VANISHING STREAMS ?
Almost every parish in Southern England is suffering in some point from a drought that begins to surpass all the records ; but probably the most spectacular results are to be found on the slope of the Chilterns. One particular well—in the neighbourhood of Luton—fell over twelve feet within twenty-four hours during last week. On higher chalk com- mons in the neighbourhood some of the wells gave out in the early part of July. Only once—and that many years ago— did I ever hear of such sudden and complete falls in water- level as during this August along the eastern side of Bedford- shire. Locally it is complained that the water has been drawn away by works undertaken further south for the supply of water to London ; and it is prophesied that streams will vanish, as they have vanished in the past.
W. BEACH THOMAS.
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