441 



Mr. T. Broavne was not inclined from his experience to 

 entirely believe in the properties of the divining rod. He related 

 a circumstance which took place at Swanswick some ten years 

 ago, when a well was sunk to a depth of 60 feet, and water found 

 which lasted for 18 months, and then the supply ceased. The 

 supply was renewed again some time after, but subsequently 

 stopped altogether. Mr. Browne mentioned a second case at 

 Wellow where the water finder entirely failed. On the other 

 hand, at the Viaduct Hotel, Mullins pointed out a spot where 

 water could be found, and he was confirmed by WUlcox, another 

 "dowser," and a well was sunk which yields a good supply 

 of water. 



The Eev. H. H. Win wood, while admitting that Mr. Plowman 

 had made out a very strong case, and also that there was a good 

 deal which could not be explained with reference to the divining 

 rod, yet, he said, in most of the instances given where water had 

 been discovered, the finder had been accompanied by some one 

 who knew of its position before, and he, therefore, was inclined 

 to believe that it was more by thought-reading than by the use of 

 the rod that water was discovered. With regard to Mullins, he 

 considered him to be a good practical geologist, and, in neighbour- 

 hoods which he knew well, could easily point out wher^ water 

 was to be found from his knowledge of the nature of the ground. 



Mr. FoxcROFT related his experience of an attempt by 

 Willcox to find water for him some years ago. A spot was 

 selected by means of the divining rod where water was to be 

 found at a depth of 30 or 40 feet. The attempt was made, and 

 so far persevered in, that a depth of 130 feet was reached, 

 without, however, coming to water. The springs in the im- 

 mediate neighbourhood are from 30 to 40 feet in depth. Mr. 

 Willcox appeared completely baflled, and the attempt was 

 abandoned. 



The discussion was continued by the Eev. E. Cayley and 

 Messrs. Gill and Morgan, Major-General Burn and Colonel 

 Blathwayt. 



