NORTH VVICH SALT-FIELD. 73 



without sensibly affecting matters on the sur- 

 face; in fact, the effects are most extensive, 

 and even disastrous. Every year the land in 

 the vicinity of Northwich, near the banks of 

 the river Weaver, subsides to a greater or less 

 degree, and as it subsides the river encroaches 

 upon it, converting what was formerly meadow- 

 land into a lake of many acres in extent. 

 Those works which are placed near the stream 

 are every year compelled to be raised to a 

 higher and higher level to avoid the encroach- 

 ing waters. What was once a pleasant walk 

 is now a pleasant sail, for it is covered with 

 deep water! Cottages, landmarks, footpaths, 

 are all gently, but surely, becoming submerged 

 by the sinking of the land. Buildings in these 

 spots are rendered most insecure by the gradual 

 failure of the foundation. Some are bound 

 together with iron girders to keep them from 

 falling. Tall chimneys present a most ludicrous 

 appearance ; many of them lean as much as the 

 leaning tower of Pisa, and are only kept from 

 tumbling down by strong iron rods which are 

 attached to them to hold them up. In short, 

 the whole district around the brine springs is 

 settling down, at a rate which is proportionate 

 to the amount of solid salt dissolved by the 

 water, so as to fill up the vacuity left. Water 

 has performed a curious office also for the rocks 



