reservoir on the 4th of July.
-
-The Commissioners who were appointed in 1833, and re-appointed in 1834,
-continued in the performance of their duties until 1837--in March, of
-which year Thomas T. Woodruff was appointed in the place of Benjamin
-M. Brown, who resigned his office, and the Board of Commissioners thus
-constituted, continued until March, 1840, when they were succeeded by
-Samuel Stevens, John D. Ward, Zebedee Ring, Benjamin Birdsall and
-Samuel R. Childs. This Board of Commissioners remained in office until
-February, 1843, when they were succeeded by the gentlemen who composed
-the former Board.
-
-
-
-
-OF PLANS PROPOSED FOR FURNISHING THE CITY WITH WATER, AND OF THE PLAN
-ADOPTED.
-
-
-In the course of examinations which were made to determine sources
-whence water could be obtained, questions of deep importance presented
-themselves in regard to the source to be relied upon for a supply, also
-in reference to the plan which should be adopted for conducting the
-water to the city.
-
-It was of so much importance to the city that the supply should be
-such as not only to answer the present purposes, but be adequate to
-the future increased demands, and that the quality of the water should
-be unquestionable, that it became necessary to extend the examinations
-over every watered district in the vicinity, in order to judge of
-the comparative merits of different sources. The Engineers who were
-employed, traversed the country, gauged the streams, reported their
-supply, the quality of the water, and plans which might be adopted
-for conveying it to the city. It was a field for the exercise of the
-talent and research of the Engineer: in resorting to a distant stream
-for a supply, any plan which he might propose for conveying the water,
-would encounter obstacles requiring skill and ingenuity to overcome.
-He would find it necessary to build up the valleys, pierce through the
-hills, and span the waters of the arms of the sea which embrace the
-city and make it an island. Structures would be required, which, in
-their design, would find no parallel among the public works of this
-country, and in forming plans for them he might study with advantage,
-the works constructed for similar purposes by the Ancient Romans.
-
-The examinations embraced all the sources from which a supply of water
-might be obtained in the neighboring counties of Westchester and
-Putnam; giving a comparison of the different streams in regard to their
-elevation, their capacity, and the quality of the water. It was decided
-that the Croton River would supply a sufficient quantity of water at
-all seasons of the year; at an elevation precluding the use of steam
-or any other extraneous power, and that the quality of the water was
-unexceptionable. Other streams were found which would furnish water
-equally pure, but too limited in quantity at certain seasons of the
-year, and not at a sufficient elevation.
-
-In addition to the information furnished by the Engineers employed,
-the Water Commissioners received communications from other sources
-suggesting plans for supplying the city with water.
-
-It was suggested that water might be obtained from the Passaic Falls,
-at a distance of about eighteen miles from the city, in New-Jersey. The
-objections to this project were, that it would be going into another
-state, that an Aqueduct bridge over the Hudson River would obstruct its
-navigation, and iron pipes laid across the bed of the river would be
-exposed to injury from the anchors of the shipping. Another plan was
-proposed which contemplated a permanent dam across the Hudson River
-extending from the city to the Jersey shore. This dam was proposed to
-be built about 2 feet above the level of high tide, thereby keeping all
-the salt water below; and above the dam would be the fresh water for
-supplying the city, which must be pumped up into a reservoir by means
-of water-wheels, which would be operated by the overfall of water when
-the tide was low, but when the tide was up within 2 feet of the top of
-the dam there would not be sufficient fall to propel the wheels. Locks
-were to be inserted in the dam, of a sufficient number to accommodate
-the vessels on the river. The river, at the place where it was proposed
-to locate the dam, is over a mile in width, and in the channel the
-depth below the surface to proper foundation for such a structure,
-would probably be 50 feet. The difference of tides is about 5 feet,
-which added to the height of dam above high tides, would give 7 feet
-of the top of the dam exposed to the pressure of the water on the up
-stream side when the tide is low.
-
-It was suggested that the hydraulic power here obtained, could be used
-for manufacturing purposes, except that portion of it which would
-be required for elevating the water to the reservoir. This plan of
-supplying the city with water was objected to, because it could not
-be accomplished except by an Act of the Legislature of New-Jersey as
-well as that of New-York, and it was also questionable whether such
-obstructions could be placed in navigable rivers without interfering
-with the powers of Congress to regulate the commerce of the nation.
-It was feared that in locking vessels through, the salt water would
-become mingled with the fresh above the dam where a supply would be
-taken for the city, to such a degree, that it would render it unfit
-for domestic use. The quantity of land that would be overflowed by the
-water set back by the dam, presented another objection. The space of
-time that the tide would be sufficiently low to allow the wheels to
-work in pumping water into the reservoir, would be entirely too short
-to insure a supply. This objection was offered by Frederick Graff,
-Esq., the superintendent of the Philadelphia Water Works, who stated
-that although the dam on the Schuylkill River is raised 6 feet 6 inches
-above the highest tides, the delay in pumping, occasioned by the tides,
-averages seven hours out of the twenty-four; and in full moon tides,
-from eight to nine hours.
-
-The projector of this plan set forth many advantages which he thought
-would arise from the construction of the dam, but the obstruction to
-the navigation of the river, the destruction of the shad fishery, and
-various objections besides those already mentioned, induced the Water
-Commissioners to reject the idea of building a dam across the Hudson.
-
-We have now gone over most of the preliminary steps which were taken
-before deciding upon the source for a supply of water.--Having fixed
-upon the Croton River as a stream possessing the requisite advantages
-for a supply, questions naturally arose as to the manner in which it
-should be conveyed to the city. The distance being about forty miles,
-over a country extremely broken and uneven, and following a direction,
-for a portion of this distance, parallel with the Hudson River,
-encountering the streams which empty into it and form deep valleys in
-their courses. It will be interesting to notice the different plans
-which were suggested for forming a channel-way to conduct the water.
-The following modes were presented:--a plain channel formed of earth,
-like the ordinary construction of a canal feeder:--an open channel,
-protected against the action of the current by masonry:--an arched
-culvert or conduit, composed essentially of masonry; and iron pipes.
-In deciding which of these modes should be adopted, it was necessary
-to make a comparison among them as to their efficiency for conducting
-the water in purity, and in the quantity required, their permanency as
-structures, and their cost.
-
-The disadvantages attendant upon an open canal were, that by filtration
-through the banks there would be a heavy loss of water;--the difficulty
-of preserving the water from receiving the wash of the country, and
-preventing injurious matter from being thrown into it and rendering
-it impure, and the impurities which might be contracted by passing
-through different earths. Evaporation would also occasion a serious
-loss of water. The banks would be liable to failure in seasons of
-long-continued rains, and the city depending upon this for a supply,
-would be cut off, except there should be sufficient in the reservoirs
-to furnish a supply during the period of repairs. The canal could
-never be subjected to a _thorough_ repair, because of the necessity
-of keeping it in a condition for furnishing water constantly during
-the whole year, so that all repairs would be done under great
-disadvantages, and the channel would be yearly growing worse until its
-failure might become a public calamity. In regard to the open channel
-having the sides protected by masonry, the objections were found to be
-such as would apply equally to every species of open channel; namely,
-that it would be exposed in many situations to receive the wash of
-the country; that it would be unprotected from the frost, and liable
-to be interrupted thereby, and lastly, that there would be a loss by
-evaporation. It was supposed that these objections might be obviated by
-certain precautions; for example, the wash could be avoided by making
-sufficient side drains; and the interruption liable to occur from frost
-and snow, and the evaporation, to a certain extent, could be prevented
-by closing the channel entirely with a roof over the top. The close
-channel or culvert, composed essentially of masonry seemed to possess
-all the requisite advantages for conducting the water in a pure state
-and keeping it beyond the influence of frost or any interruption which
-would be liable to occur to an open channel. In point of stability this
-plan had a decided preference over either of the other plans proposed,
-and the only objection offered was the cost of the work constructed in
-this way. To avoid too great expense it was proposed to make use of a
-mixed construction, using the close channel or culvert in situations
-where deep excavations occurred and it would be desirable to fill in
-the earth again to the natural form, also where the line of Aqueduct
-intersected villages, and using the open channel with slope walls for
-the residue of the distance.
-
-In regard to iron pipes for conducting the water, it was found that
-a sufficient number of them to give the same sectional area as would
-be adopted by either of the other plans would be more expensive, and
-considering the great distance and the undulating surface over which
-they would extend, other disadvantages were presented which added
-to the objections, and the plan was considered inexpedient. Could a
-line be graded so as to give a regular inclination from the Fountain
-Reservoir to one at the city, then the expense of laying iron pipes
-for conducting the proposed quantity of water, would be greater than
-for constructing a channel-way of masonry; and when laid, the pipes
-were thought to be less durable. Should the pipes follow the natural
-undulations of the ground, there would be so much resistance offered
-to the flow of water that the discharge would be diminished in a very
-great degree.
-
-The close channel or conduit of masonry was adopted as the plan best
-calculated to answer all the purposes of conducting the water to the
-city.
-
-
-_Sources of the Croton River._
-
-The sources of the Croton River are principally in the county of
-Putnam, at a distance of fifty miles from the city of New-York; they
-are mostly springs which in that elevated and uneven country have
-formed many ponds and lakes never-failing in their supply. There are
-about twenty of these lakes which constitute the sources of the Croton
-River, and the aggregate of their surface areas is about three thousand
-eight hundred acres.
-
-From these sources to the mouth of the Croton at the head of Tappan
-Bay in the Hudson, the distance is about twenty-five miles. The
-country bordering upon the Croton is generally elevated and uneven,
-not sustaining a dense population and cleared sufficiently to prevent
-injury to the water from decayed vegetable matter. The river has a
-rapid descent and flows over a bed of gravel and masses of broken rock.
-From these advantages there is good reason to suppose that the water
-will receive very little impurity from the wash of the country through
-which it flows, and there is no doubt that the sources furnish that
-which is peculiarly adapted to all the purposes of a large city.
-
-The water is of such uncommon purity that in earlier days the native
-Indian gave a name to the river which signified “_clear water_.”[5]
-
-
-_Flow of Water in the Croton River, Capacity of the Fountain Reservoir,
-&c._
-
-The medium flow of water in the Croton, where the fountain reservoir
-is formed, exceeds fifty millions of gallons in twenty-four hours, and
-the minimum flow, after a long-continued drought, is about twenty-seven
-millions of gallons in twenty-four hours.
-
-The dam on the Croton River is about 38 feet above the level which was
-the surface of the natural flow of water at that place, and sets the
-water back about six miles, forming the Fountain Reservoir which covers
-an area of about four hundred acres. The country forming the valley of
-the River was such as to give bold shores to this reservoir generally,
-and in cases where there was a gentle slope or a level of the ground
-near the surface of water, excavations were made so that the water
-should not be of less depth than four and a half feet.
-
-The great length of this Reservoir is favourable for the purity of the
-water which enters the Aqueduct: spread over this large surface, it
-will have an opportunity to settle and part with some of the impurities
-which it receives, during rainy seasons, from the wash of the country
-through which it flows.
-
-The available capacity of this Reservoir, down to the level where the
-water would cease to flow off in the Aqueduct, has been estimated at
-six hundred millions of gallons.
-
-Could we suppose that the Croton River will ever in any season of
-drought, fail to furnish a supply greater than would be carried off
-from this Reservoir and the Reservoirs at the city by evaporation,
-we have still a supply of water which would be sufficient for one
-million of inhabitants during the space of thirty days (estimating the
-amount necessary for each inhabitant to be twenty gallons for every
-twenty-four hours.)
-
-But we may assume the number of inhabitants at present to be one third
-of a million, and therefore we have a sufficient store of water in
-this Fountain Reservoir to supply them for the space of ninety days,
-in the emergency before supposed. In addition to the quantity in the
-Fountain Reservoir, we have sufficient in the Reservoirs at the city
-to supply one third of a million of inhabitants for about twenty-five
-days, at the rate of supply before mentioned. Thus we find, should such
-a limit as we have supposed ever happen to the supply from the River,
-the season of drought cannot certainly be supposed to continue during
-the length of time (about four months) that would be required for the
-present population of the city to exhaust the quantity in store when
-all the Reservoirs are full.
-
-The minimum flow of water in the river where the dam is constructed,
-has been stated to be twenty-seven millions of gallons for every
-twenty-four hours. This would be a sufficient supply for one million
-of inhabitants, and should the population of the city increase to one
-million and a half, this supply, together with the quantity in store,
-will probably be sufficient during any season of drought. There is,
-therefore, no fear in regard to the supply for the present, and should
-the time arrive when the city will require more than the present
-facilities afford during low stages of the river, other streams may
-be found which can be turned into the upper branches of the Croton,
-or into the Aqueduct along its course. Other Reservoirs may also be
-constructed farther up the Croton to draw from in seasons of drought.
-These suggestions would only be useful to provide a supply during the
-low stages of the river, for at other seasons the flow of water in the
-Croton would be equal to the full capacity of the Aqueduct.[6]
-
-
-_General Design of the Channel-way and Reservoirs._
-
-A description of the general design and purpose of the channel-way in
-connection with the Reservoirs will serve to give a clear understanding
-of the operation of the work. Having ascertained the elevation in
-the city at which it would be desirable to use the water, it was
-only necessary then, to find a point on the Croton River where a dam
-could be constructed that would turn the water into a channel having
-a gradual descent to the required elevation at the city. So that it
-may easily be conceived, it is only diverting the water into another
-channel where it will flow on unobstructed. The manner in which water
-is conducted from its natural channel, for the purpose of propelling
-the machinery of manufacturing establishments, by a race-way or other
-channel, is a simple illustration of the operation of this great work.
-
-At the place where it was determined to build the dam across the
-Croton River, the surface of the natural flow of water was about 38
-feet below the elevation required as a head for the water to flow into
-the Aqueduct leading to the city. By going farther up the river the
-dam would have been of less height, and a point might have been found
-where it would be only necessary to build a dam to turn the water, and
-not form a pond of much extent above it, but for such purpose it would
-have been necessary to go above where some important tributaries enter
-the river, and would have required a considerable extension of the
-Aqueduct. It was perhaps desirable to form this Fountain Reservoir, so
-that it would afford a supply of water to draw from, should there at
-any future time, in a season of drought, be more required for the use
-of the city than would be flowing in the river.
-
-No essential change occurs in the form of the channel-way from the
-Fountain Reservoir on the Croton, to the Receiving Reservoir on the
-island of New-York; a distance of thirty-eight miles, except in
-crossing Harlem River to reach the island, and in passing a deep valley
-on the island, where iron pipes are used instead of the channel-way of
-masonry to provide for the pressure consequent upon a depression from
-the regular plane.
-
-At these points the iron pipes descend and rise again, so that when
-the water is flowing in the channel-way they will be constantly full.
-Thus it will be perceived that the channel-way of masonry will never
-be filled entirely, so as to occasion a pressure on all its interior
-surface.
-
-The surface of the Fountain Reservoir is 166⅙ feet above the level
-of mean tide at the city of New-York; and the difference of level
-between that and the surface of the Receiving Reservoir on the island
-of New-York, (a distance of thirty-eight miles) is 47⅙ feet, leaving
-the surface of this reservoir 119 feet above the level of mean tide.
-From the Receiving Reservoir the water is conducted (a distance of two
-miles) in iron pipes to the Distributing Reservoir, where the surface
-of the water is 115 feet above the level of mean tide. This last is the
-height to which the water may generally be made available in the city.
-
-
-
-
-GENERAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE AQUEDUCT.
-
-
-Plate I. is a section of the Aqueduct showing the form of the masonry
-used in earth excavations. The foundation is formed with concrete; the
-side walls of stone; the bottom and sides of the interior being faced
-with brick, and the top covered with an arch of brick.
-
-In forming the concrete a mortar is made by mixing three parts of
-sand with one of hydraulic lime, and then mixing about three parts of
-stone, broken to a size allowing them to pass through a ring an inch
-and a half in diameter. Having thoroughly mingled the broken stone
-and mortar, the concrete is placed in its proper position and form,
-and brought into a compact state by using a _pounder_; and is then
-suffered to remain until it set, or become indurated, before any work
-is commenced upon it. The object should be to mix as many stones or
-pebbles as will thoroughly bed in the mortar, allowing none of them to
-come in contact, but all to be enveloped in mortar. This forms a body
-which becomes indurated and makes a foundation under the whole length
-of the Aqueduct like one continuous stone. It attains a degree of
-hardness which gives it the appearance of the conglomerate bearing the
-name of _Pudding-stone_, and is an article of the greatest importance
-in forming foundations for walls of great weight; superseding in many
-instances, where the soil is soft, the use of piles or other timber
-foundation.
-
-Though we have evidence that concrete was used by the Ancient Romans in
-the foundations of some of their structures and even in the formation
-of their roads--such as the Appian-Way, and though we find it used
-in the foundations of the feudal castles of the Norman Barons of
-England, still it has not been introduced into the general practice of
-architecture until quite a modern date, and even at the present time
-is not widely appreciated in this country as a material of so much
-importance in foundations.
-
-The side walls are laid up in a character of workmanship styled
-“_rough-hammered work_;” the stone required to be of sound and durable
-quality and laid in a manner to render the work water-tight. Though
-attention is given in some degree to insure a proper bond to the wall,
-yet the point more particularly attended to, is to make it compact
-and impervious to water. The bonding of the wall is not by any means
-disregarded, in all situations where it is required, yet the position
-of the work generally, where it is in excavation below the natural
-surface of the ground, renders such precaution of less importance
-than that of making it compact. The mortar used in these side walls
-is formed by mixing clean sharp sand with hydraulic lime, using the
-proportions of three parts of the sand to one of the lime; and these
-are thoroughly mixed and incorporated before they are wet; when this
-mixture is wet and thoroughly worked, it is used immediately and always
-kept properly tempered so as to render it plastic, and to prevent any
-disposition to become hardened before it is in the wall. After the
-side walls are finished and the concrete between them has received its
-proper form, a coating of plastering, about three eighths of an inch
-in thickness, is put on over the surface of the concrete and on the
-face of the walls before the interior facing of brick is commenced.
-The proportions of this plastering are two parts of sand to one of the
-hydraulic lime.
-
-The bricks used in this work are generally of quite a different
-character from those used in ordinary house-building; being harder
-burnt and of a superior quality of material. They are required to be
-burnt to such a degree of hardness that they present a cherry red, or
-brownish color, and give a clear ringing sound when struck; and when
-broken, must present a compact and uniform texture. All bricks brought
-upon the work which are soft and of a pale color, such as are usually
-denominated _salmon brick_, are rejected. Those which are used, possess
-nearly the hardness and durability of ordinary building stone, and are
-calculated to resist the action of the water, to which they will be
-exposed.
-
-The advantage of using brick is, that a smooth channel offering little
-resistance to the flow of water can be formed with less expense than
-with stone, and greater security can be obtained against any leakage;
-for besides the coat of plastering which covers the face of the walls
-and the top of the concrete, there is also a mortar joint between
-this plastering and the brick work. The bricks being of good form and
-easily handled, can be more expeditiously and closely laid than the
-face of a wall of stone, and afford a smooth and uniform face to the
-wall with less expense. They are required to be bedded full and flush
-with mortar, so that on lifting one from its position in the work,
-no imperfections be discovered, but the impress of the brick be found
-distinct throughout.
-
-The proportions of the mortar for the brick work, are two parts of sand
-to one of hydraulic lime.
-
-The inverted arch of brick, as well as the brick facing on the sides,
-is four inches thick, and the roofing arch of brick is eight inches
-thick.
-
-After the masonry is finished the excavation which was done to receive
-it, is filled up around it, and over the top of the roofing arch
-generally to the height of 3 to 4 feet, and in some instances of deep
-excavation, up to the natural surface. If the natural surface be not
-of sufficient height for the top of the earth covering, the earth is
-raised to the requisite height with proper width on the top and slopes
-on the sides for protection to the Aqueduct masonry.
-
-[Illustration: I
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _Gimber._
-]
-
-[Illustration: II
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _Gimber._
-]
-
-[Illustration: III
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _Gimber._
-]
-
-[Illustration: IV
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _Gimber._
-]
-
-Plate II. is a section of the Aqueduct in open cutting in rock.
-
-After the rock has been excavated to the required depth and width,
-the bottom is levelled up with concrete to the proper height and form
-for the inverted arch of brick, which is laid in the manner before
-described for earth excavation. The side walls of stone and brick are
-bonded together by headers of brick entering the stone walls as shown
-in the drawing, and the walls of stone are built closely against the
-sides of the rock and forming a junction with it. On the exterior
-of the roofing arch a heavy spandrel of stone masonry (of the same
-character as the stone walls beneath it) is built, filling the space
-between the arch and the rock. After the masonry is finished, the rock
-cut above it is filled with earth to the same height above the
-roofing arch as mentioned for earth excavation.
-
-Plate III. is a section of the Aqueduct in tunnel cutting in rock.
-
-The width of the tunnel excavation in rock is the same as that of open
-excavation in rock; and the manner of building the masonry to form
-the channel-way is the same, with the exception that the rock roof of
-the tunnel serves as the roof of the channel-way, where it is sound,
-but in cases where the rock is soft and liable to fall, a brick arch
-is built over the channel-way, and the space between its extrados, or
-outer surface, and the rock roof is filled with earth closely rammed
-in. In some instances where the tunnel perforated rock which was at
-first quite hard, the roofing has by exposure to the air, become soft
-and insecure, so as to render it necessary to turn an arch for its
-support. This is attended with inconvenience and some difficulty after
-the channel-way has been completed and closed through the tunnel.
-
-Plate IV. is a section of the Aqueduct in tunnel cutting in earth.
-
-When the earth is dry and compact, the excavation for the bottom and
-sides is made of a proper form to receive the masonry, which is built
-closely against it: the top is excavated sufficiently high to give room
-to turn the arch, and the space above is afterwards filled with earth
-closely rammed in. Where the earth is wet and there is difficulty in
-making it stand, the excavation is made larger, and props of timber
-and plank are used to support the top and sides until the masonry
-be completed; and the whole space exterior to the masonry is then
-compactly filled with earth.
-
-Plate V. is a section of the Aqueduct showing the manner of
-constructing it across valleys, or where the natural surface of the
-ground falls below the plane of grade.
-
-In such cases the Aqueduct is supported upon a foundation wall of
-stone laid dry, and formed by using large stones laid in positions
-to give proper bond, and to allow small broken stone to be closely
-packed in, filling up all the interstices so as to form a compact and
-uniform mass. The wall is generally allowed to stand some months after
-it is completed, before the masonry of the Aqueduct is commenced upon
-it, lest by this weight being placed upon it before it has found its
-bearing, it should settle and cause cracks in the masonry. That such
-settlement should in some instances occur, even after the Aqueduct
-is completed, is not surprising, for passing over so many different
-elevations, and encountering such numerous transitions from a hard
-soil, or from rock, to valleys of alluvial deposit, it would be beyond
-human powers of foresight and vigilance to prevent it.
-
-[Illustration: V
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _Gimber._
-]
-
-To render the Aqueduct more secure in such positions, the concrete
-foundation has an increased thickness, and in preparing it a greater
-proportion of hydraulic lime is used; the proportion being two and
-a half parts of sand to one of lime. The dimensions of the stone
-side walls and the spandrel backing of the roofing arch, are also
-increased; and the proportion of hydraulic lime to the sand in the
-mortar for these is increased. Another precaution has been taken to
-render the work secure, by plastering the interior of the Aqueduct over
-these foundation walls. The embankment adjacent to foundation walls
-has various slopes according to circumstances, and is generally
-protected with a dry stone wall on the face, and is carried up of
-sufficient width to insure the requisite covering over the Aqueduct
-masonry.
-
-Along side hills an excavation is made for the Aqueduct into the hill,
-and a protection wall of stone built on the lower side so as to support
-a covering of earth over the masonry; great care being taken to obtain
-a deep and firm footing for this wall in order to render the work
-secure. In such a position the Aqueduct is perhaps less secure than
-in those before described. Where the soil is wet from springs, and
-the formation clay, there is danger of slides; and in rainy seasons
-there is danger from the torrents which gather on the hill sides and
-come down with destructive force: the earth covering is liable to be
-carried away, and the Aqueduct itself to be undermined. Great care has,
-however, been used in such cases to form strong paved channels for the
-passage of the water over the top of the Aqueduct, or by culverts to
-pass it underneath.
-
-
-WASTE-WEIRS.
-
-At suitable places on the line of the Aqueduct, waste-weirs are
-constructed to discharge surplus water. They are constructed in one
-side of the channel-way, in such manner as to allow the water to flow
-off when it rises above a given level, and arrangements are also made
-at these places to close the channel-way entirely, by means of stop
-planks, and to discharge the whole of the water through waste-gates;
-so that the water might be running from the Fountain Reservoir through
-a portion of the Aqueduct and discharging from these waste-weirs
-while the remainder of the channel-way, or portions of it, would be
-drained so as to admit of inspection or repairs. There are six of these
-waste-weirs constructed for the Aqueduct.
-
-
-VENTILATORS.
-
-For the purpose of ventilation hollow cylinders of stone are erected
-over the top of the Aqueduct and rising about 14 feet above the surface
-of the ground, or earth covering. These occur every mile, and every
-third one is constructed with a door to afford an entrance to the
-Aqueduct.
-
-Those allowing an entrance have an interior diameter of 4 feet, and the
-others have an interior diameter of 2 feet; each, however, slightly
-diminishing towards the top. An iron grating covers the top to prevent
-any thing being thrown in.
-
-Plate VI. is a view of an entrance ventilator; this stands on one side
-of the Aqueduct, where the masonry of the side wall is enlarged for
-its base; we can descend from the door and gain an entrance to the
-channel-way by an opening in the side of the roofing arch. The sill of
-the door is about 12 feet above the bottom of the channel-way.
-
-[Illustration: VI
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _Gimber._
-
-ENTRANCE VENTILATOR]
-
-Those not intended for an entrance stand directly over the top of the
-Aqueduct and are groined into the roofing arch.
-
-Besides these Ventilators, there are openings 2 feet square in the top
-of the roofing arch, every quarter of a mile: they are covered with a
-flag stone and the place is marked by a small stone monument projecting
-above the surface of the ground. These may be useful to obtain entrance
-to the Aqueduct, or to afford increased ventilation should it ever
-become necessary.
-
-
-CULVERTS.
-
-Where streams intersect the line of Aqueduct, culverts are built to
-allow them to pass under it. They are simply a stone channel-way built
-under the Aqueduct of such form and dimensions as will allow the stream
-to pursue its natural direction without causing injury to the work. The
-foundation of these culverts is formed by laying down concrete, upon
-which an inverted arch of cut stone is laid forming the bottom of the
-water-way: side walls of stone are built and surmounted by an arch of
-stone. The span, or width of water way, of the culverts built, varies
-from 1½ foot to 25 feet. Those of 1½ foot span have a square form for
-the water-way, and are constructed by making a foundation of concrete,
-upon which a flooring of well dressed stone is laid forming the bottom
-of the water-way, and from this, side walls are built and covered by a
-course of thick stone flagging well dressed and closely fitted. At each
-end of the culvert a deep wall is built underneath so as to prevent
-the water from doing injury by undermining it. Buttresses and wing
-walls are built at each end of the culvert to guide the water to and
-from the channel-way, and a parapet wall is built over the top of the
-channel-way at each end to sustain the embankment of earth over the
-culvert. These wing walls and parapets have various forms; sometimes
-the parapet is built across the top of the culvert, and the wing walls
-built at right angles to it, and sloping down to the buttresses, and
-sometimes the wing walls and parapet form one continuous wall of a
-semi-circular form, the top sloping up from the buttresses in a plane
-parallel with the slope of the embankment covering the Aqueduct above.
-These culverts are permanently constructed, and in preparing the plans
-for them much skill has been displayed in adapting the form and size
-which the circumstances required, and much taste displayed in the
-design for their construction.
-
-Plate VII. is an isometrical drawing of one of the culverts with
-rectangular wings and parapets; the body of the culvert is cut in two
-in the drawing, showing that it may be of any length, according to the
-width of the embankment through which it is constructed. The length is
-generally arranged so that the slope of the embankment may intersect
-the rear of the top of the parapet and pursue a direction down,
-parallel with the slope of the top of the wing walls.
-
-[Illustration: VII
-
- Scale of 4 feet to one inch
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _Gimber._
-]
-
-
-_Gate Chamber at the Head of the Aqueduct and Grade of the Water-way of
-the Aqueduct._
-
-Plate VIII. is a longitudinal section through the _tunnel_ and _gate
-chamber_ at the head of the Aqueduct showing its connection with the
-_Fountain Reservoir_. This gate chamber is not in any way connected
-with the dam itself, but stands some distance from it, and the water
-reaches it by means of the tunnel which leaves the Reservoir above the
-dam and passes through the solid rock of the hill against which the
-masonry of the dam is built, a distance of over 200 feet. This tunnel
-descends into the Reservoir, so that the centre of it at the mouth is
-about 12 feet below the surface of the water; any floating substance
-cannot enter it, and during the winter season when the water is frozen
-over no obstruction can take place to the flow into the Aqueduct, and
-during the summer season the water will be drawn from a level where it
-is cooler than at the surface.
-
-The gate chamber has two ranges, or sets of gates; one called
-_regulating gates_, and the other _guard gates_: the regulating gates
-are made of gun metal, and work in frames of the same material which
-are fitted to stone jambs and lintels: the guard gates are made of
-cast iron, and work in cast iron frames also attached to stone jambs
-and lintels. The gates are all managed by means of wrought iron rods
-attached to them, having a screw formed on the upper part on which a
-brass nut works, being set in a cast iron socket-cap.
-
-The bottom of the water way, of the Aqueduct, where it leaves the gate
-chamber is 11.40 feet below the surface of the Fountain Reservoir, and
-154.77 feet above the level of mean tide at the city of New-York. The
-following table shows the length of the Aqueduct as it is divided into
-different planes of descent, from the gate chamber at the Croton dam to
-the gate chamber at the Receiving Reservoir on the Island of New-York.
-Commencing at the south side of the gate chamber at the Croton dam,
-
- and the
- ft. miles, descent
- The 1st plane of Aqueduct extends 26099.72 = 4.943, 2.94 ft.
- The 2d plane of  Aqueduct extends 148121.25 = 28.053, 30.69 ft.
- Length of pipes across Har. River, 1377.33 = 0.261.
- Diff. of level betw’n extremes of pipes 2.29 ft.
- The 3d plane of Aqueduct extends 10733.14 = 2.033, 2.25 ft.
- Length of pipes across Manhat. valley, 4105.09 = 0.777.
- Diff. of level betw’n extremes of pipes 3.86 ft.
- The 4th plane of Aqueduct extends 10680.89 = 2.023 1.60 ft.
- --------- ------ ---------
- 201117.42 = 38.090 43.63 ft.
-
-Making the whole distance from the gate chamber at the Croton dam to
-the gate chamber at the Receiving Reservoir 201117.42 feet, or 38.09
-miles, and the whole descent 43.63 feet.
-
-The descent on the first plane is about 7⅛ inches per mile.
-
-The descent on the second and third plane is about 13¼ inches per mile.
-
-The descent on the fourth plane is about 9½ inches per mile.
-
-In crossing Harlem River there is a fall of 2 feet more than there
-would have been had the Aqueduct continued across with its regular
-inclination: this _extra_ fall will afford an opportunity to adjust the
-number and capacity of the pipes (which descend below the level of the
-Aqueduct and rise again) to discharge the full quantity of water as
-freely as the Aqueduct, or channel-way of masonry, would have done had
-it continued its regular inclination across the valley.
-
-In crossing Manhattan Valley there is an _extra_ fall of 3 feet for the
-same reasons as before stated for that at Harlem River. In both cases,
-by using the pipes, there is a loss of the head of water for the City
-Reservoirs, equal to the amount of this _extra_ fall; but this small
-loss of head was not considered of such importance as to induce the
-building of structures across these valleys up to the plane of Aqueduct
-grade.
-
-[Illustration: VIII
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _Gimber._
-]
-
-The bottom of the water-way of the Aqueduct at the gate chamber where
-it enters the Receiving Reservoir, is 7.86 feet below the level of
-top water line in the Reservoir, thus when the Reservoir is full the
-water will rise to within 7¼ inches of the top of the interior of
-the Aqueduct at that place, and the height from top water to the
-top of the interior will increase, going northward according to the
-inclination of the plane of Aqueduct grade, until it reach the surface
-level of the flow of water in the Aqueduct.
-
-The height of the interior of the Aqueduct is 8 feet 5½ inches, and the
-greatest width is 7 feet 5 inches. The sectional area of the interior
-is 53.34 square feet. On the _first plane_, the Aqueduct is larger;
-being 2.05 feet higher at the gate chamber, 2.31 feet higher at 2244.
-feet from the chamber, and then diminishing, to the head of the second
-plane, where it assumes the size above mentioned and continues of that
-size throughout the remainder except in tunnels, where it assumes the
-forms before described. Where the Aqueduct on the _first plane_ is
-larger, the width across the interior at the spring line of the roofing
-arch is the same as the general width, but the increase takes place
-only in the height of the side walls, and the slope of the inner face
-of the walls being the same, the width across at the spring line of the
-inverted arch will be less according to the increased height of walls.
-The original design was to continue the inclination which the _second
-plane_ has, up to the _Fountain Reservoir_; but it was considered
-desirable to draw from this Reservoir at a lower level, and the head
-of the Aqueduct was depressed for that purpose, and a less inclination
-adopted for the length of the _first plane_. The roofing arch was left
-on the same inclination as was originally designed, except for the
-distance of 2244. feet from the gate chamber, where it was built on a
-level.
-
-The curves which are used to change the direction of the line of the
-Aqueduct are generally formed with a radius of 500 feet; some have a
-radius of 1000 feet, and in a few instances larger ones are adopted,
-but the majority of them are of 500 feet radius.
-
-The velocity of the water in the Aqueduct has been ascertained to be
-about one mile and a half an hour when it is 2 feet deep; this was
-determined by floating _billets_ of wood from the Croton Dam to Harlem
-River and noting the time of their passage. Such an experiment would
-express the surface velocity and would give a greater velocity than
-it would be proper to attribute to the _whole body_ of water in the
-Aqueduct; but the depth of water in the Aqueduct will be probably 4
-feet as soon as it is brought into general use, and then there will be
-a corresponding increase in the velocity of the _body_ of water. This
-velocity of a _mile and a half an hour_ may be taken in general terms
-as the _velocity of the water in the Aqueduct_.
-
-[Illustration: IX
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _W. Bennett._
-
-VIEW ABOVE THE CROTON DAM.]
-
-
-
-
-DESCRIPTION OF THE LINE OF AQUEDUCT.
-
-
-The dam, built to form the Fountain Reservoir, is about six miles above
-the mouth of the Croton River. The reservoir forms a beautiful sheet of
-water in the lap of the hills in the wild region of the Croton, and has
-received the name of the “Croton Lake.”
-
-Pine’s Bridge over the Croton River, which is mentioned in the early
-history of the country, occupied a position which is now about the
-middle of this Reservoir, and there is at that place a bridge over the
-Reservoir resting upon piers and abutments.
-
-The hills which bound the Croton Valley where the Reservoir is formed
-are so bold as to confine it within narrow limits: for about two miles
-above the dam the average width is about one eighth of a mile; at this
-distance from the dam the valley opens so that for the length of two
-miles more the width is about a quarter of a mile; here the valley
-contracts again and diminishes the width until the flow line reaches
-the natural width of the River at the head of the lake. The country
-immediately contiguous to the shore has been cleared up, and all that
-would be liable to impart any impurity to the water has been removed.
-This gives a pleasing aspect to the lake, showing where the hand of
-art has swept along the shores leaving a clean margin. Retiring from
-the water are the richly cultivated slopes with the neat farm houses
-overlooking the lake, or the hills crowned with forest trees, while at
-intervals a valley or ravine opens and empties in its tributary stream.
-
-Plate IX. is a view taken above the dam showing the position of the
-entrance to the tunnel which leads from the Reservoir to the gate
-chamber at the head of the Aqueduct. The entablature which is seen on
-the left against the rock, is built directly over the mouth of the
-tunnel, and from this the tunnel extends through the rock to the gate
-house, which is seen on the right of the picture and some distance from
-the dam. The structure which is seen in the centre of the picture and
-on the ridge of the dam is a gate house over a culvert which extends
-through the body of the dam; this culvert is 30 feet below the surface
-of water when the Reservoir is full, and has gates which are operated
-by means of rods which rise to the interior of the house. During low
-stages of the River the water which is not drawn off by the Aqueduct
-may pass through this culvert and allow none to pass over the dam.
-
-The entrance to the tunnel is protected by a screen of timber work.
-
-Plate X. is a representation of the entablature over the mouth of the
-tunnel, showing the inscriptions upon it, relating to the date of
-the commencement of the dam and its completion, the persons who had
-contracts for building it, and those having charge of the work during
-the time.
-
-[Illustration: X
-
- ENTRANCE TO THE CROTON AQUEDUCT
-
- COMMENCED 1837
-
- COMPLETED 1842
-]
-
-Plate XI. is a view taken from a point below the dam and shows the
-relative positions of the dam and the gate chamber at the head of the
-Aqueduct.
-
-The original channel of the River where the dam is built, was about
-120 feet wide; the average depth of water at this place was about 4
-feet; and the greatest depth 10 feet.
-
-The left bank of the river arose abruptly with rock, the channel was
-gravelly, and on the right bank a sandy table land about 3 feet above
-the ordinary surface of water extended about 80 feet; then a sandy hill
-arose on a slope of about forty-five degrees.
-
-In making the plan for a dam at this place it was determined to
-fill the main channel and the table land on the right bank with an
-embankment of earth; and on the left bank where rock was found, to
-build a body of masonry against the slope to the requisite height for
-the surface of the Reservoir and connect it with the embankment in
-the channel; this masonry formed the overfall for the water, and the
-rock in the side of the hill adjacent to it was excavated down to the
-level of the overfall, thereby extending it into the hill, making the
-space for the water to pass over partly of masonry and partly of rock.
-The embankment extended with a slope on the upstream side giving it a
-broad base, and the lower or downstream side was faced with a heavy
-wall of stone. There was a timber pier constructed in the embankment
-extending across the channel and faced with plank on the upstream side.
-The overfall was made of such length as was thought sufficient to pass
-all the water of the river during its highest stages, and with the view
-of adapting it to such purpose, examinations were made to find the
-highest marks of floods on the banks of the river; and those who were
-engaged in determining these marks were guided also by the observations
-of the inhabitants of the vicinity who had long known the river in its
-various stages. High freshets were witnessed during the construction
-of the work, for in the course of two years that the work was going up,
-all the various changes and freshets of rainy seasons were experienced,
-and those in charge of it did not neglect to note the quantity of water
-flowing on such occasions.
-
-[Illustration: XI
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _Gimbrede. sc._
-
-VIEW BELOW THE CROTON DAM.]
-
-With such opportunities to become acquainted with the changes of the
-stream they could not fail to know the quantity of water flowing at
-periods of the highest freshets, and knowing it, to adapt an overfall
-of sufficient capacity for its discharge. For this purpose it was
-thought ample provision was made; yet at the time when the work
-was nearly completed such a flood occurred as could not have been
-anticipated from previous knowledge of the River; the water filling the
-entire passage at the overfall, flowed over the top of the embankment
-where it was not supposed it could ever reach. The lower slope of this
-embankment was covered with a wall not calculated to resist the action
-of the water and it gave way; the water broke through the embankment
-and rushed along the valley with most disastrous consequences. The
-breach occurred at an early hour in the morning; and many persons were
-suddenly aroused from their sleep to escape before the approaching
-waters. Dwelling-houses and mills were carried away and three lives
-were lost. Two of those who were drowned had taken refuge in the tops
-of trees, but these being swept away they were drowned; while others
-who were not able to reach the main land, but had also taken refuge in
-trees, were saved. The change wrought by the flood, in the appearance
-of the country, was truly wonderful and the destruction was complete.
-Night had closed over that valley where all was happiness and quiet,
-but day opened upon a scene of desolation. The fertile fields were torn
-up and covered with masses of stone and gravel, and the flood left
-marks of its fury far up on the hill sides.
-
-At the commencement of the rain which caused this flood, the ground was
-covered with snow to the depth of eighteen inches: the weather became
-warm and the powerful rain storm continued incessantly for forty-eight
-hours. Notwithstanding the immense volume discharged at the overfall
-of the dam, the water was rising, during the night previous to this
-disaster, at the rate of fourteen inches per hour over the Reservoir,
-covering an area of four hundred acres.
-
-It occurred on the 8th of January, 1841.
-
-In repairing the breach it was decided to build an extension of solid
-hydraulic masonry in the place of the portion of embankment which was
-carried away.
-
-The gate house and wing wall, which is seen on the ridge of the dam,
-shows where the masonry of the original structure connected with the
-embankment which extended across the river. The whole length of the
-overfall is 251 feet. Access to the house over the culvert, is gained
-by a foot bridge which is seen in the picture. The masonry of the
-original structure has a rock foundation, and the extension of the
-overfall which is seen on the left of the house extending across to the
-embankment has an artificial foundation of concrete.
-
-The masonry of the dam is about 8 feet thick at the top and 65 feet at
-the base; it is built in a vertical form on the upstream side, with
-occasional offsets, and the lower face has a curved form such as to
-pass the water over without giving it a direct fall upon the apron at
-the foot; this apron is formed of timber, stone, and concrete; and
-extends some distance from the toe of the masonry, giving security at
-the point where the water has the greatest action. A secondary dam has
-been built at a distance of 300 feet from the masonry in order to form
-a basin of water setting back over the apron at the toe of the main dam
-so as to break the force of the water falling upon it. This secondary
-dam is formed of round timber, brush wood, and gravel; it may be seen
-in the picture directly under the bridge which extends across below the
-main structure.
-
-On the upstream side of the masonry of the dam, an embankment of earth
-is filled in, extending 275 feet from the masonry at the base, and
-extending from the masonry with a slope of 1 foot in 5 on the top.
-
-[Illustration: XII
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _W. Bennett._
-
-CROTON AQUEDUCT AT SING SING.]
-
-The whole work about the dam possesses great interest, and though it
-be distant from the city and somewhat difficult of access, will not
-fail to please those who may take time to visit it. Just above the
-place where the dam is constructed the River had a bold turn and flowed
-along at the foot of a steep and rugged bank. A road passed along at
-the base of this hill leading to a mill which was situated at the turn
-of the River, before mentioned; a substitute for this road, which was
-submerged, has been made along the hill side passing on the right of
-the gate house. Enough of the forest has been cleared away to admit of
-the construction of the work, but the place still possesses much of its
-original wildness, and to see such beautiful mechanical work standing
-against the rude rocks,--to observe what changes have been wrought
-in the form of this rock to render it subservient to the purposes of
-the work, makes us feel that there has been a strife there; but it all
-shows that _art_ has gained the ascendency.
-
-The form which has been adopted for the face of the extension of the
-overfall is a reversed or double curve which would be easily recognized
-as _Hogarth’s line of beauty_: the overfall for the original dam has a
-plane face with a curve at the base.
-
-Walks are formed about the work bordered with grass, giving a neatness
-and finished appearance to the whole; and every thing in connection
-seems to indicate that the vicinity of the _Croton Dam_ will be one of
-the resorts in summer seasons for the citizens of New-York. From the
-Croton Dam the Aqueduct passes along the left side of the valley of the
-Croton River until at the mouth of this river it reaches the left bank
-of the Hudson, which it pursues, keeping at a distance of nearly half
-a mile from the River, until it arrives at the village of Sing-Sing,
-which is eight miles from the dam. In the course of this distance the
-Aqueduct passes through four tunnels and encounters many valleys and
-ravines where high foundation walls were required, and culverts for the
-passage of the streams.
-
-At the village of Sing-Sing there are two Aqueduct bridges; one over a
-public road-way, and the other over the Sing-Sing Kill. These bridges
-and the adjacent work form a very interesting point on the line of
-Aqueduct.
-
-Plate XII. is a view of the Aqueduct at this place: at the left of the
-picture may be seen the bridge over the road, and on the right that
-over the Kill. The bridge over the road has a span of 20 feet, and the
-direction of the road-way being not at right angles with the line of
-Aqueduct required the arch to be built askew; the arch lies in the
-direction of the road-way, having the ends in planes parallel with the
-direction of the Aqueduct. This bridge is worthy of notice, but public
-attention is more generally directed to the larger one: _that_ has an
-arch of 88 feet span and a rise of 33 feet; the form of the arch is
-elliptical, being a compound curve drawn from five different centres,
-or radius points. The Kill, or valley over which this arch stands, is a
-deep narrow gorge worn by a small stream which empties into the Hudson
-River.
-
-The bottom of the ravine is about 70 feet below the soffit or under
-side of the arch. Plate XIII. is another view of the large arch taken
-from the bottom of the valley near it, and shows the bridge which has
-been constructed for a public road passing under it, and the mill near
-by.
-
-[Illustration: XIII
-
- F. B. Tower. Napoleon Gimbrede. sc.
-
-AQUEDUCT BRIDGE AT SING SING.]
-
-This arch presents a singularly bold appearance, vaulting over the
-roadway and rising high up above the old mill, and what adds much to
-this boldness, is the narrowness of the arch, or small distance from
-one end of it to the other; being only 23⅓ feet long at the springing
-line while the span is nearly four times this length. The length of
-the arch diminishes towards the crown, the ends being in planes not
-vertical, but inclining towards each other at the top. Each end has
-a batter or inclination of one twenty fourth of its height, or half
-an inch to the foot. The arch is built of granite, is 3 feet thick
-at the crown and 4 feet at the spring or base. The abutments have a
-foundation of solid rock which was excavated in proper form to give
-them firm footing. The whole structure presents a degree of stability
-which seems to defy the effects of time. The Aqueduct has a cast
-iron lining over this bridge (as it has over all of this character): it
-is formed of plates five eighths of an inch thick, put together with
-screw-bolts and nuts and the joints closely filled with iron cement.
-This lining is within the brick work of the bottom and sides of the
-channel-way, having four inches of brick outside of it and four inside.
-The object of it is to prevent any water dripping through the work,
-lest by any means it should fill the exterior masonry of the bridge
-with moisture and thus render it liable to injury from frost. Other
-precautions are taken in forming the masonry about the channel-way, to
-prevent this exuding, and the whole plan of the work shows foresight
-and precaution worthy of the highest praise.
-
-From the Sing-Sing Kill the Aqueduct pursues a course along the east
-bank of the Hudson and the first work of peculiar interest is the
-Aqueduct bridge over the road from Tarrytown to Sing-Sing; before
-it reaches this place it passes through three tunnels, over high
-foundation walls, and encounters deep excavations.
-
-[Illustration: XIV
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _W. Bennett. sc._
-
-AQUEDUCT BRIDGE FOR ROAD WAY.]
-
-Plate XIV. is a view of this bridge: it is eleven and a quarter miles
-from the dam. The arch is 20 feet span and has a versed sine or rise of
-5 feet. From this the Aqueduct passes on, encounters one tunnel, and
-reaches the valley of Mill River, twelve miles and three quarters from
-the dam. This River runs through Sleepy Hollow and enters the Hudson
-about a mile and a half above Tarrytown. The stream is 72 feet below
-the bottom of the Aqueduct, and the valley being of considerable width
-required a very heavy foundation wall.
-
-Plate XV. is a view of the _Mill River Culvert_: it is 25 feet span and
-172 feet long. It is about half a mile east of the road leading from
-Tarrytown to Sing-Sing, and to follow the course of the stream which
-passes through it, it is three quarters of a mile to the _Old Dutch
-Church_, near Tarrytown, which is well known, and familiar to every one
-who has read Irving’s “Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
-
-There is much of the wildness and beauty of nature about this place;
-the woods are standing close upon the work,--the stream which passes
-through the culvert displays its whitened crests as it tears along
-over the rocky bed, and utters its music until it is lost in the depth
-of the forest. The wild vines will soon climb the walls and cover
-them; vegetation will gather over the work until _nature_ and _art_ be
-harmoniously _wedded_.
-
-[Illustration: XV
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _W. Bennett. sc._
-
-CROTON AQUEDUCT AT MILL RIVER.]
-
-From Mill River the Aqueduct passes the village of Tarrytown and
-through one tunnel and over several depressions and streams, reaching
-Jewell’s Brook which is seventeen and a half miles from the dam. This
-stream enters the Hudson River about two miles below Tarrytown. The
-distance from the mouth of the stream to the line of Aqueduct is only a
-quarter of a mile.
-
-Plate XVI. is a view of the work at Jewell’s Brook. The culvert for
-the stream is 6 feet span and 148 feet long. The larger culvert for a
-private road is 14 feet span and 141 feet long. The wall which supports
-the Aqueduct at this valley is 50 feet high.
-
-In this case, as in many others, the slope wall which covers the
-face of the embankment has an arch turned in it over the top of the
-culverts: the object of this is to prevent the direct pressure of
-the wall upon the top of the parapet wall, as it would tend to displace
-the coping or injure the parapet itself.
-
-[Illustration: XVI
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _J. W. Hill._
-
-CROTON AQUEDUCT AT JEWELLS BROOK.]
-
-After crossing Jewell’s Brook the Aqueduct passes along the bank of the
-Hudson through the village of Dobb’s Ferry, where there is a tunnel
-and a valley requiring a culvert, and continues from this place to the
-village of Hastings, where there is an Aqueduct bridge over a rail-road
-which is used for transporting marble from the quarry near by, to the
-landing on the Hudson River.
-
-Plate XVII. is a view of this bridge and the view under the arch shows
-the face of the quarry which is near the work; the landing at the river
-is near by, giving a very rapid descent from the quarry. The arch has a
-span of 16 feet and a rise of 1½ foot. This bridge is twenty-one miles
-from the dam.
-
-From Hastings the Aqueduct continues along the bank of the Hudson until
-it reaches the village of Yonkers where it leaves the valley of the
-Hudson, and passing through a tunnel of considerable length reaches the
-valley of Saw-Mill River. At the crossing of this valley there is a
-culvert of 20 feet span for a public road to pass under the Aqueduct,
-and one having two arches each 25 feet span for the river.
-
-Plate XVIII. is a view of the work at Saw Mill River.
-
-The water is set back at this place by a dam for a mill a short
-distance below, giving the stream an appearance of more magnitude than
-it really possesses. This point is 25 miles from the dam. The wall
-which supports the Aqueduct over this valley is 40 feet high.
