The difficulties were increased by the situation of the town, which is built upon the eastern extremity of an island--Manhattan--fourteen miles long and two broad, the highest point of which is but two hundred and thirty-eight feet above the level of the sea.

Various plans for supplying water had been attempted without success, and the health of the population was suffering so much in consequence, that at last American energy, which here had been long dormant, rose like a giant refreshed and commenced that imperishable monument, the Croton aqueduct.[I] It is impossible to convey any idea of this stupendous work without figures; but I will endeavour to draw upon your patience as little as possible.

My authority is a work published by Mr.Schramke in English, French, and German, and full of explanatory details and plans, &c.

Mr.
Schramke being one of the corps of engineers employed upon the work, I conclude his statements are peculiarly accurate.

Long discussions, patient investigations, and careful surveys, combined to fix the position for commencing operations upon the Croton river, forty and a half miles from New York, and five miles below a small lake of the same name.