Of modern works, the Canal de L'Ourcq, in France, by its extent and the copiousness of its supply, is among the most remarkable. But that too, was a government undertaking,

feebly prosecuted through a period of some thirty years, and completed at last at a great expense, in incurring which, or in the means for its repayment, the people had no voice. The canal cost 24,326,278 francs, or near five millions of dollars, and the distribution of

* History of Rome, pp. 126, 7, Carey, Lee & Blanchard's edition , 1837. t Frontinus, chap. ii.

220 MEMOIR OF THE the water about four million dollars more. Its revenue as a navigable canal, is about

60,000 francs, and from its waters consumed in Paris. 1,460,000 francs, altogether a little more than $300,000.* For its bold and lofty arcades, the solidity of its masonry, and the imposing grandeur of the whole structure as it bestrides the beautiful valley of Alcantara, the aqueduct of Lisbon may claim the first place. It is, however, short in its course, and its supply of water is comparatively small. This is wholly a royal work. In Great Britain, all the water-works seem to have been private speculations, in which the hope of gain was the alluring cause except, indeed, the original undertaking of Hugh Myddleton, to introduce the New river into London. He certainly appears to have acted for the general good, and to have made great personal sacrifices for its promotion. In other instances, the commercial spirit, which looks to a reward for its investments, was at