-
-From Saw-Mill River the Aqueduct passing through one tunnel soon
-reaches Tibbit’s Brook, which it crosses by means of a foundation
-wall about 30 feet high and a culvert of 6 feet span, and continues
-along the south side of the valley of this brook, thence to the Harlem
-River which it crosses at one mile from McComb’s Dam. This crossing is
-thirty-three miles from the Croton Dam, and about ten miles from the
-City-Hall.
-
-The distance across this valley is about a quarter of a mile, and the
-surface of the River is 120 feet below the bottom of the Aqueduct.
-
-In all the examinations which were made with a view of bringing
-water from Westchester County, the crossing of this River, or _arm
-of the sea_, was regarded as the most formidable work that would be
-encountered; various plans were proposed, and in presenting these plans
-the project was such as to call into requisition much talent and skill.
-
-An Aqueduct Bridge built of stone, having arches resting upon piers and
-abutments, was proposed so as to continue the Aqueduct across with its
-regular inclination.
-
-An Inverted Syphon of iron pipes was proposed; the pipes to descend to
-a level near the surface of the River, and passing along upon a stone
-embankment rise again and connect with the Aqueduct: in this stone
-embankment an arch was to be built of sufficient dimensions to allow
-free passage of the water of the River.
-
-[Illustration: XVII
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _J. W. Hill._
-
-CROTON AQUEDUCT AT HASTINGS.]
-
-Another plan was proposed which, though novel in its application
-to such purpose, was worthy of consideration: this was to build a
-Suspension Bridge of wire cables reaching across the valley, supported
-at intervals upon suitable stone piers. This, maintaining the regular
-inclination of the Aqueduct, would support iron pipes. The design
-was a bold one, yet instances where such bridges have been constructed
-for road-ways afford examples of the feasibility and permanency of the
-structures, and prove that the application of that principle for this
-purpose was not a visionary project.
-
-The plan which was adopted as the most suitable under all the
-considerations of economy and security to the work, was a _Low Bridge_
-to support an inverted syphon of iron pipes; and the design of it was
-as follows: adjacent to the southern shore of the river there was to
-be constructed an arch for the channel of the river, of 80 feet span
-and springing from abutments 10 feet above high water level; this would
-form a passage of 80 feet wide, and the height from high water level
-to the under side of the arch at the crown would be 50 feet: south of
-this arch followed three other arches on the slope of the rocky hill,
-of 35, 30, and 25 feet span: south of these arches a foundation wall
-was designed to continue the plane of inclination to the level of the
-Aqueduct. From the large arch to the northern shore of the river an
-embankment of stone was designed for the support of the pipes, and from
-this wall the table land on the northern shore and the slope of the
-northern side of the valley, would be excavated to a form to give the
-proper position to the pipes descending from the Aqueduct. The lowest
-level of the top of this stone embankment was designed to be 4 feet
-above flood tide. Suitable parapet walls were designed to be built
-along the sides of the embankment to sustain a covering of earth over
-the pipes. With the form which was given to this _inverted syphon_,
-four pipes, each of 3 feet interior diameter, were found to give a
-discharge of water equal to that of the Aqueduct of masonry on the
-established inclination.
-
-In accordance with this plan of the _Low Bridge_ the work for
-crossing the River was put under contract and some progress made in
-its execution, when a law was passed by the Legislature of the State
-requiring, instead of this, a structure, the arches of which should
-be (over the channel of the river) at least 80 feet span and having a
-distance of 100 feet from the level of high water to the under side of
-the crown; or to go under the channel of the river by a structure which
-should not rise above the bed, and that would leave the present channel
-unobstructed. At this time when the work was going on vigorously,
-they were compelled to abandon the plan which had been adopted, and
-devise one which would comply with the requirements of the law of the
-Legislature. A comparison was instituted between the plan of a tunnel
-under the bed of the river and that of a bridge of masonry at the
-required height above the river.
-
-The tunnel would be at least 300 feet long and the top of the masonry
-forming it, would be 18 feet below high water level. In this tunnel the
-iron pipes would pass under the River and would be protected from the
-salt water.
-
-[Illustration: XVIII
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _W. Bennett. sc._
-
-CROTON AQUEDUCT AT YONKERS.]
-
-An estimate of the cost of crossing by means of each plan was made,
-and the result was in favor of the tunnel under the bed of the River;
-but from the imperfect knowledge which could at best be obtained of
-the formation of the bed, there was great uncertainty in the estimate
-of the cost of the tunnel and the time that would be required for its
-completion. The history of the progress of work in the tunnel under the
-Thames at London warned them of the difficulties of such a work and
-the uncertainty of arriving at a proper estimate of the cost.
-
-In the alternative to which they were driven by the Act of the
-Legislature, the plan of an Aqueduct bridge of masonry was adopted as
-the proper one for crossing the River; but in establishing its altitude
-they complied _only_ with the requisitions of the law, and made the
-soffit or under side of the arches at the crown, 100 feet above common
-high water level. This would not carry the work up to the level of the
-Aqueduct, and would render it necessary to connect the Aqueduct on
-each side of the valley by iron pipes which would descend to the level
-of the bridge and crossing it rise again to the masonry channel-way.
-The plans which were before spoken of for a bridge of masonry across
-this valley, contemplated a structure which would maintain the regular
-inclination of the Aqueduct; and the channel-way would have been formed
-of masonry having a cast iron lining; but a more full consideration
-of the subject suggested the propriety of using iron pipes over
-the bridge, even if it had been carried up to the grade plane of
-the Aqueduct: when the use of iron pipes was determined upon, then
-considerations of economy induced them to build the work _only_ high
-enough to comply with the requirements of the law.
-
-The plan which has been adopted for building an Aqueduct bridge across
-this valley is as follows: on the south shore of the river there is one
-arch of 50 feet span, across the river there are eight arches, each of
-80 feet span, and on the north shore there are six arches each of 50
-feet span; making a range of fifteen arches. From the extremes of this
-range of arches, a foundation wall of dry stone work connects with the
-Aqueduct.
-
-Two of the piers in the river have a rock foundation and the
-foundations for those where rock is not obtained is formed by driving
-piles which are placed 2½ feet from centre to centre, and the spaces
-between filled with concrete to a depth of 3 feet below the top of them.
-
-Plate XIX. is a view of this bridge, which, when completed, will be
-the most interesting work on the whole line of Aqueduct, and in its
-appearance will rival the grandeur of similar works of the Ancient
-Romans. The height from the foundations in the river, to the top of the
-work is 150 feet; the width across the top is 21 feet. The pipes when
-laid upon the bridge will be covered with earth to protect them from
-frost. The distance between the extremes of the pipes when laid across
-the bridge will be 1377⅓ feet. For a distance of 18 feet at each end
-of the pipes there is an inclination and the remainder of the distance
-across, which is 1341⅓ feet, they are level.
-
-The bottom of the interior of the pipes on the level part, is 12-8/10
-feet below the bottom of water way of the Aqueduct on the north side,
-and 10-5/10 below that on the south side of the valley.
-
-In the progress of excavating in one of the coffer dams in the
-channel of the river a portion of a sunken vessel was found within
-the enclosure; it had the appearance of great age. Tradition among
-the inhabitants of the vicinity says that at an early period of the
-Revolutionary war a vessel was scuttled and sunk in that part of the
-river.
-
-[Illustration: XIX
-
- F. B. Tower. Napoleon Gimbrede. sc.
-
-CROTON AQUEDUCT AT HARLEM RIVER.]
-
-To a mind fond of antiquarian researches and accustomed to invest
-objects of such a nature with associations of the past, this ancient
-wreck would furnish a fruitful theme. We are now laying the foundation
-of a magnificent work: at the day when this vessel was sunk the
-American people were laying the foundation of a new form of government
-composed of principles which should support a fabric of enduring
-strength and beauty. We are now building a work which will stand as
-a monument of the genius and enterprise of the age, but it may be
-regarded among the fruits of that civil and religious liberty which has
-been reared upon the foundations formed by the people of that day.
-
-The water is now conveyed across this valley by an iron pipe of 3 feet
-interior diameter. In the progress of preparing foundations for the
-piers of the bridge, an embankment has been formed across the River and
-the pipe leaving the Aqueduct on the north side of the valley follows
-down the slope of the hill, and crossing over the River upon this
-embankment, ascends on the south side again to the Aqueduct. At the
-bottom or lowest point in this pipe, a branch pipe of 1 foot diameter
-has been connected, extending a distance of 80 feet from it at right
-angles and horizontally: the end of this pipe is turned upwards to form
-a jet, and iron plates are fastened upon it giving any form that may be
-desired to the water issuing. The level of this branch pipe is about
-120 feet below the bottom of the Aqueduct on the north side of the
-valley; affording an opportunity for a beautiful _jet d’eau_;--such an
-one as cannot be obtained at the fountains in the city. From an orifice
-of seven inches diameter the column of water rises to a height of 115
-feet when there is only a depth of 2 feet of water in the Aqueduct.
-
-To those who had watched over the work during its construction and
-looked for its successful operation, this was peculiarly gratifying. To
-see the water leap from this opening and rise upwards with such force
-and beauty, occasioned pleasing emotions and gave proof that the design
-and construction of the work were alike faultless, and that all the
-fondest hopes of its projectors would be realized.
-
-The scenery around this fountain added much to its beauty; there it
-stood,--a whitened column rising from the river, erect, or shifting its
-form, or waving like a forest tree as the winds swayed it, with the
-rainbow tints resting upon its spray, while on either side the wooded
-hills arose to rival its height: all around was of _nature_; no marble
-basin,--no allegorical figures, wrought with exquisite touches of _art_
-to lure the eye, but a fountain where nature had adorned the place with
-the grandeur and beauty of her rude hills and mountain scenery.
-
-Plate XX. is a distant view of the jet at Harlem River.
-
-From Harlem River the Aqueduct passes along the south bank of the River
-for a short distance where it rests in the side of the rocky hill, and
-continues over an uneven surface encountering two tunnels before it
-reaches Manhattan Valley, which is about 35 miles from the Croton dam.
-This valley is four fifths of a mile wide where the Aqueduct meets it,
-and the depression is 102 feet below the plane of Aqueduct grade.
-
-[Illustration: XX
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _W. Bennett._
-
-VIEW OF THE JET AT HARLEM RIVER.]
-
-Here was an opportunity for constructing a work of architectural beauty
-and boldness by building up with arcades of arches, one line above
-another, and thus maintain the regular inclination of the Aqueduct;
-but considerations of economy forbade it. Where the Aqueduct reaches
-the north side of the valley, a gate chamber is formed, and from
-this, two pipes of 3 feet interior diameter descend to the bottom of
-the valley and ascend on the south side to another gate chamber where
-they connect with the Aqueduct again. Provision is made for four pipes
-of 3 feet diameter, but at present only two are laid which answer the
-demands of the city at this time. At the bottom of the valley waste
-cocks are provided which discharge into a sewer leading to the Hudson
-River, a distance of half a mile.
-
-The lowest point in the pipes is 102 feet below the bottom of the water
-way of the Aqueduct on the north side of the valley.
-
-From Manhattan Valley the Aqueduct passes through a tunnel, and
-following its course the next work of interest is at Clendinning
-Valley, which is thirty-seven miles from the Croton Dam. This valley is
-1900 feet across, and the Aqueduct is supported upon a foundation wall
-of dry stone work having the face laid in mortar, except over three
-streets where bridges are built, having an arch of 30 feet span for the
-carriage-way and one on each side of 10½ feet span for the side walks.
-These bridges are over 98th, 99th, and 100th streets.
-
-[Illustration: XXI
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _W. Bennett. sc._
-
-CROTON AQUEDUCT AT CLENDINNING VALLEY.]
-
-Plate XXI. is a view of a portion of the work at Clendinning Valley
-showing the three bridges; and comprises a length of about 700 feet.
-
-The greatest height from the foundation to the top of the work is 50
-feet, and the width at the bottom of the Aqueduct is 30 feet. Parapet
-walls are built on the sides of the wall above the bottom of the
-Aqueduct to support a covering of earth over it.
-
-Plate XXII. is an enlarged view of one of the bridges and a portion of
-the foundation wall and Aqueduct adjacent to it. The Aqueduct has a
-cast iron lining over the bridges like that described at the Sing Sing
-Kill.
-
-These bridges are beautiful specimens of mechanical work; indeed the
-whole structure across this valley has a degree of neatness, finish,
-and taste, not surpassed by any on the line of Aqueduct.
-
-To visit this structure and follow along its whole extent, gives one
-an idea of the magnitude of the work which the City of New-York has
-accomplished; particularly when it is considered that this is only one
-of the _parts_ which make up the _whole_.
-
-From Clendinning Valley the Aqueduct soon reaches the Receiving
-Reservoir which is thirty-eight miles from the Croton Dam.
-
-This Reservoir occupies an elevated part of the island between 79th
-and 86th streets and between the 6th and 7th Avenues. It covers seven
-of the city blocks; is divided into two divisions, one covering three
-and the other four of these blocks. It is 1826 feet long and 836 feet
-wide from outside to outside of the top of the exterior walls of the
-embankment, making an area of thirty-five acres.
-
-[Illustration: XXII
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _Gimber._
-
-AQUEDUCT BRIDGE AT CLENDINNING VALLEY.]
-
-The situation was chosen as one affording the proper elevation: but its
-formation was such as to present difficulties in the way of making the
-Reservoir perfectly water-tight; the surface, in tracing it from 79th
-to 86th street, was quite undulating, a portion of it in the southern
-division of the Reservoir falling below the proposed bottom, and that
-portion of the surface which was earth, forming only a covering to
-the rock, which over the whole island, presents a singularly broken and
-uneven formation. In almost every instance of excavation, the rock was
-found above the proposed bottom of the Reservoir, and the difficulty
-of preventing leakage along the surface of this rock may easily be
-conceived; but considering that measures are taken to prevent such an
-occurrence, another difficulty is still presented in the formation of
-the rock: the veins and fissures which are frequent in this gneiss
-formation would possibly afford courses for the water to escape; the
-rock being unsound in many instances, would render such an occurrence
-still more liable. A Reservoir has however, been constructed here which
-proved, when it was filled with water, that sufficient precaution was
-used to prevent leakage, and that the difficulties which presented
-themselves before the commencement of the work were no longer to be
-feared.
-
-The embankments forming the Reservoir are made of good assorted earth,
-and a portion of the bank is puddled, or made compact and impervious by
-wetting the earth and using a spade to force it into a compact state.
-They are about 20 feet wide on the top, and increase in thickness
-towards the base by a slope on both sides: the outside face of the
-Reservoir bank has a slope of 1 foot horizontal to 3 feet vertical:
-the inside has a slope of 1½ foot horizontal to 1 foot vertical. The
-outside face is protected by a stone wall 4 feet thick having the face
-laid in mortar: the inside face is protected by a slope wall of stone
-laid without mortar, 1¼ foot thick. The top of the bank is 4 feet above
-top water line, and the inside slope wall terminates at 2 feet above
-top water line, leaving the remainder of the face to be covered with
-grass, so as to present a belt of green above the water on the bank
-entirely around the Reservoir.
-
-A neat fence bounds the outside and the inside of the top bank, forming
-a walk of a mile in length around the entire Reservoir.
-
-The greatest depth of water in the northern division is 20 feet: it was
-originally intended to excavate so as to give the water a depth of 20
-feet over the whole, but a quantity of rock was left, as the capacity
-was thought to be sufficient without taking it out.
-
-The southern division has 30 feet of water where the bottom was filled
-in with embankment, and 25 where excavation was made. A portion of rock
-was left in this division for the same reason as that in the northern
-division; the greater part of it being in the south-west corner, where
-it rises above top water line.
-
-The capacity of the Reservoir when both divisions are full, is
-150,000,000 Imperial gallons.
-
-The surface of water in the northern division covers 18.13 acres, and
-in the southern division, 12.75 acres; making in both nearly 31 acres.
-
-Plate XXIII. is a plan of the Receiving Reservoir.
-
-The Aqueduct enters a gate chamber at A. where there are regulating
-gates by which the water can be discharged into the northern division;
-or into the southern division by a continuation of the Aqueduct within
-the Reservoir bank to the angle B. of that division.
-
-[Illustration: XXIII
-
- Scale 200 feet to one inch
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _Gimber._
-
-RECEIVING RESERVOIR]
-
-A connection pipe of cast iron is placed in the division bank at C. to
-allow the water to flow from one division into the other in order to
-equalize the level; it is placed 10 feet below top water line and has a
-stop-cock to close or open it.
-
-At D. is a waste weir, where surplus water may pass off: it is so
-arranged that the water, when it rises to a proper level, will flow
-into a well, and from this a brick sewer conducts it off into low
-grounds, where it finds its way to the East River.
-
-At each place where it is designed to discharge water from the
-Reservoir, a gate house is built far enough into it to reach the
-greatest depth of water beyond the slope of the embankment. These
-houses have a wall upon three sides, and the front which faces the
-centre of the Reservoir has a suitable screen of wood work and wooden
-gates which regulate the level below the surface for the current
-of discharge, and the iron pipes leading from these houses have a
-stop-cock by which the discharge is controlled; this stop-cock is in a
-vault within the Reservoir bank.
-
-The position of these effluent gate houses is marked on the plan by the
-letters E, F, G, H, there being two in each division. A foot bridge
-affords convenient access from the bank to the house.
-
-Those houses on the east side denoted by E, F, are the ones from which
-pipes lead to the lower or Distributing Reservoir, and those on the
-west side denoted by G, H, are intended for supplying the western part
-of the city north of the Distributing Reservoir.
-
-There is a vault within the eastern bank to accommodate the pipes
-which leave the house E, and passing along, connect with those from
-the house F, and thence the pipes continue along 80th street and the
-5th Avenue to the Distributing Reservoir. A vault within the west bank
-accommodates the pipe which leads from the house H, and intersects
-the one from G, passing out at 81st street; thus in this street a pipe
-draws from the southern division at G, and a branch of it passing along
-within the vault draws from the northern division at H.
-
-Provision has been made on the east side of the Reservoir for supplying
-that part of the city when it becomes necessary.
-
-At present there are two pipes leading from this to the Distributing
-Reservoir, each 3 feet interior diameter, and they are arranged that
-both may draw from the southern division, or one from that, and one
-from the northern division. The pipes are placed at a level below the
-bottom of the division from which they draw: the bottom of the interior
-of those from the southern division being 2 feet below, and that of
-those from the northern 5 feet below.
-
-The exterior walls of this Reservoir present a face of _rough-hammered_
-masonry, finished in a manner to give them neatness and durability.
-
-As a specimen of mechanical work, this Reservoir will not bear a
-comparison with the lower, or Distributing Reservoir, yet the sheet of
-water it presents, renders it an object of perhaps greater interest.
-This beautiful lake of pure water resting upon the summit of the Island
-is truly a pleasing object, and considering its size, is what no other
-city can boast of having within its limits.
-
-The Distributing Reservoir is situated on the west side of the 5th
-Avenue between 40th and 42nd streets; it is two miles from the
-Receiving Reservoir, and about three miles from the City-Hall.
-
-[Illustration: XXIV
-
- _F. B. Tower._ _Napoleon Gimbrede. sc._
-
-DISTRIBUTING RESERVOIR.]
-
-The question may naturally be asked, why this Reservoir was built,
-when the receiving one, of such great capacity, is so near at hand? The
-reason for building it, was to obtain an efficient head of water near
-to the densely populated parts of the city, and had the formation of
-the island been favorable, the Receiving Reservoir would undoubtedly
-have been located farther down, bringing the store of water more nearly
-in the centre of the city.
-
-Plate XXIV. is an isometrical view of the Distributing Reservoir
-showing the front on the 5th Avenue and on 42nd street.
-
-The pipes which leave the Receiving Reservoir follow along the 5th
-Avenue until they reach 42nd street, where they turn and enter the
-Distributing Reservoir at the base of the central pilaster in that
-street, which in the drawing is shown on the right hand side. The
-pipes enter at the bottom of the Reservoir and the flow of water is
-regulated by _stop-cocks_: the door in the pilaster affords an entrance
-to the vault where these _stop-cocks_ are situated. The Reservoir is
-divided into two separate divisions by a wall. It is designed to have
-three pipes, each 3 feet diameter, to lead from the Receiving to the
-Distributing Reservoir and arrangements are made to discharge water
-from two of them into one division of the Distributing Reservoir at
-a time, or the water may be divided into an equal supply for both
-divisions.
-
-On the south side of the Reservoir a pipe of 3 feet diameter leaves
-each division and they are arranged with branches so as to draw from
-one or both divisions. The house standing across the division wall
-is directly over the mouth of the effluent pipes, and is constructed
-like those at the Receiving Reservoir, with a gate and screen frame
-of timber. The central pilaster on 40th street has an entrance (like
-that on 42nd street) to the vault where the _stop-cocks_ are situated
-which regulate the discharge from the Reservoir. The pipes leave the
-Reservoir at the base of this pilaster and from 40th street, curve into
-the 5th Avenue, which they pursue until they reach a convenient point
-for diverging to the densely populated parts of the city.
-
-This Reservoir is 420 feet square on the top, measuring on the cornice
-of the main wall; it is 425 feet square at the top of the cornice of
-the pilasters, and 436 feet square at the base, measuring from outside
-to outside of the corner pilasters, covering a little over four acres.
-The height of the walls is 45 feet above the streets around, and about
-50 feet above the foundations.
-
-The water is 36 feet deep when it reaches the level designed for its
-surface (which is 4 feet below the top of the walls) and the surplus,
-when the Reservoir is full, passes into a well in the division wall and
-is conducted by a sewer in 42nd street to the Hudson River, which is
-one mile distant.
-
-The Reservoir is calculated to hold 20,000,000 gallons.
-
-The outside walls are constructed with openings in them so that by
-entering the door on 42nd street one may walk entirely around the
-Reservoir within the walls. One object of this arrangement is to obtain
-the greatest breadth with a given quantity of material; another is
-to afford an opportunity to examine the work so as to guard against
-leakage; and another, to prevent any moisture finding its way through
-to the exterior so as to cause injury to the wall by the action of
-frost. This kind of open work of the wall rises to within about 8 feet
-of top water line. Inside of these walls an embankment of puddled
-earth is formed with suitable breadth of base to give security to the
-work, and the face of this earth next to the water is covered with a
-wall of hydraulic masonry 1¼ foot thick. The top of the embankment
-is covered with stone flagging, forming a walk around the top of the
-Reservoir. The bottom of the Reservoir has a covering of concrete 1
-foot thick; thus when it is empty there will be seen two basins having
-the sides and bottom formed of masonry.
-
-A section of the wall of one side of the Reservoir, including the
-embankment, is 17 feet wide at the top, 35 feet wide 16 feet below
-the top, and 76 feet wide at the bottom: the cornice projects on the
-outside and the coping on the inside so as to make the width of the
-top 21 feet. An iron railing bounds the outside and inside of the walk
-around the top.
-
-The outside of the Reservoir is built on a slope of one sixth its
-height, or two inches to the foot, and an Egyptian cornice projects at
-the top of the main walls and the pilasters.
-
-At the entrance on the 5th Avenue a stairway leads up to the top of the
-Reservoir.
-
-Terraces are built around at the foot of the walls and covered with
-grass, giving a rich finish to the work.
-
-This Reservoir may be considered the termination of the Croton
-Aqueduct, and is distant from the _Fountain Reservoir_ on the Croton,
-forty and a half miles.
-
-The whole cost of the work, exclusive of the pipes in the city below
-the Distributing Reservoir, is about 9,000,000 dollars. Adding to this
-the cost of pipes and arrangements for distributing the water in the
-city, will make the _total cost of supplying the city of New-York with
-water about 12,000,000 dollars_.[7]
-
-The water was introduced into the Distributing Reservoir on the 4th of
-July, 1842, and the event was hailed by the citizens of New-York with
-an interest scarcely less than that pervading the whole American people
-at the remembrance of the event, the anniversary of which, was on that
-day celebrated.
-
-At an hour when the firing of guns and the ringing of bells had
-aroused but few from their slumbers, and ere the rays of the morning
-sun had gilded the city domes, the waters of the Croton gushed up
-into the Reservoir and wandered about its bottom as if to examine the
-magnificent structure; or to find a resting place in the _temple_
-towards which they had made a pilgrimage.
-
-The national flag floated out from each corner of the Reservoir,
-and during the day thousands of the citizens visited it giving
-demonstrations of joy and satisfaction at the accomplishment of this
-great work.
-
-The 14th of October following was set apart as a day for the
-celebration of the introduction of the water into the city: and it was
-an occasion of unrestrained enthusiasm and joy. Multitudes came in from
-the country around, and from sister cities:--all business was laid
-aside for the pleasing ceremonies of the day, and the Croton water,
-with the beauty and grandeur of its fountains, met with a welcome which
-showed that its value was appreciated.
-
-The advantages, the comforts and blessings of this supply of pure water
-will be appreciated as the city extends the means for its use, and
-the time is not distant when she will regard it as a treasure which
-was cheaply purchased, and will proudly point to the noble work which
-she has achieved not only as an example of her munificence, but as an
-illustration of what _art_ and _science_ can accomplish.
-
-With cleanly streets, and the public parks beautified with the
-fountains which send forth cooling and refreshing vapours upon the
-air, the citizens will forget to leave the city during the warm
-months of summer, and the _sea-shore_, the _mountain-tops_, and
-_watering-places_, will fancy their beauty has faded, since they cease
-to be visited.
-
-The foreigner who visits this country will find the Croton Aqueduct an
-interesting specimen of our _public works_, and will be pleased with a
-pedestrian tour along the line of work to the Fountain Reservoir among
-the hills of the Croton. Besides becoming acquainted with the important
-features of the work, he may enjoy much that is beautiful in American
-scenery. In his course along the Aqueduct he may see the majestic
-palisades which for a distance _wall_ the right bank of the Hudson;
-he may view the Tappan and Haverstraw bays with their ever-varying
-scenery, and the dark gorge where the Hudson emerges from the Highlands
-with its white bosom.
-
-Along the Aqueduct there are also many picturesque scenes where the
-mountain stream leaps among the rocks in the deep ravine which guides
-its course to the Hudson.
-
-The country is interesting also from the associations with which it has
-been invested by the pen of our novelists. The region of the Croton
-where the Fountain Reservoir is formed, is a part of the district where
-the scene of the “Tale of the Neutral Ground” is laid; and one may
-fancy there the figure of Harvey Birch, beneath his _pondrous pack_,
-casting a shadow at night along the moon-lit slopes.
-
-Leaving the valley of the Croton we come out upon the Hudson at the
-head of the “_great waters of the Tappan Zee_,” beyond which the early
-inhabitants of _New-Amsterdam_ dared not to voyage without first
-“settling their family affairs, and making their wills.”
-
-As we approach Tarrytown we find the localities which were pictured
-in the “Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” and easily recognize the Old Dutch
-Church near which the affrighted Ichabod Crane was so sadly unhorsed by
-the headless Hessian. We find in this vicinity also, the place noted as
-the “_spot where the unfortunate ‘Andre’ was captured_.”
-
-Besides the romantic and diversified scenery of the Hudson which is in
-view from the line of Aqueduct, the visitor may find highly cultivated
-grounds and delightful country seats, and among them that of our
-distinguished countryman, Washington Irving, where he sought a rural
-retirement for his literary pursuits. But it is unnecessary to speak
-further of the objects which are calculated to interest the visitor
-to this part of the country: we would only invite the stranger who
-visits the city of New-York to go forth and visit her noble Aqueduct:
-when he has become acquainted with the magnitude and grandeur of its
-construction, then he may turn aside for prospects to admire and
-incidents to interest.
-
-
-
-
-APPENDIX.
-
-BY CHARLES A. LEE, M. D.
-
-
-WATER.
-
-(_Chiefly compiled from the works of Thomson, Pereira, Whewell and
-others._)
-
-Water was regarded by the ancients as an elementary substance, and as
-a constituent of most other bodies. This opinion was somewhat modified
-by the experiments of Van Helmont and Mr. Boyle, who maintained that it
-could be changed into all vegetable substances, as well as into earth;
-but it was substantially held until the middle of the last century,
-(1781,) when Mr. Cavendish proved that this liquid was a compound of
-oxygen and hydrogen.
-
-
-NATURAL HISTORY. _In the inorganized kingdom._
-
-Water is very generally diffused over the surface of the globe, forming
-seas, lakes, and rivers; it is mechanically disseminated among rocks,
-constitutes an essential part of some minerals, and always exists to
-a greater or less extent, in the atmosphere. In the air, water is
-formed in two states; as a _vapor_ (which makes about one-seventieth
-by volume, or one one-hundredth by weight of the atmosphere) it is
-supposed to be the cause of the blue color to the sky; and in a
-_vesicular form_, in which state it constitutes the clouds. Terrestrial
-water forms about three-fourths of the surface of the terraqueous
-globe. The average depth of the ocean is calculated at between two and
-three miles. Now as the height of dry land above the surface of the sea
-is less than two miles, it is evident, that if the present dry land
-were distributed over the bottom of the ocean, the surface of the globe
-would present a mass of waters a mile in depth. On the supposition
-that the mean depth of the sea is not greater than the fourth part
-of a mile, the solid contents of the ocean would be 32,058,939 cubic
-miles (_Thomson’s Chemistry_.) The quantity of water mechanically
-disseminated through rocks, which serve merely as a natural reservoir
-for the time, must be, in the aggregate, very considerable, though
-it is impossible to form any very accurate estimate of it. Even in
-those rocks which merely supply springs, the amount of disseminated
-water must be enormous; for they so far resemble filters, that are
-necessarily charged with the fluid before they permit it to pass
-out. De La Beche has advanced the opinion that capillary attraction
-has great power, both in mechanically disseminating water among
-rocks, and in retaining it in them when so disseminated, and that it
-therefore keeps them, to a certain extent, saturated with moisture, and
-assists in promoting a more equal flow of water in springs. Capillary
-attraction and gravity probably carry water down far beyond those
-situations where it can be returned in springs, at least cold springs,
-for there are certain circumstances connected with those which are
-thermal, which go to prove, that the water thrown up by them may have
-percolated to considerable depths. It is very evident that most rocks
-contain disseminated moisture, for there are few which, when exposed
-to heat, do not give water. Sulphate of lime, for example, or plaster
-of paris, contains about 20 per cent., and common serpentine, as much
-as 15 per cent. of it. Soap-stone has 4 per cent., and even quartz 2
-per cent. of water, in their composition. This fluid exists in minerals
-either as _water of crystallization_, or combined as a _hydrate_.
-
-But though water is thus generally diffused over the surface of the
-globe, yet it is not found perfectly pure in any place; even the
-rain and the snow that descend from the clouds, the condensation, as
-it were, of a natural distillation, are slightly tainted by saline
-matters; which circumstance can only arise from the great solvent
-power of water enabling it to take up a portion of most substances
-with which it comes into contact, in its natural condition. In many
-lakes, and in the ocean, the quantity of saline matter is so great as
-to render it unfit for diluent purposes; but, when sea-water freezes,
-the saline impregnations are deposited; and the ice affords fresh
-water. In the state in which water is generally employed as a diluent,
-its impregnations are in small quantity, and not usually sufficient
-either to dim its transparency, or to give it color, smell, or taste,
-and consequently to render it unfit for the ordinary purposes of life.
-Water, therefore, which is transparent, colorless, inodorous, and
-tasteless, is called _good_ and _pure_, and none other can be called
-such; though some medical writers are of opinion, that it is not
-necessary it should be in this pure state for common use. Such opinion
-however is undoubtedly erroneous--
-
-II. _In the organized kingdom._ Water enters largely into the
-composition of organic substances. It constitutes, at least, four
-fifths of the weight of the animal tissues, being the source of their
-physical properties, extensibility and flexibility. This water is
-not chemically combined in them: for it is gradually given off by
-evaporation, and can be extracted at once by strong pressure between
-blotting-paper. When deprived of its water, animal matter becomes
-wholly insusceptible of vitality; except in the case of some of the
-lower animals, which, as well as some plants, revive when again
-moistened. According to Chevreul, pure water alone can reduce organized
-substances to this state of softness; although salt water, alcohol,
-ether, and oil, are also imbibed by dry animal textures. Moist animal
-tissues, by virtue of their porosity, allow soluble matters, which
-come into contact with them, to be dissolved by the water which they
-contain, and which oils their pores: if the matters are already in
-solution, they are imparted by their solutions to the water of the
-tissues. Gaseous substances are taken up in the same way. Water exists
-in nearly as large a proportion in vegetable as in animal substances.
-
-_Properties._ Pure water, as has already been stated, is a transparent
-liquid without color, taste, or smell. Some have doubted whether it
-is entirely inodorous, from the fact that the camel, and some other
-animals, can scent water to a considerable distance, and also whether
-it can be called colorless, as all large masses of water have a
-bluish-green color. This phenomenon is, however, probably owing to the
-presence of foreign matters. It refracts light powerfully, is a slow
-conductor of heat, when its internal movements are prevented, and an
-imperfect conductor of electricity. It is almost incompressible, a
-pressure equal to 2000 atmospheres occasioning a diminution of only
-one-ninth of its bulk; or, when submitted to a compressing force
-equal to 30,000 lbs. on the square inch, 14 volumes of this fluid are
-condensed into 13 volumes; proving that it is elastic. Water being the
-substance most easily procured in every part of the earth in a state
-of purity, it has been chosen by universal consent, to represent the
-unit of the specific gravity of all solid and liquid bodies. A cubic
-inch of water at 60° Fah. weighs 255.5 grains; so that this fluid is
-about 815 times heavier than atmospheric air, but being the standard
-to which the weight of all other substances is referred, its specific
-weight is said to be 1. Accordingly when we say that the specific
-gravity of a body is _two_ we mean that it weighs twice as much as
-the same volume of water would do. Water unites with both acids and
-bases, but without destroying their acid or basic properties. Thus
-the crystallized vegetable acids, tartaric, citric, and oxalic, are
-atomic combinations of water with acids. Caustic potash (potassa fusa)
-and slaked lime may be instanced as compounds of water, and basic
-substances; these are therefore called _hydrates_. The crystallized
-salts, such as alum, common salt, sulphate of soda, sulphate of
-magnesia, borate of soda, (borax,) &c., contain a large amount of
-water as a chemical constituent, called water of crystallization. Water
-rapidly absorbs some gases, as ammonia, fluoride of boron, &c., but it
-is neither combustible, nor, under ordinary circumstances, a supporter
-of combustion.
-
-_Composition._ The composition of water is determined both by analysis
-and synthesis. If this liquid be submitted to the influence of a
-volcanic battery, it is decomposed into two gases, namely one volume
-of oxygen and two volumes of hydrogen. These gases, in the proportions
-just mentioned, may be made to recombine, and form water by heat,
-electricity, or spongy platinum, as water consists of one equivalent of
-hydrogen, 1 and one of oxygen, 8 = 9; and in volume, of one volume of
-hydrogen, and half a volume of oxygen, condensed into aqueous vapor or
-steam we can easily calculate the specific gravity of steam, for its
-density will be, .0689 (Sp. gr. of hydrogen) + .5512 (half the Sp. gr.
-of oxygen) = .6201.
-
-
-_Water as affected by the laws of Heat._
-
-As the extensive and important functions which water discharges in
-the economy of nature, depend mainly on the manner in which it is
-affected by the laws of heat, a few remarks on this subject may not be
-inappropriate to this place.
-
-Heat is communicated through water in a different manner, from that
-observed in relation to solids, for it is not _conducted_ as in them,
-from one particle to another, but carried with the parts of the fluid
-by means of an intestine motion. Water expands and becomes lighter
-by heat, and therefore it is, that if the upper portion of water be
-cooled below the lower, the former descends, and the latter rises to
-take its place. Thus a constant counter-current is kept up, and the
-whole body of water has to cool down to near the freezing point, before
-congelation can take place. This equalization of temperature, moreover,
-takes place much more rapidly, than it would do in a solid body; hence
-alternations of heat and cold, as day and night, summer and winter,
-produce in water, inequalities of temperature much smaller than those
-which occur in a solid body.
-
-Hence it is, that the ocean, which covers so large a portion of the
-earth’s surface, produces the effect of making the alternations of heat
-and cold much less violent than they would be if it were absent. The
-different temperatures of its upper and lower parts produce a current
-which draws the seas, and by means of the seas, the air, towards the
-mean temperature. This circulation is also carried on between distant
-tracts of the ocean; as we see in the case of the Gulf Stream, which
-rushing from the Gulf of Mexico across the Atlantic to the western
-shores of Europe, carries with it a portion of the heat of equatorial
-climes to the colder northern regions, and bringing back in return
-a portion of the cold from the same higher latitudes. Thus, large
-portions of the earth are rendered habitable to man, which, without
-the existence of such a law, would be doomed to perpetual frost
-and solitude. This influence of the ocean on temperature, explains
-satisfactorily some peculiarities in the climates of certain tracts
-and islands, for example, why London is cooler in summer, and hotter
-in winter than Paris. But though water expands by heat and contracts
-by cold, there is even a limit to this law, for had there not been,
-the lower parts of water would have frozen first, and thus entire
-lakes, rivers and oceans, perhaps, become solid, and had they become
-thus frozen, they would have remained so; for, as the heat at the
-surface would not have descended far through the colder parts, the main
-body of the ice must forever have remained solid, as in the arctic
-circle. To obviate this great disadvantage, water contracts by the
-increase of cold till we come _near_ the freezing temperature, (40°
-F.) when it begins to expand and continues so to do till it freezes;
-at 32° F. Hence, water at 40° is at its greatest density and will lie
-at the bottom, with cooler water or ice floating above it. However
-much the surface be cooled, water colder than 40° cannot descend to
-displace water warmer than itself. Hence we never can have ice formed
-at the bottom of deep water, though it is not uncommon to find it
-thus situated, in shallow streams or rivers of rapid flow. Here the
-temperature of the whole body of water is brought down to the freezing
-point, and in freezing the ice adheres to the sides and bottom of the
-stream. What a beautiful provision is this, that the coldest water
-should rise to the surface, and there freeze and remain, exposed to
-the warmth of the sun-beams and the air, to be speedily dissolved upon
-the return of spring! This is owing to the well known fact, that in
-the act of freezing a still further expansion takes place, so that
-the specific gravity of ice is less than water of any temperature,
-and consequently floats upon the surface. We thus see that by the
-contraction of water by cold, the temperature of various times and
-places is equalized, though were that contraction without limit, a
-great portion of the earth would be bound in fetters of ice. Such a
-disastrous result, is prevented by the substitution of expansion for
-contraction, when the temperature is reduced to 40°, and the benevolent
-purposes of an all-wise Designer, are made still more manifest by the
-further expansion of water in the act of freezing. As water becomes
-ice by cold, it becomes _steam_ by heat. We generally understand by
-steam the vapor of hot water, but steam or vapor rises from water
-at all temperatures, however low, and even from ice. The expansive
-force of this vapor increases rapidly as the heat increases, but yet
-in all cases the surface of water is covered with an atmosphere of
-aqueous vapor, the pressure, or _tension_ of which is limited by the
-temperature of the water. If, therefore, the vapor is not confined,
-causing the surface of water to be pressed upon, evaporation will
-take place, and thus there must, according to this law, always exist
-an atmosphere of aqueous vapor, the tension of which may be compared
-with that of our common atmosphere. Now the pressure of the latter
-is measured by the barometrical column, about 30 inches of mercury,
-while that of watery vapor is equal to one inch of mercury at the
-constituent temperature of 80 degrees, and to one fifth of an inch at
-the temperature of 32 degrees.
-
-If the atmosphere of air by which we are supported were annihilated,
-there would still remain, an atmosphere of aqueous vapor, arising from
-the waters and moist parts of the earth, but in the existing state of
-things this vapor rises _in_ the atmosphere of dry air, and thus its
-distribution and effects are materially influenced by the vehicle in
-which it is thus carried.
-
-The moisture thus floating at all times in the air, serves for the
-support of vegetable life, even in countries where rain seldom if
-ever falls. It is absorbed by the leaves of living plants, which
-thus increase in weight even when suspended in the atmosphere and
-disconnected with the soil. During intense heats, and when the soil is
-parched and dry, we see the life of plants thus preserved until the
-earth is again refreshed with showers, and the roots supplied with
-their wonted moisture.
-
-_Clouds_, are produced when aqueous vapor returns to the state of
-water; and this process is called _condensation_. Whenever the
-temperature becomes lower than the constituent temperature, requisite
-for the maintenance of the vapory state, some of the vapor, or
-invisible steam, will be condensed, and become water. This may be
-seen illustrated in the condensation of the steam, as it issues from
-the spout of a tea-kettle. Clouds not only moderate the fervor of the
-sun, but they also check radiation from the earth, for we find that
-the coldest nights are those which occur under a cloudless winter sky.
-The use of clouds in the formation of rain, is too obvious to need
-pointing out more particularly. _Snow_ is frozen vapour aggregated by
-a confused action of crystalline laws, and _ice_ is water, solidified
-while in its fluid state, by the same crystalline forces. These are bad
-conductors of cold, and when the ground is covered with snow, or the
-surface of the soil, or if the water is frozen, the roots or bulbs of
-plants beneath are protected by the congealed water from the influence
-of the atmosphere, the temperature of which in northern winters, is
-usually very much below the freezing point; and this water becomes the
-first nourishment of the plant, in early spring. The expansion of water
-during its congelation, at which time its volume increases one twelfth,
-and its contraction in bulk during a thaw, tend to pulverize the soil,
-to separate its parts from each other, and to make it more permeable to
-the influence of the air.
-
-When ice changes to water, or water to steam, although at an invariable
-degree of temperature, yet the change is not sudden, but gradual.
-When the heat reaches the point, at which thawing or boiling takes
-place, the temperature makes a stand; a portion of it disappears, or
-becomes _latent_, as it is called; thus the temperature of ice cannot
-be raised, till the whole is thawed, nor that of boiling water, till
-it has all been converted into steam; all the heat that is applied
-being absorbed in producing these changes. Were it not for this law of
-latent heat, thaw and evaporation would be instantaneous, we should be
-overwhelmed with floods, at the first glow of warmth in the spring, and
-in heating water the whole would flash instantaneously into steam upon
-reaching the boiling point.
-
-It is through the same relations of water to heat, that springs are
-supplied--for these undoubtedly draw their principal supplies from
-rain. Mr. Dalton has calculated that the quantity of rain which falls
-in England is 36 inches a year. Of this he reckoned that 13 inches flow
-off to the sea by the rivers, and that the remaining 23 inches are
-raised again from the ground by evaporation. The 13 inches of water
-are of course supplied by evaporation from the sea, and are carried
-back to the land through the atmosphere. Vapor is perpetually rising
-from the ocean, and is condensed by cold in the hills and high lands,
-as is easily recognized by the mists and rains, which are frequent in
-such regions; whence it descends through their pores and crevices,
-till it is deflected, collected and conducted out to the sea, by some
-stratum or channel which is water-tight, thus keeping up a perpetual
-and compound circulation. In every country these two portions of the
-aqueous circulation have their regular and nearly constant proportion;
-and their due distribution appears to be necessary to its organic
-health, to the habits of vegetables and of man. This circulation goes
-on from year to year as regularly as that of the blood, in the veins
-and arteries of the human system, and though maintained by a very
-different machinery, is no less clearly adapted to its purposes. In
-short the properties of water which regard heat make one vast watering
-engine of the atmosphere, (_Whewell_.)
-
-COMMON WATER. Under this head are included the waters commonly known as
-_rain_, _spring_, _river_, _well_ or _pump_, _lake_ and _marsh waters_.
-Thomson includes _ice_, and _snow water_, _spring_ and _river water_,
-and _lake water_ under _rain water_, as it is from this source that
-they are chiefly supplied.
-
-RAIN WATER is the purest kind of all natural waters, though subject to
-some variations. Thus, when collected in large towns or cities, it is
-less pure than when obtained in the country; moreover it is usually
-loaded with impurities at the commencement of a shower, but after some
-hours of continuous rain it becomes nearly pure; for the first water
-which falls brings down the various foreign matters suspended in the
-atmosphere. In specific gravity, it scarcely differs from distilled
-water. It nevertheless generally holds in solution common air, carbonic
-acid, carbonate of lime, chloride of lime, and a trace of nitric acid.
-If it be collected from the roofs of houses, after it has rained for
-some time, it contains sulphate of lime and occasionally carbonate
-of lead. The quantity of common air in rain water does not exceed 3½
-cubic inches in 100 cubic inches of water; it contains more oxygen than
-atmospherical air; the same quantity of rain water contains one inch of
-carbonic acid gas.
-
-These combinations, in the small quantities in which they exist, in no
-degree injure the diluent properties of rain water. It is indeed to
-the presence of the two elastic gases, that rain water owes the taste
-which renders it palatable to animals and useful to vegetables. Ice
-water, being destitute of these gases is extremely vapid; fish cannot
-live in it; and it does not seem either to quench thirst or to be so
-complete a solvent in the stomach as rain water. Carbonate of ammonia
-is also another ingredient. It is derived from the putrefaction of
-nitrogenous substances. When several hundred pounds of rain water were
-distilled by Liebig, in a copper still, and the first two or three
-pounds evaporated with the addition of a little muriatic acid, he
-found a very distinct crystallization of sal-ammoniac, the crystals
-having a brown or yellow color. “It is worthy of observation,” says
-Liebig, “that the ammonia contained in rain and snow water possesses
-an offensive smell of perspiration and animal excrements, a fact which
-leaves no doubt respecting its origin.” It is owing to the presence of
-carbonate of ammonia that rain water owes its _softer_ feel than pure
-distilled water. According to Liebig, it is the atmospheric ammonia
-which furnishes the nitrogen of plants. The traces of nitric acid which
-have been detected in the air, are referable to the oxidation of the
-constituents of ammonia; and not to the direct union of the oxygen and
-free nitrogen of the atmosphere. Dr. Pereira states that a carbonaceous
-(sooty) substance, and traces of sulphates, chlorides, and calcareous
-matter, are the usual impurities of the first rain water of a shower.
-Zimmerman found oxide of iron and chloride potassium in rain water;
-other chemists have been able to detect no iron in it, but have found
-meteoric iron and nickel in dew. Brande detected in it, chloride of
-sodium, chloride of magnesium, sulphate and carbonate of magnesium,
-sulphate of lime, and oxide of manganese. The putrefaction to which
-rain water is subject, shows that some organic matter is present. The
-term _pyrrhin_ (from πυρρος red) has been applied by Zimmerman to
-an atmospheric organic substance which reddens solutions of silver.
-Whenever rain water is collected near large towns, it should be boiled
-and strained before use, as it contains less saline impregnation than
-other kinds of natural waters, it is more apt to become contaminated
-with lead from roofs, gutters, cisterns, and water pipes. To purify
-rain water and render it useful, for the delicate purposes of chemical
-experiment, Morveau recommends dropping into it a little barytic
-water and then exposing it for some time to the atmospheric air.
-This combines with the carbonic acid, which being the solvent of the
-carbonate of lime, both it and the carbonate of baryta are precipitated
-as insoluble salts. Instead of exposing it to the atmosphere, it may be
-poured from one vessel to another; by which means not only the minute
-portion of barytic water is dispersed through the rain water, and
-brought into contact with the carbonic acid, but it involves a great
-portion of air in its substance, which improves both the taste and the
-utility of the fluid.
-
-_Snow water_, as we have already stated, is destitute of air and
-other gaseous matters found in rain. According to Liebig, it contains
-ammonia. It has long been a popular, but erroneous opinion, that it
-was injurious to health, and had a tendency to produce bronchocele.
-But this malady occurs at Sumatra, where ice and snow are never seen;
-while, on the contrary, the disease is quite unknown in Chili and
-Thibet, although the rivers of these countries are chiefly supplied by
-the melting of the snow, with which the mountains are covered. Ice is
-said not to quench thirst, but on the contrary to augment it, and that
-the natives of the Arctic regions prefer enduring the utmost extremity
-of this feeling, rather than attempt to remove it by eating of snow,[8]
-(_Captain Ross_.)
-
-2. SPRING WATER. Rain water, when it falls on high grounds, enters the
-soil and filtrates through it, until it is stopped by some natural
-obstacle, when it pushes upwards, and welling out upon the surface,
-forms springs; the water is therefore merely a modification of rain
-water. During its passage, however, it almost always takes up some
-soluble matters, which of course vary according to the nature of
-the soil. It is purest when it passes through sand or gravel; in a
-limestone region, it always contains more or less of the sulphate and
-carbonate of lime, and it generally contains a trace of common salt,
-and the usual proportions of air and carbonic acid gas. The presence of
-these is detected by subacetate of lead, which displays the smallest
-portion of carbonic acid or a carbonate, and nitrate of silver, which
-detects the muriates by the formation of muriate of silver.
-
-Water from melted _ice_ is perfectly wholesome, and is drunk during
-the summer season, wherever the climate will admit of its being
-collected and preserved at a moderate expense. In this form, it is a
-luxury--almost a _necessary_--in the middle states of this country more
-particularly, “where,” Dr. Dunglison remarks, “there is not a tavern on
-the road, on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge, that does not furnish
-ice to the traveller in any abundance.” When sea-water freezes, the ice
-does not contain the salts. Consequently, when melted, it affords fresh
-water, and according to the voyagers in high northern and southern
-latitudes, the water has been found sweet, soft, and wholesome.
-
-_River Water._ This is a mixture of rain and spring water, and when
-deprived of the matters which it frequently holds in suspension, is
-generally of considerable purity. Mountain streams, which generally
-issue from siliceous rocks, and run over stony or pebbly beds, are,
-for the most part, comparatively pure and soft. The river water of
-New-England, and the other hilly portions of the United States,
-is usually of this description, though in the time of floods, and
-after heavy rains, they contain much sedimentary matter. River water
-gradually deposits much of its earthy salts as it flows, and becomes
-purer by exposure; it therefore generally contains less calcareous
-matter than spring water; its specific gravity is less, and its taste
-more vapid. It, however, more or less partakes of the nature of the
-soil over which it flows; consequently some rivers, whose waters were
-pure and excellent at their source, lose these properties before they
-mingle with the sea. The water of the Thames, for example, in England,
-which is originally very soft and pure, becomes so loaded with animal
-and vegetable matter from the towns and villages on its banks, that
-after being kept a month or two in a closed cask, on opening it, a
-quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen gas, of the most offensive odor
-escapes, and the water is so black and nauseous as to be unfit for
-use. But on racking it off, it clears, depositing a quantity of slimy
-mud, and becomes remarkably clear, sweet and palatable. As the matters
-deposited in such rivers are merely mingled with the body of the
-water, which is too large, and too changing, to admit of any permanent
-taint from solution, filtration, or even the natural deposition of the
-ingredients fits them for every domestic and medicinal purpose.
