American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1823-12-23
To the Editor of the Watchman,

Srn-Severa Of the Wilmington papers having announc-
ed the discovery of method of saving by "Sde
Chambers which considered important to Canal Ma
vgaton, and these publications being calculated convey
impression that this discovery, thought pro-
per TO send you the communication which appeared in your
paper of the 9th inst My object to correct
impressions this point and trust that the facts Ihaye
stated have answered this important purpose.
That the principle of saving water by Reservoirs made at tie
sides Of Lock, has long been discovered actually applied
for than century in Europe, has been demonsra-
ted beyond contradiction. Whether these Reservoirs be
called "Cisterns," "Chambers," "Cyinders," g Side
ocks ponds" is quite mmaterial to the ques-
ton at issue. From the scope of my communication it is
evident that engaged prove that principle
has been discovered by Mr.. Faramb.This he has acy
admitted in his reply where he ventures to call his app
cation of an old principle, &c an improvement at least"
Whether the application of side cisterns, such es-
crbed by MI Fairamb, instead of side ponds" be an
Improvement, time will determined 1t is certain, that
raj scientific gentlemen, whose experience as engineers
entitIe them to respect entertain different opinion from
MIR. Fairlamb on this point.
Yet told "it is fact that in consequence of the
large space thrown open for the water pass and
from the chambers of the csern not side p0nd) that
the lock will be empted and filled in less time than locks
in the ordinary method When this shall be proved by
actual experiment, will allow it TO be ga fact" until then
Mr. Fairlamb will pardon if we call it only assertion
That ethe difficulty, stated by the principal Engineer
BRINDLEr, is at by the construction of
the valves, which throw open nearly the whole side each
chamber at once" is ipSe diI evidence and
pass for demonstration Indeed it be true, while
the present laws of gravation remain in forceCan any
man believe that ten chambers "a feet long and 20 wide
each and each containing 1880 square superficial feet
be filed with each only foot head of water,
most, and that head diminishing each chamber fills
til there is scarcely any head at all!
But, says MIR. Fairamb, Brindey discovers his total
ignorance of my improvement, it being impossible to
thirds of the water with three chambers" That am
totally ignorant Of MIR. FPS Improvement may be very
confess have yet to learn that he has made any mpreve
nen ALL upon the present European system. But did
say that thirds of the water could be saved by these
side locks my assertion that they only saved about
two thrdfu it." Now the fact is that three side ponds,
each capable of holding fifth of the contained in
the lock- will save tens of the water, which is far
from six ninths "two thirds Of it that my
ment substantially true.
But if Mr. FAIRBANKS Invention is better than
his logic, it will reflect much "honor himself
country :" he says 81 cannot for moment suppose that
this Engineer when speaking Ito Brndey] of side ponds,
could have meant horizontally Partitoned csern the
fact therefore appears to be that BRINDLEY has mistaken
cistern for pond"-That is to say-because the En-
gneer did not mean hat pond was cistern therefore
BRSDLEY has mistaken cstern for Pond!!! Such an
inference ii must be Acknowledgements admirably deduced
from the premises !!
Now whatever the Engineer when speaking of " side
ponds might have meant, one thing is cortain that side
bond, cSernS and they are cisterns that actually do
effect what Mr. FAIRBANKS continuance is only intended
to effect. That side ponds have not horizontally
parttoned chambers very true and much in their favor
experience will prove ever any Canal Company should
be weak enough TO make the experiment.
Mr. Faramb assures me that he will not disturb my
side ponds" My side Ponds less courteous appears have
sadly disturbed Mr.. Faramb On this account should be
sorry, assured, that they had better disturb him
loO than after he shall have incurred greater expenses
will attempt to shew that side ponds are not so
Objectionable Mr.. Fairlsmh supposes. lst They are
easily constructed and not costly Ills horizontally
partioned csern" must be difficult to make and very
pensve 3D. Side ponds very durabe and may be
mended with facty:Fs cistern being alternately expos
ed to the and the air will rapidly decay, and be dit
cut to repair 3d. lock Ga feet long and 90 feet wide
will admit of six side ponds three side, each present
ing the lock opening of 20 feet, and each Of them e
tending from the lock only AZ feet, that Mr. Fairbanks
long calculation of 100 feet flow of to each is alto
geher erroneous But am persuaded that six side ponds
to any lock with ten feet t more thar :2a bs used