VILLA GE IMPR YEMEN T. 147 
cylinders upon pistons, as with steam in a steam-engine, I believe could be easily 
supplied by measurement of water without a meter. This could be accomplished 
by the use of "revolution counters" or indicators, as the amount of water re- 
quired per revolution could be readily determined, and when once computed the 
cylinders would measure out the water as accurately as a meter. The only objec- 
tion to this plan is the expense of counters, which is considerable ; and as to indi- 
cators, it may have been observed that I have little faith in their reliability. With 
cheap revolution this class of motors would be free from many of the objections 
raised in regard to motors generally. 
The practical conclusion that I would draw from a consideration of this sub- 
ject, is that the question of whether the supply of hydraulic elevators and motors 
is desirable in its effect upon the water supply, is one that hinges so delicately 
upon their being carefully governed, connected and restricted, that while on the 
one hand they may be made the source of large profit, and at the same time a 
public benefit, on the other hand, unless all the details of their supply be care- 
fully guarded by the wisest rules and greatest watchfulness, their capacities for 
waste are so great and the rates charged necessarily so low, that they may become 
the greatest source of loss with which we have to contend. I therefore trust that 
this discussion will be continued until an interest is felt that will result in our all 
receiving much useful information upon two most important factors of our busi- 
ness. 
As this paper has been long for the information contained, I will close, with 
the earnest wish that it may at least be of service in bringing these important, 
but often neclected subjects, to the attention of this thinking and intelligent body 
of men, of whom many have had much longer and more general experience in 
relation to these matters, and whose views when expressed will consequently be 
of more interest and have greater weight. Thus as a result may we all derive 
the benefit of whatever useful information there is to be gained by this annual 
interchange of experiences, in the all-important business of public water supply. 
VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT. 
ALBERT E. WELLS. 
The marked difference between the European and American village is 
worthy of a passing notice before we go to our immediate purpose. There the 
gathering in the neighborhood of some baronial castle gave form to the village, 
while in its younger day, to what afterward became the city. The protector was 
in many instances the one from whom the citizens most needed protection; but it 
was easier to satisfy the rapacity of one than many. So they were grouped to- 
gether, who were dependent on the feudal baron, and held their rights of land 
and home from him. And convenience of protection was the important consid- 
eration in selecting the location. The same motive led to limiting the area of 
vii-io 