-
- * * * * *
-
-The following Table shows the solid contents of the Thames water[9]
-London, and of the Croton water[10] in the city of New-York.
-
- +-----------------------+-----------------------++----------------------+
- | | THAMES WATER. || CROTON WATER. |
- | +------------+----------++---------+------------+
- | QUANTITY OF WATER. |_Brentford._|_Chelsea._|| At its | In the |
- | 1 Gallon = 10 lbs. | Source of | Source || source, | City of |
- | Avoirdupois, at | the Grand | of the || _Croton | _New-York_ |
- | 62° Fah., or 70, grs. | Junction | Chelsea || Lake._ | as it |
- | Avoirdupois. |Water Works | Water || |issues from |
- | | Company. | Works || | the pipes. |
- | | | Company. || | |
- +-----------------------+------------+----------++---------+------------+
- | | Grains. | Grains. || Grains. | Grains. |
- |Carbonate of Lime, | 16·000 | 16·500 || 1·42 | 1·52 |
- |Sulphate of Lime, } | | || ·00 | ·44 |
- |Chloride of Sodium, } | 3·400 | 2·900 || | |
- |Oxide of Iron, } | | || | |
- |Silica, } | very | || | |
- |Magnesia, } | minute | Ditto. || ·34 | ·46 |
- |Carbonaceous Matter, } | portions. | || | |
- |Chloride of Magnesium,}| | || ·86 | ·90 |
- |Chloride of Calcium, }| | || | |
- |Carbonate of Magnesia, | | || ·70 | ·84 |
- | | | || | |
- |Solid matter held in | | || | |
- | solution, | 19·400 | 19·400 || 2·98 | 3·70 |
- |Mechanical impurity, | 0·368 | 0·238 || ·34 | ·46 |
- | +------------+----------++---------+------------+
- |Total solid matter, | 19·768 | 19·638 || 3·32 | 4·16 |
- +-----------------------+------------+----------++---------+------------+
-
-Analysis of the Croton and Schuylkill waters, by J. C. Booth, Professor
-of Chemistry to the Franklin Institute of Pennsylvania, and H. M. Boye,
-of Philadelphia.
-
- _Croton Water._ _Schuylkill Water._
- In 100 gr. in 1 In 100 gr. in 1
- parts gall. parts gall.
- Carbonate of Lime, 45.86 2.293 53.67 2.190
- Carbonate of Magnesia, 18.78 .939 11.87 0.484
- Alkaline Carbonates, 16.57 .828 4.53 0.185
- Alkaline Chlorides, 3.87 .193 3.75 0.153
- Oxide of Iron, 2.21 .110
- Silica, 7.18 .359 9.68 0.395
- Organic Matter, 5.53 .276 0.88 0.036
- ------ -----
- Parts, 100.00 grs. 4.998
-
- Alumina and Oxide of Iron, 1.88 0.077
- Alkaline Sulphates, 13.74 0.560
- ----- -----
- Parts, 100 grs. 4.080
-
-The Croton water was taken from the Croton dam, and when perfectly
-clear was found, as appears by the above analysis to contain 4.998,
-or about _five_ grains of solid matter to the gallon. The Schuylkill
-water was taken from the middle basin on Fair Mount, and contained
-4.08 grains of solid matter to the gallon. The Croton differs from
-the Schuylkill water in containing a larger amount of the alkaline
-carbonates, and of the carbonate of magnesia, while it contains less
-carbonate of lime, and is entirely destitute of the alkaline sulphates,
-of which the Schuylkill contains 13.74 parts in 100 of the total solid
-matters, though amounting to only one half a grain to the gallon.
-
-It appears from the above table, that the amount of impurities
-contained in the Thames water, exceeds those of the Croton by nearly
-six fold, and that the quantity of lime, held in solution in the
-former, surpasses that of the latter, about fifteen times. The Thames
-water differs also from the Croton, in the circumstance that it
-contains an appreciable quantity of chloride of sodium, or common salt
-of which the Croton is entirely free. There are but very few streams to
-be found, whose waters contain less than 4.16 grains of solid matter
-to the gallon. The carbonate of lime is held in solution by carbonic
-acid, forming bicarbonate of lime. By boiling, this acid is expelled,
-and the carbonate of lime is precipitated on the sides of the vessel,
-constituting the _fur_ of the tea-kettle, and the _crust_ of boilers.
-River water always contains a quarter or less quantity of organic
-matter in suspension or solution. As a general rule, the quantity is
-too small to produce any decidedly injurious effect, but physicians and
-medical writers agree in the opinion that water impregnated with it to
-any great extent must be deleterious. Where the quantity of decomposing
-matter is too small to produce any immediately obvious effects, it
-is difficult to procure any decisive evidence of its influence on
-the system. When the amount is considerable, it causes dysentery and
-fevers, often of a highly fatal character. In a trial at Nottingham,
-England, in 1836, it was proved that dysentery of an aggravated form,
-was caused in cattle by the use of water contaminated with putrescent
-vegetable matter, produced by the refuse of a starch manufactory. The
-fish, (perch, pike, roach, dace, &c.,) and frogs in the pond, through
-which the brook ran, were destroyed, and all the animals which drank of
-the water became seriously ill, and many of them died with the symptoms
-of dysentery. It was, moreover, shown, that the animals sometimes
-refused to drink the water, that the mortality was in proportion to
-the quantity of starch made at different times; and that subsequently,
-when the putrescent matter was not allowed to pass into the brook, but
-was conveyed to a river at some distance, the fish and frogs began
-to return, and the mortality ceased among the cattle. There are many
-instances on record where troops have sickened and many died of putrid
-fever and dysentery, from drinking the water of stagnant pools and
-ditches or of rivers, as of the river Lee, near Cork, (Ireland,) which,
-in passing through the city, receives the contents of the sewers from
-the houses, and is otherwise unwholesome.
-
-The organic matter contained in river water consists chiefly of the
-exuviæ of animal and vegetable substances, but another class of
-impurities consists of living beings, (animals and vegetables.) The
-aquatic animals, which have, from time to time, been exhibited in this
-city by means of the solar microscope, are collected in stagnant pools,
-and are not found in river or well water. The quantity of organic
-matter contained in the Croton must be extremely small, as this,
-together with the silex, iron, and magnesia, amount to only 4/10ths of
-one grain to the gallon.
-
-WELL WATER,--or _pump_ water, as it is often called in cities, is
-essentially the same as spring water, but liable to impregnation,
-owing to the land springs filtering through the walls, and conveying
-impurities into it. This is sometimes prevented by lining them with
-cast-iron cylinders, or by bricks laid in water-cement. Dr. Percival
-affirms, that bricks harden the softest water, and give it an aluminous
-impregnation. The old wells must, therefore, furnish much purer water
-than the more recent, as the soluble particles are gradually washed
-away. It contains a greater proportion of earthy salts, and of air,
-and has a greater specific gravity than other spring waters. Owing
-to the fact, that it contains a larger quantity of bicarbonate and
-sulphate of lime, than river water, it decomposes and curdles soap,
-and is then denominated _hard water_, to distinguish it from those
-waters which mix with soap, and are therefore called _soft waters_.
-The reason that hard water does not form a pure opaline solution
-with soap, is, because the lime of the calcareous salts, chiefly the
-_sulphate_, forms an insoluble compound with the margaric and oleic
-acids of the soap. Here a double decomposition ensues, the sulphuric
-acid unites with the alkali of the soap, setting free the fatty acids,
-which unite with the lime to form an insoluble earthy soap. Hard water
-is a less perfect solvent of organic matter than soft water; hence in
-the preparation of infusions and decoctions, and for many economical
-purposes, as making tea and coffee, and brewing, it is much inferior
-to soft water, and for the same reasons it is improper as a drink in
-dyspeptic affections, causing irritation, and a sensation of weight
-in the stomach. The abundance of this earthy salt in the water of
-Paris, and London, of many parts of Switzerland and this country, cause
-uncomfortable feelings in strangers who visit these places. It is also
-said to produce calculous complaints in the inhabitants, a result which
-might be expected, owing to the low solvent power of the water not
-being sufficient to carry off the animal acid, which concretes in the
-kidneys to form calculi.[11] Well water can be easily freed from these
-earthy salts; boiling precipitates the carbonate of lime by driving
-off the carbonic acid which holds it in solution; and the addition of
-a little carbonate of soda precipitates the lime, if any exist in the
-water. Many persons prefer the taste of hard water to that of soft, and
-a change from one to the other, frequently causes a derangement of the
-digestive organs. The briskness, and rapidity of this and other water
-is owing to the air, and carbonic acid mixed with it. The air contained
-in water, has a larger proportion of oxygen than atmospheric air, and
-hence it is better adapted for the respiration of animals.
-
-The water procured from wells in the city of New-York, has gradually
-been growing more and more impure, as the city has increased in size,
-until a very large proportion of it, is entirely unfit for culinary
-and dietetic purposes. That in the lower part of the city, has always
-been, more or less, brackish, owing to the percolation of the salt
-water from the north and east rivers through the loose sandy soil, thus
-giving them a distinct saline impregnation. The amount of impurities
-contained in these waters, varies, therefore, in different parts of the
-city, according to its elevation, and the denseness of the population.
-A gallon of water from the well belonging to the Manhattan Company
-in Reade-street, yielded 125 grains of solid matter; while the same
-quantity of water, from their well in Bleecker-street, yielded 20
-grains, and in 13th street, 14 grains. A gallon of water taken from
-four of the city wells in the densely populated parts of the city
-yielded on an average, 58 grains each of solid matter.
-
-The supply also of well water has been gradually diminishing in this
-city for the last several years. For example, at the Chemical Works
-on the North River, at 33d street, and at an extensive distillery on
-the East River, some distance above the Alms House, water cannot be
-procured in sufficient quantities on their premises, where, but a few
-years past, it was obtained in great abundance. At the Gas Works on
-the Collect grounds, where they have a well 20 feet in depth, by 18
-feet in diameter, which, until 1834, furnished water freely, enabling
-the engine to raise 20,000 gallons in ten hours, in 1835 it required
-14 to 16 hours to raise the same quantity, and in order to continue
-the supply, it was found necessary to return the water to the well,
-after using it for condensing the gas. The Corporation well, also,
-in 13th street, furnished, for several years, about 120,000 gallons
-of water daily, but in 1835, this quantity was reduced down to from
-five to ten thousand. In order to remedy this evil, a well was sunk at
-Jefferson Market, which in a short time deprived most of the wells in
-that vicinity, of water; thus drying up one source of supply, in order
-to increase that of another. There is, therefore, every probability
-that had not water been introduced into the city of New-York from
-abroad, the supply from the wells would, in a few years, have been
-insufficient for the economical, domestic and manufacturing purposes of
-the inhabitants. It is fearful to contemplate the amount of decomposing
-organic matter contained in the wells in the vicinity of Trinity, St.
-Paul’s, and St. John’s burying grounds, which for more than a century
-furnished the only water used by those residing in their neighborhood.
-No one can doubt that the use of such water, as well as that from the
-wells on the Collect, and over the greater portion of the city below
-Canal-street, must have proved extremely detrimental to the health of
-the citizens, and especially to children, and infants. We believe,
-therefore that the introduction of the Croton water, will increase the
-average duration of human life in the city of New-York, from 8 to 12
-per cent. From 1815 to 1836, it ranged from 30.08 to 22.05, (in 1836),
-but the mean duration of life for the last 20 years is about 25 years;
-and the ratio of mortality, according to population, about as 1 to 35.
-From the manner, however, in which the inspector’s reports have been
-made, from the imperfection of the law, no great confidence can be
-placed in the returns,--those carried out of the city for burial, not
-having been included.
-
-From a “Report on the subject of introducing pure and wholesome water
-into the city of Boston, by L. Baldwin, Esq., Civil Engineer,” it
-appears that the whole number of wells in that city in 1835, was 2,767.
-The water from 2,085 of these wells was drinkable, though brackish
-and hard, and 682 of them were bad and unfit for use. There were only
-seven of the city wells which yielded soft water occasionally and for
-washing, and from 33 of them the water was obtained by deep boring.
-“Within a few years,” says the Report, “it has become common in Boston,
-and the vicinity, to bore for water, and to make what are called
-Artesian wells. But no certain or valuable result has grown out of
-these endeavors. There are 33 bored wells, only two of which are stated
-as furnishing soft water. The same remarks will apply to the public
-wells of this city, the most of which produce nothing but hard and
-brackish water, and none of which is sufficiently soft to authorize its
-use in washing clothes,” &c.
-
-LAKE WATER is a collection of rain, spring and river water, usually
-more or less contaminated with putrefying organic matter. It is
-generally _soft_, and when filtered, is as good and wholesome as any
-other description of waters. Though lake water cannot be characterized
-as having any invariable qualities; yet most of the Lakes of the United
-States, especially our great ones, afford a very pure water. In many
-of our smaller lakes the water is more or less stagnant, and of course
-very unhealthy.
-
-_Marsh Water._ This is analogous to lake water, except that it is
-altogether stagnant and is more loaded with putrescent matter.
-The sulphates in sea and other waters are decomposed by putrefying
-vegetable matter, with the evolution of sulphuretted hydrogen; hence
-the intolerable stench from marshy and swampy grounds liable to
-occasional inundations from the sea. Marsh water cannot be drunk with
-safety either by man or beast.
-
-
-_Tests of the usual impurities in Common Water._
-
-The following are the tests by which the presence of the ordinary
-constituents or impurities of common waters may be ascertained.
-
-1. EBULLITION.--By boiling, air and carbonic acid gas are expelled,
-while carbonate of lime, (which has been held in solution by the
-carbonic acid) is deposited. The latter constitutes the crust which
-lines tea-kettles and boilers.
-
-2. PROTOSULPHATE OF IRON. If a crystal of this salt be introduced into
-a phial filled with the water to be examined, and the phial be well
-corked, a yellowish-brown precipitate (sesquioxide of iron) will be
-deposited in a few days, if oxygen gas be contained in the water.
-
-3. LITMUS. Infusion of litmus or syrup of violets is reddened by a free
-acid.
-
-4. LIME WATER. This is a test for carbonic acid, with which it causes a
-white precipitate (carbonate of lime) if employed before the water is
-boiled.
-
-5. CHLORIDE OF BARIUM. A solution of this salt usually yields, with
-well water, a white precipitate insoluble in nitric acid. This
-indicates the presence of sulphuric acid (which, in common water, is
-combined with lime).
-
-6. OXALATE OF AMMONIA. If this salt yield a white precipitate, it
-indicates the presence of lime, (carbonate and sulphate.)
-
-7. NITRATE OF SILVER. If this occasion a precipitate insoluble in
-nitric acid, the presence of chlorine may be inferred.
-
-8. PHOSPHATE OF SODA. If the lime contained in common water be removed
-by ebullition and oxalic acid, and to the strained and transparent
-water, ammonia and phosphate of soda be added, any magnesia present
-will, in the course of a few hours, be precipitated in the form of the
-white ammoniacal phosphate of magnesia.
-
-9. TINCTURE OF GALLS. This is used as a test for Iron, with solutions
-of which it forms an inky liquor, (tannate and gallate of iron).
-If the test produce this effect on the water before, but not after
-boiling, the iron is in the state of carbonate; if after, as well
-as before, in that of sulphate. Tea may be substituted for galls,
-to which its effects and indications are similar. _Ferro cyanide of
-potassium_ yields, with solutions of the sesqui-salts of iron, a blue
-precipitate, and with the proto-salts a white precipitate, which
-becomes blue by exposure to the air.
-
-10. HYDROSULPHURIC ACID. (_Sulphuretted Hydrogen._) This yields a
-dark (brown or black) precipitate, (a metallic sulphuret) with water
-containing iron or lead in solution.
-
-11. EVAPORATION AND IGNITION. If the water be evaporated to dryness,
-and ignited in a glass tube, the presence of organic matter may be
-inferred by the odor and smoke evolved, as well as by the charring.
-Another mode of detecting organic matter is by adding nitrate (or
-acetate) of lead to the inspected water, and collecting and igniting
-the precipitate; when globules of metallic lead are obtained if organic
-matter be present. The putrefaction of water is another proof of the
-presence of this matter. Nitrate of silver is the best test for the
-presence of chloride of soda or common salt. By adding a small quantity
-of this to the common well water of New-York, a copious, white,
-flocculent precipitate is immediately formed, which is the chloride of
-soda. The same test, however, applied to the Croton water, produces no
-discoloration whatever.
-
-_Purification of Common water._ By _filtration_, water may be deprived
-of living beings and of all suspended impurities; but substances
-held in solution, cannot thus be separated. _Ebullition_ destroys
-the vitality of both animals and vegetables; expels air, or carbonic
-acid, and causes the precipitation of carbonate of lime, but the
-water should be afterwards subjected to the process of _filtration_.
-_Distillation_, when properly conducted is the most effectual method
-of purifying water. But distilled water is in general contaminated by
-traces of organic matter. The addition of chemical agents is another
-mode which has been proposed and practised, for freeing water from
-some of its impurities. _Alum_ is often used by the common people to
-cleanse muddy water, and ashes and pearl-ash to destroy its hardness.
-When alum is used, two or three grains are sufficient for a quart of
-water. The alum decomposes the carbonate of lime; sulphate of lime is
-formed in solution, and the alumina precipitates in flocks, carrying
-with it mechanical impurities. This agent, however, adds nothing to
-the chemical purity of the water, but by converting the carbonate into
-sulphate of lime augments its hardness. _Caustic alkalies_ added to
-lime saturate the excess of carbonic acid, and throw down the carbonate
-of lime, having an alkaline carbonate in solution. Professor Clark
-of Aberdeen,[12] (Scotland) has recently patented a plan for the
-purification of water, by the addition of lime. The lime unites with
-the excess of carbonic acid in the water, and forms carbonate of lime
-(chalk) which precipitates, along with the carbonate of lime held
-previously in solution in the water. The effect of this process is
-similar to that of ebullition,--as the hardness of water is, however,
-owing to the sulphate and not the carbonate of lime,[13] this plan can
-have little or no influence in rendering hard water soft. Alkaline
-carbonates soften water, decompose all the earthy salts (calcareous and
-magnesian carbonates, sulphates, and chlorides) and precipitate the
-earthy matters. They leave, however, in solution, an alkaline salt, but
-which does not communicate to water the property of hardness.
-
-SEA-WATER includes the waters of the ocean and of those lakes, called
-island seas, which possess a similar composition. The Dead Sea,
-however, varies so much from ordinary sea-water, as to rank amongst
-mineral waters.
-
-The quantity of solid matter varies considerably in the waters of
-different seas, as the following statement proves--
-
- _10,000 parts of water of_ _Solid constituents._
- _the Mediterranean Sea_, contain 410 grs.
- English Channel, 380 „
- { At the Island of Fohe, 345 „
- German Ocean { At the Island of Norderney, 342 „
- { In the Frith of Forth, 312 „
- { At Ritzebuttle, 312 „
- At Apemalle, in Sleswick, 216 „
- At Kiel, in Holstein, 200 „
- Baltic Sea At Doberan, in Mecklenbergh, 168 „
- At Travemunæ, 167 „
- At Zoppot, in Mecklenbergh, 76 „
- At Carshamm, 66 „
-
-The average quantity of saline matter in sea-water is 3½ per cent.,
-and its specific gravity about 1.0274. The composition of sea-water
-differs also in different localities. Iodine has been found in the
-Mediterranean sea.
-
-_Action of Water on Lead._ When lead is exposed to atmospheric air,
-the oxygen of the air combining with it, forms an oxide, while, at
-the same time the carbonic acid of the air, unites with it forming a
-thin white crust, which is the _carbonate of lead_. This formation is
-accelerated by moisture, and by the presence of an unusual quantity of
-carbonic acid in the atmosphere. The same process goes on with still
-greater rapidity in pure running water. But if water be deprived of
-all its gases by ebullition, and excluded from contact with the air,
-the lead will not be acted upon If water, however, be exposed to the
-air, although all the gases have been expelled, a white powder will
-soon form around the lead, till, in the course of a few days, there is
-formed a large quantity of white, pearly scales, which partly float
-in the water, but are chiefly deposited on the bottom of the vessel.
-In 12 ounces of distilled water, contained in a shallow glass basin,
-loosely covered to exclude the dust, twelve brightly polished lead
-rods weighing 340 grains, will lose 2½ grains in 8 days, and the lead
-will show evident marks of corrosion; and this action will go on as
-long as the water is exposed to the air. While these changes are going
-on, a small quantity of lead will be dissolved, as may be shown by
-carefully filtering the water acidulating with a drop or two of nitric
-acid, and evaporating to dryness. Sulphuretted hydrogen is also a good
-test, occasioning, where lead is present, first a brown color, and
-subsequently a black precipitate. Christison has proved that the lead
-which is dissolved, is in the form of the carbonate, and hydrate of the
-oxide, or, oxide of lead, carbonic acid and water.
-
-The fact is then sufficiently established, that distilled water has
-the property of dissolving lead--Does the same hold true in relation
-to waters in ordinary use? In the year 1809, it was first announced by
-_Guyton Morveau_, that the salts which are held in solution by some
-natural waters, destroy their property of acting on lead, and that of
-these modifying circumstances none are more remarkable in their action
-than the neutral salts. Dr. Christison has pursued this investigation
-with great success, and has proved that this preservative power
-exists in the case of sulphates, muriates, carbonates, hydriodates,
-phosphates, nitrates, acetates, tartrates, arseniates, &c. These
-salts, however, do not possess an equally protective influence, the
-carbonates and sulphates being most, the chlorides the least energetic
-of those saline substances commonly met with in waters. As a general
-rule, it appears that those whose acid forms with the lead a soluble
-salt of lead, are the least energetic; while those whose acid forms an
-insoluble salt of lead, are most energetic. The variable quantity of
-salts necessary to prevent the action of water on lead, may be seen
-from the following results obtained by actual experiment.
-
- Of acetate of soda a 100th part of the water is a preservative.
- Of arseniate of soda 12,000th „ „ „
- Of phosphate of soda 30,000th „ „ „
- Of hydriodate of potash 30,000th „ „ „
- Of muriate of soda 2,000th „ „ „
- Of sulphate of lime 4,000th „ „ „
- Of nitrate of potash 100th „ „ „
-
-The sulphates of soda, magnesia, lime, and the triple sulphate of
-alumina and potash, possess about the same preservative power; which
-appears to depend on the acid, not on the base of the salt. The general
-results of Dr. Christison’s investigations, appear to be, that neutral
-salts in various, and for the most part minute, proportions, retard or
-prevent the corrosive action of water on lead--allowing the carbonate
-to deposit itself slowly, and to adhere with such firmness to the
-lead as not to be afterwards removed by moderate agitation,--adding
-subsequently to this crust other insoluble salts of lead, the acids
-of which are derived from the neutral salts in solution,--and thus at
-length forming a permanent and impermeable screen in the form of a
-film over its surface, through which the action of the water cannot
-any longer be carried on. These films are composed of the carbonate of
-lead, with a little of the muriate, sulphate, arseniate, or phosphate
-of lead, according to the nature of the acid in the alkaline salt,
-which is dissolved in the water. The following general conclusions may
-therefore be considered as sufficiently established.
-
-1. Lead pipes ought not to be used for the purpose of conducting
-water, at least where the distance is considerable, without a careful
-examination of the water to be transmitted.
-
-2. The risk of a dangerous impregnation with lead is greatest in the
-instance of the purest waters.
-
-3. Water, which tarnishes polished lead when left at rest upon it in
-a glass vessel for a few hours, cannot safely be transmitted through
-lead-pipes without certain precautions; and conversely, it is probable,
-that if lead remain untarnished, or nearly so, for 24 hours in a glass
-of water, the water may be safely conducted through lead-pipes.
-
-4. Water which contains less than about an 8000th of salts in solution,
-can not be safely conducted in lead pipes without certain precautions.
-
-5. Even this proportion will prove insufficient to prevent corrosion,
-unless a considerable part of the saline matter consists of carbonates
-and sulphates, especially the former.
-
-6. So large a proportion as a 4000th part, probably even a considerably
-larger proportion, will be insufficient, if the salts in solution be in
-a great measure muriates.
-
-7. In all cases careful examination should be made of the water
-after it has been running a few days through the pipes; for it is
-not improbable that other circumstances, besides those hitherto
-ascertained, may regulate the preventive influence of the neutral salts.
-
-8. Where the water is of sufficient purity to act on lead, a remedy
-may be found, either, in leaving the pipes full of water and at rest
-for three or four months, or by solution of phosphate of soda; in the
-proportion of about a 25,600th part.[14]
-
-Dr. Kane, however, seems to differ from Dr. Christison in opinion on
-this subject; for after having mentioned the crust which gradually
-forms on the interior of the cistern, and assists in protecting it from
-the oxidizing action of the air, he remarks, “no danger is therefore
-to be apprehended from the supply of water to a city being conveyed
-through leaden pipes, and preserved in leaden cisterns; for _all water
-of mineral origin dissolves, in filtering through the layers of rocks
-in its passage to the surface_, a sufficiency of saline matters to
-serve for its protection.”
-
-Now, to apply these results to the water of the Croton; as this holds
-in solution only about one 18,000th part of salts, it must, according
-to Christison, exert a corroding influence on the lead-pipes. Dr.
-Dana, of Lowell, has lately investigated this subject and detected
-lead in the water which had passed through the leaden-pipes for the
-distribution of water in the city of Lowell. The first examination was
-made from a sample of water taken from the source or spring-head before
-it had entered the leaden pipes, when the specific gravity was found to
-be 1,000,18. The pint, on evaporation to dryness, yielded 2.37 grains
-of solid matter. The solid contents of an imperial pint were found to
-be,
-
- _Grains._
- Chloride of Sodium, 1.54
- Chloride of Magnesia, 0.71
- Sulphate of Lime, 0.128
- ------
- A trace of Carbonic acid,
- Grains, 2.378
- Excess in the course of analysis .008
-
-The second examination was made of water taken from the leaden pipes
-when the specific gravity was found to be 1.000.42. Upon a pint of
-this water being evaporated to dryness it yielded two grains of solid
-matter, (viz.)
-
- Carbonate of lead 164 Grains,
- Organic matter and salts 038 „
- ---
- 202 „
- Excess in analysis, 002 „
-
-It therefore has been calculated that every gallon of the water used
-after passing through the leaden pipes, contains 1.312 grains of the
-carbonate of lead. Such water, although it would not speedily destroy
-life, would undoubtedly be attended with injurious consequences, should
-its use be habitually continued.
-
-On the other hand, Dr. Hare of Philadelphia, in reply to a letter
-requesting his opinion as to the action of the Schuylkill water[15] on
-lead pipes, states that after using the Schuylkill water for 25 years
-in his laboratory, he has never perceived the slightest indication of
-the presence of lead; and that if there had been any in the water, the
-re-agents which he has been accustomed to use must have rendered the
-impurity evident. If it be true that the Schuylkill water does not act
-upon the lead pipes, it would follow as a matter of course, if the
-doctrines above laid down be correct, that the Croton, which contains
-very nearly the same quantity of saline ingredients, would also exert
-no influence upon this metal. In cases, however, where injurious
-consequences have resulted from the agency of lead, the pipes through
-which the water was conducted, were of considerable length; suppose for
-example that the pipes are 4000 feet long, and three fourths of an inch
-in diameter, each portion of water will pass successively over no less
-than 784 square feet of lead before being discharged; and it would not
-therefore be at all remarkable, if the water were found contaminated
-with the lead. In this city, however, the pipes are rarely more than 50
-feet in length, generally not more than 25, and therefore cannot exert
-so deleterious an influence as in those of greater extent. Dr. Chilton,
-recently inspected the Croton water drawn from the leaden pipes, by
-which it is introduced into the house of Mr. G. D. Coggeshall. No 421
-Pearl-street in this city, and found the water evidently affected
-by the lead. He has also obtained similar results in several other
-instances. If the precaution be used, of not employing the water first
-drawn from the pipes for dietetic and culinary purposes, no injurious
-consequences would probably attend the use of water conveyed in this
-metal, but as this is not likely to be attended to generally, it is
-expedient to employ other measures to guard against its deleterious
-effects.
-
-For this purpose, various means have been suggested, such as the
-substitution of block-tin and other metals not acted upon by water;
-but the most efficient, scientific, and useful, as well as the most
-economical, of all the plans hitherto proposed, is that introduced by
-Thomas Ewbank, Esq., of coating the lead-pipes with tin both inside and
-out. The process, which has been patented, consists simply in drawing
-an ordinary lead-pipe through a bath of melted tin, coated with a layer
-of melted rosin, which leaves a continuous deposit, of tin upon both
-sides of the pipe, of sufficient thickness, to effectually prevent
-any oxidation of the lead. These pipes have been highly recommended
-by our first chemists, and other men of science, as furnishing an
-effectual safeguard against the corroding effects of pure water This
-highly ingenious process, strengthens the pipe, without diminishing
-its elasticity, and although some small portions of the lead should
-escape being coated, yet the proximity of the tin, will, from galvanic
-action, probably prevent oxidization of the lead. As these pipes are
-furnished at about eight cents per pound, the usual price of ordinary
-lead-pipe, there can be no doubt that they will be generally adopted by
-our citizens,--as they have been, already, by the Corporation, in the
-conveyance of the Croton water, into the public buildings.
-
-_Use of Water as Aliment._ Water is the beverage provided by nature for
-all animated beings. It is a vital stimulus, or one of the external
-conditions essential for the manifestations of life. Consequently,
-without it, life, at least in the higher order of animals, could not be
-maintained.
-
-Considered in a dietetical point of view, water serves three important
-purposes in the animal economy; namely, it repairs the loss of the
-aqueous part of the blood, caused by the action of the secreting and
-exhaling organs; secondly, it is a solvent of various alimentary
-substances, and therefore assists the stomach in the act of digestion,
-though, if taken in very large quantities, it may have an opposite
-effect, by diluting the gastric juice; thirdly, it is a nutritive
-agent, that is, it assists in the formation of the solid parts of the
-body.
-
-_As a diluent_, water is indispensable to the preservation of health.
-The body being composed of solids and fluids, there must be maintained
-a certain relative proportion of these, to constitute that state of
-system called health. In a full grown adult, the solid matter of the
-body, by which we mean all that substantial part of the frame which
-is not in constant motion in the vessels, amounts to only about one
-fifth of the weight of the body--Chaussier says, one ninth of the total
-weight, the difference, perhaps, being owing to the fact that there is
-a quantity of fluid combined with the solids in so intimate a manner,
-as almost to constitute a part of their substance. The diminution
-of the fluid part of the body, is the cause of an uneasy sensation,
-indicating the necessity of repairing the waste of fluids, which we
-familiarly call _thirst_. This is a sensation connected with some
-natural state of the corporeal functions, and altogether independent of
-the occasional excitement of foreign bodies, although it may be induced
-by these. There is a demand for a certain supply of liquid which is
-the result of repletion of the stomach, and the cause of our drinking
-at our ordinary meals, but this is different from true or spontaneous
-thirst. True thirst occurs, when we have been some time without taking
-drink, (unless the food has consisted mainly of fruits and other
-succulent vegetables; under which circumstances, a person may go for
-months without any desire for drink); when the system has been greatly
-excited, whether by corporeal or mental causes; when acid substances,
-particularly saline bodies, have been taken into the stomach; and, in
-short, in every condition of the system, which favors the inordinate
-excretion of fluids. The immediate cause of thirst appears to be a dry
-state of the mouth and fauces; owing to the mucus which covers these
-parts becoming thick and viscid, though physiologists are not agreed
-on this point. This may arise from the absorption of the fluid parts
-of the saliva; for it appears to be necessary for the due performance
-of the functions of the palate and the tongue, that the mucus should
-possess a certain degree of liquidity. The sensation of thirst is
-generally indicative of the necessity of a supply of fluid to the
-system generally; for although thirst may be momentarily assuaged by
-wetting the mouth, or holding a thin fluid in it--yet it can only be
-effectually relieved by conveying into the stomach a quantity of fluid
-sufficient to supply the deficiency. This supply is termed _dilution_,
-from the fact that the fluid is absorbed and carried into the blood,
-which it renders thin, and the fluids themselves are called _diluents_.
-
-Thirst, however, does not always indicate a deficiency of fluids in the
-circulating mass, and the tongue and fauces are occasionally dry and
-harsh whilst the sensation of thirst is absent. Some individuals never
-experience the sensation of thirst. Mr. Alcott, who lives entirely
-on succulent vegetables, states that he has drunk no fluids for more
-than a year past, and that he never experiences the sensation of
-thirst--a similar case is mentioned by Sauvages, of an individual who
-never thirsted, and passed whole months of the hottest weather without
-drinking. It is well known that many warm-blooded animals such as mice,
-quails, parrots, rabbits, &c., drink but very little; which is supposed
-to be owing to the circumstance that they have very large salivary
-glands, and a larger pancreas in proportion to the size of their
-bodies. In general, as we have already remarked, thirst is indicative
-of diminished fluidity of the blood and when it is not assuaged by
-taking liquids into the stomach, or by moistening the mouth with them,
-or by applying them to the surface, the torment which it induces
-amounts occasionally almost to phrenzy, and is borne with less patience
-and greater difficulty than hunger; sometimes inflammation of the mouth
-and throat and intense fever supervene. Various circumstances connected
-with the ordinary condition of the body influence the sensation of
-thirst. Thus it is greater in infancy and childhood than in adult age,
-and less in old age; it is greater in women than in men; it is varied
-by constitution and temperament; by climate; season; the nature of
-the diet; exercise; passions of mind, and even by imagination. As an
-_aliment_, water is of prime necessity to all organized beings. As a
-solvent, it reduces to a fluid mass all the principles necessary for
-the growth of animal and vegetable bodies; which must be in a fluid
-form, before they can be taken up by the fine lacteal and other
-absorbent vessels, and thus carried to every part of the living tissue.
-How important then, that this universal solvent should be pure,--that
-it should be free from those foreign ingredients, whether of animal,
-vegetable or mineral origin, which, if introduced into the system, tend
-to disturb the functions of the various organs, and often to occasion
-serious derangement and disease. But besides its important office as
-a _menstruum_, water is perhaps the most important _nutrient_, of
-all those which sustain the existence of organized bodies. A great
-proportion of that which is drunk, is speedily absorbed by the veins,
-and carried into the circulation, some time before the product of the
-digested food is introduced by the way of the laeteals. There are
-numerous cases on record, where persons have lived, for a considerable
-length of time, on water alone. In the “Transactions of the Albany
-Institute,” for 1830, Dr. M’Naughten relates the case of a man who was
-sustained on water alone, for 53 days. “For the first six weeks he
-walked out every day, and sometimes spent a great part of the day in
-the woods. His walk was steady and firm, and his friends even remarked
-that his step had an unusual elasticity; he shaved himself until about
-a week before his death, and was able to sit up in bed till the last
-day.”
-
-To the evils which result from the use of impure water, we have
-already alluded, although it would require far more space than has
-been assigned to us in this Appendix, to do them adequate justice.
-There can be no doubt, that the chief cause of the excess of mortality
-in cities, over that of the country, is to be found in the impure
-water, with which the former are so generally supplied, and we may
-confidently predict, that in consequence mainly of the introduction
-of the Croton River into the City of New-York, no city in the world
-of equal size, will surpass it in salubrity. To the operation of
-the same cause, we may doubtless look with confidence for a decided
-improvement in personal comeliness and beauty. “It is evident,” says
-Dr Jackson, “that the health of a whole community may be so affected
-by impurities in water drank by them, as to give a peculiar morbid
-expression to their countenances which causes the observant eye of a
-traveller to remark it, while he in vain endeavours to account for the
-phenomenon. Who has not remarked the expression common in some of our
-cities, as in New-York and Boston, which is called a “care worn and
-anxious expression.” This expression I will venture to assert, is not
-so much the result of “too much care,” as it is of abdominal disease,
-produced by the habitual and continued use of impure and unwholesome
-water, which has fixed upon us this morbid stamp. I do not know that
-the people of the cities in question, are subject to more care than
-those in other districts, but I do know that they use every day, in
-many forms, a variety of noxous ingredients, which they pump up from
-their wells, dissolved in the water, and which enters into every
-form of food and drink they use in their houses.” Mrs. Hale, also,
-in her excellent Manual “The Good Housekeeper,” remarks, that “hard
-water always leaves a mineral matter on the skin, when we use it in
-washing, which renders the hands and face rough and liable to chap.
-Does not this water, if we drink it, likewise corrode and injure the
-fine membranes of the stomach? The Boston people, who constantly use
-hard water for all purposes of cookery and drink, certainly have bad
-complexions, sallow, dry, and _hard_ looking; and complaints of the
-stomach or dyspepsia are very common among them.[16] A Salem gentleman
-declared, that when his daughters, who frequently visited at Boston,
-passed two or three weeks at a time there, he could see a very material
-change in their complexions. At Salem there is plenty of soft water,
-and the ladies of that ancient town are famed for their beauty, which
-is chiefly owing (its superiority I mean) to a peculiarly fair,
-delicate tincture of skin contrasted with the half petrified appearance
-of those who are obliged to drink _hard water_ always, and often to
-wash in it.” Such authority on this point we presume will not be
-disputed.
-
-Health, however, is no less promoted by the internal, than by the
-external use of water; and it is to be hoped, that but a short period
-will elapse, before free baths will be provided at the public expense,
-for the use of the poor, as well as the public generally. Daily
-ablution should be regarded as necessary as daily food or sleep.
-
-The advantages which soft water possesses over hard, in the thousand
-economical purposes of life, are too obvious to need particular
-remark. The lime contained in well water, renders it inapplicable
-to the purposes of brewing, tanning, washing, bleaching, and many
-other processes in the arts and domestic economy; and we believe the
-calculation would not be found extravagant, if we should say that by
-the use of the Croton water 100,000 dollars annually will be saved to
-the inhabitants of New-York, in the articles of soap and soda alone.
-When to this, we add the increased comfort and health of the citizens,
-from its free external and internal use,--the superior cleanliness
-of the streets, by the washing away of all stagnant matters in the
-sinks and gutters, and the consequent purity of the atmosphere,--the
-diminution of danger from fires, and the consequent reduction of rates
-of insurance, with other important advantages too numerous to detail,
-we shall not consider its introduction purchased at too dear a rate,
-even were the expenses attending it increased to double the actual
-amount.
-
-We need not attempt to specify in detail the benefits which are likely
-to accrue to the city of New-York from the introduction of an abundance
-of pure water. Its value is not to be estimated by dollars and
-cents; though it might easily be shown, that it already saves to the
-citizens a sum far exceeding the annual interest on its cost. We have
-already referred to its superiority as a solvent of vegetable matter,
-over the hard well water, formerly used. Since then, we have made a
-calculation, by which we are satisfied that in the single items of tea
-and coffee, it will save to the inhabitants of this city annually,
-not far from 90,000 dollars. To this may be added the improvement
-of the public health, and the consequent saving in medicine, and
-physicians’ fees, a sum probably exceeding that above specified; the
-increase of the working days, and the extension of the average period
-of working ability among the laboring classes; and lastly, the moral
-and intellectual advancement of the entire population, attendant upon
-the improvement of their physical condition; each of which is not an
-unimportant item in the aggregate of public prosperity and happiness.
-
-Such are some of the facts connected with this important fluid--water.
-So common and abundant is it in nature, that we are apt to overlook its
-value; but we need only be deprived of it for a season, when we shall
-set a due estimate upon its importance. Pure and sparkling to the eye,
-bland and refreshing to the taste, whether it bubbles up from mother
-earth, gurgles in rills, flows along in streams and rivers, or spreads
-out in lakes and oceans, it every where proves a blessing,--and ought
-to be universally regarded as one of the most inestimable gifts of
-Providence to man. As it is the only fluid capable of quenching thirst,
-so it is the only one compatible with the prolonged duration of animal
-life--we need not add, that as ALCOHOL, under all its combinations,
-fermented and distilled, is a deadly poison, fatal to organized beings,
-whether they belong to the vegetable or animal kingdom, WATER can in
-no case be improved by combining it with this deleterious fluid. It
-was formerly common in this city, and still is so in many places where
-the well-water is brackish, to modify its taste by the addition of a
-quantity of brandy, or some other form of ardent spirit, with a view,
-not only of rendering it more agreeable to the palate, but also of
-correcting the deleterious properties, occasioned by the salts held by
-it in solution. But in all such instances, the spirit which is added
-proves far more injurious than the small quantity of vegetable and
-mineral matters which it is designed to correct. To the latter, the
-system becomes in a manner habituated, so that even when pure soft
-water can be had, the former is often preferred, as is now the case
-with many individuals, who prefer our brackish well water to that of
-the Croton. But where ardent spirit is added, an artificial appetite
-for stimulants is soon created,--there is a constantly increasing
-demand for a repetition as well as increase of the dose, derangement of
-the digestive organs succeeds, and in a large majority of instances,
-the health is irremediably impaired. But fortunately, no arguments are
-needed in this place to convince the citizens of New-York that pure
-Croton water needs no corrective,--and that it is the sworn enemy of
-_fire_, whether in the shape of alcoholic poison, or that of the more
-simple element--
-
- “Αριστον μεν υδωρ”--PINDAR.
-
-
- PRINTED BY WILLIAM OSBORN,
- 88 William-street.
-
-
-
-
-FOOTNOTES
-
-
-[1] It is proper to remark that, the pier at each extremity, of the
-range of arches of eighty feet span, has an extra thickness, making it
-a pier of equilibrium; this is also the case with the one in the centre
-of that range of arches, so that on each shore and in the centre of the
-river this additional security has been given.
-
-[2] This report was from the pen of Samuel Stevens, Esq.
-
-[3] This Act was drawn up by Myndert Van Schaick, Esq., and its
-character and suitableness to obviate former difficulties were approved
-of by the Common Council, and the situation of Mr. Van Schaick, as
-member of the Senate, no doubt promoted its success.
-
-[4] This Act was prepared by Myndert Van Schaick, Esq., from materials
-which he had previously collected for the purpose, and it passed into a
-Law, and is the one under which, as its main foundation, the work has
-been constructed.
-
-[5] For some general remarks on Water, its economical and dietetical
-uses, an analysis of the Croton and the comparative purity of that
-supplied to different cities, the action of water on lead, &c., see
-Appendix, which has been kindly furnished by Charles A. Lee, M. D., of
-New-York.
-
-[6] The Aqueduct is calculated to convey 60,000,000 gallons in
-twenty-four hours.
-
-[7] This includes, besides the actual cost of constructing the work,
-the accumulation of interest on loans.
-
-[8] The air in ice and snow water contains 34.8 per cent. of oxygen,
-while that in rain water contains but 32 per cent.
-
-[9] Report from the Select Committee of the House of Lords, appointed
-to inquire into the supply of water to the Metropolis, p. 91, 1840.
-Analysis by R. Phillips, Esq.
-
-[10] Analysis, by Dr. J. R. Chilton, of New-York.
-
-[11] The bad effects of hard water on the animal system, are likewise
-manifested in horses. “Hard water drawn fresh from the well,” says Mr.
-Youatt, “will assuredly make the coat of a horse unaccustomed to it
-stare, and it will not unfrequently gripe, and otherwise injure him.
-Instinct, or experience, has made even the horse himself conscious of
-this; for he will never drink hard water, if he has access to soft;
-he will leave the most transparent water of the well, for the river,
-although the water may be turbid, and even for the muddiest pool. Some
-trainers have so much fear of hard or strange water, that they carry
-with them to the different courses the water that the animal has been
-accustomed to drink and what they know agrees with it.”
-
-[12] Repository of Patent Inventions, for October, 1841.
-
-[13] It is now well ascertained, that carbonate of lime has only a
-slight action on soap, and cannot in the proportions in which it exists
-in potable waters decompose it, by giving rise to the formation of a
-clotty precipitate, as we observe with sulphate and nitrate of lime,
-and chloride of calcium--and this is probably owing to the excess of
-carbonic acid which prevents the re-action of the calcareous carbonate
-on the oleate and stearate of soda of the soap.
-
-[14] Where water contains a large quantity of carbonic acid, there
-are some facts which appear to prove, that it may act on lead, to an
-injurious extent, though there may be present a large amount of neutral
-salts.
-
-[15] Containing 4.05 grains of solid matter to the gallon, or about one
-18,000 part.
-
-[16] “It has been computed that the Boston people have drank sufficient
-_lime_, were it all collected, to build the Bunker Hill Monument as
-high as it was ever designed to be carried.”
-
-
-
-
-Transcriber’s Notes
-
-
-Punctuation, hyphenation, and spelling were made consistent when a
-predominant preference was found in the original book; otherwise they
-were not changed. This includes misspellings of several Roman names,
-both proper and common.
-
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-marks were remedied when the change was obvious, and otherwise left
-unbalanced.
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-In the first one, the commas almost certainly should be periods, if the
-notation in the second one is what the author intended.
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-<body>
-<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Illustrations of the Croton Aqueduct, by F. B. Tower</p>
-<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
-most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
-of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online
-at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you
-are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the
-country where you are located before using this eBook.
-</div>
-
-<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Illustrations of the Croton Aqueduct</p>
- <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: F. B. Tower</p>
-<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: October 31, 2021 [eBook #66640]</p>
-<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p>
- <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: deaurider, Charlie Howard, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</p>
-<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE CROTON AQUEDUCT ***</div>
-
-<div class="transnote">
-<p class="center larger">Transcriber’s Note</p>
-
-<p>Larger versions of most illustrations may be seen by right-clicking them
-and selecting an option to view them separately, or by double-tapping and/or
-stretching them.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div id="i_001" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 39em;">
- <img src="images/i_001.jpg" width="1231" height="1452" alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<div class="center wspace vspace">
-<h1>
-ILLUSTRATIONS<br />
-<span class="small">OF THE</span><br />
-<span class="gesperrt">CROTON AQUEDUCT</span>,</h1>
-
-<p class="p0"><span class="smaller"><i>BY</i></span><br />
-<span class="xxlarge"><i>F. B. TOWER</i></span><br />
-<span class="smaller">OF THE</span><br />
-<span class="larger bold">ENGINEER DEPARTMENT.</span></p>
-
-<p class="p4 smaller">New-York and London:<br />
-Wiley and Putnam,
-1843.
-</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p class="newpage p4">
-<span class="smcap smaller">Entered</span> according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1843,
-by <span class="smcap">F. B. Tower</span>, in the Clerk’s office of the
-District Court of the Southern District of New-York.
