164 Observations on the Cause of the Spouting 



Then also, so far from considering the operations as having 

 failed, because in this case the water does not rise above the 

 surface, we are of opinion that, according to the localities and 

 the nature of the ground, steps might be taken to remedy the 

 deficiency. 



Thus, for example, when the water of a boring only rises to 

 within a certain number of yards from the surface, but in suffi- 

 cient quantity, it might be conducted from the point to which 

 it reaches, by a small gallery, into some neighbouring well, or 

 into one dug on purpose, and there might thus be produced a 

 kind of artificial fall, which might be employed to make the 

 water ascend to the surface of the ground, and even beyond it, 

 by employing for this purpose either a hydraulic engine (belier 

 hydraulique), which would always give a third of the volume 

 of water, or a wheel, which might be placed at the point of the 

 fall, and which, working a pump suitably placed, might raise 

 the third, or perhaps even the half of the volume of water, oi, 

 in short, any other hydraulic machine of the kind. But these 

 means would be practicable, only in so far as the wells into which 

 the waters should be precipitated, might not allow them to run 

 off into strata of permeable deposits. 



In concluding these considerations, and the consequences 

 which we have deduced from them, we shall mention the cir- 

 cumstances which it is necessary to examine and appreciate be- 

 fore resolving upon boring a well. 



1st, It is necessary to examine the physical constitution, or 

 the nature of the ground, and the disposition of the surface of 

 the country, with reference to the mountains which overlook it, 

 the valleys by which it is intersected, and the springs which 

 rise in these valleys. The latter it is particularly necessary to 

 examine, before deciding upon boring a well, as many of them 

 are real natural wells. 



2dly, It is of importance to select a fit person for boring, the 

 art not being merely mechanical, and such as can be practised 

 by any borer *. 



" A borer who has no experience may entirely fail in the operation confided 

 to him ; and such an occurrence may suffice to prejudice a whole country 

 against bored wells, if it be the first time that they have been tried in it. 

 Too frequently the borers are nothing but common labourers, who follow a 



