The Sun.
London, England, 1850-11-12 00:00:00

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LONDON, TUESDAY E I G U Nl', •

DISPUTED LIPE POLICMIS.

" A trial of considerable Interest to Life Assurance Offices and the
public was concluded yesterday in the Court of Exchequer. The
Eagle Company held a policy for an assurance of 5391. in the Albion
Company as security fog an advance, the payment of which policy
was now disputed by ti Albion, on the ground that at the time it
was effected the fact o .he assured party having been a man of in-
temperate habits was e rice:tied from the office. 'the chief evidence
turnel upon the question as to the degree of intemperance that had
been exhibited, and the result was, that a verdict was given against
the resisting office, not only for the amount of the policy, but also for
401. interest from the date when it became due. The circumstance
of the action being brought by one office against another presents a
striking illustration of the uncertainty which may attach to all po-
licies under the present system, and shows that the only mode by
which absolute security can be obtained by the public must lie in the
general adoption by Assurance Offices of the plan of profecAing them-
selves in every case by due inquiries before the grAntim f each po-
licy, and of afterwards assuming the full responsibility of the com-
pleteness of such inquiries by holding themselves precluded from
raising any future question. In the pr3tent case two offices are
found to be diametrically opposed in their opinions as tc what can
properly invalidate a claim, and yet the public are expected to be
able to guare themselves against such contingences. Similar cases
have occurred before, and even if they were more rare, they would
seriously injure the progress of life assurance. The very principle
upon which the business is founded is the removal of uncertainty,
and whenever that principle is counteracted in the slightest degree,
the people who would be the first to resort to its advantages are the
first to be deterred."—Times, July 11, 1850.

1111 E LONDON INDISPUTABLE LIFE
POLICY COMPANY
No. 72, LOMBARD-S TREET, LONDON.
TRusTERs.
i. Campbell Renton, Esq., M.P. Richard Spooner, Esq., M.P.
Richard Math lis, Esq., Q.C. James Fuller Madox, Esq.
William Wilberforce, Esq.
DIRECTORS.
Robert Henry Forman, Esq.
John Hamilton, Esq.
fames Fuller Madox, Esq.
John Matthews, Esq.
C. Octavius Parnell, Esq.
AUDITORS.
George Cumming, Esq. J Turner, Esq.
William D. Starling. Esq. !David Henry Stone, Esq.
SECRETARY—David Alison, Esq.
BANKERS—The-London and u, unty Bank.
PADDINGTON LOCAL BOARD.
24, Connaught-terrace, Edgeware -road.
Rev. James Sherhold Boone, A.M., Stanhope-street, Hyde-park.
Captain Creed, Nbrfolk-erescent, Oxford-square.
Charles Pemberton, Esq., Eastbourne-terrace: Hyde-park, and Lin-
coln's Inn-fields.
Thomas Jervis Amos, Esq., York-street, Portman-square.
George Y. Robson, Esq., Eastbourne-terrace, Hyde-park, and New-
square, Lincoln's Inn,

William Adonis, Esq.
John Atkins, Esq.
Henry Augustus Bevan, Esq.
J. Thompson Bramwell, Esq.
Jshn Dangerfield, Esq.

- Secretary, Chas. lloghton, Esq.
The POLICIES of this Company, being INDISPUTABLE, form
Family Provisions and Negotiable Securities, for their validity is not
dependent, as in the case -of ordinary Policies, upon the import of
previous reports and other documents.
Owing to this important Improvement in the practice of Life As-
surance, the progress of this Company has been rapid from the com-
mencement of its business, and is steadily advancing.
Copies of the Report of the last Annual Meeting will be fcrwarded,
on application, to Solicitors, to whom Commission is allowed.
ALEXANDER ROBERTSON, Manager.

