2 THE FLOOD OF 1 843. 



give some probability that they may be transmitted to future 

 generations so as to be understood and to be relied upon for 

 their accuracy. Understanding this to be the primary object 

 of the Institute, the Committee have exerted themselves indi- 

 vidually to the utmost extent that their leisure would permit, 

 in collecting the materials necessary to bring about so desir- 

 able a result ; and they have also availed themselves of the 

 aid of a considerable number of their fellow-citizens, selected 

 as well for their general intelligence, as from the circumstance 

 of their occupying positions which necessarily rendered them 

 familiar with many important or interesting facts connected 

 with the subject under examination. Circulars were addressed 

 to more than forty gentlemen, embracing inquiries on the fol- 

 lowing points, viz. : 



ist. The time of the commencement and termination of 

 the heavy rain. 



2nd. The direction of the wind at different periods of 

 time during the day — its violence, and the time of its greatest 

 violence. 



3rd. The ([uantity of rain which fell at a particular place, 

 rif ascertained with any degree of accuracy.) 



4th. The greatest height of the flood above the usual 

 level of the water in the several creeks, and the time at which 

 the water was at its greatest height. 



5th. An account of the damage done to bridges, manu- 

 factories, mills, mill-dams, dwellings, &c. ; together with an 

 estimate of the loss sustained by the County, and by indivi- 

 duals, in consequence of the destruction or damage done to 

 their property. The loss occasioned by the destruction of 

 crops, fences, etc. 



6th. The number of lives lost ; llie names and ages of 

 the individuals, and the particulars connected with their loss : 

 also any facts connected with the rescue of persons from 

 drowning who were in imminent danger. 



7th. Any facts evincing the power of rapid currents of 

 water in transporting earth, sand, rocks, and other materials. 



