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 MOf^TREAL WATER WORKS 
 
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 THE REPORTS 
 
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 WALTER SIIANLY, Esq., T. C. KEEFER, Esq., 
 
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 JAMES B. FRANCIS, Esq., of Lowell, Mass., 
 
 REVIEWED BY 
 
 WILLIAM HODDEN, 
 
 . Aldkuman. 
 
 MONTREAL, March, 1809. , ; 
 
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 STCAM CNCINC 
 
 WHEEL HOUSC 
 
 I'liri.tiid, liatririiiu is Co. .lath Montreal 
 
Biirj.md, Latticaju k Cu.,hi\h Montrea] . 
 
MONTREAL WATER WORKS 
 
 THE RETORTS 
 
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 WALTER SIIANLY, Esq., T. C. KEEPER, Esq:, 
 
 AND 
 
 JAMES R. FRANCIS, Esq., of Lowell, Mass., 
 
 REVIEWED BY 
 
 WILLIAM RODDEN, 
 
 Alderman. 
 
 MONTREAL, Marcli, IHiIll. 
 
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 MONTREAL : 
 
 PbINTKD BV TnK MONTBBAL PbINTINO AND PUBLISUIVO COMPANY. 
 
 1869. 
 
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 To His Worsliip the Mayor, William H'okkman, Ehij., 
 Alilcrmeii, Councillora, ami 
 
 Citizens of Montreal. 
 
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 Tlio proflont condition of tlie water supply lor the city 
 of Montreal, the lar^e outlay already incurred, the future 
 a<lai)tatii»n of the Wuter-workt •"<» the steady growth and 
 iin;:ortaTice of this city, together ,.ith tlic large anioinit of real 
 an<l personal iiroj)erty at tir/rh exposed to destruction hy firo 
 inconseiiut'iiee of iri'eguiaritj of t\w wat^r supjtly, will, I ho{)e, he 
 8\tfficient excuse for a uiemher '-f 'lie Council a[)pearing in this 
 form to r<'view the opinions of thi eminent engineers who have 
 heen coi\sulted on the subject by t'' ^ City Council. 
 
 Jn referring to the engineers' reports, I ' n-e endeavoured to 
 discharge a duty I owe my fc How-citizens, with* at giving 
 oft'ence, while shewing what I ohserve to be for, and what 
 against, their interests in this matter. Although I have lieeii 
 several years in the City Council I have not been a member ot 
 the Water Conunittee, and mv numerous engagements in other 
 civic departmciits did not admit of much attention to the details 
 of the water <lepartment, until the tro\d)les of last winter's 
 short sujjply impressed me with the im))ortance of a thorough 
 ac(piaintauce with the subject : therefore it has occupied my 
 attention for several months. The result of which I now 
 respectfully submit. 
 
 I am. Gentlemen, 
 
 Yours faithfully, 
 
 WILLIAM RODDEN. 
 

 R K P» O R T . 
 
 INSUFFICIENT WATER SUPPLY AND REMEDY. 
 
 The want of a sufficient supply of water in the winter of 
 lSr)7-68 led to a close examination of the cause of such a strange 
 occurrence, which had, for the second time, exposed citizens to 
 dreadful inconvenience and loss, while a large sum of money 
 w.ts expended by the Corporation in temporary relief. The 
 superintendent obtained, when requested, tests of the effect 
 produced upon the aqueduct by the lowness of water at the 
 entrance, the fluctuations in the water level there, the severity 
 of the season, and the accumulations of ice obstructions in the 
 atjueduct, which together produced a contraction of the water 
 way to 5-4 feet area, reducing the supply upon the city to less 
 than one-third of its re(iuirements, leaving the higher levels at 
 the mercy of water-puncheons, a fate also at times shared by the 
 lower levels of the city. These facts were submitted to the 
 Council, and their consideration by the Water Committee led to 
 the reference of the matter to Messrs. Shanly, Keefer, and 
 Francis, for their respective reports on the subject, which were 
 duly received and considered. The three engineers agree that 
 the present aqueduct is insufficient, that it must be extended and 
 enlarged, or a new one of larger size made ; pending which 
 undertakings, temporary assistance must be immediately secured. 
 Further than this the gentlemen do not agree. Mr. Shanly 
 urged the immediate construction of a steam engine to provide 
 against a repetition of the trouble of last winter, as, in his opinion, 
 it would be impossible in one season to provide any other reliable 
 remedy, while the city should determine upon enlarging the 
 present or making a new canal. Mr. Keefer suggests another 
 turbine- wheel, alteration of stop-gates, extending entrance, and 
 other works, which, he thinks, will guard the city for a season 
 against similar difficulties, urging, as an effectual remedy, the 
 enlarging of the present a([ueduct and its extension up the river 
 
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winter of 
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 hank to the church near Lachinc, and rescrvoh-H for storage of 
 water. Mr. Francis docs nut name the means of " temporarily 
 supplying" the deficiencies of water to the city while the new 
 works are in progress ; with reference to which he says : " To 
 enable the works to furnish the re(|uirtM additional supply, either 
 the present canal must be enlarged oi an additional canal be 
 constructed." " If the enlargement cf the present canal is 
 anticipated at an early day, the question arises, whether it had 
 not better be undertaken at once, and dispense entirely with the 
 proposed exte7ision" 
 
 Acting upon these reports, the Council chose the suggestion of 
 Mr. Shanly, and ordered a steam-engine to pump 3,000,000 gals, 
 daily irto the reservoir, which is now on trial ; and the Water 
 Committee ordered surveys and esamates of the costs of the 
 different plans suggested. These estimates, made by the 
 superintendent of the Water-works, have been placed in the 
 hands of members. 
 
 Before arriving at any conclusion in reference to the future 
 expenditure of money, it is necessary to examine the suggestions 
 of Mr. Keefer, in his report of 18G8, whereby, in his ophiion, 
 the present aqueduct can be so altered and extended as to 
 satisfy all demands upon it for several years to come, and to 
 compare his views with those of Messrs. Shanly and Francis. 
 
 MR. KEEPER RECOMMENDS 
 
 1st, Stop-gates at entrance to regulate fluctiuitions, and the 
 forming of a large deep-water basm. 
 
 2nd, Lowering the breast-wheel. 
 
 3rd, Erection of a new turbine at wheel-house, and lower 
 tail-race. 
 
 4th, The extension of the aqueduct by crib-work or embank- 
 ment in the river, upwards along the river front as far 
 as may be required from time to time, till it may 
 reach Lachine. 
 
 5th, Enlargement of the aqueduct. 
 
 6th, Reservoirs to be filled from April to December, and 
 drawn upon in winter, or when the progress of works 
 might require the water out of the aqueduct. 
 
