Report on the Water Supply of Albany. 219 



email swampy areas, which were once constant tributaries, 

 are now drained and dried up. 



So long as clearing of the land and cultivation goes on, 

 so long must the supply of water, which can be utilized, 

 diminish. 



Were it in the power of the water commissioners to con- 

 trol this area feeding the Rensselaer lake, the surface 

 might be planted with rapidly growing trees, like the 

 silver-leaved poplar, or the native water-poplar (Popalus 

 monilifera), and in some parts by the silver-maple (Acer 

 dasycarpum), all of which are trees of rapid growth, and if 

 properly managed might be a source of profit at the end 

 of twenty years. Beneath the shade of these trees, after 

 a few years, much small undergrowth would spring up 

 and thus cover the surface and prevent evaporation. This 

 suggestion, however, is merely to provide for saving from 

 evaporation the water which falls upon the area of this 

 water-shed. 



The Rensselaer lake, in its present condition, is very 

 objectionable as a reservoir for water for domestic and 

 culinary purposes. A portion of it is simply a pond made 

 by damming across a ravine near its head. It differs in 

 nowise from an ordinary mill-pond, and the water is 

 flowed back over a gently sloping bed ; so that there is a 

 large area along its margin where the water is less than 

 one foot deep, and over this area in summer time the 

 water heated to a tropical degree, stimulates an abundant 

 animal and vegetable growth. The lake proper has its 

 sides sloped and properly paved, but owing to its being 

 improperly excavated, it presents an extensive sand bank, 

 which is uncovered, except when the water is at the 

 highest point. By the variations of level this is alternately 

 overflowed or laid bare ; while the heat of the sun produces 

 a rapid decomposition of the organic growth which, when 

 again overflowed, is swept into the lake. During freshets, 



