M. (2)
As practical answers to the inquiries of Stylites on this subject, I have to say, that common wells are preferable to artesian in all cases where abundance of water is obtained at a depth not exceeding thirty feet. I need not tell Stylites that the common sucking-pump will not draw up water from a depth exceeding thirty feet. The convenience of common wells is one reason why artesian ones are not universally adopted; and a greater reason is that artesian wells are very much more expensive to make than common ones. When artesian wells are preferable to common ones is, when water cannot be obtained at a depth beyond the reach of the force-pump. Two of my friends have made artesian wells; one a mill-spinner at Dundee, at a time when that town was very ill supplied with water. He sunk a well 150 feet in depth and found no water. A bore was then made through trap rock for upwards of 150 feet, and water was found in abundance on reaching the underlying sandstone. The water ultimately reached near to the top of the well. The other well was made by a bleacher in the neighbourhood of Lisburn in Ireland. All the surface springs in his bleaching-grounds, which are extensive, did not supply a sufficient quantity for his purposes. The subsoil being boulder clay, he had to bore through it to about 300 feet before the water was met with; when it rose as near the top of the bore as to permit the use of a common pump being worked by power. The theory of the action of artesian wells has been explained by Mr. Buckton (Vol. ix., p. 283.), but I have no hesitation in telling Stylites that he will find water almost anywhere in this country by means of an artesian bore.
Henry Stephens.
DOG-WHIPPERS.
(Vol. ix., p. 349.)
The following Notes may contain information for your correspondent C. F. W. on the subject of dog-whippers.
Richard Dovey, of Farmcote in Shropshire, in the year 1659, charged certain cottages with the payment of eight shillings to some poor man of the parish of Claverley, who should undertake to awaken sleepers, and whip dogs from the church during divine service. Ten shillings and sixpence per annum is now paid for the above service.
John Rudge by his will, dated in 1725, gave five shillings a quarter to a poor man to go about the parish church of Trysull, in Staffordshire, during sermon, to keep people awake, and keep dogs out of the church. This sum is still paid for that purpose.
At Chislet, in Kent, is a piece of land called "Dog-whipper's Marsh," about two acres, out of