The actual consumption of water in Philadelphia, is stated at 2,000,000 " when the streets are washed." gallons in winter, and 3,000,000 in summer,

PRELIMINARY ESSAY. 79

The distribution of the water from Fairmount, is by two iron mains of 20 inches diameter, to the junction of Chestnut and Broad Streets ; and thence by intersecting pipes through various parts of the city ; superceding the wooden pipes, or bored logs, of the first works.

The whole expense of this admirable work was $426.000, exclusive of the distribution pipes from the reservoir. The city had previously expended in experiments more than a million of dollars raised by a general tax on the property assessed for other city expenses. Cincinnati, the imperial city of the west, next claims our notice, from the extent of its water works. From a valuable volume, by Charles Cist, entitled Cincinnati in 1841, we take the annexed account of them.

" This important establishment was originally projected by Col. Saml. W. Davies, in the year 1817. In May of that year, he obtained from the city council a charter, granting the exclusive privilege of laying pipes, &c., in the streets of the city, for the term of 99 years. " A suitable building for his operations was commenced in 1819, on the bank of the river, a short distance above Deer creek. This edifice, which is appropriated to the machinery for raising water, has its foundation laid deep and strong in the rock which, at this place, forms the bed of the Ohio. Its walls, commencing about ten feet above low water mark, are built of limestone. They are eight feet thick at the foundation, diminishing gradually to a height of thirty-five feet, where they are five feet thick. Here the brick work commences. The building on the river side is ninety feet high.