AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, AND ADVOCATE PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT No. 35 WALL STREET, NEW-YORK, AT THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE. D. K. MINOR, EDITOR.] Editorial Notices, &c. CONTENTS: 112 .page 118 .119 [VOLUME II.-No. 8. We have commenced, and intended to have part of the street may be used with equal safeAnnual Report of the New-York Canal Commissioners. 114 given entire, the Report of the New-York canal ty-but now from necessity only are the sides, 117 commissioners, but its length has compelled us constituting at least one half of the street, used Petersburg Railroad; Railroads for Private Use.. to divide it-the remainder will be given next at all, and for the best possible reason-there Rise and Progress of Agriculture in Scotland. Manures; Beet-root Sugar week. From this Report it appears that very is danger in using them. In consequence of .120 extensive repairs have been made upon the this difficulty, the entire travel, or nearly so, 125 canals during the past year-many temporary comes upon the centre of the street, which is 128 structures have been replaced by permanent of course much sooner destroyed than it would ones, and considerable progress has been made in have be if the travel had been equally distriAMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, &c. rendering their navigation better, and interrup-buted over all parts of its surface. Food for Oxen and other Cattle; To break a Colt; Meteorological Record; Foreign Intelligence. Miscellany; Home Affairs-Congress, &c.. Summary. Literary Notices; Poetry... Marriages and Deaths; Advertisements zine. NEW-YORK, FEBRUARY 23, 1833. 122 .126-7 Another and a very serious objection exists tions less frequent, than heretofore. The expenditures must necessarily be heavy for sev-in the present mode of draining the streets. eral years yet, until the whole has had a thorough Can there be a more inconvenient and uncom. fortable mode of getting rid of the surplus wa. I some time since made a proposition ters than the present? Is there no way of disthat, when the subscription list numbered 1500 repair. I would add a Mechanic's department also to To the Editor of the Railroad Journal. Sir-I understand that measures are about|pensing with the present unsightly, carriage the Journal; and although I have not realized to be adopted by your Corporation to make an destroying cross-drains, which occur at almost as great an increase as was anticipated, I shall experiment of M'Adamizing a small part of very soon redeem, to its full extent, that some one of your streets. This is as it should every cross street? Is there not talent and enbe, or rather as it should have been long since. terprise enough in New-York to devise some promise. Arrangements have been made which will I have often, when in the city, made the enqui- other and better method of effecting the same enable me to render the Journal all that I have ry, why the present mode of paving and high object? It appears to us that the subject is one crowning streets is still retained, when anoth-of sufficient importance to attract the attention ever promised; I therefore trust, that the pater and far better mode could so easily be adop- of men competent to effect an improvement, Will and introduce a better mode of construction. rons of the Journal will not suspect, because ted, but have never yet met with any one who I have announced my intention to publish could give me a satisfactory answer. tle from a level, and be so smooth that they can monthly a Mechanics' Magazine, that I intend you therefore do me the favor to make the in- The surface of our streets should vary but litquiry through your Journal? A PRACTICAL ROAD-MAKER. be swept clean-and not, as they are usually to desert the Journal, or relax my exertions to We have also understood that the Street swept, leaving more loose dirt than the sweepmake it valuable. The Journal will contain very nearly all that will appear in the Maga- Commissioner has submitted to the Corpora-ers found; and this may be effected, too, with I find I cannot induce those who want tion a plan for making an experiment with a very little if any more expense than is now, a Mechanics' Magazine to believe that they view of improving our streets and have no once in ten years, appropriated to repaving. would obtain their wishes by taking a Railroad hesitation in saying that there are few subjects This is a part of the business which requires very little investigation. It has been thoroughJournal; hence the necessity, if I intend to more deserving of their serious attention, and meet their views, and supply their wants, of prompt action, than that of regulating and im-ly tested by experienced engineers, and may now with safety be adopted without the least publishing a monthly work to be called the proving the streets. It may well be said, we Mechanics' Magazine; and that I may do so apprehend, that more attention to the forma- fear of the funds being misapplied. to the entire satisfaction of those for whom it is tion of the surface of the streets already made, designed, and with credit to myself, I have se- and less to the construction of new ones, would eured the aid of a gentleman who was for se-be more acceptable to a large portion of our veral years engaged in publishing the London citizens. The present mode of forming the surface of Mechanics' Magazine-a work of great merit and extensive circulation. He will also give the streets appears to us very objectionable. his attention to the Railroad Journal. With The unnecessary rise, from side to centre, of We have now in our possession, and shall rethis increased expenditure on my part, may I from 8 to 14 inches, in a street of 15 to 30 feet not anticipate renewed exertion by the friends wide, is out of all just proportion. We contend, publish in our next number, a report made by of the Journal to extend its circulation? at and have the very best authority for so doing, CASPAR W. WEVER, Esq. upon a work of the least a prompt remittance from those who have that the rise should never exceed, even in a 30 kind recently under his care in the city of foot track, three inches, which is ample, if the Washington, which may be interesting to some not yet done so for the second volume ? of our readers. We also hope to obtain within surface is properly formed to answer all purwithout the name of the subscriber upon it, and consequent poses for which such