In view of the length of time which the construction of the aqueduct would occupy, of the vast sums that would be expended, and of various and perplexing questions that could not fail to arise in the progress of the undertaking, in the shape of claims from persons supposing themselves aggrieved, by contractors for extra allowances, &c., &c, the Commissioners suggest, for the consideration of the Common Council, the adoption of a plan similar to that adopted by the State in respect to the construction of, and expenditures on, the canals, viz.constituting two Boards, one, Commissioners of the Water :

Fund, to be composed of the Mayor, the Comptroller, the Counsel of the Board, the Street Commissioner, and the City Chamberlain, who shall have charge of all financial

arrangements in raising and borrowing the necessary money, securely investing it until wanted, &c. the other, the Water Works Board, to consist of the Water Commission- ;

ers and the Commissioners of the Water Fund, whose business it should be to adjust and

settle all such claims and complaints as are above alluded to.

On January 4th, the Commissioners made their next semi-annual Report, which, with its accompanying documents, is of great interest and importance. In the course of the autumn, contracts were made for the ten sections of the first division which were before unlet, and for 27 sections of the second division, making an aggregate of 53 sections, which, with the dam, were to cost $2,823,691.

A change, too, was made, on the recommendation of the chief engineer, in the position of the dam in the Croton ; a place about 400 feet down the stream being supposed more suitable for the purpose. This change led to another in the structure, lessening