120 
THE DIVINING EOD. 
may ; and on the whole it is, perhaps, more probable that the 
gravel should be found beneath the alluvium nearer the existing 
“ pill” than farther away from it. For the gravel was probably 
deposited by a river, and the course of that river might not have 
been far distant from the present pill, though below it. This, 
however, is an extremely hazardous hypothesis, on which, without 
further knowledge, I should not like to risk any of the practical 
concerns of life. The probabilities are certainly altogether in 
favour of gravel being found in both or neither of the wells. 
As to the sand it is not highly pervious, and though it 
certainly would yield some water, yet one cannot predict from it 
a large amount. The sand will almost to a certainty be struck in 
both wells, — it would be most extraordinary if it were not, — and 
thus some water may confidently be predicted from both. 
Gravel may possibly be reached, and if in one, probably 
in both wells, and then both will yield water freely. 
I npw proceed to give an account of the observations made 
on the wells, as I visited them from time to time during their 
sinking. 
May 22nd. Verified the positions of the wells. The + well 
had been sunk 10ft., and contained Oft. of water; the -- well 
had been sunk 5 ft., and contained 1 ft. of water. 
June 1st. The + v'ell was now 16 ft. deep, and contained a 
good deal of water, eight or nine feet ; water was still trickling 
in from the sides. As work had been suspended in this well, 
water had had time to accumulate. The — well was 20 ft. deep, 
and contained 4^ ft. of water. Water was trickling into it, but 
not so fast as into the other. The well-sinkers said that this 
4|- ft. was merely surface water. A bed of peat 14 ft. from the 
surface had been struck in both wells. 
June 15th. Visited the wells, but found that the work of 
sinking was suspended. The + well indeed had been abandoned 
owing to the caving in of the sides. The — well had been 
