a of our repairs required by the machinery at any || great disadvantages I labor under in making while a portion of theirs will be by Canal: of the establishments are made, --and all up an opinion, even satisfactory to myself, What a vast field is here presented to our this work is furnished at short notice, and much less such an one as will be of much enterprising merchants ! for it is not only according to a proper scale of prices esta utility or benefit to the Council. the trade of the rich and fertile country borblished by the Directors, being such as In regard to the first part of your order, dering on the Susquehanna, she has by this shall afford a reasonable and fair profit only respecting the relative position of the Road Road opened to her,-although that is a to the concern. to the Pennsylvania public improvements, 1 prize worth contending for,—when we conThis establishment, of which Major have been able, as the map accompanyingsider the vast body of rich flats on the SusWhistler now has the chief direction, under will show, to furnish the information desired. quehanna, when its various branches pass its wise regulations is of vast importance I have also submitted a table from No. 1 to 8, the Genesee country, and the ease with to all the factories at Lowell. Another showing the distances of the different routes which the produce of the Genesee River department has lately been added, viz. for contemplated, both by Railroad and Canal, can be brought to the navigable part of the building locomotive engines, cars for pas. | from the Maryland waters to the Ohio River; || Canestoe, it will appear, as a writer says, sengers and merchandise, and for doing the also the distance from Philadelphia by the treating of the country, " that the quantity repairs on the same. Pennsylvania routes to the Ohio River. of Hemp alone which may be collected at First rate locomotives have already been built here, superior, as I am assured from You will at once perceive, by casting your Tioga or Painted Post, will be incalculable.” Ivan The flats on the Genesee and Canoscrago good authority, to any which can be im-leye over the map by the very great ported from England. Several tenders and tages that accrue to Baltimore by the Sus-creeks alone,cannot be estimated at less than cars have also been built, and if any repairs quehanna Railroad, independent of those eightly miles in length, and two in breadth, that will necessarily follow by a connection forming a body of land of about eighty thouare required on engines, tenders or cars, with the Pennsylvania works of Internal Im- sand acres, and every acre about eighteen they are run directly into the shop, where each and every part of the same can be provements already completed. Although feet deep of black mould, where one hundred easily inspected, and all desects or injuries not embraced in your order, I may be per- bushels of corn has been raised to the acre are detected and repaired; and all these mitted to call your attention to the fact, that from time immemorial. this Road is destined, ere long, to open as things are accomplished at reasonable But there is still a more valuable prize prices. The Railroad stands in the same rich a harvest to the enterprising people of open to Baltimore by this Road. Those relation to the machine shop that the fac-| Baltimore, as that contemplated by a con- who have not made it their business to intories do. The Railroad corporation basknection with the Pennsylvania works, for form themselves of the advantages of this all the advantages of this excellent esta- besides the improved communication which route to the far west, can have no concepblishment without the risk, expense, outlay Pennsylvania has formed directly with the tion of the rich harvest that is opening to of capital, or trouble, which wouli attend west, she has opened other channels along them. Let the eye for a moment trace on the setting up of a machine shop for the the Susquehanna Valley, which, by no very the map a wide and extended country emaccommodation of the Railroad only. I extensive prolongation, will form for her, bracing whole States and territories, and consider this machine shop as adding seve-connections with the Erie Canal, and through those filling up with a rapidity unparalleled, ral per cent. to the value of the capital, it with the great northern lakes. From Wil composed, as that population is, too, of the stock of this Railroad: liamsport, which is on the west branch of hardy and enterprising yeomanry This stock yields at the beginning about the Susquehanna, and on the line of her country; washed, as this fertile country is, eight per cent. per annum. The capital State improvements to Elmira or News by the mighty inland seas, Lakes Superior, is fifteen hundred thousand dollars, which Town, in the State of New-York, the coun-Huron, Michigan and Erie. Illinois is also is fully adequate for completing the Rail-try has been surveyed by Major Bache, Uni- awakening to her best interest, by opening road with the second track, and procuring ted States Topographical Engineer, who, in a communication, either by Canal or Railall necessary engines," tenders, cars, fix- his report made to Congress, states that a road, from the head of navigation of the Illitures, &c., and the income must certainly Railroad from Williamsport to Elmira, may nois liver to Lake