The water-supply of Farnham being derived from the hill on the south side of which the village stands, I bent my first steps thither, not only to examine its source, as likely to present indications for purity to be looked for elsewhere, but also to have a good bird's-eye view of the whole area under investigation. The position of the hill in the south-west, its elevation of nearly 700 feet above the level of the sea, and 300 feet above the plains beneath, admirably adapted it to this purpose. It was then only I discovered that the Farnham water does not come from the surface drainage, but is derived from sixteen small springs, issuing at the south side, on a contour, so to say, about 50 feet above the highest level of the hill. From the contracted area out of which so large a supply is gained, I was induced to suspect that these springs are not due to the rain-fall on the ground above them. I was further led to this consideration by observing that, from the slope of the ground, and from the almost impenetrable hardness of the superficial covering of gravel, the rain-fall could scarcely find its way through this surface. A violent storm having most opportunely come on whilst speculating over this probability, I perceived that the whole of the water apparently ran rapidly down the hill-sides and was speedily out of sight, leaving the surface perfectly dry, except where irregularities retained a few pools, which subsequent observation proved to me were exhausted by evaporation rather than by percolation. I then examined the north side, and found that on the same contour a still greater indication of springs existed. This satisfied me that these waters are due chiefly to rain-fall elsewhere; for a rough calculation of the yield of the springs much exceeded the available rain-fall on the area within the contour.

Convinced of this, I naturally concluded that, if the other ranges of the district were of like geological formation, they would in all probability present similar appearances about the same level; a most desirable source for the streams of the country, the advantage of which, in addition to the proposed drainage supply, could hardly be over-estimated. The first week of my researches was confined, therefore, to the nature of the soil throughout the district, presenting generally a vast depth of pure sands, obscured in the higher levels by extensive patches of gravel from 2 to 20 feet in depth; in the lower, by a poor loam, from one to three feet deep. Patches of peat, here and there in spots of some depth, exist principally in the lower levels. On the west and south-west the loam has a subsoil of very stiff clay, apparently of the London formation, which also crops out on the north side of Farnham hill. On the north and north-west, in the valleys, there exists within a small area a considerable quantity of iron in some of the peaty bogs. All these are marked upon the plan which I shall hereafter have the honour to lay before the Board, and which I have prepared as accurately as the shortness of time allowed.

The next object of my research was the quality and quantity of the water. The Board, in their report, have given the quantity now brought into London by the different water companies as a stream 9 feet wide and 3 feet deep, flowing with a velocity of two miles an hour; a supply double the actual consumption. In the course of my exploration I could not fail to observe that such a volume of water of any quality was nowhere to be seen, which at first rather damped my hopes for the future; but I remembered that such a body might be made up by collecting the smallest threads of rivulets, and went on my way. To effect this then was my object.

A most minute inspection of the gathering grounds has shown me that their nature exactly adapts them for the means of collection proposed by the Board, namely, a system of thorough drainage. A more admirable plan of gathering rain-fall could not have been conceived; the sands, acting as a natural filter, deprive the water on its passage to the pipes of any impurity contracted either in the air or in percolating through the upper crust; as, for instance, where the water might be discoloured by peat, experiments have proved that the sands restore its primitive colour, and deprive it also of the flavour imparted by the peat. The heath, which covers the entire area of the gathering-grounds, also stains the water, but the impurity is removed by this process of natural filtration. I would remark, that the discolouration visible in the stream called the Blackwater, is not caused by peat, but by the heath and loose black loamy nature of the soil through which it flows. This I have proved, by following up its various sources, one of which only, at Cove, passes over peat. Samples of springs rising in peaty bogs, show no discolouration whatever, but are as clear as water issuing from sands.

Remembering Farnham-hill, I turned my attention to look for springs, and, after much and close examination, came to the conclusion that the origin of many little silver threads of water, silently stealing down the hill sides under the grass, arose also from such sources. A diligent search showed me that the quantity of water to be derived in this manner within the original area of the gathering-grounds is so great, that if the neighbouring ranges of mountains and hills on the south side-namely, Hindhead, Blackdown, Hascombe-hills, Leith-hill, &c., presented the same feature, I might probably hope to collect a stream 9 feet wide and 3 feet deep, of the desired softness and purity.

I am now happy to inform the Board, that a month's researches into every hill and glen, every copse and crevice, has produced this result. Having tested the water? as they issue from their sources, I can announce that I have gauged a sufficient number of springs and rivulets to enable me to form an opinion.both as to quantity and quality; the water being of its primitive purity, perfect as to aëration, brilliant in colour, soft almost as

distilled water, of a grateful temperature, about 50°, and almost free from all mineral, animal, and vegetable impregnation. In a future section of this report, I hope to be able to give the Board more extended information on this point, as also with reference to the levels of the springs above mean tide. Thus, by gauging and testing the streams at their sources, instead of in their course and outfalls, we have the realisation of the principle laid down by the Board; and this difference will account for the variance of my results with those of Dr. Angus Smith.

