It was no doubt this opinion which, in 1826, induced the application to the Legislature, by several of our citizens, for an act of incorporation. This act was passed on the 18th of April. 1826, and is entitled "An act to incorporate the New- York and Harlem Spring Water Company." Anson G. Phelps and James Renwick, Esquires, and their associates, are declared a body corporate for the purpose of supplying the city of New- York with pure and wholesome water. The Directors named are gentlemen of respectability and character, who would not have requested a charter, unless they intended to carry it into effect, if practicable. The water was to be taken from wells near Harlem Commons, where it was supposed abundance of the

pure element existed. Experiments were accordingly made by sinking shafts, &c., but no water was found in sufficient quantity to warrant any further expense, and the company ceased to exist by nonuser. In order to be satisfied for ourselves, however, as to the reality of the supposition that water was to be obtained in any considerable quantity in that part of our island, the Commissioners carefully inspected the grounds and situations alluded to, and are fully convinced that no dependence can be placed upon the receipt of a supply of water from those sources, any more than from deep boring or the sinking of capacious wells. There was a well under the operation of boring, near Yorkville, on the day the Commissioners made their examination. The augur had penetrated 90 feet from the surface of the earth, and no water was produced, and it was intended to descend fifty feet in addition, if found necessary. Several of the wells on Harlem flats were found to average from sixteen to eighteen feet in depth, and to contain from two to three feet of water.