 We ai'e yet without any complete estimate of the cost of the 
 foregoing. Mr. Keefer says the construction of the part which 
 
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 " slioTilfl be (lone in next six months will not cost more than 
 $200,0C0;" add for extension to Fraser's, $75,000; total, 
 $275,000. This sum will not cover enlargement and extension 
 to the church and reservoirs, of which he says : " It may be 
 considered desirable, when the estimates are obtained, to under- 
 take them at once." From these projiosed changes and additions, 
 and his own remarks on them, I infer that at best for a portion 
 of that sum the city will have oidy expensive experiments, 
 and other works which may serve for a time, pending 
 the execution of such additional works as may be necessary to 
 carry out enlarging, extension, and reservoirs, which, together, 
 are said to be the only reliable means of constant water supply 
 for the city and its annual increase. 
 
 Mr, Shanly and Mr. Francis have considered Mr. Reefer's 
 views, and hi their reports sufficiently clearly indicated their 
 opinions without openly condemning his. What these opinions 
 are may be inferred from the following sentences taken from their 
 reports : — " Assuming the u]>river extension or feeder to be 
 carried out, the time must soon come when the supply in winter 
 would be insufficient, and the troubles of past winters be 
 repeated." " If a canal or feeder in the river was made, without 
 paying the OAvnei-s of the river front large sums of money there- 
 for, you could not cut them off from access to the water of your 
 canal, and in a variety of ways the throwing of it open to them 
 might render the water liable to suffer disturbance and contract 
 impurities." " Noi- would the hydraulic results be wholly satis- 
 factory, not without also giving increased capacity to the existing 
 works." An enlarged or new aqueduct is an inevitable element 
 of any plan " to enable the ivorks tofvnmh the required addi- 
 tional supply^ 
 
 Speaking of Mr. Francis, Mr. Shanly says, — " I found him 
 very decidedly inclined to the construction of a new canal, pure 
 and simple, with the lowest known stage of the river for the 
 standard head of water, as the most certain remedy for the 
 difficulties of the past, and as the pla,n best adapted liy giving it 
 ample proportions to ensure an unfailing supply in the future." 
 
 Careful examination of these reports cannot fail to convince us 
 that Messrs. Shanly and Francis are about agreed as to the 
 cause of our water troubles, and the best and safest remedy ; 
 
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more than 
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 pending 
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 Keefor's 
 ated their 
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 ill winter 
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 also, that from the language they use, they do not consider Mr. 
 Kcefcr's plans the proper ones to adopt. Thus far the Council 
 adopted Mr. Shanly's recommendation to provide a steam-engine 
 as a means of temporary relief. Having done so, and having set 
 aside that part of the suggestions of Mr. Keefer, the question to 
 be now determined is, Will we go oi as advised by two out ot 
 the three eminent gentlemen called i i to help us through this 
 important question, or will we be justified in dismissing their 
 views so forcibly put and accept the contrary advice offered by 
 Mr. Keefer ? I have no difficulty in admitting that where two 
 such men agree, the recommendations of the third one should be 
 set aside, and in support of that course I may urge — 
 
 1st. The high and independent standing of Messrs. Shanly 
 and Francis, professionally and otherwise, entitle them to unre- 
 served confidence. 
 
 2nd. They are not wedded to, nor have they been in any way 
 connected with, any previous plans or the progress of the works 
 thus far : therefore they are unl)iascd and free to consider 
 things as they found them. 
 
 ord. They echo no doubtful soimds, report no partial remedy, 
 but clearly and emphatically point to the only reliable means of 
 safety for the future — an enlarged or new a(|uedect. 
 
 4th. An examination of the facts in connection with tlie whiter 
 state of the aqueduct, the tests and trials, experience of die past, 
 and the estimated cost of the proposed projects, will support their 
 recommendations. 
 
 To arrive at the best means of accomplishing the much desired 
 result in due time and in the best way is our next and most 
 pvcssiu"" duty. Here, it is admitted, a degree of embarras8n\ent 
 is felt, difficult and trying, which can only be overcome by 
 comparisons, study, and calculations. It is believed that the 
 steam-on"-ine, when fully proved, will afford relief when the 
 water is low, will help the water-wheels when there are obstruc- 
 tions in the aqueduct, will prevent the necessity of drawing down 
 the head which lowers the ice and hicreases these obstructions in 
 very cold weather, and will render great assistance in case of 
 accident to the canal, or while new works are progressing ; but 
 
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 it docs not obviate the necessity of making preparations for works wintl 
 
 to give the city a permanent and reliable supply of pure water v.atc| 
 
 from the river to the wheel-house. Additional steam-power on 
 the river side and gravitation supply have been advocated, but fronj 
 
 must now be dismissed, because of their expense and difficulty as \ well 
 compared with additions to the system in use, upon which so I Vfori 
 much has already been spent, and which can within the next | watl 
 four or six years be made perfect beyond a doubt, if the | supl 
 expense is approved and power obtained to execute the works. \ froJ 
 
 The three engineers agree in recommending that whatever is '\ si.n1| 
 done should be with reference to and a part of future operations. \ cot 
 Therefore, we are in duty bound to adopt a comprehensive and , ret 
 complete system once for all, and determine what portion of it 
 must receive our immediate attention, and what may stand for 
 future performance. The citizens will no longer tolerate a system 
 of annual additions with constant uncertainty. 
 
 There are three projects for consideration which may be 
 designated A, B, and C, each of which may be divided into sections 
 one, and two. Section one^ in each project, to provide relief 
 against such difficulties as occurred last winter. Section two, in 
 each pr< ject, to shew the continuations of the works which may 
 be necessary for the future supply of the city. 
 
 Project A. 
 
 Section 1 is another turbine-wheel at the wheel- 
 house at a lower level, lowering the breast-wheels, removal of 
 stop-gates to entrance, deep still water basin at the river, and 
 constructing a canal or feeder up the river to Fraser's ; also 
 enlarging the aqueduct from the Rock-cut to the river. Section 
 2 is continuing the crib-work canal or feeder up the river as far 
 as may be necessary, and whenever the additional head may be 
 required ; also completing the enlargement of the aqueduct 
 downwards from the head of Rock-cut to the wheel-house. 
 
 It is not necessary now to consider the utility of " another 
 turbine at the wheel-house ;" that was set aside when Mr. 
 Shanly's views are adopted and an engine put up to do that 
 work. The wisdom of that course is now clear. With the small 
 quantity of water which is passing through the aqueduct this 
 
[ns for works 
 Pu^'o water 
 i-po\ver on 
 [ocated, but 
 difficulty as 
 ^Jiich so 
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 h' if the 
 works. 
 
 fhatevcr is 
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 stand for 
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 winter, it would not have been possible to supply the city with 
 water by the pumping done by any de^jcription of water-wheel. 
 
 The head of water to the present turl)ine wheel is varying 
 from foui-teen to fifteen feet, and quite high enough to work it 
 well if the supply was furnished to it ; but it cannot be kept at 
 work because it draws down the he. id at the whc(,'l-house, the 
 water way in the acjueduct not having the capacity to give the 
 supply as fast as it is recpiired ; an( when the water is drawn 
 from below the ice faster than it enters from the river, the ice 
 sinks until it reaches the bottom ; the obstruction thus becomes 
 complete, and the city is left without water until the ice is 
 removed and the charmel cleared. 
 