CATHOLIC LAW AND GENERAL LIFE
ASSURANCE COMPANY,
8, NEW COVENTRY-STREET, LEICESTER-SQUARE, LONDON.
The FOURTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Proprie-
tors of this Company took place on the 25th instant, at the head
Office, at One o'clock precisely. The following is extracted from the
report, which is too lengthy for publication :
During the past year no claims have arisen from deaths in Englar.f.,
and but two in Ireland—one for 5001. and the other for 260/.—making
together 7001., which hare been paid. This is far below the expected
mortality, and is especially favourable, when it is . remembered how
severely the life offices generally suffered from the epidemic of last
year.
The number of lives assured between the Ist of June, 1149, and
the 31st of Slay, 1850, was more than double the number issued in
the twelve months preceding.
Proposalswere made for 138 Policies, amounting to 52,963/.25. 6d.:
of these 121, comprising 106 lives, were accepted for 45,1251. Gs.
Sixteen Policies lapsed, representing 6,0481., upon which 3201. 3s.
was received by the Company in the shape of premiums.
Since the commencement of the Company to the Ist of June last,
assurances were effected to the extent of 110,9721. 12s. 6d., pro-
ducing in annual premiums 3,7321. 1 Is. Gd. Of these 54 lapsed,
amounting to 23,9901, 16s. Gd., of which the annual premiums were
7411. Is., leavinr, the yearly income on the Ist of June last equal to
2,9911..155. 1
Since last meeting loans were applied for to the extent of 17,7001.,
but 1,1831. Ils. 10d. only was advanced.
The Directors were also highly gratified to report that within the
last four months they had considerably extended their business on
the Continent, having appointed, as Head Agent in France, Monsieur
de l'Etang, a gentleman of high standing in Paris, distinguished for
his integrity and ability in financial and in all assurance matters,
who, under the sanction and patronage of the Archbishop of Paris,
the Cardinal Archbishop of Lyons, and Monseigneur Parisis, Eveque
de Langres; has already within the last three months effected a con-
siderable amount of business, not only in Life Assurances, but in An-
nuities both Immediate and Deferred.
After various resolutions, approving of the Report, and returning
thanks to the Right Reverend Chairman, Bishop Morris, the Vice-
Chairman, Actuary, Secretary and Medical Officers of tha establish-
ment, the meeting separated,, highly gratified at its present results
and future prospects
SCOTTISH

WIDOWS' FUND LIFE
ASSURANCE SOCIETY.
Constituted by Act of 'Parliament.
PRESIDENT.
The Right Iron. the Earl of ROSEBERY, K.T.
VICE-PRESIDENTS.
The llon. Lord Moiscrieff.
Ills Grace the Duke of Buccleuch, K.G.
The Most Zion. the Marquis of Tweeddale, K.T., and C.B.
Sir William Gibson Craig, Bart., of Riccartion, M.P.
All of whem, as well as the Directors, are, and must be Members
_ _

of the Society.)
This Society was founded A.D., 1515, upon the original basis of
the Equitable Society of London, and is the oldest Life Assurance
Institution in Scotland.
Capital accumulated and invested, Two Millions Two Hundred
and Four Thousand Pounds.
Annual Revenue nearly Three Hundred Thousand Pounds.
Total amount of existing Assurances, upwards of Six Millions Six
Hundred Thousand Pounds.
Average amount of Assurances effected annually during the last
twelve years, upwards of Half a Million sterling.
" Probably a larger average than has yet been attained by almost
any other office, and such as affords the true test by which to prove
the estimation in which it is held by the public."
In the case of a party insured with this eociety previous to the
year 1819 flying after payment of the Premium due in the current
year, his representatives would receive for each 1001. insured the
sum of 1991. Os. 9d., or nearly double the amount of the original in-

surance.
In like manner, in the case of a party insured in the year 1830,
dying after payment of the current year's premium, his representa-
tives would receive for each 1001. insured the sum of 1471. 4s. 10d.
or a Bonus of 47 per cent.
N.B. No member is entitled to participate in the profits of the
Society unless the Policy be of five years's standing.
The books of the Society close for the current year on 31st De-
cember, and Policies effected before that time have the advantage of
a full year's standing over those delayed beyond it.
Head Office, 5, St. Andrew•square, N
Edinburgh.
JOH MACKENZIE, Maneger.
LONDON OFFICE, 4, Royal Exchange-buildiK
ngs.
HUGH M'EAN, Agent.