The annexed table of springs and rivulets gives their hardness, according to Dr. Clarke's soap test, their daily discharge, and the number of houses they are equivalent to at 75 gallons per house; an addition of one-half the average domestic consumption, as proved by an experiment instituted in the district of Earl-street, London, on a block of 1200 houses of a fair average class, the gaugings of the sewer gave 44 gallons, and of the butts and cisterns, 514 gallons per house.

TABLE of Springs and Rivulets, showing their hardness, daily discharge, and the number of houses each is equivalent to, at the rate of 75 gallons per house.

1 Will be led away at one degree of hardness. One and a-half degrees under the mill-wheel; but will probably be led away at half a degree of hardness. 3 Will be taken away at half a degree of hardness. 4 Will be led away at one degree of hardness.

Giving altogether 394 millions of gallons, which might be brought to London at a hardness certainly not exceeding one degree. I can answer for at least 10 millions more under two degress of hardness. I must remark, that though these gaugings are only offered as an approximation, I consider they will eventually prove to be rather under than over-stated.

I would remark that, where the springs flow into ponds dammed up for the use of mills, I have taken the samples for tests from the springs themselves, as the evaporation alone of large surfaces of water generally adds two and upwards degrees of hardness, and the waters are also exposed to deterioration in colour, and, as I have found, in taste. For instance, at Minley Pond, itself situated between sand-hills, the springs do not show half a degree of hardness, the pond one and a half; at Sweetwater Pond the springs have half a degree of hardness, the pond two degrees; at Bushbridge the springs have one degree of hardness, the pond nearly six.

I would here remark, that an erroneous opinion seems to prevail generally that large bodies of water should be examined for test of quality, which, in proportion to their size alone, show a scale of hardness contracted in their passage through loamy or other soils. Hitherto the little springs rising in pure sands, scarcely seen under the herbage, have been almost entirely disregarded, although when gathered together they form a volume equal in extent to that collected on the lower levels, and of a purity and softness in no case to be found there.

The gaugings of these springs having been taken at the end of a drought of nearly five weeks, and at the close of an average dry summer, I conceive they are to be relied on with safety, as being at their usual summer ebb. Being a perfect stranger to the district, and of course obliged to depend very much on the testimony of the residents as to the flow of the springs, I have addressed myself to persons of all classes, gentry, farmers, and labourers, many of whom have resided all their lives on the same spot, and are therefore well able to offer an opinion. I received much valuable information from an herb doctor, who devotes his sole attention to wounds and sores, and finds his remedies in herbs and grasses, many of which grow in water, by which means he had come to the knowledge of these springs. The unanimous opinion of all observing persons is, that I gauged these springs at their lowest. I am convinced that the greater mass of them are, as at Farnham-hill, due to rain-fall elsewhere, probably on ranges of equal and higher levels, at a considerable distance, where the nature of the strata will not permit of the rain-fall making its appearance again after percolation; the water then finds its level, and an easy channel through the sands of the gathering grounds. I attribute the fact of the springs invariably coming out under the highest and steepest bank of the hills to the circumstance, that such is the only place where on that contour there is not the usual densely. packed covering of gravel, through which they would scarcely penetrate when there is an easier outlet. The steepness of the bank itself is apparently caused by the undermining action of the springs.

My opinion of the unfailing yield of these springs is confirmed by the peasants, who in several instances have of their own accord informed me that at the close of autumn, generally in October, when there has been no rain in this district, the springs commence rising just after a high wind. They offer no explanation of this apparently extraordinary circumstance, which to me, however, admits of easy explanation; the high wind being possibly a fortuitous circumstance, but probably indicating a storm of rain and wind elsewhere, where the strata are of the formation alluded to.

Droughts of much longer duration than five weeks seldom occur, and, should they do so, the yield of the springs is so far in excess of the present requirements of the metropolis, that there is little foundation for any apprehension of scarcity.

To detect the presence of these springs in combination with other waters was in some cases very easy, as where the residents are acquainted with them, or where they are so large as to thrust themselves on one's view; but often they have nearly eluded my most vigilant scrutiny. Situated in the hollows of the hills, generally collections of rainwater are to be found, girt sometimes by dense copses with rushes and long-tangled grass. The marshy appearance of the ground on the lower side might, by a casual observer, be taken for the soakage of the pond; but if a trench be dug to the outfall the run is found to be constant, proving the presence of springs flowing into or rising in the ponds themselves. On one occasion, on questioning an intelligent labourer, he remarked that, when bathing in Minley-pond, he found the water at some parts much colder than others, and was at a loss to account for the circumstance, which clearly indicated the position of the springs, as I found the outfall to exceed the flow into the pond.