-</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<p class="newpage p4 vspace2 smaller">
-TO<br />
-
-<span class="larger">THE INHABITANTS</span><br />
-
-<span class="smaller">OF THE</span><br />
-
-<span class="large gesperrt">CITY OF NEW-YORK,</span><br />
-
-WHOSE ENTERPRISE IS STRIKINGLY EXEMPLIFIED<br />
-
-<span class="smaller">BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE</span><br />
-
-<span class="large">CROTON AQUEDUCT,</span><br />
-
-THIS BOOK<br />
-
-<span class="smaller">IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED,</span><br />
-
-<span class="small">BY</span><br />
-
-<span class="in4"><span class="in4">THE AUTHOR.</span></span>
-</p>
-</div>
-<hr />
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_v">v</span></p>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">The</span> <i>views</i> which I have given of the important points on
-the line of the Croton Aqueduct, are from sketches taken
-for my own satisfaction; but the interest so generally taken
-in the work, has suggested to me the propriety of presenting
-them to the public in this form. Having been engaged in
-the Engineer Department during the whole of the construction
-of the Aqueduct, my acquaintance with it would
-enable me to present more of its details; but I have given
-those of the construction of the Aqueduct, and a general
-<i>outline</i> of the structures connected with it, trusting that a
-more detailed description may emanate from <span class="smcap">John B. Jervis</span>,
-Esquire, who, as Chief Engineer, gave <i>Plans</i> and <i>Specifications</i>
-for the work during its construction.</p>
-
-<p>A description from such source, accompanied with detailed
-plans of all the appurtenances of the Aqueduct, with the
-results of experiments on the flow of water in the Aqueduct,
-would be a useful contribution to the cause of science, a
-valuable work to Engineers generally, and particularly so to
-younger members of the profession.</p>
-
-<p>The history which I have given of the preliminary
-measures leading to the accomplishment of this work, has
-been obtained, mainly, from printed documents of the
-Common Council. I have also had conversations with persons<span class="pagenum" id="Page_vi">vi</span>
-who were intimately concerned in some of those measures,
-and trust that I have made the history sufficiently full
-to embrace the leading steps which were taken.</p>
-
-<p>The accounts of the Aqueducts of ancient Rome, and
-those built by the ancient Romans in other parts of Europe,
-also that of the Aqueducts of modern Rome, of Italy, France,
-&amp;c., have been mostly obtained from the French work of
-<span class="smcap">J. Rondolet</span>, in which the account of the Aqueducts of
-ancient Rome is translated from the Latin of Frontinus.</p>
-
-<p>For the account of the Aqueducts of Mexico and South
-America, I am indebted, in a great degree, to “<i>Bradford’s
-Antiquities of America</i>,” and “<i>Ewbank’s Hydraulics</i>.”</p>
-
-<p class="sigright">
-<span class="smcap">F. B. Tower.</span>
-</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_vii">vii</span></p>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="TABLE_OF_CONTENTS">TABLE OF CONTENTS.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<table id="toc" summary="Table of Contents">
-<tr class="smaller">
- <td> </td>
- <td class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Page.</span></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Aqueducts of Ancient Rome,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#toclink_13">13</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Principal Aqueducts constructed by the Ancient Romans in other parts of Europe,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#toclink_18">18</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Aqueducts of Modern Rome,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#toclink_28">28</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Principal Modern Aqueducts of Italy, France, etc.,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#toclink_30">30</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Aqueducts of Mexico and the adjacent States,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#toclink_37">37</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Aqueducts of South America,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#toclink_40">40</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Fountains,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#toclink_47">47</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2"><span class="hl"> </span></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">History of the Progressive Measures for Supplying the City of New-York with Water,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#toclink_57">57</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Of Plans Proposed for furnishing the City with Water and of the Plan adopted,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#toclink_69">69</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Sources of the Croton River,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#toclink_75">75</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Flow of Water in the Croton River, Capacity of the Fountain Reservoir, &amp;c.,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#toclink_76">76</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">General Design of the Channel-way and Reservoirs,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#toclink_78">78</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">General Construction of the Aqueduct,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#toclink_81">81</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Description of the Line of Aqueduct,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#toclink_95">95</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Appendix,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#toclink_125">125</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2"><span class="hl"> </span></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdc larger gesperrt padbot" colspan="2">PLATES.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Aqueduct of Spoleto, Italy,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_32a">32</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Sections of the Croton Aqueduct,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_84a1">84</a> &amp; <a href="#i_86a">86</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Entrance Ventilator,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_88a">88</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Isometrical View of Culvert,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_90a">90</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Tunnel and Gate Chamber at the head of the Aqueduct,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_92a">92</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">View above the Croton Dam,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_94b">95</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Entablature over the entrance to the Aqueduct,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_96a">96</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">View below the Croton Dam,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_98a">98</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Croton Aqueduct at Sing-Sing,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_100b">101</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Aqueduct Bridge at Sing-Sing,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_102a">102</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Aqueduct Bridge for Road-way,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_102d">103</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Croton Aqueduct at Mill-River,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_104a">104</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Croton Aqueduct at Jewell’s Brook,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_104d">105</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Croton Aqueduct at Hastings,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_106a">106</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Croton Aqueduct at Yonkers,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_108a">108</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Croton Aqueduct at Harlem River,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_110a">110</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">View of the Jet at Harlem River,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_112a">112</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Croton Aqueduct at Clendinning Valley,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_112d">113</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Aqueduct Bridge at Clendinning Valley,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_114a">114</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Plan of the Receiving Reservoir,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_116a">116</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Isometrical View of the Distributing Reservoir,</td>
- <td class="tdr"><a href="#i_118b">119</a></td>
-</tr>
-</table>
-
-<hr />
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<div class="poetry-container">
-<div class="poetry">
- <div class="stanza">
- <div class="verse indent16">“The radiant aqueducts</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">Turn their innumerable arches o’er</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">The spacious desert, brightening in the sun,</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">Proud and more proud in the august approach:</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">High oe’r irriguous vales, and woods, and towns,</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">Glide the soft whispering waters in the wind,</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">And here united pour their silver streams,</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">Among the figured rocks, in murmuring falls,</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">Musical ever.”</div>
- </div>
- <div class="attrib"><i>The Ruins of Rome.</i></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<div id="toclink_9" class="chapter">
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">9</span></p>
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="INTRODUCTORY_CHAPTER">INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.<br />
-
-<span class="subhead">AQUEDUCTS, FOUNTAINS, ETC.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">A supply</span> of pure and wholesome water is an object so
-essential to the health and prosperity of a city, that it should
-form one of the leading features of the public improvements
-which characterize its growth. The advantages arising from
-it are so numerous, and the comforts so great, that every
-effort should be made to accomplish it.</p>
-
-<p>The means which have been resorted to for such purposes
-in almost every city of importance in the Old World, are
-examples for us of the <i>New</i>, and should induce us early to
-avail ourselves of that important element of health. We
-contemplate with mingled emotions of wonder and admiration,
-those works of art which were achieved by ancient
-Rome in her palmy days of wealth and power, and among
-them we find that her <i>Aqueducts</i> hold a prominent place.</p>
-
-<p>Among the ruins of cities whose history is shrouded in
-mystery on this continent, we find provisions for bringing
-water from distant sources. In the wilds of Central America,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">10</span>
-the persevering traveller finds ruined cities buried in the
-depths of the forest, where nature is at work covering and
-concealing them: among those ruins he tells us of the <i>Aqueduct</i>.
-We find them also among the ruins of cities along the
-western coast of South America. With such examples before
-us, we may consider that by the construction of the
-Croton Aqueduct for supplying the City of New-York with
-water has been secured an important measure for the promotion
-of its growth.</p>
-
-<p>Many cities of the United States have directed their attention
-to this object, and some have been fortunate in finding a
-supply of water near at hand, but others will look towards
-distant sources for a supply, and will, ere long, resort to the
-construction of <i>Aqueducts</i>.</p>
-
-<p>In the history of cities built in remote periods of antiquity,
-we find mention made of plans for supplying water, and
-among remains of those cities which are found at this day,
-are traces of Aqueducts. We have accounts of Aqueducts
-constructed under the reign of Solomon, and the remains
-of them still existing in Palestine, give evidence of an extensive
-acquaintance with the principles of hydraulics among
-the Hebrew architects. The Pools of Solomon, which are
-mentioned by travellers who combine in their researches a
-regard for the arts as well as the religion of Judea, are
-connected with a scheme for supplying Jerusalem with
-water.</p>
-
-<p>The vast expense incurred in the construction of Aqueducts<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">11</span>
-by the Ancient Romans, as well in Italy as in other
-countries of Europe, proves the value that was attached by
-that people to a plentiful supply of pure water, and the details
-of the plan of construction of the different works, evince
-an acquaintance with the principles of hydraulics which,
-at this day, is not generally accorded to them. That they
-understood the principle that water seeks the level of its
-source after encountering depressions in its conduit, is sufficiently
-proved by instances, in works constructed by them,
-where the inverted syphon of pipes was used in crossing
-valleys. That this plan was not <i>generally</i> adopted by them
-in cases where great expense has been incurred to maintain
-the uniform declivity of the conduit over valleys, may be accounted
-for perhaps by the want of proper material for the
-construction of pipes. In cases where this plan has been
-adopted leaden pipes were used, and since it is only within
-the last century that iron pipes have been invented, we may
-reasonably conclude that considerations of such a nature
-would have induced them to adopt the more expensive plan
-of maintaining the general inclination of the conduit by vast
-structures of masonry.</p>
-
-<p>By substituting inverted syphons instead of maintaining a
-uniform declivity in the conduit, would not give the requisite
-discharge of water at the elevation of the <i>terminus</i> of the
-Aqueduct, and perhaps they preferred, rather than diminish
-this elevation of the supply of water, to incur the expense of
-high structures across valleys. The Roman Emperors, with
-all their power and the wealth which was at their command,
-knew how to perpetuate the glory of their reign by the erection<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">12</span>
-of Temples, Palaces and other public buildings, and
-what is more natural than to suppose that in the construction
-of these Aqueducts, which were considered so essential to
-the public welfare, they should encourage works of such
-architectural magnificence? Whatever the reasons might
-have been for maintaining the elevation of their Aqueducts
-over valleys by such expensive structures, we have no
-right to charge them with the want of that knowledge which
-the plan of <i>some</i> of their Aqueducts clearly proves them to
-have possessed.</p>
-
-<p>Trusting that it will be interesting to the reader, I shall present
-an account of some of the principal Aqueducts built by
-the Ancient Romans,—some of the modern Aqueducts of
-Italy and France; also of Aqueducts in other parts of the
-world. This account might be enlarged, to embrace a description
-of more of the modern Aqueducts of Europe; but
-sufficient will be presented, it is thought, to interest without
-detaining the reader too long in arriving at the principal
-object of this work,—<i>a description of the Croton Aqueduct</i>.</p>
-
-<p>A view is given of the Aqueduct of Spoleto, in Italy. The
-bridge supporting this Aqueduct is remarkable for the slender
-form of the piers and their great height; being only
-ten and a half feet thick and two hundred and fifty feet
-high to the base of the arches. This Aqueduct was built
-by the Goths, a people who gave a model for Church Architecture
-which is much admired at the present day. It
-is said that they borrowed the idea of the form of their
-arch from the opening beneath an arbor of trees.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">13</span></p>
-
-<p>The plan of the bridge for the Croton Aqueduct at
-Harlem River has been criticised on account of the small
-thickness of the piers as compared with their height, and
-because they were not made piers of equilibrium; that is to
-say, having their bases broader, so as to include the line
-of thrust of the arches, so that if a portion of the bridge
-were removed, the remainder of the arches and piers would
-maintain their position. By the present plan the permanency
-of any one individual arch may be considered to depend
-upon that of the whole structure.<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">1</a></p>
-
-<p>The Aqueduct of Spoleto, has been standing about eleven
-hundred years and is still in a perfect state of preservation.</p>
-
-<p>With proper care in preparing the foundations of the
-bridge at Harlem River, there is no good reason to fear
-that it will be less durable than that of Spoleto.</p>
-
-<h3 id="toclink_13"><span class="smcap">Aqueducts of Ancient Rome.</span></h3>
-
-<p>The largest and most magnificent Aqueducts of which
-we have any account, were the work of the Romans; and
-the ruins of several of them, both in Italy, and other countries
-of Europe, remain to the present time monuments of the
-power and industry of that enterprising people.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">14</span></p>
-
-<p>For 440 years from the foundation of Rome the inhabitants
-contented themselves with the waters of the Tiber,
-and of the wells and fountains in the city and its neighborhood.
-But at that period the number of houses and inhabitants
-had so augmented, that they were obliged to bring
-water from distant sources by means of Aqueducts. Appius
-commenced this scheme of improvement. About 39 years
-after him, M. Curius Dentatus, who was censor with Papirius
-Cursor, brought water from the neighborhood of the
-city of Tibur; and applied towards defraying the expense,
-part of the sums taken in the spoils of Pyrrhus. After them
-Lucius Papirius, Caius Servillius Cepion, Lucius Longinus
-Crassus, Quintus Marcius, (who brought water to Rome
-from a spring at the distance of nearly sixty miles,) Marcus
-Agrippa, Augustus, and others, signalized themselves by
-their noble Aqueducts. Even Tiberius, Claudius, Caligula,
-and Carracalla, though in other respects not of the best character,
-took care of the city in this useful article.</p>
-
-<p>In the remains of these ancient Aqueducts, some are elevated
-above the ground upon a solid mass of stone work, or
-upon arches continued and raised one above the other; other
-portions are subterraneous, passing through deep excavations,
-and in many instances piercing through mountains of rock;
-such is that seen at Vicovaro beyond Tivoli, where a <i>tunnel</i>
-of about five feet deep and four broad, pierces a rock for a
-distance of more than a mile.</p>
-
-<p>These Aqueducts were generally built of stone and
-covered by arches or large flat stones. At certain distances<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">15</span>
-vents were provided to discharge the water from the channel-way;
-and cavities were formed, into which the water was
-precipitated, and where it remained till its mud was deposited,
-and ponds in which it might purify itself.</p>
-
-<p>One of these Aqueducts was formed with two channels,
-one above the other: they were, however, constructed at
-different periods; the most elevated was supplied by the
-waters of the Tiverone, <i>Anio novus</i>, and the lower one
-by the <i>Claudian</i> water. It is represented by Pliny, as the
-most beautiful of all that had been built for the use of
-Rome. It was begun by Caligula, and finished by Claudius,
-who brought its waters from two springs called Cœruleus
-and Curtius. Vespian, Titus, Marcus-Aurelius, and Antonius
-Pius, repaired and extended it; it is now called <i>Aqua
-Felice</i>.</p>
-
-<p>The Aqueduct that conveyed the Aqua Neroniana to
-Rome, was built of brick; this, as well as the former, was
-in some instances 70 Roman feet high.</p>
-
-<p>The Aqueduct that brought the <i>Aqua Marcia</i> into the
-city was repaired by Agrippa, who laid pipes from it to
-several parts of the city.</p>
-
-<p>The <i>Aqua Marcia</i>, <i>Aqua Julia</i>, <i>Aqua Tepula</i>, entered
-Rome in one and the same Aqueduct, divided into three
-ranges or stories; in the uppermost of which flowed the
-<i>Aqua Julia</i>, in the second the <i>Aqua Tepula</i>, and in the lowest
-the <i>Aqua Marcia</i>. This accounts for the extraordinary<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">16</span>
-height of this Aqueduct, which far surpassed that of any
-other in Rome. From the ruins of this fabric, which are
-still seen, and are called “<i>Il castel del Acqua Marcia</i>,” it
-appears to have been a very superb structure.</p>
-
-<p>The Aqueducts were under the care and direction, first of
-the censors and œdiles, and afterwards, of particular magistrates
-called “Curatores Aquarum,” instituted by Agrippa,
-to whom the Aqueducts of Rome were objects of particular
-attention. Messala was one of these curatores in the reign
-of Augustus, and Frontinus held the same office in that of
-Nerva. Augustus caused all of them to be repaired.</p>
-
-<p>Procopius reckons only fourteen Aqueducts in ancient
-Rome; but Victor has enlarged the number to twenty.</p>
-
-<p>Frontinus, a man of consular dignity, and who had the
-direction of the Aqueducts under the Emperor Nerva, mentions
-nine. From other accounts we are informed that nine
-great Aqueducts existed at Rome at the commencement of
-the reign of Nerva. Five others were constructed by that
-Emperor, under the superintendence of Julius Frontinus;
-and it appears that at a later period the number amounted to
-twenty.</p>
-
-<p>Frontinus, who had the superintendence of the Roman
-Aqueducts under the Emperor Nerva, died A. D. 101. He
-gave an account of the Aqueducts, which has since been
-translated into French by Rondolet. The following table
-is made up of data from that work.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">17</span></p>
-
-<p>The table is arranged to show, <i>First</i>, the name of the
-water or Aqueduct; <i>Second</i>, the era of its construction;
-<i>Third</i>, the length of each Aqueduct in miles and decimals;
-<i>Fourth</i>, the cubic feet discharged in 24 hours, and <i>Fifth</i>, the
-gallons in wine measure.</p>
-
-<table id="table17" class="bl" summary="Roman Aqueducts">
-<tr class="small tbpad bt bb">
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">NAME.</td>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">ERA.</td>
- <td class="tdc">LENGTH.</td>
- <td class="tdc">CUBIC FEET.</td>
- <td class="tdc br">GALLONS.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl" colspan="2">1. Appian Aqueduct,</td>
- <td class="tdc">B.C.</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl">312  </td>
- <td class="tdc">  10,3250</td>
- <td class="tdc">  3,706,575</td>
- <td class="tdc br">  27,724,181</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">2. Old Anio</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl rpad">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl">273  </td>
- <td class="tdc">  36,6775</td>
- <td class="tdc">  8,932,338</td>
- <td class="tdc br">  66,813,887</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">3. Marcian</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl rpad">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl">146  </td>
- <td class="tdc">  56,9417</td>
- <td class="tdc">  9,525,390</td>
- <td class="tdc br">  71,249,917</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">4. Tepulan</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl rpad">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl">127}</td>
- <td class="tdc">  14,2341</td>
- <td class="tdc">{   903,795</td>
- <td class="tdc br">    6,760,386</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">5. Julian</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl rpad">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl">  35}</td>
- <td class="tdc"> </td>
- <td class="tdc">{2,449,386</td>
- <td class="tdc br">  18,321,407</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">6. Virgin</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl rpad">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl">  22  </td>
- <td class="tdc">  14,3116</td>
- <td class="tdc">  5,085,624</td>
- <td class="tdc br">  38,040,467</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">7. Alsietina</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl rpad">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">A.D.</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl">  14  </td>
- <td class="tdc">  20,4526</td>
- <td class="tdc">      796,152</td>
- <td class="tdc br">    5,656,016</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">8. Claudian</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl rpad">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl">  49  </td>
- <td class="tdc">  42,1989</td>
- <td class="tdc">  9,356,817</td>
- <td class="tdc br">  96,988,991</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">9. New Anio</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl rpad">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc nobl">  90  </td>
- <td class="tdc">  54,1644</td>
- <td class="tdc">  9,622,878</td>
- <td class="tdc br">  71,979,127</td>
-</tr>
-<tr class="bb">
- <td class="tdl"> </td>
- <td class="tdl nobl"> </td>
- <td class="tdc"> </td>
- <td class="tdc nobl"> </td>
- <td class="tdc bt">249,3058</td>
- <td class="tdc bt">50,378,955</td>
- <td class="tdc bt br">376,834,379</td>
-</tr>
-</table>
-
-<p>Some auxiliary supplies or feeders make the total length
-of the Roman Aqueducts, at that period, exceed 255 miles.</p>
-
-<p>The names of the Roman Aqueducts are taken from
-those of the River or Lake which supplies them, or from
-the emperors who caused them to be constructed. Frontinus
-gives the following as the origin of the name <i>Virgin
-Aqueduct</i>: “It is called the Virgin (Virgo), because it was
-a young girl who showed some veins to a few soldiers who
-were in search of spring water. Those who dug followed
-these veins and found a great quantity, and there is a painting
-in a little temple erected close by the source representing
-this event.”</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<div id="toclink_18" class="chapter">
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">18</span></p>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="Some_of_the_principal_Aqueducts_constructed_by_the"><span class="smcap">Some of the principal Aqueducts constructed by the
-ancient Romans in other parts of Europe.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<h3><i>Aqueduct of Nismes.</i></h3>
-
-<p>This is probably one of the most ancient Aqueducts constructed,
-out of Rome, by the Romans. It is attributed to
-Agrippa, son-in-law of Augustus, to whom that emperor gave
-the government of the country becoming a Roman Colony.</p>
-
-<p>Agrippa, flattered by the honors which he received from
-the inhabitants of Nismes, made his residence there: he enclosed
-the town with new walls, built baths, and probably the
-Aqueduct of the bridge of Gard (“<i>pont du Gard</i>”) for bringing
-water to them.</p>
-
-<p>This Aqueduct is nearly thirty miles in length, forming, in
-its course, the figure of a horse-shoe. It brought water from
-the fountains of Eura and Airan, situated in the neighborhood
-of the town of <i>Uzès</i>. The bridge of Gard was about
-the middle part of the work, and the Aqueduct terminated at
-Nismes.</p>
-
-<p>This Aqueduct traversed a very mountainous country,
-piercing through mountains and crossing valleys by means
-of arches upon arches, forming magnificent structures entirely
-of cut stone. The Aqueduct or channel-way is formed
-of stone throughout the whole length. The bottom of the
-interior has a curved form, being an arc of a circle; the sides<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">19</span>
-are vertical, and the top covered with a flagging of cut stone,
-except where it is under ground, in which situation the top is
-covered by an arch of stone. The interior face of the walls
-and the bottom were covered with a coat of plastering two
-inches in thickness, composed of quick-lime, fine sand, and
-brick nearly pulverized. This coating has now a tenacity
-and consistence equal to the hardest stone.</p>
-
-<p>The size of the channel-way is the following: 4 feet wide
-and 5⅓ feet high, except where the top is covered with an
-arch, in which case it is 7½ feet high in the interior.</p>
-
-<p>The descent of the Aqueduct is 1 foot in 2500 feet, or 2-11/100
-feet per mile.</p>
-
-<p>The water which flowed in this Aqueduct formed a deposit
-upon the sides, of lime, until nearly half the channel was
-closed; this deposit amounting to a thickness of 11 inches on
-each side. By the height of this deposit it has been ascertained
-that the water flowed generally with a depth of 3¼ feet.</p>
-
-<p>The <i>pont du Gard</i> is that part of the Aqueduct of Nismes
-which crosses the deep valley in which runs the <i>Gardon</i>
-or <i>Gard</i>. This part, considered alone, is one of the
-noblest monuments built by the Romans among the Gauls.
-It is composed of three ranges of arches one above another.
-The first range, under which the Gardon flows, is formed
-by 6 arches; the second by 11, and the third by 35, all of
-which are semicircular; supported upon piers of greater or
-less height.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">20</span></p>
-
-<p>The channel in which the water flows is upon the top of
-the third range of arches, and is 160 feet above the water of
-the river. The whole length of this bridge is about 900 feet.</p>
-
-<p>The bridge of Gard having been broken down at the two
-extremities, at a period very remote and uncertain, it is
-thought that this destruction may be attributed to the Barbarians
-who invaded the country of Nismes a short time
-after their first invasion, which is fixed at the commencement
-of the fifth century, about the year 406, and it is supposed
-that by this means they would deprive the inhabitants of
-Nismes of the water furnished by the Aqueduct, and force
-them to yield. But by this supposition, which is very probable,
-the water had been running in this Aqueduct for more
-than four centuries; and this structure which has been out
-of use during fourteen hundred years, is still in such a state
-of preservation that it could be restored without a very great
-expenditure of money.</p>
-
-<h3><span class="smcap">The Ancient Aqueducts of Lyons.</span></h3>
-
-<p>Nothing gives a better idea of the splendour of the city of
-Lyons under the reign of the first Roman Emperors, than
-the remains of the ancient monuments. We see there at
-the present day, remains of temples, of palaces, of amphitheatres,
-of basins for mock sea fights, of baths and of many
-Aqueducts, of which three were constructed under the reigns
-of Augustus, of Tiberius and of Claudius, for conducting
-water to that part of the ancient city situated upon the
-mountain.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">21</span></p>
-
-<p>The first and the most ancient of these Aqueducts, constructed
-by Mark Anthony, brought the waters from <i>Mount-d’Or</i>,
-by means of two branches which embraced that group
-of mountains.</p>
-
-<p>The water furnished by the first Aqueduct having been
-found insufficient, they constructed a second one to bring the
-water of the Loire.</p>
-
-<p>The third Aqueduct was built by the Emperor Claudius
-to furnish water to the palace of the emperors situated
-upon an elevated mountain. The Aqueducts built at this
-era are all of the same construction; that is to say, from
-the plan and construction adopted by the Romans. A fourth
-Aqueduct was also constructed for this city, but there is
-some doubt whether it was built by the Romans.</p>
-
-<h3><span class="smcap">Aqueduct of Mount Pila.</span></h3>
-
-<p>This Aqueduct was built by Claudius, who was born at
-Lyons, to conduct water to the emperor’s palace, situated
-on the highest part of the city. The sources which supplied
-it, were in the neighbourhood of Mount Pila, and they were
-brought into the main Aqueduct by branch aqueducts. The
-main Aqueduct was forty miles in length; and adding the
-branches, the length of the Aqueduct was forty-five miles.</p>
-
-<p>There were 13 bridges of stone to support the Aqueduct
-across valleys or over rivers, two of which were not built
-up to the plane of the Aqueduct, but were crossed by leaden<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">22</span>
-pipes which descended on one side of the valley and,
-crossing the bridge, ascended on the opposite side. In
-another instance the pipes descended and crossed upon a
-wall of masonry and reached the opposite side of the valley.
-One instance, where pipes were used, will give an idea of
-their general form: the bridge was about 40 feet high and
-the perpendicular height of the Aqueduct above it was 140
-feet. Nine leaden pipes of about 8 inches interior diameter
-and one inch thick were laid upon the inclined planes and
-across the level part of the bridge; thus communicating
-with the opposite crests of the valley.</p>
-
-<p>These bridges which were constructed for the support of
-pipes, were wider in the bottom of the valley and also half
-way up the inclined plane, than they were for the remainder
-of the distance; and this form has suggested the idea that
-the pipes of 8 inches diameter, when they reached half
-way down the plane, separated, each one into two of 6 inches
-diameter which crossed the bridge, and converged into one
-again half way up the opposite plane. But it may be supposed
-that they continued of the same interior form throughout
-their length, and that this extra width was made for the
-purpose of giving an opportunity to fortify the pipes at the
-place where the pressure to which they were subjected was
-the greatest.</p>
-
-<h4><i>Construction.</i></h4>
-
-<p>They commenced the construction by making a trench in
-the ground of sufficient dimensions for the masonry of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">23</span>
-Aqueduct: upon the bottom of this trench was laid a mass
-of masonry 1 foot thick, upon which two walls were built,
-each 1½ foot thick and 5⅓ feet high, these walls standing 2
-feet apart, and surmounted by a semicircular arch of a thickness
-of 1 foot and generally covered with earth 2 feet deep.
-The interior had a coat of cement plastering, 6 inches thick
-on the bottom and 1½ inch thick on the sides. The walls
-were constructed with small stones from 3 to 6 inches in
-thickness, bedded in mortar so that no spaces could be found
-between them. They avoided the use of stones of greater
-thickness than 6 inches, because the walls built of small
-stones, well filled with mortar, formed a mass more solid
-and impervious than with larger stones, on account of the
-great quantity of mortar used.</p>
-
-<p>No bricks were used in the construction of the channel-way
-of the Aqueduct.</p>
-
-<p>Ventilators were constructed along the course of the
-Aqueduct 2 feet square, and rising above the ground 2 or 3
-feet. The Aqueduct when it was above the ground, was
-supported upon a wall of masonry, and the side walls of the
-channel-way had an increased thickness. When it was
-elevated 6 or 7 feet above the ground, the foundation wall
-was six feet thick; but when it had a greater elevation it
-was supported upon arches and piers, and upon the elevation
-depended the span of the arch, the thickness and height of
-the piers. The general declivity in the channel-way, was
-1 foot in 640, or about 8¼ feet per mile.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">24</span></p>
-
-<p>This Aqueduct supplied about 1,200,000 gallons of water
-in 24 hours. The velocity of the water was about five times
-that of the water in the Aqueducts of Rome.</p>
-
-<p>This work was constructed at an immense expense, and in
-substituting the “<i>inverted syphon</i>,” for high structures across
-valleys, there is evidence of the intelligence and skill of those
-who had charge of the construction.</p>
-
-<p>A fragment of a pipe forming part of this reversed syphon,
-is still preserved in the museum at Lyons, and an instance of
-the Romans having laid pipes across the beds of rivers, is
-given by M. Gautier, Architect, Engineer, &amp;c., in his work
-called “<i>Traité de la Construction des Chemins</i>,” published
-in 1778.</p>
-
-<p>About 70 or 80 years ago, he was directed by Mr. Pontchartrain,
-Minister of State, to repair to Rochefort, to conduct
-spring water to the port from the fountains of the city,
-which were supplied from a source, though quite insufficient
-for the city, in the neighborhood. In his researches he discovered
-a good and copious source, at less than half a league,
-but on the other side of the river, the Charente. Many
-difficulties were presented, because at low water vessels
-might ground upon the pipes and injure them.</p>
-
-<p>However, Mr. Gautier proposed to lay down two leaden
-pipes, to preserve a supply in case of accident to one,
-and to protect them by wooden frames in an effectual way
-against injury, should vessels lay upon the defence frames<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">25</span>
-during low water. Mr. Begon, intendant of the Marine,
-approved the plan, but it was finally rejected.</p>
-
-<p>“Some years after,” says Mr. Gautier, “when I had charge
-of the roads on the Rhone, and of many other works in the
-Province of Languedoc, and while at Arles, I heard that a
-vessel had cast anchor in the Rhone, opposite the city, to
-take some loading; but when the commander wanted to
-sail again he could not raise the anchor. This fact attracted
-much attention, and many people went to witness the singular
-circumstance. The Captain, unwilling to lose his anchor,
-sent down a man, to find what was the matter. The diver
-reported that the anchor was hooked under something round,
-but he could not tell what it was. A capstan was applied
-to raise it, which succeeded.</p>
-
-<p>It brought up a leaden conduit pipe from the bottom of
-the Rhone, which crossed it from the City of Arles, towards
-Trinquetaillade, over a breadth of about 90 toises (576 feet)
-in a depth of 6 or 7 toises (about 40 feet,) the deepest part
-of the Rhone. I saw some pieces of this conduit of lead,
-5 or 6 inches in diameter, about 4 lines (one third of an inch)
-thick, in joints of 1 toise each soldered lengthwise, and
-covered by a strip or sheet of lead of the same thickness
-covering the first solder about 2 inches. The conduit was
-soldered at the joints, 6 feet apart, by the same material,
-which made a swell at that distance. On each joint were
-these words in relief <b>C. CANTIUS POIHINUS. F.</b> which
-was apparently the name of the maker or architect, who laid
-down the conduit pipe in the time of the Romans. I delayed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">26</span>
-not to inform Mr. Begon, at Rochefort, of this discovery,
-because he had always favoured my project of conducting
-water along the bottom and across the Charente, which would
-not have been half so difficult as it had no doubt been, to lay
-one across the Rhone where this was found.</p>
-
-<p>Hence it may be believed, as I think now myself, that
-many things supposed now-a-days to be new and never to
-have been previously invented, may have been thought of
-long before, even in remote ages.” Pp. 129, 130.</p>
-
-<h3><i>Ancient Aqueduct of Metz.</i></h3>
-
-<p>This Aqueduct was built by the Romans when that city
-was under their dominion; but it is difficult to fix upon the
-precise era of its construction. It is said in the history of
-the city of Metz that the Roman legions built roads in the
-year 70; but there is reason to suppose that the construction
-of this Aqueduct, as well as that of other important
-structures built by the Romans at Metz, belongs to a time
-more remote, and that the date of the reign of the first emperors
-may be the era when the legions of Cæsar occupied
-the country of the Gauls.</p>
-
-<p>The total length of the Aqueduct was 14 miles, and the
-fall for this distance was about 73 feet.</p>
-
-<p>The channel-way was 6⅓ feet high, by 3 feet wide, constructed
-with stone masonry and having an arch over the
-top: the interior face of the walls and the bottom was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">27</span>
-covered with a coat of plastering; 3 inches thick in the bottom,
-and 2 inches on the sides. From remains of this
-Aqueduct which are now found at various points along its
-course, it appears to have required many expensive structures
-for crossing valleys; in one instance the Aqueduct
-bridge was 3,600 feet long, and the greatest height was 100
-feet. In constructing the Aqueduct over these bridges, they
-formed it in two channels separated by a wall, and each
-covered with an arch; thus they insured a supply of water
-across the bridge by one channel in case the other required
-repairs.</p>
-
-<h3><i>Aqueduct of Bourgas, near Constantinople.</i></h3>
-
-<p>Three Aqueducts exist in the valley of Bourgas, 8 miles
-from Constantinople, for conducting water into the city.
-One of them is remarkable for the beautiful architectural
-arrangement and the solidity of its construction. It is 115
-feet high, and was built under the Emperor Justinian, A. D.
-527. It has two ranges of arches, one above the other, and
-the Aqueduct supported upon the second. These Aqueducts
-are in some parts unlike those of Rome, which were formed
-on a continuous line for many miles, with a regular inclination
-from the source to the city, but are interrupted by reversed
-syphons. Instead of crossing deep and wide valleys
-in the usual manner of stone structures, the Aqueduct terminates
-on one bank in a reservoir or cistern, and a pipe is
-laid from it down the sloping side of the hill to a stone pier
-erected at a suitable distance; the pipe rises up the pier to
-the top where the water is discharged into a small cistern<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">28</span>
-nearly as high as that in the reservoir. From the cistern,
-another conduit pipe descends to the bottom of the pier,
-passes along the ground to a second pier at a proper distance
-and rises to another cistern on the top of it, and so on
-till it rises on the crest of the opposite bank, where the water
-resumes its regular motion along the Aqueduct.</p>
-
-<p>This plan was probably adopted with a view to avoid the
-expense of constructing a bridge which should preserve the
-general inclination of the channel-way; but it is difficult to
-imagine any advantage arising from the construction of the
-piers, instead of laying the pipe along the bottom of the valley.</p>
-
-<h3 id="toclink_28"><i>Modern Rome.</i></h3>
-
-<p>Rome is now supplied with water by three Aqueducts,
-being three of the ancient works restored in modern times.</p>
-
-<p>First, <i>Aqua Virgini</i>, called by Frontinus, Aqua Virgo, or
-<i>Virgin Aqueduct</i>.</p>
-
-<p>The trunk of the Aqueduct having been injured, the reparation
-was began under the Pontificate of Nicholas V. and
-Sextus IV., and completed under that of Pius IV. in 1568.
-This water supplies the beautiful fountain Trevi, thus named
-from the three discharges issuing from it, or from its being
-placed at the junction of three streets. The water this
-Aqueduct furnishes is 2,322,762 cubic feet (14,168,848 gallons)
-daily, discharging through 7 principal conduits, at 13
-public and 37 other fountains.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">29</span></p>
-
-<p>Second, <i>Aqua Felice</i>. This is a part of the ancient
-water of the Claudian and Marcian Aqueducts united with
-many others, and collected under Sextus V. The daily
-quantity it furnishes is 727,161 cubic feet, (4,435,682 gallons,)
-and supplies 16 public and 11 other fountains. The
-Moses fountain discharges from this source.</p>
-
-<p>The Pauline Aqueduct, called <i>Aqua Paola</i>, is the third of
-the ancient works restored. The water is collected within
-the territories of Arcolo and Bassano, and conducted along
-the ancient Aqueduct of Alsietina. This was effected under
-Pope Pius V., and directed by Charles Fontana, an eminent
-Hydraulic Architect, who constructed the great fountain of
-S. Pietro-in-Montorio. Additional water was also taken
-from Lake Bracciano by Fontana in 1694, under Clement
-X. The whole quantity in 24 hours is 3,325,531 cubic feet,
-(20,285,739 gallons,) about one third of which goes to feed
-the fountains of St. Peters, and those of the Pontifical Palace
-on the Vatican Hill; the rest is distributed among 8
-public and 23 other fountains, as well as to 21 work-shops,
-(<i>usines</i>) in St. Pancras-street.</p>
-
-<p>An evidence of the durability of these old Roman structures
-is furnished in this junction of water from Lake Bracciano
-by Cardinal Orsini, under authority of Clement X.,
-upon condition that a part of the water should be used to
-feed a second fountain about to be built in St. Peter’s Square
-at Rome, and the rest to be divided between the Apostolic
-Chamber and the House of Orsini. From the lake the conduit
-leads to the old Alsietina Aqueduct, in which it flows 20<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">30</span>
-miles to the city, and it was found to be in so perfect a state
-when the trial was first made after the restoration, October
-13th, 1693, that all the water which entered the old Aqueduct
-was discharged at Rome without any loss, after its use had
-been suspended nearly 1000 years.</p>
-
-<div id="toclink_30" class="chapter">
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="The_Principal_Modern_Aqueducts_of_Italy_France_Etc"><span class="smcap">The Principal Modern Aqueducts of Italy, France, Etc.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<h3><i>Aqueduct of Caserta.</i></h3>
-
-<p>This Aqueduct was built by the order of the King of Naples,
-Charles III., for conducting water to his residence
-which he had at Caserta, a town situated about fifteen miles
-north of Naples.</p>
-
-<p>This Aqueduct was commenced in 1753. It is twenty-seven
-miles long, from the sources which supply it to the
-gardens of Caserta. The sources are at the base of the
-mountain called <i>Taburno</i>; the principal one is called <i>Sorgente
-de la Sfizzo</i>; it is afterwards joined by streams from
-many other sources, which are in the country called
-<i>Airola</i>.</p>
-
-<p>These waters are all joined in one Aqueduct, crossing the
-river <i>Faënza</i>, upon a bridge of three arches, built in 1753.
-Again, in the valley of <i>Durazzano</i>, there is another bridge
-of three arches, upon which the Aqueduct crosses the valley,
-passing over the river, and extending from the mountain
-called <i>Santa Agata de’Goti</i>, to the mountain of <i>Durazzano</i>.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">31</span></p>
-
-<p>This Aqueduct afterwards crosses a deep valley, which it
-meets between <i>Monte-Longano</i> and the hills <i>Tifata</i>, where
-ancient Caserta is situated, about the place called <i>Monte di
-Gazzano</i>. The crossing of this valley required the most
-important of all the constructions connected with the work.
-It was accomplished by an Aqueduct bridge, 1724 feet long
-and 190 feet in height, composed of three tiers of arches,
-one above another. The lower range has nineteen arches,
-the middle twenty-seven, and the upper one forty-three; making
-in all eighty-nine arches.</p>
-
-<p>The labor of constructions under ground for this Aqueduct
-was more than that above; it pierced through five hills
-or mountains, making an aggregate length of tunnel of about
-four miles, and most of this was through rock.</p>
-
-<p>To give air and light to the channel, they made pits or
-wells; some of which were 250 feet deep, 10 feet diameter
-at the bottom, and 4 at the top.</p>
-
-<h3><i>Aqueduct Bridge of Castellana.</i></h3>
-
-<p>This Aqueduct was built in connection with an ancient
-<i>Causeway</i>, which led to <i>Civita-Castellana</i>.</p>
-
-<p>This <i>Causeway</i> was about 820 feet long and 32 feet wide;
-the greatest height was about 130 feet. It was pierced in
-the middle of this extent, by nine large arches; three of which
-were 86 feet span, and the others were each 64 feet span.
-Above these arches of the bridge the Aqueduct is built, the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">32</span>
-height of which is about 57 feet, and it is sustained upon a
-series of arches of about 19 feet span each.</p>
-
-<h3><i>Aqueduct of Montpelier.</i></h3>
-
-<p>This Aqueduct is one of the most beautiful works of the
-kind, which exist in France. The length is about 3,200
-feet; it conducts to Montpelier the waters of <i>Saint Clement</i>
-and <i>du Boulidou</i>. It was built by M. Pitot, engineer and
-member of the Academy of Sciences. He was thirteen
-years constructing it. This Aqueduct is formed by two
-ranges of arches; those in the lower tier are seventy in
-number, and each 28 feet span; the piers of these
-arches are each 12 feet thick. The arches of the second
-or upper tier are much smaller, and are arranged so that
-three of them come within the space occupied by one of the
-lower arches. They are 9 feet diameter; their piers are
-4 feet and a quarter thick.</p>
-
-<p>The greatest height of this Aqueduct is 90 feet.</p>
-
-<p>It is constructed entirely of cut stone. The quantity of
-water furnished by it is about 300,000 gallons in twenty-four
-hours.</p>
-
-<h3><i>Aqueduct of Spoleto.</i></h3>
-
-<p>This Aqueduct was constructed in the year 741, by Theodoric,
-King of the Goths, to communicate with the town of
-Spoleto, situated upon the summit of a mountain. It is
-composed of ten grand Gothic arches each 71 feet diameter,
-supported upon piers of 10½ feet thickness. The middle
-arches which are over the river <i>de la Morgia</i>, are about 328
-feet high.</p>
-
-<div id="i_32a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 58em;">
- <img src="images/i_032a.jpg" width="1836" height="913" alt="" />
- <div class="caption"><p class="floatr"><i>Napoleon Gimbrede. sc.</i></p></div>
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatc">AQUEDUCT OF SPOLETTO, ITALY.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>On the top of this bridge is the Aqueduct which carries
-the water to Spoleto.</p>
-
-<p>This structure was difficult to execute, and being built of
-a very hard stone, remains entire at the present day.</p>
-
-<p>The total length is 800 feet, and the breadth is 44 feet.</p>
-
-<p>The greatest height of this bridge is 420 feet.</p>
-
-<h3><i>Aqueduct of the Prince of Biscari.</i></h3>
-
-<p>This Aqueduct was constructed by the Prince of Biscari,
-in Sicily, at his own expense, across the river Saint-Paul,
-the ancient <i>Symète</i>. It conducts a pure stream of water to
-the estate of the prince, and at the same time serves as a
-public bridge over the valley. This bridge is composed of
-thirty-one arches, the largest of which, over the river, is 90
-feet span. This arch is of Gothic form, while all the others
-are semi-circular. The bridge has two tiers or ranges of
-arches; the roadway is upon the first range, and the channel
-for the water, upon the second or upper range. The length
-of the bridge is 269 feet. The height to the top is 120 feet.
-It is said that this magnificent structure was accomplished
-in two years.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">34</span></p>
-
-<h3><i>Aqueduct of Arcueil.</i></h3>
-
-<p>The Emperor Julian built this Aqueduct to bring water to
-Paris, A. D. 360; it supplied the palace and hot baths, but
-was destroyed by the Normans. It was above nine miles
-and a half long, and was entirely under ground, except the
-stone arcade over a deep valley at Arcueil. After its use
-had been suspended 800 years, a new and beautiful arched
-Aqueduct was built by the side of the ruins of the old one,
-and its final restoration to public use was completed in 1634.</p>
-
-<p>Part of this ancient construction, consisting of two arches
-substantially built, still exists, near the modern Aqueduct.</p>
-
-<p>The Aqueduct bridge over the valley of Arcueil has twenty-five
-arches, is 72 feet high and 1,200 feet in length.</p>
-
-<p>In the interior of the Aqueduct on each side is a parapet
-which forms a walk. On the outside along the whole line
-are various openings, called <i>regards</i>.</p>
-
-<p>This Aqueduct was thoroughly repaired in 1777; and
-fresh sums of money have lately been devoted to the same
-purpose by the city of Paris. It supplies 36,000 hogsheads
-daily.</p>
-
-<h3><i>Aqueduct of Maintenon.</i></h3>
-
-<p>This work, had it been completed, would have been one of
-the most remarkable of modern times. The project was one<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">35</span>
-of the noblest examples of the enterprise which characterized
-the reign of Louis XIV., and had it been carried out would
-have presented a work equal in grandeur to any of the kind
-constructed by the Romans. It was projected by Vauban,
-and the work was commenced in 1684, but was abandoned
-in 1688.</p>
-
-<p>It was intended to conduct water from the river Eura to
-Versailles; a distance of over seventy miles; and it was
-also contemplated to continue the work to St. Cloud and to
-Paris; had this been done it would have been over ninety
-miles in length. It was intended to be of a mixed construction;
-partly by a canal formed by excavations and embankments,
-and partly by a channel of masonry.</p>
-
-<p>One of the most remarkable structures connected with it,
-was the Aqueduct bridge across the valley of Maintenon.
-This was designed to be entirely of masonry, having three
-ranges of arches, one above another. The length of this
-Aqueduct bridge would have been three and a quarter miles,
-and the height from the lowest part of the valley would have
-been 234 feet.</p>
-
-<p>The whole number of arches designed for this bridge
-was 685.</p>
-
-<p>Some of the piers and arches of the lower tier were constructed,
-but have since been suffered to crumble and fall.
-Many deep valleys were filled with embankments, and the
-canal was completed for a portion of the distance, but the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">36</span>
-course of the work is now but faintly marked by the remains
-of these structures.</p>
-
-<h3><i>Aqueduct of Lisbon.</i></h3>
-
-<p>The site of Lisbon, as well as the ground in its vicinity,
-consists chiefly of limestone and basalt, which render it necessary
-to obtain good water, at about three leagues distance,
-for the beverage, and other uses of the inhabitants. The
-source consists of several springs that are near to the village
-of Bellas, and their produce is conveyed to Lisbon by an
-Aqueduct, constructed of a kind of white marble, and finished
-in 1738. In some parts its course has been excavated
-through hills; but near to Lisbon it is carried over a
-deep valley, for a length of 2400 feet, by means of several
-bold arches, of which the largest has a height of about 250
-feet, by a breadth of 115. The arches being pointed have
-an interesting aspect, particularly when viewed from below,
-the interior of the spacious vaults being not only majestic in
-appearance, but reverberating every sound. The water flows
-through a stone tunnel, or covered arch-way, about 8 feet
-wide, formed in the middle of the structure; and on each side
-there is a foot-path, with a parapet wall, having a sufficient
-width for two persons to walk. The Aqueduct enters the
-town on its northern side, at a place called da Amoreira, where
-it branches into several others, in order to supply the different
-fountains, from which the inhabitants are supplied. Persons,
-denominated <i>gallegos</i>, obtain a subsistence by selling the
-water, which they procure at the fountains in small barrels,
-and afterwards cry it through the streets.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">37</span></p>
-
-<h3 id="toclink_37"><i>Aqueducts of Mexico and the adjacent States.</i></h3>
-
-<p>The people who, in remote times, inhabited the region of
-Mexico, were advanced in civilization and in the arts; they
-had regularly organized states and established forms of government,
-and their immense cities, their roads, Aqueducts
-and other public works, give evidence of the advanced state
-of the arts among them and their knowledge of the sciences.</p>
-
-<p>The location and great population of some of their cities
-required a familiar knowledge of hydraulic operations to
-supply them with water; and hence it would seem as if they
-had cultivated this department of the arts equally with others,
-for some of their Aqueducts were of a character that would
-have done honor to Greece or Rome. Nearly all the
-ancient cities of Mexico were supplied by them.</p>
-
-<p>“The city of <i>Mexico</i>, which was built on several islands
-near the shore of the lake, was connected to the main land
-by four great causeways or dikes, the remains of which still
-exist. One of these to the south, the same by which Cortez
-entered, was nearly two leagues long—another to the north
-about one league, and the third at the west somewhat less.
-The fourth supported the celebrated Aqueduct of Chapoltepec,
-by which water was conducted from springs, upon an
-insulated hill of that name, at the distance of from two to
-three miles.”</p>
-
-<p>The Aqueduct of Chapoltepec was the work of Montezuma,
-and also the vast stone reservoir connected with it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">38</span></p>
-
-<p>This Aqueduct consisted of two conduits formed of solid
-mason work—each five feet high and two paces broad—by
-which the water was introduced into the city for the supply
-of various fountains.</p>
-
-<p>Olid and Alvarado commenced the siege of Mexico by attempting
-to cut off this supply of water, an enterprise which
-the Mexicans endeavored to prevent. “There appeared on
-that side,” says De Solis, “two or three rows of pipes, made
-of trees hollowed, supported by an Aqueduct of lime and
-stone, and the enemy had cast up some trenches to cover
-the avenue to it. But the two captains marched out of Tacuba
-with most of their troops, and though they met with a
-very obstinate resistance, they drove the enemy from their
-post, and broke the pipes and Aqueduct in two or three
-places, and the water took its natural course into the
-lake.”</p>
-
-<p>Humboldt says, there are still to be perceived the remains
-of another Aqueduct, which conducted to the city the waters
-of the spring of Amilco, near Churubusco. This Aqueduct,
-as described by Cortez, consisted of two conduits composed
-of clay tempered with mortar, about two paces in breadth,
-and raised about six feet. In one of them was conveyed a
-stream of excellent water, as large as the body of a man,
-into the centre of the city. The other was empty, so that
-when it became necessary to clean or repair the former, the
-water might be turned into it; which was the case also with
-those of Chapoltepec, “of which one was always in use,
-whenever the other required cleaning.”</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">39</span></p>
-
-<p>The gardens of Montezuma were also adorned and
-nourished with streams and <i>fountains</i>, and appear to have
-rivalled those of Asiatic monarchs in splendour.</p>
-
-<p>The ruins of the city of <i>Tezcuco</i>, which with its suburbs
-was even larger than Mexico, and according to Torquemada,
-contained one hundred and forty thousand houses, still betoken
-an ancient place of great importance and magnificence.
-Without the walls, tumuli, the sepulchres of the former inhabitants,
-may yet be observed, and also the remains of a
-<i>fine Aqueduct</i> in a sufficient state of preservation for present
-use.</p>
-
-<p>Two miles from <i>Tezcuco</i>, the village of <i>Huexotla</i>, situated
-on the site of the ancient city of that name, which was
-considered as one of the suburbs of <i>Tezcuco</i>, exhibits signs
-of ancient civilization, in the foundations of large edifices,
-in <i>massive Aqueducts</i>, one of which, covered with rose-colored
-cement, still exists in a perfect state, and in an extensive
-wall of great height and thickness. A covered way
-flanked by parallel walls proceeds from the ancient city, to
-the bed of a stream now dry, over which there is a remarkable
-bridge, with a pointed arch 40 feet high, and supported
-on one side by a pyramidal mass of masonry.</p>
-
-<p><i>Tlascala</i> was furnished with abundance of baths and
-fountains, and <i>Zempoala</i>, like the city of <i>Tezcuco</i>, had
-every house supplied with water <i>by a pipe</i>.</p>
-
-<p><i>Iztaclapa</i>, which contained about ten thousand houses,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">40</span>
-had its Aqueduct that conveyed water from the neighboring
-mountains, and led it through a great number of well cultivated
-gardens.</p>
-
-<p>Among the ruins of the city of <i>Zacatecas</i>, are found the
-remains of an Aqueduct; and at <i>Palenque</i> is found an
-Aqueduct of stone, constructed with the greatest solidity.</p>
-
-<p>Among the hieroglyphical ornaments of the pyramid of
-<i>Xochicalco</i> are heads of crocodiles <i>spouting water</i>, and
-much proof may be found that the ancient Americans were
-acquainted with that property of liquids by which they find
-their level; and applied it not merely to fountains and <i>jets
-d’eau</i>, but to convey water through <i>pipes</i> to their dwellings.</p>
-
-<h3 id="toclink_40"><i>Aqueducts of South America.</i></h3>
-
-<p>The ancient inhabitants of Peru, Chili, and other parts of
-South America were undoubtedly a refined, civilized and
-agricultural people; they constructed extensive cities, roads,
-<i>Aqueducts</i>, &amp;c. Though they constructed many and extensive
-Aqueducts for the supply of towns and cities with water,
-yet the object of the greater part of the public works of this
-kind was for the encouragement of agriculture.</p>
-
-<p>“The Peruvians and some of the neighboring nations
-carried the cultivation of the soil to a higher stage of perfection
-than any of the American nations. In consequence
-of the narrow extent of land intervening between the mountains
-and the sea, the rivers in this region are usually of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">41</span>
-small size, and the soil, being arid and sandy, needs the aid
-of artificial irrigation. To such an extent did they carry
-their ingenious efforts, that the sides of the steepest mountains
-were converted into productive fields, by being encircled
-with terraces, supported by stone walls, and watered by
-<i>canals</i>.”</p>
-
-<p>“Upon the sides of some of the mountains,” observes Mr.
-Temple, “were the remains of walls built in regular stages
-round them, from their base to their summits, forming terraces
-on which, or between which, the Indians, in days of yore,
-cultivated their crops.”</p>
-
-<p>“Frezier says the Indians were very industrious in conveying
-the waters of the rivers through their fields and to
-their dwellings, and that there were still to be seen in many
-places Aqueducts formed of earth and stone, and carried
-along the sides of hills with great labor and ingenuity.”</p>
-
-<p>“I have had various opportunities,” says a recent traveller,
-“of closely examining one of these canals, which is formed
-at the source of the river Sana, on the right bank, and extends
-along a distance of fifteen leagues, without reckoning
-sinuosities, and which consequently supplied a vast population;
-particularly one city, whose ruins still remain in the
-vicinity of a farm now called Cojal.”</p>
-
-<p>“These Aqueducts were often of great magnitude, executed
-with much skill, patience and ingenuity, and were
-boldly carried along the most precipitous mountains, frequently<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">42</span>
-to the distance of fifteen or twenty leagues. Many
-of them consisted of two conduits, a short distance apart;
-the larger of these was for general use; the other and
-smaller, to supply the inhabitants and water the fields, while
-the first was cleansing; a circumstance in which they bear a
-striking resemblance to those of Mexico.”</p>
-
-<p>Molina, in his “Natural and Civil History of Chili,” observes,
-that previous to the invasion of the Spaniards, the
-natives practised artificial irrigation, by conveying water
-from the higher grounds in canals to their fields. Herrera
-says, many of the vales were exceedingly populous and well
-cultivated, “having trenches of water.”</p>
-
-<p>The Peruvians carried the system to a great extent.