ENGINEERS, MASONIC, and UNIVERSAL
MUTUAL LIFE ASSUttA.NCE SOCIETY.
llead Oftice, 345, Strand, London,

(Opposite Waterloo-bridgel.
Incorporated under Act of Parliament, 7 and S Vict., cap. 110.
Policies issued free of Stamp Duty to the Assured.
A Policy once granted never disputed.
Medical Referees paid in all cases.
No Entrance-fee for admittance.
The whole of the Profits are divided amongst the Assured.
Assignments and Transfers of Policies Registered at the Office free
of charge.
The Board meets every Tuesday and Friday, at Two o'clock.
Attendance at the Office daily from Ten to Four, when Assurances
may be effected.
~* Persons assurin; before Christmas will be entitled to partici-
pate in this year's profits.
FREDERIC LAWRANCE, Actuary and Secretary.

• WILL BE OPEN,
THE GREAT EXI-lIBITION of the IDLE-
NESS of NATIONS for 1851, on FRIDAY, Nov. 15, and may
be carried away for Is. plain, or 2s. coloured, from G. Mann, 39,
Cernbill, and all Booksellers and Stationers in the kingdom.
London : printed by Thomas Dean and Son, 35, Threadneedle-

street.

GAME SEASON.—CROSSE and BLACK-
WELL, Purveyors in Ordinary, by appointment to her Ma-
jesty, beg respectfully to Inform the nobility and gentry that they
continue to manufacture the celebrated SOIIO SAUCE, which will
be found superior for every description of game ; also their improved
Essence of real Gorgona Anchovies, Dinmore's Essence of Shrimps,
for boiled and fried fish, Royal Table Sauce, Sir Robert Peel's Sauce
for general purposes, Anchovy Paste, Strasburg rotted Meats, &c.
The whole of the above, together with their superior pickles. may be
obtained of all the principal sauce venders throughout the kingdom.
Manufactory, 21, Soho-square, London. Established 1706.

APPETITE AND DIGESTION IMPROVED.
LEA and PERRINS' WORCESTERSHIRE
SAUCE imparts the most exquisite relish to Steaks, Chops,
and all Roast Meat Gravies, Fish, Game, Soup, Curries, and Salad,
and by its tonic and invigorating properties enables the stomach is
perfectly digest the food.
The daily use of this aromatic and delicious Sauce is the best safe-
guard to health.
Sold by the proprietors, Lea and Perrins, 6, Vere-street, Oxford-
Street, London, Messrs..n Broad-street, Worcester and by Messrs.
Barclay and Sons, Crosse and Blackwell, other Oilmen
and Merchants, London ; and generally by the principal dealers in
sauce.
guard against imitations, see that the names of " LEA
are upon the label and patent cap of the bottle.
anid4.BrE.RToRINS"

