The distance across this valley is about a quarter of a mile, and the surface of the River is 120 feet below the bottom of the Aqueduct. In all the examinations which were made with a view of bringing water from Westchester County, the crossing of this River, or arm of the sea, was regarded as the most formidable work that would be encountered ; various plans were proposed, and in presenting these plans the project was such as to call into requisition much talent and skill. An Aqueduct Bridge built of stone, having arches resting upon piers and abutments, was proposed so as to continue

the Aqueduct across with its regular inclination. An Inverted Syphon of iron pipes was proposed ; the pipes to descend to a level near the surface of the River, and passing along upon a stone embankment rise again and connect with the Aqueduct : in this stone embankment an arch was to be built of sufficient dimensions to allow free passage of the water of the River. Another plan was proposed which, though novel in its

application to such purpose, was worthy of consideration this was to build a Suspension Bridge of wire cables reaching across the valley, supported at intervals upon suitable stone piers. This, maintaining the regular inclination of

a

e nii RW

the Aqueduct, would support iron pipes. The design was a bold one, yet instances where such bridges have been constructed for road-ways afford examples of the feasibility and permanency of the structures, and prove that the application of that principle for this purpose was riot a visionary project. The plan which was adopted as the most suitable under all the considerations of economy and security to the work, was a Low Bridge to support an inverted syphon of iron pipes and the design of it was as follows adjacent to the ; :