Having resolved on the work, they carried it forward with a degree of constancy and energy alike remarkable, so that in the space of five years, an aqueduct was completed, which, for the natural difficulties overcome, the substantial character of its structures, the very remarkable verification, in the results, of the previous calculations of the engineers as to the flow of the waters, and the quantity that could be delivered, for the extent of its

course, and the abundance of its supply, may be ranked among the foremost of like undertakings throughout the world. Nor were the extraordinary financial difficulties which affected the whole country, almost the whole world, during the greater portion of the period this enterprise was in

progress, permitted to check its steady advance. The city resolved that the means should be found, and they were found.

Yet, with all this energy and perseverance, there was no rashness. The calculations of the cost, were carefully made, and it is a circumstance unparalleled probably in the history of like undertakings, and one which reflects great credit on the exactness of the knowledge of the chief engineer, Mr. Jervis, and on his professional skill and fidelity, that

* Duten's Histoire de la Paris 1829. navigation interieure de la France, p. 566, 7, vol. i.

CROTON AdUEDUCT. the very first estimate he gave, after he had made himself master of the details of the proposed work, and had the experience of some few contracts, has turned out to be within, and not much differing from, the actual cost. In Great Britain, it had grown into an article of faith, that the estimates of engineers for like works, were in no wise to be relied on, and certainly the experience of London justified such incredulity. The whole work was executed by contractors, employing free labor, was paid for by a single city, where slavery is t unknown, and is designed and calculated to supply the wants of any population which that city can sustain.