The quantity requisite for the lake that would be formed by damming the river, was reported by Mr. Cartwright, who was specially employed to survey it, at 496 acres, of which some was obtained by purchase, the residue through the intervention of appraisers. The engineers kept the field till January, 1836, and returned to it in April. The whole line was re-surveyed during the summer, being the fourth survey and level, under the direction of Mr. Douglas. Some important improvements in the course of the aqueduct resulted from this re- survey ; distances were shortened, and curves lessened, and by the middle of June, maps were prepared of the whole line, setting forth how much land would be needed, and to whom belonging.

CROTON AdUEDUCT. 141

Great opposition began now to be manifested by the land owners in West Chester, along the route proposed for the Aqueduct, at the prospect of being dispossessed of their lands, although to be paid for them liberally. Cupidity in some, real unwillingness in others to have their farms broken up, and dread, probably, on the part of the great majoof tumult, disorder, and numberless petty annoyances, from the throng of laborers, rity,

who, it was perceived, would find employment on the work, led to public meetings, unfriendly resolutions, and memorials to the Legislature. The chief propositions of the applicants to the Legislature were

1st. That the legal possession and use of the land should remain with the original owners, after being paid for by the Corporation ! 2d. That if not used for the purposes of the Aqueduct, the land should revert to its original owners.