-“How must we admire, (says Humboldt,) the industry and
-activity displayed by the ancient Mexicans and Peruvians in
-the irrigation of arid lands!</p>
-
-<p>“In the maritime parts of Peru, I have seen the remains of
-walls, along which water was conducted for a space of from
-5 to 6000 metres, from the foot of the Codilleras to the coast.
-The conquerors of the 16th century destroyed these Aqueducts,
-and that part of Peru has become, like Persia, a desert,
-destitute of vegetation. Such is the civilization carried
-by the Europeans among a people, whom they are pleased
-to call barbarous.” These people had laws for the protection
-of water, very similar to those of Greece, Rome, Egypt,
-and all the older nations; for those who conveyed water
-from the canals to their own land before their turn, were
-liable to arbitrary punishment.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">43</span></p>
-
-<p>Several of the ancient American customs respecting
-water, were identical with those of the oldest nations.</p>
-
-<p>They buried vessels of water with the dead. The Mexicans
-worshipped it. The Peruvians sacrificed to rivers and
-fountains. The Mexicans had <i>Tlaloc</i>, their god of water.
-Holy water was kept in their temples. They practised divinations
-by water. The Peruvians drew their drinking water
-from <i>Deep Wells</i>, and for irrigation in times of drought, they
-drew it from pools, and lakes, and rivers.</p>
-
-<p>There is reason to believe that Peru, Chili, and other parts
-of the southern continent, were inhabited by a refined, or
-partially refined people, centuries before the time of Manco
-Capac, the first Inca; and that a long period of barbarism
-had intervened, induced, perhaps, by revolutions similar to
-those which, in the old world, swept all the once celebrated
-nations of antiquity into oblivion. The ancient Peruvians
-had a tradition respecting the arrival of giants, who located
-themselves on the coast, and who <i>dug</i> wells of immense
-depth <i>through the solid rock</i>; which wells, as well as cisterns,
-still remain.</p>
-
-<p>There is much uncertainty respecting Manco Capac.
-Who he was, and from what country he came, are equally
-unknown. According to their <i>Quippus</i>, or historical cords,
-and the opinion of the Inca, who was uncle to Garcilasso,
-and who communicated to the latter all the knowledge of
-their ancestors then extant, he made his appearance in Peru
-about 400 years before the invasion of the Spaniards. It<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">44</span>
-is said he was whiter than the natives, and was clothed in
-flowing garments. Awed by his presence, they received
-him as a divinity, became subject to his laws, and practised
-the arts he introduced. He founded Cusco, and extended
-his influence to all the nations around. He taught them
-agriculture and many useful arts, especially that of irrigating
-land. His son succeeded him, and without violence
-greatly extended the limits of the kingdom; prevailing with
-the natives, it is said, by a peaceable and gentle manner,
-“to plough, and manure, and cultivate the soil.” His successors
-pursued the same mode, and with the same success.
-The fifth Inca, we are informed, constructed Aqueducts,
-bridges and roads in all the countries he subdued. When
-the sixth Inca acquired a new province, he ordered the
-lands to be “dressed and manured;” the fens to be drained,
-“for in that art (draining) they were excellent, as is apparent
-by their works, which remain to this day; and also
-they were (then) very ingenious in making <i>Aqueducts</i> for
-carrying water into dry and scorched lands, such as the
-greatest part of that country is; they always made contrivances
-and <i>inventions</i> to bring their water. These
-Aqueducts, though they were ruined after the Spaniards
-came in, yet several reliques and monuments of them remain
-unto this day.”</p>
-
-<p>The seventh Inca, <i>Viracocha</i>, constructed some water
-works, which, in their beneficial effects, perhaps equalled
-any similar undertakings in any other part of the world.
-“He made an Aqueduct 12 feet in depth, and 120 leagues
-in length; the source or head of it arose from certain<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">45</span>
-springs on the top of a high mountain between Parcu and
-Picuy, which was so plentiful that at the very head of the
-fountains they seemed to be rivers. This current of water
-had its course through all the country of the Rucanas, and
-served to water the pasturage of those uninhabited lands,
-which are about 18 leagues in breadth, <i>watering almost the
-whole country of Peru</i>.”</p>
-
-<p>There is <i>another</i> Aqueduct much like this, which
-traverses the whole province of <i>Cuntisuyu</i>, running above
-150 leagues from south to north. Its head or original is
-from the top of high mountains, the which waters falling
-into the plains of the Quechuas, greatly refresh their pasturage,
-when the heats of the summer and autumn have
-dried up the moisture of the earth.</p>
-
-<p>“There are many streams of like nature, which run
-through divers parts of the empire, which being conveyed
-by Aqueducts, at the charge and expense of the Incas, are
-works of grandeur and ostentation, and which recommend
-the magnificence of the Incas to all posterity; for these
-Aqueducts may well be compared to the miraculous fabrics
-which have been the works of mighty princes, who have left
-their prodigious monuments of ostentation to be admired by
-future ages; for, indeed, we ought to consider that these
-waters had their source and beginning from vast, high
-mountains, and were carried over craggy rocks and inaccessible
-passages; and to make these ways plain, they had no
-help of instruments forged of steel or iron, such as pickaxes
-or sledges, but served themselves only with one stone to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">46</span>
-break another. Nor were they acquainted with the invention
-of arches, to convey the water on the level from one
-precipice to the other, but traced round the mountain until
-they found ways and passages at the same height and level
-with the head of the springs.”</p>
-
-<p>“The cisterns or conservatories which they made for
-these waters, at the top of the mountain, were about 12 feet
-deep; the passage was broken through the rocks, and channels
-made of hewn stone, of about two yards long and about
-a yard high; which were cemented together, and rammed in
-with earth so hard, that no water would pass between, to
-weaken or vent itself by the holes of the channel.</p>
-
-<p>“The current of water which passes through all the division
-of Cuntisuyu I have seen in the province of Quechua, which
-is part of that division, and considered it an extraordinary
-work, and indeed surpassing the description and report
-which hath been made of it. But the Spaniards who were
-aliens and strangers, little regarded the convenience of these
-works, either to serve themselves in the use of them, or to
-keep them in repair, nor yet to take so much notice of them
-as to mention them in their histories, but rather out of a
-scornful and disdaining humor, have suffered them to run
-into ruin, beyond all recovery. The same fate hath befallen
-the <i>Aqueducts</i> which the Indians made for watering their
-corn lands, of which two thirds at least are wholly destroyed,
-and none kept in repair, unless some few which are so useful
-that without them they cannot sustain themselves with bread,
-nor with the necessary provisions of life. All which works<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">47</span>
-are not so totally destroyed but that there still remain some
-ruins and appearances of them.”</p>
-
-<p>In describing the temple and gardens at Cusco. Garcilasso
-observes, “there were five fountains of water, which
-ran from divers places through pipes of gold. The cisterns
-were some of stone, and others of gold and silver in which
-they washed their sacrifices, as the solemnity of the festival
-required.”</p>
-
-<div id="toclink_47" class="chapter">
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="Fountains"><span class="smcap">Fountains.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<p>Artificial fountains and <i>jets d’eau</i> are of extreme antiquity;
-they have been used for beautifying public grounds
-of cities, and have served the purpose of moderating the
-temperature of the air; in these cases the water has been in
-some instances perfumed.</p>
-
-<p>“From excavations made at Pompeii it appears that in
-almost every street there was a fountain, and that bronze
-statues, through which the water issued were common,—several
-have been found,—four or five are boys of beautiful
-workmanship; the fluid issued from vases resting on their
-shoulders, or held under their arms, and in some cases from
-masks. Paintings of elegant fountains, from which the
-water issued in perpendicular jets, have also been discovered
-both at Herculaneum and Pompeii.”</p>
-
-<p>“In the middle of the square of the Coliseum, is a pretty
-remarkable piece of antiquity, (says Blainville,) though very<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">48</span>
-little minded by most people. Here stood anciently, a beautiful
-fountain, adorned with the finest marbles and columns;
-and on the top was a bronze statue of Jupiter, from which
-issued great plenty of water, as may be seen on the reverse
-of one of Titus’ medals. This fountain was of great use
-both to the spectators and the gladiators in the amphitheatre
-to refresh themselves. Pope Alexander VII. caused it to be
-repaired, but since his time it has been entirely neglected.”</p>
-
-<p>“During hot weather, Augustus the Roman Emperor
-slept (observes Sentonius) with his chamber doors open,
-‘and frequently in a portico with waters playing around
-him.’”</p>
-
-<p>The garden water-works of the Duke of Devonshire at
-Chatsworth are probably the finest in England; being ornamented
-by many fanciful devices and from a jet of six inches
-diameter the water rises perpendicularly to the height of
-90 feet.</p>
-
-<p>The most remarkable fountain or <i>jet d’eau</i> in the world, is
-at Cassal in Germany, where the water rises from an orifice
-of 12 inches diameter to a perpendicular height of 250 feet.
-The source from which it is supplied is at the top of a
-mountain near by, being about 500 feet above the level of
-the town. The surplus water not used for the supply of the
-fountain flows down the mountain-side forming a beautiful
-cascade.</p>
-
-<p>The cities of Europe abound in fountains which in their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">49</span>
-arrangement furnish beautiful designs and are ornamented
-with specimens of workmanship displaying much skill and
-refinement of taste: a minute description of them would,
-however, occupy too much space, and since we have had
-our attention drawn (on the subject of Aqueducts) more particularly
-to the works of the Romans, we will revert to the</p>
-
-<h3><i>Fountains of Rome.</i></h3>
-
-<p>“If during the most distinguished eras of the Roman
-state, the Aqueducts conduced to the luxurious enjoyments
-of the wealthy and powerful, yet in modern times, the residents
-of Rome have also found them particularly advantageous,
-by their furnishing occasions for the cultivation of
-those elegant arts, which, in a peculiar manner, call forth
-the energies of genius, and the exercise of refined taste, in
-realizing and decorating her productions. Qualities of this
-kind appear conspicuous in several of the numerous fountains
-which adorn that celebrated city; and the most intellectual
-and accomplished professors of sculpture and architecture,
-have happily united beauty and grandeur in the construction
-of many such admirable edifices. These structures
-are also characterized by great diversity of design, as
-well as skilful execution; hence, a concise description of
-several of them may be interesting.”</p>
-
-<p>“The largest structure of this kind in Rome, is that denominated
-the <i>Pauline</i> Fountain, which was built by order
-of Pope Paul V., with the materials of Nerva’s Forum.
-This spacious edifice is situate on the highest part of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">50</span>
-Janiculum hill, and Dominica Fontana, and Carlo Mederno,
-furnished the designs for its construction. The front is
-adorned with six Ionic columns of red granite, on which an
-attic has a tablet containing an inscription with the pontiff’s
-arms placed above it. Between the columns the spaces are
-open, and from these arcades the currents of water flow with
-a loud noise, and in great abundance. The apertures on the
-sides are smaller than the others, and in each of those is
-placed a dragon spouting water into the spacious magnificent
-marble basin below. This fountain is furnished with
-water by the Aqueduct called <i>Aqua Paolo</i>; and it runs
-from the basin, in a very large stream into several canals,
-whence it is employed to work various corn, paper, and
-other mills, as well as to supply fountains and fish-ponds in
-the gardens and palaces of the opulent.”</p>
-
-<p>“Near to the baths of Dioclesian, and in the square of
-the <i>Termini</i>, stands the fountain of the <i>Aqua Felice</i>. The
-edifice is not only elegant but fanciful, and it has three arcades
-ornamented with four Ionic columns of granite. The
-middle arcade has a colossal statue of Moses, causing the
-water to issue from the rock; and at the sides are two basso
-relievos, one representing Aaron leading the Israelites to the
-miraculous spring, and the other Gideon selecting the soldiers
-to enlarge the passage for the water, which flows in
-great abundance through three apertures into marble basins.
-The sides are adorned by four marble lions, with the water
-issuing from their mouths: two of these are formed of white
-Grecian marble, and the other two of black granite. The
-latter are Egyptian workmanship, and covered with hieroglyphics.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">51</span>
-This noble fountain was erected from a design of
-Cav. Fontana; by the order of Pope Sixtus V., and its supply
-of water is obtained twenty-two miles from the city.”</p>
-
-<p>“Another of these fine structures is that called the <i>Fountain
-of Trevi</i>, in which boldness of design, and elegance of
-architecture are admirably united. The erection of this
-very magnificent edifice commenced during the pontificate
-of Clement XII., who repaired the Aqueducts. Niccolo
-Salvi designed the grand front, but the work was completed
-under Clement XIII., who decorated it with statues, basso
-relievos in marble, and different columns of the Corinthian,
-Ionic, and Composite orders. In the centre is a statue representing
-Oceanus, standing in a car, drawn by two large
-sea-horses, guided by Tritons. One of the horses appears
-furious and impatient, whilst, on the contrary, the other is
-exhibited as calm and placid, so that both are symbolical of
-the tempestuous or tranquil state of the sea.</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
-<div class="poetry">
- <div class="stanza">
- <div class="verse indentsq">‘Bounding to light, as if from ocean’s cave,</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">The struggling sea-horse paws the lucid wave,</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">While health and plenty smile, and Neptune’s form</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">Majestic sways the trident of the storm.’</div>
- </div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p>“A statue, designating Abundance, is placed at the right
-of Oceanus, and on the left another emblematical of Health.
-The basso relievo, which adorns the right side, portrays the
-Emperor Trajan, contemplating a plan of the fountain; and
-that on the left exhibits a girl showing to some soldiers, the
-spring that supplies it with water. Various other sculptures
-decorate this superb edifice; and at the top of the principal<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">52</span>
-front are two figures of Fame, supporting the arms of the
-Pope. Its supply of water is furnished by the Aqua Virgini,
-and it flows in very large streams from three arcades.
-The cost of constructing this splendid and useful fountain
-was great; but it ranks among the most interesting objects
-conspicuously embellishing the city of Rome.”</p>
-
-<p>“The <i>Piazza Novana</i> has a very noble fountain standing
-in its centre. It is composed of a large circular marble
-basin 79 feet in diameter, in the middle of which is placed a
-rock of square form with apertures at the sides. The figure
-of a lion adorns one side, and that of a sea-horse another.
-From the base to the top of the rock, the height is about
-14 feet; and on its summit stands an Egyptian obelisk
-formed of red granite, 55 feet in height, and covered with
-hieroglyphics. At the four sides of the rock are colossal
-marble statues, which designate the four great rivers in different
-quarters of the world: viz. the Danube, the Nile, the
-Ganges, and the Plata: and from these statues the water
-flows in copious streams to the spacious basin below.</p>
-
-<div class="poetry-container">
-<div class="poetry">
- <div class="stanza">
- <div class="verse indentsq">‘The Nile and Ganges from the silver tide:</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">La Plata too, and Danube’s streams unite</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">Their liquid treasures, copious, clear and bright.’</div>
- </div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<p>“During the summer, it is the custom occasionally to permit
-the water to overflow the whole square, for the entertainment
-of the people; and on midsummer’s eve persons
-amuse themselves by wading and driving through the flood.
-This practice has sometimes been attended with fatal accidents,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">53</span>
-and not only men but horses have actually been
-drowned in the attempts to pass it in carriages.</p>
-
-<p>“In the month of August the area of the square is likewise
-filled with water for the purpose of amusement.</p>
-
-<p>“The same square likewise contains two other fountains,
-one of which consists of a capacious marble basin, having
-at its centre a Triton holding a dolphin by the tail; and on
-the margin of the basin are four heads with the same number
-of Tritons that spout the water from their mouths. The
-other fountain has not any remarkable characteristics to
-entitle it to peculiar attention.”</p>
-
-<p>“Where formerly stood the circus of Flora is now the
-site of the Piazza Barberinni, which has two fountains to
-embellish it:—one of them being composed of four dolphins
-supporting a large open shell, with a Triton in the middle
-ejecting water to a great height. The other is fanciful,
-being also formed of an open shell, from which three bees
-throw out the water.”</p>
-
-<p>“In the vicinity of the Temple of Vesta stands a handsome
-fountain, having a capacious basin, in which some
-Tritons support a large marble shell. From the centre of
-the latter, the water spouts to a considerable height, and
-then descending flows over its margin into the basin beneath.
-Some fine fountains adorn the magnificent colonnade in
-front of the Cathedral of St. Peter. The <i>Piazza di Spagna</i><span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">54</span>
-has likewise for its embellishment, a fountain in the form of
-an antique boat. Besides the structures described above,
-there is a great number of other fountains which evince
-much diversity of taste and ingenuity in their contrivance.
-But at the different villas of the opulent, the abundance of
-water is rendered subservient to amusing as well as useful
-purposes, and several of them are rather singular. The
-description of one will convey some notion of what is
-common to many of them.</p>
-
-<p>“The delightful promenades, groves, and gardens belonging
-to the Doria family, are interspersed with fountains of
-various forms; besides having a beautiful lake with waterfalls.
-Statues, antique basso relievos, and small fountains,
-adorn a kind of amphitheatre, where a circular edifice contains
-the marble figure of a fawn holding a flute, on which
-it seems to play different airs: the music, however, is produced
-by a machine resembling an organ in its construction,
-and motion being given to it by the flowing of the water
-from a cascade.”</p>
-
-<p>“Perhaps the few instances recited above will suffice to
-demonstrate the different modes employed at Rome, for
-calling into exercise genius, fancy, and taste, to diversify the
-public edifices concerned with its abundant supply of water;
-thus rendering them subservient to magnificence, entertainment,
-and utility. Whilst John Dyer resided there, he
-viewed these celebrated fountains with the mingled feelings
-of the painter and the poet; hence, associating them with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">55</span>
-other interesting circumstances, they furnished the materials
-for one of his most striking and pathetic delineations.</p>
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">57</span></p>
-<div class="poetry-container">
-<div class="poetry">
- <div class="stanza">
- <div class="verse indent20">‘The pilgrim oft,</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">At dead of night, ’mid his oraison hears</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">Aghast the voice of Time, disparting towers,</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">Tumbling all precipitate, down-dashed,</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">Rattling around, loud thundering to the moon;</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">While murmurs sooth each awful interval</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">Of ever-falling waters; shrouded Nile,</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">Eridanus, and Tiber with his twins,</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">And palmy Euphrates; they with dropping locks</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">Hang o’er their urns, and mournfully among</div>
- <div class="verse indent0">The plantive echoing ruins, pour their streams.’”</div>
- </div>
- <div class="attrib"><i>Ruins of Rome.</i></div>
-</div>
-</div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<div id="toclink_57" class="chapter">
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">56</span></p>
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="HISTORY"><span class="gesperrt">HISTORY</span><br />
-<span class="small">OF THE</span><br />
-<span class="larger">PROGRESSIVE MEASURES FOR SUPPLYING</span><br />
-<span class="small">THE</span><br />
-<span class="smaller">CITY OF NEW-YORK WITH WATER.</span></h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">As</span> early as 1774, when the population of the city of
-New-York was only <i>twenty-two thousand</i>, the Corporation
-commenced the construction of a reservoir and other works
-for supplying water; and for the purpose of defraying the
-expense of the undertaking, issued a paper money, amounting
-to <i>two thousand five hundred pounds</i>, under the denomination
-of “<i>Water Works Money</i>,” and bonds were executed
-in favor of certain individuals for land and materials
-to the amount of <i>eight thousand eight hundred and fifty
-pounds</i> more.</p>
-
-<p>A spacious reservoir was constructed on the east line of
-Broadway, between, what is now known as Pearl and
-White streets, and a well of large dimensions was sunk in
-the vicinity of the Collect. The war of the revolution,
-which commenced in 1775, and the consequent occupation
-of the city of New-York by the British troops, was the
-cause of the abandonment of the work in its unfinished state.</p>
-
-<p>In the year 1798, Doctor Joseph Brown addressed a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">58</span>
-communication to the Common Council, strongly recommending
-the Bronx River as a source from which to obtain
-a supply of good water for the use of the citizens. This
-recommendation induced the Common Council to employ
-William Weston, Esquire, a Civil Engineer, to examine the
-subject, and he reported on the 16th of March, 1799, in
-favor of the practicability of introducing the water of the
-Bronx into the city. Neither of these gentlemen had used
-levels or made any survey of the country over which the
-water should be brought, nor was there any measurement
-obtained of the flow of the stream; consequently, their
-opinion was only founded on personal view, gained by
-walking over the ground.</p>
-
-<p>In April, 1799, the <i>Manhattan Company</i> was incorporated
-by an act of the Legislature, and the object of this
-Company was declared to be, to supply the city with pure
-and wholesome water; but instead of looking for a supply
-from foreign sources, they resorted to the plan of furnishing
-the water from wells which they sunk within the city limits.
-Besides these wells of the Manhattan Company there were
-others subsequently sunk by the Corporation of the city, as
-well as by individual enterprise. Some of these wells were
-of great depth and capacity, having, in some instances,
-horizontal excavations at a considerable depth below the
-surface, branching off from the main shaft. Efforts of this
-kind, however, proved unsatisfactory, and much solicitude
-was felt by the citizens on account of the scarcity of <i>pure</i>
-water.</p>
-
-<p>On the 17th of March, 1822, the Mayor among other
-measures suggested by him to the Common Council, brought<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">59</span>
-to their consideration, the important question of supplying
-the city with pure and wholesome water, and requested its
-reference to a Committee, which was accordingly done.
-The Committee, of which the Mayor was one, proceeded
-to the principal source of the Bronx River, in the county
-of Westchester, known as the Rye Pond. They spent
-two days, the 20th and 21st of March, in exploring the
-country adjacent to the River and Sound, and at a meeting
-of the Common Council, on the first of April, the Mayor, as
-Chairman of the Committee, made a report of their observations,
-and recommended an appropriation, with authority to
-employ a competent engineer to survey and profile the
-whole line between the city and the main source of the
-river Bronx, and to ascertain the quantity of water it would
-afford, and an estimate of the probable cost of completing
-the project of supplying the city with good and wholesome
-water from the aforesaid source. The recommendation
-was concurred in, and the Mayor employed Canvas White,
-Esquire, a Civil Engineer, to make the said survey and
-estimate.</p>
-
-<p>The yellow fever prevailed in the city during the summer
-of 1822, and shortly after the termination of the epidemic,
-on the 25th of November, the Mayor, in a communication
-to the Common Council, on subjects relative to the preservation
-of the public health, stated that a very important
-subject connected with the health of the city, was a sufficient
-supply of good water; and that on this subject all had been
-done that it was practicable, under existing circumstances,
-to perform; that arrangements had been made with Mr.
-White, a Civil Engineer of repute, to examine the several<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">60</span>
-sources from which a supply was likely to be obtained, and
-to furnish correct surveys and profiles of the heights and
-depressions of the country through which the water must be
-conveyed, and that he had been requested to report as soon
-as it was practicable.</p>
-
-<p>In 1823, the Sharon Canal Company was chartered by
-the State, and among its duties was that of supplying the
-city of New-York with pure and wholesome water. The
-work was not, however, undertaken.</p>
-
-<p>In January, 1824, Mr. White made his report, which he
-prefaced as follows:—“That he had the honor of receiving
-a request from Stephen Allen, late Mayor, to make an
-examination and estimate of the expense of furnishing the
-city with a copious supply of good and wholesome water.
-Agreeably to that request, I have made the necessary
-surveys, levels and examinations to ascertain the practicability
-of the project,” &amp;c. &amp;c. At the same date, Benjamin
-Wright, Esq., reported to the Common Council on the
-same subject, which he prefaces as follows:—“In obedience
-to a request of your honorable body, communicated to me
-by Stephen Allen, Esq., late Mayor, in November last, desiring
-me to assist Canvas White, Esq., with my advice and
-counsel, as to the best method of supplying the city of
-New-York with plenty of good water, I beg leave to make
-the following report,” &amp;c.</p>
-
-<p>Mr. White reported in favor of bringing the water of the
-Bronx to the city; taking it from the River at the Westchester
-Cotton Factory pond. The natural flow of the
-River at this place, he stated to be 3,000,000 of gallons per
-day, in the driest season, and he proposed by artificial<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">61</span>
-works at the upper Rye pond, and by lowering the outlet of
-this pond, to obtain 3,600,000 gallons more per day; thus
-furnishing a daily supply of 6,600,000 gallons. The cost of
-bringing the water to a reservoir near the Park, was estimated
-at $1,949,542. Mr. Wright concurred with him in
-this opinion.</p>
-
-<p>In 1825 a company was incorporated by the Legislature,
-and called the “<i>New-York Water Works Company</i>,” with
-authority to supply the city with pure water. Canvas White,
-Esq., was appointed Engineer to this Company, and in his
-report to the Directors, he recommended taking the waters
-of the Bronx at Underhill’s bridge; estimated that 9,100,000
-gallons of water could be delivered in the city daily, and
-that the expense would not exceed $1,450,000.</p>
-
-<p>The charter of this company proved so defective in practice,
-that they were unable to proceed under it, and they
-accordingly applied to the Legislature in 1826 for an
-amendment, authorizing the company to take such of the
-waters, land and materials, by appraisement of indifferent
-persons, as might be required for the work. In this application,
-however, they were defeated, by the opposition of
-the Sharon Canal Company, who claimed, under their
-charter, all the water on the route of their canal. The
-Water Works Company was accordingly dissolved in 1827.</p>
-
-<p>In 1831, the Common Council of the city, impelled by a
-sense of the importance of a supply of pure and wholesome
-water, began to take more decided steps towards the accomplishment
-of the object: a Committee of the Board of
-Aldermen on Fire and Water, consisting of James Palmer,
-Samuel Stevens and William Scott, to whom were referred<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">62</span>
-various communications and resolutions on the subject of
-supplying the city with water, presented a report adducing
-facts and arguments sufficient to prove the practicability of
-the project and the ability of the Corporation to meet the
-expense; and prefaced that report as follows:—“That they
-approach the subject as one of vast magnitude and importance
-to an already numerous and dense population, requiring
-our municipal authorities no longer to satisfy themselves
-with speeches, reports and surveys, but actually to
-raise the <i>means</i> and strike the spade into the ground, as a
-commencement of this all important undertaking.”<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">2</a></p>
-
-<p>Their attention was drawn, at that time, to the Bronx
-River, with the ponds at its head, as the source for supply;
-but appended to their report is a letter directed to the
-Corporation and signed Cyrus Swan, “who is President of
-the New-York and Sharon Canal Company,” in which it is
-asserted, “it has been ascertained that <i>that</i> River (the
-Croton) can be carried into the city of New-York, and
-that without it, a supply which shall be adequate to the
-present and future wants of the city cannot be obtained.</p>
-
-<p>This Committee drafted an <i>Act</i> for the Legislature to
-pass, which was approved by the Common Council, and
-presented to the Legislature in the session of 1832, but
-failed in becoming a law. That <i>Act</i> provided for the
-appointment of a Board of Commissioners of three persons,
-by the Common Council, to superintend the execution of
-the plan and make contracts for introducing water into
-the city of New-York.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">63</span></p>
-
-<p>In November, 1832, a report was made by Timothy
-Dewey and William Serrell to Benjamin Wright, Esq.
-They had examined the sources of the Bronx River and
-other streams, and the practicability of introducing the water
-of the Croton by connecting it with the Sawmill and Bronx
-Rivers;—they did not consider it possible to bring the Croton
-water to mingle with those of the aforesaid rivers without
-the aid of expensive machinery, from the great height it
-would be necessary to elevate the water. They finally
-recommended the Bronx as a sufficient source, with some
-artificial reservoirs, to answer all the city purposes.</p>
-
-<p>The frightful ravages of the cholera, during the summer
-of 1832, gave to the subject of <i>a supply of pure water</i> a
-deeper interest, and the minds of the citizens were again
-aroused to the importance of it. The Committee of the
-Board of Aldermen, on “Fire and Water,” James Palmer,
-chairman, pursued the subject with energy; exhibiting on
-all occasions perseverance and industry in their researches.</p>
-
-<p>Myndert Van Schaick, Esq., being a member of the Board
-of Aldermen at that time, was familiar with the question of
-a supply of pure and wholesome water, and holding the
-situation of Treasurer of the Board of Health, became
-deeply interested in the measure, and urged it as a matter
-of the deepest importance to the permanence, welfare and
-financial interests of the city, that every method should be
-taken to investigate and probe the subject which cautious
-men could adopt, and his efforts in the subsequent measures
-and provisions of law in relation to it are of the same
-character.</p>
-
-<p>In December, 1832, De Witt Clinton, Esq., of the United<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">64</span>
-States Corps of Engineers, made a report pursuant to a
-request of the Committee on Fire and Water, in which,
-after stating the substance of the several reports in favor of
-the Bronx as the source of supply, he arrives at the conclusion,
-that an adequate supply can only be obtained from the
-Croton River.</p>
-
-<p>He proposed to take the waters of the Croton at Pine’s
-bridge, which he stated to be 183 feet above the level of the
-Hudson; to conduct the water in an open Aqueduct, following
-the line of the Croton and Hudson Rivers, and cross
-Harlem River on an arch of 138 feet in height, and 1,000
-feet in length. The whole cost he estimated at $2,500,000.</p>
-
-<p>It does not appear, however, that any levels were run, or
-survey made by Mr. Clinton, of the route he recommended;
-but, that he depended on the information of others, together
-with his personal observation, for the subject matter of his
-report.</p>
-
-<p>In a report made to the Board of Aldermen in January,
-1833, it was suggested that the failure of the law asked for
-the year previous, was in consequence of a want of sufficient
-information to warrant the opinion of the feasibility of
-the project, and it recommended that immediate application
-should be made to the Legislature, asking for the appointment
-of a Board of Commissioners, with full powers to
-examine all the plans proposed, to cause surveys, and to
-estimate the probable expense of supplying the city of
-New-York with water.</p>
-
-<p>The Committee recommended that the Commissioners
-should be appointed by the Governor and Senate, and that
-their number should consist of five, “inasmuch as the object<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">65</span>
-of their appointment is to settle conclusively the plan to be
-adopted, and the amount requisite for its performance.”
-This report was concurred in by the Board of Assistants,
-and approved of by the Mayor, January 17th, 1833.</p>
-
-<p>In compliance with the request of the Common Council
-the Legislature of the State, on the 26th of February, 1833,
-passed an Act,<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">3</a> providing for the appointment by the Governor
-and Senate, of five persons, as Water Commissioners,
-whose duty it was by said Act declared to be “to examine
-and consider all matters relative to supplying the city of
-New-York with a sufficient quantity of pure and wholesome
-water for the use of its inhabitants, and the amount of money
-necessary to effect that object.”</p>
-
-<p>In pursuance of this law, the Governor and Senate appointed
-the Board of Water Commissioners, consisting of the
-following named gentlemen:—Stephen Allen, William W.
-Fox, Saul Alley, Charles Dusenberry and Benjamin M.
-Brown. They were directed to make their report to the
-Legislature, by the second Monday of January, 1834, and
-to present a <i>copy</i> thereof to the Common Council of the
-City of New-York on or before the first day of November,
-1833.</p>
-
-<p>The Commissioners proceeded in the discharge of their
-duties, employed as Engineers Canvas White, Esquire, and
-Major D. B. Douglass, of the United States Corps of Engineers,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">66</span>
-and made all necessary examinations so as to
-determine, whether a sufficient quantity of pure and wholesome
-water could be obtained for present and future purposes,
-whether its introduction into the city would be
-practicable at an elevation precluding the use of machinery,
-and also what would be the probable cost of completing the
-projected work. Their report satisfied the Legislature that
-a supply of pure and wholesome water was of great
-importance to the city—that its introduction was feasible,
-and that the expense was within the financial ability of the
-citizens. Accordingly an Act<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">4</a> was passed by the Legislature,
-on the 2d of May, 1834, which provided for the appointment
-of five Water Commissioners by the Governor and
-Senate, and they were required “to examine and consider
-all matters relative to supplying the city of New-York with
-a sufficient quantity of pure and wholesome water; to adopt
-such plan as in their opinion will be most advantageous for
-securing such supply, and to report a full statement and
-description of the plan adopted by them; to ascertain, as
-near as may be, what amount of money may be necessary
-to carry the same into effect; to report an estimate of the
-probable amount of revenue that will accrue to the city,
-upon the completion of the work, and the reasons and
-calculations upon which their opinion and estimates may be
-founded; such report to be made and presented to the
-Common Council of the city on or before the first day of
-January, 1836.”</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">67</span></p>
-
-<p>It was further provided, that “in case the plan adopted by
-the Commissioners shall be approved by the Common Council,
-they shall submit it to the electors to express their assent
-or refusal to allow the Common Council, to instruct the
-Commissioners to proceed in the work.”</p>
-
-<p>The Commissioners who were appointed in 1833, were
-re-appointed under the Act of the 2d of May, 1834. They
-immediately entered upon the duties of their office, thoroughly
-re-examined their former work, and decided that the Croton
-River was the only source that would furnish an adequate
-supply of water for present and future purposes. In making
-these examinations they employed, as Engineers, David B.
-Douglass, John Martineau and George W. Cartwright,
-Esquires. Various plans were proposed for conveying the
-water to the city, and estimates made of the cost of the work
-constructed by either of these plans, but the one recommended
-by the Commissioners, and that for which a preference
-was expressed by the Engineers, Messrs. Martineau
-and Douglass, was a closed Aqueduct of masonry. These
-gentlemen each made an estimate of the cost of bringing
-the water of the Croton River to the city of New-York by
-a closed Aqueduct of masonry, and the Water Commissioners
-offered, as the true cost of the work, an average of the
-two estimates. The cost of the work, as estimated for this
-plan and presented by the Water Commissioners, (including
-the cost of the city mains and conduits,) was $5,412,336.72.</p>
-
-<p>The report of the Water Commissioners was referred to
-a Committee, who reported to the Common Council, on the
-4th of March, 1835, two resolutions, the first approving the
-plan adopted by the Commissioners as described in their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">68</span>
-report; and the second referring the subject to the electors
-at the ensuing annual election, as required by the Act of
-May 2d, 1834. These resolutions were adopted by the
-Common Council, and at the election in April, 1835, the
-subject having been duly submitted to the electors of the
-city and county of New-York, a majority of the voters were
-found to be in favor of the measure. On the 7th of May
-following, the Common Council “instructed the Commissioners
-to proceed with the work.”</p>
-
-<p>Thus authorized, the Commissioners immediately commenced
-the preparatory measures for the construction of the
-work. David B. Douglass was employed as Chief Engineer;
-he proceeded in the location of the line for the Aqueduct
-and in preparing plans, until October, 1836, when he was
-succeeded by John B. Jervis, who continued at the head of
-that department during the construction of the Aqueduct.</p>
-
-<p>The construction of the work was commenced in May
-1837; and on the 22d June, 1842, the Aqueduct received
-the water from the Fountain Reservoir on the Croton:—on
-the 27th of June, the water having been permitted to traverse
-the entire length of the Aqueduct, entered the Receiving
-Reservoir at the city of New-York, and was admitted into
-the Distributing Reservoir on the 4th of July.</p>
-
-<p>The Commissioners who were appointed in 1833, and re-appointed
-in 1834, continued in the performance of their
-duties until 1837—in March, of which year Thomas T.
-Woodruff was appointed in the place of Benjamin M. Brown,
-who resigned his office, and the Board of Commissioners
-thus constituted, continued until March, 1840, when they
-were succeeded by Samuel Stevens, John D. Ward, Zebedee<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">69</span>
-Ring, Benjamin Birdsall and Samuel R. Childs. This
-Board of Commissioners remained in office until February,
-1843, when they were succeeded by the gentlemen who
-composed the former Board.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<div id="toclink_69" class="chapter">
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="OF_PLANS_PROPOSED_FOR_FURNISHING_THE_CITY_WITH">OF PLANS PROPOSED FOR FURNISHING THE CITY WITH
-WATER, AND OF THE PLAN ADOPTED.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p>In the course of examinations which were made to determine
-sources whence water could be obtained, questions of
-deep importance presented themselves in regard to the
-source to be relied upon for a supply, also in reference to
-the plan which should be adopted for conducting the water
-to the city.</p>
-
-<p>It was of so much importance to the city that the supply
-should be such as not only to answer the present purposes,
-but be adequate to the future increased demands, and that
-the quality of the water should be unquestionable, that it
-became necessary to extend the examinations over every
-watered district in the vicinity, in order to judge of the
-comparative merits of different sources. The Engineers
-who were employed, traversed the country, gauged the
-streams, reported their supply, the quality of the water, and
-plans which might be adopted for conveying it to the city.
-It was a field for the exercise of the talent and research of
-the Engineer: in resorting to a distant stream for a supply,
-any plan which he might propose for conveying the water,
-would encounter obstacles requiring skill and ingenuity to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">70</span>
-overcome. He would find it necessary to build up the valleys,
-pierce through the hills, and span the waters of the
-arms of the sea which embrace the city and make it an
-island. Structures would be required, which, in their design,
-would find no parallel among the public works of this
-country, and in forming plans for them he might study with
-advantage, the works constructed for similar purposes by
-the Ancient Romans.</p>
-
-<p>The examinations embraced all the sources from which a
-supply of water might be obtained in the neighboring counties
-of Westchester and Putnam; giving a comparison of
-the different streams in regard to their elevation, their capacity,
-and the quality of the water. It was decided that the
-Croton River would supply a sufficient quantity of water at
-all seasons of the year; at an elevation precluding the use
-of steam or any other extraneous power, and that the quality
-of the water was unexceptionable. Other streams were
-found which would furnish water equally pure, but too
-limited in quantity at certain seasons of the year, and not at
-a sufficient elevation.</p>
-
-<p>In addition to the information furnished by the Engineers
-employed, the Water Commissioners received communications
-from other sources suggesting plans for supplying the
-city with water.</p>
-
-<p>It was suggested that water might be obtained from the
-Passaic Falls, at a distance of about eighteen miles from
-the city, in New-Jersey. The objections to this project
-were, that it would be going into another state, that an
-Aqueduct bridge over the Hudson River would obstruct
-its navigation, and iron pipes laid across the bed of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">71</span>
-river would be exposed to injury from the anchors of the
-shipping. Another plan was proposed which contemplated
-a permanent dam across the Hudson River extending from
-the city to the Jersey shore. This dam was proposed to
-be built about 2 feet above the level of high tide, thereby
-keeping all the salt water below; and above the dam would
-be the fresh water for supplying the city, which must be
-pumped up into a reservoir by means of water-wheels, which
-would be operated by the overfall of water when the tide
-was low, but when the tide was up within 2 feet of the top
-of the dam there would not be sufficient fall to propel the
-wheels. Locks were to be inserted in the dam, of a sufficient
-number to accommodate the vessels on the river. The
-river, at the place where it was proposed to locate the dam,
-is over a mile in width, and in the channel the depth below
-the surface to proper foundation for such a structure, would
-probably be 50 feet. The difference of tides is about 5 feet,
-which added to the height of dam above high tides, would
-give 7 feet of the top of the dam exposed to the pressure
-of the water on the up stream side when the tide is low.</p>
-
-<p>It was suggested that the hydraulic power here obtained,
-could be used for manufacturing purposes, except that portion
-of it which would be required for elevating the water to
-the reservoir. This plan of supplying the city with water
-was objected to, because it could not be accomplished except
-by an Act of the Legislature of New-Jersey as well as
-that of New-York, and it was also questionable whether such
-obstructions could be placed in navigable rivers without interfering
-with the powers of Congress to regulate the commerce
-of the nation. It was feared that in locking vessels<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">72</span>
-through, the salt water would become mingled with the fresh
-above the dam where a supply would be taken for the city,
-to such a degree, that it would render it unfit for domestic
-use. The quantity of land that would be overflowed by the
-water set back by the dam, presented another objection.
-The space of time that the tide would be sufficiently low to
-allow the wheels to work in pumping water into the reservoir,
-would be entirely too short to insure a supply. This
-objection was offered by Frederick Graff, Esq., the superintendent
-of the Philadelphia Water Works, who stated that
-although the dam on the Schuylkill River is raised 6 feet 6
-inches above the highest tides, the delay in pumping, occasioned
-by the tides, averages seven hours out of the twenty-four;
-and in full moon tides, from eight to nine hours.</p>
-
-<p>The projector of this plan set forth many advantages
-which he thought would arise from the construction of the
-dam, but the obstruction to the navigation of the river, the
-destruction of the shad fishery, and various objections besides
-those already mentioned, induced the Water Commissioners
-to reject the idea of building a dam across the
-Hudson.</p>
-
-<p>We have now gone over most of the preliminary steps
-which were taken before deciding upon the source for a
-supply of water.—Having fixed upon the Croton River as
-a stream possessing the requisite advantages for a supply,
-questions naturally arose as to the manner in which it should
-be conveyed to the city. The distance being about forty
-miles, over a country extremely broken and uneven, and
-following a direction, for a portion of this distance, parallel
-with the Hudson River, encountering the streams which<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">73</span>
-empty into it and form deep valleys in their courses. It will
-be interesting to notice the different plans which were
-suggested for forming a channel-way to conduct the water.
-The following modes were presented:—a plain channel
-formed of earth, like the ordinary construction of a canal
-feeder:—an open channel, protected against the action of the
-current by masonry:—an arched culvert or conduit, composed
-essentially of masonry; and iron pipes. In deciding
-which of these modes should be adopted, it was necessary
-to make a comparison among them as to their efficiency
-for conducting the water in purity, and in the quantity
-required, their permanency as structures, and their cost.</p>
-
-<p>The disadvantages attendant upon an open canal were,
-that by filtration through the banks there would be a heavy
-loss of water;—the difficulty of preserving the water from
-receiving the wash of the country, and preventing injurious
-matter from being thrown into it and rendering it impure,
-and the impurities which might be contracted by passing
-through different earths. Evaporation would also occasion
-a serious loss of water. The banks would be liable to failure
-in seasons of long-continued rains, and the city depending
-upon this for a supply, would be cut off, except there should
-be sufficient in the reservoirs to furnish a supply during the
-period of repairs. The canal could never be subjected to a
-<i>thorough</i> repair, because of the necessity of keeping it in a
-condition for furnishing water constantly during the whole
-year, so that all repairs would be done under great disadvantages,
-and the channel would be yearly growing worse
-until its failure might become a public calamity. In regard to
-the open channel having the sides protected by masonry, the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">74</span>
-objections were found to be such as would apply equally to
-every species of open channel; namely, that it would be
-exposed in many situations to receive the wash of the country;
-that it would be unprotected from the frost, and liable
-to be interrupted thereby, and lastly, that there would be a
-loss by evaporation. It was supposed that these objections
-might be obviated by certain precautions; for example, the
-wash could be avoided by making sufficient side drains; and
-the interruption liable to occur from frost and snow, and the
-evaporation, to a certain extent, could be prevented by
-closing the channel entirely with a roof over the top. The
-close channel or culvert, composed essentially of masonry
-seemed to possess all the requisite advantages for conducting
-the water in a pure state and keeping it beyond the
-influence of frost or any interruption which would be liable
-to occur to an open channel. In point of stability this plan
-had a decided preference over either of the other plans
-proposed, and the only objection offered was the cost of the
-work constructed in this way. To avoid too great expense
-it was proposed to make use of a mixed construction, using
-the close channel or culvert in situations where deep excavations
-occurred and it would be desirable to fill in the earth
-again to the natural form, also where the line of Aqueduct
-intersected villages, and using the open channel with slope
-walls for the residue of the distance.</p>
-
-<p>In regard to iron pipes for conducting the water, it was
-found that a sufficient number of them to give the same
-sectional area as would be adopted by either of the other
-plans would be more expensive, and considering the great
-distance and the undulating surface over which they would<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">75</span>
-extend, other disadvantages were presented which added to
-the objections, and the plan was considered inexpedient.
-Could a line be graded so as to give a regular inclination
-from the Fountain Reservoir to one at the city, then the expense
-of laying iron pipes for conducting the proposed
-quantity of water, would be greater than for constructing a
-channel-way of masonry; and when laid, the pipes were
-thought to be less durable. Should the pipes follow the
-natural undulations of the ground, there would be so much
-resistance offered to the flow of water that the discharge
-would be diminished in a very great degree.</p>
-
-<p>The close channel or conduit of masonry was adopted as
-the plan best calculated to answer all the purposes of conducting
-the water to the city.</p>
-
-<h3 id="toclink_75"><i>Sources of the Croton River.</i></h3>
-
-<p>The sources of the Croton River are principally in the
-county of Putnam, at a distance of fifty miles from the city
-of New-York; they are mostly springs which in that elevated
-and uneven country have formed many ponds and lakes
-never-failing in their supply. There are about twenty of
-these lakes which constitute the sources of the Croton River,
-and the aggregate of their surface areas is about three
-thousand eight hundred acres.</p>
-
-<p>From these sources to the mouth of the Croton at the
-head of Tappan Bay in the Hudson, the distance is about
-twenty-five miles. The country bordering upon the Croton
-is generally elevated and uneven, not sustaining a dense
-population and cleared sufficiently to prevent injury to the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">76</span>
-water from decayed vegetable matter. The river has a
-rapid descent and flows over a bed of gravel and masses of
-broken rock. From these advantages there is good reason
-to suppose that the water will receive very little impurity
-from the wash of the country through which it flows, and
-there is no doubt that the sources furnish that which is
-peculiarly adapted to all the purposes of a large city.</p>
-
-<p>The water is of such uncommon purity that in earlier
-days the native Indian gave a name to the river which signified
-“<i>clear water</i>.”<a id="FNanchor_5" href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">5</a></p>
-
-<h3 id="toclink_76"><i>Flow of Water in the Croton River, Capacity of the
-Fountain Reservoir, &amp;c.</i></h3>
-
-<p>The medium flow of water in the Croton, where the fountain
-reservoir is formed, exceeds fifty millions of gallons in
-twenty-four hours, and the minimum flow, after a long-continued
-drought, is about twenty-seven millions of gallons in
-twenty-four hours.</p>
-
-<p>The dam on the Croton River is about 38 feet above
-the level which was the surface of the natural flow of
-water at that place, and sets the water back about six
-miles, forming the Fountain Reservoir which covers an
-area of about four hundred acres. The country forming
-the valley of the River was such as to give bold shores to
-this reservoir generally, and in cases where there was a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">77</span>
-gentle slope or a level of the ground near the surface of
-water, excavations were made so that the water should not
-be of less depth than four and a half feet.</p>
-
-<p>The great length of this Reservoir is favourable for the
-purity of the water which enters the Aqueduct: spread
-over this large surface, it will have an opportunity to settle
-and part with some of the impurities which it receives,
-during rainy seasons, from the wash of the country through
-which it flows.</p>
-
-<p>The available capacity of this Reservoir, down to the level
-where the water would cease to flow off in the Aqueduct,
-has been estimated at six hundred millions of gallons.</p>
-
-<p>Could we suppose that the Croton River will ever in any
-season of drought, fail to furnish a supply greater than
-would be carried off from this Reservoir and the Reservoirs
-at the city by evaporation, we have still a supply of water
-which would be sufficient for one million of inhabitants
-during the space of thirty days (estimating the amount
-necessary for each inhabitant to be twenty gallons for every
-twenty-four hours.)</p>
-
-<p>But we may assume the number of inhabitants at present
-to be one third of a million, and therefore we have a sufficient
-store of water in this Fountain Reservoir to supply
-them for the space of ninety days, in the emergency before
-supposed. In addition to the quantity in the Fountain Reservoir,
-we have sufficient in the Reservoirs at the city to
-supply one third of a million of inhabitants for about twenty-five
-days, at the rate of supply before mentioned. Thus we
-find, should such a limit as we have supposed ever happen
-to the supply from the River, the season of drought cannot<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">78</span>
-certainly be supposed to continue during the length of time
-(about four months) that would be required for the present
-population of the city to exhaust the quantity in store when
-all the Reservoirs are full.</p>
-
-<p>The minimum flow of water in the river where the dam is
-constructed, has been stated to be twenty-seven millions of
-gallons for every twenty-four hours. This would be a sufficient
-supply for one million of inhabitants, and should the
-population of the city increase to one million and a half, this
-supply, together with the quantity in store, will probably be
-sufficient during any season of drought. There is, therefore,
-no fear in regard to the supply for the present, and should
-the time arrive when the city will require more than the
-present facilities afford during low stages of the river, other
-streams may be found which can be turned into the upper
-branches of the Croton, or into the Aqueduct along its
-course. Other Reservoirs may also be constructed farther
-up the Croton to draw from in seasons of drought. These
-suggestions would only be useful to provide a supply during
-the low stages of the river, for at other seasons the flow of
-water in the Croton would be equal to the full capacity of
-the Aqueduct.<a id="FNanchor_6" href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">6</a></p>
-
-<h3 id="toclink_78"><i>General Design of the Channel-way and Reservoirs.</i></h3>
-
-<p>A description of the general design and purpose of the
-channel-way in connection with the Reservoirs will serve to
-give a clear understanding of the operation of the work.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">79</span>
-Having ascertained the elevation in the city at which it
-would be desirable to use the water, it was only necessary
-then, to find a point on the Croton River where a dam could
-be constructed that would turn the water into a channel
-having a gradual descent to the required elevation at the
-city. So that it may easily be conceived, it is only diverting
-the water into another channel where it will flow on unobstructed.