So secluded are some of these sources, that their existence on one occasion, at Chapel-copse, only became known to a soi-disant gamekeeper (but, from his appearance, I fear, a poacher occasionally), by the flight of game to drink there after dawn. This spring yields 224,697 gallons per day, equal to the supply of 2995 houses, and forms one of the many threads contributing to the desired supply. I am further of opinion, in which I am confirmed by all the residents, that these springs will, when opened-that is, given a free passage to the surface, often be doubled in volume; indeed, this has, on several occasions, been proved to be the case by paper manufacturers and others who have been anxious to increase their supply; as, for instance, at Barford Mills, where some years ago the paper-mill could only work for three or four hours a-day, but the spring having been opened now affords a sufficient supply for six hours' work. I have tested these waters, and all others in the district, including wells, and those from the surface, at different stages, as where joined by fresh tributaries, or entering a new soil, from their outfall to their sources, and the result has been very decisive in confirming the remark made by Professor Way, in his able paper on The Power of Soils to absorb Manure, that ordinary soils consist of three substances, sand, clay, and vegetable matter, but that very generally a fourth may be added, carbonate of lime.' When these springs rise in any other than pure sands, the water at once becomes hard to five or six degrees. If in any case I believed a stream to have a very pure source, I proceeded up its course, examining it at the junction of each tributary, and have never failed in discovering at length, and generally from the highest source, the thread of soft and sweet water to be added to the growing stream for water supply.

Let me point out the following, for example,

The above shows what different results two persons making the same investigations might arrive at. From Headley-wood to Bramshot is scarcely more than two miles; persons unintentionally, or for want of accurate investigation, might consider the water at Headley-wood the sample of greatest purity to be found, and go away with and disseminate a totally false impression. I have reason to believe it will be generally found that the opponents to the Board's proposition have, from one cause or the other, made this great mistake.

The power of soils in hardening water is particularly evident when comparing the water in a large pond to that in a well, which becomes hard almost in proportion to its depth. A notable instance occurs at Tomlin's Pond, a collection of rain water with a few small springs in it, which has a hardness of only 2 degrees; whereas, a well sunk close by for the convenience of some cottagers has a hardness of 5 degrees. Again, Minley Pond has a hardness of only 1 degrees, while a well, sunk through the loam into the pure sand, has 3 degrees of hardness.

The following is a list of well and surface waters, with their degrees of hardness:

Thus we see that waters stand for purity in this district in the following order-1. Springs issuing from pure sands.-2. Collections of rain water. -3. Water running through ordinary loamy soils.-4. Well waters.

How great is the loss of capital and labour expended on wells, which when made, what has been done? A vast expense is incurred to dig a hole in the ground to allow water to soak into impure from the mineral qualities of the soil; what water?-that which fell originally soft and pure, and which might have been collected on roofs, or by drainage of cultivated lands and led into a covered reservoir, and thence to the highest room in the house. One gentleman with whom I am acquainted spent from 300%. to 4001. in sinking a well 300 feet deep, whence he obtained water of a hardness equal to that of London. 400l. would have drained from 40 to 50 acres of his land and paid for a covered reservoir, besides saving the labour of pumping and carrying, the waste of the latter in the case of using 75 gallons per day per house, amounting to a loss of three days' labour of one person in a week. The improvement of the land drained would alone have repaid the outlay.

A great economy in having water laid on to the top of a house exists from the indolent propensities of servants. Should there be two supplies,

one of soft water, and another of hard nearer the premises, the servants will, I have frequently found, to save trouble, use the latter for all purposes, thus extravagantly wasting their masters' tea and soap; the saving in the consumption of which with soft water would soon have paid the cost of laying pipes into every part of the house.

I would point out the defects of storage reservoirs on gathering grounds as now existing in some parts of this country. They collect the crude surface waters, always liable to discolouration and thickening from dirt brought in by heavy rains, to deterioration in taste, to hardness from contact with the soil, as also by evaporation; this last, however, being trifling as compared with the first, as we have already shown. Compare these results with the proposition of the Board. After the ground is once saturated, the rain-fall passes immediately through a natural filter of sand into the drainage pipes, which lead it away to storage reservoirs lined with tiles to prevent the water acquiring the mineral qualities of the soil, hence to a covered reservoir in the neighbourhod of its distribution, safe from the noxious influence of the impure atmosphere of a city. The importance of covered reservoirs cannot be overrated when the evidence given by several eminent professors of chymistry before the Board is considered, although little more than every day's experience is needed to show that what is disagreeable on a small scale must be very detrimental, often dangerous, in larger volumes of water. A tumbler of water cannot be exposed half an hour without becoming warm, vapid,

and badly tasted; and from what cause? Simply because water has an extraordinary capacity for absorbing the impurities of the atmosphere.