Michigan, Congress increase . I think it more certain than be executed without having to contend with having granted every alternate section of the Bank Stock. It is owned mostly by sa ga- any very extraordinary difficulties, or those land on the line of the contemplated improvecious capitalists . Those who are most requiring expenditures beyond other works ment for that purpose. Nature, indeed, has familiar with the history of the road, its of the same description. Elmira is at the nearly herself completed the work, for one location, its mode of construction, its capa- head of the Chemung Canal, through which of the head streams of the Illinois rises withbilities and prospects of income, have be- it has a communication with Seneca Lake, in ten miles of Lake Michigan, and boats of coune owners of large quantities of the stock. which is connected by a short Canal (20 five tons burthen have already, at certain seaI see no reason why the result of this en-| miles) with the Eric Canal. The same sons of the year, passed through it to the lake. terprise should not be equal to that of the authority goes on to state, that it is in con- This river falls into the Mississippi at the Liverpool and Manchester Railroad." templation to connect the Internal Improve- town of Alton, and passes through the largest ments of New-York and Pennsylvania, by body of rich land of equal extent in the known uniting the Pnnsylvania Canal, at Will world, and I think the prediction not extravaREPORT OF THE CITY DIRECTOR OF liamsport , with the Chemung Canal at Elmi- gant that the Illinois will bear upon its bosom, BALTIMORE AND SUSQUEHANNA RAIL- When this takes place, a choice of one day, fully as large an amount of the vaTo the President of the First Branch markets will at once be open to the products/luable products of the rich valley of the Misof the City Council of Baltimore: of this wide extended and fertile district of sissippi, as the noble and beautiful river that Sir-In compliance with an order of the country: Baltimore will then be placed in gives naine to one of the States of this hapFirst Branch in the following words, this re a situation to compete with her powerful py Union, the Ohio. It also opens to us a port is respectfully submitted. neighbors, New-York and Philadelphia, for direct communication, by Railroad, and CaOrdered, that the Director on the part the immense trade that must necesrarily nal, and steamboats, with New-Orleans. If of the city in the Baltimore and Susquehanna flow through this channel. Baltimore is only true to herself, a large porRailroad Company report to this Branch, Although New-York can boast of hertion of the trade of this extensive country the relative position of that Road to the more ready access, at al seasons of the year, may be made to flow into her bosom ; for public improvement, in the State of Penn- | to the ocean than Baltimore, yet she would you will observe that the natural channel for sylvania, and what advantage, if any, the have to contend with a difference of distance it to take is through the lakes ; and the Falls position of said Road occupies in relation to of one hundred and ten miles in favor of of Niagara offering insurmountable obstathe western waters, by reason of its con- Baltimore, and should the Railroad reach cles to its further progress by the lakes, it is nection with the Pennsylvania works and the point contemplated on the Susquehanna, compelled to seek the Erie Canal, and then any other projected communication with the it will be a difference of about thirty miles the competition to secure it must he between in favor of Baltimore over Philadelphia. In New-York, Philadelphia, and Baltimcre. From my recent connection with the addition to that, we afford a whole line of That we may put in a claim for a large por* Road, it will be readily perceived, the very Railroad from Harrisburg to Baltimore, tica of it has before been fully shown, arising THE ra. ROAD COMPANY. western waters. a a No. 21. from the advantages of our local relations to P. S. The Susquehanna Railroad, if no No. 5. this country, compared with those of the two thing turns up to prevent, will be open for Philadelphia to Columbia, Railother cities mentioned. travel to York in the course of twelve way, 81,75 What a field is here opened to Baltimore, months. Columbia to Hollidaysburgh, Cawhat a stimulant to arouse her to exertion, nal, 171,75 to know that she is placed in a situation to Route to the Ohio River. Hollidaysburgh to Johnstown, enable her to contend, and that successfully No. 1. 36,75 Miles. Johnstown to Pittsburg, Canal, 104,00 too, with her proud rival, New-York, for this valueble trade. Baltimore to Harpcr's Ferry, Rail- 80,500 Total distance from Philadelphia 394,24 125,000 tages of the main line of Internal Improve-Cumberland to Youghagenny Ri No. 6. ments in Pennsylvania, resulting to Phila- ver, Railroad, 63,700 Georgetown to Harper's Ferry, delphia, must, in a greater degree, operate in Youghagenny River to Browns Canal, 61,06 favor of Baltimore, so that for all the pur- ville, Railroad, 48,300 Harper's Ferry to Cumberland, poses of intercourse with the west, Balti- Brownsville to Wheeling, Rail Canal, 125,00 more is more favorably located than either of road, 70,250 Cumberland to Youghagenny run, her rival sisters, Philadelphia and New Rajlroad, 63,80 York ; and what is still