-The manner in which water is conducted from its
-natural channel, for the purpose of propelling the machinery
-of manufacturing establishments, by a race-way or other
-channel, is a simple illustration of the operation of this great
-work.</p>
-
-<p>At the place where it was determined to build the dam
-across the Croton River, the surface of the natural flow of
-water was about 38 feet below the elevation required as a
-head for the water to flow into the Aqueduct leading to the
-city. By going farther up the river the dam would have
-been of less height, and a point might have been found where
-it would be only necessary to build a dam to turn the water,
-and not form a pond of much extent above it, but for such
-purpose it would have been necessary to go above where
-some important tributaries enter the river, and would have
-required a considerable extension of the Aqueduct. It was
-perhaps desirable to form this Fountain Reservoir, so that it
-would afford a supply of water to draw from, should there
-at any future time, in a season of drought, be more required
-for the use of the city than would be flowing in the river.</p>
-
-<p>No essential change occurs in the form of the channel-way
-from the Fountain Reservoir on the Croton, to the Receiving
-Reservoir on the island of New-York; a distance<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">80</span>
-of thirty-eight miles, except in crossing Harlem River to
-reach the island, and in passing a deep valley on the island,
-where iron pipes are used instead of the channel-way of
-masonry to provide for the pressure consequent upon a depression
-from the regular plane.</p>
-
-<p>At these points the iron pipes descend and rise again, so
-that when the water is flowing in the channel-way they will
-be constantly full. Thus it will be perceived that the channel-way
-of masonry will never be filled entirely, so as to
-occasion a pressure on all its interior surface.</p>
-
-<p>The surface of the Fountain Reservoir is 166⅙ feet above
-the level of mean tide at the city of New-York; and the
-difference of level between that and the surface of the Receiving
-Reservoir on the island of New-York, (a distance of
-thirty-eight miles) is 47⅙ feet, leaving the surface of this reservoir
-119 feet above the level of mean tide. From the
-Receiving Reservoir the water is conducted (a distance of
-two miles) in iron pipes to the Distributing Reservoir, where
-the surface of the water is 115 feet above the level of mean
-tide. This last is the height to which the water may generally
-be made available in the city.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<div id="toclink_81" class="chapter">
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">81</span></p>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="GENERAL_CONSTRUCTION_OF_THE_AQUEDUCT">GENERAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE AQUEDUCT.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_I">Plate I</a>. is a section of the Aqueduct showing the form of
-the masonry used in earth excavations. The foundation is
-formed with concrete; the side walls of stone; the bottom
-and sides of the interior being faced with brick, and the top
-covered with an arch of brick.</p>
-
-<p>In forming the concrete a mortar is made by mixing three
-parts of sand with one of hydraulic lime, and then mixing
-about three parts of stone, broken to a size allowing them to
-pass through a ring an inch and a half in diameter. Having
-thoroughly mingled the broken stone and mortar, the concrete
-is placed in its proper position and form, and brought
-into a compact state by using a <i>pounder</i>; and is then suffered
-to remain until it set, or become indurated, before any
-work is commenced upon it. The object should be to mix
-as many stones or pebbles as will thoroughly bed in the
-mortar, allowing none of them to come in contact, but all to
-be enveloped in mortar. This forms a body which becomes
-indurated and makes a foundation under the whole length of
-the Aqueduct like one continuous stone. It attains a degree
-of hardness which gives it the appearance of the conglomerate
-bearing the name of <i>Pudding-stone</i>, and is an article of
-the greatest importance in forming foundations for walls of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">82</span>
-great weight; superseding in many instances, where the soil
-is soft, the use of piles or other timber foundation.</p>
-
-<p>Though we have evidence that concrete was used by the
-Ancient Romans in the foundations of some of their structures
-and even in the formation of their roads—such as the
-Appian-Way, and though we find it used in the foundations
-of the feudal castles of the Norman Barons of England, still
-it has not been introduced into the general practice of architecture
-until quite a modern date, and even at the present time
-is not widely appreciated in this country as a material of so
-much importance in foundations.</p>
-
-<p>The side walls are laid up in a character of workmanship
-styled “<i>rough-hammered work</i>;” the stone required to be of
-sound and durable quality and laid in a manner to render
-the work water-tight. Though attention is given in some
-degree to insure a proper bond to the wall, yet the point
-more particularly attended to, is to make it compact and
-impervious to water. The bonding of the wall is not by
-any means disregarded, in all situations where it is required,
-yet the position of the work generally, where it is in excavation
-below the natural surface of the ground, renders such
-precaution of less importance than that of making it compact.
-The mortar used in these side walls is formed by
-mixing clean sharp sand with hydraulic lime, using the proportions
-of three parts of the sand to one of the lime; and
-these are thoroughly mixed and incorporated before they
-are wet; when this mixture is wet and thoroughly worked,
-it is used immediately and always kept properly tempered
-so as to render it plastic, and to prevent any disposition to
-become hardened before it is in the wall. After the side<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">83</span>
-walls are finished and the concrete between them has received
-its proper form, a coating of plastering, about three
-eighths of an inch in thickness, is put on over the surface of
-the concrete and on the face of the walls before the interior
-facing of brick is commenced. The proportions of this
-plastering are two parts of sand to one of the hydraulic lime.</p>
-
-<p>The bricks used in this work are generally of quite a
-different character from those used in ordinary house-building;
-being harder burnt and of a superior quality of material.
-They are required to be burnt to such a degree of
-hardness that they present a cherry red, or brownish color,
-and give a clear ringing sound when struck; and when
-broken, must present a compact and uniform texture. All
-bricks brought upon the work which are soft and of a pale
-color, such as are usually denominated <i>salmon brick</i>, are
-rejected. Those which are used, possess nearly the hardness
-and durability of ordinary building stone, and are
-calculated to resist the action of the water, to which they
-will be exposed.</p>
-
-<p>The advantage of using brick is, that a smooth channel
-offering little resistance to the flow of water can be formed
-with less expense than with stone, and greater security can
-be obtained against any leakage; for besides the coat of
-plastering which covers the face of the walls and the top of
-the concrete, there is also a mortar joint between this plastering
-and the brick work. The bricks being of good form
-and easily handled, can be more expeditiously and closely
-laid than the face of a wall of stone, and afford a smooth and
-uniform face to the wall with less expense. They are required
-to be bedded full and flush with mortar, so that on<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">84</span>
-lifting one from its position in the work, no imperfections be
-discovered, but the impress of the brick be found distinct
-throughout.</p>
-
-<p>The proportions of the mortar for the brick work, are two
-parts of sand to one of hydraulic lime.</p>
-
-<p>The inverted arch of brick, as well as the brick facing on
-the sides, is four inches thick, and the roofing arch of brick
-is eight inches thick.</p>
-
-<p>After the masonry is finished the excavation which was
-done to receive it, is filled up around it, and over the top of
-the roofing arch generally to the height of 3 to 4 feet, and
-in some instances of deep excavation, up to the natural surface.
-If the natural surface be not of sufficient height for
-the top of the earth covering, the earth is raised to the requisite
-height with proper width on the top and slopes on
-the sides for protection to the Aqueduct masonry.</p>
-
-<div class="p2 center twoup clear">
-<div id="i_84a1" class="figleft figdown" style="max-width: 16em;">
- <div id="Plate_I" class="caption top"><p>I</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_084a1.jpg" width="493" height="463" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p><p class="floatr"><i>Gimber.</i></p>
-</div></div>
-
-<div id="i_84a2" class="figright" style="max-width: 20em;">
- <div id="Plate_II" class="caption top"><p>II</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_084a2.jpg" width="630" height="724" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p><p class="floatr"><i>Gimber.</i></p>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<div class="center twoup clear">
-<div id="i_84a3" class="figleft" style="max-width: 20em;">
- <div id="Plate_III" class="caption top"><p>III</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_084a3.jpg" width="609" height="683" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p><p class="floatr"><i>Gimber.</i></p>
-</div></div>
-
-<div id="i_84a4" class="figright" style="max-width: 20em;">
- <div id="Plate_IV" class="caption top"><p>IV</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_084a4.jpg" width="620" height="680" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p><p class="floatr"><i>Gimber.</i></p>
-</div></div>
-</div>
-
-<p class="clear p2"><a href="#Plate_II">Plate II</a>. is a section of the Aqueduct in open cutting in
-rock.</p>
-
-<p>After the rock has been excavated to the required depth
-and width, the bottom is levelled up with concrete to the proper
-height and form for the inverted arch of brick, which is
-laid in the manner before described for earth excavation.
-The side walls of stone and brick are bonded together by
-headers of brick entering the stone walls as shown in the
-drawing, and the walls of stone are built closely against the
-sides of the rock and forming a junction with it. On the
-exterior of the roofing arch a heavy spandrel of stone masonry
-(of the same character as the stone walls beneath it)
-is built, filling the space between the arch and the rock.
-After the masonry is finished, the rock cut above it is filled
-with earth to the same height above the roofing arch as
-mentioned for earth excavation.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_III">Plate III</a>. is a section of the Aqueduct in tunnel cutting
-in rock.</p>
-
-<p>The width of the tunnel excavation in rock is the same as
-that of open excavation in rock; and the manner of building
-the masonry to form the channel-way is the same, with
-the exception that the rock roof of the tunnel serves as the
-roof of the channel-way, where it is sound, but in cases
-where the rock is soft and liable to fall, a brick arch is built
-over the channel-way, and the space between its extrados,
-or outer surface, and the rock roof is filled with earth closely
-rammed in. In some instances where the tunnel perforated
-rock which was at first quite hard, the roofing has by exposure
-to the air, become soft and insecure, so as to render it
-necessary to turn an arch for its support. This is attended
-with inconvenience and some difficulty after the channel-way
-has been completed and closed through the tunnel.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_IV">Plate IV</a>. is a section of the Aqueduct in tunnel cutting in
-earth.</p>
-
-<p>When the earth is dry and compact, the excavation for
-the bottom and sides is made of a proper form to receive
-the masonry, which is built closely against it: the top is excavated
-sufficiently high to give room to turn the arch, and
-the space above is afterwards filled with earth closely rammed
-in. Where the earth is wet and there is difficulty in
-making it stand, the excavation is made larger, and props of
-timber and plank are used to support the top and sides until
-the masonry be completed; and the whole space exterior to
-the masonry is then compactly filled with earth.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">86</span></p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_V">Plate V</a>. is a section of the Aqueduct showing the manner
-of constructing it across valleys, or where the natural
-surface of the ground falls below the plane of grade.</p>
-
-<p>In such cases the Aqueduct is supported upon a foundation
-wall of stone laid dry, and formed by using large stones
-laid in positions to give proper bond, and to allow small
-broken stone to be closely packed in, filling up all the
-interstices so as to form a compact and uniform mass.
-The wall is generally allowed to stand some months after
-it is completed, before the masonry of the Aqueduct is
-commenced upon it, lest by this weight being placed upon it
-before it has found its bearing, it should settle and cause
-cracks in the masonry. That such settlement should in some
-instances occur, even after the Aqueduct is completed, is
-not surprising, for passing over so many different elevations,
-and encountering such numerous transitions from a hard
-soil, or from rock, to valleys of alluvial deposit, it would be
-beyond human powers of foresight and vigilance to prevent
-it.</p>
-
-<div id="i_86a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 54em;">
- <div id="Plate_V" class="caption top"><p>V</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_086a.jpg" width="1713" height="1078" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p><p class="floatr"><i>Gimber.</i></p>
-</div></div>
-
-<p>To render the Aqueduct more secure in such positions,
-the concrete foundation has an increased thickness, and in
-preparing it a greater proportion of hydraulic lime is used;
-the proportion being two and a half parts of sand to one of
-lime. The dimensions of the stone side walls and the spandrel
-backing of the roofing arch, are also increased; and
-the proportion of hydraulic lime to the sand in the mortar
-for these is increased. Another precaution has been taken
-to render the work secure, by plastering the interior of the
-Aqueduct over these foundation walls. The embankment
-adjacent to foundation walls has various slopes according to
-circumstances, and is generally protected with a dry stone
-wall on the face, and is carried up of sufficient width to
-insure the requisite covering over the Aqueduct masonry.</p>
-
-<p>Along side hills an excavation is made for the Aqueduct
-into the hill, and a protection wall of stone built on the lower
-side so as to support a covering of earth over the masonry;
-great care being taken to obtain a deep and firm footing for
-this wall in order to render the work secure. In such a position
-the Aqueduct is perhaps less secure than in those before
-described. Where the soil is wet from springs, and the
-formation clay, there is danger of slides; and in rainy seasons
-there is danger from the torrents which gather on the
-hill sides and come down with destructive force: the earth
-covering is liable to be carried away, and the Aqueduct itself
-to be undermined. Great care has, however, been used in
-such cases to form strong paved channels for the passage of
-the water over the top of the Aqueduct, or by culverts to
-pass it underneath.</p>
-
-<h3>WASTE-WEIRS.</h3>
-
-<p>At suitable places on the line of the Aqueduct, waste-weirs
-are constructed to discharge surplus water. They are constructed
-in one side of the channel-way, in such manner as
-to allow the water to flow off when it rises above a given
-level, and arrangements are also made at these places to
-close the channel-way entirely, by means of stop planks, and
-to discharge the whole of the water through waste-gates;
-so that the water might be running from the Fountain Reservoir
-through a portion of the Aqueduct and discharging<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">88</span>
-from these waste-weirs while the remainder of the channel-way,
-or portions of it, would be drained so as to admit of
-inspection or repairs. There are six of these waste-weirs
-constructed for the Aqueduct.</p>
-
-<h3>VENTILATORS.</h3>
-
-<p>For the purpose of ventilation hollow cylinders of stone
-are erected over the top of the Aqueduct and rising about
-14 feet above the surface of the ground, or earth covering.
-These occur every mile, and every third one is constructed
-with a door to afford an entrance to the Aqueduct.</p>
-
-<p>Those allowing an entrance have an interior diameter of
-4 feet, and the others have an interior diameter of 2 feet;
-each, however, slightly diminishing towards the top. An
-iron grating covers the top to prevent any thing being
-thrown in.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_VI">Plate VI</a>. is a view of an entrance ventilator; this stands
-on one side of the Aqueduct, where the masonry of the side
-wall is enlarged for its base; we can descend from the door
-and gain an entrance to the channel-way by an opening in
-the side of the roofing arch. The sill of the door is about
-12 feet above the bottom of the channel-way.</p>
-
-<div id="i_88a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 48em;">
- <div id="Plate_VI" class="caption top"><p>VI</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_088a.jpg" width="1514" height="1015" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>Gimber.</i></p>
- <p class="floatc">ENTRANCE VENTILATOR</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>Those not intended for an entrance stand directly over the
-top of the Aqueduct and are groined into the roofing arch.</p>
-
-<p>Besides these Ventilators, there are openings 2 feet square
-in the top of the roofing arch, every quarter of a mile: they
-are covered with a flag stone and the place is marked by a
-small stone monument projecting above the surface of the
-ground. These may be useful to obtain entrance to the
-Aqueduct, or to afford increased ventilation should it ever
-become necessary.</p>
-
-<h3>CULVERTS.</h3>
-
-<p>Where streams intersect the line of Aqueduct, culverts
-are built to allow them to pass under it. They are simply a
-stone channel-way built under the Aqueduct of such form
-and dimensions as will allow the stream to pursue its natural
-direction without causing injury to the work. The foundation
-of these culverts is formed by laying down concrete,
-upon which an inverted arch of cut stone is laid forming the
-bottom of the water-way: side walls of stone are built and
-surmounted by an arch of stone. The span, or width of
-water way, of the culverts built, varies from 1½ foot to 25
-feet. Those of 1½ foot span have a square form for the
-water-way, and are constructed by making a foundation of
-concrete, upon which a flooring of well dressed stone is laid
-forming the bottom of the water-way, and from this, side
-walls are built and covered by a course of thick stone flagging
-well dressed and closely fitted. At each end of the
-culvert a deep wall is built underneath so as to prevent the
-water from doing injury by undermining it. Buttresses and
-wing walls are built at each end of the culvert to guide the
-water to and from the channel-way, and a parapet wall is
-built over the top of the channel-way at each end to sustain
-the embankment of earth over the culvert. These wing
-walls and parapets have various forms; sometimes the parapet
-is built across the top of the culvert, and the wing
-walls built at right angles to it, and sloping down to the buttresses,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">90</span>
-and sometimes the wing walls and parapet form one
-continuous wall of a semi-circular form, the top sloping up
-from the buttresses in a plane parallel with the slope of the
-embankment covering the Aqueduct above. These culverts
-are permanently constructed, and in preparing the plans for
-them much skill has been displayed in adapting the form
-and size which the circumstances required, and much taste
-displayed in the design for their construction.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_VII">Plate VII</a>. is an isometrical drawing of one of the culverts
-with rectangular wings and parapets; the body of the culvert
-is cut in two in the drawing, showing that it may be of
-any length, according to the width of the embankment
-through which it is constructed. The length is generally
-arranged so that the slope of the embankment may intersect
-the rear of the top of the parapet and pursue a direction
-down, parallel with the slope of the top of the wing walls.</p>
-
-<div id="i_90a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 54em;">
- <div id="Plate_VII" class="caption top"><p>VII</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_090a.jpg" width="1708" height="1185" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="smaller">Scale of 4 feet to one inch</p>
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>Gimber.</i></p></div>
-</div>
-
-<h3><i>Gate Chamber at the Head of the Aqueduct and Grade of
-the Water-way of the Aqueduct.</i></h3>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_VIII">Plate VIII</a>. is a longitudinal section through the <i>tunnel</i>
-and <i>gate chamber</i> at the head of the Aqueduct showing its
-connection with the <i>Fountain Reservoir</i>. This gate chamber
-is not in any way connected with the dam itself, but
-stands some distance from it, and the water reaches it by
-means of the tunnel which leaves the Reservoir above the
-dam and passes through the solid rock of the hill against
-which the masonry of the dam is built, a distance of over
-200 feet. This tunnel descends into the Reservoir, so that
-the centre of it at the mouth is about 12 feet below the surface<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">91</span>
-of the water; any floating substance cannot enter it,
-and during the winter season when the water is frozen over
-no obstruction can take place to the flow into the Aqueduct,
-and during the summer season the water will be drawn from
-a level where it is cooler than at the surface.</p>
-
-<p>The gate chamber has two ranges, or sets of gates; one
-called <i>regulating gates</i>, and the other <i>guard gates</i>: the
-regulating gates are made of gun metal, and work in frames
-of the same material which are fitted to stone jambs and
-lintels: the guard gates are made of cast iron, and work in
-cast iron frames also attached to stone jambs and lintels.
-The gates are all managed by means of wrought iron rods
-attached to them, having a screw formed on the upper part on
-which a brass nut works, being set in a cast iron socket-cap.</p>
-
-<p>The bottom of the water way, of the Aqueduct, where
-it leaves the gate chamber is 11.40 feet below the surface
-of the Fountain Reservoir, and 154.77 feet above the level of
-mean tide at the city of New-York. The following table
-shows the length of the Aqueduct as it is divided into different
-planes of descent, from the gate chamber at the Croton
-dam to the gate chamber at the Receiving Reservoir on the
-Island of New-York. Commencing at the south side of the
-gate chamber at the Croton dam,</p>
-
-<table id="table91" summary="Segments of Croton Aqueduct">
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">The 1st plane of Aqueduct extends</td>
- <td class="tdl">  26099.72 ft. or   4.943 miles, and the descent</td>
- <td class="tdr">2.94 ft.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">The 2d plane of Aqueduct extends</td>
- <td class="tdl">148121.25 ft. or 28.053 miles,</td>
- <td class="tdr">30.69 ft.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Length of pipes across Har. River,</td>
- <td class="tdl">    1377.33 ft. or   0.261 miles.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Diff. of level betw’n extremes of pipes</td>
- <td class="tdl"> </td>
- <td class="tdr">2.29 ft.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">The 3d plane of Aqueduct extends</td>
- <td class="tdl">  10733.14 ft. or   2.033 miles,</td>
- <td class="tdr">2.25 ft.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Length of pipes across Manhat. valley,</td>
- <td class="tdl">    4105.09 ft. or   0.777 miles.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Diff. of level betw’n extremes of pipes</td>
- <td class="tdl"> </td>
- <td class="tdr">3.86 ft.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">The 4th plane of Aqueduct extends</td>
- <td class="tdl">  10680.89 ft. or   2.023</td>
- <td class="tdr">1.60 ft.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"> </td>
- <td class="tdl">201117.42 ft. — 38.090 miles</td>
- <td class="tdr">43.63 ft.</td>
-</tr>
-</table>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">92</span></p>
-
-<p>Making the whole distance from the gate chamber at the
-Croton dam to the gate chamber at the Receiving Reservoir
-201117.42 feet, or 38.09 miles, and the whole descent
-43.63 feet.</p>
-
-<p>The descent on the first plane is about 7⅛ inches per mile.</p>
-
-<p>The descent on the second and third plane is about 13¼
-inches per mile.</p>
-
-<p>The descent on the fourth plane is about 9½ inches per mile.</p>
-
-<p>In crossing Harlem River there is a fall of 2 feet more
-than there would have been had the Aqueduct continued
-across with its regular inclination: this <i>extra</i> fall will afford
-an opportunity to adjust the number and capacity of the
-pipes (which descend below the level of the Aqueduct and
-rise again) to discharge the full quantity of water as freely
-as the Aqueduct, or channel-way of masonry, would have
-done had it continued its regular inclination across the
-valley.</p>
-
-<p>In crossing Manhattan Valley there is an <i>extra</i> fall of 3
-feet for the same reasons as before stated for that at Harlem
-River. In both cases, by using the pipes, there is a loss of
-the head of water for the City Reservoirs, equal to the amount
-of this <i>extra</i> fall; but this small loss of head was not considered
-of such importance as to induce the building of
-structures across these valleys up to the plane of Aqueduct
-grade.</p>
-
-<div id="i_92a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 54em;">
- <div id="Plate_VIII" class="caption top"><p>VIII</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_092a.jpg" width="1724" height="968" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>Gimber.</i></p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>The bottom of the water-way of the Aqueduct at the gate
-chamber where it enters the Receiving Reservoir, is 7.86
-feet below the level of top water line in the Reservoir, thus
-when the Reservoir is full the water will rise to within 7¼
-inches of the top of the interior of the Aqueduct at that
-place, and the height from top water to the top of the interior
-will increase, going northward according to the inclination
-of the plane of Aqueduct grade, until it reach the surface
-level of the flow of water in the Aqueduct.</p>
-
-<p>The height of the interior of the Aqueduct is 8 feet 5½
-inches, and the greatest width is 7 feet 5 inches. The sectional
-area of the interior is 53.34 square feet. On the <i>first
-plane</i>, the Aqueduct is larger; being 2.05 feet higher at the
-gate chamber, 2.31 feet higher at 2244. feet from the chamber,
-and then diminishing, to the head of the second plane,
-where it assumes the size above mentioned and continues of
-that size throughout the remainder except in tunnels, where
-it assumes the forms before described. Where the Aqueduct
-on the <i>first plane</i> is larger, the width across the interior at
-the spring line of the roofing arch is the same as the general
-width, but the increase takes place only in the height of the
-side walls, and the slope of the inner face of the walls being
-the same, the width across at the spring line of the inverted
-arch will be less according to the increased height of walls.
-The original design was to continue the inclination which
-the <i>second plane</i> has, up to the <i>Fountain Reservoir</i>; but it
-was considered desirable to draw from this Reservoir at a
-lower level, and the head of the Aqueduct was depressed for
-that purpose, and a less inclination adopted for the length of
-the <i>first plane</i>. The roofing arch was left on the same inclination
-as was originally designed, except for the distance
-of 2244. feet from the gate chamber, where it was built on a
-level.</p>
-
-<p>The curves which are used to change the direction of the
-line of the Aqueduct are generally formed with a radius of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">94</span>
-500 feet; some have a radius of 1000 feet, and in a few instances
-larger ones are adopted, but the majority of them
-are of 500 feet radius.</p>
-
-<p>The velocity of the water in the Aqueduct has been ascertained
-to be about one mile and a half an hour when it is
-2 feet deep; this was determined by floating <i>billets</i> of wood
-from the Croton Dam to Harlem River and noting the time
-of their passage. Such an experiment would express the
-surface velocity and would give a greater velocity than it
-would be proper to attribute to the <i>whole body</i> of water in
-the Aqueduct; but the depth of water in the Aqueduct will
-be probably 4 feet as soon as it is brought into general use,
-and then there will be a corresponding increase in the velocity
-of the <i>body</i> of water. This velocity of a <i>mile and a
-half an hour</i> may be taken in general terms as the <i>velocity
-of the water in the Aqueduct</i>.</p>
-
-<div id="i_94b" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 51em;">
- <div id="Plate_IX" class="caption top"><p>IX</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_094b.jpg" width="1627" height="859" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>W. Bennett.</i></p>
- <p class="floatc">VIEW ABOVE THE CROTON DAM.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<hr />
-
-<div id="toclink_95" class="chapter">
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">95</span></p>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="DESCRIPTION_OF_THE_LINE_OF_AQUEDUCT">DESCRIPTION OF THE LINE OF AQUEDUCT.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p>The dam, built to form the Fountain Reservoir, is about
-six miles above the mouth of the Croton River. The reservoir
-forms a beautiful sheet of water in the lap of the hills
-in the wild region of the Croton, and has received the name
-of the “Croton Lake.”</p>
-
-<p>Pine’s Bridge over the Croton River, which is mentioned
-in the early history of the country, occupied a position which
-is now about the middle of this Reservoir, and there is at
-that place a bridge over the Reservoir resting upon piers and
-abutments.</p>
-
-<p>The hills which bound the Croton Valley where the Reservoir
-is formed are so bold as to confine it within narrow
-limits: for about two miles above the dam the average width
-is about one eighth of a mile; at this distance from the dam
-the valley opens so that for the length of two miles more
-the width is about a quarter of a mile; here the valley contracts
-again and diminishes the width until the flow line
-reaches the natural width of the River at the head of the
-lake. The country immediately contiguous to the shore has
-been cleared up, and all that would be liable to impart any
-impurity to the water has been removed. This gives a
-pleasing aspect to the lake, showing where the hand of art
-has swept along the shores leaving a clean margin. Retiring
-from the water are the richly cultivated slopes with the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">96</span>
-neat farm houses overlooking the lake, or the hills crowned
-with forest trees, while at intervals a valley or ravine opens
-and empties in its tributary stream.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_IX">Plate IX</a>. is a view taken above the dam showing the
-position of the entrance to the tunnel which leads from the
-Reservoir to the gate chamber at the head of the Aqueduct.
-The entablature which is seen on the left against the rock,
-is built directly over the mouth of the tunnel, and from this
-the tunnel extends through the rock to the gate house, which
-is seen on the right of the picture and some distance from
-the dam. The structure which is seen in the centre of the
-picture and on the ridge of the dam is a gate house over a
-culvert which extends through the body of the dam; this
-culvert is 30 feet below the surface of water when the Reservoir
-is full, and has gates which are operated by means
-of rods which rise to the interior of the house. During low
-stages of the River the water which is not drawn off by the
-Aqueduct may pass through this culvert and allow none to
-pass over the dam.</p>
-
-<p>The entrance to the tunnel is protected by a screen of
-timber work.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_X">Plate X</a>. is a representation of the entablature over the
-mouth of the tunnel, showing the inscriptions upon it, relating
-to the date of the commencement of the dam and its completion,
-the persons who had contracts for building it, and
-those having charge of the work during the time.</p>
-
-<div id="i_96a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 33em;">
- <div id="Plate_X" class="caption top"><p>X</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_096a.jpg" width="1044" height="610" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p>ENTRANCE TO THE CROTON AQUEDUCT</p>
- <p class="floatl">COMMENCED 1837</p> <p class="floatr">COMPLETED 1842</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_XI">Plate XI</a>. is a view taken from a point below the dam
-and shows the relative positions of the dam and the gate
-chamber at the head of the Aqueduct.</p>
-
-<p>The original channel of the River where the dam is built,
-was about 120 feet wide; the average depth of water at this
-place was about 4 feet; and the greatest depth 10 feet.</p>
-
-<p>The left bank of the river arose abruptly with rock, the
-channel was gravelly, and on the right bank a sandy table
-land about 3 feet above the ordinary surface of water extended
-about 80 feet; then a sandy hill arose on a slope of
-about forty-five degrees.</p>
-
-<p>In making the plan for a dam at this place it was determined
-to fill the main channel and the table land on the
-right bank with an embankment of earth; and on the left
-bank where rock was found, to build a body of masonry
-against the slope to the requisite height for the surface of
-the Reservoir and connect it with the embankment in the
-channel; this masonry formed the overfall for the water,
-and the rock in the side of the hill adjacent to it was excavated
-down to the level of the overfall, thereby extending it
-into the hill, making the space for the water to pass over
-partly of masonry and partly of rock. The embankment
-extended with a slope on the upstream side giving it a broad
-base, and the lower or downstream side was faced with a
-heavy wall of stone. There was a timber pier constructed
-in the embankment extending across the channel and faced
-with plank on the upstream side. The overfall was made of
-such length as was thought sufficient to pass all the water of
-the river during its highest stages, and with the view of
-adapting it to such purpose, examinations were made to
-find the highest marks of floods on the banks of the river;
-and those who were engaged in determining these marks
-were guided also by the observations of the inhabitants of
-the vicinity who had long known the river in its various<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">98</span>
-stages. High freshets were witnessed during the construction
-of the work, for in the course of two years that the
-work was going up, all the various changes and freshets of
-rainy seasons were experienced, and those in charge of it
-did not neglect to note the quantity of water flowing on such
-occasions.</p>
-
-<div id="i_98a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 51em;">
- <div id="Plate_XI" class="caption top"><p>XI</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_098a.jpg" width="1614" height="1057" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>Gimbrede. sc.</i></p>
- <p class="floatc">VIEW BELOW THE CROTON DAM.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>With such opportunities to become acquainted with the
-changes of the stream they could not fail to know the quantity
-of water flowing at periods of the highest freshets, and knowing
-it, to adapt an overfall of sufficient capacity for its discharge.
-For this purpose it was thought ample provision was
-made; yet at the time when the work was nearly completed
-such a flood occurred as could not have been anticipated from
-previous knowledge of the River; the water filling the entire
-passage at the overfall, flowed over the top of the embankment
-where it was not supposed it could ever reach. The
-lower slope of this embankment was covered with a wall
-not calculated to resist the action of the water and it gave
-way; the water broke through the embankment and rushed
-along the valley with most disastrous consequences. The
-breach occurred at an early hour in the morning; and many
-persons were suddenly aroused from their sleep to escape
-before the approaching waters. Dwelling-houses and mills
-were carried away and three lives were lost. Two of those
-who were drowned had taken refuge in the tops of trees,
-but these being swept away they were drowned; while
-others who were not able to reach the main land, but had
-also taken refuge in trees, were saved. The change wrought
-by the flood, in the appearance of the country, was truly
-wonderful and the destruction was complete. Night had
-closed over that valley where all was happiness and quiet,
-but day opened upon a scene of desolation. The fertile
-fields were torn up and covered with masses of stone and
-gravel, and the flood left marks of its fury far up on the
-hill sides.</p>
-
-<p>At the commencement of the rain which caused this flood,
-the ground was covered with snow to the depth of eighteen
-inches: the weather became warm and the powerful rain
-storm continued incessantly for forty-eight hours. Notwithstanding
-the immense volume discharged at the overfall of
-the dam, the water was rising, during the night previous to
-this disaster, at the rate of fourteen inches per hour over the
-Reservoir, covering an area of four hundred acres.</p>
-
-<p>It occurred on the 8th of January, 1841.</p>
-
-<p>In repairing the breach it was decided to build an extension
-of solid hydraulic masonry in the place of the portion
-of embankment which was carried away.</p>
-
-<p>The gate house and wing wall, which is seen on the ridge
-of the dam, shows where the masonry of the original structure
-connected with the embankment which extended across
-the river. The whole length of the overfall is 251 feet.
-Access to the house over the culvert, is gained by a foot
-bridge which is seen in the picture. The masonry of the
-original structure has a rock foundation, and the extension
-of the overfall which is seen on the left of the house extending
-across to the embankment has an artificial foundation of
-concrete.</p>
-
-<p>The masonry of the dam is about 8 feet thick at the top
-and 65 feet at the base; it is built in a vertical form on the
-upstream side, with occasional offsets, and the lower face<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">100</span>
-has a curved form such as to pass the water over without
-giving it a direct fall upon the apron at the foot; this apron
-is formed of timber, stone, and concrete; and extends some
-distance from the toe of the masonry, giving security at the
-point where the water has the greatest action. A secondary
-dam has been built at a distance of 300 feet from the masonry
-in order to form a basin of water setting back over
-the apron at the toe of the main dam so as to break the
-force of the water falling upon it. This secondary dam is
-formed of round timber, brush wood, and gravel; it may be
-seen in the picture directly under the bridge which extends
-across below the main structure.</p>
-
-<p>On the upstream side of the masonry of the dam, an embankment
-of earth is filled in, extending 275 feet from the
-masonry at the base, and extending from the masonry with
-a slope of 1 foot in 5 on the top.</p>
-
-<div id="i_100b" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 35em;">
- <div id="Plate_XII" class="caption top"><p>XII</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_100b.jpg" width="1109" height="735" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>W. Bennett.</i></p>
- <p class="floatc">CROTON AQUEDUCT AT SING SING.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>The whole work about the dam possesses great interest,
-and though it be distant from the city and somewhat difficult
-of access, will not fail to please those who may take time to
-visit it. Just above the place where the dam is constructed
-the River had a bold turn and flowed along at the foot of a
-steep and rugged bank. A road passed along at the base of
-this hill leading to a mill which was situated at the turn of
-the River, before mentioned; a substitute for this road, which
-was submerged, has been made along the hill side passing on
-the right of the gate house. Enough of the forest has been
-cleared away to admit of the construction of the work, but
-the place still possesses much of its original wildness, and to
-see such beautiful mechanical work standing against the
-rude rocks,—to observe what changes have been wrought
-in the form of this rock to render it subservient to the purposes
-of the work, makes us feel that there has been a strife
-there; but it all shows that <i>art</i> has gained the ascendency.</p>
-
-<p>The form which has been adopted for the face of the extension
-of the overfall is a reversed or double curve which
-would be easily recognized as <i>Hogarth’s line of beauty</i>:
-the overfall for the original dam has a plane face with a
-curve at the base.</p>
-
-<p>Walks are formed about the work bordered with grass,
-giving a neatness and finished appearance to the whole;
-and every thing in connection seems to indicate that the
-vicinity of the <i>Croton Dam</i> will be one of the resorts in
-summer seasons for the citizens of New-York. From the
-Croton Dam the Aqueduct passes along the left side of the
-valley of the Croton River until at the mouth of this river it
-reaches the left bank of the Hudson, which it pursues, keeping
-at a distance of nearly half a mile from the River, until
-it arrives at the village of Sing-Sing, which is eight miles
-from the dam. In the course of this distance the Aqueduct
-passes through four tunnels and encounters many valleys
-and ravines where high foundation walls were required, and
-culverts for the passage of the streams.</p>
-
-<p>At the village of Sing-Sing there are two Aqueduct
-bridges; one over a public road-way, and the other over the
-Sing-Sing Kill. These bridges and the adjacent work form
-a very interesting point on the line of Aqueduct.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_XII">Plate XII</a>. is a view of the Aqueduct at this place: at the
-left of the picture may be seen the bridge over the road, and
-on the right that over the Kill. The bridge over the road
-has a span of 20 feet, and the direction of the road-way being<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">102</span>
-not at right angles with the line of Aqueduct required
-the arch to be built askew; the arch lies in the direction of
-the road-way, having the ends in planes parallel with the
-direction of the Aqueduct. This bridge is worthy of notice,
-but public attention is more generally directed to the larger
-one: <i>that</i> has an arch of 88 feet span and a rise of 33 feet;
-the form of the arch is elliptical, being a compound curve
-drawn from five different centres, or radius points. The
-Kill, or valley over which this arch stands, is a deep narrow
-gorge worn by a small stream which empties into the Hudson
-River.</p>
-
-<p>The bottom of the ravine is about 70 feet below the
-soffit or under side of the arch. <a href="#Plate_XIII">Plate XIII</a>. is another
-view of the large arch taken from the bottom of the valley
-near it, and shows the bridge which has been constructed
-for a public road passing under it, and the mill near by.</p>
-
-<div id="i_102a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 52em;">
- <div id="Plate_XIII" class="caption top"><p>XIII</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_102a.jpg" width="1636" height="1075" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl">F. B. Tower.</p> <p class="floatr">Napoleon Gimbrede. sc.</p>
- <p class="floatc">AQUEDUCT BRIDGE AT SING SING.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>This arch presents a singularly bold appearance, vaulting
-over the roadway and rising high up above the old mill, and
-what adds much to this boldness, is the narrowness of the
-arch, or small distance from one end of it to the other; being
-only 23⅓ feet long at the springing line while the span is
-nearly four times this length. The length of the arch diminishes
-towards the crown, the ends being in planes not vertical,
-but inclining towards each other at the top. Each end
-has a batter or inclination of one twenty fourth of its height,
-or half an inch to the foot. The arch is built of granite, is
-3 feet thick at the crown and 4 feet at the spring or base.
-The abutments have a foundation of solid rock which was
-excavated in proper form to give them firm footing. The
-whole structure presents a degree of stability which seems
-to defy the effects of time. The Aqueduct has a cast iron
-lining over this bridge (as it has over all of this character):
-it is formed of plates five eighths of an inch thick, put
-together with screw-bolts and nuts and the joints closely
-filled with iron cement. This lining is within the brick
-work of the bottom and sides of the channel-way, having
-four inches of brick outside of it and four inside. The
-object of it is to prevent any water dripping through the
-work, lest by any means it should fill the exterior masonry
-of the bridge with moisture and thus render it liable to injury
-from frost. Other precautions are taken in forming the
-masonry about the channel-way, to prevent this exuding, and
-the whole plan of the work shows foresight and precaution
-worthy of the highest praise.</p>
-
-<p>From the Sing-Sing Kill the Aqueduct pursues a course
-along the east bank of the Hudson and the first work of peculiar
-interest is the Aqueduct bridge over the road from
-Tarrytown to Sing-Sing; before it reaches this place it
-passes through three tunnels, over high foundation walls,
-and encounters deep excavations.</p>
-
-<div id="i_102d" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 39em;">
- <div id="Plate_XIV" class="caption top"><p>XIV</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_102d.jpg" width="1218" height="920" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>W. Bennett. sc.</i></p>
- <p class="floatc">AQUEDUCT BRIDGE FOR ROAD WAY.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_XIV">Plate XIV</a>. is a view of this bridge: it is eleven and a
-quarter miles from the dam. The arch is 20 feet span and
-has a versed sine or rise of 5 feet. From this the Aqueduct
-passes on, encounters one tunnel, and reaches the valley of Mill
-River, twelve miles and three quarters from the dam. This
-River runs through Sleepy Hollow and enters the Hudson
-about a mile and a half above Tarrytown. The stream is
-72 feet below the bottom of the Aqueduct, and the valley
-being of considerable width required a very heavy foundation
-wall.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">104</span></p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_XV">Plate XV</a>. is a view of the <i>Mill River Culvert</i>: it is 25
-feet span and 172 feet long. It is about half a mile east of
-the road leading from Tarrytown to Sing-Sing, and to follow
-the course of the stream which passes through it, it is three
-quarters of a mile to the <i>Old Dutch Church</i>, near Tarrytown,
-which is well known, and familiar to every one who
-has read Irving’s “Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”</p>
-
-<p>There is much of the wildness and beauty of nature about
-this place; the woods are standing close upon the work,—the
-stream which passes through the culvert displays its
-whitened crests as it tears along over the rocky bed, and
-utters its music until it is lost in the depth of the forest.
-The wild vines will soon climb the walls and cover them;
-vegetation will gather over the work until <i>nature</i> and <i>art</i>
-be harmoniously <i>wedded</i>.</p>
-
-<div id="i_104a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 49em;">
- <div id="Plate_XV" class="caption top"><p>XV</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_104a.jpg" width="1555" height="1093" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>W. Bennett. sc.</i></p>
- <p class="floatc">CROTON AQUEDUCT AT MILL RIVER.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>From Mill River the Aqueduct passes the village of
-Tarrytown and through one tunnel and over several depressions
-and streams, reaching Jewell’s Brook which is
-seventeen and a half miles from the dam. This stream
-enters the Hudson River about two miles below Tarrytown.
-The distance from the mouth of the stream to the line of
-Aqueduct is only a quarter of a mile.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_XVI">Plate XVI</a>. is a view of the work at Jewell’s Brook.
-The culvert for the stream is 6 feet span and 148 feet
-long. The larger culvert for a private road is 14 feet span
-and 141 feet long. The wall which supports the Aqueduct
-at this valley is 50 feet high.</p>
-
-<p>In this case, as in many others, the slope wall which
-covers the face of the embankment has an arch turned in
-it over the top of the culverts: the object of this is to
-prevent the direct pressure of the wall upon the top of the
-parapet wall, as it would tend to displace the coping or injure
-the parapet itself.</p>
-
-<div id="i_104d" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 34em;">
- <div id="Plate_XVI" class="caption top"><p>XVI</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_104d.jpg" width="1066" height="837" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>J. W. Hill.</i></p>
- <p class="floatc">CROTON AQUEDUCT AT JEWELLS BROOK.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>After crossing Jewell’s Brook the Aqueduct passes along
-the bank of the Hudson through the village of Dobb’s Ferry,
-where there is a tunnel and a valley requiring a culvert, and
-continues from this place to the village of Hastings, where
-there is an Aqueduct bridge over a rail-road which is used
-for transporting marble from the quarry near by, to the landing
-on the Hudson River.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_XVII">Plate XVII</a>. is a view of this bridge and the view under
-the arch shows the face of the quarry which is near the
-work; the landing at the river is near by, giving a very
-rapid descent from the quarry. The arch has a span of 16
-feet and a rise of 1½ foot. This bridge is twenty-one miles
-from the dam.</p>
-
-<p>From Hastings the Aqueduct continues along the bank of
-the Hudson until it reaches the village of Yonkers where it
-leaves the valley of the Hudson, and passing through a tunnel
-of considerable length reaches the valley of Saw-Mill
-River. At the crossing of this valley there is a culvert of
-20 feet span for a public road to pass under the Aqueduct,
-and one having two arches each 25 feet span for the river.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_XVIII">Plate XVIII</a>. is a view of the work at Saw Mill River.</p>
-
-<p>The water is set back at this place by a dam for a mill a
-short distance below, giving the stream an appearance of
-more magnitude than it really possesses. This point is 25
-miles from the dam. The wall which supports the Aqueduct
-over this valley is 40 feet high.</p>
-
-<p>From Saw-Mill River the Aqueduct passing through one<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">106</span>
-tunnel soon reaches Tibbit’s Brook, which it crosses by
-means of a foundation wall about 30 feet high and a culvert
-of 6 feet span, and continues along the south side of the
-valley of this brook, thence to the Harlem River which it
-crosses at one mile from McComb’s Dam. This crossing
-is thirty-three miles from the Croton Dam, and about ten
-miles from the City-Hall.</p>
-
-<p>The distance across this valley is about a quarter of a
-mile, and the surface of the River is 120 feet below the
-bottom of the Aqueduct.</p>
-
-<p>In all the examinations which were made with a view of
-bringing water from Westchester County, the crossing of
-this River, or <i>arm of the sea</i>, was regarded as the most
-formidable work that would be encountered; various plans
-were proposed, and in presenting these plans the project
-was such as to call into requisition much talent and skill.</p>
-
-<p>An Aqueduct Bridge built of stone, having arches resting
-upon piers and abutments, was proposed so as to continue
-the Aqueduct across with its regular inclination.</p>
-
-<p>An Inverted Syphon of iron pipes was proposed; the
-pipes to descend to a level near the surface of the River,
-and passing along upon a stone embankment rise again and
-connect with the Aqueduct: in this stone embankment an
-arch was to be built of sufficient dimensions to allow free
-passage of the water of the River.</p>
-
-<div id="i_106a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 28em;">
- <div id="Plate_XVII" class="caption top"><p>XVII</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_106a.jpg" width="884" height="760" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>J. W. Hill.</i></p>
- <p class="floatc">CROTON AQUEDUCT AT HASTINGS.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>Another plan was proposed which, though novel in its
-application to such purpose, was worthy of consideration:
-this was to build a Suspension Bridge of wire cables reaching
-across the valley, supported at intervals upon suitable
-stone piers. This, maintaining the regular inclination of
-the Aqueduct, would support iron pipes. The design was
-a bold one, yet instances where such bridges have been constructed
-for road-ways afford examples of the feasibility and
-permanency of the structures, and prove that the application
-of that principle for this purpose was not a visionary project.</p>
-
-<p>The plan which was adopted as the most suitable under
-all the considerations of economy and security to the work,
-was a <i>Low Bridge</i> to support an inverted syphon of iron
-pipes; and the design of it was as follows: adjacent to the
-southern shore of the river there was to be constructed an
-arch for the channel of the river, of 80 feet span and springing
-from abutments 10 feet above high water level; this
-would form a passage of 80 feet wide, and the height from
-high water level to the under side of the arch at the crown
-would be 50 feet: south of this arch followed three other
-arches on the slope of the rocky hill, of 35, 30, and 25 feet
-span: south of these arches a foundation wall was designed
-to continue the plane of inclination to the level of the Aqueduct.
-From the large arch to the northern shore of the
-river an embankment of stone was designed for the support
-of the pipes, and from this wall the table land on the northern
-shore and the slope of the northern side of the valley, would
-be excavated to a form to give the proper position to the
-pipes descending from the Aqueduct. The lowest level of
-the top of this stone embankment was designed to be 4 feet
-above flood tide. Suitable parapet walls were designed to
-be built along the sides of the embankment to sustain a
-covering of earth over the pipes. With the form which was
-given to this <i>inverted syphon</i>, four pipes, each of 3 feet interior
-diameter, were found to give a discharge of water equal<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">108</span>
-to that of the Aqueduct of masonry on the established inclination.</p>
-
-<p>In accordance with this plan of the <i>Low Bridge</i> the work
-for crossing the River was put under contract and some progress
-made in its execution, when a law was passed by the
-Legislature of the State requiring, instead of this, a structure,
-the arches of which should be (over the channel of the river)
-at least 80 feet span and having a distance of 100 feet from
-the level of high water to the under side of the crown; or to
-go under the channel of the river by a structure which
-should not rise above the bed, and that would leave the
-present channel unobstructed. At this time when the work
-was going on vigorously, they were compelled to abandon
-the plan which had been adopted, and devise one which
-would comply with the requirements of the law of the Legislature.
-A comparison was instituted between the plan of
-a tunnel under the bed of the river and that of a bridge of
-masonry at the required height above the river.</p>
-
-<p>The tunnel would be at least 300 feet long and the top of
-the masonry forming it, would be 18 feet below high water
-level. In this tunnel the iron pipes would pass under the
-River and would be protected from the salt water.</p>
-
-<div id="i_108a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 48em;">
- <div id="Plate_XVIII" class="caption top"><p>XVIII</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_108a.jpg" width="1534" height="1066" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>W. Bennett. sc.</i></p>
- <p class="floatc">CROTON AQUEDUCT AT YONKERS.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>An estimate of the cost of crossing by means of each
-plan was made, and the result was in favor of the tunnel
-under the bed of the River; but from the imperfect knowledge
-which could at best be obtained of the formation of
-the bed, there was great uncertainty in the estimate of the
-cost of the tunnel and the time that would be required for its
-completion. The history of the progress of work in the
-tunnel under the Thames at London warned them of the
-difficulties of such a work and the uncertainty of arriving
-at a proper estimate of the cost.</p>
-
-<p>In the alternative to which they were driven by the Act
-of the Legislature, the plan of an Aqueduct bridge of
-masonry was adopted as the proper one for crossing the
-River; but in establishing its altitude they complied <i>only</i>
-with the requisitions of the law, and made the soffit or under
-side of the arches at the crown, 100 feet above common high
-water level. This would not carry the work up to the level
-of the Aqueduct, and would render it necessary to connect
-the Aqueduct on each side of the valley by iron pipes
-which would descend to the level of the bridge and crossing
-it rise again to the masonry channel-way. The plans which
-were before spoken of for a bridge of masonry across this
-valley, contemplated a structure which would maintain the
-regular inclination of the Aqueduct; and the channel-way
-would have been formed of masonry having a cast iron
-lining; but a more full consideration of the subject suggested
-the propriety of using iron pipes over the bridge, even if
-it had been carried up to the grade plane of the Aqueduct:
-when the use of iron pipes was determined upon, then
-considerations of economy induced them to build the work
-<i>only</i> high enough to comply with the requirements of the
-law.</p>
-
-<p>The plan which has been adopted for building an Aqueduct
-bridge across this valley is as follows: on the south shore of
-the river there is one arch of 50 feet span, across the river
-there are eight arches, each of 80 feet span, and on the
-north shore there are six arches each of 50 feet span;
-making a range of fifteen arches. From the extremes of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">110</span>
-this range of arches, a foundation wall of dry stone work
-connects with the Aqueduct.</p>
-
-<p>Two of the piers in the river have a rock foundation and
-the foundations for those where rock is not obtained is
-formed by driving piles which are placed 2½ feet from centre
-to centre, and the spaces between filled with concrete to a
-depth of 3 feet below the top of them.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_XIX">Plate XIX</a>. is a view of this bridge, which, when completed,
-will be the most interesting work on the whole line
-of Aqueduct, and in its appearance will rival the grandeur of
-similar works of the Ancient Romans. The height from
-the foundations in the river, to the top of the work is 150
-feet; the width across the top is 21 feet. The pipes when
-laid upon the bridge will be covered with earth to protect
-them from frost. The distance between the extremes of the
-pipes when laid across the bridge will be 1377⅓ feet. For a
-distance of 18 feet at each end of the pipes there is an inclination
-and the remainder of the distance across, which is
-1341⅓ feet, they are level.</p>
-
-<p>The bottom of the interior of the pipes on the level part,
-is 12-8/10 feet below the bottom of water way of the Aqueduct
-on the north side, and 10-5/10 below that on the south side of
-the valley.</p>
-
-<p>In the progress of excavating in one of the coffer dams
-in the channel of the river a portion of a sunken vessel was
-found within the enclosure; it had the appearance of great
-age. Tradition among the inhabitants of the vicinity says
-that at an early period of the Revolutionary war a vessel
-was scuttled and sunk in that part of the river.</p>
-
-<div id="i_110a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 46em;">
- <div id="Plate_XIX" class="caption top"><p>XIX</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_110a.jpg" width="1453" height="672" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl">F. B. Tower.</p> <p class="floatr">Napoleon Gimbrede. sc.</p>
- <p class="floatc">CROTON AQUEDUCT AT HARLEM RIVER.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>To a mind fond of antiquarian researches and accustomed
-to invest objects of such a nature with associations of the
-past, this ancient wreck would furnish a fruitful theme. We
-are now laying the foundation of a magnificent work: at
-the day when this vessel was sunk the American people
-were laying the foundation of a new form of government
-composed of principles which should support a fabric of
-enduring strength and beauty. We are now building a work
-which will stand as a monument of the genius and enterprise
-of the age, but it may be regarded among the fruits of
-that civil and religious liberty which has been reared upon
-the foundations formed by the people of that day.</p>
-
-<p>The water is now conveyed across this valley by an iron
-pipe of 3 feet interior diameter. In the progress of preparing
-foundations for the piers of the bridge, an embankment
-has been formed across the River and the pipe leaving
-the Aqueduct on the north side of the valley follows down
-the slope of the hill, and crossing over the River upon this
-embankment, ascends on the south side again to the Aqueduct.
