288

The arguments were conducted by Mr. Scott and Mr. until he lost his second wife, in the year 1822. In the Randall, for the plaintiff.

year 1829 he again removed to Philadelphia, with his onson, where he lived until Iris death.-Sat. Bulletin.

And by Messrs. Vincent L. Bradford, Thomas Bradly ford, Jr. and Chauncey, for the defendants.

A verdict was rendered for the plaintiff, which accorded with the principles laid down by the Judge. Am. Daily Advertiser.

MISCELLANEOUS.

PITTSBURG, October 2. Practical Demonstration.-On Wednesday evening, before sunset, a sinall keel boat, with seventy barrels of salt, towed by one small horse, arrived at Alleghenytown, from Freeport, which place she left that morning. To have conveyed this salt by land, would have requir cd six wagons, with five horses and a driver each, and one day and a half travelling.

Thus, on the Canal, one horse and two men have performed the work, in one day, which, by a turnpike road, would have employed thirty horses and six men for one day and a half each.

LUMBER.--About eight million feet of lumber, at the lowest estimate, will be consumed the present season in this borough and vicinity, which has made it a scarce article, and advanced its price two-fold. All the sawmills in the neighbourhood have been kept in full gear, but the quantity they supply has not been adequate to the demand, large quantities having been brought from the Susquehanna and Philadelphia.

Large tracts of well-timbered land abound in the Catawissa Valley, along the Mahanoy, and in fact throughout almost every portion of this country, through which streams are winding, on whose courses numerous sawmills can be erected at a trifling expense, and would abundantly reward those who feel disposed to embark in such undertakings.

In some of these vallies the soil is of an excellent

quality, and could be cultivated to great advantage. Miners Journal.

A convention of the citizens from the southwestern

PITTSBURG, September 30. Successful Experiment.-Mr. R. Toland of Philadel- counties, in Pennsylvania, was held at Brownsville, on phia, forwarded to Middletown, by the Union Canal, the 18th September, for the purpose of taking into corfour wagon loads of Goods, to be from thence transport-sideration the improvement of the Monongahela river, ed to Pittsburg by wagon: These goods were received from the Virginia line to Pittsburg-lb. by Messrs. Riddle, Forsyth, &c. of this place, seventeen days after they were loaded in Philadelphia, being at least one day less than the time usually taken by wagons. The cost of transportation was 25 cts. per 100 pounds less, than was paid on goods, which were loaded at the same time in Philadelphia by wagons, thus demonstrating both the cheapness and celerity of canal transporta

tion.

SUNBURY, Oct. 19.

The public are indebted to our fellow citizen Nicholas Biddle, Esq. President of the United States Bank, for the new stairway to Iris Island, at the Falls of Niagara, who was lately on a visit to the Falls, and learning that by the subscriptions of certain citizens of Boston, and the spiral stairway on the British side had been built perceiving the increased interest which would be added to the scenery.by making the base of Iris Island accessi The water has been running over the Shamokin damble, generously proposed to one of the proprietors of the Island, to commence the construction of this stairfor a week past, without causing the slightest injury to the work. If the river continues at its present pitch for any length of time, the work cannot be completed so soon as was contemplated. The feeder to the ca- BLAIRSVILLE, Indiana County.—By the Blairsville Renal (opposite the dam,) was considerably injured by corder we learn, that in September, 1827, this thriving the high water undermining its foundation. The wa village contained 501 inhabitants; it now contains 1023, ter is now let into the canal above the lock. The being an increase in two years, of more than one hunnavigation will not be in the least retarded by this acci-dred per cent. Within that time, four brick houses of dent. It is supposed that the water has passed Liver- public worship have been erected, viz: pool before this time.

Mr. C. Dingee, of this borough, has raised from one seed potatoe, one hundred and fifty-two potatoes, of merchantable size, measuring near a half bushel, and weighing 31 pounds. Also, a radish measuring 35 inch es round, and weighing 15 lbs. 4 oz. The seed was ob tained from Mr. Abel, in the Neck near Philadelphia.

The decease of JOHN HENRY SIMLER, a soldier of the Revolution, occurred in this city about ten days ago. In the year 1780 he enlisted in France as a private, and served as a Dragoon in Capt. Bart's corps of the First Troop of Light Dragoons, Free Legion, under the command of Col. Armand. He arrived at Boston, and pro. ceeded thence with his Troop to York town in Virginia, at which memorable siege he was present, and assisted in the capture of it by the united forces of America and France. He was wonnded in the forehead and eye by a sabre, and retained the scar until his death. He remained in the service until regularly discharged at Philadelphia, although the greater part of his Troop was discharged immediately after the surrender of Yorktown. On the termination of the war, he married and settled in Philadelphia, where he remained for about 15 years, In 1793, he lost his wife by the yellow fever; he then married a second time, and in 1797 removed to Philipsburg in Centre county, Pa. a perfect wilderness at the time. He built the first house in the place, where he resided

way, and draw on him for the expense.—Bulletin.

