The pipes are placed at a level below the bottom of the division from which they draw : the bottom of the interior of those from the southern division being 2 feet below,

and that of those from the northern 5 feet below. The exterior walls of this Reservoir present a face of rough-hammered masonry, finished in a manner to give them neatness and durability. As a specimen of mechanical work, this Reservoir will not bear a comparison with the lower, or Distributing Reservoir, yet the sheet of water it presents, renders it an object

of perhaps greater interest. This beautiful lake of pure water resting upon the summit of the Island is truly a pleasing object, and considering its size, is what no other city can boast of having within its limits. The Distributing Reservoir is situated on the west side of the 5th Avenue between 40th and 42nd streets ; it is two miles from the Receiving Reservoir, and about three miles from the City-Hall. The question may naturally be asked, why this Reservoir

t ,

was built, when the receiving one, of such great capacity, is so near at hand ? The reason for building it, was to obtain an efficient head of water near to the densely populated parts of the city, and had the formation of the island been favorable, the Receiving Reservoir would undoubtedly have

been located farther down, bringing the store of water more nearly in the centre of the city.

Plate XXIV. is an isometrical view of the Distributing Reservoir showing the front on the 5th Avenue and on 42nd street. The pipes which leave the Receiving Reservoir follow along the 5th Avenue until they reach 42nd street, where they turn and enter the Distributing Reservoir at the base of the central pilaster in that street, which in the drawing is