$8 Dr. Lathrop’s account of the springs and weils in Boston. 
however it was the spring now to be seen on the westerly part of the 
town, near the bay, which divides Boston from Cambridge. 
In the early records of the town mention is made of the great 
spring, which discharged its water into what is now called Spring 
Lane, leading from Cornhill to Devonshire Street. The population 
of the town made it necessary many years ago to cover up this spring, 
the water of which now passes under ground and supplies many fam- 
ilies, at a considerable distance from the place where it was open, 
when “ our fathers drank thereof, with their children and their cattle.” 
Springs and running streams have been found in many parts of the 
peninsula, and some of them but a few feet from the surface, which 
afford excellent water, and in great abundance. 
In the history of the wells which oe been dug in various parts 
of the town, there are ci tances to engage the attention of the natu- 
ralist. Ina history of this sort, attention should be given to the strata, 
through which the workmen pass ; the springs and currents of water, 
which are opened ; the e/evation, to which the water rises ; the quality: 
of the water, whether fresh or salt, hard or soft, sweet or fetid, clear or 
foul; together with the ei — ee — history of aii 
the waters which supply more time than I can 
spare, and more knowledge than T possess, I will however relate 
such things on the subject as I have observed ; others I hope will be- 
stow more attention, and furnish a more perfect account. 
~ The first well, to which T have given attention, is the one lately 
dug on the southeasterly side of Beacon Hill, to accommodate the new 
State House. This well is opened at the side of the hill, at a level of 
about 35 feet from the top of the hill, and is 96 feet deep. The hill 
rises 138 feet and 6 inches above the level of the sea, which surrounds 
‘the peninsula.” The bottom of the well is therefore 7 feet and 6 inches 
apove the level of the sea. 
en 
