MIDDLESEX FELLS. 



207 



of man, until he spies the gate-house at the northwest end. 

 The dam cannot be seen from the upper part of the reservoir, 

 and is hardly noticeable from Taylor Mountain. The pond is 

 seven eighths of a mile in length, 26 feet in depth, and its 

 elevation is about 150 feet. 1 The area is 60 acres, and the 

 area of the water-shed 460. The view from Taylor Mountain 

 also includes Spot Pond, Turkey Swamp, the numerous hills 

 of the Fells, and some distant points. 



Contrary to general expectation, Turkey Swamp is very 

 interesting. It occupies the centre of the western half of 

 the Fells, and is destined some day to be one of the most 

 beautiful attractions. Even now the millions of cat-o'-nine- 

 tails lend it a charm. In 1873 the town of Winchester se- 

 cured the right to use this area as an additional source of 

 water-supply. At that time it was feared that the north 

 reservoir would be inadequate, and it was also expected that 

 the town would be able to sell some of its water. The right 

 was secured, and a dam built at the southern end ; but the 

 opportunity to sell water not being realized, and the present 

 reservoir continuing to bo sufficient, it was impossible to se- 

 cure the appropriation necessary to complete the new one. 

 Winchester showed great foresight in securing this valuable 

 privilege. The water will eventually be needed by that and 

 other municipalities ; and if the water-shed, as well as water 

 area is secured, the town will be wise indeed. The water 

 could then be kept free from contamination, and the supply 

 increased by the forest which would cover the hills. The 

 area of the reservoir will be 140 acres, and the area of the 

 water-shed 600 ; its surface will be ten feet above the north 



reservoir. 



Turkey Swamp is very irregular in shape, and may be di- 

 vided into several sections, the principal point of division 

 being near the centre of the west side, where there is a 

 small dam at which it is possible to cross at any season of 

 the year. Cart-paths cross the swamps at two other points 

 in dry seasons. The upper portion can be reached by a wood- 



1 The Winchester reservoir is 136 feet above the Mystic dam. According to 

 the article in the " Transcript," Dec. 31, 1879, it is three feet higher than Spot 

 Pond. It was constructed in 1873. 



