Chap. VI.

FRANCK.

285

ELEVATION.

Fig. 297.

SECTION.

BRIDGE ON TUB CfiOU.

Fig. 298.

BRIDGE ON THE CROU.

Supply of water . Aqueduct of Arcueil , near Paris ; this ancient work was repaired in1G13, by Jacques de Mosse, at the command of Mary de Medicis, Queen of Henry IV. ,who required a better supply of water at the Luxembourg , which was collected fromthe neighbouring plains, and conducted by the aqueduct to the palace. Its length isnearly 1250 feet, and its breadth 11 feet 9 inches: it is strengthened at distances of 40feet by buttresses, between which are nine arches, each 25 feet 7 inches span; the greatestheight is 72 feet, and the whole construction, which is of squared stone, is most admi-rable.

The fountains which embellish the gardens and public squares at Paris require a greatsupply of water, and have always been distinguished for their taste; those of modern Italy can alone compare with them. The palaces of St. Cloud , Luxembourg , Palais lloyal,Tuilleries, volumes of water are consumed for ornamental purposes, and serve to cool theatmosphere, and render it refreshing during the warm seasons, and at all times contribute tothe beauty of the scene around: what in London is distributed for domestic comfort, is inFrance exhibited in artificial display.

The Cite d’Orleans, in the Rue St. Lazare, the writer constructed, and supplied fromthe Canal l’Ourq with water, laying on the same to the several houses in the mannerpractised in London , introducing at the same time other luxuries not then common inParis . These, however, could not be rendered so efficient as in London , from the wantof the public sewers. Generally, at that time, the houses were supplied by the water-carriers, who sought for it at the public fountains.

Aqueduct of Maintenon . This immense work was undertaken 1684, and abandoned in1688. The levels and calculations were made by Lahire, and the project itself is Vauban ’s,who directed the construction ; had it been finished, it would have surpassed in grandeurand magnificence all ancient or modern erections of the same kind.