Enough is known, nevertheless, to prove that the conduits are beyond the influence of frost and, constructed as they are, with fidelity and of the best materials, a duration may be anticipated for the Croton aqueduct equal to that of the Aqua Alsietina of Rome, of which it is related that, one thousand years after the Goths had cut off its supply, Cardinal Orsini, in the year 1693, re-introduced water into it, and that it flowed on for 20 miles to Rome, without loss or interruption, and as freely as in its ancient

day.

CROTON AQ.UEDUCT. 217

The average flow of water since its introduction into the Croton aqueduct, has been about fourteen million gallons daily, which gives a height in the conduits of two feet four inches. Its capacity for delivery is more than quadruple this quantity, and the supply is equal to the utmost capacity. And now, having concluded the narrative and descriptive parts of the Memoir, it will not be deemed an unreasonable indulgence of patriotism civic or pride, to present a brief and flattering comparison between this New York Aqueduct, and the most magnificent of those constructed in ancient or in modern times, the relative population and wealth of the

respective countries or communities by which such undertakings have been accomplished, the cost so far as it is ascertainable, and the sort of labor employed.

Rome claims the first place, both of ancient and modern days, for the abundance of her supplies of water through aqueducts. The grandest of her gigantic works was executed by an imperial master and servile hands but even under her ;