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The Watershed of the Upper Thames. By John Bravendeb, Esq., 



F.G.S. 



Read at the Campden Meeting. 



As the subject of water supply to the inhabitants of towns 

 generally, together with other sanitary improvements, has lately 

 occupied public attention, and is most certain to continue to 

 claim more notice than ever, I hope to be excused for ventui-mg 

 to make a few remarks and observations on the subject, and 

 particularly with regard to the Watershed of the Upper Thames, 

 —that is of the country between the sources of the Thames 

 and the city of Oxford. 



The general course of the Thames is eastward. It is not 

 derived from any defined spring at its head, giving out all, or 

 nearly aU its waters, but is fed by many small rivers and brooks, 

 most of them having their courses from the north and running 

 southward, or having their courses from the south and running 

 northward. 



The Thames, according to the Ordnance Map, commences at 

 a place called Waterhay Bridge, about a mile below Ashton 

 Keynes village, and about three miles West of Cricklade. The 

 river, brook, or stream, above this point, is called Swillbrook, 

 which is joined by a brook running from the Thames Head, 

 past Kemble, through Somerford Keynes, and which joins the 

 SwiUbrook, about a mile below Somerford Keynes viUage ; and 

 by another from Braydon, which joins the SwiUbrook a Httle 

 above Waterhay Bridge. The area of the Watershed of this 

 district, called Swillbrook and Thames Head, is 74 square mUes. 

 Mr. Taunton, I believe, makes this 75 square miles. 