 " The lowering of the hreast-wheeW'' is a more serious under- 
 taking than supposed. Such an operation would disturl) all the 
 machinery of the Avheel-house and its supports, which in all 
 probability could not easily be replaced and made as secure as 
 at present. Alterations to such works are always attended by 
 great risk, and it is next to impossible to make the old and new 
 work connect as securely as the original. A small amount of 
 money spent in another way might serve towards altering inlet 
 of water to the wheels. Any alteration to the wheels will be 
 useless until the af^ueduct is made large enough to supply 
 the water required to work them in winter. Tbe wheels should 
 not be lowered excepting as a last resort, particularly as it is 
 only for a short time during low water that they are not fully 
 supplied. Furthermore, inside of ten years hence additional 
 wheels will be required, the placing of which at a lower level 
 will be worthy of consideration. 
 
 " Removal of the stop-gates to the entrance of the aqueduct.''' 
 — I have much difficulty in obtaining any information of the 
 reliability of this proposition. What I do get is, that it is 
 considered by most competent persons to be an experiment of 
 very doubtful character, which can only be made serviceable 
 under a particular head of water and state of the weather which 
 may not occur together. 
 
 " Deep still water basin at river entrance of aqueduct.'^ — 
 Such may or may not be of great service there. Much will 
 depend upon the position of the work, the water levels in the 
 river, and the degree of frost while the water is at a particular 
 
10 
 
 lici-^ht. The rock obstructions in the bed of the river, at and 
 above the entrance of the a(|ueduct, and the fluctuations of the 
 currents and depth of water there, naturally affect the operations of 
 any entrance. Previous experiments have been unsatisfactory, and 
 nothing short of a trial can determine the exact result. The 
 question presents itself — Is it Avorth while or safe to expend 
 anything more on experiments ? particularly for such meagre 
 results as those promised by Mr. Keefer himself. Speaking of 
 the change in stop-gates and the basin at entrance he says — 
 " These simple measures, I believe, will have the effect of 
 diminishing by at least one-half the ice difficulties in the 
 aqueduct." The fact is, that the " ice difficulties" during the 
 last week of February and first two weeks of March, 1868, 
 reduced the water area to 54 feet and the pumping pressure 
 from 80 lbs. to *10 lbs., while the river level varied from 85 to 
 BG feet above diitum. This state of things reduced the supply 
 to 2| millions pumi)ed upon the city, at and below St. Catherine 
 Street, the })Owor being insufficient to reach the higher levels. 
 On the 20th of December last the ice -difficulties of this season 
 commenced : the area or water way was reduced to 190 feet, 
 and the sup])ly brought down to 4 J milhons of gallons daily ; since 
 which time the gradual increase of ice and frazil reduced the 
 water area in January to 140 feet, and the pumping pressure 
 was 70 to 75 lbs., producing only 2^ to 3 millions of gallons 
 daily — a part of the time pumping upon the higher and a part 
 upon the lower levels of the city ; and the reservoir was drawn 
 down several feet to assist the consumption, while portions of the 
 city were alternately deprived of water. On the 17th of Feb. 
 last the thipkeniug of the ice had reduced the water area to 104 
 feet. With this supply of water from the aqueduct, the 
 '' turbine" water wheel and the steam-engine pumped together 
 about four millions of gallons, a portion going into the reservoir, 
 the water in which was raised during night, the rest going 
 directly to supply the city. Of the four millions pumped that 
 day the superintendent estimates only about one by the turbine 
 and three by the engine. On the 13th of this month of March the 
 ice had reduced the water area to 58J feet. Not much 
 pumping could be done with the wheels ; the engine was 
 affording a moderate supply. It is admitted that, without the 
 
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 satisfactory, and 
 ct result. The 
 safe to expend 
 f «"ch meagre 
 • Speaking of 
 ance ho sajs^ 
 *^^e effect of 
 cuJties in the 
 
 :f '^"""^' the 
 March, 1868, 
 P»ig pressure 
 ''I f^'oin H6 to 
 ;a the supply 
 ^t- Catherine 
 higher JeveJs. 
 ^ tin's season 
 ^0 190 feet, 
 
 ^%; since 
 ''educed the 
 ^S pressui-e 
 ' of gallons 
 and a part 
 ^as drawn 
 '"^^s of the 
 h of Feb. 
 ea to 104^ 
 «ct, the 
 together 
 eservoir, 
 ^^ going 
 'ed that 
 turbine 
 •rch the 
 much 
 ^ was 
 ut the 
 
 ■ * 
 
 I u 
 
 en;^iiic, the city could not now be su[»|)lio«l, the mildnoss of 
 the winter (with a sli^lit decrease of licad at the river entrance) 
 ilives now 58i feet a'^ainst the 54 feet water area of this time 
 last year. These facts ouiniot fail to shew that the chan<re in 
 stop-^ates and deep water basin at entrance would bo of little 
 service, and, Avithout increasing th ^ size of the aqueduct, it is 
 impossible to keep a full reservoir o: sup])ly the city. 
 
 " Continidiuj the bcmn at entrance up the river, and bij crib- 
 tvork or embankment along the river front forming a canal or 
 feeder, and perform the name by Hectioiis as required.''^ — This 
 portion of ] project A will have to bo carried up to Eraser's to 
 compare with the new entrance there proposed as part of jirojects 
 B and C. To understand the difficulties attending the formation 
 of a canal in the river, it is necessary to examine the place and 
 the soundings taken. The work would have to be made on a 
 sloping river bottom, in a depth of water varying from 5 to 80 
 feet ; in some s})ots the bottom suddenly drops from 5 to 15 feet, 
 12 to 26, 15 to 80, and 18 to 35 feet depth, and the current in 
 places at the upper end is such as to carry " ice shoves against 
 the large boulders wnth such a force as to rattle the rocks 
 together like as many marbles." All along the river front there 
 is a road dotted with stables, farm houses and cottages, which must 
 increase in numbers ; the inhabitants and cattle have access to and 
 could not be kept from the water. Therefore the difficulties and 
 uncertainties of construction, the exposure to injury of a 
 perishable work and the expense of maintenance, the damages 
 incurred by disturbing the road and vested river rights, as well 
 as the serious objection to suffering unavoidable pollution of the 
 city water supply, renders objectionable the extension of the 
 aqueduct or feeder to it along and up the river front. 
 