THIRTY-FIFTH EDITION.
CONTAINING THE REMEDYISEASE. FOR THE PREVENTION OF
D
GE
Illustrated by 26 Anatomical Coloured Engravings on
.nvSEtelek.CA.
ON PIIPYASCICITAYL, DAINSDQUIAIbiLJEFDICIATvETEINONTI'TO MARRIA
A New and Improved Edition, enlarged to 196 pages, price 2s. 6d.
by post, direct from the Establishment, 35. 6d. in postage sta
kmps,
THE SILENT FRLE
the exhaustion and ND, aMe on
physical decay of the system, produced by
1.
ex ;essive indulgence, the consequences of Infection, or the abuse of
mercury, with explicit directions for the use of the preventive lotion,
followed by observations on the Married State, anali,fica-
tions which prevent it. Illustrated by 26 Coloured d the dais
qu
Engravings and
by the detail of cases. By R. and L. PERRY and CO., Consulting
Surgeons, 19, Berners-street, aternoster Ox•ord-street, London.
-row ; Published by
the Authors ; and sold by Strange, 21, P
63, and Sanger, 150, Oxford-street ; and Gordon, 146, Leadenhall-
street, London.
PART I. treats of the anatomy and physiology of the re-productive
organs, and is illustrated by Six Coloured Engravings.
PART H. treats of the consequences resulting from excessiv
producing
mental and bodily weakness, nervous excitementngravings., and generative
Incapacity. Illustrated by Three Explanatory E
PART 111. treats of the diseases resulting from infection, either in
the primary or secondary form, and contains explicit dienrections for
their treatment. This section is Illustrated by Sevente Coloured
Engravings.
PART IV. contains a Remedy for the Preventio of Disease by a
simple application, by which the danger of infection is obviated.
This important part of the Week should not escape the reader's
notice.
PART V. Is devoted to the consideration of marriage, and its du-
ties. The causes of unproductive union are also considered, and the
whole subject critically and philosophically inquired into.
THE CORDIAL BALM OF SYP.IACUM is exclusively employed in
treating nervous and sexual debility, impotence, BDe 11s. and 33'.
per bottle. The Concentrated Detcrs'ive
Essence, "
au anti-syphilitic
symptoms,
sfo,rerlumprtlioryn-isn,galitdhethbeloaohd,iiz
of
fases
coufryinfeleitsiol,nsegli;.2;
bottle. Perry's Purifying Specific Pills,m eil', 4s. 6d and I IS;
per box, a cemrtdaaettinaliolnr
ofeomf thete hdey caseb floard
digscorn.or required:cr ho censau,
l'taa.sleet,
af
ebseitt,r tf stricture,
Ij.chronic.4. i
minutenflam
posi-
tion in society. I/. Packets, with advice, to be 'had at the Vela-
bliShment only by which the fee, li., is saved. Messrs. Perry,
Sargeona, aro in attendance daily at 19, Berners-streot, Oxford-
treat, London, from Eleven till Two and Five to Eight ; on Sun-
day, from Eleven to One.

SWANSCOMBE, KENT.
110 be LET, in this beautiful Tillage, a desirable
FAMILY RESIDENCE, in complete repair, and containing
breakfast, dining, and drawing-rooms, rive bed-rooms, excellent
offices, two-stall stable and coach-house, kitchen-garden, large pad-
dock and well-stocked erehard ; a good supply of excellent spring
water. _ _

The premises are a short distance from the Greenhithe Pier,
where boats call to and from London frequently in the day, and only
half-a-mile from the Northiteet Station.
For terms, &c., apply to A. R. Steel, Esq., No. 1, Lincoln's Inn-
fields ; or to Mr. Frederick Goodbye, Ingress Abbey.

CANTERBURY SETTLEMENT.
For One Pinny, or by post in return for Two Postage Stamps, a
_ . .

Tract of eight pages.
BRIEF INFORMATION about the CANTER-
BUM.' SETTLEMENT, with some Account of the Sources
from w:‘ich fall Information may be derived.
Published for the Society of Canterbury Colonists, by John W.
Parker, West Strand. _ . -

Price, One Penny.
CONTENTS:-1. The Founders of the Colony —2. Description of
the Country-3. The Plan of Colonisation —4. Particulars about the
Passage-5. Progress to November, 1850-6. List of the Purchasers
of Land-7. Contents of the Canterbury Papers-8. The Society of
Canterbury Colonists-9. The Five Classes for which the Settlement
is peculiarly adapted.
Copies of the Tract may be obtained from the Secretary of the
Society of Canterbury Colonists, No. 9, Adelphi-terrace, London.

THE CATHOLIC QUESI.IOI.N.
GILBERT'S Verbatim Editions of the Pope's Letter : Cardi-
nal Wiseman's Pastoral; Lord John Russell's Letter; Bishop Ulla-
thorne's two Letters to the " The Times ;" two Letters from the
Rev. G. A Denison; the "New Batch of Bishops" from the
" Weekly Dispatch ;" Letter from Benjamin Disraeli, Esq., M.P. ;
Review and Extracts from Ambrose Phillips's Letter to the E.trl of
Shrewsbury ; concluded by a Biography of the Cardinal. All these
important documents may be had in one pamphlet, at the extra-
ordinary low price of One Penny ; or Postage Free 3d. ; or, for very
extensive distribution throughout the kinedom, at 7s. per 100.
Publish d by James Gilbert, 49, Paternoster-row. Orders re-
celyed by all Booksellers, Newsvenders, &c.

