The Fairmount Water-works, Philadelphia 
(5) LOOKING FROM THE GARDEN 
FAIRMOUNT WATER-WORKS 
Watt engine with double-acting vertical 
pumps. 
In 1822 the use oi steam was discontinued 
and the water was pumped, as it is to-day, by 
turbine wheels. The necessary fall, or head 
of water, was given by the race and forebay, 
to construct which a quantity of rock had to 
be cut away, so steeply did the hill rise from 
the bank ot the river. This accomplished, 
and the wheel houses built, an opportunity 
was found to lay out and cultivate a garden for 
public resort. With a simple arrangement of 
grass parterres between brick walks, without 
hedges and with but few flowers, it added 
greatly to the picturesque ensemble. It was 
here that the townspeople Hocked on Sun¬ 
days and holidays ; and so alluring were these 
“ Fairmount Gardens ” that no stranger was 
thought to have seen the city until he visited 
them. 
Most of the statuary which is seen in the 
views is by the hand of William Rush. The 
son ot a ship carpenter, his work as a sculptor 
began with the figure-heads of vessels ; and in 
this, his fame reached beyond the seas. For 
the introduction ot standing figures he was 
especially known. His “ Indian Trader,” 
dressed in the strange garb of the North 
American, excited great admiration among the 
carvers of London, when seen there on the ship 
“ William Penn.” H is work grew from these 
humbler subjects to statues and monuments. 
A number ot Philadelphia’s old buildings 
were adorned by them. In the curious way 
of early days, Rush mingled the tastes or 
the artist with those of the city father. He 
was not only one of the founders of the 
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 
but frequently a member of the City Coun¬ 
cils. He took part in the public discussion 
upon the situation of the proposed new water¬ 
works ; and he was a member of the water 
committee at the time the works were built. 
I'his fortunate circumstance contributed to the 
satisfactory appearance of their buildings and 
grounds. Rush was prevailed upon to bring 