 " Enlarging the present aqueduct.^' — This is the final work 
 necessary to make project A of future value, and its execution 
 will be attended with more difficulty than at first appears. To 
 enlarge, it will be necessary to let the water to a great extent out 
 of the aqueduct, and at times wholly out, while working on the 
 lower part of sides and on the bottom ; while this work is being done, 
 other means must be adopted to furnish water to the city. This 
 will materially add to the expense, for engine-house, engines, 
 
 Had enlargement 
 
 pumps, and a new rising main from the river. 
 
 iilL.. 
 
r 
 
 :^ 
 
 1*:^ 
 
 12 
 
 been deemed best as a part of future o[)erations, the eii^iiic now 
 goin;.; up should liave been {»laced at the river ; as it is, we must uifer 
 it has been thou;^ht best to ignore enlargement in consequence of 
 the expense and difficulty of supplying the city while it was being 
 done. As shewing that Mr. Keefer himself admits that his 
 recommendations should be accompanied by an increase in the 
 size of the canal, I quote his words : — " For the future, whatever 
 more be done, it should be as part of a comprehensive plan." 
 " Estimates of the extension and enlargement are required." 
 " Much may be done this summer to improve the aqueduct for 
 winter works hy eyilargement at the ivorst portion — the deep 
 cutting below the entrance." " Every day enlargement is 
 postponed the difficulties will be increased from the increasing 
 volume rcijuired to supply the wheels." I may remark here 
 that in these quotations from his report, and in his own words, 
 we find \vhat seems an important and significant admission, i.e., 
 that his oiher suggestions are but tending to afibrd temporary 
 assistance, while we proceed to enlarge the part referred to of 
 the present insufficient aqueduct or canal, and extend it up the 
 river front. That being done, what remains for the future 
 wouhi be the continuation of the enlarging to the wheel-house, 
 and of the extension to Lachine, both of which, he admits, are 
 necessary. Extension, enlarging, and elevating the banks of the 
 canal to receive the extra head of water caused by extension, 
 cannot be separated, and their expense, as compared with other 
 projects which will be attended by less inconvenience and more 
 reliable results, will enable us to determine without much 
 difficulty wliich should be undertaken. 
 
 Project B. 
 
 Section 1 is a new and larger entrance below Eraser's 
 Hill, extending along the valley downwards until it reaches 
 the present aqueduct above the Rock-cut. Section 2 is 
 enlarging the present aqueduct from the new entrance at the 
 head of the Rock-cut to the settling-pond. 
 
 The new and large entrance to the aqueduct is supposed to 
 start from the head of the Rock-cut, there join the old canal, 
 cutting upwards across the farms until it reaches the valley near 
 Eraser's, turning into the river below the hill, somewhere about 
 
 3 
 
 at 
 
 s\ 
 icj 
 
 0^ 
 
 ei 
 
 I 
 
 '&:'' 
 
the cj,-i„e now 
 Js, wo must infer 
 consequence of 
 •''e it wus being 
 •'Jniits that his 
 ncreaso in the 
 tui-e, whatever 
 icnsive phan." 
 ^■c required." 
 aqueduct for 
 
 ^'^—tho deep 
 
 iJargement is 
 
 ^he increasing 
 remark iiere 
 
 s own words, 
 
 Amission, i.e. 
 
 d temporary 
 
 oferred to of 
 
 '^fi it up the 
 the future 
 
 ^heel-house, 
 
 admits, are 
 
 >anks of the 
 
 ' extension, 
 
 ^^ith other 
 
 ' and more 
 
 out much 
 
 Eraser's 
 ' reaches 
 ^n 2 is 
 e at the 
 
 oosed to 
 d canal, 
 ej near 
 e about 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 13 
 
 3 to 3| thousand feet further up than the present entrance, 
 affording 10 inches more head, and protected by a projecting 
 point and shoal above it where the current inclines more from the 
 shore, carrying from the entrance, instead of towards it, floating 
 ice, frizil, other obstructions and ]<ollution. This new cut is 
 supposed to take the place of part of Mr. Reefer's plans, i.e.^ 
 enlarging the present entrance as fai as Hock-cut, the removal 
 of sto|>-gates, the construction of a de ;p still water basin, and the 
 extension of the present aqueduct by crib-work or embankment 
 as far as Eraser's, to reach the same point in the river as the 
 entrance of the new cut, with the same capacity and head, but 
 obtaining it by another and different work. It is supposed that 
 the execution of this new work, from the Rock-cut to Fraser's, 
 will save us from further trouble for several years. In this 
 opinion I do not quite agree, inasmuch as I believe that, when 
 the winter season is very severe, there may be such trouble from 
 ice obstructions, just above the settling-pond or basin at the 
 wheel-house, as to render it necessary to extend that basin some 
 distance upwards, or enlarge the a({ueduct there, thus giving 
 it additional capacity, and prevent the damaging effect that ihe 
 drawing down of water by the wheels may cause at that place. 
 
 Close observation and tests during this and last -winter, of the 
 way ice obstructions and frazil are drawn by the current in and 
 along the aqueduct downwards, gradually becoming part of the 
 ice covering the water, have shown the advantages to be secured 
 by a new entrance at that place, with a large canal, which will 
 reduce the current to less than one-half of the speed, drawing in 
 less ice and frazil, and affording room for what little is drawn in to 
 lie up along the enlarged entrance of the a({ueduct. It is supposed 
 it will confine a great portion of the ice and frazil obstructions to 
 the new section above the Rock-cut, while sufficient water way 
 will be left to pass the much desired quantity, leaving the Rock-cut 
 and the section below it to contend only with the ice which will be 
 formed thereon by the severity of the weather ; care, however, 
 being taken to avoid drawing down the head, and with it the ice 
 on the section near the wheel-house. 
 
 To determine which of the projects will be adopted, if any, it 
 is necessary to look at the cost of the first section of project A 
 as compared with that of project B, and at the same time 
 
IM ! 
 
 14 
 
 consider the advantage it would be to have another entrance of 
 a ijcnnanont character in a deep bay, not of })eriahable material, 
 not exposed to wear and tear of ice shoves, not incurring bills 
 of damage for river front, and not exposed to distiirbance of 
 the water and accumulation of impurities and filth that would 
 be conveyed to the city water supply by the river front canal if 
 adopted. 
 
 Section 2 of this project B would be enlarging the present 
 aqueduct from the head of the Rock-cut to the wheel-house 
 whenever the further enlargement proved necessary. Should 
 the city continue its present annual growth, it is estimated that 
 within six years the second section of any of the Projects, A, "R, or 
 C, will engage the attention of the Council, unless such extensive 
 reservoirs be constructed as to retain over two months' sujjply 
 of the city from Dorchester Street upwards ; and even should 
 these reservoirs be made, it would not be safe to neglect at least 
 widening the acjueduct just above, or lengthening the settling 
 basin at the wheel-house. This section of Project B Avould 
 be the same as section 2 of Project A, and in all res})ects 
 liable to the same objections, owing to the necessity of 
 drawing the water oflf the aqueduct and supplying the city by 
 steam and reservoirs while the work is beuig done, thus adding 
 so much to the expense as to make it a matter of calculation as 
 to whether widenirg the old or making a new cut would be best. 
 
 Project C 
 
 Is a new canal throughout, divided into two sections for 
 comparison with other projects. The first section will extend 
 from the river below Fraser's Point, along the valley 
 there to the Rock-cut of the present aqueduct. The second 
 section will be a continuation of the new canal from the head of 
 the Rock-cut to the settling pond at the wheel-house. 
 
