THE FOUNTAIN. 



205 



and seven-twelfths only, to the part to which the water rises 

 to diffuse itself. 



At each angle of the level surface of masonry, appears a 

 small basin formed in a socle ; together with three salient or- 

 naments, from one of which a pyramid, adorned with flowers 

 in bas-relief, rises, and conveys, by the means of three tubes, 

 the water to its basin, which is likewise fabricated of bronze. 



This produ6lion of art, in every part of which an air of 

 magnificence is combined with a fine architeftural taste, is 

 surrounded by twenty-four pieces of artillery, and by sixteen 

 iron chains, which leave, in the centre and at the four angles, 

 a narrow space barely sufficient to afford an access to the in- 

 habitants. 



If the description were to break off in this place, the short 

 sketch that has been given might be deemed by the reader to 

 be comparatively of little utility. It cannot fail to be agreeable 

 to him to be made acquainted with the conduits by which the 

 fountain is supplied with its water, and the artificial mode 

 by which that fluid is distributed through the pipes. 



In the small square of the college of St. Thomas there is a 

 general reservoir, whence the water, destined for the public 

 and private buildings throughout the city, is regularly distri- 

 buted by different conduits. From the site of this reservoir to 

 the foot of the fountain, there is a declivity of twelve yards and 

 one-third. The water thus flowing precipitately, as well on 

 account of the inclined plane, as of the impulse it received in 

 its descent from its primitive source, is colle6led in an oval 

 cistern, two yards and a half in height, and one and a half in 

 diameter, where a dam is formed. Bounding impetuously, it 

 escapes by the free passage which presents itself, with a de- 

 gree 