rise is designed. With a few months some account of the latest imla crown of three, or even four inches, every provements in this branch of road-making. D. K. MINOR. In a few instances the Journal has been returned ty, we know not whose to discontinue. It is, however, desirable, if the Fathers are not yet convinced of the superiority of M'Adamized streets over pavements, that an experiment should be made in one of the great themselves of its superiority. Annual Report of the Canal Commissioners of ||racter as to render it necessary to rebuild a part to a great depth, and formed an outlet to the the State of New-York. of it, for the purpose of forming an apron, and river for the great body of water which had acmaking a suitable top covering to render the cumulated. In its discharge, it produced great passage of water over it secure. Although, at destruction of private property, by carrying off a large expense, it might have been practicable fences, boats, and houses. The injury to prito maintain the dam for a few years longer, vate property was very great, and the expense yet when it was considered that a failure of this of repairing the public work was about ten dam, either in the spring or during the season thousand dollars. ALBANY, January 17, 1833. W. C. BOUCK, REPORT, &c. To the Legislature of the State of New-York. ANNUAL REPORT. The day fixed upon by the Commissioners for the commencement of navigation upon the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga and Seneca Canals, was the twentieth of April last: but in consequence of the injury done to canals by the spring floods, it was found to be impracticable to have every part of them navigable before the twenty-fifth. of navigation, would entirely interrupt the navi- The piers of the aqueducts across the Mo- Arrangements have been made to afford additional security to the lower aqueduct, by sinking additional piers above it. If the ice should The direction of the new dam is nearly at be sufficiently strong this winter, the work will right angles with the stream, and will more be done before the spring floods. Entire new equably receive the force of ice from above. trunks have been placed on these aqueducts The north end is thrown about three hundred during the last winter and spring, and these feet down the stream, which will lengthen the structures are now in an excellent condition. pond above, and materially lessen the current In addition to these aqueducts, which, comThe canals were frozen, so as to prevent na- in the boat channel when the creek is high. bined, are eighteen hundred and eighty feet in vigation, about the twentieth of December. The The present dam is an excellent structure, per-length, new trunks have been placed on five navigation was interrupted by ice at some haps not inferior to any thing of the kind. The others west of Schenectady, which altogether places on the canals before that time; but not difficulty which has usually attended this kind are seven hundred and fifty feet in length. so as to prevent boats from reaching their places of dam, when a rapid current is passing over it, The aqueduct that crosses the Oriskany of destination. Most of the persons engaged and removing the gravel and displacing the creek was damaged by the flood of last spring. in navigating the canals had discontinued run-brush, has been obviated by covering about A road bridge, which stood a short distance ning their boats before the commencement of twenty feet of the upper part of it with white above, was carried down against the aqueduct, freezing weather; and but few boats were ac-oak plank, eight inches thick at one end, and and with other timber formed a dam, which tually engaged in the transportation of property four at the other, securely fastened with iron prevented a free passage for the water under at the time the canals closed. the aqueduct. The consequence was, that where the water found a passage, it removed the earth from the bottom of the creek to a great depth, and undermined some of the abutments of the aqueduct. The aqueduct was immediately repaired so as to be used; but the trunk could only be made of sufficient width to admit month of July. Until this was repaired, the the passage of a single boat. The abutments navigation of the Champlain canal was, to some have been rebuilt, so as to have a trunk placed extent, interrupted; but every practicable ac-upon them wide enough for boats to pass each commodation was furnished at the expense of other. The materials for the trunk are procur. The dam across the Schoharie creek was so the State, by men and scows to carry horses ed, and it is intended to have it finished in time much injured, that there was danger of its be- across the stream, and to assist in towing the for spring navigation. An arrangement was ing carried away by any succeeding flood. Un- boats. The inconvenience of crossing was made with the commissioners of highways, by der these circumstances, there appeared no very essentially increased by the loss of nearly which the abutments of the road bridge are plaalternative but to repair it immediately; and five hundred feet of the towing-path bridge,ced the same distance apart, and directly above the work was commenced under very appalling which was also carried away by the flood. The those of the aqueduct. This arrangement will circumstances. The weather was extremely bridge has been rebuilt by the Cohoes Bridge give a free passage for water and timber under cold; and back water from the Mohawk river, Company, who, by their contract, are bound to the aqueduct, and add to its security. occasioned by dams of ice, continued the water maintain it; and the usual facilities for naviin the Schoharie creek, for some distance far-gation were entirely restored in the month of ther up than where the dam is located, to an September. elevation corresponding with but little variation from a level with the top of the dam. bolts to four range timbers of hard wood placed The flood of last spring, which took place early in the month of March, while the ice was very strong, removed it from the Schoharie creek and Mohawk river with destructive and unusual violence, and either carried away or The breach in the dam across the Mohawk materially injured about one hundred and fifty ||river, above referred to, was repaired in the feet of the dam across the former stream, and about one hundred and twenty feet of dam across the latter stream, below the Cohoes falls. The aqueduct over the Oneida