better, all those ad-'Total distance from Baltimore to Youghagenny run to Brownsville, vantages are comparatively of small cost to Wheeling, Railroad, 387,750 Canal, 70,25 us, and such is our connection with the improvements of Pennsylvania and New-York, No. 2. Total distance from Georgetown that it will be impossible for them to make Baltimore to Brownsville, Rail to Wheeling, 368,25 any improvements affording greater facilities road, as above, 317,50 for either of their commercial emporiums to Brownsville to Pittsburg, 50,00 No. 7. the west, without Baltimore having the full Georgetown to Brownsville, as advantage of them, and that, too, without the Total distance from Baltimore to above, 298,00 expenditure of a single additional dollar. Pittsburg, 367,50 Brownsville to Pittsburg, RailThe Susquehanna Railroad Company have road, 50,00 already funds in hand sufficient to complete the Road to its destined point. Baltimore to Harper's Ferry, Rail Total distance from Georgetown road, 348,00 placing us on an equal footing with Phila- Harper's Ferry to Cumberland, Railroad, delphia and New-York, it would not be bet 125,00 No. 8. ter for us to husband up our resources, to Cumberland to Youghagenny Ri Richmond to Covington, Canal exert all our energies in supplying our mar ver, by Railroad, with a grade and Railroad, 212,00 ket with an assortment of merchandise equal across the mountains, not ex Covington to Ohio River, at to our two rivals in trade, and to be able to ceeding 50 feet to the mile, 76,70 mouth of Kenhawa, 218,00 offer the same indulgence to our customers; Youghagenny River to Brownsfor unless you can offer the same induce ville, 48,30 Total distance from Richmond to ments to merchants from the west and south Brownsville to Wheeling, 70,25 Ohio River, to make their selections of you, it will be in vain; all your attempts to secure their cus 400,75 In the following Report we have only tom, though you offer them a road to the west through every averine of your city, for selected such items of repair as occur in they will only use them for travel and for the Baltimore to Brownsville, as above 330,50 positions worthy of note. The repairs in conveying of merchandise purchased in oth- Brownsville to Pittsburg, er cities. And indeed, who is there ? mong Docking, to protect the banks from wash. us that has not witnessed with regret the 380,00 Removal of deposits and deepening the large amount annually of merchandise ing through our city, belonging to men too No. 3. bed of the Canal. who first gave us their preference, but find. Baltimore to York, Railroad, 57,00 Removing slides, and protecting slopes ing the assortment incomplete, went to the York to Columbia, do. 12,00 in deep cuts. north, made their purchases, and sent their Columbia to Holidaysburgh, Ca Gravelling and raising tow paths. goods back by your own doors to the west. 171,75 Substituting stone for wood in locks, &c. Will this course of things not continue Holidaysburgh to Johnstown Perteven if you should make fifty Railroads and age, Railroad, 36,75 | ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CANAL COMMIS 104,00 SIONERS, TO THE LEGISLATURE OF THE Canals to the west, unless you offer such Johnstown to Pittsburg, advantages as to make it an object with The Canal Commissioners, pursuant to them to stop with you? unless you do this, Total distance from Baltimore you may purchase their produce and New to Pittsburg, 331,50 chapter nine, title nine, article second, of York and Philadelphia will get the money, the first part of the Revised Statutes, reyou may buy, and they will sell, and I think No. 4. spectfully submit their it will require no very great stretch of rea- Baltimore to York, Railway, 57,00 ANNUAL REPORT. soning to show which will be the gainer or York to Middletown, do. 17,50 The navigation on the Canals was comloser by such a trade. No city, I believe, Middletown to Hollidaysburg, Ca menced on the fifteenth of April, and concould sustain itself long by buying alone. nal, 154,50tinued, with but little interruption, until the As you are furnished with a map and table Hollidaysburgh to Johnstown latter part of November. The last winter of distances by the different routes to the Portage, Railroad, 36,75 was uncommonly cold, and the frost rewest, I must leave it to the wisdom of the Johnstown to Pittsburg, Canal, 104,00 mained in the ground later in the spring Councils to decide the value of each, either, than usual, making the repairs to the Canals or all the contemplated works of Internai Total distance from Baltimore to difficult and expensive, compared with Improvement to the Ohio River. Pittsburg, 369,75 other seasons. The Canals, however, were S. BRADY. put in a condition to accommodate the great ic ell ic F le 430,00 No. 22 50,00 general are, pass. nal, STATE OF NEW-YORK. ERIE CANAL. and increasing business upon them, and so|| Much expense was incurred in clearing a better condition than it has been for sevecontinued until they were closed by ice.