0C T 0 B It C it C 1.7 L A It, 1850.
We would remind the public that all TEA, bad or.good, the
best or the most worthless, pays an uniform duty of 2s. 2', d. per lb.,
and is necessarily subject-to equal charges for -freight, porterage,
wharfage, dock dues, &c., consequently the commonest is much
heavier taxed, in proportion to its real or marketable value, than
either the medium or tile finest class Teas. Thus, common Congou
costs in Canton only.ld. to Bd. per lb., but before it reaches the
English consumer it pays in duty and charges so less than 400 per
cent. ; the medium class Tea, which costs ltd. to 15d. per lb., aver-
ages in duty and charges not more than 200 per cent. ; whilst the
finest class Teas, which cost in China four times the price of the
commoner, pay no more than 100 per cent. It must be apparent
that, with a fixed charge of 2s. lid. per lb. upon all Tea, mere price
alone is no criterion of either good value or cheapness ; and we espe-
cielly direct the attention of those who are solicitous to economise
their expenditure that they voluntarily tax themselves double or
quadruple what they have any necessity for doing by purchasing
inferior Teas.
SIDNEY, WELLS, and /4 NNDIJEIL, 8, Ludgate-hill.
Goods sent to any part of the kingdom carriage free on parcels of
the value of 5/. and upwards.
Price Lists sent (post free) upon application-8, Ludgate-hill.

TO PARENTS and GUARDIA.NS.—A portion
of the extensive Premises in Regent-street, occupied by
Messrs. NICOLL, will in future be devoted for the production of
BOYS' and YOUTH;' CLOTHING, such to exhibit unusual good
taste, style, and finish, besides having a farther recommendation in
their durability and very moderate cost.
College Caps and Gowns, with every kind of Garment calculated
for pleasure, duties, or exercise, and such as are worn by Young
Gentlemen at the Colleges and Great Puolic Schools. These are al-
ways ready to be met with at the Warerooms of 11. J. mad D. NI-
COLL, Merchant Clothiers, Paletet Patentees, and Manufacturers of
Cloth, Regent-street (from 114 to 120 inclusive), and 22, Cornhill.
CAUTION.—Many have assumed the use of the word " PA.LETOT,"
but Messrs. NICOLL are the Sole Patentees of the design and ma-
terial (in Winter or Summer Substances) employed in the manufac-
ture of this inexpensive and gentlemanly article of costume.

OYAL POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION.
A_ a) Lecture on the Ballad Music of England, by Mr. George Bar-
ker, with illustrations from the most popular Composers every Even-
ing (except Saturday) at Eight o'clock.—Lecture on the Hydro-
Electric Machine, by Dr. Bachhoffner.—Lecture on Chemistry by J.
li. Pepper, Esq., illustrating the Ancient Fiery Ordeal and the Han!-
ling of Red Hot Metals. —Model of Weston's Patent Nova-Motive
Railway, at work daily.—Dissolving Views illustrating some of the
Wonders of Nature, daily at Half-past Four, and in the Evenings
at a Quarter to Ten; also a Series, exhibiting Scenes in the Arctic
Regions and Ceylon, daily at Ono e'clock.—Diver and Diving-bell,
&c., &c.

Admission, I s.—Schools, Half-price.
Open daily from Eleven till Five o'clock, and every Evening (ex-
cept Saturday) from Seven till Half-past Ten.

