To the Editor of the Railroad Journal: ||proportion to the diameter of the small cogged wheels, and even the common roads. Whenever they are fitted for that SIR: Will you have the goodness to give the following the cranks that are on the axle which turn the same. The use, it is presumed that they will answer a valuable pura place in your valuable paper, viz.-A Description of an Locomotive Engine may either run on the double or sin-pose. By examining the modal minutely the advantages Improvement made by Richard Berrian, of the city of New gle cogged Rails; the latter is the most simple, and the ex- will more fully appear. York, on the Locomotive Engine, as well as the Rails on pense is more than one half less, viz. by fitting a small cog- The subscriber having received a patent from the honthe Road. The power gained on the present principle ged wheel on the centre of the axle, cranked at each end,jorable the Secretary of State, he now offers his patent over the former is more than double; it will ascend and and placing it under the bottom of the Locomotive En-right on the above principle for sale, either to companies descend hills and mountains, on inclined planes, at the most gine, to receive the arms of the same, and the small cogged or to individuals, for the use of any of the roads in the Unifreezing and slippery season of the year; it is secured by wheel to run in the cogs of a single Rail laid down in the ted States. A commission of twenty-five per cent. will be safety guards attached to the same; if any thing should centre of the inclined planes, between the ways for that allowed to agents throughout the United States, on all sales give way in going up or down hill, it will stop itself in an purpose, and to be propelled by the steam of said Engine.||made agreeable to my wish. instant of time, without injury to either passengers, freight,. The centre wheel or wheels that run under the Loco RICHARD BERRIAN. or cars. On the above principle, thousands and tens of motive Engine, may be cogged with either wood, iron, or A spring wheel may be seen in operation on the inclined thousands of dollars may be saved, in consequence of not steel, the two latter well sharpened, and made to spring; plane at No. 448 Broome street; where also may be seen being under the necessity of digging and cutting down the cogs to be made in any shape or form, so as to run into a drawing of a spiral wheel, intended to run under the bothills and rocks, or mountains, to a level: to do which each other with ease. On this plan it is intended to prevent tom or guards on either side of a canal boat, by steam or would be a herculean task that very few Companies would the wheels from slipping in passing over hills and moun- otherwise it is expected that her speed will be from seven be willing to undertake. The power gained on this prin- tains, wherever there is snow, ice, or clay. You may to ten miles per hour, without doing the least injury to the ciple, it must be evident to every discerning mind, is in run on either rails, plates, rods, turnpikes, m'adamized, or canal. MARRIAGES. On Tuesday evening, 19th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Michel', Thomas Lee, M D., of Camden, N. J., to Catharine E. Tylee, of this city. On Thursday evening, 14th instant, by the Rev. Dr. Thomas Macauley, Edwin C. Read, to Miss Catharine L. Day, both of this city. : F23 SURVEYORS' INSTRUMENTS. Compasses of various sizes and of sumagnifying powers with glasses made by Troughton, toLeveling Instruments, large and small sizes, with high gether with a large assortment of Engineering Instruments, manufactured and sold by E. & G. W. BLUNT, j31 6t 154 Water-street, corner of Maidenlane. WM. PRINCE & SONS, Flushing, perior quality, warranted. near New-York, have imported by the last arrivals several thousand dollars worth of Seeds of the choicest varieties of Vegetables known in the different countries of Europe, and will furnish On Tuesday evening at Brooklyn, L. I. by the Rev. Walsh, supplies to venders at very reasonable rates. These seeds Michael Bourne, to Miss Mary Austin, both of that place. are of a quality not to be surpassed. They have also 200 On the 11th of December last, by the Rev. Joseph D. Wick.pounds Yellow Locust, or Robinia Pseudacacia seeds, of bam, Mr Ackley Fitch, to Miss Anne E. Ludlow, daughter of the fine Long Island variety, so celebrated for ship timber, the late William C. Ludlow, Esq. at a low price. DEATHS. Priced Catalogues will be furnished on application direct, per mail, or otherwise. Catalogues of Fruit Trees, Greenhouse Plants, &c. with the reduced prices, will also be sent On Saturday evening. after a short illness, Mr. Benjamin Mc- gratis to every applicant. Cready, in the 49th year of his age. feb20 PAPER. THE SUBSCRIBERS, Agents for the Saugerties Paextensive assortment of Royal, Medium, and Imperial Printper Manufacturing Company, have constantly on hand an ing Paper, all made from first quality Leghorn and Trieste Rags. All contracts made after this date, will be furnished with 480 perfect sheets to the ream; and all sales amounting to over $100, of Medium or Royal, out of tha part of the stock which includes cassia quires, the purchasers will be allowed an extra quire of perfect paper to lishment to Hudson, under the name of Durfee & May, each double ream, with additional allowances to the