A Memoir of the Construction, Cost, and Capacity of the Croton Aqueduct
All, or nearly all, the timber for the centres of the arches is delivered, and the amount of machinery and arrangements of the contractors for carrying on the work is such, that if the commissioners should feel authorised to urge it forward, there is no doubt but it could be carried up as fast as a due regard to its stability would warrant. RECEIVING RESERVOIR AT YORKVILLE. The excavation at this place was carried on at a moderate rate during the whole winter, and on the opening of the spring, such additions were made to the force employed there, that the work was fitted for the reception of water on 27th June. It is not yet, however, entirely finished; but the contractors are making such progress as will probably enable them to complete the whole in the course of the ensuing month. The work in the 5th Avenue, in which are laid the -iron pipes, connecting the receiving and distributing reservoirs, is nearly completed. Something remains to be done at one or two culverts, and perhaps something more ought to be done in the way of regulating the Avenue. DISTRIBUTING RESERVOIR AT MURRAY'S HILL. This work is now nearly complete ; about one-half the length of the enclosing wall is finished, and the remaining half
CROTON ACIUEDUCT. 195
requires little to complete it but the cornice. So far as it has been tried by the pressure of water 20 feet in depth, it has proved perfectly tight, and its performance in all respects is entirely satisfactory. When this is completed, and the streets and grounds about it are regulated, it will be one of the most interesting objects of utility and curiosity to citizens and strangers, which our country affords. Ever since the completion of the masonry of the aqueduct, it has been frequently and carefully examined, with a view to detect defects, if any existed, or failure, if any should take place and it has been found, with slight exceptions, to continue as perfect ;