SUPPLY OF ^ATER. 5 



nothing would be more dismal than the prospect in the 

 first instance, and nothing might be more difficult and 

 laborious than the subsequent efforts to improve it. 



Sujjpli/ of Water. — Water in sufficient quantity and 

 of good quality is another requisite which must receive 

 due attention in determining the site of a house. Some- 

 times an adequate supply of this necessaiy of life is by 

 no means of easy attainment. Wells, tanks, reservoirs 

 with pipes, and hydi*aulic rams, have all been resorted 

 to, according as the natm-al surface of the estate has 

 allowed or compelled the employment of one or other 

 of these. A foimtain or reservoir above the level of the 

 mansion-house certainly deserves the preference wher- 

 ever it can be formed, though its original expense may 

 be considerable. This plan affords the gi'eatest facihries 

 for the introduction of water into the various apartments 

 of the house and offices, and for yielding a sufficient 

 supply in case of fire, a matter of some importance in 

 regard to the safety of the property. An abundant 

 reservoii', placed as indicated above, will proride with 

 water the fountains on the teiTaces, and in the flower- 

 gardens and pleasure-grounds. In some gi'avelly sub- 

 soils, even when the surface is comparatively dn', a 

 considerable quantity of water may sometimes be fomid 

 at no great depth, and may be obtained by means of 

 wells and force-pumps ; but the supply can hardly ever 

 be so abundant as that yielded by the reservoir, and the 

 labour requii-ed to raise it is very gi-eat. The hydraidic 

 ram is a veiy usefid instiTiment where only a moderate 

 quantity of water is needed. A small stream, with a few 

 feet of fall, will keep it in operation, and will enable it to 

 raise the water to a tank, say on the top of the mansion- 

 house, whence it may be distributed as requii-ed. We 