publishoffer to supply Rope of any required length (without splice) ers and the trade, who buy largely. The terms will be for inclined planes of Railroads at the shortest notice, and liberal. Apply to GRACIE, PRIME, & CO., deliver them in any of the principal cities in the U. States. J31 22 Broad Street. As to the quality of Rope, the public are referred to J. B.! JERVIS, Eng. M. & H. R. R. Co., Albany; or JAMES ARCHIBALD, Engineer Hudson and Delaware Canal and Railroad Company, Carbondale, Luzerne County, Pennsyl On Sabbath morning, between 11 and 12 o'clock, after a se- TOWNSEND & DURFEE, of Palmyra, Manu- On Friday evening, 15th Inst., of a lingering illness, William Weyman, in the 62d year of his age. On Wednesday evening, 13th inst., of apoplexy, Walter D N. Cook, in the 38d year of his age. On Thursday evening, 14th inst., after a short illness, George Elliott Taylor, in the 33d year of his age. This morning, after a short illness, William, son of Mose, Tucker, in the 4th year of his age. At Suffield, (Conn.) on the 19th instant, Mr. Horace War Bor, aged 41 years. At Baltimore, on Thursday 14th instant, William Norris, aged 59 years. At Constantinople, on the 12th November, Henry Eckford, in 56th year of his age. On the 15th instant, at Bennington, Vermont, Mrs. Ann Robertson, relict of the late Jonathan E Robinson, formerly of this city. On Monday, Feb. 18, in Albany, Mrs. Sarah Knower, wife of Benj. Knower, Esq., in the fifty-fourth year of her age. The suddennees of her death adds poignancy to the sorrows of all who knew this amiable woman. The was yesterday in her usual health, attended church in the morning, and was on her way to it in the evening, when she fell in the street, and was taken up in a state of insensibility.-[Eve. Jour.] WEEKLY REPORT OF DEATHS. The City Inspector reports the death of 108 persons during the week ending on Saturday last, Feb. 16th, viz.:-36 men, 18 wo men, 25 boys, and 29 girls-of whom 30 were of the age of 1 year and under, 10 between 1 and 2, 7 between 2 and 5, 5 between 3 and 10, 3 between 10 and 20, 11 between 20 and 30, 16 between 30 and 40, 12 between 40 and 50, 5 between 50 and 60, 4 between 60 and 70, 4 between 70 and 80, and 1 between 80 and 90. Diseases-Apoplexy 4, asthina 1, burned or scalded 1. casu alty 1, cholic 1, consumption 23, convulsions 10, diarrhea 1. dropsy 4, dropsy in the chest 1, dropsy in the head 7, drowned 2, dysentery 1, fever 3, fever bil.ous 1, lever scarlet 2, fever typhus 1, hives or croup 4, inflammation of the bowels 6, inflammation of the chest 1, inflammation of the liver 1, intemperance 2. ma rasmus 2, nervous diseases 1, old age 2, peripneumony 7, pneu monia typhodes 1, sore throat I, spasms 1, stillborn 9, tabes me senterica 1, teething 2, unknown 1, whooping cough 1, worms 1. ABRAHAM D. STEPHENS, City Inspector. vania. PATENT RAILROAD, SHIP AND BOAT SPIKES. THE TROY IRON AND NAIL FACTORY keep RAILROAD COMPANIES MAY BE SUPPLIED WITH SPIKES Troy, N. Y., July, 1831. 200 bales superior quality Italian Hemp 20 tons Old Lead 300 barrels Western Canal Flour do. Richmond country do. 200 do. Leghorn Rags, No. 1. 350 lbs Coney and Hares-back Wool, for Hatters DRY GOODS, BY THE PACKAGE- 20 cases white and dark ground, fancy and full Chinta Prints, all new styles, received per Napoleon. 9 do. assorted colored Circassians 18 do. do. do. Merinos 5 do. Italian Lustrings 1 do. 36 inch Cravats 10 do. Jet black Bombazines 8 do. Printed border Handkerchiefs 2 do. White Diamond Quiltings 2 do. Furniture Dimities entitled to debenture. PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT No. 35 WALL STREET, NEW-YORK, AT THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE. D. K. MINOR, EDITOR.] CONTENTS: The Knickerbacker; Complete System of Railroads; Internal Improvements; Improved Leading Blocks, page 129 (with an engraving)... Annual Report of the Canal Commissioners of the state of New-York, (concluded)... Improved method of using Wheel Drags; Do. of Aqua- On the advantages of Long Levers in Locomotive Ma- Application of Projectiles to rescuing from Fire; Me- Modern Travelling Home Affairs--Congress, &c. 130 133 134 SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 1833. 14. Fine Arts- [For the American Railroad Journal.] COMPLETE SYSTEM OF RAILROADS.-If a man can draw up four pounds over a pulley, and walk off at the rate of two miles an hour drawing up such a weight by a cord, then he can move a load of 1,000 lbs. on a level Railroad. And if the departures from an entire level are not great, they would not much increase the difficulty of locomotion. Who can estimate the convenience to the public of a system of Railroads intersect141 ing the whole country, and affording to every 135 136 .137 142 144 AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, &c. [VOLUME II.-No. 9. 04; for the Wyoming line of the N. Branch, $115,202 46; for the Lycoming line of the West Branch division, including the Lewisburg cross cut, $470,007 90; for the French creek division, $162,991 98; and for the Beaver division $181,159 97 cts. R [From the London Mechanics' Magazine.] village and farming neighborhood an easy comIMPROVED LEADING BLOCKS.