From accurate data, these obstacles to the transmission of water from the surface, by dwellings and pavements, are estimated to carry off into the river nearly one half of the water which falls from the atmosphere. In the neighborhood of large open squares, it is consequently observed that the wells are more pure, but they must sooner or later partake of the same deterioration. The water in the immediate vicinity of the park, although very impure, is nevertheless of a better kind than that from more distant wells and we have been informed that the well ;

of the Manhattan Company is mostly supplied from that quarter. It has been observed,

also, that the vicinity of grave yards communicates a ropy appearance to the water and ;

the water from such wells, becomes, in warm weather, very offensive in the course of a few hours. If the above facts be well founded, we must naturally anticipate a deterioration of our waters, proceeding pari passu, with the increase of the city and we accord- ;

ingly find this to be the case. Until within the last few years, the water on the elevated ground in Broadway, was considered to be the best in the city. In the progress of improvement, this water is now hard and unpalatable. Indeed, we know of families living above Broome-street, in Broadway, who are now supplied throughout the year by watew carts from the country and in the direction of Laurens-street, we have been informed that ;