208 E.. W. Hilgard—Flocculation of Particles. 
cles together will increase, until it reaches a maximum, the 
position of which (expressed in the liquid-percentage of the 
mass) must be sensibly a function of the size of the constituent 
particles, As the evaporation progresses beyond this point of 
maximum, the adhesion of the constituent particles must 
diminish by reason of the disappearance of the smaller menisci ; 
and when finally the point is reached when liquid water ceases 
to exist between the surfaces, the slightest touch, or sometimes 
even the weight of the particles themselves, will cause a com- 
plete dissolution of the floceule, which then flattens down into 
a pile of single granules. 
caused a complete collapse. 
I now proceed to discuss some of the obvious bearings of the 
phenomenon of flocculation upon natural as well as artificial 
oo along with single ones of much higher hydraulic — 
ay 
would be, as well as that of any one sediment of very limited 
range as to size or hydraulic value, is thus practically se opr 
i i ces. ere 
interesting to make the counter-test, and prove that when (as 
can readily be done) the flocculated structure is destroyed 
