The pont du Gard is that part of the Aqueduct of Nismes which crosses the deep valley in which runs the Gardon or Gard. This part, considered alone, is one of the noblest monuments built by the Romans among the Gauls. It is composed of three ranges of arches one above another. The first range, under which the Gardon flows, is formed by 6 arches ; the second by 11, and the third by 35, all of which are semicircular ; supported upon piers of greater or less height.

The channel in which the water flows is upon the top of the third range of arches, and is 160 feet above the water of the river. The whole length of this bridge is about 900 feet.

The bridge of Gard having been broken down at the two extremities, at a period very remote and uncertain, it is

thought that this destruction may be attributed to the Barbarians who invaded the country of Nismes a short time after their first invasion, which is fixed at the commencement

of the fifth century, about the year 406, and it is supposed that by this means they would deprive the inhabitants of Nismes of the water furnished by the Aqueduct, and force

them to yield. But by this supposition, which is very probable, the water had been running in this Aqueduct for more

than four centuries ; and this structure which has been out of use during fourteen hundred years, is still in such a state of preservation that it could be restored without a very great expenditure of money.