 The first sections in this and in Project B are the same, 
 both having the new entrance. The difference between 
 these two projects is that one is enlarging the old canal 
 from the Rock-cut to the wheel-house ; the other is a 
 new cut throughout. If Project A be dismissed, the choice 
 will lest between enlarging the present canal and making a new 
 one. There are many considerations to be examined to reach 
 
 
per entrance of 
 
 Miablo material, 
 
 ^* ''ncurring biJiJ 
 
 <listui'bance of 
 
 »^tli that would 
 
 \^ ft-ont canal if 
 
 ■"1^' the present 
 ''0 wheel-hoiiso 
 l^^i-y- Should 
 Jestimated that 
 ijccts, A, n, or 
 ■'■'ich extensive 
 
 '^ even should 
 gleet at least 
 > ^he settlin/r 
 ect B would 
 all resj)ects 
 necessity of 
 <^lie city bj 
 thus adding 
 alculation as 
 "Id be best. 
 
 actions for 
 ^ill extend 
 he vallej 
 fie second 
 le head of 
 
 he same, 
 between 
 Id canal 
 ^r is a 
 ' choice 
 g a new 
 3 reach 
 
 ! 16 
 
 wiflc conclusions. The remarks made on the difficulties of 
 enlarging in Project A, will apply to enlarging as part of other 
 projects. If enlarging could be done without disturbing the 
 city 8upi)ly, and without its being necessary to provide other 
 means of supi)ly while the work progressed, there would be 
 much less difficulty in the choici . This, however, cannot be 
 hoped for. Therefore, if the expense of enlarging and keeping 
 up the water supply while that ii, going on will exceed the 
 expense of a new canal, there will be no difficulty in setting 
 aside the enlarging, and considering the adoption of a new 
 canal of the required size on its own merits. 
 
 The advantages to be obtained by constructing a new canal 
 instead of enlarging the old one will be found in the following 
 facts : — The entrance of the proposed new aqueduct below 
 Fraser's Point aftbrds greater protection from ice, frazil, and 
 other obstructions, greater depth of water, and more head ; the 
 work can progress without in any way deranging the present 
 water supply ; the impurities occasioned by working on the old 
 canal to enlarge it, while water is passing to the city, will be 
 avoided ; it will obviate the necessity of incurring a large outlay 
 for temporary works to supply the city with water while it is 
 being done, which expense could not be avoided in any other 
 plan that would afford permanent relief; it will give a volume of 
 water to the machinery at the wheel-house which will ensure 
 ample power to supply the present pumps, and such others as 
 will be added, for years hereafter ; and it will give a second 
 aqueduct. One can be used while the other is being repaired or 
 cleaned ; one can furnish the pumping power and be extended 
 up the river if such should ever be necessary, while the smaller 
 one would remain to supply the pumps for consumption, the 
 entrance to which would continue to draw its water from a part 
 of the rapids not exposed to filthy obstructions, and as free as 
 possible from the pollution which a feeder along the river side 
 would convey direct to the city supply. The last but not least 
 important fact iu reference to the new canal is, that it will not 
 cost more than enlargmg and extending the old one, presuming 
 the engineer's estimates to be correct ; indeed, it will cost less 
 than extending and enlarging, taking into account the large sum 
 which would necessarily be expended in furnishing the city with 
 
I 
 
 1 1 
 
 \ l;i 
 
 l,^ 
 
 VU' 
 
 16 
 
 water whilo unlargiiig wont on to tlio interruption of tlio present 
 supply. 
 
 A SMALL CANAL. 
 
 It must be admitted that the present canal, only 20 feet wide 
 on the buttom, is quite too small. It was a mistake to make it 
 so small. Ice will not form to so great a depth on the large as 
 on the small canal. The depth of ice on the present small 
 aqueduct is often five feet and over, while on the settling pond 
 it varies from two and a half to three feet, and on the Lachino 
 Canal it averages about the same. The experience of mill- 
 owners throughout Canada goes to show that small streams in 
 this climate are not to be reUed upon in winter. Fhictua- 
 tions and obstructions that must arise, and are beyond 
 human control, affect small streams at once, while the 
 large stream has ample room to recover from such difficulties 
 before serious inconvenience arises. It must be remembered 
 that over twenty millions of gallons have to pass through the 
 aqueduct to put one million into the city reservoir. As the city 
 grows the quantity required increases, and with it the draft upon 
 the aqueduct increases the current. A small canal, with a rapid 
 current, is much more likely to carry in ice and other obstruc- 
 tions, and suffer from them, than the larger canal with slower 
 current into it. The winter state of the old Lachine Canal, as 
 compared with the present canal, affords a good example of this. 
 The full importance of a few words from Messrs. Shanly & Francis 
 on this subject should not be lost sight oi, i.e., " In a climate such 
 as ours, size is the surest mode of obviating winter obstructions 
 in hydraulic works, and it is very certain that a wide canal with 
 the lesser head will prove a more effective and reliable power 
 than a narrow one with the greater head." Ten years' 
 experience as owner of a grist mill on a country stream as wide 
 as the present aqueduct enables me to endorse these opinions. 
 
 MR. reefer's last REPORT. 
 
 The latest report on this subject is from Mr. Keefer, and 
 recently published. It furnishes his estimates for a crib-dam 
 feeder or canal from the entrance of the present aqueduct in the 
 river to the Lachine Church, at a cost of $25 per foot — total, 
 
 \ 
 
 1 
 
 ■^ 
 
 ^ii-i' 
 
1 of the present 
 
 b 20 feet wide 
 ke to mako it 
 Jn the Jar^^o as 
 
 present small 
 5 settling pond 
 '" the Lachinc 
 ence of mill- 
 II streams in 
 er. Fluctua- 
 
 are boyond 
 > while the 
 'fc difficulties 
 remembered 
 through the 
 
 As the citj 
 draft upon 
 with a rapid 
 ber obstruc- 
 kvith slower 
 B Canal, as 
 Plo of this. 
 '■ & Francis 
 imate such 
 bstructions 
 canal with 
 ble power 
 en years' 
 m as wide 
 
 opinions. 
 
 efer, and 
 crib-dam 
 ct in the 
 t — total, 
 
' }/n'!"'i>"'- '■ ' ' ""' '" ' y >'i»>'>'>^ - 
 
 %^;//>WII:W,»t'"'-r^ 
 
 CROSS SECTION OF PROPOSED NEW AQUEDUCT, SHC 
 
 CONDITION IN MONTH OF MARC! 
 BOTTOM LEVEL 26-00 OR 3 FEET LOWER THAN PR 
 
 WATER AREA 696.00. 
 
