OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 247 
bearing rock would be reached. When this depth was attained without success, both government 
and people became impatient. Confident of the correctness of the principles upon which the under- 
taking was based, M. Arago urgently recommended the prosecution of the work. His representations 
were successful, and the boring was continued to the depth of 1800, when the reservoir was reached, 
and a vast volume of water rushed up, crowning this remarkable undertaking with the most brilliant 
success. ‘The well furnishes at present about half a million of gallons in twenty-four hours. 
The sinking was commenced with an auger 12 inches in diameter, and so continued to a depth of 
500 feet, when it was changed for one of 9 inches. At the depth of 1100 it was reduced to 7} inches, 
and at 1300 feet to one of 5 inches, with which the sinking was completed. 
The temperature of the water is 82° Fahr. 
In this country, the most successful sinkings for water have been made in Alabama, although 
there is but little known of them out of the State. They are commenced with as much confidence 
as are ordinary wells elsewhere, and instances of failure are very uncommon. In the single county 
of Greene there are upwards of 40 “bored wells,” varying between 170 and 600 feet in depth, all 
constructed by private individuals, for their own use, 
They are always sunk by contract, and by persons who make boring and excavating reservoirs 
their business. 'The price varies, with circumstances, within certain limits, which may be set down 
at present between 50 cents and $1 per foot,* the proprietor always boarding the hands employed, 
three in number, the contractor and two black men. Any thing done beyond the simple boring, such as 
tubing, &c., is anextra charge. Accidents arising from the breaking of tools, the time lost, &c., are 
at the expense of the contractor. The simplicity and adaptation of the tools to the work, arid the 
skill and dexterity with which they are used, are all admirable, and perhaps unequalled in any coun- 
try. Every contrivance has the stamp of “back-woods” force and originality, every material used 
is such as is every where accessible, and every tool such as the most ordinary workman could 
construct. 
The Alabama wellsyon account of the great number in a limited area, are exceedingly interest- 
ing, in relation to the supply of water, as affected by the number of wells. The quantity of water 
furnished by a new well becomes less after some time, but this is found to be the result of the obstruc- 
tion caused by the falling in of the sand, and when this is removed, the quantity is again increased. 
No diminution is perceived from the increased number of the wells. Four of the most copious foun- 
tains in the State are but a few hundred yards distant from each other. The quantity of water 
varies from a very feeble stream to 360 gallons per minute. This difference is due to the relative 
levels of the points where the sinkings are made; the quantity of water of course is diminished by 
the resistance that the head has to overcome. 
The following table exhibits the temperature of the water of some of the wells in Greene county, 
Alabama, in relation to their depth. 'The temperature was taken as the water issues from the spout, 
and does not show that of the water at the bottom of the well, for in some of them water is found 
at various depths, which is mingled together as it comes from the spout; still the results are inter- 
esting, as illustrating the general increase of temperature towards the earth’s centre. 
The temperature of the ordinary wells of the county is 64°. 
* The diameter of the Augur never exceeds 4 inches. 
