Q. I send with this the engineer's report upon our water-works, not yet completed. All things considered, is there anything better than the lead pipes for tapping the mains? I understand that these only are allowed by the Water Board. Is experience against iron pipes?

A. Whether lead or iron service-pipes are better depends upon the chemical constituents of the water which is supplied. Wrought-iron pipes are liable to become corroded, particularly with soft waters. They are used for service-pipe in a great many towns, however, but lead-pipe is generally to be preferred for this purpose as less liable to leak from settlement.