 M l lll|l; I H I| |l;;|rl;l |lll M .nll|lil| iril|;lUII;lini|l!lllli',i;'llli;|' 
 
 DKAjrXJt 
 
 ' )ni!})>y))m>m»m>ii"i'm)»vi>m>'""»'!">"''""»'H""'i"" >»imiiii:mj)'i'>» "ri'n)i}h 
 
 Z 
 
 o 
 
 O 
 
 z 
 o 
 a 
 
 CO 
 
 200 FEET BELOW ENTRANCE. 
 
 EA I 58 .50. 
 
 SCALC ZO r £ £ r TO AN INCH 
 
 f^ifrr'f . ""'/P^>' '' >">""rt}»'"": ' i"" >' 
 
 o i 
 
 CO ^ 
 
 — > < 
 
 ^ Si 
 
 in 
 
 z 
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 H 
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 LlI 
 
 CO 
 
 '-0 
 lO 
 
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 q: 
 
 200 FEET ABOVE ROCK STOP GATE. 
 
 WATERi 
 
 A RE A i /44- 00. 
 
 200 FEET ABOVE SETTLING POND. 
 
 .^' 
 
 "Nn^r-:-,,- 
 
 5 N O W 
 
 ^,1- 'lillhll"'!-^ 
 
 W A TEH 
 
 iJnrLiiid LjtVv !ii 1 '"^' Ijti. I'tptra h .i'w 
 
NEW AQUEDUCT, SHOWING ITS PROBABLE 
 IN MONTH OF MARCH. 
 EET LOWER THAN PRESENT AQUEDUCT. 
 :R AREA 696.00. 
 
 TTrT7Trrri MHM l Mi l ill lill |;Hi;; i |li;iimu lTTrrryrrrTTT^^ M 1 ' M 1 " I 'ii 
 
 ZSH-JLJl^ZSl 
 
 •)m"i<i'f;i!um ' 'i»l!!! ' ' mnmi>'wmii"!i"i'i"'t-ii'm)i' ' f!""i"'f'»"i 
 
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 F e er to an inch. 
 
 300 FEET BELOW ENTRANCE. 
 
 f^rrr^'H^i'TTTiT 
 
 rirrr 
 
 TriTTfPf"Tr 
 
 
 IIHI,' I I 
 
 :>" 
 
 
 
 WTrmTTTTryrmn^ 
 
 WA TER , 
 AREA SS4-.00. 
 
 300 FEET ABOVE ROCK STOP GATE. 
 
 WATER 
 
 H/ATER) 
 
 AREA ) 167 00. 
 
 100 FEET ABOVE SETTLING POND. 
 
 O 
 
 (/) 
 
 g 
 
 o 
 
 z 
 
 o 
 ■n 
 
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 o 
 
 c: 
 
 -o o 
 
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 00 
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 ARER 1 (S-^. <?<? 
 
 hw. 
 
 KH 
 
17 
 
 $250,000 — including dredge plant, dredging, filling, finishing 
 with stone on top, and an embankment below ^Yater line, along 
 the entire length of the plank sheeting. 
 
 This is considered at least $50,000 too low : the lowest 
 estimate obtained here averages $30 per foot for that work in 
 that place. The Government crib-work at head of Lachine 
 Canal cost about $80 per foot. It is not necessary to repeat 
 what has been explained establishing the perishable nature of 
 such a dam, and the difficulties of constructing and retaining it 
 safely in such a place. 
 
 The estimate does not provide anything for large payments for 
 land damages, which would be claimed by owners of the river 
 front, fencing along the line between the road ami the feeder, 
 bridges and drainage for the farms the whole length of the 
 work. It is not considered out of the way to estimate the cost 
 of land on river front, fencing, bridging, and draining, at 
 $100,000, making the whole cost of the feeder $400,000, to 
 which must be added either the cost of enlarging the present 
 aqueduct, or if that be not done, at least the banks must be 
 raised to give the height necessary for the elevation of water, 
 produced by the difference between the level at the present and 
 the proposed new entrance at the Lacliine Church. This 
 elevation of banks Mr. Keefer has omitted, and would cost, 
 including gates, sluices, weirs, alterations, &c., about $50,000 
 to adapt the works to the extra head. When the whole of the 
 foregoing is accomplished, at a cost of $450,000, not less, we 
 shall have, in winters such as those of 1867-68, 1868-69, where 
 the head at the Church is fluctuating from 38-50 to 39-00 above 
 datum, a supply for the city of about five millions of gallons as 
 is further explained below. The work cannot be executed 
 within two years, perhaps three. When that time comes the 
 requirements of the city will have reached over seven millions 
 of gallons daily, and ere that work would be completed, the city 
 would again require the consideration of means to give a further 
 supply in winter : thus the agitation would be continued to the 
 great disgust of all concerned, and manifest injury to, and 
 complaints against, the City Council. 
 
 There is no difficulty in producing abundance of evidence, that 
 increasing the head of water by a feeder or canal along the river 
 
 
 I : 
 
[ 
 
 18 
 
 front to the Lachine Church will not alone remedy the evil — 
 additional size as well as head is necessary. This Mr. Keefer 
 seems to admit when referring to enlargement. What the 
 feeder would add to the supply in winter, with the river at 
 its present height, 35-15 at entrance, and 38*72 ahove datum at 
 the Lachine Church, may be learned only by comparison with 
 what has been done, all other things being equal. 
 
 EXPERIENCE OF THE PAST. 
 
 The best summer low water test on record was in the end of 
 September and part of October last. The water level at the 
 aqueduct entrance varied from 36.20 to 36*60. When trials 
 were made, all that the wheels would give was five and a-half to 
 six and a-quarter millions of gallons. The consumption of water in 
 the city then being large, the water in the reservoir was at times 
 drawn down two feet, and filled again at night. With a larger aque- 
 duct the water would have reached the wheels in such a volume 
 as to have kept them in full operation without drawing down the 
 working head of water in the settling pond. The increased 
 head to be obtained by the feeder at that season would serve the 
 purpose in summer now, but it is the winter state of the aque- 
 duct, with three to four feet of ice upon it, which reduces its 
 power (even with the feeder) to less than the lowest point 
 reached last summer. For example : in December, 1868, the 
 water area was 190 feet, level at entrance 36*45, pumps giving 
 only four and one-fourth millions of gallons daily. On the 13th 
 March, 1869, the water level at the entrance was 35*15, and at 
 the Lachine Church 38*72. The ice and low water reduced the 
 water area of the aqueduct to 58^ ; the proposed elevation by 
 feeder would add 96| feet to it, making 155 feet area. Increased 
 head would add to the power. What this would add to the 
 Bupply may be learned from the fact, that in February, 1867, 
 the level at the entrance of the aqueduct was 38*60, about as 
 high as the water level at the Church on the 13 th of March, 
 1869, when, if the feeder to Lachine Church was in use, the 
 head of water in the aqueduct would be about the same as it was 
 at the present entrance to the aqueduct in February, 1867, at 
 
r 
 
 19 
 
 which time, and with that height, the winter state of the 
 aqueduct only furnished water enougJi to enable the wheels to 
 pump about five millions of gallons daily. The head at the 
 wheel-house was drawn down two feet, and it was with great care 
 and management that the further drawing down of the head and 
 the ice was avoided. The city supply was kept up from the 
 pumping and by drawing from the reservoir in the day time, 
 while the water was turned off the city at night, pumping 
 into the reservoir made up the loss and kept it fairly filled. 
 If this was all that could be done in February, 1867, with 
 the same head as the feeder would give if constructed and 
 in use in March, 1869, I am at a loss to understand how 
 it can be expected that the feeder without a larger canal 
 would be able to d) more than was done with the same head, 
 or place the means of supplying the city in a more reli- 
 able position. This comparison camiot fail to convince us 
 that the additional head, with the small aqueduct, would not 
 effectually remedy the evils now suffered from short supply in 
 winter months, with the river at its present low level, which may 
 occur again. In further support of this conclusion I quote 
 
 THE engineer's OPINIONS. 
 