A Presbyterian Meeting house, Methodist Meetinghouse, an Episcopal Church, and a Catholic Chapel.— Ground has also been purchased for a German Lutheran Church. There are in the village, forty-seven brick, seventy-two frame, forty-seven log, and four stone houses, besides several brick buildings now under way.

A new Market for Schuylkill Coal.-Last week some of our coal merchants shipped off several boat loads of coal for the Womelsdorf and Lebanon, l'a. markets.-They proceed to Reading, and there take the Union canal for their place of destination. This looks like "carying coal to New-Castle.”—Miners Journal.

A new Post Office has been established at Starrucca, Wayen county, of which David Spoor, Esq. is appointed Postmaster.-Lehigh Fioneer.

Erratum in our last.—For violations in the first line of page 272, read relations.

Printed every SATURDAY MORNING by WILLIAM F GEDDES, No. 59 Locust Strect, Philadelphia; where, and at the PUBLICATION OFFICE, IN FRANKLIN PLACE, second door back of the Post Office, (back room) subscriptions will be thankfully received. Price FIVE DOLLARS per annum, payable annually by subscribers residing in or near the city, or where there is an agent. Other subscribers pay in advance.

THE

REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE.

VOL. IV.-NO. 19.

REPORT

EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.

PHILADELPHIA, NOV. 7, 1829.

NO. 97.

Of the Canal Commissioners-Read, February 8, 1826. the supply of his summit level, and the result induced

CANAL COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE,
Philadelphia, Feb. 3, 1826.

SIR,-I have the honor herewith to transmit to your Excellency, a report of the Commissioners, together with the field notes, drafts and maps, therein referred

to.

With the highest respect,
Sir, your most obd't serv't,
JOHN SERGEANT, Pres't.

His Excellency, J, ANDW. SHULZE,
Governor of Pennsylvania.

The Canal Commissioners of Pennsylvania, in obedience to the 8th section of the act of 7th April last, requiring them to present "a plain and comprehensive report of all their proceedings," respectfully submit the following statement:

The attention of the board during the past season, has been directed exclusively to those routes, which were supposed to admit of a navigable communication between the Allegheny and Susquehanna rivers, across the great ridge which divides the eastern and western waters of the state. Four such routes have been accurately levelled and surveyed--and it remains only for the board to detail the results.

what point the waters of that stream could be used for him to propose sinking his summit, by means of a tunnel, and deep cut 142 feet below the top of the ridge. At this level, it was ascertained that a large quantity of water could be procured from the branches of Toby, and other streams in the vicinity. These streams were carefully measured, and the number of cubic feet, which they are estimated to furnish per day, is as follows:

It is believed that reliance may be placed upon the method pursued in these measurements; but Mr. Wil son has justly remarked, that in the midst of a wilderness, and with no other tools than axes, it was impossible to construct the dams employed, in such a manner as to be tight, and that the flow of water on this account, is probably much undervalued. Two streamsMill creek and Otter run, were not guaged, and are therefore omitted in the foregoing list, although Mr. Wilson thinks they would afford a considerable supply.

It has been stated, that in order to obtain this supply of water, the summit level must be depressed, and a tunnel constructed. Mr. Wilson ascertained that the length of the tunnel would be 482 perches, supposing the open canal continued at each end, until it reached the depth of 40 feet. The soil was found to be a soft clay-slate, and sand stone, very favorable for such a work, as it is easy of excavation, and wouli prevent the necessity of arching.

down to the mouth of the Juniata.