creek was built of stone which has crumble. The arches in several places are cracked so as to admit The Commissioners, on several occasions, the passage of water through them. Braces of have been under the necessity of noticing fai- stone masonry were erected several years since, It will readily be perceived, that to commence lures in this dam. It is made of logs resting for the purpose of supporting this aqueduct. this repair under such circumstances was for- on a rock foundation, but the small quantity of Before the commencement of navigation last midable in the extreme, both as it regarded per- timber used in the dam, and a defect in the spring, a wooden trunk of two hundred and sonal consequences, and the great expense manner in which it was made, rendered it at thirty feet in length, and of sufficient width to which would unavoidably attend it; but it was all times rather a feeble structure. The vexa-admit the passage of boats, was put into this commenced with great spirit, and by steady tious interruptions which have already been ex-aqueduct, for the purpose of preventing the perseverance, was speedily accomplished. The perienced in the navigation, the annual expense leakage of water through it, and of making the north end of the dam, from the direction with in repairing breaches, and the hazardous con-navigation more safe. which it crosses the stream, was more exposed dition of the work, justify, it is believed, the A wing wall and an abutment of the aqueto the influence of the ice and floods than other erection of a new dam. This has been deter-duct over the Butternut creek failed during the parts of it, and had become much weakened. mined upon, and contracts will be made for the last winter. They have been rebuilt in a perThe ice broke and carried away the range stick delivery of materials next May, and a new dam manent manner. and rafters; and the water passing under the will be built in the course of the next season. The towing-path bridge at the junction of the dam, wore a channel about twenty feet deeper The length of the dam is seventeen hundred Oswego with the Erie canal was rebuilt before than the original bottom. This was repaired feet, and the average height about eight feet. the commencement of spring navigation. This with trees, brush, stone and gravel. A great body of ice, which was brought down bridge is four hundred feet in length. The second flood, which took place about the the Mohawk river in the March freshet, lodged A waste-weir of stone has been built on the first of April, carried away about one hundred against the bridge which crosses that stream at Camillus level in place of one of wood; also a feet of the dam, adjoining that part of it which Schenectady, and extended in an apparently towing-path bridge over it. The length of the had been repaired but a short time previous. solid mass about two miles up the river. This waste-weir and bridge is one hundred and sixThe repair of this breach was also effected be-obstruction continued until the freshet in April, ty feet. fore the opening of the navigation. and so effectually closed the channel of the river A new towing-path bridge, fourteen hundred In the month of July last, at a low state of as to raise the water above its banks. The wa-and forty feet long, has been built over the Sewater, the dam was examined, and it was found ter made an entire breach through the banks neca river, in place of the old bridge which had that the water had undermined the apron in se-near the first lock above Schenectady, and in- become unsafe. veral places; that piles on which it rested had undated the extensive flat on the south side of The lock near the aqueduct over Mud creek, been removed; and the general appearance of the canal. The banks of the canal, and the in the town of Lyons, has been rebuilt. The the dam was such as to create great doubts railroad embankment connected with it near old lock, which had become unfit for use, was whether it could be maintained for any consi-the city, formed a barrier until the water was taken down immediately after the close of naderable length of time. The repairs which had elevated to a higher level, when it passed over vigation in December, 1831. The new lock been made in the spring were of such a cha-these banks, and wore a channel in some places was ready for use at the commencement of spring navigation; and although it was built at||at Pendleton. It also carried away a dam contract with the lessees of the surplus water an unfavorable season of the year, it will proba- which had been built to keep the waters of the at this dam, and only a part of the expense was bly be as durable as any lock on the canal. little Tonnewanta, or an arm of the principal paid by the State. It adds greatly to the The materials used in its construction were of creek, which connects with the canal below the strength and security of the dam. The shipthe best kind, and the masonry was well exe-guard-lock, from passing into it. The water lock has been raised one foot, and strengthencuted. The expense of building locks and passed down the canal in large quantities, car-ed. The embankment or dam at the head of aqueducts at the season when the canals are rying with it saw-logs and other timber from the lock has also been raised. not navigable is much greater than it would the creek. The flagging in the bottom of the During the last winter and spring, the guardbe during the season of navigation: but it is upper locks was torn up by the water and tim-lock on the Champlain canal, at the Saratoga important to the interests of the State, that re-ber. Forty-five feet in length of the wall to the dam, has been rebuilt of stone in a very subpairs of this kind should be made at such times raceway near the locks was broken away; the stantial manner. It was ascertained on a close as not to interrupt the business on the canals. earth was carried away from the south side of examination, that the guard-lock on the north Several of the other locks between the Seneca the two upper locks, and a channel forty feet side of the Mohawk river (now of wood) was and Genesee rivers require a large annual ex- wide, and from fifteen to twenty feet deep, was so far decayed as to render it unsafe. Arpenditure to keep them in repair. Some of cut from thence to the basin at the foot of the rangements were made during the past season them will probably have to be rebuilt in the locks. Injury was also done to the towing- to rebuild this lock of stone masonry, and