Referring again to the plan of collecting rain-fall by draining the sandy heaths, I question whether it could in one case be carried out with advantage-namely, on the higher levels; as, for instance, the crests of the Fox Hills and Chobham Ridges, where the strata of sand are of a very loose nature. I think that the surface once broken through, the water would pass by the pipes. The area on which this would happen is, however, not very large. It is very desirable to ascertain this point by trial works; a few acres drained would satisfactorily settle an important question. The same would occur in the lower levels were it not that nature has abundantly provided a subsoil in the form of a crust or pan about 9 inches thick, composed of 3 inches of closely-packed pebbles and sand resting upon 6 inches of sandstone. This pan lies at a depth varying from 1 to 3 feet below the surface; in some cases it is found beneath a few inches of sandy loam. The pipes might be laid on the pebbles and sand incrusted together, which would hold the water. The pan once broken through the water would, I fear, be lost for ever. The cultivation of these heaths would eventually repay a large portion of the expense of collecting a rain-fall by drainage. Mr. Hewett, a most intelligent farmer and land surveyor, from whom I have obtained much valuable information, assures me that where this pan comes near enough to the surface to be broken through, which is done at an expense of 81. or 10l. per acre, and when properly manured, the cultivation pays.

The only disadvantage attending the Board's scheme, if in such an important matter it may be deemed so, is the expense of the large lined storage reservoirs necessary to contain a six weeks' or two months' supply for a city of the giant proportions of London; otherwise the system is unique in simplicity and perfect adaptation for the purpose required. So vivid was this impression on my mind, that on developing the idea of supply from springs, I conceived a method of adapting the principle to my own case. Where the springs are large, I propose to inclose them in brick or tiles, but when small and numerous I would prefer to gather them in one stream to be led away in pipes; but this must be effected on the pure sand, and great care must be taken to avoid the mixture of surface-washing. In the case when leading away a stream of springs it would be liable to discoloration from heavy rains, I propose to provide a remedy by preparing at the point of diversion from the natural channel a new bed for a short distance at a less inclination. The bed to be a trench with a pipe at the bottom, and filled up with small stones and sand, heather or heath being placed round the pipe joints. The stream being led on this new bed will percolate into the pipe beneath. When the extent of the ground above the springs would expose them to be choked up by rubbish and dirt after a storm, I would intercept the rain-fall in contour trenches with pipes underneath them also, and lay a branch to lead the water away to the main. I have shown both these plans as adapted to the case of Farnham-hill, and a large addition might thus be made to the flow of the springs if desirable.

Hereafter I propose to detail my arrangements of branch lines from the spring-heads, leading to mains terminating on Wimbledon-common; giving also an estimate of the expense of the entire schemeworks, compensation to mills, &c., also some general information on the collateral advantages of a pure soft water supply-the results of some experiments I am making on the action of sand as a filter, and some qualitative analyses of the springs.

The annexed plan is that of Farnham-hill, reduced from the Tithe Commission plan, and tested as to accuracy. The blue contour line represents the level of the springs. I have gathered them together and gauged their flow as accurately as in my power. Their daily discharge is equal to 897,393 gallons.

The area within the contour line is 571 acres. The available rain-fall from 22.65 inches per annum; a mean of 30 years' register at the Military College, Sandhurst, allowing the usual deduction of 14 inches for evaporation and absorption, is 279,858 gallons per day. The difference, then, 611,160 gallons, is the least figure in favour of my assertion that the water in this hill is due to rain-fall elsewhere, for the rain on the hill does not percolate, but passes away.

I assure the Board, however, that a careful collection of these springs would double their volume, and produce a daily discharge of 1,794,786 gallons. This, then, leaves a total of 1,514,928 gallons above the available rain-fall on the hill, supposing it all to penetrate. The plan also shows the hill drained above the springs on the principle already alluded to. The section of the pipes and their outfall is calculated in proportion to the quantity of rain likely to fall in the shortest time, according to the principle laid down by Mr. Chadwick.

In reference to my idea of the cause to which these springs are due, I would mention that a notable instance of the kind occurs in Hongkong, an island mountain of not 25 miles in circumference at its base, and of 1000 or 12,000 feet elevation above the level of the sea. The quantity of water supplied from springs on the top of this mountain is notoriously far be. yond its rain-fall, which latter, from the declivity of the other ground, is at once discharged into the sea, as all who have been there are well aware of. The shore of the mainland is not further than two miles and a-half, but the range of mountains of equal and higher elevation, and which furnish the supply, are at a distance of upwards of ten miles. The rain-fall cannot find its way again after percolation to the surface, and is necessitated to find

its level by crossing the sea and rising through the fissures of the granite formation of Hongkong. The springs are rarely known to be affected in quantity even after a three months' drought in the island, the thermometer often at 80° and upwards in the shade.

