such a flood occurred as could not have been anticipated from previous knowledge of the River; the water filling the entire passage at the overfall, flowed over the top of the embankment where it was not supposed it could ever reach. The lower slope of this embankment was covered with a wall not calculated to resist the action of the water and it gave way ; the water broke through the embankment and rushed along the valley with most disastrous consequences. The breach occurred at an early hour in the morning ; and many persons were suddenly aroused from their sleep to escape before the approaching waters. Dwelling-houses and mills were carried away and three lives were lost. Two of those who were drowned had taken refuge in the tops of trees, but these being swept away they were drowned while ;

others who were not able to reach the main land, but had also taken refuge in trees, were saved. The change wrought by the flood, in the appearance of the country, was truly wonderful and the destruction was complete. Night had

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closed over that valley where all was happiness and quiet, but day opened upon a scene of desolation. The fertile fields were torn up and covered with masses of stone and gravel, and the flood left marks of its fury far up on the hill sides.

At the commencement of the rain which caused this flood, the ground was covered with snow to the depth of eighteen inches : the weather became warm and the powerful rain storm continued incessantly for forty-eight hours. Notwithstanding the immense volume discharged at the overfall of the dam, the water was rising, during the night previous to this disaster, at the rate of fourteen inches per hour over the