short bent tube of brass or bronze, that formed the communication between the castellum and the leaden pipe for the supply of private houses, which pipe, by a Senate decree, was required to be of the same diameter as the calix, for the distance of fifty feet from the castellum.J The proportion in which the prodigal water of the Roman aqueducts was distributed, is given with great minuteness by Frontinus. The general result is, that of the aggregate supply of 14,068 quinariae, 4063 quinariee, were distributed without the city, (extra urbem^) of which 1718 were in the name of Caesar, and the residue to private use. The remaining 9955 quinariae were conveyed into the city, and received into 247 castella as well public, as private ; 3847 quinariae were appropriated to private use ;

the rest went to public exhibitions, useful trades, the supply of the camps, of the amphitheatres, fountains, and pools.

* Anthon's Die., art. Castellum Aquae. Ewbank, p. 480. t Ewbank,p. 480. }

PRELIMINARY ESSAY. 23

Lead was universally used for the supply-pipes from the castella, and notwithstandof health, we find in ing Vitruvius speaks of this metal as objectionable on the score Frontimis no allusion to any evil from its general employment.

The liability of these gigantic works to injury and decay, especially in the portions above ground, is forcibly dwelt upon by Frontinus. The subterranean parts were easily kept in order, as they were neither subject to the action of frost, nor to the action of the