The advantages I propose to derive from permanent springs, that is, always preserving an average flow of summer and winter, over surface drainage, are twofold:

1. The continuous flow from springs gives water of better quality as to aëration and temperature.

2. An immense saving will be effected on the item of storage reservoirs, and, I believe, a considerable sum in the diminished quantity of excavation and pipage. Assuming that the supplies from these springs do not materially alter, no necessity can exist for storage reservoirs. A covered reservoir for two days' supply might be provided at Wimbledon-common to meet any extraordinary emergency; otherwise, a main with a simple waste-pipe into the Thames would suffice.

Too much importance cannot be attached to a constant flow of pure, cool, and soft water, brought direct without detention from the Hindhead to the attic of the highest house in London. How grateful will be the daily use of cool soft water only 24 hours from a natural reservoir in the depth of the earth!

I consider I have realised, in a remarkable manner, the Board's enunciation "The nearer the source the purer the supply." The whole value of the scheme appears to me to depend on the accurate following-up of this principle.

On consideration of the original proposal, there is only one more point I shall at present touch upon-namely, the great and scarcely estimable benefits of land drainage, not only to the soil, but to the inhabitants of the district. From the rain-fall, a depth in the year of 22·65 inches (allowing seven to be absorbed), there remains nearly 15 inches, or 1529 tons of water on every acre, impeding cultivation by diminishing the temperature of the soil, by not allowing a proper circulation of air in it, and by causing a perpetual evaporation, not only injurious to health in itself, but excessively wasteful of the heat of the atmosphere, a loss which in our damp climate is a very serious consideration indeed; and it is only when the whole country shall have been perfectly drained that this stigma of unnecessary and dangerous damp will be effaced from our registers of temperature.

Again, experience has satisfactorily shown (vide the Report on the Water Supply) that the low temperature of undrained land is the chief cause of scanty and poor crops, and inferior growth of timber. In an economical point of view, it is most necessary then to remove this noxious agency.

Having given the results of my observations in detail, it may be now proper that I should state my opinion of their variance as compared with the conclusions enumerated in the report, which difference I attribute to the limited investigation of the subject.

Generally, in all points as applied to the quality of water, its advantages in economy, its beneficial influence on health, &c., my experience not only distinctly confirms the views of the Board, but has elicited further illustrations, in respect to which I hope shortly to have the honour of addressing them. This information I have collected from persons of all classes, medical men, manufacturers, farmers, tradesmen, peasants, &c., all of whom, in their different spheres, have given me valuable evidence on the subject in question.

The results of my experience are as follows:

I. With respect to the quantity and quality of water to be derived from the gathering-grounds, in whatever method of collection-the report gives 28,000,000 of and under three degrees of hardness. My results give 40,000,000 of and under one degree, and 10,000,000 of and under two degrees of hardness. This improved quality is gained by my development of the principle of taking the water from its source (that is, where it issues from pure sands), and leading it away before it can be affected by contact with soils. I beg to express my conviction that the purity will depend entirely on the careful execution of the work; it would give, to recapitulate its qualities, 40,000,000 of water, of primitive purity; perfect as to aëration; of a grateful temperature, about 30 degrees; brilliant in colour; soft almost as distilled water; and almost free from all mineral, animal, and vegetable impregnation, sufficing for the supply, at the estimate of 75 gallons per house, of 523,156 houses.-The 10,000,000 of and under two degrees of hardness are derivable from sources rising in sands not quite pure. II. By the direct means of collection from springs, instead of the extensive system of land drainage originally contemplated, very considerable saving of expense would be effected:-1. In the less quantity of pipage required, and, consequently, of labour expended. 2. On the item of the large extent of storage reservoirs, originally required to provide for summer months, periods of drought; and which, by my plan, would be unnecessary. 3. On the reduced claims for compensation, especially as no breadth of land would be required to be taken up. In fact, after collection, on descending into the lower levels, the mains would lead along and just outside the lines of railway. A mere underground right of way-a pipe-laying easementwould be required.

A résumé of the above then gives, in favour of the plan proposed-1. Greater certainty of supply. 2. Superior quality. 3. Greater abundance. 4. Greater speed of execution of work and application for service. 5. Greater economy.

Should the future exigencies of the metropolis require an increased supply, it may still be derived not only from land drainage of rain-fall on the pure sands beneath the level of the sources now proposed, but also to a great extent above them.

