260 JOHN BARLING. 
that although the total rainfall for years may be lower than 
what is called the average, still there may be, and, in fact, 
mostly is, an abundant rainfall for supplying Sydney with. 
water from the present watershed, if only what rain falls 
on it is conserved, instead of allowing so much to go to 
waste after every little flood, and this even with the great 
possible increase of population foreshadowed by Mr. Keele 
in his paper,’ and the increased quantity per head which 
should be provided for all in the Metropolitan area. 
Mr. Deane drew attention in his paper read 5th July, 
1899, to the fact that a low total rainfall for a long period 
might still be sufficient for a water supply. The pressing 
need for the conservation referred to above, has already 
been insisted on by Mr. Keele, and I think cannot be too 
strongly put. I am assuming that the rainfall on the 
catchment area is not less than that of Sydney, and figures 
shew that this is a safe assumption. In proof of these 
statements I would give the following particulars :— 
In 1862, with a total rainfall of 2,398 points or 24 inches, 
On the 8th and 9th February, ... 271 points fell 
‘3 23rd June... ve mee |) ae 
“3 3rd and 4th ss sist hoe _ 
ei 15th December ... jet oD aN 
These showers must have given a large run off. 
In 1865, with a total rainfall of 3,629 points or 364 inches, 
On the 13th February _... ... 180 points fell 
v. 14th February... 5. el 20 e 
=e 8th, 9th, 10th June we ee si 
~ 3rd and 4th November ... 365 4.5 
+ 26th November ... js OOD a 
In 1866, with a total of 3,681 points or 36% inches, 
On the 29th January ee ... 191 points fell 
4 This Journal, XLI1., p. I. 
