Dr. Lathrop’s account of the springs and wells in Boston. 63 
bour, must have its source in the interiour, and is pushed on 
with great force, from ponds and lakes in the elevated parts of the 
country. Whenever vent is given to any of those subterranean 
currents, the water will rise, if it have opportunity, to the leyg¢l of 
its source. 
But I must desist, having, I fear, taken up too much of your time ;: 
although there is yet truth in the nn sufficient to engage the atten- 
tion of the humble jnquirer.. 
With great respect and esteem, 
I am, | 
Su, | 
_ your most ebedicht servant, 
' JOHN LATHROP. 
Hon. Joun Davis,.Esq.- 
met) D>) a 
SUPPLEMENT 
TO THE FOREGOING COMMUNICATION. 
Sees Boston, August 18, 1800. 
DEAR SIR, : 
THE force with which water is observed to rise in many of the 
wells which have been dug in the low parts of the peninsula of Boston, 
and the elevation which it holds in the wells on the hills, excite a 
strong curiosity to find the sources of the springs, and to understand 
the machinery, by which the water is forced so much above the level 
of the sea. I now hazard a few thoughts on this part of iene 
history of springs, which you will please to cage gpl a suppleme’ 
to the last communication on this subject. : Z 
