32 
POPULAR SCIENCE REVIEW. 
different geological strata, and finally it has been investigated 
after it had become part of the great mass of the ocean.” 
The Report is accompanied by four maps and several plans 
and diagrams. One map, by Mr. C. J. Symons, shows the rain- 
fall of the British Isles. Another is geological ; this is prepared 
by Mr. E. Best, chiefly from the maps of the Geological Survey. 
In 1867 a Royal Commission was appointed to inquire into 
the question of water supply, with especial reference to the 
metropolis; this Commission issued its Report in 1869. The 
two Commissions thus traversed to a great extent the same 
ground, and their Reports will serve as a mine of information 
on this subject for years to come. 
During 1844 and 1845 a series of Reports were issued on the 
“ Health of Towns,” which deserve to be better known than 
they are ; but, unfortunately, it is often the fate of “ blue 
books ” to be forgotten soon after publication. These Reports 
are worthy of attention even now for the topographical informa- 
tion which they frequently contain ; still more are they worthy 
of study as denoting the immense advance of sanitary measures 
during the last thirty years. Bad as matters now are in many 
large towns, they were infinitely worse then ; and sanitary 
reformers may well take heart at the contrast. Water supply 
was then one of the most important subjects which engaged the 
attention of the reporters. Recourse was subsequently often 
had to neighbouring rivers or streams for a regular supply 
under efficient control, and for a time all went well. But the 
towns increased in size, systematic sewerage was introduced, 
and the rivers were rapidly fouled. And now the problem of 
how to supply pure water to many overcrowded towns is again 
awaiting solution. 
But, in dealing with this question, it is important to bear in 
mind that the problem is no longer limited to the larger towns 
and the great centres of industry. Here there are wealth and 
public spirit, and sooner or later such places will provide for 
themselves. But, unless carefully watched, such provision is 
often made afc the expense of smaller towns and villages. One 
great point in future legislation should be to secure an ade- 
quate supply of water for entire districts, especially for those 
situated within the drainage area from which the supply is 
drawn. 
A study of a good geological map shows that the old village 
settlements cluster along water-bearing strata ; generally they 
are on or near the edge of porous beds, into which the rain 
partly sinks as it falls, to be again thrown out as springs at 
the edge of an impervious bed. There were doubtless other 
reasons for selecting these sites ; land which absorbs water has 
a dry soil, suited alike for dwellings and arable culture, in days 