In conclusion, I would remark that it might be considered desirable to allow the towns of Guildford, Richmond. &c., and the different villages on the line of water supply to London, to partake of the advantages proposed for that city. The first of these suffers severely from hard and expensive water. Of course they would have to pay their proportion of the rate to be levied to meet the expense of the works, which I hope shortly to be able to show will not, for an increased, continuous, pure supply of soft water, at high pressure, exceed a fraction of the sum now levied by the water companies for an impure, hard, and defective one.

I have the honour to be, my Lords and Gentlemen,

Yours obediently,

WILLIAM Napier.

The General Board of Health, Gwydyr-house, Whitehall.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE TOWN OF LIVERPOOL. IN June last, the council advertised for plans for the improvement of the streets and approaches of the town, and the laying out of the unoccupied lands in its immediate vicinity, offering a premium of 501. for the best one, and 251. for the second in point of merit. By the end of August, twenty-three plans, with explanations, were sent in, all of which are now on view in the Council Chamber. The first premium was awarded to Mr. H. P. Horner, who adopted the motto of "Rus in Urbe," and the second to Mr. Henderson, "Curator." Both gentlemen are architects practising in that town. The suggestions and plans were submitted at the last meeting of the council.

Mr. Horner's Plans.

"In submitting the suggestions indicated on the accompanying plans, I should wish, in explanation of what may at first sight appear the rather sweeping character of some of them, to mention the general idea under which they were laid down, viz., that taking the terms of the requisition in their fullest sense, I should endeavour to form such a plan as would serve for my own guidance, supposing myself responsible for the progressive improvement of the town and its environs to the greatest extent which circumstances might successively permit.

"Such a plan, prepared with the most mature study, and revised from time to time, should, in my opinion, be kept by every public officer under such responsibility with respect to any large town, in order that the conclusions as to what would be desirable, when possible, might not be lost sight of, but, as leases fell in, buildings were removed, or land brought to sale, such opportunities might be seized for the improvement of thoroughfares, and such other alterations as would conduce to the convenience and comfort of the inhabitants.

"The general aspect of Liverpool presents several obvious points for the application of such a system of persisting improvement, as few large towns bear more distinct marks of having been laid out with little view to the probability of its increase, and in few have more opportunities been missed of correcting original errors at later periods of its progress.

Among the most striking defects in these respects are to be observed the cutting off of leading thoroughfares at particular points, as if never to be extended, and sometimes closing them with a public building—a church and its burial ground for example --with perhaps a long cross street behind it, affording, for a great distance, no outlet in the direction of the main street.

"Again, we find that the districts to the extreme north and south have been laid out almost without reference to their connection with the centre, forming distinct systems of streets within themselves, with in each but one main connecting thoroughfare with the central part of the town, and that adopted only as following the tortuous course of an ancient roadway.

Further, we may notice that the natural and easy method of gaining a summit by traversing its ascent in a diagonal line, has been lost sight of, and a steep rise breasted at a right angle, and at the same time communication made more difficult and tedious by series of streets traversing the length of the slope, with such frequent interruptions of line as to disfigure, and, to appearance, contract the extent of the town to an extraordinary degree. The crowning evil consists in the manner in which purchasers of land in the outskirsts appear to been allowed to lay out their streets on

any plan (or no plan) as might suit their own fancy and ignorance, causing irremediable confusion when the intervening space comes to be filled up, and increasing in a tenfold degree the almost necessary ugliness and discomfort attendant on the existence of that space of debateable ground between town and country which commonly surround an increasing and populous town.

"One or more of these considerations will be found to have led to the adoption of the several proposed alterations shown in my town-plan, in addition to the wish to open out some public buildings (now scarcely to be seen but on a close approach), and to give an increased number and length of vistas-points on which beauty and magnificence of effect in towns confessedly depend.

"As regards the approaches, my attention has been mainly directed to the connection of roadways at present detached, straightening those which are inconveniently crooked, providing for their probable communication with existing or proposed streets, and, above all, securing one of the best provisions for the comfort and health of an immense population, a belt of garden or park land bounding the present extent of the town, and insuring the interposition of a stretch of comparative country between the existing buildings and any more of a town character which may be needed in after times for the growing community.

"It is satisfactory to know that the corporation have of late years taken decided steps towards this last most necessary object, while the liberality of one generous man has set fan excellent example in the same direction. Much, however, remains to be done, and it is with the hope of calling attention to the point that I have, so far as circumstances permitted me, shown how I think many tracts of, as yet, unoccupied land, may be made available for the use and recreation of all classes.

"The boulevards of Paris and other continental towns are acknowledged as greatly conducive to sanitary ends, and the subject, as is well known, has been taken up with much energy in London, where the feeling now prevails to secure for this purpose as much as may be of what land is still open; though the manner in which the town has been allowed to extend without this wholesome interruption throws great difficulties in the way, as will be the case in Liverpool, if speedy steps are not taken in the matter. "The health of the population would, in addition, be benefitted by the opening up of lines of street terminating at the quays, and unobstructed by warehouses on the dock sides; and some such streets, crossing the rise of the hill diagonally, I have shown on my plan, and I do not know a point in which more has been lost to the good of the town, (through want of a better system of forming the streets,) than this important one of ventilation by long vistas from the river.

