" The supplies of the Croton are derived exclusively from the elevated region of the Highlands, in Westchester county and Putnam, being furnished by the pure springs which so remarkably characterize the granitic formation of this region. Many of the ponds and lakes from which it is maintained, are, three or four hundred acres in extent, and as large as 1000 acres : all these ponds are surrounded by clear upland shores, which furnish soft and clear water. Half a gallon of water taken from the Croton at Wood^s bridge, yielded by evaporation, 2,333 grains residuum, in the following pro[)ortions :

Vegetable matter, 133 .

Carbonates of lime and magnesia, . 1,200

Muriate of magnesia, . . . 1,000

grains, a 2,333 Prior to the erection of the dam, shad fish annually ascended the river some miles above the present lake. The fishing is now entirely confined to trout, perch, and other fresh water fish. In 1800 it was proposed to render the Croton river navigable, from its mouth to Pine's bridge. The following report of the engineers is entitled :

" Estimate of expense to make the Croton river navigable for boats of two tons."

The falls at Croton river with a lock, £350

The falls below the Old bridge, 250

Small rapid, 10

Rapid and stony, ' ' ' 15

2 small falls, 15

See Corporat. Doc. of N. Y., No. xxxvi. 409.

398 HISTORY OF THE

Rocky falls and stony water, £ 60

Fall both above and below Fowler's mill, 100