course of a few years, in consequence of the path between Lockport and Pendleton, by about two thirds of the work has been done. unfitness of the stone used in their construc-washing away the timbers and earth. These The sloop-lock, the dam across the Hudson tion. injuries have all been repaired, and the works river, and the apron connected with it above put in as good a condition as before. The the city of Troy, have undergone a consideraguard-gates and embankments of the guard-ble repair during the past season. The work lock have been raised, and the dam across the is not completed, but sufficient has been done little Tonnewanta has been rebuilt to prevent to render these structures secure. injuries in future. The aqueduct over Mud creek, near the village of Palmyra, has been in part rebuilt, and the trunk made wider, so that boats can pass each other in it. In the month of March last, the water in the The Glen's Falls feeder has been in a naviGenesee river rose to such a height as to break The race-way to carry the water to the lower gable state for the two last seasons, although through and carry away the west bank of the level at Lockport, which was commenced be- there have been some interruptions by failures Genesee feeder in a number of places. The wa-fore our last annual report has been completed. in the locks, and the difficulty growing out of ter likewise passed over the lock and pier at the There is some difficulty in navigating the ca- that part of the feeder which is located on a limehead of the feeder, and cut a channel through the nal with boats that are heavily loaded, between stone rock containing large fissures, which have embankment between the lock and the high Lockport and Pendleton, through a part of the been troublesome, and are very difficult so enground east of it. Such quantities of water deep earth cutting, for the want of a sufficient tirely to close as to prevent the water from cepassed from the river into the canal as to fill it depth of water in a dry time. Some of this casionally passing through the bottom in large to overflowing. The superintendent of repairs canal was never excavated to the depth in- quantities. The condition, however, of the had the banks of the canal cut through in sev-tended. The banks in some places have slid feeder and its appurtenances has been much eral places, which he selected as most favora-in, and quicksand has come in at the bottom in improved; and there is reason to believe, that ble for letting off the water, to prevent breach-other places. It has been necessary for pur- not only the navigation of the approaching seaes at other places where much damage might poses of navigation, for several years past, to son will be much better than at any former have been done. Heavy expenses have been raise the dam at the mouth of the Tonnewan-period, but that the expenses (which have hithincurred to repair the injury, and to guard ta for a part of the season. This occasions theerto been considerable) will be diminished. against a similar occurrence. The lock, pier overflow of land on the banks of the creek, and The value of this improvement to that part and banks of the feeder, have been raised so is thought to be injurious to the health of the of the country whose products pass upon it high as to prevent the water from passing over inhabitants on its borders. Large quantities can be best estimated by stating the amount of them, if it should again be as high as it was last of earth have been taken from the bottom of property which passed upon it during the last spring, which is unusual. this canal, since the water was first let into it. season of navigation, and the amount of tolls The aqueduct over the Genesee river was During the last season more than five thou-collected. The collector at Fort Edward was much injured by frost last winter. When the|| sand cubic yards were taken out, by the use of directed to furnish a statement of the amount water was drawn off for spring repairs, it was scrapers that operated under water. The diffi- and kind of property which passed on the feeddiscovered that the flagging over the crown of culty is not yet entirely overcome. Since the er, and the amount of toll collected. He reevery arch had been displaced by the frost. close of navigation the water has been drawn The flagging stone were removed from the bot-off, for the purpose of finishing this work the tom of the aqueduct, and the old mortar and present winter if practicable. grout were taken out, and a new supply, which was made strong with water lime, put in. The flagging stone were then replaced; and the bottom, after being swept, was grouted with a heavy coat of water lime grout, and the sides of the walls were pointed. The aqueduct has leaked less since this repair than at any time before. ports that the amount of toll received is $7,803.99; and his statement, which is hereto annexed, gives the amount and kinds of property Stone have been placed along the outside of The navigation upon the Oswego canal has the bank of the canal between Tonnewanta and been uninterrupted, during the whole of the Black-Rock, at places where it had been injured season that the other canals were navigable. by being washed by the Niagara river. One of the largest dams on the Oswego rivThe pier of the Black-Rock harbor was broer was undermined by the water, in conseken through by ice in several places last spring. quence of the apron's being broken away by The largest of these breaches was nearly op- the last spring floods. It settled at one end so posite to the entrance of the canal from Buffalo as to impair the navigation when the water was The spring flood carried away the embank-into the harbor. At this place the pier was low. It has been thoroughly repaired, and is ment of the weigh-lock at Rochester. The carried away to the bottom for a considerable now considered secure. race-way to carry the water from the lock into length. In the construction of this pier, tim- The work on the towing-path embankment the Genesee river was filled up, so that the|bers were framed together in cribs, and sunk by the side of the Onondaga lake, which was lock could not be used for a time. And during to the bottom and filled with stone. The ice, commenced before our last annual report, the summer, the scales of the weigh-lock were which frequently comes against the pier in has been continued, and is nearly completed. broken, by weighing a heavily laden boat. This large pieces and with great