-On examining munication to market at almost all seasons of some "leading blocks," as they are technically the year: in all seasons certainly, except in block-called, a short time since, I was struck with the ing snows. It would accommodate especially appearances which many of them presented. In some, the pulley had set fast, and one side the laboring classes, who have not capital enough had been cut into by the rope, while in all, the to employ a horse and carriage, and who are way between the pulley was cut into deep groves; evidently showing the existence of great mechanical disadvantage, where the reverse would have been highly desirable. The Report of the Committee of the Pater-accustomed to use their limbs-and who could son Railroad Company, and the "Statement of readily reach a market with their articles of Facts in relation to the Origin, Progress, and manufacture or produce, if they could travel on Prospects of the New-York and Harlaem Rail THE KNICKERBACKER.-The third number of this very popular magazine is published this day. We have had but little opportunity to examine it, yet from that little, we believe it will be found equal in every respect (unless to critical eyes the few typographical errors should mar its beauty), to either of the preceding numbers. Annexed we give its con a Railroad constructed for their convenience. It occurred to me at the time, that a little addition would make a great improvement in this useful machine; and I send a sketch of a method of construction that would be found very much superior to those at present employed. axis. road Company," are received, but unavoidably Among the inventions which have blessed the excluded from this number by the Report of world, none more evidently give additional prosthe New-York Canal Commissioners. They perity to towns, villages and farming regions, The prefixed sketch represents the side of a will be attended to in our next. than improved means of communication. No ship, or dock, &c., &c.; a a are two gun-metal inventions have exerted a more powerful influ-sheaves, turning on iron axles, and having more ence in diffusing knowledge and in elevating end play than is usual. The sheaves rest upon A system which may a metal roller R, which runs freely upon an iron intellectual character. to every man's The roller should be closed in, about half-way bring easy means of conveyance door deserves attention. A system which gives up, both on the outside and within-[omitted in to farms and places of business of various de- the sketch for the sake of distinctness, nor is it The framing of the scriptions, 30 or 40 miles distant, the advantages absolutely necessary.] block should be lined with iron, and the whole heretofore enjoyed by similar places within a few miles of a large market, claims examina- kept well greased, to reduce the friction and prevent corrosion. With this form of block, the tion from the man of business, the political friction, and consequently the labor, as well as economist, and the friend of the human race. the wear and tear of ropes, would be greatly rePUBLICOLA. duced. For, if the rope happened not to run against either of the sheaves, it would still work upon the roller, where motion would be almost as free. If the rope took into a sheave, that and the roller would turn together; the other sheave would be at liberty to turn with the roller, the friction between them most likely being sufficient to communicate motion. tents. 1. Studies of Language, No. 3. (Hebrew Literature.) 2. Les Veterans, from the French of Berenger 3. The Art of being Happy 4. Running against Time, by J. K. Paulding 5. Vagaries of a Humorist, No. 1 6. Ruins of Ipsara 7. A Chapter on Offers, by a Young Man about Town 8. "I will Love thee no more" INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.-A bill is before the Legislature of Pennsylvania, authorizing a 3. Stock-am-eisen, or the Iron Trunk, a tale of the Confedera- loan of $2,086,188 84, at 5 per cent irredeema tion of the Rhine 10. To an imprisoned Lion 11. Peep at the Pow-wow, by a Member 12. Editor's Table 13. Literary and Critical Notices I New Edition of Lord Byron's Works V Taylor's History of Ireland VI Life of a Sailor VII Flint's Lectures on Natural History. ble for 25 years. This money, when obtained, The increased efficiency and durability of these blocks would amply repay the additional Yours, respectfully, expenses of construction. London, Sept. 27, 1832. W. BADDELEY. Annual Report of the Canal Commissioners of many important conclusions in justification of it impracticable to pass a sufficient quantity to the State of New-York. (Continued from page 117.) If we are not entirely mistaken, both the censure and applause of the committee are generally misapplied. They seem to us to have acted, from the beginning to the end of their labors, under mistaken impressions. But whether our views or theirs are correct, will be determined by the wisdom of the Legislature. Mr. Trumpbour's course. But when the Sur-fill the canal, and occasioned a heavy slide from veyor-General, on the 6th March, 1832, as a the bank into the river. It became necessary to member of the Canal Board, officially signs a remove the coarse materials from the bottom and Several land surveyors are examined as wit-report exposing the injustice of Mr. Trump-sides to a proper depth, to increase the quantity nesses before the committee, and they are called bour's claims, the committee, after making an of lining, and to enlarge the bank. The water upon to swear not only to fact, but also to the extract from the