- ||out the bottom of this line of Canal, princi- || ral years past, though the superintendent enThe weather, in the month of November,|| pally on that part between the head of the tertains some fears that the winter and spring was mild and favorable for business, untii lock at Frankfort and the city of Utica, a may have an unfavorable influence on the after the twentieth, and the change was so distance of about nine miles. This being navigation of next season, and ihe expense sudden and unexpeeted as to prevent a great the east end of the long level, and no im- of repairs next spring. amount of property reaching its places of portant feeder nearer than Rome, it was The contractedchannel of the Canal from destination-tothe great injury of its owners, often depressed, when the lockages were Lockport to Pendleton, has for several years and forwarders, and of the loss to the State frequent, to the great inconvenience of navi | been insufficient to pass conveniently the of the toll upon it. Notwithstanding the gators. The removing of the deposites quantity of water necessary to supply the early and unlooked for closing of navigation, from the bottom, and in several places ex- Canal to the Seneca river. In order to force more business has been done, and a greater cavating below the original bottom, have through this channel the desired quantity of amount of toll has been received on the Ca- in a great measure removed this inconve- water, the dam at the mouth of the Tonenals than in any former year. nience. wanta creek has been maintained through The Commissioners will proceed to give The decayed state of the aqueduct at the season of navigation six feet above the a general statement of the principal repairs | Rochester perinitted a considerable quanti- bottom of the Canal. This has an injurithat have been made upon the Canals sincety of water to filtrate through the joints, |ous effect on the low lands adjoining the the time included in their last annual report. which had a tendency to hasten the decay stream. of the stone in the parapet walls and arches. The contemplated enlargement of the To obviate this, the trunk was lined with Canal should be commenced at this place, A new culvert has been constructed, toplank last spring, and it had the desired ef- at an early period, in order that an adequate discharge the water from the weigh-lock atfect. The unfavorable operation of last quantity of water may be sent forward Albany into the Hudson river; of stone laid winter and spring, on the stone in the aque- from Lake Erie, the country redeemed from in hydraulic cement, one hundred and fifty duct, produced a visible change; and so evils which have been mentioned, and the feet in length, seven feet wide at the bot-threatening was the aspect of one of the annual expenses for repairs diminished. tom, four and a half feet high, arched and arches, that it was deemed necessary to Repairs, other than those mentioned in covered with earth. The foot of the lock| raise a beni of timber under it, to render it this report, have been made upon this Canal, has been rebuilt and a culvert gate added, secure. This arch is on the west side of which, in the aggregate, amount to a large to facilitate the discharge of water. When the water course of the river, and the bent sum; but if stated singly, would appear of the water in the river was high, it set up to is secure from its floods. too trifling a character to find a place in an this lock and prevented its use. To reme- Measures have for some time been in a | annual report. Great expense was incurred dy this inconvenience, new irons to suspend state of preparation to rebuild the aqueduct, the last winter and spring, in removing obthe bed or cradle, on which boats rest, have and the work would have been put understructions from the bottom and sides of the been procured, made with screws to adjust|contract last spring, had it nou become ne-Canal; and it is believed that a better and the cradle to any desirable height. These cessary to suspend the proceedings, until less interrupted navigation was maintained irons, it is calculated, will answer for a the question of enlargement was decided. I the last than in any previous season. weigh-lock after the canal is enlarged; and The Cominissioners are aware that the fail. Pursuant to the act in relation to the Erie believed to be capable of sustaining a weight| ure of this important appendage to the Erie Canal, passed May 11, 1835, the Commisof one hundred and seventy tons. Canal, in the season of navigatior, mightsioners submit the following Report: From the head of the four locks above produce distressing consequences. This After the passage of this act, all proceedthe Cohoes Falls, and including the first lock event is not expected the coming seawest of the aqueduct at the Little Falls : son ; but it is thought that a proper regardings under the act to provide for the im During the past season the piers that sup- for an uninterrupted navigation would jus. provement of the Canals of this State, passport the trunk of the lower aqueduct||tify ihe expense of procuring inaterials for ed May 6th, 1834, were suspended, exacross the Mohawk river, have been secureda irunk of wood, in case the aqueduct should cept the payment of damages that had been from the action of the frost, and the running|fail. These materials are in a state of pre-appraised, and the construction of wasteice in the river, by enclosing them with paration, to be delivered in the spring; and weirs and races to carry water around locks. frames of timber, planked on the sides.