GRAND SALON DE D ANSI',
ROYAL ADELAIDE GALLERY, STRAND.
OPEN FOR. THE SEASON.
Lessee—Mr. Thomas Bartlett Simpson, Albion Tavern, Great
Russell-street, Covent-garden
Mr. SIMPSON, anxious to have the best Band in London, has re-
tained the valuable talent of the leading Artists engaged during the
past season at Cremorne Gardens, including the following eminent
Performers from her Majesty's Theatre, the Royal Italian Opera,
and the Philharmonic Concerts :
First Violins—Hayward, Cohen, Bue's, H. T. Seabrook, Van Hed-

deghem.
Second Violins—Pelerin, T. Jackson, Edwards, C. Griesbach.
Tenors—Sapinski, J. Jackson.
Violoncellos—Quinton, W. F. Reed.
Contra Basses—G. Taylor, W. Trantor, Guy, Stubgen.

Flauto—J. Saynor.
Piccolo—Meyer.
Flageolet—J. Tyler.
Oboe—J. Schott.
Clarinetti—Park, G. Tyler.
Bassoon—Montara.
Cornets- a-Pistons—Humfreess, Cottrell.

Horns— W. F. Youngman, W.Youngman.
Trornbont —Webster, Guiraud.
Ophicleide—Mosca.
Bass Drum—ll arrison.
Side Drum—Seymour.
VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT.
Comprising Selections from the most celebrated Composers, and
Solos by first-rate Artists.
Overture, " Domino Noir" ..
Solo (Flute) Mr. S. Saynor
Song, Miss Clara Stuart, " Remember when years are past away."
Comic Songs by R. Glindon.
Selection from Donizetti's " L'Elisire d'Amore."
Conducted by BO RINI.
To the votaries of Terpsichore remarks on the excellence of
Borini's Band, after the experience of its Orchestral Triumphs at
Cremorne, weuld be superfluous.
Solos and Concerted Pieces will be performed during the evening.
Borini's Latest Compositions—The Adelaide Polka, Waltzes to
various popular Irish Melodies, Galop d'lndustrie, New Quadrille of
all Nations.
The Grand Salon, Refreshment, and Ante-rooms have undergone
considerable alterations and improvements.
Doors open at Halt-past Seven o'clock. Admission One Shilling.

.. Auber.

n R. CULVERWELL'S NEW WORKS.
To be had of Sherwood, 23, Paternoster-row ; Carvalho;
PL.F
147, Fleet-street; Mann, 39, Cornhill ; or direct from the author,
rice One Shilling ea ch ; by post, Is. 6d.
ENJOYMENT OF LIFE.
"Health, Recreation, and rational Use of Time."
Corrurrs:—Early Rising—Spring and Summer Mornings—Ex-
mrsions about the Environs of London—The Parks, Lanes, Hills
,Porests, Fields, High-roads, and other pleasant places—Country
reps and Rambles—The Sea—London at Night—Evening. at Home
—Music—The Drama—On Eating, Drinking, Sleeping, Bathing, Air,
r!st, Ease, Occupation, &c., &c.
FRAGMENTS FROM THE MOUNTAINS. Two Tole.
Vol I.
A VISIT TO THE LAKES; SKETCH:OF EDINBURGH, Ece.

invited to an examination of several pupils of the
Academy, and of 25 scholars of the first class.
The list of casualties is supposed to be as follows :-
1 commodore (Vice-Admiral Mahmoud Paella.)
1 superior officer (Capitan Pac la's aide-de•camp.
6 captains, including the commander of the Neiri
Shevket.
21 lieutenants.
30 sub-officers.

25 midshipmen, including the scholars of the

Academy.
640 sailors and marines.

70 workmen sent for repairs.
45 hammals, employed to raise the anchors.

75 sailors belonging to the other ships, and in at-
tendance on their officers.
50 visitors.

4 passengers in kaiks, which sunk while passing
near the ship at the time of the explosion.
1 Italian broker.