force, breaks away The injury to this embankment from the ice lock is built of wood. It leaks so as to waste the timbers; the stone then fall out, and such last spring was much less than the spring belarge quantities of water, to the injury of navi- a current is formed through the breach as in fore; and it is believed that, when the work gation in a dry time. It is found to be difficult to some cases to remove all the timber and stone which is now in progress is finished, this emstop the leakage. The frame over the lock, to the bottom. In repairing these breaches bankment will be secure against the operations which supports the scales, is so weak that it is the last season a new course has been pursued. of the ice from the lake. difficult to weigh boats with heavy cargoes ac- The breaches have been filled with heavy stone, curately. It is necessary that the lock and without the use of any timber. This is found frame should be rebuilt. to be a cheaper method of repairing; and it is A waste-weir, one hundred and six feet in believed that a pier thus constructed will more length, has been built at the deep hollow two effectually resist the action of the ice upon it miles west of Rochester; one at King and than one in which timber is used. In addition Adams' basin, one hundred and sixteen feet in to repairing the breaches, large quantities of length; and one at Brockport, one hundred and stone have been placed upon and by the side of twelve feet in length. These waste-weirs are the pier and icebreakers, to render them more all built of stone and water lime, and are sub-secure. stituted for those of wood. The towing-path along the Oswego river was so low in many places that the high water in times of flood overflowed and washed it away. Much expense has been incurred in raising this towing-path, to secure it against future injury. The navigation on the Cayuga and Seneca canal has, for a short period during the past season, been incommoded by low water in the outlet of Seneca lake, between Waterloo A pier has been constructed at the foot of and Seneca falls; and also in the outlet near A stone wall has been built at the deep hol- the dam at Black Rock harbor, twelve feet the foot of the lake. In the former case the low west of Rochester, one hundred and fifty-wide, and eighteen feet from the dam. The levels became depressed, in consequence of the four feet in length, and eleven feet in height, to space between the pier and dam has been filled great quantity of water drawn to mills situated support the embankment. with stone to the surface of the water. This on two dams crossing that stream. Much injury was done to the public works at work extends from the ship-lock to Squaw The same difficulty occurred in 1829; and Lockport last spring. The water in the Tonne- Island, a distance of three hundred and seven-it was then intimated, that to secure the naviwanta creek rose to such an unusual height as ty-five feet; it is thirty feet wide, and about gation from a recurrence of this inconvenience, to pass over the guard-lock and embankments||nine feet deep. The work was done under allit would be necessary "to place a permanent map, field dam in front of all the flooms leading to these||son. It will, in the opinion of the Commis-complete manuscript map and field notes of evemills, on a level with the top water line in the sioners, be necessary to take in additional feed-ry canal that now is or hereafter shall be comcanal." This would prove injurious to the ers upon some of the levels. Surveys and es-pleted; and of all lands belonging to the State m.lls in the winter season. Under the expect-timates for the purpose have been made. If adjacent thereto or connected therewith, on ation that those interested in the mills would any legislation upon the subject should be which the boundaries of every parcel of such conform to the suggestion which were then found necessary, a separate report will be lands to which the State shall have a separate made, and would see the obvious propriety of made. title shall be designated, and the names of the making such arrangements among themselves, In addition to the repairs before mentioned, former owners, and the date of each title be enin relation to the manner of drawing the wa- there have been constructed upon the naviga-tered. And if the Canal Commissioners, on ter, as not to reduce it below its proper level, ble canals the past year, one hundred and six examination of the premises, be satisfied that this work has not been done. bridges, sixteen culverts, fifteen waste-weirs, the cost and expense of making such During the navigable period of 1831, the wa- one hundred and seventy lock-gates, four lock-notes and survey, will exceed the sum of five ter in the outlet continued above its ordinary tenders' houses, three carpenters shops, ten thousand dollars, no such map and field notes height, and no inconvenience was experienced; repairing scows, and twenty-five miles of shall be compiled. Every such map shall be but a return of low water last season, has wharfing and walling. compiled by the Canal Commissioners, who brought with it all the evils of 1829. The ex- The amount expended for repairs and im- shall for that purpose cause all necessary surtension of hydraulic erections, drawing their provements upon the canals, for the year end-veys to be made. When prepared, it shall be supply of water from the dam at Seneca fails,ing on the thirtieth of September last, has been submitted to the Canal Board for its approbarenders a dependence on any arrangements or greater than that of any former year: but the tion; and when so approved, shall be signed by restrictions which may be imposed, too preca- Commissioners are not conscious that any un-the Canal Commissioners, be certified by them rious to rely upon. It is believed that a due necessary expenses have been incurred. The correct, and be filed in the office of the Compregard to the maintenance of an uninterrupted injury which was done to the canals by the se-troller." navigation, from the causes mentioned, ren- verity of the frost of last winter, and the unu- In pursuance of the provisions of the above ders it indispensibly necessary to make the sual floods of last spring, rendered it necessary ||recited sections of the Revised Statutes, the erections referred to. In order to obviate the to make extensive repairs before navigation Canal Commissioners, in the winter of 1829, injury which may result to the mill owners, it could commence, a