"The distinction between corporation and other property being scarcely traceable (in the plans furnished) even in the suburbs, and not at all within the town, the suggested alterations could not be guided by them, nor, it is presumed, was it expected that contributors of designs should enter into such particulars, as the labour and expense attending the necessary inquiry would have been such as to deter many from competing."

The report then details 22 suggestions for the improvements of the town, and for the formation or enlargement of eight parks in the environs.

"In conclusion, I would observe that, though the space of ground occupied by the proposed parks appears great, it must be remembered that their formation would necessarily be extended over a considerable period of time, and in our climate, and so near the sea, single rows or avenues of trees will never thrive in the same degree as shrubs and plantations will, which naturally shelter and protect each other from our cold winds.

"The strong probability that the town will eventually extend itself in length along the river rather than in breadth (crossing the natural boundary formed by the ridge to the east), has also led me to confine my proposal to this line of garden land as best suited to English tastes and habits.

"RUS IN URBE,"

PROCEEDINGS OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES.

ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS.

THE first general meeting of the Institute, after the recess, was held on November 4th, at the rooms of the Institute, in Lower Grosvenor-street. In the absence of Earl de Grey, the president, the chair was taken by Mr. Fowler, one of the vice-presidents, who in congratulating the members upon their meeting together again, mentioned, in reference to the prospects of the ensuing session, the Great Exhibition of 1851-an event which could not fail to be of the greatest interest to the Institute of Architects. It would, doubtless, bring to this country a large number of the distinguished men of science abroad, the names of some of whom were enrolled in their lists as honorary and corresponding members; and the council had not forgotten to take into consideration arrangements to give their expected visitors a befitting and cordial reception.

Godwin.

Professor Donaldson, the corresponding secretary, in laying upon the table a collection of works presented to the Institute during the recess, likewise made a particular reference to 'Suggestions for the Improvement of the Lord Mayor's Show', by Mr. George In alluding to useful communications, Professor Donaldson expressed his gratification that a French translation had been officially made of the paper read to the Institute last session by Mr. Henry Roberts upon "the Improvement of the Dwellings of the Labouring Poor." (Des Habitations des Classes Ouvriers; traduit et publié par ordre du President de la République: Ministère de l'Agriculture et du Commerce. 1850.) He dwelt upon this as a fact which proved the government of France was very prudently turning its attention to the sanitary and social condition of the working classes.

Mr. James Bell, Fellow of the Institute, read a paper "On the Remains of the Architecture of the Roman Provinces," which we have given in full at page 378.

INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.

Nov. 12.-WILLIAM CUBITT, Esq., President, in the Chair. The following paper was read :—

A comparative view of the recorded Explosions in Coal Mines. By Mr. WILLIAM WEST (of Leeds), Assoc. Inst. C.E.

The Reports of Faraday, Lyell, De la Beche, Playfair, and others, were carefully analysed and tabulated, from which it appeared that tendencies towards a dangerous condition existed in mines reputed to be comparatively safe, and that these tendencies were so numerous, and varied so suddenly in their nature and extent, as to necessitate attention to every kind of precaution.

The proposed appointment, by the government, of Inspectors of Mines, was noticed, not with the intention of showing that their supervision would diminish the responsibility of the mining engineers and overmen, but of demonstrating, that by establishing more constant communication between the various districts, they might induce the general adoption of those measures of precaution which were found in certain mines to be so efficacious in averting accidents, or in affording means of safety when they did occur.

The different depths of mines, varying from seventy-five yards at Darley, to three hundred yards at Haswell, did not appear to have any influence on the accidents. The tendency to the emission of carburetted hydrogen gas from certain seams, would have appeared a more rational reason, though the records did not appear to bear out that theory, as mines receiving a tolerable character, had been the scene of repeated explosions; for icstance, the Jarrow Mine, where, although reported" to be not very fiery," there had been six explosions in the course of twenty-eight years, and one hundred and forty persons had been killed.

The compatibility of general good ventilation, with the occasional ocThe currence of the most fatal explosions, was particularly dwelt on. witnesses on the inquests after the Haswell and the Jarrow accidents, agreed that the "ventilation was perfect," "the pit full of air," and "the air quite good, and plenty of it." The fault, then, did not lie in the quantity of air, but rather in the difficulty of directing it so generally throughout all parts of the mine, as to sweep away the gas as it was pro duced. The "splits," for the air were noticed, and the condition of the goaf, the pockets of gas formed in the roof, and the sudden irruptions from the occasional falls in the goaf and old stalls, were dwelt on at great length, and, combined with the injudicious use of unprotected lights, and liability of accident to the lamps, were shown to have been the probable cause of all the explosions. The miners' lamps were passed over somewhat too cursorily, as at the present moment, when so much has been done for their improvement, that part of the subject might have been descanted on with advantage.

