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case ; and it is only by strict attention to this particular 
that it is possible to obviate many of the difficulties and 
disappointments that we should otherwise meet with. 
Another difficulty which often presents itself would be 
removed by a strict attention to Nature's Laws. In all 
her arrangements we in general find a wise distribution of 
minerals, metals, clay, stone, and water ; but where there is a 
preponderance of any one of these, there is almost invariably 
a corresponding scarcity of another, a wise disposal of all 
created things by the Creator ; we thus find that the general 
results of each separate locality conduce to the well-being of 
the human species. Water has ever been and ever must be 
an important element for the sustentation and well-being of 
man, whether as an individual, or in society. Supply, for 
domestic purposes, has ever been a subject of the highest 
moment, particularly in countries less provided for in this 
respect than our own. We have proof in sacred and other 
histories, how man's ingenuity has been taxed, and his toil 
and exertion required in providing a sufficient supply. And 
in the distribution of this prime essential, perhaps no people 
in ancient times displayed more skill, prudence, and energy 
than the Romans in the various methods which they adopted 
to supply their towns and cities. The supply of water in 
adequate quantities and of the requisite quality is becoming, 
or indeed has become, an all- important question in this part 
of the country, not only as the element to be generated into 
steam — the motive power, or the prime impulse of manufac- 
turing — but also for domestic and other purposes, the certain 
concomitants of manufacturing pursuits. Many towns and 
rising districts have been seriously impeded in their onward 
progress from the lack, in sufficient quantity, of this most 
useful and essential element. The gathering principle on 
the surface has been largely adopted in almost all available 
places, either in the immediate or the more remote vicinity 
i2 