The examination of the most northern route, was entrusted to William Wilson, Esq. of Lycoming county, who left Williamsport with his party, on the 4th July. According to the instructions of the board, he proceed ed immediately to the dividing ridge, in order to search for a pass by which a cana! might be conducted with a sufficient supply of water upon its summit level. Such a pass was supposed to exist at Flag Swamp, a marsh situated between the north end of Boone's mountain, and the ridge whish separates Kersey's run, (a tributary of Bennett's branch of the Sinnemahoning,) from Little Toby's creek, This marsh occupies the centre Having finished these operations upon the summit, ground so exactly, as to discharge part of its waters in- the routes to the Susquehanna, by the Sinnemahoning to each of these streams, and had therefore been repre- and West branch, and to the Allegheny by Toby's sented to the board as an eligible route for a canal. creek and Clarion river, were next to be attended to. Accordingly, Mr. Wilson gave his earliest attention to The season was so far advanced, that the first of these this spot. But after levelling from it to the neighbor-only, could be examined. But this was carefully done ing streams, in various directions, he found it did not admit of an adequate supply of water. Compelled to abandon this route, Mr. Wilson extended his levels towards the head waters of the Driftwood branch of Sinnemahoning, and after many fruitless researches, was at length so fortunate as to find a pass 140 feet lower than Flag Swamp, and much nearer to the feeding streams, which alone can supply any summit in that quarter. Subsequent examinations render it extremely probable, that this pass is in fact the lowest in that part An impression having very generally prevailed, that of the country. It is about 400 feet lower than the divi-a practicable pass for a canal might be found, at the ding ridge to the southeast, which separates the branch-head waters of the West branch of Susquehanna, John es of Big and Little Toby, and to the north, the ridges rise far above it, uniting themselves with the high table land in which the Big Toby, the Allegheny, Gennessee, Cowanesque, Pine Creek, and Sinnemahoning, have their sources. Its height above the mouth of Juniata, is 1400 feet, and above Pittsburg, 967 feet. After discovering this pass, Mr. Wilson proceeded with his levels to Big Toby, in order to determine at VOL. IV. 37

The accompanying map and profiles will give the result of this survey. The draft of Toby's creek, and Clarion river, and of the Allegheny river to the mouth of Kiskeminetas was copied from the state map, and the board cannot therefore be responsible for its correctness. The entire descent to Pittsburg was ascer tained from a connexion of the levels, taken by the different parties, under the direction of the board.

Mitchell, Esq. of Centre county, was engaged to examine in that direction. He left Bellefonte with his party on the 2d of August, and after passing some days in exploring the country, which divides the waters of Big Mahoning and the Susquehanna, established his first level bench, at a part of the ridge called in the map "the Clover Patch." From this point he directed his levels to the river, which he struck about a mile and a half below the mouth of Chest creek, and at a depres

sion of 794 feet below the suinmit of the ridge. He must be depressed;- and it was ssccriained that this then took his course up the river to the Cherry Tree," could be done tv the depth of 220.34 fret below the which stands immediately below the mouth of Cushing top of the ridge, by a tunnel 367 percles in length. A creek, about 22 miles above the mouth of Chest creek. feeder line was accordingly established at this level, Here he determined to carry a level up the Cushing, and was continued until it intersected the north branch believing that it presented a favorable prospect of a low of the Conemaugh, 424 perches below Lilly's Mill, and summit between the head waters of the river, and those 300 perches above the mouth of Ben's creek;-the of Two Lick creek, a western stream, running into the distance from the summit level being six miles and 193 Conemaugh. He was not disappointed. A pass was dis- perches. covered at the distance of four miles from the Cherry It was not considered necessary to continue this line Tree, and at an elevation of 257 feet above it, which further, as the ground had been surveyed by the late has proved to be the lowest yet found, between our commissioners, and was then under examination by Mr. eastern and western waters; being 126 feet lower than Davies. It is now ascertained, that the length of the that found by Mr. Wilson,

feeder on this side would be about 18 miles. An inspection of the profile of this route, will show Passing over to the Clearfield side, another feeder that the ascent is very gradual up the dividing ridge, line was run, 3 miles and 153 perches in length, to which is itself a hill of moderate acclivity.

Storm's mill stream, the mountain branch of the Clear, BIr. Mitchell's next business was to determine what fiell—this and the Munster branch were guaged, and waters could be brought to his summit, and for this pur. found 10 yield together (8.878 cubic feet per day. The pose be made extensive examinations in various direc- streams from the mountain were not guaged by Mr. iions, which it is not necessary to detail in this report. Rawle, but the witer which they would furnish may The result was not fortunate. The whole supply from be determined from the measurement of Mr. Davies, the castern waters, (two branches of the Susquehanna and of the late commissioners. and Chest creek,) amounted to but 69.483 feet per day. The pass adopted by Mr. Pawle, was selected for its The waters on the western side would have to be vicinity to the feeding streams. To ascertain whether brought, by a long and circuitous route, over a feeder i it was in fact the most eligible, a line of levels was run summit, which, after being excavated to the depth of along the dividing ridge, chiefly on its summit; and at 48 feet, is still 393 feet above the proposed sunimit of a distance of two miles from the first pass, another, the canal. Of these streams the Black lick alone was 34.36 feet lower, was found, between the leading measured, and that at the forks below the feeder sum- branch of the Clearfield, and the Elk Lick branch of mit, and found to yield 46.196 cubic feet per day. Conemaugh. A deep cut of 66 25 feet, at the top di. Cushing creek and Dutch run were not guaged, but minishing both ways, and 152 perches in length, would the first is supposed by Mr. Mitchell to be equal form a connexion on a level with the feeder line of 10 Chest creek, and the second to the southwest Messrs. Holgate and Clark. branch of the Susquehanna, that is, they would yield From this place the levels were carried between the 67.114 feet per day. The whole supply of water then other head branches of Clearficld and Conemaugh, of cannot be estimated at more than 182.773 cubic feet-- Chest creek and Conemaugh, and of Chest creek and a quantily probably insufficient to provide for leakage Black Lick, and the dividing ground was found to be and evaporation.