The precautions for saving life on the occurrence of accidents, such as abolishing bratticed shafts, and sinking a pair at each mine, at such distances apart as should ensure one remaining intact, incase of an explosion injuring the other; the "scaling off" of a portion of the fresh air for the exhausting furnace, and conducting the return air into the upcast shaft at some height above the fire; together with several minor details for insuring the constant working of the exhausting apparatus, to draw off the fatal after-damp, or choke-damp," were strongly insisted on.

The rashness and carelessness of the miners was instanced on with regret; but it was shown that by education and good example, their better qualities must be brought out, and that then, the best safeguard against accident would be the instinctive love of life, and a knowledge of impending danger from the infringement of any of the precautionary regulations established in the mines. The improvement of the workmen was, therefore, strongly insisted on, as more real benefit would probably result from such measures, than from the appointment of a host of government inspectors.

The paper was illustrated by large diagrams of the author's views of the forms of "goaf hollows" and "goaf basons," as well as by several plans of mines, &c.

The President reminded those gentlemen who had recently joined the Institution, of the engagement they had entered into, to present original communications, or drawings, &c., and urged upon the members of all classes the necessity of furnishing good papers, so that the interest of the meetings might be sustained, and the usual discussions be promoted.

Nov. 19.-WILLIAM CUBITT, Esq., President, in the Chair. The subject of the paper read was "The Ventilation of Collieries, theoretically and practically considered." By WILLIAM PRICE STRUVE, (of Swansea), M. Inst. C.E.

The author commenced by showing that the general principles which ought to govern the ventilation of collieries, were

1st. That a current of air through the channels of collieries, at a velocity of five feet per second, was sufficient for most purposes.

2nd. That a current exceeding that velocity would only be attained a the expense of leakage and other evils.

3rd. That in order to obtain the requisite supply of fresh air, the channels of a colliery or mine ought to be enlarged, according to the exigency. In the process of laying out a mine, a subdivision occurred by which the workings were apportioned into numerous compartments, which facilitated the system of splitting the current of air, or diverting it into numerous channels, giving to each compartment a separate, aud, therefore, more effective ventilating force; at the same time the area of the channel was enlarged, and the aggregate length of the air tube shortened, so that it was quite practicable to pass through the workings of a mine 300 cubic feet of air per minute for each man employed.

The velocity of the air current in a mine was so easily affected, t, hat it was important to consider by what accidents, and under what c ircumstances, any changes took place.

It could not be supposed that the excavated space of old workings was completely filled by the "falls" of the roof and "creeps" of the floor; extensive rupture of the stratification occurred, and through this broken ground great leakage must take place. This would seriously affect a long continuous air course, therefore, the way to meet this difficulty was to split, shorten, and enlarge the air channel. The details of two experiments at the Eaglesbush and Yuis David Collieries, where the air was pumped out by Mr. Struve's Mine Ventilator, showed that a large proportion of the air was drawn from the old workings, and the "goaf," or broken ground surrounding the colliery, and did not come down the intake shaft, and traverse the actual workings, as it ought to have done.

In both these cases, the enlarging and splitting of the air channels, so as to reduce the velocity of the air to about three feet or four feet per second, would have produced most beneficial results.

These principles were shown to have been lost sight of in the majority even of the great collieries, and the power of rarefaction by a furnace was trusted to for dragging the long column of air over and through innumerable impediments. In some cases this was left to be produced by the increased temperature of the mine, from the candles, and the respiration of the men, aided by the cooling effect of water trickling down the intake shaft. These scarcely sufficed to produce an average difference between the two shafts of thirteen degrees in winter, whilst in the summer, and in certain states of the atmosphere there was no difference at all, and, conse quently, little or no ventilation. Where rarefaction by heat was used, the temperature in the upcast shaft varied from ninety degrees to one hundred and sixty degrees; this, however advantageous for ventilation, was injurious to the shaft itself, and absolutely dangerous to the men who had to traverse it.

A comparison of the dimensions of the air passages and the velocities of the currents in numerous collieries, led to an estimate of the motive power required to produce the results attained in the best ventilated mines, in case of the employment of a steam-engine and air-pumps. This power would have varied between 23-horse power and 26 horse power.

The efficiency of furnace ventilation was always increased by the depth of the shafts, especially if they were entirely devoted for the purposes of ventilation, irrespective of the working of the pit.