THE FLOOD OF 1843. 3 



8th. Any other facts which may be considered important 

 or interesting. 



From a number of the gentlemen to whom these circulars 

 were addressed, very satisfactory^ replies have been received ; 

 from which, and from the personal examinations of the com- 

 mittee, the following details have been made out : As volum- 

 inous as these details may appear, it is highly probable that 

 many interesting particulars may not have come to the know- 

 ledge of the committee. They feel free, however, to state, that 

 so far as they have undertaken to give facts and estimates, 

 they have very great confidence in their general accuracy. 



A meteorological phenomenon so unique in its character 

 as the storm of the fifth of August, together with the almost 

 instantaneous rise in the waters of several large streams with 

 their numerous tributaries, could hardly fail to give rise to a 

 number of philosophical problems not very easy of solution 

 by persons unaccustomed to such investigations. On this 

 account it has been a source of regret to the committee, that 

 the subject had not been confided to hands more skillful and 

 experienced in such matters. In the few explanations, how- 

 ever, which they have attempted of any subject which pre- 

 sented to their minds the least difficulty or doubt, they have 

 been careful to give all the facts which to them appeared at 

 all relevant, so that the correctness of their conclusions can 

 be readily tested by others. 



TOPOGRAPHICAL VIEW OF DELAWARE COUNTY. 



Before proceeding to detail the results of their examina- 

 tions and inquiries, the committee have considered that it 

 would not be amiss to present a brief topographical sketch of 

 the county, drawn particularly with a view of illustrating the 

 subject under examination. 



In point of territory, Delaware county is the smallest 



