50 A STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE 



taken endeavour, to evacuate all the silt and mud out 

 of the dam, was arrested m time to save the whole from 

 ruin. The balance to the pressure of the exterior head 

 of water, was perceived to be on the point of being de- 

 stroyed : and the attempt at a total removal of the whole 

 contents of the dam, was fortunately discontinued.* 



* The success attending the first, or eastern foundation, be- 

 ing laid and bolted on the rock^ inspired an ardent wish in all 

 interested in the work, to arrive at it, for the establishment of 

 the -western pier. Difficult}' and danger were overlooked ; 

 and only the object regarded. When the dam became inces- 

 santly leaky, and the more so as the mud vv-as evacuated, a Com- 

 mittee of experiment was joined to the Building Committee, 

 at their request. Nothing could exceed their joint exertions, 

 but the laudable zeal with which they were animated ; and 

 several of the Stockholders voluntarily rendered their assist- 

 ance. But this zeal had nearly ruined the object of it ; a 

 considerable time before the close of these well intended 

 efforts, the President (who, by constant attention, was minute- 

 ly acquainted with the principles and construction, and, of 

 course, ihtfort and foible, of the dam,) became uneasj^ ; and 

 intimated to the mason, that the prosecution of the attempt, 

 at the total evacuation, was dangerous in the extreme. The 

 mason was convinced that the opinion was correct ; and the 

 superintendant declared he had long been apprehensi^-e of the 

 consequences. Under the hope that this would be soon per- 

 ceived by others, a plan of the present artificial foundation, 

 was communicated by the President to the mason; and by 

 him digested. It was mentioned with candour and caution ; 

 but received v.'ith decided disapprobation, by the greatest 

 number. The industry and redoubled diligence of the Com- 

 mittee, were viewed with painful solicitude. At length, the 

 critical period arrived, when it appeared highly probable that 



