Los Angeles daily herald., 1889-07-28

dam is So feet in thickness. At the top
it is 31a feet through. 1t is built OF
granite and Portland cement. The pres
sure against it is distributed throughout
the material and finally centers against
the abutments, On the north side the
dam braces against the bed rock OF the
mount ain, on the south side against an
enormous granite boulder which projects
out some twenty or thirty feet from the
mountain.
The dam was built in 1884, under the
direction of F. E. Brown, assisted by w.
G. Butler. Its original cost was $75, 900.
Il is owned by stock company, most OF
whom are residents either of Redlands
or CT Riverside During the five years
in which the dam has held back
the lake it has been examined by
large mum Der of visiting engin-
esrs who almost unanimously declared
that it was not safe-neveitheless it has
continued to stand, One of the few who
gave a contrary verdict was famous
English hydraulic engineer, who said
that the structure was built in accord
ance with the principles upon which
works of a similar sort were now being
erected on the continent of Europe. If,
for any reason, the dam should give
way-and at various times timid people,
remembering the fate OF Johnstown,
have speculated on this contingency
there is no probability that any damage
would be done. The quantity of loose rock
and timber lying in the narrow confined
he'd of the creek below would soon form a
jam in some of the angles of its course,
and prevent the water from escaping in
very much of food.
The lake, which is about four miles
long and little less than a mile wide,
contains about ten billion gallons OF
water, a flow of about 5000 miners
inches for 100 days. 1t is used to irrigate
Redlands, Grafton, Lugonia, and the
surrounding territory, to distance of
thirteen miles from the dam. The water
in the lake will irrigate 10000 acres OF
land
Plans have been drawn aud model
built for second dam, $50 feet below
the present structure, which will be 120
feet ih height and will quadruple the
present capacity OF the lake, forcing it
back to length of seven miles. The
prop sed structure has been planned by
Mr.. Brown and J. S. Black. If it is
DullC, as III ls likely 10 De III tne near
future, it will be one OF the most remark
able undertakings of its kind in the
world.
Besides the great dam to which all
visitors in Bear valley will be sure to
make pilgrimage, most of those who
make the climb to such height in the
mountains wish to finish the undertaking
by trip to the summit OF old Greyback.
The round trip from Lewis to the top OF
this, the highest peak of the San Bernar-
dino Mountains, can be made in two
days. Most OF the way the climb can be
made on burro-bsck, but the last few
miles are up grade which must be done
on foot. At the summit, or an elevation
of IL 800 feet, one can see for hundreds
OF miles in every direction, and enjoy
the finest view to be seen short of Pixies
Peak.
Such are the main attractions of the
trip to Bear valley, but the greatest OF
all is the pure mountain air, the cool,
invigorating climate, and the smell of
the pine woods. These and kindred
sources of pleasure the reader will under
stand for himself without the assistance
of any description.