-At the bottom or lowest point in this pipe, a branch
-pipe of 1 foot diameter has been connected, extending a
-distance of 80 feet from it at right angles and horizontally:
-the end of this pipe is turned upwards to form a jet, and
-iron plates are fastened upon it giving any form that may
-be desired to the water issuing. The level of this branch
-pipe is about 120 feet below the bottom of the Aqueduct on
-the north side of the valley; affording an opportunity for a
-beautiful <i>jet d’eau</i>;—such an one as cannot be obtained at
-the fountains in the city. From an orifice of seven inches
-diameter the column of water rises to a height of 115 feet
-when there is only a depth of 2 feet of water in the
-Aqueduct.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">112</span></p>
-
-<p>To those who had watched over the work during its construction
-and looked for its successful operation, this was
-peculiarly gratifying. To see the water leap from this
-opening and rise upwards with such force and beauty,
-occasioned pleasing emotions and gave proof that the design
-and construction of the work were alike faultless, and
-that all the fondest hopes of its projectors would be realized.</p>
-
-<p>The scenery around this fountain added much to its
-beauty; there it stood,—a whitened column rising from the
-river, erect, or shifting its form, or waving like a forest tree
-as the winds swayed it, with the rainbow tints resting upon
-its spray, while on either side the wooded hills arose to
-rival its height: all around was of <i>nature</i>; no marble
-basin,—no allegorical figures, wrought with exquisite touches
-of <i>art</i> to lure the eye, but a fountain where nature had
-adorned the place with the grandeur and beauty of her rude
-hills and mountain scenery.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_XX">Plate XX</a>. is a distant view of the jet at Harlem River.</p>
-
-<p>From Harlem River the Aqueduct passes along the south
-bank of the River for a short distance where it rests in the
-side of the rocky hill, and continues over an uneven surface
-encountering two tunnels before it reaches Manhattan Valley,
-which is about 35 miles from the Croton dam. This
-valley is four fifths of a mile wide where the Aqueduct
-meets it, and the depression is 102 feet below the plane of
-Aqueduct grade.</p>
-
-<div id="i_112a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 48em;">
- <div id="Plate_XX" class="caption top"><p>XX</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_112a.jpg" width="1532" height="755" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>W. Bennett.</i></p>
- <p class="floatc">VIEW OF THE JET AT HARLEM RIVER.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>Here was an opportunity for constructing a work of
-architectural beauty and boldness by building up with arcades
-of arches, one line above another, and thus maintain
-the regular inclination of the Aqueduct; but considerations
-of economy forbade it. Where the Aqueduct reaches the
-north side of the valley, a gate chamber is formed, and from
-this, two pipes of 3 feet interior diameter descend to the
-bottom of the valley and ascend on the south side to another
-gate chamber where they connect with the Aqueduct again.
-Provision is made for four pipes of 3 feet diameter, but at
-present only two are laid which answer the demands of the
-city at this time. At the bottom of the valley waste cocks
-are provided which discharge into a sewer leading to the
-Hudson River, a distance of half a mile.</p>
-
-<p>The lowest point in the pipes is 102 feet below the bottom
-of the water way of the Aqueduct on the north side of
-the valley.</p>
-
-<p>From Manhattan Valley the Aqueduct passes through a
-tunnel, and following its course the next work of interest is
-at Clendinning Valley, which is thirty-seven miles from the
-Croton Dam. This valley is 1900 feet across, and the
-Aqueduct is supported upon a foundation wall of dry stone
-work having the face laid in mortar, except over three streets
-where bridges are built, having an arch of 30 feet span for
-the carriage-way and one on each side of 10½ feet span for
-the side walks. These bridges are over 98th, 99th, and
-100th streets.</p>
-
-<div id="i_112d" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 49em;">
- <div id="Plate_XXI" class="caption top"><p>XXI</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_112d.jpg" width="1552" height="860" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>W. Bennett. sc.</i></p>
- <p class="floatc">CROTON AQUEDUCT AT CLENDINNING VALLEY.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_XXI">Plate XXI</a>. is a view of a portion of the work at Clendinning
-Valley showing the three bridges; and comprises a
-length of about 700 feet.</p>
-
-<p>The greatest height from the foundation to the top of the
-work is 50 feet, and the width at the bottom of the Aqueduct
-is 30 feet. Parapet walls are built on the sides of the wall
-above the bottom of the Aqueduct to support a covering of
-earth over it.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">114</span></p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_XXII">Plate XXII</a>. is an enlarged view of one of the bridges
-and a portion of the foundation wall and Aqueduct adjacent
-to it. The Aqueduct has a cast iron lining over the bridges
-like that described at the Sing Sing Kill.</p>
-
-<p>These bridges are beautiful specimens of mechanical
-work; indeed the whole structure across this valley has a
-degree of neatness, finish, and taste, not surpassed by any
-on the line of Aqueduct.</p>
-
-<p>To visit this structure and follow along its whole extent,
-gives one an idea of the magnitude of the work which the
-City of New-York has accomplished; particularly when it
-is considered that this is only one of the <i>parts</i> which make
-up the <i>whole</i>.</p>
-
-<p>From Clendinning Valley the Aqueduct soon reaches the
-Receiving Reservoir which is thirty-eight miles from the
-Croton Dam.</p>
-
-<p>This Reservoir occupies an elevated part of the island
-between 79th and 86th streets and between the 6th and 7th
-Avenues. It covers seven of the city blocks; is divided
-into two divisions, one covering three and the other four of
-these blocks. It is 1826 feet long and 836 feet wide from
-outside to outside of the top of the exterior walls of the
-embankment, making an area of thirty-five acres.</p>
-
-<div id="i_114a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 54em;">
- <div id="Plate_XXII" class="caption top"><p>XXII</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_114a.jpg" width="1706" height="1073" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>Gimber.</i></p>
- <p class="floatc">AQUEDUCT BRIDGE AT CLENDINNING VALLEY.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>The situation was chosen as one affording the proper
-elevation: but its formation was such as to present difficulties
-in the way of making the Reservoir perfectly water-tight;
-the surface, in tracing it from 79th to 86th street, was quite
-undulating, a portion of it in the southern division of the Reservoir
-falling below the proposed bottom, and that portion
-of the surface which was earth, forming only a covering to
-the rock, which over the whole island, presents a singularly
-broken and uneven formation. In almost every instance of
-excavation, the rock was found above the proposed bottom
-of the Reservoir, and the difficulty of preventing leakage
-along the surface of this rock may easily be conceived; but
-considering that measures are taken to prevent such an
-occurrence, another difficulty is still presented in the formation
-of the rock: the veins and fissures which are frequent
-in this gneiss formation would possibly afford courses for
-the water to escape; the rock being unsound in many instances,
-would render such an occurrence still more liable.
-A Reservoir has however, been constructed here which
-proved, when it was filled with water, that sufficient precaution
-was used to prevent leakage, and that the difficulties
-which presented themselves before the commencement of
-the work were no longer to be feared.</p>
-
-<p>The embankments forming the Reservoir are made of
-good assorted earth, and a portion of the bank is puddled,
-or made compact and impervious by wetting the earth and
-using a spade to force it into a compact state. They are
-about 20 feet wide on the top, and increase in thickness towards
-the base by a slope on both sides: the outside face of
-the Reservoir bank has a slope of 1 foot horizontal to 3 feet
-vertical: the inside has a slope of 1½ foot horizontal to 1
-foot vertical. The outside face is protected by a stone wall
-4 feet thick having the face laid in mortar: the inside face is
-protected by a slope wall of stone laid without mortar, 1¼
-foot thick. The top of the bank is 4 feet above top water
-line, and the inside slope wall terminates at 2 feet above top
-water line, leaving the remainder of the face to be covered<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">116</span>
-with grass, so as to present a belt of green above the water
-on the bank entirely around the Reservoir.</p>
-
-<p>A neat fence bounds the outside and the inside of the top
-bank, forming a walk of a mile in length around the entire
-Reservoir.</p>
-
-<p>The greatest depth of water in the northern division is 20
-feet: it was originally intended to excavate so as to give the
-water a depth of 20 feet over the whole, but a quantity of
-rock was left, as the capacity was thought to be sufficient
-without taking it out.</p>
-
-<p>The southern division has 30 feet of water where the
-bottom was filled in with embankment, and 25 where excavation
-was made. A portion of rock was left in this division
-for the same reason as that in the northern division; the
-greater part of it being in the south-west corner, where it
-rises above top water line.</p>
-
-<p>The capacity of the Reservoir when both divisions are
-full, is 150,000,000 Imperial gallons.</p>
-
-<p>The surface of water in the northern division covers 18.13
-acres, and in the southern division, 12.75 acres; making in
-both nearly 31 acres.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_XXIII">Plate XXIII</a>. is a plan of the Receiving Reservoir.</p>
-
-<p>The Aqueduct enters a gate chamber at A. where there
-are regulating gates by which the water can be discharged
-into the northern division; or into the southern division by a
-continuation of the Aqueduct within the Reservoir bank to
-the angle B. of that division.</p>
-
-<div id="i_116a" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 54em;">
- <div id="Plate_XXIII" class="caption top"><p>XXIII</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_116a.jpg" width="1714" height="993" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <div class="smaller"><p>Scale 200 feet to one inch</p></div>
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>Gimber.</i></p>
- <p class="floatc">RECEIVING RESERVOIR</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>A connection pipe of cast iron is placed in the division
-bank at C. to allow the water to flow from one division into
-the other in order to equalize the level; it is placed 10 feet
-below top water line and has a stop-cock to close or open it.</p>
-
-<p>At D. is a waste weir, where surplus water may pass off:
-it is so arranged that the water, when it rises to a proper
-level, will flow into a well, and from this a brick sewer conducts
-it off into low grounds, where it finds its way to the
-East River.</p>
-
-<p>At each place where it is designed to discharge water
-from the Reservoir, a gate house is built far enough into it to
-reach the greatest depth of water beyond the slope of the
-embankment. These houses have a wall upon three sides,
-and the front which faces the centre of the Reservoir has
-a suitable screen of wood work and wooden gates which
-regulate the level below the surface for the current of discharge,
-and the iron pipes leading from these houses have a
-stop-cock by which the discharge is controlled; this stop-cock
-is in a vault within the Reservoir bank.</p>
-
-<p>The position of these effluent gate houses is marked on
-the plan by the letters E, F, G, H, there being two in each
-division. A foot bridge affords convenient access from the
-bank to the house.</p>
-
-<p>Those houses on the east side denoted by E, F, are the
-ones from which pipes lead to the lower or Distributing
-Reservoir, and those on the west side denoted by G, H, are
-intended for supplying the western part of the city north of
-the Distributing Reservoir.</p>
-
-<p>There is a vault within the eastern bank to accommodate
-the pipes which leave the house E, and passing along, connect
-with those from the house F, and thence the pipes
-continue along 80th street and the 5th Avenue to the Distributing
-Reservoir. A vault within the west bank accommodates
-the pipe which leads from the house H, and intersects<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">118</span>
-the one from G, passing out at 81st street; thus in this
-street a pipe draws from the southern division at G, and a
-branch of it passing along within the vault draws from the
-northern division at H.</p>
-
-<p>Provision has been made on the east side of the Reservoir
-for supplying that part of the city when it becomes
-necessary.</p>
-
-<p>At present there are two pipes leading from this to the
-Distributing Reservoir, each 3 feet interior diameter, and
-they are arranged that both may draw from the southern
-division, or one from that, and one from the northern division.
-The pipes are placed at a level below the bottom of
-the division from which they draw: the bottom of the interior
-of those from the southern division being 2 feet below,
-and that of those from the northern 5 feet below.</p>
-
-<p>The exterior walls of this Reservoir present a face of
-<i>rough-hammered</i> masonry, finished in a manner to give
-them neatness and durability.</p>
-
-<p>As a specimen of mechanical work, this Reservoir will
-not bear a comparison with the lower, or Distributing Reservoir,
-yet the sheet of water it presents, renders it an object
-of perhaps greater interest. This beautiful lake of pure
-water resting upon the summit of the Island is truly a pleasing
-object, and considering its size, is what no other city
-can boast of having within its limits.</p>
-
-<p>The Distributing Reservoir is situated on the west side of
-the 5th Avenue between 40th and 42nd streets; it is two
-miles from the Receiving Reservoir, and about three miles
-from the City-Hall.</p>
-
-<div id="i_118b" class="figcenter" style="max-width: 52em;">
- <div id="Plate_XXIV" class="caption top"><p>XXIV</p></div>
- <img src="images/i_118b.jpg" width="1664" height="1072" alt="" />
- <div class="caption">
- <p class="floatl"><i>F. B. Tower.</i></p> <p class="floatr"><i>Napoleon Gimbrede. sc.</i></p>
- <p class="floatc">DISTRIBUTING RESERVOIR.</p></div>
-</div>
-
-<p>The question may naturally be asked, why this Reservoir
-was built, when the receiving one, of such great capacity, is
-so near at hand? The reason for building it, was to obtain
-an efficient head of water near to the densely populated
-parts of the city, and had the formation of the island been
-favorable, the Receiving Reservoir would undoubtedly have
-been located farther down, bringing the store of water more
-nearly in the centre of the city.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_XXIV">Plate XXIV</a>. is an isometrical view of the Distributing
-Reservoir showing the front on the 5th Avenue and on
-42nd street.</p>
-
-<p>The pipes which leave the Receiving Reservoir follow
-along the 5th Avenue until they reach 42nd street, where
-they turn and enter the Distributing Reservoir at the base of
-the central pilaster in that street, which in the drawing is
-shown on the right hand side. The pipes enter at the bottom
-of the Reservoir and the flow of water is regulated by <i>stop-cocks</i>:
-the door in the pilaster affords an entrance to the
-vault where these <i>stop-cocks</i> are situated. The Reservoir
-is divided into two separate divisions by a wall. It is designed
-to have three pipes, each 3 feet diameter, to lead from
-the Receiving to the Distributing Reservoir and arrangements
-are made to discharge water from two of them into
-one division of the Distributing Reservoir at a time, or the
-water may be divided into an equal supply for both divisions.</p>
-
-<p>On the south side of the Reservoir a pipe of 3 feet diameter
-leaves each division and they are arranged with branches
-so as to draw from one or both divisions. The house
-standing across the division wall is directly over the mouth
-of the effluent pipes, and is constructed like those at the
-Receiving Reservoir, with a gate and screen frame of timber.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">120</span>
-The central pilaster on 40th street has an entrance (like
-that on 42nd street) to the vault where the <i>stop-cocks</i> are
-situated which regulate the discharge from the Reservoir.
-The pipes leave the Reservoir at the base of this pilaster
-and from 40th street, curve into the 5th Avenue, which they
-pursue until they reach a convenient point for diverging to
-the densely populated parts of the city.</p>
-
-<p>This Reservoir is 420 feet square on the top, measuring
-on the cornice of the main wall; it is 425 feet square at the
-top of the cornice of the pilasters, and 436 feet square at the
-base, measuring from outside to outside of the corner pilasters,
-covering a little over four acres. The height of the
-walls is 45 feet above the streets around, and about 50 feet
-above the foundations.</p>
-
-<p>The water is 36 feet deep when it reaches the level designed
-for its surface (which is 4 feet below the top of the
-walls) and the surplus, when the Reservoir is full, passes into
-a well in the division wall and is conducted by a sewer in
-42nd street to the Hudson River, which is one mile distant.</p>
-
-<p>The Reservoir is calculated to hold 20,000,000 gallons.</p>
-
-<p>The outside walls are constructed with openings in them
-so that by entering the door on 42nd street one may walk
-entirely around the Reservoir within the walls. One object
-of this arrangement is to obtain the greatest breadth with a
-given quantity of material; another is to afford an opportunity
-to examine the work so as to guard against leakage;
-and another, to prevent any moisture finding its way through
-to the exterior so as to cause injury to the wall by the action
-of frost. This kind of open work of the wall rises to within
-about 8 feet of top water line. Inside of these walls an<span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">121</span>
-embankment of puddled earth is formed with suitable breadth
-of base to give security to the work, and the face of this
-earth next to the water is covered with a wall of hydraulic
-masonry 1¼ foot thick. The top of the embankment is
-covered with stone flagging, forming a walk around the top
-of the Reservoir. The bottom of the Reservoir has a covering
-of concrete 1 foot thick; thus when it is empty there
-will be seen two basins having the sides and bottom formed
-of masonry.</p>
-
-<p>A section of the wall of one side of the Reservoir, including
-the embankment, is 17 feet wide at the top, 35 feet
-wide 16 feet below the top, and 76 feet wide at the bottom:
-the cornice projects on the outside and the coping on the
-inside so as to make the width of the top 21 feet. An iron
-railing bounds the outside and inside of the walk around
-the top.</p>
-
-<p>The outside of the Reservoir is built on a slope of one
-sixth its height, or two inches to the foot, and an Egyptian
-cornice projects at the top of the main walls and the pilasters.</p>
-
-<p>At the entrance on the 5th Avenue a stairway leads up to
-the top of the Reservoir.</p>
-
-<p>Terraces are built around at the foot of the walls and
-covered with grass, giving a rich finish to the work.</p>
-
-<p>This Reservoir may be considered the termination of the
-Croton Aqueduct, and is distant from the <i>Fountain Reservoir</i>
-on the Croton, forty and a half miles.</p>
-
-<p>The whole cost of the work, exclusive of the pipes in the
-city below the Distributing Reservoir, is about 9,000,000
-dollars. Adding to this the cost of pipes and arrangements<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">122</span>
-for distributing the water in the city, will make the <i>total
-cost of supplying the city of New-York with water about
-12,000,000 dollars</i>.<a id="FNanchor_7" href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">7</a></p>
-
-<p>The water was introduced into the Distributing Reservoir
-on the 4th of July, 1842, and the event was hailed by the
-citizens of New-York with an interest scarcely less than
-that pervading the whole American people at the remembrance
-of the event, the anniversary of which, was on that
-day celebrated.</p>
-
-<p>At an hour when the firing of guns and the ringing of
-bells had aroused but few from their slumbers, and ere the
-rays of the morning sun had gilded the city domes, the
-waters of the Croton gushed up into the Reservoir and
-wandered about its bottom as if to examine the magnificent
-structure; or to find a resting place in the <i>temple</i> towards
-which they had made a pilgrimage.</p>
-
-<p>The national flag floated out from each corner of the
-Reservoir, and during the day thousands of the citizens
-visited it giving demonstrations of joy and satisfaction at
-the accomplishment of this great work.</p>
-
-<p>The 14th of October following was set apart as a day
-for the celebration of the introduction of the water into the
-city: and it was an occasion of unrestrained enthusiasm and
-joy. Multitudes came in from the country around, and from
-sister cities:—all business was laid aside for the pleasing
-ceremonies of the day, and the Croton water, with the beauty
-and grandeur of its fountains, met with a welcome which
-showed that its value was appreciated.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">123</span></p>
-
-<p>The advantages, the comforts and blessings of this supply
-of pure water will be appreciated as the city extends the
-means for its use, and the time is not distant when she will
-regard it as a treasure which was cheaply purchased, and
-will proudly point to the noble work which she has achieved
-not only as an example of her munificence, but as an illustration
-of what <i>art</i> and <i>science</i> can accomplish.</p>
-
-<p>With cleanly streets, and the public parks beautified
-with the fountains which send forth cooling and refreshing
-vapours upon the air, the citizens will forget to leave the city
-during the warm months of summer, and the <i>sea-shore</i>, the
-<i>mountain-tops</i>, and <i>watering-places</i>, will fancy their beauty
-has faded, since they cease to be visited.</p>
-
-<p>The foreigner who visits this country will find the Croton
-Aqueduct an interesting specimen of our <i>public works</i>, and
-will be pleased with a pedestrian tour along the line of work
-to the Fountain Reservoir among the hills of the Croton.
-Besides becoming acquainted with the important features
-of the work, he may enjoy much that is beautiful in American
-scenery. In his course along the Aqueduct he may see
-the majestic palisades which for a distance <i>wall</i> the right
-bank of the Hudson; he may view the Tappan and Haverstraw
-bays with their ever-varying scenery, and the dark
-gorge where the Hudson emerges from the Highlands with
-its white bosom.</p>
-
-<p>Along the Aqueduct there are also many picturesque
-scenes where the mountain stream leaps among the rocks
-in the deep ravine which guides its course to the Hudson.</p>
-
-<p>The country is interesting also from the associations with
-which it has been invested by the pen of our novelists. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">124</span>
-region of the Croton where the Fountain Reservoir is
-formed, is a part of the district where the scene of the
-“Tale of the Neutral Ground” is laid; and one may fancy
-there the figure of Harvey Birch, beneath his <i>pondrous
-pack</i>, casting a shadow at night along the moon-lit slopes.</p>
-
-<p>Leaving the valley of the Croton we come out upon the
-Hudson at the head of the “<i>great waters of the Tappan
-Zee</i>,” beyond which the early inhabitants of <i>New-Amsterdam</i>
-dared not to voyage without first “settling their family
-affairs, and making their wills.”</p>
-
-<p>As we approach Tarrytown we find the localities which
-were pictured in the “Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” and easily
-recognize the Old Dutch Church near which the affrighted
-Ichabod Crane was so sadly unhorsed by the headless
-Hessian. We find in this vicinity also, the place noted as
-the “<i>spot where the unfortunate ‘Andre’ was captured</i>.”</p>
-
-<p>Besides the romantic and diversified scenery of the Hudson
-which is in view from the line of Aqueduct, the visitor
-may find highly cultivated grounds and delightful country
-seats, and among them that of our distinguished countryman,
-Washington Irving, where he sought a rural retirement for
-his literary pursuits. But it is unnecessary to speak further
-of the objects which are calculated to interest the visitor to
-this part of the country: we would only invite the stranger
-who visits the city of New-York to go forth and visit her
-noble Aqueduct: when he has become acquainted with the
-magnitude and grandeur of its construction, then he may
-turn aside for prospects to admire and incidents to interest.</p>
-
-<hr />
-
-<div id="toclink_125" class="chapter">
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">125</span></p>
-
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="APPENDIX">APPENDIX.</h2>
-</div>
-
-<p class="p1 center b1">BY<span class="wspace"> CHARLES A. LEE, M. D.</span></p>
-
-<h3>WATER.</h3>
-
-<p class="p1 center b1">(<i>Chiefly compiled from the works of Thomson, Pereira, Whewell and others.</i>)</p>
-
-<p><span class="firstword">Water</span> was regarded by the ancients as an elementary substance, and as a constituent
-of most other bodies. This opinion was somewhat modified by the experiments
-of Van Helmont and Mr. Boyle, who maintained that it could be changed
-into all vegetable substances, as well as into earth; but it was substantially held
-until the middle of the last century, (1781,) when Mr. Cavendish proved that this
-liquid was a compound of oxygen and hydrogen.</p>
-
-<h4><span class="smcap">Natural History.</span> <i>In the inorganized kingdom.</i></h4>
-
-<p>Water is very generally diffused over the surface of the globe, forming seas, lakes,
-and rivers; it is mechanically disseminated among rocks, constitutes an essential
-part of some minerals, and always exists to a greater or less extent, in the atmosphere.
-In the air, water is formed in two states; as a <i>vapor</i> (which makes about
-one-seventieth by volume, or one one-hundredth by weight of the atmosphere) it is
-supposed to be the cause of the blue color to the sky; and in a <i>vesicular form</i>, in
-which state it constitutes the clouds. Terrestrial water forms about three-fourths of
-the surface of the terraqueous globe. The average depth of the ocean is calculated
-at between two and three miles. Now as the height of dry land above the surface
-of the sea is less than two miles, it is evident, that if the present dry land were distributed
-over the bottom of the ocean, the surface of the globe would present a mass
-of waters a mile in depth. On the supposition that the mean depth of the sea is not<span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">126</span>
-greater than the fourth part of a mile, the solid contents of the ocean would be
-32,058,939 cubic miles (<i>Thomson’s Chemistry</i>.) The quantity of water mechanically
-disseminated through rocks, which serve merely as a natural reservoir for the
-time, must be, in the aggregate, very considerable, though it is impossible to form
-any very accurate estimate of it. Even in those rocks which merely supply springs,
-the amount of disseminated water must be enormous; for they so far resemble filters,
-that are necessarily charged with the fluid before they permit it to pass out.
-De La Beche has advanced the opinion that capillary attraction has great power,
-both in mechanically disseminating water among rocks, and in retaining it in them
-when so disseminated, and that it therefore keeps them, to a certain extent, saturated
-with moisture, and assists in promoting a more equal flow of water in springs.
-Capillary attraction and gravity probably carry water down far beyond those situations
-where it can be returned in springs, at least cold springs, for there are certain
-circumstances connected with those which are thermal, which go to prove, that the
-water thrown up by them may have percolated to considerable depths. It is very
-evident that most rocks contain disseminated moisture, for there are few which,
-when exposed to heat, do not give water. Sulphate of lime, for example, or plaster
-of paris, contains about 20 per cent., and common serpentine, as much as 15 per
-cent. of it. Soap-stone has 4 per cent., and even quartz 2 per cent. of water, in
-their composition. This fluid exists in minerals either as <i>water of crystallization</i>,
-or combined as a <i>hydrate</i>.</p>
-
-<p>But though water is thus generally diffused over the surface of the globe, yet
-it is not found perfectly pure in any place; even the rain and the snow that descend
-from the clouds, the condensation, as it were, of a natural distillation, are
-slightly tainted by saline matters; which circumstance can only arise from the great
-solvent power of water enabling it to take up a portion of most substances with
-which it comes into contact, in its natural condition. In many lakes, and in the
-ocean, the quantity of saline matter is so great as to render it unfit for diluent
-purposes; but, when sea-water freezes, the saline impregnations are deposited;
-and the ice affords fresh water. In the state in which water is generally employed
-as a diluent, its impregnations are in small quantity, and not usually sufficient
-either to dim its transparency, or to give it color, smell, or taste, and consequently
-to render it unfit for the ordinary purposes of life. Water, therefore, which
-is transparent, colorless, inodorous, and tasteless, is called <i>good</i> and <i>pure</i>, and
-none other can be called such; though some medical writers are of opinion,
-that it is not necessary it should be in this pure state for common use. Such
-opinion however is undoubtedly <span class="locked">erroneous—</span></p>
-
-<p>II. <i>In the organized kingdom.</i> Water enters largely into the composition of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">127</span>
-organic substances. It constitutes, at least, four fifths of the weight of the animal
-tissues, being the source of their physical properties, extensibility and flexibility.
-This water is not chemically combined in them: for it is gradually given off by
-evaporation, and can be extracted at once by strong pressure between blotting-paper.
-When deprived of its water, animal matter becomes wholly insusceptible of vitality;
-except in the case of some of the lower animals, which, as well as some plants,
-revive when again moistened. According to Chevreul, pure water alone can reduce
-organized substances to this state of softness; although salt water, alcohol, ether,
-and oil, are also imbibed by dry animal textures. Moist animal tissues, by virtue of
-their porosity, allow soluble matters, which come into contact with them, to be
-dissolved by the water which they contain, and which oils their pores: if the matters
-are already in solution, they are imparted by their solutions to the water of the
-tissues. Gaseous substances are taken up in the same way. Water exists in nearly
-as large a proportion in vegetable as in animal substances.</p>
-
-<p><i>Properties.</i> Pure water, as has already been stated, is a transparent liquid without
-color, taste, or smell. Some have doubted whether it is entirely inodorous,
-from the fact that the camel, and some other animals, can scent water to a considerable
-distance, and also whether it can be called colorless, as all large masses of
-water have a bluish-green color. This phenomenon is, however, probably owing
-to the presence of foreign matters. It refracts light powerfully, is a slow conductor
-of heat, when its internal movements are prevented, and an imperfect conductor
-of electricity. It is almost incompressible, a pressure equal to 2000 atmospheres
-occasioning a diminution of only one-ninth of its bulk; or, when submitted to a
-compressing force equal to 30,000 lbs. on the square inch, 14 volumes of this fluid
-are condensed into 13 volumes; proving that it is elastic. Water being the substance
-most easily procured in every part of the earth in a state of purity, it has
-been chosen by universal consent, to represent the unit of the specific gravity of
-all solid and liquid bodies. A cubic inch of water at 60° Fah. weighs 255.5 grains;
-so that this fluid is about 815 times heavier than atmospheric air, but being the
-standard to which the weight of all other substances is referred, its specific weight
-is said to be 1. Accordingly when we say that the specific gravity of a body is
-<i>two</i> we mean that it weighs twice as much as the same volume of water would
-do. Water unites with both acids and bases, but without destroying their acid or
-basic properties. Thus the crystallized vegetable acids, tartaric, citric, and oxalic,
-are atomic combinations of water with acids. Caustic potash (potassa fusa) and
-slaked lime may be instanced as compounds of water, and basic substances;
-these are therefore called <i>hydrates</i>. The crystallized salts, such as alum, common
-salt, sulphate of soda, sulphate of magnesia, borate of soda, (borax,) &amp;c., contain<span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">128</span>
-a large amount of water as a chemical constituent, called water of crystallization.
-Water rapidly absorbs some gases, as ammonia, fluoride of boron, &amp;c., but it is
-neither combustible, nor, under ordinary circumstances, a supporter of combustion.</p>
-
-<p><i>Composition.</i> The composition of water is determined both by analysis and
-synthesis. If this liquid be submitted to the influence of a volcanic battery, it is
-decomposed into two gases, namely one volume of oxygen and two volumes of
-hydrogen. These gases, in the proportions just mentioned, may be made to recombine,
-and form water by heat, electricity, or spongy platinum, as water consists
-of one equivalent of hydrogen, 1 and one of oxygen, 8 = 9; and in volume, of
-one volume of hydrogen, and half a volume of oxygen, condensed into aqueous
-vapor or steam we can easily calculate the specific gravity of steam, for its density
-will be, .0689 (Sp. gr. of hydrogen) + .5512 (half the Sp. gr. of oxygen) = .6201.</p>
-
-<h4><i>Water as affected by the laws of Heat.</i></h4>
-
-<p>As the extensive and important functions which water discharges in the economy
-of nature, depend mainly on the manner in which it is affected by the laws of heat,
-a few remarks on this subject may not be inappropriate to this place.</p>
-
-<p>Heat is communicated through water in a different manner, from that observed in
-relation to solids, for it is not <i>conducted</i> as in them, from one particle to another,
-but carried with the parts of the fluid by means of an intestine motion. Water expands
-and becomes lighter by heat, and therefore it is, that if the upper portion of
-water be cooled below the lower, the former descends, and the latter rises to take its
-place. Thus a constant counter-current is kept up, and the whole body of water
-has to cool down to near the freezing point, before congelation can take place.
-This equalization of temperature, moreover, takes place much more rapidly, than it
-would do in a solid body; hence alternations of heat and cold, as day and night,
-summer and winter, produce in water, inequalities of temperature much smaller
-than those which occur in a solid body.</p>
-
-<p>Hence it is, that the ocean, which covers so large a portion of the earth’s surface,
-produces the effect of making the alternations of heat and cold much less violent
-than they would be if it were absent. The different temperatures of its upper and
-lower parts produce a current which draws the seas, and by means of the seas, the
-air, towards the mean temperature. This circulation is also carried on between distant
-tracts of the ocean; as we see in the case of the Gulf Stream, which rushing
-from the Gulf of Mexico across the Atlantic to the western shores of Europe, carries
-with it a portion of the heat of equatorial climes to the colder northern regions, and
-bringing back in return a portion of the cold from the same higher latitudes. Thus,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">129</span>
-large portions of the earth are rendered habitable to man, which, without the existence
-of such a law, would be doomed to perpetual frost and solitude. This influence
-of the ocean on temperature, explains satisfactorily some peculiarities in the climates
-of certain tracts and islands, for example, why London is cooler in summer, and
-hotter in winter than Paris. But though water expands by heat and contracts by
-cold, there is even a limit to this law, for had there not been, the lower parts of
-water would have frozen first, and thus entire lakes, rivers and oceans, perhaps, become
-solid, and had they become thus frozen, they would have remained so; for, as
-the heat at the surface would not have descended far through the colder parts, the
-main body of the ice must forever have remained solid, as in the arctic circle. To
-obviate this great disadvantage, water contracts by the increase of cold till we come
-<i>near</i> the freezing temperature, (40° F.) when it begins to expand and continues so
-to do till it freezes; at 32° F. Hence, water at 40° is at its greatest density and
-will lie at the bottom, with cooler water or ice floating above it. However much the
-surface be cooled, water colder than 40° cannot descend to displace water warmer
-than itself. Hence we never can have ice formed at the bottom of deep water,
-though it is not uncommon to find it thus situated, in shallow streams or rivers of
-rapid flow. Here the temperature of the whole body of water is brought down to
-the freezing point, and in freezing the ice adheres to the sides and bottom of the
-stream. What a beautiful provision is this, that the coldest water should rise to the
-surface, and there freeze and remain, exposed to the warmth of the sun-beams and
-the air, to be speedily dissolved upon the return of spring! This is owing to the
-well known fact, that in the act of freezing a still further expansion takes place, so
-that the specific gravity of ice is less than water of any temperature, and consequently
-floats upon the surface. We thus see that by the contraction of water by
-cold, the temperature of various times and places is equalized, though were that
-contraction without limit, a great portion of the earth would be bound in fetters of
-ice. Such a disastrous result, is prevented by the substitution of expansion for contraction,
-when the temperature is reduced to 40°, and the benevolent purposes of an
-all-wise Designer, are made still more manifest by the further expansion of water in
-the act of freezing. As water becomes ice by cold, it becomes <i>steam</i> by heat. We
-generally understand by steam the vapor of hot water, but steam or vapor rises from
-water at all temperatures, however low, and even from ice. The expansive force of
-this vapor increases rapidly as the heat increases, but yet in all cases the surface of
-water is covered with an atmosphere of aqueous vapor, the pressure, or <i>tension</i> of
-which is limited by the temperature of the water. If, therefore, the vapor is not
-confined, causing the surface of water to be pressed upon, evaporation will take
-place, and thus there must, according to this law, always exist an atmosphere of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">130</span>
-aqueous vapor, the tension of which may be compared with that of our common
-atmosphere. Now the pressure of the latter is measured by the barometrical column,
-about 30 inches of mercury, while that of watery vapor is equal to one inch of mercury
-at the constituent temperature of 80 degrees, and to one fifth of an inch at the
-temperature of 32 degrees.</p>
-
-<p>If the atmosphere of air by which we are supported were annihilated, there
-would still remain, an atmosphere of aqueous vapor, arising from the waters and
-moist parts of the earth, but in the existing state of things this vapor rises <i>in</i> the
-atmosphere of dry air, and thus its distribution and effects are materially influenced
-by the vehicle in which it is thus carried.</p>
-
-<p>The moisture thus floating at all times in the air, serves for the support of vegetable
-life, even in countries where rain seldom if ever falls. It is absorbed by
-the leaves of living plants, which thus increase in weight even when suspended in
-the atmosphere and disconnected with the soil. During intense heats, and when the
-soil is parched and dry, we see the life of plants thus preserved until the earth is
-again refreshed with showers, and the roots supplied with their wonted moisture.</p>
-
-<p><i>Clouds</i>, are produced when aqueous vapor returns to the state of water; and
-this process is called <i>condensation</i>. Whenever the temperature becomes lower than
-the constituent temperature, requisite for the maintenance of the vapory state, some
-of the vapor, or invisible steam, will be condensed, and become water. This
-may be seen illustrated in the condensation of the steam, as it issues from the
-spout of a tea-kettle. Clouds not only moderate the fervor of the sun, but they
-also check radiation from the earth, for we find that the coldest nights are those
-which occur under a cloudless winter sky. The use of clouds in the formation
-of rain, is too obvious to need pointing out more particularly. <i>Snow</i> is frozen
-vapour aggregated by a confused action of crystalline laws, and <i>ice</i> is water, solidified
-while in its fluid state, by the same crystalline forces. These are bad conductors
-of cold, and when the ground is covered with snow, or the surface of
-the soil, or if the water is frozen, the roots or bulbs of plants beneath are
-protected by the congealed water from the influence of the atmosphere, the
-temperature of which in northern winters, is usually very much below the freezing
-point; and this water becomes the first nourishment of the plant, in early spring.
-The expansion of water during its congelation, at which time its volume increases
-one twelfth, and its contraction in bulk during a thaw, tend to pulverize the soil, to
-separate its parts from each other, and to make it more permeable to the influence
-of the air.</p>
-
-<p>When ice changes to water, or water to steam, although at an invariable degree of
-temperature, yet the change is not sudden, but gradual. When the heat reaches<span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">131</span>
-the point, at which thawing or boiling takes place, the temperature makes a
-stand; a portion of it disappears, or becomes <i>latent</i>, as it is called; thus the
-temperature of ice cannot be raised, till the whole is thawed, nor that of boiling
-water, till it has all been converted into steam; all the heat that is applied being
-absorbed in producing these changes. Were it not for this law of latent heat,
-thaw and evaporation would be instantaneous, we should be overwhelmed with
-floods, at the first glow of warmth in the spring, and in heating water the whole
-would flash instantaneously into steam upon reaching the boiling point.</p>
-
-<p>It is through the same relations of water to heat, that springs are supplied—for
-these undoubtedly draw their principal supplies from rain. Mr. Dalton has calculated
-that the quantity of rain which falls in England is 36 inches a year. Of this
-he reckoned that 13 inches flow off to the sea by the rivers, and that the remaining
-23 inches are raised again from the ground by evaporation. The 13 inches of
-water are of course supplied by evaporation from the sea, and are carried back to
-the land through the atmosphere. Vapor is perpetually rising from the ocean, and
-is condensed by cold in the hills and high lands, as is easily recognized by the mists
-and rains, which are frequent in such regions; whence it descends through their
-pores and crevices, till it is deflected, collected and conducted out to the sea, by
-some stratum or channel which is water-tight, thus keeping up a perpetual and
-compound circulation. In every country these two portions of the aqueous circulation
-have their regular and nearly constant proportion; and their due distribution
-appears to be necessary to its organic health, to the habits of vegetables and of man.
-This circulation goes on from year to year as regularly as that of the blood, in the
-veins and arteries of the human system, and though maintained by a very different
-machinery, is no less clearly adapted to its purposes. In short the properties of
-water which regard heat make one vast watering engine of the atmosphere, (<i>Whewell</i>.)</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Common Water.</span> Under this head are included the waters commonly known
-as <i>rain</i>, <i>spring</i>, <i>river</i>, <i>well</i> or <i>pump</i>, <i>lake</i> and <i>marsh waters</i>. Thomson includes
-<i>ice</i>, and <i>snow water</i>, <i>spring</i> and <i>river water</i>, and <i>lake water</i> under <i>rain water</i>, as it
-is from this source that they are chiefly supplied.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Rain Water</span> is the purest kind of all natural waters, though subject to some
-variations. Thus, when collected in large towns or cities, it is less pure than when
-obtained in the country; moreover it is usually loaded with impurities at the commencement
-of a shower, but after some hours of continuous rain it becomes nearly
-pure; for the first water which falls brings down the various foreign matters suspended
-in the atmosphere. In specific gravity, it scarcely differs from distilled water.
-It nevertheless generally holds in solution common air, carbonic acid, carbonate of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">132</span>
-lime, chloride of lime, and a trace of nitric acid. If it be collected from the roofs
-of houses, after it has rained for some time, it contains sulphate of lime and occasionally
-carbonate of lead. The quantity of common air in rain water does not exceed
-3½ cubic inches in 100 cubic inches of water; it contains more oxygen than
-atmospherical air; the same quantity of rain water contains one inch of carbonic
-acid gas.</p>
-
-<p>These combinations, in the small quantities in which they exist, in no degree injure
-the diluent properties of rain water. It is indeed to the presence of the two
-elastic gases, that rain water owes the taste which renders it palatable to animals
-and useful to vegetables. Ice water, being destitute of these gases is extremely
-vapid; fish cannot live in it; and it does not seem either to quench thirst or to be
-so complete a solvent in the stomach as rain water. Carbonate of ammonia is also
-another ingredient. It is derived from the putrefaction of nitrogenous substances.
-When several hundred pounds of rain water were distilled by Liebig, in a copper
-still, and the first two or three pounds evaporated with the addition of a little muriatic
-acid, he found a very distinct crystallization of sal-ammoniac, the crystals having
-a brown or yellow color. “It is worthy of observation,” says Liebig, “that the
-ammonia contained in rain and snow water possesses an offensive smell of perspiration
-and animal excrements, a fact which leaves no doubt respecting its origin.”
-It is owing to the presence of carbonate of ammonia that rain water owes its <i>softer</i>
-feel than pure distilled water. According to Liebig, it is the atmospheric ammonia
-which furnishes the nitrogen of plants. The traces of nitric acid which have been
-detected in the air, are referable to the oxidation of the constituents of ammonia;
-and not to the direct union of the oxygen and free nitrogen of the atmosphere. Dr.
-Pereira states that a carbonaceous (sooty) substance, and traces of sulphates, chlorides,
-and calcareous matter, are the usual impurities of the first rain water of a
-shower. Zimmerman found oxide of iron and chloride potassium in rain water;
-other chemists have been able to detect no iron in it, but have found meteoric iron
-and nickel in dew. Brande detected in it, chloride of sodium, chloride of magnesium,
-sulphate and carbonate of magnesium, sulphate of lime, and oxide of manganese.
-The putrefaction to which rain water is subject, shows that some organic
-matter is present. The term <i>pyrrhin</i> (from πυρρος red) has been applied by Zimmerman
-to an atmospheric organic substance which reddens solutions of silver.
-Whenever rain water is collected near large towns, it should be boiled and strained
-before use, as it contains less saline impregnation than other kinds of natural waters,
-it is more apt to become contaminated with lead from roofs, gutters, cisterns, and
-water pipes. To purify rain water and render it useful, for the delicate purposes of
-chemical experiment, Morveau recommends dropping into it a little barytic water<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">133</span>
-and then exposing it for some time to the atmospheric air. This combines with the
-carbonic acid, which being the solvent of the carbonate of lime, both it and the carbonate
-of baryta are precipitated as insoluble salts. Instead of exposing it to the
-atmosphere, it may be poured from one vessel to another; by which means not
-only the minute portion of barytic water is dispersed through the rain water, and
-brought into contact with the carbonic acid, but it involves a great portion of air in
-its substance, which improves both the taste and the utility of the fluid.</p>
-
-<p><i>Snow water</i>, as we have already stated, is destitute of air and other gaseous
-matters found in rain. According to Liebig, it contains ammonia. It has long
-been a popular, but erroneous opinion, that it was injurious to health, and had a
-tendency to produce bronchocele. But this malady occurs at Sumatra, where ice
-and snow are never seen; while, on the contrary, the disease is quite unknown in
-Chili and Thibet, although the rivers of these countries are chiefly supplied by the
-melting of the snow, with which the mountains are covered. Ice is said not to
-quench thirst, but on the contrary to augment it, and that the natives of the Arctic
-regions prefer enduring the utmost extremity of this feeling, rather than attempt to
-remove it by eating of snow,<a id="FNanchor_8" href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">8</a> (<i>Captain Ross</i>.)</p>
-
-<p>2. <span class="smcap">Spring Water.</span> Rain water, when it falls on high grounds, enters the soil
-and filtrates through it, until it is stopped by some natural obstacle, when it pushes
-upwards, and welling out upon the surface, forms springs; the water is therefore
-merely a modification of rain water. During its passage, however, it almost always
-takes up some soluble matters, which of course vary according to the nature of the
-soil. It is purest when it passes through sand or gravel; in a limestone region, it
-always contains more or less of the sulphate and carbonate of lime, and it generally
-contains a trace of common salt, and the usual proportions of air and carbonic acid
-gas. The presence of these is detected by subacetate of lead, which displays the
-smallest portion of carbonic acid or a carbonate, and nitrate of silver, which detects
-the muriates by the formation of muriate of silver.</p>
-
-<p>Water from melted <i>ice</i> is perfectly wholesome, and is drunk during the summer
-season, wherever the climate will admit of its being collected and preserved at a
-moderate expense. In this form, it is a luxury—almost a <i>necessary</i>—in the middle
-states of this country more particularly, “where,” Dr. Dunglison remarks, “there
-is not a tavern on the road, on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge, that does not
-furnish ice to the traveller in any abundance.” When sea-water freezes, the ice does
-not contain the salts. Consequently, when melted, it affords fresh water, and according<span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">134</span>
-to the voyagers in high northern and southern latitudes, the water has been
-found sweet, soft, and wholesome.</p>
-
-<p><i>River Water.</i> This is a mixture of rain and spring water, and when deprived
-of the matters which it frequently holds in suspension, is generally of considerable
-purity. Mountain streams, which generally issue from siliceous rocks, and
-run over stony or pebbly beds, are, for the most part, comparatively pure and
-soft. The river water of New-England, and the other hilly portions of the United
-States, is usually of this description, though in the time of floods, and after heavy
-rains, they contain much sedimentary matter. River water gradually deposits
-much of its earthy salts as it flows, and becomes purer by exposure; it therefore
-generally contains less calcareous matter than spring water; its specific
-gravity is less, and its taste more vapid. It, however, more or less partakes of
-the nature of the soil over which it flows; consequently some rivers, whose
-waters were pure and excellent at their source, lose these properties before they
-mingle with the sea. The water of the Thames, for example, in England,
-which is originally very soft and pure, becomes so loaded with animal and vegetable
-matter from the towns and villages on its banks, that after being kept a
-month or two in a closed cask, on opening it, a quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen
-gas, of the most offensive odor escapes, and the water is so black and nauseous
-as to be unfit for use. But on racking it off, it clears, depositing a quantity
-of slimy mud, and becomes remarkably clear, sweet and palatable. As the
-matters deposited in such rivers are merely mingled with the body of the water,
-which is too large, and too changing, to admit of any permanent taint from
-solution, filtration, or even the natural deposition of the ingredients fits them
-for every domestic and medicinal purpose.</p>
-
-<div class="tb">* * * * *</div>
-
-<p>The following Table shows the solid contents of the Thames water<a id="FNanchor_9" href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">9</a> London,
-and of the Croton water<a id="FNanchor_10" href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">10</a> in the city of New-York.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">135</span></p>
-
-<table id="table135a" class="bl" summary="Content of Thames and Croton waters">
-<tr class="smaller bt bb">
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2" rowspan="2">QUANTITY OF WATER.<br />1 Gallon = 10 lbs. Avoirdupois,<br />at 62° Fah., or 70, grs. Avoirdupois.</td>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2">THAMES WATER.</td>
- <td class="tdc br bd" colspan="2">CROTON WATER.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr class="smaller bb">
- <td class="tdc"><i>Brentford.</i><br />Source of the<br />Grand Junction<br />Water Works<br />Company.</td>
- <td class="tdc"><i>Chelsea.</i><br />Source of the<br />Chelsea<br />Water Works<br />Company.</td>
- <td class="tdc bd">At its source,<br /><i>Croton Lake.</i></td>
- <td class="tdc br">In the City of<br /><i>New-York</i><br />as it issues from<br />the pipes.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr class="smaller">
- <td class="tdl" colspan="2"></td>
- <td class="tdc">Grains.</td>
- <td class="tdc">Grains.</td>
- <td class="tdc bd">Grains.</td>
- <td class="tdc br">Grains.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Carbonate of Lime,</td>
- <td class="nobl"> </td>
- <td class="tdc">16·000</td>
- <td class="tdc">16·500</td>
- <td class="tdc bd">1·42</td>
- <td class="tdc br">1·52</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Sulphate of Lime,</td>
- <td class="nobl">}</td>
- <td class="tdc" rowspan="2">  3·400</td>
- <td class="tdc" rowspan="2">  2·900</td>
- <td class="tdc bd">  ·00</td>
- <td class="tdc br">  ·44</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Chloride of Sodium,</td>
- <td class="nobl">}</td>
- <td class="bd"> </td>
- <td class="br"> </td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Oxide of Iron,</td>
- <td class="nobl">    }</td>
- <td class="tdc smaller" rowspan="4">very minute<br />portions</td>
- <td class="tdc smaller" rowspan="4">Ditto.</td>
- <td class="bd"> </td>
- <td class="br"> </td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Silica,</td>
- <td class="nobl">    }</td>
- <td class="bd"> </td>
- <td class="br"> </td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Magnesia,</td>
- <td class="nobl">    }</td>
- <td class="tdc bd">  ·34</td>
- <td class="tdc br">  ·46</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Carbonaceous Matter,</td>
- <td class="nobl">    }</td>
- <td class="bd"> </td>
- <td class="br"> </td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Chloride of Magnesium,</td>
- <td class="nobl">}</td>
- <td> </td>
- <td> </td>
- <td class="tdc bd" rowspan="2">  ·86</td>
- <td class="tdc br" rowspan="2">  ·90</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Chloride of Calcium, </td>
- <td class="nobl">}</td>
- <td> </td>
- <td> </td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Carbonate of Magnesia,</td>
- <td class="nobl"> </td>
- <td> </td>
- <td> </td>
- <td class="tdc bd">  ·70</td>
- <td class="tdc br">  ·84</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Solid matter held in solution,</td>
- <td class="nobl"> </td>
- <td class="tdc bt">19·400</td>
- <td class="tdc bt">19·400</td>
- <td class="tdc bd bt">2·98</td>
- <td class="tdc bt br">3·70</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Mechanical impurity,</td>
- <td class="nobl"> </td>
- <td class="tdc">  0·368</td>
- <td class="tdc">  0·238</td>
- <td class="tdc bd">  ·34</td>
- <td class="tdc br">  ·46</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl bb">Total solid matter,</td>
- <td class="nobl bb"> </td>
- <td class="tdc bt bb">19·768</td>
- <td class="tdc bt bb">19·638</td>
- <td class="tdc bd bt bb">3·32</td>
- <td class="tdc bt bb br">4·16</td>
-</tr>
-</table>
-
-<p>Analysis of the Croton and Schuylkill waters, by J. C. Booth, Professor of
-Chemistry to the Franklin Institute of Pennsylvania, and H. M. Boye, of Philadelphia.</p>
-
-<table border="0" id="table135b" summary="Anlysis of Croton and Schuylkill Waters">
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"> </td>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2"><i>Croton Water.</i></td>
- <td class="tdc" colspan="2"><i>Schuylkill Water.</i></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"> </td>
- <td class="tdc">In 100 parts</td>
- <td class="tdc">gr. in 1 gall.</td>
- <td class="tdc">In 100 parts</td>
- <td class="tdc">gr. in 1 gall.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Carbonate of Lime,</td>
- <td class="tdc">45.86</td>
- <td class="tdc">2.293</td>
- <td class="tdc">53.67</td>
- <td class="tdc">2.190</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Carbonate of Magnesia,</td>
- <td class="tdc">18.78</td>
- <td class="tdc">  .939</td>
- <td class="tdc">11.87</td>
- <td class="tdc">0.484</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Alkaline Carbonates,</td>
- <td class="tdc">16.57</td>
- <td class="tdc">  .828</td>
- <td class="tdc">  4.53</td>
- <td class="tdc">0.185</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Alkaline Chlorides,</td>
- <td class="tdc">  3.87</td>
- <td class="tdc">  .193</td>
- <td class="tdc">  3.75</td>
- <td class="tdc">0.153</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Oxide of Iron,</td>
- <td class="tdc">  2.21</td>
- <td class="tdc">  .110</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Silica,</td>
- <td class="tdc">  7.18</td>
- <td class="tdc">  .359</td>
- <td class="tdc">  9.68</td>
- <td class="tdc">0.395</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Organic Matter,</td>
- <td class="tdc"><span class="bb">  5.53</span></td>
- <td class="tdc"><span class="bb">  .276</span></td>
- <td class="tdc">  0.88</td>
- <td class="tdc">0.036</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td> </td>
- <td class="tdc">Parts, 100.00            </td>
- <td class="tdc">grs. 4.998      </td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl" colspan="3">Alumina and Oxide of Iron,</td>
- <td class="tdc">  1.88</td>
- <td class="tdc">0.077</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl" colspan="3">Alkaline Sulphates,</td>
- <td class="tdc"><span class="bb">13.74</span></td>
- <td class="tdc"><span class="bb">0.560</span></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td colspan="3"> </td>
- <td class="tdc">Parts, 100       </td>
- <td class="tdc">grs. 4.080       </td>
-</tr>
-</table>
-
-<p>The Croton water was taken from the Croton dam, and when perfectly clear
-was found, as appears by the above analysis to contain 4.998, or about <i>five</i><span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">136</span>
-grains of solid matter to the gallon. The Schuylkill water was taken from the
-middle basin on Fair Mount, and contained 4.08 grains of solid matter to the
-gallon. The Croton differs from the Schuylkill water in containing a larger
-amount of the alkaline carbonates, and of the carbonate of magnesia, while
-it contains less carbonate of lime, and is entirely destitute of the alkaline
-sulphates, of which the Schuylkill contains 13.74 parts in 100 of the total
-solid matters, though amounting to only one half a grain to the gallon.</p>
-
-<p>It appears from the above table, that the amount of impurities contained in the
-Thames water, exceeds those of the Croton by nearly six fold, and that the quantity
-of lime, held in solution in the former, surpasses that of the latter, about fifteen
-times. The Thames water differs also from the Croton, in the circumstance that it
-contains an appreciable quantity of chloride of sodium, or common salt of which the
-Croton is entirely free. There are but very few streams to be found, whose waters
-contain less than 4.16 grains of solid matter to the gallon. The carbonate of lime
-is held in solution by carbonic acid, forming bicarbonate of lime. By boiling, this
-acid is expelled, and the carbonate of lime is precipitated on the sides of the vessel,
-constituting the <i>fur</i> of the tea-kettle, and the <i>crust</i> of boilers. River water always
-contains a quarter or less quantity of organic matter in suspension or solution. As
-a general rule, the quantity is too small to produce any decidedly injurious effect,
-but physicians and medical writers agree in the opinion that water impregnated with
-it to any great extent must be deleterious. Where the quantity of decomposing
-matter is too small to produce any immediately obvious effects, it is difficult to procure
-any decisive evidence of its influence on the system. When the amount is considerable,
-it causes dysentery and fevers, often of a highly fatal character. In a trial
-at Nottingham, England, in 1836, it was proved that dysentery of an aggravated
-form, was caused in cattle by the use of water contaminated with putrescent vegetable
-matter, produced by the refuse of a starch manufactory. The fish, (perch,
-pike, roach, dace, &amp;c.,) and frogs in the pond, through which the brook ran, were
-destroyed, and all the animals which drank of the water became seriously ill, and
-many of them died with the symptoms of dysentery. It was, moreover, shown, that
-the animals sometimes refused to drink the water, that the mortality was in proportion
-to the quantity of starch made at different times; and that subsequently, when
-the putrescent matter was not allowed to pass into the brook, but was conveyed to
-a river at some distance, the fish and frogs began to return, and the mortality ceased
-among the cattle. There are many instances on record where troops have sickened
-and many died of putrid fever and dysentery, from drinking the water of stagnant
-pools and ditches or of rivers, as of the river Lee, near Cork, (Ireland,) which, in
-passing through the city, receives the contents of the sewers from the houses, and is
-otherwise unwholesome.</p>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">137</span></p>
-
-<p>The organic matter contained in river water consists chiefly of the exuviæ of
-animal and vegetable substances, but another class of impurities consists of living
-beings, (animals and vegetables.) The aquatic animals, which have, from time to
-time, been exhibited in this city by means of the solar microscope, are collected in
-stagnant pools, and are not found in river or well water. The quantity of organic
-matter contained in the Croton must be extremely small, as this, together with the
-silex, iron, and magnesia, amount to only 4/10ths of one grain to the gallon.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Well Water</span>,—or <i>pump</i> water, as it is often called in cities, is essentially the
-same as spring water, but liable to impregnation, owing to the land springs filtering
-through the walls, and conveying impurities into it. This is sometimes prevented
-by lining them with cast-iron cylinders, or by bricks laid in water-cement. Dr.