-- | if the condition of ihe aqueduct ihen should A meeting of the Canal Board to take The work appears to have been done in a render it necessary, the timber will be tnto consideration the act entitled “ An act substantial manner, and the piers may be frained, the plank jointed, and every thing in relation to the Erie Canal,” was held at considered secure while the timber retains put in such a state of readiness as to occu- the Comptroller's office, Canal Room, on Dy but a short time in fitting it for use.- he 30th June last, and on the 3d day of On several of the short levels, and at if the event for which this preparation is July, it was resolved by that Roard, that the other places below the locks, the force with ||made should not happen, but little darnage Canal Commissioners proceed without dewhich the water is discharged from the locks would ensue, as the timber and plank could lay, to cause surveys and estimates to be has broken the walls, and displaced the be disposed of, or used elsewhere on the made of all the improvements contemplated stone which had been put on the face of the Canal. by saidact. Pursuant to said resolution,surbank as a protection. Timber on the top During the last season of navigation/veys and estimates were made of the entire of the wall at some places, and docking at|three breaches have occurred on this section line of the Erie Canal, which were submitted others, is found to be a good repair, and of Canal. They caused but little interrup-to the Canal Board, at an adjourned meetbetter than a wall of the ordinary description, and were repaired for $263 21. ing held for that purpose, on the 20th day tion. For this purpose, 307 rods of Canal The line from Lockport to Pendleton has, of October; at this meeting, the question have been secured in the manner described. (as usual, required heavy expenditures.—-|| as to the dimensions to which the Canal and On this section there have been erected During last winter 8,293 cubic yards of locks should be enlarged, was passed upon ; 29 new bridges ; several have been repair-earih were excavated preparatory to the some further surveys ordered, and an aded and the covering renewed. The almost reception of tiiber and plank, az a founda-journed meeting was directed to be held on constant use of the paddle gates, renders | tion for a heavy wall to sustain the lateral the 23d day of November. After this last this an expensive item in repairs, and last pressure of the bank. For this purpose meeting, it was too late in the season to spring, 42 paddle gates and 10 culvert gates there has been used 8,316 feet of timber, commence the surveys with reference to lowere put in the locks. and 33,264 feet of plank. Stone wall tocation for locks. The proceedings of the One breach has occurred on this section the amount of 6,720 cubic yards has been Canal Board will be detailed in a report to of the Canal in the last season. It inter-/ laid on this foundation, and as a guard be made by that Board, accompanied by the rupted the navigation about ten hours, and against the action of the frost on the wall,| report and estimates of the engineers apwas repaired at an expense of about $200.1,642 cubic yards of gravel was placed be- || pointed to make the surveys. From the head of the locks at Little-Falls hind it. The plan of a new aqueduct at Rochester This part of the canal is reported to be inll was so intimately connected with the ques its strength. a 10 New-London: tion of enlargement that its re-construction || portant, in reference to improvements which|| sometimes occurs, for causes which canno There have been instances where conof enlargement decided. The importance veys in reference to this object. tractors have failed in paying laborers in of this work, and its decảyed state, rendered So far as the surveys made last season their employ. A great portion of the lait proper that there should be no unnecessa- have developed the practicability of enlarg- borers on our public works are foreigners, ry delay. A new location for the aqueducting the Canal and executing a permanent who are not aware of the protection afforded has been decided upon by the Canal Board, work, without materially interrupting the them by the laws of our country. They and sealed proposals have been received for navigation, nothing has appeared insur-are generally poor and destitute, relying on? its construction, and also for culverts and mountable, or more difficult than a cursory their wages for their daily subsistence of excavation in the bed of the river, and exca-examination of the subject had indicated.- themselves and families. The laborer, in vation and embankments at each end of the It is, however, a difficult, and in some re-| all situations, is “ worthy of his hire," and aqueduct. No contract has yet been en-spects, a fearful undertaking. The inter- to withhold it under such circumstances, is tered into for the construction of the aque- Terence with private property, the immense exceedingly cruel and unjust. duct: the other work is under contract, expenditure, and the circumstances under In undertaking the extensive improveand it is expected that a contract will soon which the work must be executed, will im-ments on the Erie Canal, it may be deemed be entered into with some of the persons pose greater responsibilities, and require expedient to incorporate a provision in the proposing for the construction of the aque- more mental and bodily exertions, than in contracts, giving the Commissioners some duct. the construction of an