detailed account of a part of accepted a proposition from Holmes Hutchinis intended to permit them, at their own ex-||which has been given. Many of the wooden son, Esquire, a civil engineer, to make the surpense, to place gates in the dan in front of structures upon the canals, which had failed, vey, maps and field notes, referred to in said their flooms, through which water may be have been replaced by those of stone. In rais- said sections. A survey of the Erie canal from drawn in the winter season; but which shoulding the towing-path where it was worn or Canistota to the Hudson river, and of the Chamnot be under their control during low water, washed away, great pains have been taken to plain canal, (except the Glen's Falls feeder,) has when the canal is navigable. procure the best of materials. It has been ne-been made, and the maps and field notes are It should be recollected, that the act incorpo-cessary to build an uncommon number of lock-nearly completed, accompanied with a complete rating "the Seneca Lock Navigation Compa- gates and repairing scows the past season. In manuscript map and field notes, which comny," which was passed in 1813, granted to the the amount charged as expended for repairs, is prise "all the lands belonging to the State adowners of land on which water privileges included the salaries of the superintendents of jacent to the canals or connected therewith, deshould be created cy the company's works, the repairs, and the pay of lock-tenders. The prac-signating the boundaries of every parcel of land right of using all the surplus water, as antice had become general for lock-tenders to keep to which the State have a separate title, with the equivalent for damages, provided such use groceries to sell to boatmen and others, and al-names of the former owners, and the date of should not interrupt the navigation. The up- most every lock-house upon the canals was con- each title." per dam at Seneca falls, and the one about two verted into a grocery. The consequence of which The statute evidently contemplates that the miles farther up the outlet, on which the mills was that there was a great anxiety to procure survey, map and field notes shall be made in such which are the subject of complaint are situat-locks to tend, by persons who were more desirous manner as shall be approved of by the Canal ed, were constructed by this company, and are of selling groceries than of discharging their duty Board. The Commissioners have therefore connow maintained at the expense of the State. to the public. Complaints were frequently made sidered it to be their duty, in several stages of the In pursuance of the "Act authorising the that boats were delayed in the locks for the pur-survey, to advise with the members of the Canal construction of the Cayuga and Seneca Ca- pose of giving the lock-tender an opportunity Board, and as soon as a complete specimen of the nal," passed April 20th, 1825, the canal con- of selling to boatmen or passengers, and that survey, map and field notes was prepared, to structed by the Seneca Lock Navigation Com- idle and dissolute company collected about the submit the same informality to their examination, pany, with all its appendages, was transferred locks. The Canal Board last winter made an to the end that if any alterations or amendments to the State. Under these circumstances it order prohibiting any lock-tender from keeping were suggested and approved, the plan on which has been considered proper not to interfere a grocery. In consequence of this order, higher the work had thus far proceeded, might be with the hydraulic works which draw their wages have been given to the lock-tenders than amended accordingly. supply of water from dams erected by the com- before, but their duties have been more satispany, farther than would be consistent with factorily performed. the paramount object for which the dams were constructed. To obviate the difficulty of navigation in the outlet near the foot of Seneca lake, it is intended to deepen the boat channel next summer. The towing-path across the Seneea outlet, below Seneca falls, has been rebuilt. This bridge is two hundred and fifty-seven feet in length. About one and a half miles of the towing-path bank has been walled and docked and a ditch has been cut below Waterloo, of about one and a half miles in length, for the purpose of draining low land adjoining the towing-path, which had been injured by its construction. The latter work was done by order of the Canal Board. It is intended this winter to construct a guard-gate, with abutments of stone masonry, on the level connected with the outlet at Waterloo; and also one on the level which connects with the outlet below Seneca falls, in order to secure the banks of the canal on these levels from floods. There have been an unusual number of breaches in the canal banks the past serson, but none that have interrupted the navigation for any great length of time. Several of these breaches were occasioned by the banks being frozen to an uncommon depth during the winter. When the frost came out in the spring, it left the banks so low that the water easily found its way through them. Within the present month the Canal Board have deliberated on the plan of the survey, maps The following is the amount of expenditures and field notes submitted to them.--This inforon the navigable canals, from the 30th of Sep-mal deliberation has resulted, as heretofore, in an tember, 1831, to the 1st of October, 1832: ERIE AND CHAMPLAIN CANALS. By William C. Bouck, including salary,.. OSWEGO CANAL. CAYUGA AND SENECA CANAL. From the above should be deducted as not $11,296 33 approval of the plan adopted by Mr. Hutchinson. The survey of all the canals would long since $24,209 79 have been completed, but for an unexpected 9,824 30 difficulty which has arisen since the acceptance 327,302 91 of Mr. Hutchinson's proposition. The acting 8361,337 00 Commissioners, from a desire to favor Jacob Trumpbour, who had made a proposition, and was anxious to make the survey, expressed a wish to Mr. Hutchinson that he should assign to 12,369 79 Mr. Trumpbour a pourtion of it, if they should agree on the terms in relation to the compensation and the parts of the canal cach was to survey, reserving to the Commissioners, as is done in all their contracts, the right in every stage of the work, to direct and control the manner in which it should be done. 5,359 00 8379,065 79 In the fall of 1829, Mr Seymour, then an acting