Wright, then Street Commissioner of the city, explored a route from Macomb's Dam to the Bronx river, with the expectation of being able to bring the water of that river to the dam, at an elevation of 120 feet above tide. This was found to be impracticable; the waters of the Bronx, the Rye Ponds and Wampus Pond were guaged, and the ground between them and the Harlem river examined, and the conclusion of the engineers was, that a superabundant supply from these sources could be relied on. And further, " that a canal or tunnel on a high level is not the best or safest mode of obtaining water, and that it ought not to be attempted." It is added, "that the Croton cannot be brought in by this route, and cannot ever be needed, seeing that the quantity which can be obtained at a moderate cost through the valley of the Bronx, will be sufficient for all city purposes." An analysis of the Bronx water was made at the same time by different chemists, Messrs. Chilton, Ackerly and Griscom, which showed it to be of remarkable purity, not

containing more than two grains of foreign matter in a gallon. With these various plans before them, the Common Council received a report from their Committees of fire and water, on 24th December, which, without passing judgment upon any of the projects, recommended, "inasmuch as enough has been ascertained for the satisfaction of the Committee, that no time be lost in obtaining authority from the