Deducting from this total the wounded and saved,
there remain upwards of 900 lives lost. The number
of wounded has not yet been accurately ascertained,
as many accidents occurred on hoard of other vessels,
but they have been so far kept a secret. It is truly
fortunate that but a small quantity of powder was on
board, as, if the explosion had taken place two days
before, the disaster would have been incalculable,
owing to the vicinity of the dock and timber yards,
and to the other men-of-war, which must inevitably
have been burnt. The wreck is complete, and the
whole port is covered with fragments of masts,
bulwarks, and timber •belonging to the Neiri
Shevket. The shock was felt all over the city. In
the suburbs of Kassim Pachii,Djoubali, and Fanar,
not a Rine of glass was whole, and even at Pera,
which is at a considerable distance, glass was
smashed, and the effect was similar to a shock of
earthquake. The first Minister who arrived at the
scene of desolation were Suleyman Pacha, Mehemet
Pacha, and Mehemet Ali Pacha. The first, who is
the great admiral, was so affected at the occurrence,
that he swooned several times. It was agreed that
Mehemet Ali Pacba, who is the Sultan's brother-in-
law, should inform his Highness of the sad disaster,
who immediately ordered a sum of 1,0001. to be dis-
tributed amongst the widows, as also that pensions
should he settled on the nearest relatives of the
deceased.

The complement of the Neiri Shevket was 740
men, and but 100 have answered the muster. The
choicest men and officers of the fleet were on board of
this ship. The officers were all well-educated men,
and to replace them will require some time.

THE WATER SUPPLY OF LONDON.

