99 Mass. 488 | Mass. | 1868
There is nothing in the facts found and reported in the first suit, which, in the opinion of the court, can change the rule governing the rights of the parties, which was applied in Brace v. Yale, 10 Allen, 441, and Same v. Same, 97 Mass. 18.
The right of the plaintiff, acquired by prescription, as founded upon the facts agreed in Brace v. Yale, 10 Allen, 441, was a right to retain the water in the reservoir, and let it down in such quantities and at such times as he chose, for the purpose of working his mill. Although the defendant might derive some advantage from it as it passed his mill, he had no right to interfere with the time or manner of letting it down. He had no property or right in the reservoir, and could not lawfully obstruct or delay the passage of the water which came from it. But it was found in the action at law, and is again found, that the defendant’s dam in its present condition constitutes such an unlawful obstruction. It delays the passage of the water by the time which is required to fill the defendant’s pond; and by its leaky condition it allows the water to run to waste when the plaintiff’s mill is not in operation, so as to necessitate a repeated filling from day to day. This invasion of the plaintiff’s right is found to exist to the prejudice of the plaintiff’s unquestioned use of his mill, and without reference to the alterations and improvements which he has made.
In Brace v. Yale, 97 Mass. 18, it was decided that the rights which the plaintiff had before the alterations in his dam are not affected by them; and that the defendant was answerable in an action at law for holding back or letting down water contrary-to the rights established by prescription. The remedy in equity must depend upon the same principles. The plaintiff is therefore entitled to the relief which he seeks.
Decree for the plaintiff accordingly, with costs.
In the other suit the question is raised whether the fact that the defendant, by raising and tightening his dam, and putting
Bill dismissed, with costs.