Kislinski v. Gilboy

19 Pa. Super. 453 | Pa. Super. Ct. | 1902

Opinion by

Rice, P. J.,

A commonly accepted definition of a water course is a “ stream of water usually flowing in a definite channel having a bed and sides, or banks, and discharging itself into some other stream . or body of water: ” 28 Am. & Eng. Ency. of Law (1st ed.), 944. Mere drainage over the general surface of land is very different from the flow of a stream or brook across the premises of another. In general the channel and banks formed by the flowing of the water must present to the eye on a casual glance, the unmistakable evidence of the frequent action of running water (Gould on Waters [2d ed.], sec. 264) ; but the water need not flow continually, and there are many water courses which are sometimes dry. “ There is, however, a distinction to be taken in law between a regular flowing stream of water, which at certain seasons is dried up, and those occasional bursts of water, which, in times of freshet, or melting of ice and snow descend from the hills and inundate the country:” Angelí on Water Courses (7th ed.), sec'. 4. The question arising upon the evidence in this case was whether the locus in quo was of the former or the latter character. Whether a natural water course or not, is a mixed question of law and fact, and where the essential facts are in dispute, they must be decided by the jury under proper instructions by the court as to the law. The trial judge stated the law in plain terms, and quite as favorably to the defendant as he had a right to ask. The jury having determined the case' against him, all that we are required to do is to ascertain whether there was any evidence, more than a scintilla, to sustain the plaintiff’s contention as to the character of the stream which the defendant obstructed. We have carefully examined the evidence with that in view, and without reciting it or attempting to prove that the verdict was right, our conclusion is that there was sufficient evidence to warrant the submission of the question to the jury. The manner in which it was submitted is not, and could not be, complained of by the defendant.

Judgment affirmed.