 Mr. Shanly's report says : — " It is plain that the present works, 
 even when not shorn of a portion of their intended usefulness by 
 an untoward winter condition of the river, are fast becoming 
 unequal to the growing needs of the city, and that the time is at 
 hand when measures will have to be adopted for providing a 
 much larger supply of water than they at best are able, or were 
 designed, to furnish. The construction of the ' feeder,' then, 
 would not in itself effect all that is needed." And Mr. Francis 
 says : — " When that time arrives, additional provision must of 
 course be made. To enable the works to furnish the recjuired 
 additional supply, either the present canal must be enlarged or 
 an additional canal be constructed, in order to furnish a sufficient 
 supply of water at the wheel-house to drive the pumps," &c. 
 Mr. Keefer says : — " The enlargement and extension can either 
 
 iff 
 
20 
 
 be carried on together, or either precede the other. If enlarge- 
 ment be decided on, it should not be delayed, but commenced at 
 once before the pumping power required to supply the city 
 in summer becomes so great as to compel you to maintain a high 
 level in the aqueduct while you are taking down the slopes." 
 
 The three engineers having admitted that additional size of canal 
 s necessary, and the sufferings of three winters having proved it 
 as further demonstrated by the particulars here given, it remains 
 to be determined whether the city will be best served by the 
 execution of works affording partial reUef, or by adopting such a 
 plan for future operations as will be lastmg and undoubted. 
 
 In commenting on the three projects, sufficient has been said 
 to lead to the conclusion that a choice lies between Project A, 
 extension and enlargement, as advised by Mr. Keefer, and 
 Project C, a large canal, as advocated by Messrs. Shanly and 
 Francis. The latter further says : — " Whether to enlarge the 
 present canal or construct a new one, must depend very much on 
 the cost of the works, and I would suggest that estimates be 
 made of their cost, together with the cost of temporarily supply- 
 ing the deficiencies of water to the city while the new works are 
 in progress." And Mr. Shanly, after hearing the views of Mr. 
 Francis and the explanations on Mr. Keefer's propositions, says : 
 — " I have no hesitation in recommending a new and large 
 aqueduct alongside of, but distinct from, the existing one, and 
 having its entrance at Fraser's Hill." If it should be deter- 
 mined to make a new and enlarged entrance from below Fraser's 
 Hill to the Rock-cut instead of the river feeder to the present 
 entrance, the next choice will rest between enlarging the present 
 canal or continuing the new one to the wheel-house. Wlien the 
 cost of enlarging has added to it the cost of supplying the city 
 during the progress of the work, and the advantages secured by 
 having a second canal are fully considered, the latter — a new 
 canal — will no doubt be considered the best and cheapest in 
 the end. To make this better understood the estimates of the 
 engineers of fhe water department are taken, and such additions 
 made to them as seem necessary to place before the pubUc the 
 fuU 
 
21 
 
 COST OP THE VARIOUS PROJECTS. 
 
 Project A. 
 
 River front canal, damages to land, fences, bridges and 
 drainage from entrance of aqueduct to the 
 
 Lachine Church 
 
 Enlarging the aqueduct to the Rock-cut 
 
 Do. the Rock-cut throughout - - - 
 Do. from the Rock-cut to the wheel-house 
 Dredges, scows, and other plant . . . 
 
 8400,000 
 146,077 
 445,709 
 226,410 
 
 68,200 
 
 $1,286,896 
 
 If the river front canal is extended only to Fraser's, to 
 compare with other projects terminating there, 
 deduct 250,000 
 
 Total cost of project A to Fraser's - - - - $1,036,396 
 (Coat of supplying the city with water while 
 enlargement was going on not included m this 
 estimate.) 
 
 Project B. 
 
 New entrance and canal from Fraser's to the Rock- 
 cut of the present aqueduct - - - $275,379 
 
 Enlarging the Rock-cut section of the present 
 
 aqueduct 445,709 
 
 Enlarging the aqueduct from the Rock-cue section 
 
 to the wheel-house 226,410 
 
 Dredges, scows, plant, &c. 68,200 
 
 Total cost of project B to Fraser's - - - -$1,015,698 
 (Not includmg cost of supplying the city with 
 water while the enlarged part is executing. 
 
 Project G. 
 
 New entrance and canal from Fraser's to the Rock- 
 cut section, including dredging (same as project 
 B) $275,379 
 
 New canal alongside of present Rock-cut - - 478,808 
 
 Do. from Rock-cut to wheel-house - - 285,714 
 
 Total cost of new canal from Fraser's - - - $1,039,901 
 (Nothing to add, as the city supply would not 
 be disturbed while new canal is making.) 
 
 It occurs too frequently, that under estimates are made of the 
 cost of public works for reasons that cannot be approved, and 
 under the impression, that if the whole truth was ?mown, it would 
 
 ... (. 
 
 
22 
 
 be difficult to secure a commencement of a desirable project. As 
 I have no object to serve, but a desire to benefit the city I am 
 pledged faithfully to represent, I feel it to be my duty candidly 
 to say, that I am convinced, the city will not be (luite safe from 
 water troubles in winter, and the means of providing for the 
 annually increasing consumption of water will not be secured, at 
 a cost of a less sum than one and a half millicn of dollars, including 
 reservoirs and the completion of pipe laying in the city, and that it 
 cannot be well and economically performed in less than six or seven 
 years, at an average annual outlay of $250,000. This would 
 swell the water works loan to four and a half millions of dollars. 
 The present water rates pay the interest and working expenses 
 of three millions. With this year's extension of pipes to streets 
 being rapidly built up, the annual increase of ■collections will 
 amount to the interest required to pay that accruing on the addi- 
 tional loan to the above named extent, obviating the necessity of 
 imjx)sing any special rate for that purpose. Therefore, I claim 
 that it is only just and proper that the people of Montreal, who 
 by their water payments 8upj)ort the works, should have the 
 means secured to them of obtaining a - reliable and permanent 
 supply. Further exposing them to annoyance and loss, as in the 
 past, is most unfair, and tends to impair the confidence of the 
 people in civic government. 
 
