The San Francisco call., 1897-06-23
HAVE sunk ELEVEN WELLS
University Workmen Engaged
on the Proposed New
Reservoir.
Soundings Made TO Determine Whether
the Earth Will Ho'd
Water.

BERKELEY, CAL, June 22.-Eleven
wells have been sunk on the site of the
proposed 10000, 000- gallon reservoir at the
State University with the view of deter
mining whether there is a sufficiently
thick stratum OF clay 10 keep the water
from seeping away when once damned
up. These wells vary IN depth from ten
TO twenty feet and are scattered here and
there over the bottom and sides OF the ma
tural cistern. As far as has been investi-
gated the clay stratum covering the ter
minal moraine at the base of the canyon
is sufficiently thick to hold the water. Not
so with the bottom of the reservoir.
The latter is covered with a LAYER of
earth and gravel about sixteen feet deep.
1t Is estimated that at least 1000 cubic
yards of the gravel Will have 10 be re-
moved. Then 1t may be necessary TO cover
the bottom with clay or cement.
A dam 200 feet in length AID 35 feet in
height at its highest point will then be
thrown up. 1t has not yet been decided
whether the dam will be of stone, cement
or earth.
Work on the reservoir will be pushed
vigorously with the view to having il CON-
pleted in time to catch the winter rains.
Was No Bitterness.
BERKELEY, CAL, June 22-Accord-
ing TO its secretary the congregation of
the North Berkeley Congregational
Churcn is much incensed over the report
that any bitter feeling between the pastor
Rev. J. Clarke Robbins, and his people,
caused the pastors withdrawal from the
church mentioned. The secretary, o. G.
May, declares that no feeling exists ami
that the pastor, desiring 10 take a years
study at Stanford University, has changed
to pastorate close TO the college. Mr..
Day says the best OF feeling exists be-
tween the pastor and the congregation
and that Mr.. Robbins has done much to
build up his charge.
O'NeiI Millions.
BERKELEY, CAL, June 22-The re-
port is again current that DR.. William
O'Neil OF South Berkeley is about to come
into possession of a large share o! the es-
tate of Lord O'Neil of Ireland. The estate
is said to be valued az $10O, 900, 900. The
pros pective heir to the princely fortune
refuses to either affirm or deny the story
that he has valuable Information concern
ing he subject.
]. H. o Neil, the local artist. who is also
a claimant for a share of the Irish mill
lions, stated that he has received no news
for several months. but is daily expecting
news of interest.
school of Husbandry.
BERKELEY. CAL, June 22.-The High
land Grange Summer School of Hus-
bandry and Economies, which will open
next Monday at WrIghts, in the Santa
Cruz Mountains, will be addressed by sew.
eral university professors. DR.. G. c.
Plehn will read treatise on "Ths Prin-
ciples OF Taxation" Professor Nj. E. Jatfa
on the Rational Feeding of Plants and
Animals" and Instructor F. +. Bioletti
on 'The Diseases of Plants"
New Buildings.
BERKELEY, CAL, June 22-Ground
has been broken for the erection of the
4Ox4O annex to the gymnasium at the
state University, and for the new $40, 900
agricultural building. 1t is intended that
the gym" should be finished by the open
ing of college and the other buildings by
Christmas.