40 
In 1881, I found a difference of 6 inches between the lower 
side of Ouse Bridge and the upper side of Lendal Bridge, 
although the flood was not so high. The approaches to 
Skeldergate Bridge were then complete. Probably the coffer¬ 
dam and other obstructions insepararable from the present 
drainage works caused the slight difference. The Ouse appears 
to have been at least 11 inches lower than in 1831. The Foss, as 
shown by the record made by the chapel under the Merchants’ 
Hall, was 13J inches lower. At Naburn Locks it was 
11 inches lower. The height at Castle Mills Bridge, 1ft. 2in. 
lower than at Ouse Bridge, is rather unexpected. The flood 
coming down the Foss must have been decidedly less than in 
1831, and the effect of Skeldergate Bridge and the coffer-dam 
just below it, upon the Ouse, must have been considerable. 
This point will be further considered later on. 
It is matter of regret that no systematic hourly observations 
were undertaken, as such might prove of great value for future 
forewarnings. A few, however, have been kindly supplied to 
us by B. Seebohm Bowntree, Escp, taken at the Cocoa Works. 
These are reduced to the levels, as given by the Lendal gauge, 
hard by. A few records are added from the City Surveyor’s 
report. 
Heights at Lendal Bridge (9 a.m. and 5 p in.) and additions fkom 
Cocoa 
Works 
Ft. 
In. 
October 14th 
9 a.m. 
0 
0 
5 p.m. 
2 
3 
lftth. 
7 a.m. 
10 
1 
8 a.m. 
10 
3* 
9 a.m. 
10 
6 
10 a.m. 
10 
8 
11 a.m. 
10 
104 
12 noon. 
11 
0 
6 p.m. 
18 
4 
8 p.m. 
14 
4 
16tli. 
3 a.m. 
15 
4 
:)■ 
25 a.m. 
15 
10 
The latter portion of this table is based upon the statement that from 11 a.m. to 
6 p.m. the rise was about 4 inches per hour; from 6 p m. to 8 p.m. about 6 inches 
per hour. From 3 a.m. (16th) to 3-25 the 'measured rise was 6 inches, and there 
was practically no further rise. These values give, however, a very slow rate from 
8 p.m. to 3 a.m., so that, possibly, the word about” must be taken to indicate an 
extreme value from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