entire new work.control over this matter. The reasons for changing the location of Experience has so far simplified and sys The failure of contractors to pay their the aqueduct will be detailed in the report tematised the course of proceedings in the men, aside from its gross injustice, has a of the Canal Board, and the report of the construction of new Canals, as to render | very unfavorable effect on the progress of engineers before referred to. the duty comparatively easy. the work, and enhances its cost. It allects The Commissioners intend that the sur- To plan and arrange the execution of the the character of the work, and the interest veys shall be comienced as early in the work appertaining to the enlargement of the of all the contractors. These laborers canspring as the weather will permit; and as Canal and a new set of lift locks, so that the not readily ascertain the character and solfast as the location of the locks can be parts which may be done during the seasonvency of the contractors, and if one conmade, to put them under contract. This of navigation, and those which must be tractor fails in paying his men, it creates proceeding will be extended from Albany done in the winter, can be clearly delineated, a fear and suspicion, which atřects all.-to Syracuse. in order that a basis may be furnished for a The information passes from one friend to The two first locks west of Palmyra, two specific contract, will be no easy matter. another, it spreads beyond the borders of of the three locks at Lockville, and one at The economy of executing a public work the State, exerts a great influence in preLyons, are in such a dilapidated condition depends very much on the manner in which venting laborers from coming to a public as to render a reliance upon their use for the necessary arrangements are matured, work, where they are not honestly paid. any considerable length of time, very uncer- previous to the execution of the contracts, The prohibition of sub-contracting will tain ; and there can be no doubt as to the in order that all work may be put at specific do much to remedy this evil. propriety of substituting new ones. It is in- prices. CHAMPLAIN CANAL. tended to put these under contract as early Great pains should be taken to perfect Last summer the Saratoga dam was next season as the necessary examinations all the plans and locations; to point out the bracketed before the usual time for low wacan be completed, to be finished in the falldillerent kinds of work, and the circum-ter. The brackets were of plank, 17 inches of 1837 or 38, as the appearance of the old stances under which it must be done; to high: the pond readily filled, and the water locks next spring shall seem to render ne-enable the person offering for contracts to in it was at all times during the season of cessary propose specfiic and intelligent prices, and navigation, above top water line in the CaThe new locks on the line will be made to secure the navigation of the Canal from nal below the guard lock; but boats were on locations suitable for the enlarged Canal, the chance of interruption. Under such frequently aground on the bottom of the and constructed on the plan of the enlarged circumstances the person proposing is en-Canal below Johnson's bridge. This was locks. This rule will be adopted in refer- abled to fix proper prices, and can have no occasioned in part by bars formed in the ence to all new structures, as far forth as its reasonable excuse, if rom competition or Canal at narrow places, by the irregular application will be deemed beneficial to the any other cause, he is induced to enter into supply of water that could be passed through State. contracts for an inadequate compensation. the lock to feed the Canal when the lockages With a view to the improvement of the This often occurs, and is the source of un- were frequent, and by some parts of the CaErie Canal, the Commissioners have di- pleasant embarrassments in the execution nal in rock cutting, below the guard-lock vided the line into four sections ; to each of a public work, as well in regard to its not having been excavated to bottom. To of which they have assigned a chief engineer. | faithful performance as its progress. If the remedy this inconvenience, it is intended Section No. 1 commences at the city of plans and locations are not well matured, it during the winter, to remove the bars, excaAlbany and extends to the east end of the necessarily leads to alterations during the vate the bottom and sides of the Canal in the Rome summit, and.is assigned to John B. progress of the work, and generally imposes narrow and shallow places, and construct a Jervis: section No. 2 extends from the lat- on the contractor extra expenses, for which water-way to pass water round the lock to ter place to the west bounds of the village he should be fairly and fully indemnified.