and at the same time hiding another in the folds of her robe, whilst she offers the cool delicious draught to allay the thirst of two others.

The figures and emblems which adorn several of the fountains are strikingly appropriate to their respective situations. That erected at the Military Hospital of Gros Caillou consists of eight pilasters, with a Doric entablature forming a square. Vases entwined by the Esculapian serpent are placed between the pilasters; and the principal front has a statue of Hygeia offering a refreshing and exhilarating draught to a soldier, apparently fatigued by the toils of a combat. The figure of the latter is generally admired for its skilful workmanship.

The fountain on the esplanade of the Hospital of Invalids is a large structure. It consists of a tier of three circular and concentric basins of large dimensions, but so placed one above another, that four lions convey a stream of water into the uppermost, whence it gently flows into the other basins below.

The design of the fountain of Dessaix is wholly different from any of the others. It has the form of a column, and France is represented as placing a crown of laurel on the head of the distinguished hero. The scenes of his victories and witnesses of his exploits-the rivers Po and Nile, are also displayed with their appropriate attributes. A basso-relievo surrounds it, containing two figures of Fame, inscribing, "Thebes, the Pyramids, Kehl, and Marengo." The front of the pedestal has the word Dessaix in golden letters, encircled with an oaken garland, and a splendid trophy adorns it behind. On the base are some appropriate inscriptions.

The fountain in the Place du Chatelet is formed of a large basin in which stands an Egyptian pillar, the lower part having the resemblance of a palm-tree, and the

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chapiter being composed of its branches, with several heads emblematic of the winds. At different heights the words Lodi, Pyramides, Marengo, Ulm, and Dantzick are inscribed; and at its base are four statues, representing Vigilance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Strength. A gilded statue of Victory with extended arms, holding a wreath in each hand, stands on its summit, and cornucopias support a tablet at its base, on which is the figure of an eagle surrounded by a wreath.

Another superb fountain is that of Grenelle, which has the length of ninety feet by a height of thirty-six. This edifice is adorned with pilasters; and in niches the four seasons are placed, with appropriate bas-reliefs underneath them. On a pedestal in the centre a figure represents the city of Paris; and a little lower, on each side, a river god and a water nymph personify the Seine and the Marne.

The school of Medicine has a fountain which resembles a grotto. It is formed by four Doric pillars, and from the roof the water descends like rain into a semicircular basin.

The fountain of Leda is composed of two pilasters, that are surmounted by a pediment, with a basso-relievo representing Leda on the banks of the Eurotas, and Jupiter under the figure of a swan, with the water flowing from his beak.

The fountain of St. Sulpice is a square edifice, ornamented with emblematical representations of Peace, Agriculture, Commerce, and the Arts, in basso-relievo.

During the reign of Napoleon, the design for a new fountain was formed, and its execution was even begun, but it has not hitherto been completed. This is a subject of regret, because the scheme united novelty with magnificence; and its accomplishment would have exhibited some particu

larly striking efforts in the arts employed for the purpose. The project consisted in forming and placing on an appropriate pedestal the figure of an elephant in bronze, seventy-two feet high, having a tower on his back, and the water was to flow from his trunk. Some conception may be formed of the stupendous dimensions of the animal figure, from one of the legs being adapted to contain the stairs leading to the tower on his back. The model for this ponderous structure was actually formed, and occupies a large shed contiguous to the place where it was intended to erect it, so that the public curiosity may be gratified by its exhibition. The situation chosen for placing it was near to the spot on which formerly stood that horrible state prison, and instrument of despotic caprice and cruelty-the Bastile.

CHAPTER XVI.

Scientific Knowledge, and Practical Skill essential for constructing Water-works. Statements and Suggestions of Professor Leslie. Effect of contraction in the Channel of a River, and circumstances relating to the motion of its Current. Velocity of the Rhone and the Thames. Resistance of Fluids similar to the friction of solid bodies. Greatest velocity of Rivers at the surface and middle of the Stream. Impulse of Water against a flat surface, and the piers of a Bridge. Comparative force of a Torrent upon blocks of Stone, Gravel, &c. Astonishing agency of Water under the guidance of human skill. Speculations concerning important objects to which it may be applied. Instruments for measuring the Velocity of Rivers. Crosley's Water-meters, and Brunton's for Liquids. Probable multiplication of Water-works, &c. Summary of facts relating to existing Establishments. Machinery employed in the operations at London, &c. Steam-engines, Valves, &c. Sources of Water at different places: Variations in the mode of supplying it, as well as quantities supplied. Reflections upon the advantages of modern Water-works.

It must be evident that scientific and practical knowledge of a peculiar kind is required, to construct works for supplying water to populous towns; and when it is procured from rivers, the velocity of their streams with other collateral circumstances, become the subjects of consideration and calculation. These have given rise to much speculation, as well as occasioned numerous experiments to be made by inquisitive and ingenious men; and the result of their investigations Professor Leslie has compressed into a compendious statement, which combines with it some of his own original ideas, and various interesting facts illustrative of the grand principles influencing several stupendous operations of nature. If