month or two in a closed cask, on opening it, a quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen gas, of the most offensive odor escapes, and the water is so black and nauseous as to be unfit for use. But on racking it off, it clears, depositing a quantity of slimy mud, and becomes remarkably clear, sweet and palatable. As the

matters deposited in such rivers are merely mingled with the body of the water, which is too large, and too changing, to admit of any permanent taint from solution, filtration, or even the natural deposition of the ingredients fits them for every domestic and medicinal purpose.

The following Table shows the solid contents of the Thames water* London, and of the Croton water t in the city of New-York.

* Report from the Select Committee of the House of Lords, appointed to inquire into the supply

of water to the Metropolis, p. 91, 1840. Analysis by R. Phillips, Esq.

t Analysis, by Dr. J. R. Chilton, of New-York.

THAMES WATER. CROTON WATER. QUANTITY OF WATER. Brentford. 1 Gallon = 10 lbs. Avoirdupois, Source ofthe Chelsea. In the City of Grand Junc- Source of the At its source New-York as at 62° Fah., Chelsea Wa- CrotonLake it issues from tion Water ter WorkB or 70, grs. Avoirdupois. Works Com- the pipes. pany. Company.

Grains. Grains. Grains. Carbonate of Lime,. ----„- 16-000 Grains. 16-500 1-42 1-52 Sulphate of Lime, > •00 •44 Chloride of Sodium, J 3-400 2-900 Oxide of Iron, 1 Silica, 1 very minute Ditto. •34 •46 Magnesia, portions.