report, come to the conclusion was again admitted about the tenth of Septemconstruction of the law. Accustomed to survey" that the Canal Board did not intend the whole ber; but it was then very low in the river, and farms by running exterior lines, they very natu- of the foregoing statement as conclusive in point rally came to the conclusion that canals should of fact." be surveyed in the same manner; and that the outward extremity of each bank is to be traced by the chain and compass, as the exact boundary of the public works. If it had occurred to the surveyors, or to the committee, that the sides of the canals, for at least one-third of the whole distance, are occupied by useless or spoil banks; that the exterior of these banks is extremely irregular and precipitous, being sometimes two or three, and sometimes ten or twelve rods wide;ing Commissioner who has charge of those that they are constantly washed down by rains, and in some cases ploughed down by cultivation, and that they are never repaired or replaced, some doubts might have arisen as to the permanency of base lines thus located. It is only in cases of embankment, where the canal is raised above the ordinary level of the earth, that the exterior parts of the banks are occasionally strengthened and repaired as they decay. At the extremity of the banks where the committee and the land surveyors suppose the base lines the Chemung and Crooked Lake Canals, ought to be run, the surface is often exceedingly pectfully submits the following Report: uneven, interrupted by hills, ravines and swamps; CHEMUNG CANAL. the porous soil through which the canal was constructed for about seven miles, its thirsty condition at the time the water was admitted, and a continuation of dry weather, prevented a sufficient quantity from passing through the feeder to supply the other levels of the canal, until about the 20th of October. Since this period, the supply has been abundant, and it it is now evident that the quantity filtrating from the canal A report is herewith submitted in relation to has considerably diminished It is believed that Chemung and Crooked lake canals, by the act-a continuation of the water in the canal during this winter and next spring, will so far serve to tighten it as to render an adequate supply for the next season certain. works. January 17, 1833. Re S. VAN RENSSELAER, on the Chemung and Crooked 1 On filling the locks for use, it was discovered that they were insufficient; and only a few boats passed from the summit level to the lake. The locks are constructed of wood, supported on the sides with braces, with a stone wall of masonry at the head, and a dry wall on the sides, resting on the foundation timbers. The locks are of ten The public had a right to expect the use of this canal last fall; and some property was collected at Horseheads, and between that place and the Seneca lake, under the expectation of transporting it on the canal. The discovery that the locks were defective, occurred too late in the season to repair them for use before the closing of the navigation; and the undersigned regrets that this failure has defeated the arrangements predicated on the expectation of using this canal, and that it may result in a loss to the owners of property. The acting Commissioner, having charge of feet lift; and the defect consists in their not being res-properly supported on the sides, to resist the great pressure of water within the chamber of the lock when it is filled. Those locks on which and in constructing the canals, the logs, roots, The early and intense cold weather, of last the work was well executed, have been frequentbrush and other rubbish were deposited at the winter, and the unfavorable spring, together with ly filled with water, without producing any maextremity of the banks. The difficulty, expense, the scarcity of laborers, retarded the completion terial injury; while others, on which the work and inaccuracy of surveying the canals by run-of this canal to a later period than was anticipa- was badly executed, gave decicive evidence of ning lines along the outward extremity of the ted. The unfinished work between the Che- being imperfect. This unfortunate occurrence banks, is palpable to every one who is acquaint- mung river and the navigable waters of the inlet was entirely unexpected, as several of the locks ed with their construction. Lines thus drawn to the Seneca Lake, was completed the latter had been nearly filled with water, for the purpose along the foot of the banks of the Erie canal part of September. Sections ten and eleven, of experiment, and no indications of their defect from Albany to Buffalo, would necessarily be which comprised the deep cutting on the feeder, was discovered; but it is evident that the inseveral miles longer than the real length of the and upon which the greatest amount of work creased pressure, resulting from a full head of canal, as ascertained upon the more direct and remained to be done last spring, were completed water, caused the sides to vield, and the angle of level surface of the towing-path; nor can a true on the 30th of August. Sections sixteen and the sides in the bottom of the lock to open. survey and map be made by a resort to such ex-seventeen were abandoned by the contractors in terior lines. Along the Mohawk river, the canal the month of July, and a faithful man was apis