— feed the levels below it. of Jordan, and is assigned to Holmes For these expenses the contractor has no The discharge lock at Saratoga is founded Hutchinson : section No. 3 extends from prices, and generally no provision in his on quicksand. The water passed under the latter place to, and includes the feeder contract that indicates the rate of compensa- and along the sides of it twice last summer, from the Genesee river, and is assigned to tion. This state of things often excites the A part of the embankment was taken out and Frederick C. Mills: and section No. 4 ex- cupidity of a contractor, from an inordinate replaced with better materials ; but there tends from the latter place to the termina- desire for gain, or to cover losses under a have since been leaks discovered, and it is tion of the Canal at Buffalo, and is assigned bad contract, to claim an allowance unjust believed that the safety of the work requires to Nathan S. Roberts. and improper. Work, of the description that a thorough repair should be made beThe re-surveys, as has been before stated, which has been mentioned, is often done fore the opening of navigation. will commence on all these sections early under circuinstances which renders it diffi In a time of low water in the Hudson next spring, with the view of designating cult to ascertain the expense; and to liqui- river last summer, the water in the pond the exterior bounds of the Canal at as early date accounts of this kind is always very above the Fort-Miller dam, was lower than a period as may be consistent and practica- embarrassing. It is, however, proper to the top water line in the Canal. A set of ble. It is probable that in all the cities and remark, that notwithstanding all practical reverse gates were constructed in the feeder villages the line may be permanently located circumspection is exercised, the necessity south of the guard-lock, to retain the water in all the next season. This is deemed im- of altering plans and changing locations in the Canal to its proper elevation. Un a less the dam is raised, it will be necessary to stone masonry, from the present wall at the Champlain Canal, Fort Edward dam, and construct another set of gates, to use the head of the locks, about 210 feet, and make Glen's-Falls feeder. He has made the exfeeder for navigation at times of low water an embankment of earth, protected on the aminations required, and reported the result. in the river. outside by a slope wall about 700 feet in In his report in relation to the Glen's-Falls The sliding bank at Hinman's Point re-l length. If this was done, a waste-weir ne- feeder, he says, “ If the plan for improving quires protection. The bank is principally || cessary to regulate the water on this level, this work, suggested in the report of Holmes of clay, resting on slate rock, inclining might be built in the wall above the locks, Hutchinson, civil engineer, be adopted, towards the river, which washes the em- to discharge water into the bed of the creek. which, from the cursory examination I have bankment. Piles cannot be driven to atlord At the head of the Glen's Falls feeder, a been permitted to make, I would recommend, any security on account of the rock. It guard lock of hammered stone has been or in case the feeder is barely maintained for will therefore be necessary to place a pier of built on the north side of the old lock of the purposes of navigation, it is believed to wood at the foot of the embankment, firmlywood, that had become unfit for use. About be the superior economy to reconstruct the resting upon and securely bolted to the rock 350 yards of earth and 400 of rock are to present locks, as they decay, of hammered and filled with stone. be excavated, to complete the entrance at stone masonry, laid in hydraulic cement." Piles have been driven to secure the tow- the head and foot of the lock. This work The business upon this feeder is said to ing-path from sliding south of Stuart's. It is in progress and will shortly be finished. be inereasing ; and it is deemed important will be necessary to extend this work next A breach occurred in this feeder on the to a large section of country, that it should season. A new trunk is required for the 26th of July last, in the high embankment be continued in a navigable condition. To Fort-Edward aqueduct. above the village of Glen's Falls. It was do this, it is necessary that the work of reAn additional paddle-gate, three feet | repaired at the expense of about three hun-building the locks, should be commenced square, has been put in the Fort-Edward dred and fifty dollars. within a short time. lock, to facilitate the lockages; and a slide- The locks on the feeder are of wood; The Commissioners are of opinion that gate has been put in the sluice by the side there are thirteen, numbered from 8 to 20 the feeder should be improved upon the plan of the lock, to pass water from the feeder to inclusive. Seven have received repairs the generally, as recommended in the report of the level below it. The walls of this lock past season. Mr. Hutchinson, perhaps varying in some have moved inwards, and at some points are The navigation on the feeder is greatly of the details : but they submit the question but thirteen feet two inches apart. From delayed for want of sluices, or water-ways to the Legislature, and respectfully ask this, and the imperfect state of the masonry to pass water round the locks to feed the their direction as to the manner of its repair generally, it has become necessary to re- Canal. The water has to be passed through or improvement. build it before the commencement of navi- the locks, and cannot be drawn in sufficient (To be continued.) gation. quantities, when they are much used for The waste-weir at Smith's basin and the passing floats. Much inconvenience has RAILROADS IN WINTER.