time required in taking them out and replacing them, causing great inconvenience to consumers from stoppage of water in the district where defective hydrants were located.

Destruction by Frost.---2. The frequent breakage in consequence of the frost heaving the boxes surrounding the hydrants, causing them to lift upon the nozzle of the hydrant where it projects through for attachment of hose, and either starting the joint or breaking the hydrant, thus causing leakage, and involving the necessity of digging up the hydrant.

Exposure to Frost.---3. The liability to freeze on account of the imperfect and faulty drip or waste-valves used, and from the circulation of cold air around the body of the hydrant, which could enter freely through the large opening for the nozzle.

Imperfect Waste Apparatus.---4. The excessive waste of water from waste-valves during the opening and closing of hydrants, and particularly while partially open, thus greatly increasing the liability of freezing in consequence of the saturation of the ground around the hydrant. Saturated ground cannot readily and quickly absorb the waste water remaining in the hydrants when the main valve is closed, but, on the contrary, prevents the rapid emptying of chamber so essential to avoid freezing.

Extra Protection in Winter.---5. The necessity, on account of above faults in principles of construction, of packing and covering hydrants in winter with manure, tanbark, straw, &c., as practiced in many cities, to lessen the liability of freezing.