frequently bounded by the water of the river pointed to finish them. He prosecuted the work on one side, and high perpendicular rocks on the with all proper diligence and economy, but the other. Between the upper and lower aqueducts unfavorable condition in which it was left by the are several miles in succession of this descrip-contractors, and the high wages consequent upon tion, where the site of the canal has been re-a scarcity of hands, increased the expenses to a claimed from the bed of the river. How would sum exceeding the amount which remained unthe committee or surveyors provide for exterior paid on these sections. The balance, which is lines in such cases? The law authorised the $1,343.17, has been charged to the account of Canal Commissioners to procure surveys and the contractors. The instance referred to, and maps of the canals, provided the expense did not the case of John Winans, who died during the exceed five thousand dollars. They were pro-progress of his work, are the only failures among An experiment has been made upon one of the hibited by law from incurring any expense to the the contractors on the Chemung canal. The locks which proved most defective; and it has State beyond that sum. If they had not been balance which stands charged to John Winans, been ascertained that they can be made suffiable to devise a plan of survey, by which the is $148.79. Section thirty-five, which comprises ciently strong, by connecting the longitudinal work could be executed for that sum, they were the excavation of bars in the inlet, the formation sill, on which the short posts are framed, more bound to desist from it altogether. But Mr. of a towing-path on its margin, and the excava- firmly with the bottom sills, with bolts, by addiTrumpbour, after determining to fix himself upon tion of a canal from a bend in the inlet to the tional braces, and by increasing the dry wall about the State as a contractor, makes the further at lake in a westerly direction, is not completed. fifty cubic yards to each lock. This plan for retempt to force his plan, and obtrude his construc- Most of the excavation on this section is in an pairing the locks has been adopted, and the extion of the law upon the public officers, who open marsh, and lower than the surface of the pense is estimated at eight thousand dollars, but alone were responsible for its execution. And water in the lake. This work would have been an unfavorable winter may increase it to nine in the voluminous pages which the committee pressed to a completion with the other work on thousand dollars. have compiled, he now occupies the unenviable the canal; but the water in the lake, during the situation of having offered originally to do the two past years, has generally been above its orwhole work which the law required for five thou-dinary level, and has deterred the contractor sand dollars, and of now claiming of the State from commencing the excavation until last fall. considerably more than that sum for doing one Under these circumstances, it was thought pro- The unusual floods of last spring materially half of it. Such is Mr. Trumpbour's present per to grant some indulgence, as there was a injured the dam erected across the Chemung claim, as exhibited to the committee. Is it pos-navigable connection between the Seneca lake river. The great quantity of ice passing over sible that such claims can furnish a legitimate and the canal by the inlet. The contractor is it broke the range stick on the top of the dam, passport to the treasury of the State? prosecuting the work this winter, with an inten- the top covering and front posts in several places, In the early stage of the transaction, Mr. tion of completing it before a rise of water in the and also deepened the bed of the river below Trumpbour drew from the Surveyor-General an spring. the apron and chute, and carried away a few of off hand and verbal assent to his proposed mode The high embankment located on a river bluff the piles on which the apron rested. The injur of surveying the canals. This assent was given on section two, and the adjoining embankment on ed part of the dam has been repaired; an addiunofficially, as the execution of the law was en-section three, were made of coarse materials, tional covering of oak plank has been placed on trusted to the Canal Commissioners, and as the and the necessary care in assorting them was no the most exposed part of it; and a pier filled Surveyor-General had never consulted with them doubt omitted by the workmen, though it was with stone, resting on brush, has been sunk beon the subject, and had not the means of making often enjoined upon them. A lining of suitable low the apron and chute, to prevent the reaction an estimate of the expense, or of ascertaining materials was placed in the bottom and sides of of the water, in the time of floods, from underther the appropriation would justify such a the canal; but it was discovered, on the admis-mining the dam and chute. At the east end of gy. This unofficial approval of Mr. Trump-sion of the water, that the work was imperfectly the dam, an embankment was raised several feet plan, affords to the committee the basis of done, and the profusion of the leakage rendered above the highest flood marks. During the Nearly all the levels of the canal have been filled with water; the banks well tested; and every part