Commissioner, discovered that Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Trumpbour were making the 20,807 75 survey on different plans. This fact was first communicated to the other Commissioners in the winter of 1830. For the purpose of reconciling this difficulty, and agreeing on a uniform plan $358,258 04 for making the survey, maps and field notes, in The following sums have been expended on the unfinished this early stage of the matter, when Mr. Hutch The amount paid for repairs, salaries to su- canals : CHEMUNG CANAL. ......... By William C. Bouck,. . CROOKED-LAKE CANAL. inson had surveyed about forty miles, and Mr. Trumpbour one hundred miles, the Commis870,213 89 sioners, considered it their duty to make an informal conference with the other members of $55,686 00 the Canal Board. Soon after this conference, The navigation upon some parts of the Erie The Revised Statutes, part first, chapter 9, title Mr. Trumpbour was apprised that the Canal canal was impeded for the want of a sufficien- 9, article 1, and sections 4 and 5, require the Commissoners and Canal Board were of opinion cy of water during the dry weather last sea-Canal Commissioners to cause to be inade "all that the survey, maps and field notes should be made on a uniform plan; that they preferred the||this, would have required an appropriation of at of the Canal Commissoners, acting also under plan adopted by Mr. Hutchinson, and that he least $15,000. If this supposition is correct, the the advice of the Canal Board, would have utmust proceed no further in his survey, until the design of the Legislature no doubt was to make terly precluded his claims for posterior services difficulty which had arisen was adjusted. Not-such a survey as would furnish the most ready from the favorable regard of either law or equity. withstanding this notice, Mr. Trumpbour, in the and certain means of ascertaining the exterior (To be continued in our next) month of May following, announced to Mr.-bounds of the canal; and that the "boundaries place, until on entering the town, a negro man Not the slightest action or interruption took attempted to run in front of the locomotive, which struck him and he survived but a few hours. [Petersburg Intelligencer.] Seymour his intention of recommencing the sur-of all lands adjacent thereto, or connected there- PETERSBURG RAILROAD.-Our citizens have vey; he was again requested by Mr. Seymour with, to which the State shall have a separate been for some time past anticiprting a visit to "abstain from any farther proceedings in re- title," either by purchase or cession, "shall be from a number of the members of the Legisla lation to it." In defiance of the directions of the designated, with the names of former owners, ture, who were generally invited to make an Canal Commissioners, and in defiance too of the and the date of each title." fact within his own knowledge, that the plan on excursion on the Petersburg Railroad. If this construction of the statute is correct, which he was making his survey, was disap- it would make no difference whether the courses ance of about forty members, who with about Yesterday we were gratified by the appearproved of by the Canal Commissioners and the and distances of the exterior bounds of the an equal number of our citizens and of travCanal Board, he continued his survey; and after canal were ascertained by running lines on the ellers, took their departure from the company's this period he surveyed one hundred and seventy-ground, or whether the means of ascertaining depot on Washington street, at 9 o'clock, on a seven miles of canal, for which he now not only them are furnished; provided that the data on train of five coaches and cars. asks the Legislature to remunerate him, but also which those means rest, would produce as accu- reached Belfield some time before the dinner The party for his expenses in employing counsel, and at-rate a result as lines run on the outward bounds hour, and after a pleasant repast resumed their tending on the Legislature to further the allow-of the canal by compass and chain. And we do seats on the carriages at 3 o'clock. The locoance of his claim, amounting in the aggregate to not hesitate to say, that the means furnished by motive Roanoke, then partially displayed its a larger sum than the appropriation. the plan adopted by Mr. Hutchinson, would pro- power and velocity, by returning to the depot Although Mr. Trumpbour, as he alleges, may duce a more accurate result in this case, than in Petersburg, a distance of 41 miles in two have commenced his survey the first season in lines run on the outward bounds of the canal. hours and six minutes-of which time 8 mingood faith, and under the impression of an im- It is evident that Mr. Trumpbour did not sup-utes were occupied by two stoppages to replied contract; yet we conceive that there is no pose the statute to require that the exterior plenish fuel and wood. It is believed that the possible apology for his having persisted in com- bounds of the canal should be designated by same distance has never before been performed pleting his survey of that part of the canal allot-" visible permanent monuments." Although he in the same time on any other Railroad-41 ted him by Mr. Hutchinson, after being apprised has noted many of the structures on the canal, miles in 2 hours and 58 minutes. that the plan adopted by him was objected to by and the position of buildings and other objects the Canal Commissioners and the Canal Board, in its vicinity, yet there are several miles in difto whom exclusively the statute committed the ferent places on the canal where there are no decision of that point. Could he have supposed permanent structures or buildings in its vicinity; it practicable to coerce the public officers to an and it is not contended that he has in a single approval of his plan; or did he intend to act in instance placed a "visible permanent monument," defiance of their opinion, and refer his claims to unless stakes about two feet long can be called the Legislature? Events subsequent to this stage such; and if these are so considered by the comof the transaction, clearly show that the latter mittee, they could easily have ascertained how course was intended. much reliance is to be placed on this kind of monMemorials from Mr. Trumpbour and Mr.ument, by tracing the lines run by Mr. Trump-on a level road is eight pounds. To propel the Hutchinson were presented to the last Legisla-bour. We venture to say that only a small