Statement showing the number and kind of Water Fixtures contained within the premises of Water-takers in the City of Boston, to January 1, 1871, as compared with previous years.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE
EASTERN DIVISION.

BOSTON, May 1, 1871.

CHAS. H. ALLEN, ESQ.,

President of the Cochituate Water Board:

SIR,-I respectfully submit the following report.

The labor of extending the pipe in the newly adopted territories has been pushed as rapidly as circumstances admitted; the tables below show but a small amount compared to what might be expected from so favorable a season for work.

The delay in getting the appropriation, in the delivery of pipes by the contractors, added to the rocky nature of the soil, the irregularity in which the gas pipes are laid, the numbers of large culverts, and other similar obstructions, all have kept my operations to the limit of this report. I cannot but think, had inordinate hindrances been removed, that both the Roxbury and Dorchester districts would to-day be well supplied with water.

The tables below show that there has been laid, of main pipe of all sizes, in length 129,040 feet, equal to 24 and nearly miles, and of service pipes 70,318 feet, equal to 13 miles.

Included in the length of main pipe given, is 27,488 feet laid by contract, to Deer Island.

Since the commencement of this season, however (which is the closing of our year's work), we have been more successful; having laid in the space of a little over 7 weeks, 33,413 feet, equal to about 6 miles, a portion of which was 20 and 24-inch pipes.

These large sizes are all now laid, 12-inch pipes being the largest required for the present year.

The 20-inch main from Upham's Corner, in Dorchester, to the South Boston reservoir, is laid to the point of connection on Telegraph Hill; this connection will be made in a few days.

A 16-inch main has been laid through a portion of Charles street, connecting with the 40-inch main at the foot of the Common, and to connect with the 12-inch main on Cambridge street. This will give a more direct communication with the low service in that locality, and a better supply. A 30-inch gate has been established on Hancock street, near Derne street, for the same purpose. A line of 12-inch pipes has been laid on the Common, from the 40-inch main to the Frog pond, to supply the fountain from the low service.

The plan suggested last season of supplying the high part of Beacon Hill by the pumping engines of Roxbury, I am pleased to say, has succeeded admirably. The water was let on to the fountain on the Common on the 4th of June, in presence of the Board, the City Government, and numerous spectators, and forced a jet in height beyond all expectations. The increased pressure on the pipes, however (the gates that give the opening to that section being shut), opened what was evidently an old crack in the 30-inch main, on Joy street; consequently the high service was not in use until Monday the 6th inst. The pipes of this district, and of the line to the engines, old as they are, made and laid with no expectation of their being used for other than the first pressure, have stood remarkably well. Two large gates of the original pattern burst during the season, and a few minor leaks have occurred; with these exceptions, the water has flowed to the tops of the highest dwellings, and, as far as I have learned, has given general satisfaction.

For particulars of the working of the pumping engines I refer you to the City Engineer's report.