of the work, except the locks, appears to be substantial. flood a breach was made in the embankment, By the preceding statement it will be seen, narrow valley of the outlet of Crooked lake, was and the force of water passing in this direction that it becomes necessary to make provision for in many places located near the foot of a steep almost entirely demolished it, and deepened a the sum of $10,508.86, to meet the expenditures side hill, into which an excavation was made to channel considerably below the original surface. now in progress on the canal; and also for its form the towing path embankment. This was This embankment, which now contains seven-maintenance to the first day of April next. rendered necessary, for the purpose of avoiding teen thousand three hundred and eighty-five cubic It will readily be seen, that any estimate which any interference with the mill-ponds, which in a yards, is larger and higher than the former one, may be made of the expenses for the next spring few instances occupy almost the entire width of and is considered entirely out of danger. repairs, and during the season of navigation, the valley. The soil in some places indicates must proceed from a very uncertain data. It is a quick sand, and last spring when the frost dispresumed, however, that about $6,000 would be appeared, and while the earth continued saturated sufficient to meet the ordinary expenses for re-with water, a considerable quantity slipped and pairs; but it is proper to remark that this sum run into the canal, where it had been excavated. might be very much increased by the spring In penetrating the rock on section 6, it was floods. found that the seams between the horizontal There are twenty-nine claims for damages strata were very open, and full of cavities, which The Chemung canal is thirty-six miles long, now on file; and the entire uncertainty of the rendered it necessary to excavate wider and and has 516 feet of lockage. The following ex-amount which may be awarded by the apprai-deeper, for the purpose of receiving a lining on hibit will show the entire cost of this canal; the sers, precludes the practicability of submitting different structures, and their cost; the number of cubic yards of excavation and embankment, and the average price per cubic yard: Last spring, the waters of Newtown creek broke through the bank of the canal on the summit level, where an opening had been made to let the water into the canal to saturate the earth, and which had been imperfectly closed. The unfinished work at the locks on both ends of the summit level, was considerably injured. 52 locks, comprising 516 ft. lockage, have cost $84,131 59 7,220 cubic yards of slope wall,. 28,775 feet of ducking.. 6,503 rods of fence.. 1,423 rods of fence removed to the canal, 27 farm bridges,.. 32 road bridges... 17 farm bridges, from the maintenance of which the State is released,.. 1 guard-lock, Dam across the Chemung river,... ..... Chute in said dam, to accommodate the river navigation,.. Grubbing and clearing,. Lining canal,... 3 aqueducts,.. 6 waste-weirs, 5 culverts, 4 lock-houses, 908 rods of towing-path on inlet,. Altering mill-dams and flooms, . Removing buildings and saw-mill,. Land for lock-houses,.... Pier at the intersection of the canal with the Seneca lake,.... Altering and making roads,.. Expenses of engineer department,. Miscellaneous works, 3,468 54 1,457 59 992 00 an estimate. CROOKED LAKE CANAL. the bottom and sides of water-tight materials. To secure the water in a short pound reach which occurs on this rock, it became necessary to form the sides of it with a stone wall laid in water lime mortar. From the causes mentioned, the expense of this section will far exceed the original estimate. At the date of my last report in relation to this canal, arrangements had been made to prosecute the work during the winter; and its comThe pletion last fall was confidently expected. In determining on the final location of the line unfavorable winter and spring retarded the pro- on a part of section 4, at Way and Andrews' 51,499 02gress of the work, and less was done during this mills, it was found very difficult to pass in a narperiod, than had been anticipated. The exten- row and circuitous route, between dwelling houses 3,151 50 sive public works in progress in the State of and mills, where the line was first located; and 241 91 Pennsylvania last season, attracted the attention the only alternative which appeared to present 2,302 75 of laborers on this canal; and early last summer itself was to remove a dwelling house or change 3,792 48 it was discovered that many were leaving for the location of the line. The latter course was 2,015 00 that State, under the expectation probably of ob-adopted, and it has increased the amount of ex1,497 40 taining higher wages, and a more extended cavation at this point about 8,000 cubic yards. 