por- weight of an ordinary human body, or 140 lbs. ture; these, with a report from the Canal Board, tion of those driven into the ground by the axe- would require at this rate just half a pound. to which they had been referred, were referred men in the employ of Mr. Trumpbour could As easily, hen, as such a person tcould walk up to a select committee, whose report will no doubt now be found. bring the subject before the present Legislature. The mistaken views and unauthorised infer- several flight of stairs to the height of thirtyIn the last paragraph on page 17 of the report ences of the committee in many other respects, two feet, he could move his own weight upon of the committee, they say, "If it be admitted will, we think, be readily perceived by an atten- a level railroad one mile and three-quarters; and that the maps must include the boundaries of the tive examination of the case. The misconstruc-if we include a light carriage of 140 pounds, he property, then it must also be conceded that they tions which they have put upon the acts of the must be ascertained by actual survey on the Canal Commissioners and the Canal Board, will could move himself and his carriage threeground. For what other purpose would the Le- be passed over in silence. Neither the Commis-fourths of a mile as easily as he could walk up gislature have directed the Canal Commisioners sioners nor the Canal Board appeared as a party stairs 32 feet. The ease with which persons to cause all necessary surveys to be made, but before the committee, by counsel or otherwise; can walk on level ground, or a floor, is an ar that the boundaries to be exhibited on the map nor does the Statc seem to have had any repremight be designated on the ground itself by sentative to take care of its rights and interests. gument for level roads, which many must senproper visible landmarks? This is the object of It is solely in reference to the rights of the peo-sibly feel; but, whatever be the ease with which every survey of boundaries. For how else can ple of the State, and with a view to shield, as far persons can walk on level ground, they cannot encroachments be discovered and prevented? as we are able, those rights from violation, that move forward with great rapidity, nor without The committee think, therefore, that they incur our remarks upon this extraordinary report are some fatigue; but a wheel is not put out of no hazard in saying that both the statute and the submitted. [For the American Railroad Journal.] RAILROADS FOR PRIVATE USE.-The force of traction necessary to propel a ton's weight above resolution require the actual survey and The committee, by inference and implication, breath, and a friction on the axle, of a few inchdesignation of the boundaries of the public lands have assumed that a contract was made in the es, carries it forward several feet. For innualong the canals appropriated to the use thereof, spring of 1829, between the acting Canal Com- merable occasions this facility of moving would by courses and distances, and visible permanent missioners and Mr. Trumpbour, for one half of be exceedingly convenient in a vast variety of monuments on the ground itself, as has been here- the work to be executed under the law. Now lines of communication, where large railroads tofore used and approved in this State." let it be supposed for a moment that this interThe fourth section of the statute referred to ence is just. Let it be further supposed that this for steam or horse power could not be supportevidently comprises two classes of lands to be contract had been put in writing, and three co-ed. There are innumerable occasions on which surveyed; the one, the lands appropriated for pies of it signed by Mr. Trumpbour and the families in the country wish to convey articles the construction of the canals, the fee simple of Commissioners as the statute requires, and that a few miles to a store, which they cannot carry which is vested in the State by the Constitution; the contract had specifically designated Mr. the other, the lands "adjacent thereto or con- Trumpbour's mode of survey as the one which in their hands, and which are not a load for a nected therewith, to which the State have a he was to pursue. Even in a case as strong as horse. In these cases it would be very easy separate title." The last class of lands is the this, the conduct of Mr. Trumpbour subsequent for a man, or even a woman, to take a beautiful, one, no doubt, referred to, "on which the boun- to the season of 1829, would be wholly indefen- fancy rail-car, of 140 pounds weight, and take u daries of every such parcel of land shall be de-sible. It has been the uniform practice of the load of 200 pounds weight, and go on a dry signated, with the names of the former owners, Commissioners to reserve the power in their conand the date of each title." tracts of limiting, controlling, and changing the rail, when a common road is deep with mud, The Committee have evidently confounded mode of their execution, whenever, in their some four or five miles to a store. In this these two classes of cases; and they seem to judgment, the interests of the State required it. case no more effort would be necessary than suppose that the statute requires an actual This practice is founded on the obvious princi- would be required to raise up over a pulley a survey on the ground, designating the exterior ple, that men may learn wisdom by experience. bounds of the canal by courses and distances, And the statutes of the State have constantly weight of one pound and two-thirds. It would and visible and permanent monuments." The recognized and sanctioned this practice, by giv-require no more force to move through the Commissioners infer, as well from the nature of ing to the contractor a claim for damages, in case whole four miles, the carriage of 140 pounds, the case as the amount appropriated, that the the expense of his contract is increased by "new the load of 200 pounds, and the person of 110 Legislature could not have intended that "visible directions" as to its execution. If then there and permanent monuments" should be erected, by had been such a contract as has been supposed, pounds-in all 480-than for the person of 140 which the exterior bounds of the canal could be the obstinate pertinacity of Mr. Trumpbour in pounds to walk ten times up a flight of stairs of designated at any fature period. To have donell refusing to conform its execution to the direction||26 feet in height: PUBLICOLA |