-It has been oftert one near Holmes', on the summit level of resulted from the contracted width of the urged as an objection against Railroads, Ibis Canal, have been rebuilt of permanent feeder at several places, particularly at the that they cannot be kept open in winter, in consequence of the obstruciions occasioned stone masonry. The bridges over them are village of Glen's-Falls, where the largest by great falls of snow. As if to furnish a formed of large fat stone, covered with amount of tonnage, transported in boats, is satisfactory experiment upon this point, it gravel , resting on stone abutments and piers, loaded and unloaded. About 1,600 floats has so happened that the present winter from three to four feet apart ; slide and roll- | have passed through these locks the last has been of unusual severity, and the quangates are inserted in a frame work construct- season. lity of snow that has fallen has probably ed immediately beluw the piers, connected The Commissioners, in their last annual been greater than has been known for many with and well secured in the abutments at the report, at page 22, stated that an examina- years. It is therefore, with great pleasare ihat we understand scareely any interrupends, and supported at the centre by a stone tion of the Glen's-Falls feeder had been tion to the travel upon the Railroads leadbuttress. The water wastes over the frame made by Holmes Hutchinson, Esq. Hising from this city has taken place, and that and preserves the timber from decay. That report will be found appended to their report the prace cability of keeping them open, at Smith's basin is now in use. At the and marked D. The Legislature is re- during the severest winter, lias been salisother place, the old waste-weir is to be spectfully referred to these reports. They factorily established. We liave not heard, taken out, the space filled with earth, the made under the expectation that legis- indeed, that the Washington or Obio Railtowing-path straightened, some embankment lative direction would be given in reintion to road has been suspended for a single day, to be removed from the front of the new this feeder. After the adjournment of the and departure may have been occasionally although undoubiedly the time of arrival weir, and docking put in at the ends of it. Legislature, without acting upon this sub-vried. We perceive from the Boston pa The repairs contemplated in the last an-ject the Commissioner having charge of this pers, thai, even in that climate, v here the nual report of the Commissioners, to the line of Canal did not think he was a thorized snow storins are so much more frequent locks at Whitchall, were not made last spring to make the improvements recommended in than with us, and where the snow lies so on account of unfavorable weather for work| the report of Mr. Hutchinson, in the course much longer, no serious interruption to the of that kind. The materials are on hand, of ordinary repairs. He submitted the use of the Railroads has occurred. There and if the weather is favorable, the work will tion to the Canal Board, and they advised have teen only six days, since ihe comhim by resolution, to suspend the rebuilding of passenger cars have not run through the mencement of the winter, in which the train Breaches have frequently occurred in the of the lift locks on the Glen?s-Falls feeder, whole distance from Buston to Worcester , embankment, and dry wall constructed for until the Canal Commissioners have an op- and only eighteen days in which the whole the protection of the Canal above these locks. portunity to submit the question as to re-tour trips per day have not been regularly expense of repairing breaches, the con building said locks, to the Legislature.—|| performed. In the meantime, the harbors, tracted width of the Canal at this place, and The Commissioners are of opinion that they rivers, and Canals , far and near, have been the importance of maintaining an uninters do not posse:s the power to make the im- frozen up and entirely useless. rupted navigation, require that a substantia provement recommended in the report of plan of improvement should be adopted. - AIr. Hutchinson, under the authority, given Hopkins and Sons, Civil Engineers, of Ply: - . the public works at this point are limited on them to make ordinary repairs, for the rea , mouth, intend forth with to produce a prosShe side by Wood creek, and by one of the son that it would be necessary to make an pectus of a Railway from Bath to Wey.. additional appropriation of land ; and that the mouth, via Ilchester, ai which latter place The utfor thextent of ground that can be occupied Canal Board have not the authority to direct here is to be a branch Railway to Bridge water channel necessary for the creek, or taking a because the estimated expense exceeds thir- ||:ol to Exeter, and thus forming a communiponert of the street, is too circumscribed toad. ty thousand dollars. cation from Weymouth to Baih and Brismit of making an embankment of earth for In the month of December last, Fredericknication, by Railway, with Gloucester, 1ol, which places will be in direct commu• the whole distance. It will therefore bec. Mills, civil engineer, was requested by Cheltenham, and Birmingham, as well as necessary to continue a wall of cemented the acting Commissioner to examine the Liverpool.— (Jersey Star.] were be done next spring. streets of the village on the other. |