5,721 26 employment. Nearly all the laborers on the pub- The estimate for the construction of this canal lic works in this country are foreigners, who have was predicated on banks six feet high, with the no fixed residence; and it is very common for usual width at the top, and a slope of one foot 1,185 00 these men to concentrate from various parts of rise to every one and a half feet of horizontal 3,697 13 the country at the commencement of a new base. The short pound reaches between many 477 60 work of any considerable magnitude; hence of the locks render the banks liable to be over 729 40 arises the difficulty of retaining men on a work flowed by the irregular admission of water, which 2,724 00 of short duration, or when nearly completed. sometimes unavoidably occurs. The line of ca575 00 These facts were illustrated at the commence-nal, as has been before observed, is located 505 00 ment and in the progress of the Chemung and throughout its almost entire extent, near to, and 120 00 Crooked Lake canals. At the commencement of at the foot of a steep side hill, and is subject to the former work, laborers were plenty, and the av-sudden inundations from the quantity of water 1,164 91 1,172 50 arage price did not exceed ten dollars per month. which may be thrown into it by a heavy fall of 12,800 00 The second year laborers grew more scarce, and rain. In addition to waste-weirs, it was consi249 37 the prices advanced to fourteen dollars per month; dered necessary to construct the upper gates no 2,434 36 while the contractors on the Crooked Lake canal, higher than the top water line in the canal when $314,395 51 which had just commenced, paid only twelve at a proper level, in order to aid in discharging The preceding remarks will indicate that the dollars per month. The facility of procuring la-the surplus water; and also to raise and enlarge the expenses for repairs could not have been incon-borers depends very much on the magnitude of banks, to afford the necessary strength and sesiderable, and they are principally applicable to the work, and the probable extent of the em-curity. The banks are generally seven feet highexpenses growing out of the floods of last spring, ployment. er, and have a slope of one foot rise to two foot and the difficulties on sections two and three; The contractors on this canal appeared to ma- of horizontal base. though a portion (and not an unusual amount) is nifest a willingness to prosecute their work with The guard lock which connects the canal with applicable to contingencies, which on all occa-proper diligence, and they made efforts to pro- the water of the Crooked lake, was unavoidably sions rest on new and untried works, when the cure mea by sending agents and printed notices located in a very contracted place, in a deep exsearching operation of water is first experienced. into other parts of the State, offering liberal wa-cavation of clay, with a saw-mill on one side of The sum expended for repairing and main-ges. With perhaps a single exception, the con-it and a high bank on the other. These circumtaining this canal and its appendages, from the tractors possess character and responsibility, and stances, connected with the design of the lock to period that the several parts of it were taken a general confidence seemed to prevail, until in serve as a guard to the water of the lake above from the contractors and declared finished by the month of October, the surviving partner of ait, rendered it entirely proper, both in reference to the engineer, to the first of January instant, a-contract for two miles of this canal failed in pay-economy and security, to make this a more permounts to $12,953.90; and the estimated ex-ing his men. He was a foreigner who had great manent structure than was originally designed. pense of putting the locks in a condition for nav-influence with his countrymen, and so far suc- The bottom of the lock near the intersection igation by the first day of May next, is $8,000. ceeded in obtaining their confidence, as to pro- of the canal with the Seneca lake, is excavated The following statement will shew the proba- tract his payments, until his indebtedness exceed-about five feet below the surface of the water in ble condition of the fund on the first day of April ed $3,000. This occurrence so exasperated the lake at its ordinary state, and was an expennext, which is applicable to the construction of some of his men, that after taking from him every sive work to execute. The plan of this lock has the Chemung canal, its maintenance, and the vestige of moveable property, and setting fire to been changed at a small additional expense, so payment of interest on the loans which have his shanties, they left the country. This affair that in rebuilding it at any future period, it will been made, to wit: had an unfavorable influence through the whole not be necessary to remove any part of the work Cost of the canal,.. $314,395 51 line of canal, and interrupted the progress of the below the surface of the water. The locks are Disbursements for repairs previous to the first work. It is due, however, to this contractor to made similar to those on the Chemung canal, and of December last,.. 