-Percival affirms, that bricks harden the softest water, and give it an aluminous impregnation.
-The old wells must, therefore, furnish much purer water than the more
-recent, as the soluble particles are gradually washed away. It contains a greater
-proportion of earthy salts, and of air, and has a greater specific gravity than other
-spring waters. Owing to the fact, that it contains a larger quantity of bicarbonate
-and sulphate of lime, than river water, it decomposes and curdles soap, and is then
-denominated <i>hard water</i>, to distinguish it from those waters which mix with soap,
-and are therefore called <i>soft waters</i>. The reason that hard water does not form a
-pure opaline solution with soap, is, because the lime of the calcareous salts, chiefly
-the <i>sulphate</i>, forms an insoluble compound with the margaric and oleic acids of the
-soap. Here a double decomposition ensues, the sulphuric acid unites with the alkali
-of the soap, setting free the fatty acids, which unite with the lime to form an insoluble
-earthy soap. Hard water is a less perfect solvent of organic matter than soft
-water; hence in the preparation of infusions and decoctions, and for many economical
-purposes, as making tea and coffee, and brewing, it is much inferior to soft
-water, and for the same reasons it is improper as a drink in dyspeptic affections,
-causing irritation, and a sensation of weight in the stomach. The abundance of
-this earthy salt in the water of Paris, and London, of many parts of Switzerland
-and this country, cause uncomfortable feelings in strangers who visit these places.
-It is also said to produce calculous complaints in the inhabitants, a result which
-might be expected, owing to the low solvent power of the water not being sufficient
-to carry off the animal acid, which concretes in the kidneys to form calculi.<a id="FNanchor_11" href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">11</a> Well<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">138</span>
-water can be easily freed from these earthy salts; boiling precipitates the carbonate
-of lime by driving off the carbonic acid which holds it in solution; and the addition
-of a little carbonate of soda precipitates the lime, if any exist in the water. Many
-persons prefer the taste of hard water to that of soft, and a change from one to the
-other, frequently causes a derangement of the digestive organs. The briskness, and
-rapidity of this and other water is owing to the air, and carbonic acid mixed with it.
-The air contained in water, has a larger proportion of oxygen than atmospheric air,
-and hence it is better adapted for the respiration of animals.</p>
-
-<p>The water procured from wells in the city of New-York, has gradually been
-growing more and more impure, as the city has increased in size, until a very large
-proportion of it, is entirely unfit for culinary and dietetic purposes. That in the
-lower part of the city, has always been, more or less, brackish, owing to the percolation
-of the salt water from the north and east rivers through the loose sandy soil,
-thus giving them a distinct saline impregnation. The amount of impurities contained
-in these waters, varies, therefore, in different parts of the city, according to its
-elevation, and the denseness of the population. A gallon of water from the well
-belonging to the Manhattan Company in Reade-street, yielded 125 grains of solid
-matter; while the same quantity of water, from their well in Bleecker-street, yielded
-20 grains, and in 13th street, 14 grains. A gallon of water taken from four of the
-city wells in the densely populated parts of the city yielded on an average, 58 grains
-each of solid matter.</p>
-
-<p>The supply also of well water has been gradually diminishing in this city for the
-last several years. For example, at the Chemical Works on the North River, at
-33d street, and at an extensive distillery on the East River, some distance above
-the Alms House, water cannot be procured in sufficient quantities on their premises,
-where, but a few years past, it was obtained in great abundance. At the Gas Works
-on the Collect grounds, where they have a well 20 feet in depth, by 18 feet in diameter,
-which, until 1834, furnished water freely, enabling the engine to raise 20,000
-gallons in ten hours, in 1835 it required 14 to 16 hours to raise the same quantity,
-and in order to continue the supply, it was found necessary to return the water to
-the well, after using it for condensing the gas. The Corporation well, also, in 13th
-street, furnished, for several years, about 120,000 gallons of water daily, but in 1835,
-this quantity was reduced down to from five to ten thousand. In order to remedy
-this evil, a well was sunk at Jefferson Market, which in a short time deprived most
-of the wells in that vicinity, of water; thus drying up one source of supply, in order<span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">139</span>
-to increase that of another. There is, therefore, every probability that had not water
-been introduced into the city of New-York from abroad, the supply from the wells
-would, in a few years, have been insufficient for the economical, domestic and manufacturing
-purposes of the inhabitants. It is fearful to contemplate the amount of
-decomposing organic matter contained in the wells in the vicinity of Trinity, St.
-Paul’s, and St. John’s burying grounds, which for more than a century furnished
-the only water used by those residing in their neighborhood. No one can doubt
-that the use of such water, as well as that from the wells on the Collect, and over
-the greater portion of the city below Canal-street, must have proved extremely detrimental
-to the health of the citizens, and especially to children, and infants. We
-believe, therefore that the introduction of the Croton water, will increase the average
-duration of human life in the city of New-York, from 8 to 12 per cent. From 1815
-to 1836, it ranged from 30.08 to 22.05, (in 1836), but the mean duration of life for
-the last 20 years is about 25 years; and the ratio of mortality, according to population,
-about as 1 to 35. From the manner, however, in which the inspector’s reports
-have been made, from the imperfection of the law, no great confidence can be placed
-in the returns,—those carried out of the city for burial, not having been included.</p>
-
-<p>From a “Report on the subject of introducing pure and wholesome water into
-the city of Boston, by L. Baldwin, Esq., Civil Engineer,” it appears that the whole
-number of wells in that city in 1835, was 2,767. The water from 2,085 of these
-wells was drinkable, though brackish and hard, and 682 of them were bad and
-unfit for use. There were only seven of the city wells which yielded soft water
-occasionally and for washing, and from 33 of them the water was obtained by deep
-boring. “Within a few years,” says the Report, “it has become common in
-Boston, and the vicinity, to bore for water, and to make what are called Artesian
-wells. But no certain or valuable result has grown out of these endeavors.
-There are 33 bored wells, only two of which are stated as furnishing soft water.
-The same remarks will apply to the public wells of this city, the most of which
-produce nothing but hard and brackish water, and none of which is sufficiently
-soft to authorize its use in washing clothes,” &amp;c.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Lake Water</span> is a collection of rain, spring and river water, usually more
-or less contaminated with putrefying organic matter. It is generally <i>soft</i>, and
-when filtered, is as good and wholesome as any other description of waters.
-Though lake water cannot be characterized as having any invariable qualities;
-yet most of the Lakes of the United States, especially our great ones, afford
-a very pure water. In many of our smaller lakes the water is more or less stagnant,
-and of course very unhealthy.</p>
-
-<p><i>Marsh Water.</i> This is analogous to lake water, except that it is altogether<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">140</span>
-stagnant and is more loaded with putrescent matter. The sulphates in sea and
-other waters are decomposed by putrefying vegetable matter, with the evolution
-of sulphuretted hydrogen; hence the intolerable stench from marshy and swampy
-grounds liable to occasional inundations from the sea. Marsh water cannot
-be drunk with safety either by man or beast.</p>
-
-<h4><i>Tests of the usual impurities in Common Water.</i></h4>
-
-<p>The following are the tests by which the presence of the ordinary constituents
-or impurities of common waters may be ascertained.</p>
-
-<p>1. <span class="smcap">Ebullition.</span>—By boiling, air and carbonic acid gas are expelled, while
-carbonate of lime, (which has been held in solution by the carbonic acid) is
-deposited. The latter constitutes the crust which lines tea-kettles and boilers.</p>
-
-<p>2. <span class="smcap">Protosulphate of Iron.</span> If a crystal of this salt be introduced into
-a phial filled with the water to be examined, and the phial be well corked, a
-yellowish-brown precipitate (sesquioxide of iron) will be deposited in a few days,
-if oxygen gas be contained in the water.</p>
-
-<p>3. <span class="smcap">Litmus.</span> Infusion of litmus or syrup of violets is reddened by a free acid.</p>
-
-<p>4. <span class="smcap">Lime Water.</span> This is a test for carbonic acid, with which it causes a white
-precipitate (carbonate of lime) if employed before the water is boiled.</p>
-
-<p>5. <span class="smcap">Chloride of Barium.</span> A solution of this salt usually yields, with well
-water, a white precipitate insoluble in nitric acid. This indicates the presence
-of sulphuric acid (which, in common water, is combined with lime).</p>
-
-<p>6. <span class="smcap">Oxalate of Ammonia.</span> If this salt yield a white precipitate, it indicates
-the presence of lime, (carbonate and sulphate.)</p>
-
-<p>7. <span class="smcap">Nitrate of Silver.</span> If this occasion a precipitate insoluble in nitric acid,
-the presence of chlorine may be inferred.</p>
-
-<p>8. <span class="smcap">Phosphate of Soda.</span> If the lime contained in common water be removed
-by ebullition and oxalic acid, and to the strained and transparent water, ammonia
-and phosphate of soda be added, any magnesia present will, in the course
-of a few hours, be precipitated in the form of the white ammoniacal phosphate
-of magnesia.</p>
-
-<p>9. <span class="smcap">Tincture of Galls.</span> This is used as a test for Iron, with solutions of
-which it forms an inky liquor, (tannate and gallate of iron). If the test produce
-this effect on the water before, but not after boiling, the iron is in the state
-of carbonate; if after, as well as before, in that of sulphate. Tea may be substituted
-for galls, to which its effects and indications are similar. <i>Ferro cyanide
-of potassium</i> yields, with solutions of the sesqui-salts of iron, a blue precipitate,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">141</span>
-and with the proto-salts a white precipitate, which becomes blue by exposure to
-the air.</p>
-
-<p>10. <span class="smcap">Hydrosulphuric Acid.</span> (<i>Sulphuretted Hydrogen.</i>) This yields a dark
-(brown or black) precipitate, (a metallic sulphuret) with water containing iron or
-lead in solution.</p>
-
-<p>11. <span class="smcap">Evaporation and Ignition.</span> If the water be evaporated to dryness, and
-ignited in a glass tube, the presence of organic matter may be inferred by the odor
-and smoke evolved, as well as by the charring. Another mode of detecting organic
-matter is by adding nitrate (or acetate) of lead to the inspected water, and collecting
-and igniting the precipitate; when globules of metallic lead are obtained if organic
-matter be present. The putrefaction of water is another proof of the presence of
-this matter. Nitrate of silver is the best test for the presence of chloride of soda or
-common salt. By adding a small quantity of this to the common well water of
-New-York, a copious, white, flocculent precipitate is immediately formed, which is
-the chloride of soda. The same test, however, applied to the Croton water, produces
-no discoloration whatever.</p>
-
-<p><i>Purification of Common water.</i> By <i>filtration</i>, water may be deprived of living
-beings and of all suspended impurities; but substances held in solution, cannot
-thus be separated. <i>Ebullition</i> destroys the vitality of both animals and vegetables;
-expels air, or carbonic acid, and causes the precipitation of carbonate of lime, but
-the water should be afterwards subjected to the process of <i>filtration</i>. <i>Distillation</i>,
-when properly conducted is the most effectual method of purifying water. But distilled
-water is in general contaminated by traces of organic matter. The addition
-of chemical agents is another mode which has been proposed and practised, for
-freeing water from some of its impurities. <i>Alum</i> is often used by the common people
-to cleanse muddy water, and ashes and pearl-ash to destroy its hardness. When
-alum is used, two or three grains are sufficient for a quart of water. The alum decomposes
-the carbonate of lime; sulphate of lime is formed in solution, and the
-alumina precipitates in flocks, carrying with it mechanical impurities. This agent,
-however, adds nothing to the chemical purity of the water, but by converting the
-carbonate into sulphate of lime augments its hardness. <i>Caustic alkalies</i> added to
-lime saturate the excess of carbonic acid, and throw down the carbonate of lime,
-having an alkaline carbonate in solution. Professor Clark of Aberdeen,<a id="FNanchor_12" href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">12</a> (Scotland)
-has recently patented a plan for the purification of water, by the addition of
-lime. The lime unites with the excess of carbonic acid in the water, and forms
-carbonate of lime (chalk) which precipitates, along with the carbonate of lime held<span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">142</span>
-previously in solution in the water. The effect of this process is similar to that of
-ebullition,—as the hardness of water is, however, owing to the sulphate and not the
-carbonate of lime,<a id="FNanchor_13" href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">13</a> this plan can have little or no influence in rendering hard water
-soft. Alkaline carbonates soften water, decompose all the earthy salts (calcareous
-and magnesian carbonates, sulphates, and chlorides) and precipitate the earthy matters.
-They leave, however, in solution, an alkaline salt, but which does not communicate
-to water the property of hardness.</p>
-
-<p><span class="smcap">Sea-water</span> includes the waters of the ocean and of those lakes, called island
-seas, which possess a similar composition. The Dead Sea, however, varies so much
-from ordinary sea-water, as to rank amongst mineral waters.</p>
-
-<p>The quantity of solid matter varies considerably in the waters of different seas, as
-the following statement <span class="locked">proves—</span></p>
-
-<table id="table142" summary="Solid matter in selected waters">
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl in4" colspan="2"><i>10,000 parts of water of</i></td>
- <td class="tdc"><i>Solid constituents.</i></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl in2" colspan="2"><i>the Mediterranean Sea</i>, contain</td>
- <td class="tdc">410 grs.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl" colspan="2">English Channel,</td>
- <td class="tdc">380 „</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl mid" rowspan="4">German Ocean</td>
- <td class="tdl">{ At the Island of Fohe,</td>
- <td class="tdc">345 „</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">{ At the Island of Norderney,</td>
- <td class="tdc">342 „</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">{ In the Frith of Forth,</td>
- <td class="tdc">312 „</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">{ At Ritzebuttle,</td>
- <td class="tdc">312 „</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td> </td>
- <td class="tdl">At Apemalle, in Sleswick,</td>
- <td class="tdc">216 „</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td> </td>
- <td class="tdl">At Kiel, in Holstein,</td>
- <td class="tdc">200 „</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Baltic Sea</td>
- <td class="tdl">At Doberan, in Mecklenbergh,</td>
- <td class="tdc">168 „</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td> </td>
- <td class="tdl">At Travemunæ,</td>
- <td class="tdc">167 „</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td> </td>
- <td class="tdl">At Zoppot, in Mecklenbergh,</td>
- <td class="tdc">  76 „</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td> </td>
- <td class="tdl">At Carshamm,</td>
- <td class="tdc">  66 „</td>
-</tr>
-</table>
-
-<p>The average quantity of saline matter in sea-water is 3½ per cent., and its specific
-gravity about 1.0274. The composition of sea-water differs also in different localities.
-Iodine has been found in the Mediterranean sea.</p>
-
-<p><i>Action of Water on Lead.</i> When lead is exposed to atmospheric air, the oxygen
-of the air combining with it, forms an oxide, while, at the same time the carbonic
-acid of the air, unites with it forming a thin white crust, which is the <i>carbonate of
-lead</i>. This formation is accelerated by moisture, and by the presence of an unusual
-quantity of carbonic acid in the atmosphere. The same process goes on with still<span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">143</span>
-greater rapidity in pure running water. But if water be deprived of all its gases by
-ebullition, and excluded from contact with the air, the lead will not be acted upon
-If water, however, be exposed to the air, although all the gases have been expelled,
-a white powder will soon form around the lead, till, in the course of a few days, there
-is formed a large quantity of white, pearly scales, which partly float in the water,
-but are chiefly deposited on the bottom of the vessel. In 12 ounces of distilled
-water, contained in a shallow glass basin, loosely covered to exclude the dust, twelve
-brightly polished lead rods weighing 340 grains, will lose 2½ grains in 8 days, and
-the lead will show evident marks of corrosion; and this action will go on as long as
-the water is exposed to the air. While these changes are going on, a small quantity
-of lead will be dissolved, as may be shown by carefully filtering the water acidulating
-with a drop or two of nitric acid, and evaporating to dryness. Sulphuretted hydrogen
-is also a good test, occasioning, where lead is present, first a brown color, and
-subsequently a black precipitate. Christison has proved that the lead which is dissolved,
-is in the form of the carbonate, and hydrate of the oxide, or, oxide of lead,
-carbonic acid and water.</p>
-
-<p>The fact is then sufficiently established, that distilled water has the property of
-dissolving lead—Does the same hold true in relation to waters in ordinary use? In
-the year 1809, it was first announced by <i>Guyton Morveau</i>, that the salts which are
-held in solution by some natural waters, destroy their property of acting on lead, and
-that of these modifying circumstances none are more remarkable in their action
-than the neutral salts. Dr. Christison has pursued this investigation with great success,
-and has proved that this preservative power exists in the case of sulphates,
-muriates, carbonates, hydriodates, phosphates, nitrates, acetates, tartrates, arseniates,
-&amp;c. These salts, however, do not possess an equally protective influence, the
-carbonates and sulphates being most, the chlorides the least energetic of those saline
-substances commonly met with in waters. As a general rule, it appears that those
-whose acid forms with the lead a soluble salt of lead, are the least energetic; while
-those whose acid forms an insoluble salt of lead, are most energetic. The variable
-quantity of salts necessary to prevent the action of water on lead, may be seen from
-the following results obtained by actual experiment.</p>
-
-<table border="0" id="table143" summary="Salts needed to prevent action of water on lead">
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl" colspan="4">Of acetate of soda a 100th part of the water is a preservative.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Of arseniate of soda 12,000th</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Of phosphate of soda 30,000th</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Of hydriodate of potash 30,000th</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Of muriate of soda 2,000th</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Of sulphate of lime 4,000th</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Of nitrate of potash 100th</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
-</tr>
-</table>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">144</span></p>
-
-<p>The sulphates of soda, magnesia, lime, and the triple sulphate of alumina and
-potash, possess about the same preservative power; which appears to depend on
-the acid, not on the base of the salt. The general results of Dr. Christison’s investigations,
-appear to be, that neutral salts in various, and for the most part minute,
-proportions, retard or prevent the corrosive action of water on lead—allowing the
-carbonate to deposit itself slowly, and to adhere with such firmness to the lead as
-not to be afterwards removed by moderate agitation,—adding subsequently to this
-crust other insoluble salts of lead, the acids of which are derived from the neutral
-salts in solution,—and thus at length forming a permanent and impermeable screen
-in the form of a film over its surface, through which the action of the water cannot
-any longer be carried on. These films are composed of the carbonate of lead, with
-a little of the muriate, sulphate, arseniate, or phosphate of lead, according to the
-nature of the acid in the alkaline salt, which is dissolved in the water. The following
-general conclusions may therefore be considered as sufficiently established.</p>
-
-<p>1. Lead pipes ought not to be used for the purpose of conducting water, at least
-where the distance is considerable, without a careful examination of the water to be
-transmitted.</p>
-
-<p>2. The risk of a dangerous impregnation with lead is greatest in the instance of
-the purest waters.</p>
-
-<p>3. Water, which tarnishes polished lead when left at rest upon it in a glass vessel
-for a few hours, cannot safely be transmitted through lead-pipes without certain
-precautions; and conversely, it is probable, that if lead remain untarnished, or
-nearly so, for 24 hours in a glass of water, the water may be safely conducted
-through lead-pipes.</p>
-
-<p>4. Water which contains less than about an 8000th of salts in solution, can
-not be safely conducted in lead pipes without certain precautions.</p>
-
-<p>5. Even this proportion will prove insufficient to prevent corrosion, unless a
-considerable part of the saline matter consists of carbonates and sulphates, especially
-the former.</p>
-
-<p>6. So large a proportion as a 4000th part, probably even a considerably larger
-proportion, will be insufficient, if the salts in solution be in a great measure
-muriates.</p>
-
-<p>7. In all cases careful examination should be made of the water after
-it has been running a few days through the pipes; for it is not improbable
-that other circumstances, besides those hitherto ascertained, may regulate the
-preventive influence of the neutral salts.</p>
-
-<p>8. Where the water is of sufficient purity to act on lead, a remedy may be
-found, either, in leaving the pipes full of water and at rest for three or four months,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">145</span>
-or by solution of phosphate of soda; in the proportion of about a 25,600th
-part.<a id="FNanchor_14" href="#Footnote_14" class="fnanchor">14</a></p>
-
-<p>Dr. Kane, however, seems to differ from Dr. Christison in opinion on this
-subject; for after having mentioned the crust which gradually forms on the
-interior of the cistern, and assists in protecting it from the oxidizing action
-of the air, he remarks, “no danger is therefore to be apprehended from the
-supply of water to a city being conveyed through leaden pipes, and preserved in
-leaden cisterns; for <i>all water of mineral origin dissolves, in filtering through
-the layers of rocks in its passage to the surface</i>, a sufficiency of saline matters
-to serve for its protection.”</p>
-
-<p>Now, to apply these results to the water of the Croton; as this holds in solution
-only about one 18,000th part of salts, it must, according to Christison, exert a
-corroding influence on the lead-pipes. Dr. Dana, of Lowell, has lately investigated
-this subject and detected lead in the water which had passed through the leaden-pipes
-for the distribution of water in the city of Lowell. The first examination
-was made from a sample of water taken from the source or spring-head before it had
-entered the leaden pipes, when the specific gravity was found to be 1,000,18. The
-pint, on evaporation to dryness, yielded 2.37 grains of solid matter. The solid
-contents of an imperial pint were found to be,</p>
-
-<table id="table145a" summary="water taken before leaden pipes">
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"> </td>
- <td class="tdc"><i>Grains.</i></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Chloride of Sodium,</td>
- <td class="tdc">1.54  </td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Chloride of Magnesia,</td>
- <td class="tdc">0.71  </td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Sulphate of Lime,</td>
- <td class="tdc"><span class="bb">0.128</span></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl tpad1">A trace of Carbonic acid,</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Grains,</td>
- <td class="tdc">2.378</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Excess in the course of analysis</td>
- <td class="tdc">  .008</td>
-</tr>
-</table>
-
-<p>The second examination was made of water taken from the leaden pipes when
-the specific gravity was found to be 1.000.42. Upon a pint of this water being
-evaporated to dryness it yielded two grains of solid matter, (viz.)</p>
-
-<table id="table145b" summary="water taken from leaden pipes">
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Carbonate of lead</td>
- <td class="tdc">164</td>
- <td class="tdc">Grains,</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Organic matter and salts</td>
- <td class="tdc"><span class="bb">038</span></td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl"> </td>
- <td class="tdc">202</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
- <td class="tdl">Excess in analysis,</td>
- <td class="tdc">002</td>
- <td class="tdc">„</td>
-</tr>
-</table>
-
-<p>It therefore has been calculated that every gallon of the water used after passing<span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">146</span>
-through the leaden pipes, contains 1.312 grains of the carbonate of lead.
-Such water, although it would not speedily destroy life, would undoubtedly be
-attended with injurious consequences, should its use be habitually continued.</p>
-
-<p>On the other hand, Dr. Hare of Philadelphia, in reply to a letter requesting
-his opinion as to the action of the Schuylkill water<a id="FNanchor_15" href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">15</a> on lead pipes, states that after
-using the Schuylkill water for 25 years in his laboratory, he has never perceived
-the slightest indication of the presence of lead; and that if there had been any in
-the water, the re-agents which he has been accustomed to use must have rendered
-the impurity evident. If it be true that the Schuylkill water does not act upon
-the lead pipes, it would follow as a matter of course, if the doctrines above laid
-down be correct, that the Croton, which contains very nearly the same quantity
-of saline ingredients, would also exert no influence upon this metal. In cases,
-however, where injurious consequences have resulted from the agency of lead,
-the pipes through which the water was conducted, were of considerable length;
-suppose for example that the pipes are 4000 feet long, and three fourths of an inch
-in diameter, each portion of water will pass successively over no less than 784
-square feet of lead before being discharged; and it would not therefore be at
-all remarkable, if the water were found contaminated with the lead. In this city,
-however, the pipes are rarely more than 50 feet in length, generally not more
-than 25, and therefore cannot exert so deleterious an influence as in those of greater
-extent. Dr. Chilton, recently inspected the Croton water drawn from the leaden
-pipes, by which it is introduced into the house of Mr. G. D. Coggeshall. No 421
-Pearl-street in this city, and found the water evidently affected by the lead. He
-has also obtained similar results in several other instances. If the precaution be used,
-of not employing the water first drawn from the pipes for dietetic and culinary purposes,
-no injurious consequences would probably attend the use of water conveyed
-in this metal, but as this is not likely to be attended to generally, it is expedient
-to employ other measures to guard against its deleterious effects.</p>
-
-<p>For this purpose, various means have been suggested, such as the substitution
-of block-tin and other metals not acted upon by water; but the most efficient, scientific,
-and useful, as well as the most economical, of all the plans hitherto proposed,
-is that introduced by Thomas Ewbank, Esq., of coating the lead-pipes with tin
-both inside and out. The process, which has been patented, consists simply in
-drawing an ordinary lead-pipe through a bath of melted tin, coated with a layer of
-melted rosin, which leaves a continuous deposit, of tin upon both sides of the pipe,
-of sufficient thickness, to effectually prevent any oxidation of the lead. These<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">147</span>
-pipes have been highly recommended by our first chemists, and other men of science,
-as furnishing an effectual safeguard against the corroding effects of pure water
-This highly ingenious process, strengthens the pipe, without diminishing its elasticity,
-and although some small portions of the lead should escape being coated, yet
-the proximity of the tin, will, from galvanic action, probably prevent oxidization of
-the lead. As these pipes are furnished at about eight cents per pound, the usual
-price of ordinary lead-pipe, there can be no doubt that they will be generally adopted
-by our citizens,—as they have been, already, by the Corporation, in the conveyance
-of the Croton water, into the public buildings.</p>
-
-<p><i>Use of Water as Aliment.</i> Water is the beverage provided by nature for all animated
-beings. It is a vital stimulus, or one of the external conditions essential for
-the manifestations of life. Consequently, without it, life, at least in the higher order
-of animals, could not be maintained.</p>
-
-<p>Considered in a dietetical point of view, water serves three important purposes in
-the animal economy; namely, it repairs the loss of the aqueous part of the blood,
-caused by the action of the secreting and exhaling organs; secondly, it is a solvent
-of various alimentary substances, and therefore assists the stomach in the act of digestion,
-though, if taken in very large quantities, it may have an opposite effect, by
-diluting the gastric juice; thirdly, it is a nutritive agent, that is, it assists in the
-formation of the solid parts of the body.</p>
-
-<p><i>As a diluent</i>, water is indispensable to the preservation of health. The body being
-composed of solids and fluids, there must be maintained a certain relative proportion
-of these, to constitute that state of system called health. In a full grown adult, the
-solid matter of the body, by which we mean all that substantial part of the frame
-which is not in constant motion in the vessels, amounts to only about one fifth of
-the weight of the body—Chaussier says, one ninth of the total weight, the difference,
-perhaps, being owing to the fact that there is a quantity of fluid combined with the
-solids in so intimate a manner, as almost to constitute a part of their substance.
-The diminution of the fluid part of the body, is the cause of an uneasy sensation,
-indicating the necessity of repairing the waste of fluids, which we familiarly call
-<i>thirst</i>. This is a sensation connected with some natural state of the corporeal functions,
-and altogether independent of the occasional excitement of foreign bodies,
-although it may be induced by these. There is a demand for a certain supply of
-liquid which is the result of repletion of the stomach, and the cause of our drinking
-at our ordinary meals, but this is different from true or spontaneous thirst. True
-thirst occurs, when we have been some time without taking drink, (unless the food
-has consisted mainly of fruits and other succulent vegetables; under which circumstances,
-a person may go for months without any desire for drink); when the system<span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">148</span>
-has been greatly excited, whether by corporeal or mental causes; when acid substances,
-particularly saline bodies, have been taken into the stomach; and, in short,
-in every condition of the system, which favors the inordinate excretion of fluids.
-The immediate cause of thirst appears to be a dry state of the mouth and fauces;
-owing to the mucus which covers these parts becoming thick and viscid, though
-physiologists are not agreed on this point. This may arise from the absorption
-of the fluid parts of the saliva; for it appears to be necessary for the due performance
-of the functions of the palate and the tongue, that the mucus should possess a
-certain degree of liquidity. The sensation of thirst is generally indicative of the
-necessity of a supply of fluid to the system generally; for although thirst may be
-momentarily assuaged by wetting the mouth, or holding a thin fluid in it—yet it
-can only be effectually relieved by conveying into the stomach a quantity of fluid
-sufficient to supply the deficiency. This supply is termed <i>dilution</i>, from the fact
-that the fluid is absorbed and carried into the blood, which it renders thin, and the
-fluids themselves are called <i>diluents</i>.</p>
-
-<p>Thirst, however, does not always indicate a deficiency of fluids in the circulating
-mass, and the tongue and fauces are occasionally dry and harsh whilst
-the sensation of thirst is absent. Some individuals never experience the sensation
-of thirst. Mr. Alcott, who lives entirely on succulent vegetables, states that
-he has drunk no fluids for more than a year past, and that he never experiences
-the sensation of thirst—a similar case is mentioned by Sauvages, of an individual
-who never thirsted, and passed whole months of the hottest weather without
-drinking. It is well known that many warm-blooded animals such as mice,
-quails, parrots, rabbits, &amp;c., drink but very little; which is supposed to be owing to
-the circumstance that they have very large salivary glands, and a larger pancreas in
-proportion to the size of their bodies. In general, as we have already remarked,
-thirst is indicative of diminished fluidity of the blood and when it is not assuaged by
-taking liquids into the stomach, or by moistening the mouth with them, or by applying
-them to the surface, the torment which it induces amounts occasionally almost
-to phrenzy, and is borne with less patience and greater difficulty than hunger; sometimes
-inflammation of the mouth and throat and intense fever supervene. Various
-circumstances connected with the ordinary condition of the body influence the sensation
-of thirst. Thus it is greater in infancy and childhood than in adult age, and
-less in old age; it is greater in women than in men; it is varied by constitution and
-temperament; by climate; season; the nature of the diet; exercise; passions of
-mind, and even by imagination. As an <i>aliment</i>, water is of prime necessity to all
-organized beings. As a solvent, it reduces to a fluid mass all the principles necessary
-for the growth of animal and vegetable bodies; which must be in a fluid form,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">149</span>
-before they can be taken up by the fine lacteal and other absorbent vessels, and thus
-carried to every part of the living tissue. How important then, that this universal
-solvent should be pure,—that it should be free from those foreign ingredients, whether
-of animal, vegetable or mineral origin, which, if introduced into the system,
-tend to disturb the functions of the various organs, and often to occasion serious
-derangement and disease. But besides its important office as a <i>menstruum</i>, water
-is perhaps the most important <i>nutrient</i>, of all those which sustain the existence of
-organized bodies. A great proportion of that which is drunk, is speedily absorbed
-by the veins, and carried into the circulation, some time before the product of the
-digested food is introduced by the way of the laeteals. There are numerous cases
-on record, where persons have lived, for a considerable length of time, on water
-alone. In the “Transactions of the Albany Institute,” for 1830, Dr. M’Naughten
-relates the case of a man who was sustained on water alone, for 53 days. “For the
-first six weeks he walked out every day, and sometimes spent a great part of the day
-in the woods. His walk was steady and firm, and his friends even remarked that
-his step had an unusual elasticity; he shaved himself until about a week before his
-death, and was able to sit up in bed till the last day.”</p>
-
-<p>To the evils which result from the use of impure water, we have already alluded,
-although it would require far more space than has been assigned to us in this
-Appendix, to do them adequate justice. There can be no doubt, that the chief
-cause of the excess of mortality in cities, over that of the country, is to be found
-in the impure water, with which the former are so generally supplied, and we may
-confidently predict, that in consequence mainly of the introduction of the Croton
-River into the City of New-York, no city in the world of equal size, will surpass it
-in salubrity. To the operation of the same cause, we may doubtless look with
-confidence for a decided improvement in personal comeliness and beauty. “It is
-evident,” says Dr Jackson, “that the health of a whole community may be so
-affected by impurities in water drank by them, as to give a peculiar morbid expression
-to their countenances which causes the observant eye of a traveller to
-remark it, while he in vain endeavours to account for the phenomenon. Who has
-not remarked the expression common in some of our cities, as in New-York and
-Boston, which is called a “care worn and anxious expression.” This expression
-I will venture to assert, is not so much the result of “too much care,” as it is of
-abdominal disease, produced by the habitual and continued use of impure and unwholesome
-water, which has fixed upon us this morbid stamp. I do not know that
-the people of the cities in question, are subject to more care than those in other
-districts, but I do know that they use every day, in many forms, a variety of noxous
-ingredients, which they pump up from their wells, dissolved in the water, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">150</span>
-which enters into every form of food and drink they use in their houses.” Mrs.
-Hale, also, in her excellent Manual “The Good Housekeeper,” remarks, that “hard
-water always leaves a mineral matter on the skin, when we use it in washing,
-which renders the hands and face rough and liable to chap. Does not this water,
-if we drink it, likewise corrode and injure the fine membranes of the stomach? The
-Boston people, who constantly use hard water for all purposes of cookery and
-drink, certainly have bad complexions, sallow, dry, and <i>hard</i> looking; and complaints
-of the stomach or dyspepsia are very common among them.<a id="FNanchor_16" href="#Footnote_16" class="fnanchor">16</a> A Salem
-gentleman declared, that when his daughters, who frequently visited at Boston,
-passed two or three weeks at a time there, he could see a very material change in
-their complexions. At Salem there is plenty of soft water, and the ladies of that
-ancient town are famed for their beauty, which is chiefly owing (its superiority I
-mean) to a peculiarly fair, delicate tincture of skin contrasted with the half petrified
-appearance of those who are obliged to drink <i>hard water</i> always, and often
-to wash in it.” Such authority on this point we presume will not be disputed.</p>
-
-<p>Health, however, is no less promoted by the internal, than by the external use of
-water; and it is to be hoped, that but a short period will elapse, before free baths
-will be provided at the public expense, for the use of the poor, as well as the public
-generally. Daily ablution should be regarded as necessary as daily food or sleep.</p>
-
-<p>The advantages which soft water possesses over hard, in the thousand economical
-purposes of life, are too obvious to need particular remark. The lime contained in
-well water, renders it inapplicable to the purposes of brewing, tanning, washing,
-bleaching, and many other processes in the arts and domestic economy; and we
-believe the calculation would not be found extravagant, if we should say that by the
-use of the Croton water 100,000 dollars annually will be saved to the inhabitants of
-New-York, in the articles of soap and soda alone. When to this, we add the increased
-comfort and health of the citizens, from its free external and internal use,—the
-superior cleanliness of the streets, by the washing away of all stagnant matters
-in the sinks and gutters, and the consequent purity of the atmosphere,—the diminution
-of danger from fires, and the consequent reduction of rates of insurance, with
-other important advantages too numerous to detail, we shall not consider its introduction
-purchased at too dear a rate, even were the expenses attending it increased
-to double the actual amount.</p>
-
-<p>We need not attempt to specify in detail the benefits which are likely to accrue to
-the city of New-York from the introduction of an abundance of pure water. Its<span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">151</span>
-value is not to be estimated by dollars and cents; though it might easily be shown,
-that it already saves to the citizens a sum far exceeding the annual interest on its
-cost. We have already referred to its superiority as a solvent of vegetable matter,
-over the hard well water, formerly used. Since then, we have made a calculation,
-by which we are satisfied that in the single items of tea and coffee, it will save to
-the inhabitants of this city annually, not far from 90,000 dollars. To this may be
-added the improvement of the public health, and the consequent saving in medicine,
-and physicians’ fees, a sum probably exceeding that above specified; the increase
-of the working days, and the extension of the average period of working ability
-among the laboring classes; and lastly, the moral and intellectual advancement of
-the entire population, attendant upon the improvement of their physical condition;
-each of which is not an unimportant item in the aggregate of public prosperity and
-happiness.</p>
-
-<p>Such are some of the facts connected with this important fluid—water. So common
-and abundant is it in nature, that we are apt to overlook its value; but we
-need only be deprived of it for a season, when we shall set a due estimate upon its
-importance. Pure and sparkling to the eye, bland and refreshing to the taste, whether
-it bubbles up from mother earth, gurgles in rills, flows along in streams and
-rivers, or spreads out in lakes and oceans, it every where proves a blessing,—and
-ought to be universally regarded as one of the most inestimable gifts of Providence
-to man. As it is the only fluid capable of quenching thirst, so it is the only one
-compatible with the prolonged duration of animal life—we need not add, that as
-<span class="allsmcap">ALCOHOL</span>, under all its combinations, fermented and distilled, is a deadly poison, fatal
-to organized beings, whether they belong to the vegetable or animal kingdom,
-<span class="allsmcap">WATER</span> can in no case be improved by combining it with this deleterious fluid. It
-was formerly common in this city, and still is so in many places where the well-water
-is brackish, to modify its taste by the addition of a quantity of brandy, or
-some other form of ardent spirit, with a view, not only of rendering it more agreeable
-to the palate, but also of correcting the deleterious properties, occasioned by
-the salts held by it in solution. But in all such instances, the spirit which is added
-proves far more injurious than the small quantity of vegetable and mineral matters
-which it is designed to correct. To the latter, the system becomes in a manner
-habituated, so that even when pure soft water can be had, the former is often preferred,
-as is now the case with many individuals, who prefer our brackish well water
-to that of the Croton. But where ardent spirit is added, an artificial appetite for
-stimulants is soon created,—there is a constantly increasing demand for a repetition
-as well as increase of the dose, derangement of the digestive organs succeeds, and in
-a large majority of instances, the health is irremediably impaired. But fortunately,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">152</span>
-no arguments are needed in this place to convince the citizens of New-York that
-pure Croton water needs no corrective,—and that it is the sworn enemy of <i>fire</i>,
-whether in the shape of alcoholic poison, or that of the more simple <span class="locked">element—</span></p>
-
-<p class="p2 center">
-“Αριστον μεν υδωρ”—<span class="smcap">Pindar.</span>
-</p>
-
-<p class="p4 center small">
-<span class="bt">PRINTED BY WILLIAM OSBORN,</span><br />
-<span class="smaller">88 William-street.</span>
-</p>
-
-<div class="chapter"><div class="footnotes">
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="FOOTNOTES">FOOTNOTES</h2>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn1"><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="fnanchor">1</a> It is proper to remark that, the pier at each extremity, of the range of arches
-of eighty feet span, has an extra thickness, making it a pier of equilibrium; this is
-also the case with the one in the centre of that range of arches, so that on each shore
-and in the centre of the river this additional security has been given.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn1"><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="fnanchor">2</a> This report was from the pen of Samuel Stevens, Esq.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn1"><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="fnanchor">3</a> This Act was drawn up by Myndert Van Schaick, Esq., and its character and
-suitableness to obviate former difficulties were approved of by the Common Council,
-and the situation of Mr. Van Schaick, as member of the Senate, no doubt promoted
-its success.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn1"><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="fnanchor">4</a> This Act was prepared by Myndert Van Schaick, Esq., from materials which he
-had previously collected for the purpose, and it passed into a Law, and is the one
-under which, as its main foundation, the work has been constructed.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn1"><a id="Footnote_5" href="#FNanchor_5" class="fnanchor">5</a> For some general remarks on Water, its economical and dietetical uses, an
-analysis of the Croton and the comparative purity of that supplied to different cities,
-the action of water on lead, &amp;c., see <a href="#APPENDIX">Appendix</a>, which has been kindly furnished by
-Charles A. Lee, M. D., of New-York.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn1"><a id="Footnote_6" href="#FNanchor_6" class="fnanchor">6</a> The Aqueduct is calculated to convey 60,000,000 gallons in twenty-four hours.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn1"><a id="Footnote_7" href="#FNanchor_7" class="fnanchor">7</a> This includes, besides the actual cost of constructing the work, the accumulation
-of interest on loans.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn1"><a id="Footnote_8" href="#FNanchor_8" class="fnanchor">8</a> The air in ice and snow water contains 34.8 per cent. of oxygen, while that in rain water contains but
-32 per cent.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn1"><a id="Footnote_9" href="#FNanchor_9" class="fnanchor">9</a> Report from the Select Committee of the House of Lords, appointed to inquire into the supply
-of water to the Metropolis, p. 91, 1840. Analysis by R. Phillips, Esq.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn2"><a id="Footnote_10" href="#FNanchor_10" class="fnanchor">10</a> Analysis, by Dr. J. R. Chilton, of New-York.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn2"><a id="Footnote_11" href="#FNanchor_11" class="fnanchor">11</a> The bad effects of hard water on the animal system, are likewise manifested in horses. “Hard water
-drawn fresh from the well,” says Mr. Youatt, “will assuredly make the coat of a horse unaccustomed to it
-stare, and it will not unfrequently gripe, and otherwise injure him. Instinct, or experience, has made
-even the horse himself conscious of this; for he will never drink hard water, if he has access to soft; he
-will leave the most transparent water of the well, for the river, although the water may be turbid, and
-even for the muddiest pool. Some trainers have so much fear of hard or strange water, that they carry
-with them to the different courses the water that the animal has been accustomed to drink and what they
-know agrees with it.”</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn2"><a id="Footnote_12" href="#FNanchor_12" class="fnanchor">12</a> Repository of Patent Inventions, for October, 1841.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn2"><a id="Footnote_13" href="#FNanchor_13" class="fnanchor">13</a> It is now well ascertained, that carbonate of lime has only a slight action on soap, and cannot in the
-proportions in which it exists in potable waters decompose it, by giving rise to the formation of a clotty
-precipitate, as we observe with sulphate and nitrate of lime, and chloride of calcium—and this is probably
-owing to the excess of carbonic acid which prevents the re-action of the calcareous carbonate on the oleate
-and stearate of soda of the soap.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn2"><a id="Footnote_14" href="#FNanchor_14" class="fnanchor">14</a> Where water contains a large quantity of carbonic acid, there are some facts which appear to prove,
-that it may act on lead, to an injurious extent, though there may be present a large amount of
-neutral salts.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn2"><a id="Footnote_15" href="#FNanchor_15" class="fnanchor">15</a> Containing 4.05 grains of solid matter to the gallon, or about one 18,000 part.</p>
-
-</div>
-
-<div class="footnote">
-
-<p class="fn2"><a id="Footnote_16" href="#FNanchor_16" class="fnanchor">16</a> “It has been computed that the Boston people have drank sufficient <i>lime</i>, were it all collected, to
-build the Bunker Hill Monument as high as it was ever designed to be carried.”</p>
-
-</div>
-</div></div>
-
-<div class="chapter"><div class="transnote">
-<h2 class="nobreak" id="Transcribers_Notes">Transcriber’s Notes</h2>
-
-<p>Punctuation, hyphenation, and spelling were made
-consistent when a predominant preference was found
-in the original book; otherwise they were not changed.
-This includes misspellings of several Roman names,
-both proper and common.</p>
-
-<p>Simple typographical errors were corrected; unbalanced
-quotation marks were remedied when the change was
-obvious, and otherwise left unbalanced.</p>
-
-<p>The appearances and hierarchy of headings in the original
-book were inconsistent. Those inconsistencies have
-been retained here. In versions of this eBook that
-support hyperlinks, references in the Table of
-Contents link to the corresponding headings.</p>
-
-<p>Illustrations in this eBook have been positioned
-between paragraphs and outside quotations. In versions
-of this eBook that support hyperlinks, the page
-references in the List of Plates link to the
-corresponding illustrations.</p>
-
-<p>Footnotes, originally at the bottoms of pages,
-have been renumbered and moved to the end of the
-text.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Plate_X">Plate X</a>, page 96: In this eBook, the caption shown
-for this Plate includes only the headings in the
-plaque illustrated in the original book. The names
-of individuals listed under those headings are not
-included here.</p>
-
-<p><a href="#Page_145">Page 145</a>: The numbers “1,000,18” and “1.000.42”
-were printed that way. In the first one, the
-commas almost certainly should be periods, if
-the notation in the second one is what the author
-intended.</p>
-</div></div>
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