WELLS ON FOWLNESS ISLAND.
119
The Use of the Tubs at this place is to keep the well front Foundering in,
Our Ground a Gravel that is apt to do so therefore the Use of the Tubs for
preventing of the said Foundering must be left to the direction of the Master
Workman. I am
Sr :
Your most humble Servant,
Portsmo Dock R. J. Mairly.
15th Aprl 1725
The signature is somewhat doubtful, but the rest is very
clearly written, otherwise the term "dry" well might have been
taken as a misreading of "dug" (in distinction from bored).
The marginal illustration shows the radial placing of the bricks,
and there are subjoined plans and sections (not geological) of the
wells in Portsmouth Dockyard, 37 and 44 feet respectfully in
depth, showing (at the bottom) a "tub" of 2-inch plank, 14 feet
deep ; a sheet of puddled clay, 18 inches thick, 10 inches from
the inner face of the tub (? why); and 14-inch brickwork lining,