12,953 90 say, that he had prosecuted his work with proper will require the same additional bracing, bolting, 8,000 00 diligence, and that a portion of his excavation and dry wall, in order to give them sufficient was very expensive. He no doubt persevered strength. with an intention of finishing all his work, under Sections 7 and 8 are completed; sections 1, 2, $335,849 41 the expectation of obtaining an allowance on a 3 and 5 can be finished early in the spring; secpart of it. The sureties of this contractor, im-tions 4 and 6, on which the greatest amount of mediately after his failure, made arrangements excavation remains to be done, will be prosecuted for the completion of the unfinished work. 345,340 55 through the winter; the locks are all framed, The excavation on a part of this canal is hard twenty have been raised, and to most of these pan of an expensive character, and in almost the masonry and dry wall is nearly completed; every lock-pit this material or rock is found. and such arrangements have been made in relaThis circumstance has served materially to pro- tion to all the unfinished work, as justifies the tract the progress of the work. opinion, that the canal will be ready for navigaThe line of this canal, in passing down the|tion about the first of July next. Montezuma, Lyons, Palmyra, cubic yard,.... $9,308 00 Rochester, The report of the Canal Commissioners to the Statement A shews the amount of tolls reLegislature in relation to this canal, previous to ceived by the several collectors on the Erie, the time when the work was put under contract, Champlain, Oswego, and Cavuga and Seneca stated "that the character of the line of this ca- canals, for the years 1829, 1830, 1831 and 1852, nal was such that it would be difficult to foresee and also the increase and diminution at each all the expenses necessary to afford proper secu-||place for the years 1831 and 1832. the years 1830, 1831 and 1882, and also an account of property which has arrived at Buffalo in the same years, designating that which has arrived from and departed to other States. D, is a statement of property arriving at Whitehall, on the Champlain canal, and passing rity and protection to the work ;" and it express- B, is a statement of property which passed north, in 1832; and also a statement of property ed the opinion "that the estimated allowance for Utica on the Erie canal, during the years 1830, cleared at Whitehall, on the Champlain canal, contingencies would prove insufficient." This 1831 and 1832, and exhibits the increase and de-south, during the season of 1832. prediction has been verified. It now appears crease of the several articles enumerated for the E, is an account of property passing through from an estimate recently furnished, that the years 1831 and 1832. the Glen's-Falls feeder, towards tide-water, and number of cubic yards of excavation and em- C, shews the amount of property cleared at the amount of toll received thereon at Fort-Edbankment have been materially increased, and Buffalo and passing east on the Erie canal, inward, during the year 1832. that other unforeseen circumstances have arisen. Most of the rock excavation was covered with earth when the original estimate was made, and the amount could not be ascertained with certainty. The amount of rock excavation now estimated, exceeds that in the former estimate, by 9,617 cubic yards. A. STATEMENT showing the Amount of Tolls received by the several Collectors on the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga and Seneca Canals, for the years 1829, 1830, 1831, and 188%; and also, the Increase and Diminution at each place for the years 1881 and 1882. The present estimated cost of this canal is PLACES OF COLLECTION. $136,101.17, making an excess over the sum ap- Albany, propriated, of $16,101.18; which exceeds the West-Troy, Schenectady, original estimate of the engineer, $16,903.17 ; Little-Falls, and the estimate on the prices for which it was Utica, proposed to construct this canal, submitted pre-Rome, vious to the consummation of the contracts, Syracuse, $33,778.17. The last excess has arisen as follows, to wit: 116,350 c. yds. of earth excavation at 8 cts. per ERIE AND CHAMPLAIN CANALS. Collected Collected Collected Increase over 1831. 212,044 82 269,443 73 236,636 32 169,458 19 160,329 28 Decrease from 1831. 32,807 41 9,128 91 37,805 98 35,700 56 37,794 95 2,094 39 15,023 12 5,337 34 42,122 33 46,142 10 41,012 61 47,046 78 6,034 17 23,956 78 28,835 26 28,680 79 35,547 14 6,866 35 60,752 69 85,876 30 66,144 82 66,701 63 75,845 74 65,570 15 73,288 99 7,718 84 27,733 55 24,229 18 20,539 46 25,278 85 4,739 39 44,845 71 59,434 78 3,658 45 98,518 17 154,541 08 19,809 82 10,150 26 12,313 52 10,750 82 13,025 81 2,274 99 ... 12,019 99 12,138 95 10,993 94 10,219 43 774 51 12,503 42 21,553 24 31,023 19 28,433 22 Additional expense by reason of a change of Buffalo, 2,588 97 25 957 38 48,958 64 66,009 19 58,232 09 plan in guard-lock,.... 11,402 43 7,777 10 31,478 29 Extra allowance on 27 locks on account of alteration in plan,..... Waterford,. 16,305 75 7,719 84 928 73 Extra allowance on lock near Seneca lake,... 390 00 Fort Edward, 10,516 28 11,766 49 Whitehall, 1,195 68 44,617 10 41,051 68 39,360 30 4,500 c. yds. of quick sand slipped and run in to canal, on section 2,... 360 00 $759,055 52 $1,032,476 68 $1,194,610 49 $1,196,008 12 $81,805 13 $80,407 50 8,000 c. yds. of do on section 6,.. 640 00 Way and Andrews' mills,. 680 00 OSWEGO CANAL. increase of earth and rock excavation, and em- The following Statement of Property which passed Utica, on the Erie Canal, during the years 1830, 1831 and 1832, exhibits the increase and decrease of tonnage of the several articles enumerated in the years 1831 and 1832. Domestic spirits, bankment. The preceding remarks have shown Ashes,. ARTICLES. 1830. 1831. 1832. Increase Decrease over since 1831. 1831. .galls. 1,812,918 .m .feet, 1,472,685 1,537,680 64,995 50,453 21,643 31,354,027 221,941 851,022 159,797 7,341,018 1,245,219 ..bbls. 532,464 609,254 631,497 22,243 |