achieved. The obstacles have disappeared. The hill has been levelled or pierced, the stream and the valley have been overleaped, the rock has been smitten ! Nature, yielding to human industry, perseverance and skill, no longer withholds the boon she had before denied us. A river, whose pure waters are gathered from the lakes of the mountain-range, arrested and diverted in its course, after pouring its tribute through a permanent and spacious archway, for more than forty miles, at length reaches our magnificent reservoirs, from 75 298 CELEBRAION OF THE whence it is conducted by subterranean conduits, extending one hundred and thirty ad- ditional miles, throughout the greatest portion of our city. The necessary additions, comparatively not large, are now in rapid progress, which will diffuse the salutary current through every remaining artery and vein of our metropolis, exciting new and healthful pulsations in her system, and spreading comfort, activity, and vigor throughout her en- tire frame. Of the valuable consequences which will be derived from this work, some may not be developed until after successive years. The little experience already had, points to many useful results that were not foreseen. Among its immediate and palpable benefits, are its influences on domestic convenience and comfort — the promotion of sobriety and personal cleanliness — the purification of our streets — the consequent increase of public health — the facilities it will extend to mechanical and manufacturing industry — the vast increase of steam-power among us, to be employed in the arts — the supply to our mari- ners of a necessary element, which will remain comparatively unaffected by change of climate, and pre-eminently, the security it will afford against the dangers of conflagration. Each neighborhood, uniting its inhabitants for purposes of mutual safety, may promptly arrest the ravages of fire in its early stages ; and if such associations be numerously form- ed, extensive fires need but rarely occur. Large as we may deem the expense of this vast structure, we cannot but consider it as cheaply purchased, when we reflect that the calamity of a night, occurring when we were without the protection now afforded, in- volved a destruction of property of twice this cost. The history, Mr. President, which you have this day given, of the rise and progress of this undertaking, forms a just tribute to numerous citizens, who assisted in its origin and consummation. It is a characteristic of this work, that the credit attached to it, be- longs pre-eminently to no individual, but is diffused, though in unequal degree, through- out an extensive circle. Fortunately, the field of commendation is so large, that each may reap his deserved harvest, without infringing the rights of his neighbor. Our thanks and remembrances are due to ALL, whose exertions in the Legislature of the State — in our municipal councils — in the various commissions of exploration, of survey, of estimate, superintendence and construction, contributed to the great achievement. Nor can I pass over the munificence and public spirit which have been displayed by the whole body of our fellow-citizens. An overpowering popular vote sanctioned the undertaking, approved of the ways and means, and ordered its commencement. Although some few believed that caution, and even prudence, demanded a postponement of the effort, yet once resolved upon, all cheerfully yielded their acquiescence and co-operation. Amid -the unparalleled difficulties and discouragements which have marked the times, since it was begun, no hesitation has impeded its progress ; but its march has been onward, steadily, persevering- ly, successfully, to its completion. CROTON AdUEDUCT. 399 Sensible of the honor conferred by the constituted authorities of the city, in commit- ting to us the trust confided to our hands, it will be the effort of myself and colleagues to employ every power given to us, for the protection and advancement of the great work now in our charge. Long may that work endure to illustrate the wisdom of its founders — a monument of the enterprise and perseverance of our people — and the source of health, safety, and happiness for successive ages The ladies and gentlemen of the Sacred Music Society then took their stations on the platform, and sang the following ode, printed copies of which had been liberally distributed at the expense of the Corporation during the day : THE CROTON ODE. Written at the request of the Corporation of the City of New York, by GEORGE P. MORRIS, and sung in front of the Park Fountain, by the Members of the New York Sacred Music Society, on the completion of the Croton Aqueduct. CELEBRATED OCTOBER XIV, MDCCCXLII. Gushing from this living fountain, Music pours a falling strain, As the Goddess of the Mountain Comes with all her sparkling train. From her grotto-springs advancing, Glittering in her feathery spray, Woodland