 RESERVOIRS 
 
 Should form a part of the first works to be secured. It cannot 
 be denied that so much valuable personal and real property 
 should not be at the mercy of mere accident, which might at any 
 time occur at the aqueduct, and deprive the city of a supply of 
 water through it. The present reservoir never can be so 
 extended as to alone serve the purpose : it may only be looked 
 upon as a receiving and regulating basin, with which there should 
 be connected, at a higher level further west, a large reserve of 
 water, and another further east just enough lower to be filled by 
 gravitation from the present reservoir. Mr. Keefer very pro- 
 perly says : " Whatever may be expended on reservoirs, value 
 win be received ; but every year reservoirs are postponed, the 
 cost of land will be enhanced," &c. 
 
 It will be admitted that any new debt incurred for water works 
 improvements should be applied to form part of what will be 
 
28 
 
 required by the future city of Montreal, and that this ia the 
 time to determine whether that shall be, a canal constructed by 
 crib-work in the river, enlarging the present canal, or an entirely 
 new one. 
 
 The information now communicated in reference to the expense 
 and difficulties of the two former, can hardly fail to convince an 
 unbiased reader that the latter — a new canal — possesses advan- 
 tages worthy of consideration, and is the work which should be 
 looked forward to as an unavoidable necessity to secure a 
 permanent and reliable water supply for this important city, dur- 
 ing low water in winter months. 
 
 I do not claim the right to dictate or unduly influence action 
 in any particular direction, yet I feel this paper would not be 
 complete without an indication of the direction in which I would 
 labour to accomplish what I believe necessary, and that would 
 be what is offered for 
 
 FINAL CONSIDERATION. 
 
 1st. Secure the adoption of the best plan for a future and 
 reliable supply of water, i. e., a new canal and kesekvoirs. 
 
 2nd. The section of the canal from the Rock-cut to the river 
 should be first made, and at once ; also, one at least of the new 
 large reservoirs should be finished for storing not less than 80 
 days' supply. 
 
 There is reason to beUeve, that notwithstanding the new 
 entrance, the size of the aijueduct below the Rock-cut will be 
 insufficient during low water, and for six or eight weeks of 
 mid-winter, to pass the quantity required to work the wheels and 
 pumps. At such times it would be much safer to use the steam 
 engine than to risk drawing down the ice by so heavy a consump- 
 tion of water as depending on the wheels, to give the supply, 
 would require. Furthermore, a reserve of thirty days' supply 
 might save the city from trouble during the delay which may 
 occur between completing the new entrance and continuing the 
 new canal to the Wheel-house. 
 
 3rd. The increasing demand for water is Ukely to require, 
 that as soon as the first section of the new canal and the first 
 large reservoir are completed, the second section of the canal 
 from the head of the Rock-cut to the wheel house f hould be com- 
 
24 
 
 moncofl, and the work continued until completed, within the six 
 or seven years, ere which time there is but Httle doubt the city 
 will re(|[uiro ten miUions of gallons daily, not much more than one 
 half of which (juantity can hi winter be supplied by th(! ]>resent 
 a(iueduct, even with the additional head proposed, and with the 
 water as low in the river as it has been during this and last 
 winter. 
 
 4th. The land should be secured at once for the new canal 
 and reservoirs named and calculated for as part of the whol 
 plan costing the one and a half million of dollars when finished ; 
 but the work upon one reservoir and the lower end of the new 
 canal need not be commenced till proof of approaching need is 
 visible. Much relief from the present water difficulties may be 
 obtained by the expenditure of a less suni now, by adding to it 
 from time to time as additions to the works may be necessary. 
 If however the present low winter level of water in the river 
 should continue, the work on the large a([ueduct may proceed till 
 completed. 
 
 ANOTHER VIEW OF THE CASE. 
 
 Other means of escaping from the difficulties of the water 
 (question have been fi-eely spoken of; and may be considered as 
 only postponing the expenditure of over one half of the cost of 
 the new canal throughout and the two new reservoirs. 
 
 In this connection it has been argued that, the new entrance 
 
 to the Rock-cut and one of the reservoirs, with another steam 
 engine, would answer every purpose for several years, and avoid 
 the loss of interest which would be involved by the expenditure 
 of the whole of the one and a half million dollars within the next 
 seven years. 
 
 It may be said in reference to such a proceeding, that what- 
 ever is expended on the new entrance and the reservoir may 
 fairly be considered as part of a reliable project for future comple- 
 tion, and good value for the cost as far as it goes. Putting up a 
 second engine should not be entertained hastily ; all other avail- 
 able means should be first exhausted. With the rapids of the 
 St. Lawrence at hand there should not be any further necessity 
 for steam power. 
 
 THE FUTURE OF THIS CITY. 
 
 It may not be saying too much for the City of Montreal, to 
 assume that ere long the extension of its limits will demand a 
 
!"S2!25Er?5rrTl! 
 
 
 groat additional water supply, and require the prompt execution 
 of such works as will give the (juantity. Such an event should 
 now he looked forward to, and the Council should he encouraged 
 to adopt an eidarged project which would afford ample moans to 
 meet the case when Hnished. 
 
 It may not fall to the lot of many of the present administrators 
 of civic affairs to live to see our fair city douhlo its jiopulation 
 and wealth in the next, as it has during the past fifteen years. 
 Yet there is not the least doubt such will be seen ; indeed more 
 may be realized if the proper direction onward is given to the 
 natural and artificial advantages enjoyed. Attention is now 
 being directed to the long needed improvements in the water and 
 rail connections between this city and the parts of the country 
 which are in more immediate connection with it ; the proper 
 development of which, and its resources, must serve to build up 
 this city more rapidly. 
 
 While legislative and municipal progress tends to a proper 
 provision for future greatness, there is every reason to beheve 
 that the City Council wiU not remain behind the age, by the 
 adoption of any merely partial remedy for the difficulties experi- 
 enced in the city water supply, which would only put off the evil 
 day ; but, on the contrary, it is confidently expected, that a 
 reliable and permanent means of relief will be adopted, which 
 may progress in sections as required, will be creditable to the 
 Council, and prove satisfactory to the citizens. 
 
 . t 
 
 MAP AND DRAWINGS. 
 
 The accompanying map of the aqueduct as it is, and the 
 proposed changes or new canal as copied from the plans of the 
 Water Department, are given for public information, without 
 assuming any responsibility in reference to the proposed position, 
 size, character or cost of the work. The details and location 
 should be a matter for the investigation and supervision of the 
 best and most rehable engineering skill the city can command. 
 
 The drawings of sections of the present aqueduct, will enable 
 readers to judge more clearly of the difficulties which have to be 
 met in consequence of the ice obstructions in such a small canal. 
 
 .,'*■■'. 
 
26 
 
 And the difliciilties of supplying the (luantity of water required 
 to drive the wheels and pumps through such a small water way 
 as that which is shewn to bo all that existed, on the dates the 
 test measurements were made by the Water Works engineers. 
 
 1 
 
 
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