gQ A STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE 



taken endeavour, to evacuate all the silt and mud out 

 of the dam, ^vas arrested in time to save the whole from 

 ruin. The balance to the pressure of the exterior head 

 of water, was perceived to be on the point of being de- 

 stroyed : and the attempt at a total removal of the whole 

 contents of the dam, was fortunately discontinued.* 



* The success attending the first, or eastern foundation, be- 

 ing laid and bolted on the rock^ inspired an ardent wish in all 

 interested in the work, to arrive at it, for the establishment of 

 the western pier. Difficulty and danger were overlooked ; 

 and only the object regarded- When the dam became inces- 

 santh' leaky, and the more so as the mud was evacuated, a Com- 

 mittee of experiment was joined to the Building Committee, 

 at their request. Nothing could exceed their joint exertions, 

 but the laudable zeal with which they were animated; and 

 several of the Stockholders voluntarily rendered their assist- 

 ance. But this zeal had nearly ruined tiie object of it ; a 

 considerable time before the close of these well intended 

 efforts, the President (who, by constant attention, was minute- 

 ly acquainted with the principles and construction, and, of 

 course, they^^r^ ^nd foible, of the dam,) became uneasy ; and 

 intimated to the mason, that the prosecution of the attempt, 

 at the total evacuation, was dangerous in the extreme. The 

 mason was convinced that the opinion was correct ; and the 

 superintendant declared he had long been apprehensive of the 

 consequences. Under the hope that this would be soon per- 

 ceived bv others, a plan of the present artificial foundation, 

 was communicated by the President to the mason ; and b}' 

 him digested. It was mentioned with candour and caution ; 

 but received Avith decided disapprobation, by the greatest 

 number. The industry and redoubled diligence of the Com- 

 mittee, were viewed with painful solicitude. At length, the 

 critical period arrived, when it appeared highly probable that 