The following interesting report has been pre-
sented to the General Board of Health, Gwydyr-
house, Whitehall, by the Hon. William Napier :
Part No. 1.
"Farnham, Surrey, Oct. 2, 1850.
"My Lords and Gentlemen,—Having had the plea-
sure of receiving in August last your instructions to visit
the gathering-grounds of the proposed water-supply to
the metropolis, in order to gauge the streams and make
a careful re-examination of the general capabilities of
the country for the purpose intended, I have now the
honour to submit to your notice the results of my ob-
servations, with a few remarks on the different bearings
of the scheme.
"On reading the board's report presented to the
Houses of Parliament during the past session, I per-
ceiver) that from the very short time at the disposal of the
beard the calculation of the quantity of water available
from the rain-fall on the district, an extent of nearly 150
square_miles, was necessarily founded on the discharge
of the streams at their outfall.
" The board were thus also manifestly placed under
great disadvantage when endeavouring to ascertain the
character of these waters; for, as such waters inevitably
partake of the uaturo of the soils through which they
have passed, and as the pure sands of the district are
not only !minded by clay on the north-east, east, and
south-east, by chalk on the west, but are also inter-
sected from east to west in the south by a high range of
chalk hills, the course and outfall of these streams pre-
sent certainly a widely misleading test of the quality of
the water to be derived from pure sands.
" Considering the purity and softness of the supply to
have the first claim upon my attention, I remembered
the principle enunciated by the board, 'the nearer the
source the better the quality,' and made it my first tb
ject to examine the nature of the soils in which the
rainfall of the country makes its appearance after perco-
lating through the upper crust, and next, the soils
through which it passes to its outfall.
‘. The water-supply of Farnham being derived from
the hill on the south side of which the village stands, I
bent my first steps thither, not only to examine its
source, as likely to present indications for purity to bo
looked for elsewhere, but also to have a good bird's-eye
view of the whole area under investigation. The posi-
tion of the hill in the south-west, its elevation of nearly
700 feet above the level of the sea, and 300 feet above
the plains beneath, admirably adapted it to this par-
rl
vwatered fdrooems
sixteen
oceonmsemf from
springs,
surface
issuing drainage,
at butthe
pose. It was then only I discovered that the Farnham
side, on a contour, so to say, about fifty feet below the
highest level of the hill, From the contracted area out
tidethraattiotnhebsey
of which so large a supply
are. not due to the rain-
issoudteh-
is gained, I was induced
springsobserving that, from the slope
fall on the ground above them. I was further led to
of the ground, and from the almost impenetrable
hardness
impenetrable
hardness of the superficial covering of the gravel,
the rain-fall could scarcely find • •
ttohissucspon"'s
its way through this
surface. A violent storm having most opportunely
come on whilst speculating over this probability, I
per-
ceived that the whole of the water apparently ran
rapidly down the hill-sides and was speedily out of sight,
leaving the surface perfectly dry, except where irregu-
larities retained a few pools, which bsu sequent observa-
tion proved to me were exhausted by evaporation rather
than by percolation. I then examined the north side,
and found that on the same contour a still greater in-
dication of springs existed. This satisfied me that
these waters are due chiefly to rain-fall elsewhere; for
a rough calculation of the yield of the springs much
exceeded the available rain-fall on the area within the
contour.
"Convinced of this, I naturally concluded that, if the
other ranges of the district were
of like geological for-
mation, they would in all probability present similar ap-
pearance.; about the same level; a most desirable source
for the streams of the country, the advantage of which,
in addition to the proposed drainage supply, could hardly
be over-estimated. The first week of my researches
was confined, therefore, to the nature of the soil through-
out the district, presenting generally a vast depth of
pure sands, obscured in the higher levels by extensive
patches of gravel from 2 to 20 feet in depth; in the
lower, by a poor loam, from one to three feet deep.
Patches of peat hero and there insetsp of some depth
exist principally in the lower levels. On the west and
south-west, the loam has a subsoil of very stiff clay, ap-
parently of the London formation, which also crops out
on the north side of Farnham hill. On the north and
north-west, in the valleys, there exists within a small
area a considerable quantity of iron in some of the peaty
bogs. All these are marked upon the plan whisk Lshall
hereafter have the honour to lay before the board, and
which I have prepared as accurately as the shortness of
the time allowed.
" The next object of my research was the quality
and quantity of the water. The board, in their report,
have given the quantity now brought into London by the
different water companies as a stream of 9 feet wide and
3 feet deep, flowing with a velocity of two miles an hour;
a supply double the actual consumption. In the course
of my exploration, I could not fail to observethat such a
volume of water of any quality was no where
for the to be
seen, which at first rather damped my,n
future; but I:remembered that such a oody might be
made up by collecting the smallest threads of rivulets,
and went on my way. To effect this, then, was my
object.
inspection of the gathering
" A most minute grounds
has shown me that their nature exactly adapts them
for the means of collectioa proposed by the board,
namely, a system of thorough drainage. A more admi-
rable plan cf gathering rasa-fall could not have been
conceived; the sands, acting as a natural filter, deprive
the water on its passage to the pipes of any impurity
contracted either in the air or in percolating through
the upper crust; as, for instance, where the water might
be discoloured by peat, experiments have proved that the
sands restore its primitive colour, and deprive it also of
the flavour imparted by the peat. The heath, which
covers the entire area of the gathering grounds, also
stains the water, but the impurity is removed by this
process of natural filtration. I would remark that the
discolouration visible in the stream called the Blaekwater
is not caused by peat, but by the heath and loose black
loamy nature of the soil through which it flows. This
I have proved by following up its various sources, one
ve, passes over peat.
of which only, at Co Samples of
springs rising in peaty bogs show no discolouration
whatever, but are as clear as water issuing from the
sands.
" Remembering Farnham-hill, I turned my attention
to look for springs, and, after much and close examina-
tion, came to the conclasion that the origin of many little
silver threads of water, silently stealing clown the hill-
sides under the grass, arose also from such sources. A
diligent search showed me that the quantity of water to
be derived in this manner within the original area of
the gathering-grounds is so great, that if the neighbour-
ing ranges of mountains and hills on the south side—
namely, Hindhead, Blackdown, Hascombe-hills, Leith-
bill, &c., presented the same feature, I might probably
hope to collect a stream nine feet wide and three feet
deep, of the desired softness and purity.
" I am now happy to inform the board that a month's
researches into every hill and glen, every copse and
crevice, has produced this result. Having tested the
waters as they issue from their sources. I can announce
that I have gauged a sufficient number of springs and
' rivulets to enable me to form an opinion both as to
quantity and quality; the water beiag of its primitive
purity, perfect as to aeration, brilliant in colour, soft
almost us distilled water, of a grateful temperature, about