“In the separate trials had of each pump, the average discharge per minute was taken of the whole process, and there was a singular uniformity throughout with equal piston speed of the engine.

“It was to be expected, and in a measure realized, that during the first moments of the operations, when the level of the water in the dock was above the center of the runner of the pumps, that the discharge would be proportioned to the work done, where no effort was necessary to maintain a free and full flow through the suction pipes; but as the level passed lower and farther away from the center there was no apparent diminution of the flow, and no noticeable addition to the load imposed on the engine.  The variation in piston speed, noted during the trial, was probably due to the variation of the boiler pressure, as it was difficult to preserve an equal pressure, as it rose in spite of great care, owing to the powerful draught and easy steaming qualities of the boilers.

“After the trial of the second pump had been completed the dock was again filled through the caisson, and as both pumps were to be tried, the water was admitted to a level with the 23d altar, containing 7,317,779 gallons, which was seven feet above the center of the pumps; this was in favor of the pumps for the reasons before stated.  In this case all the boilers were used.

“Everything moved most admirably, and the performance of these immense machines was almost startling.  By watching the water in the dock it could be seen to lower bodily, and so rapidly that it could be detected by the eye without reference to any fixed point.

“The well which communicates with the suction tunnel was open, and the water would rise and fall, full of rapid swirls and eddies, though far above the entrance of these tunnels.  Through the man hole in the discharge culvert the issuance from the pipes could be seen, and its volume was beyond conception.  It flowed rapidly through the culvert, and its outfall was a solid prism of water, the full size of the tunnel, projecting far into the river.

“During a pumping period of 55 minutes, the dock had been emptied from the twenty-third to two inches above the sixth altar, containing 6,210,698 gallons, an average throughout of 112,922 gallons per minute.  At one time, when the revolutions were increased to 160 per minute, the discharge was 137,797 gallons per minute.  This is almost a river, and is hardly conceivable.  After the pumps were stopped, on this occasion, tests were made with each in succession as to the power of the ejectors with which each is fitted to recharge the pumps.

“The valves in the discharge pipe were closed and steam admitted to the ejector, the pump being still and no water in the gauge glass on the pump casing, which must be full before the pumps will work.  The suction pipe of