generally of the sime elevation as the pass first seAfter completing his examination of the summit, Mr. lected. Mitchell returned to the point, at which he first struck Mr. Rawle's levels are connected with those of the the river, and continued his levels to the mouth of late commissioners at their tunnel line, and with those Clearfield creek, where they were connected with those of Mr. Mitchell at the mouth of Clearfield, and also at of Mr. Rawle, and thence to the mouth of Sinnemaho. a branch of Chest creek. ning, where they were connected with those of Mr. The entire length of this route, from the mouth of Wilson. The board were surprised to find, that the Juniata to Pittsburg, is about 395 miles. Its lockage distance from the mouth of Juniata to Pittsburg, was would be very considerable, the suinmit being 1457 greater by this than the northern route. Its computed feet above the former, and 1024 feet above the latter length is 365 miles and 289 perches. The height of ihe point. summit is 1273 feet above the Juniata at its mouth, and The attention paid by the late commissioners to the 810 above the Allegheny at Pittsburg:

Juniata route, may be supposed to have obviated the That part of the draft which exhibits the route from necessity of further examination, But as a more eligible the summit by the Two Lick, and Black Lick, to the pass was supposed by many to exist, and no surveys Conemaugh, not having been surveyed, was taken from and levels had been carried down the Conemaugh and the state map:

Kiskeminetas, the board early determined to empley & At a meeting of the board, which was held at the party in this quarter, and John Davies, Esq. of Dauphin, town of Clearfield, on the 31st August, it was determi- was placed at its head. ned to explore a line from the Susquehanna by the Mr. Davies began his operations on the 1st August, Clearfield creek, to the head waters of the Conemaugh, by ascertaining the summit, on the Allegheny mountain, and Francis W. Rawle, Esq. was selected for the per- between Bob's creek, a tributary of the Raystown formance of this duty. After an inevitable delay, caused branch, and Ben's creek, a mountain branch of Cone. principally by the difficulty of procuring proper instru. maugh. Extensive exaininations were next made, in ments, Mr. Rawle commenced his operations at the order to determine whether, supposing this summit to mouth of the Clearfield, on the 26th September. From be depressed by a deep cut, or tunnel, water could be this point the levels were carried up the stream, to the obtained for the purposes of navigation, and levels were suminit of the dividing ridge between the Cle:yfield run to those streams on both sides of the mountain and a small branch of the north branch of Conemaugh, which were believed to be available. at the distance of 71 miles and 72 perches, and at an The measurement of streams on the east side, gare elevation of 946 feet. It was now necessary to deter. the following results: mine the relative heights of this summit, and the feeder South Poplar Ruin, above Black's saw mill, 1 cubic feet line of the survey of 1824, which takes in the streams

per sec. on the west side of the Allegheny mountain, upon Spring branch of Frankstown branch, above Seth's mill, which the principal dependence must be placed for a 7 cubic feet per sec. supply of water. A line was accordingly run to the level Blair's creek,

2.2 cubic feet per sec. of that feeder, which was found to be i50.61 feet lower Beaver dam, branch of Juniata, 2.7 do, than the assumed summit.

Cove creek, below M'Kee's mill, 24 do. It was evident, therefore, that the summit of the can:1 Unfortunately, however, this ample supply of water, 1899.)

PENNSYLVANIA CINAL.

291

lies too low to be introcluced upon any level by which It has been stafed already, that the streams relied on the summit might be passed.

to feed the summit of the former, yielded an aggregate The first stream was measured 1275 feet below the of 1.770.611 cubic feet per day in the very dry season summit, and the last, which yields nearly twice as much at which they were measured. The length of the feedas all the rest, is 1531 feet below the same point. The ers, and of that portion of the canal which they must quantity they could supply for a practicable tunnel, is exclusively supply, not having been ascertained, it is very inconsiderable.

impossible to make an accurate estimate of the leakage On the west side, measurements of the south fork of and evaporation, but it will be safe to suppose that the Conemaugh were made by two methods. The result by loss from these causes cannot exceed half a million cuthe first, which is the same used by the late commis. bic feet, in adılition to the quantity lost at the imperfect sioners, was 359.424 cubic feet per day, and by the dams which were used at guaging, and to the water fursecond, 359.685 feet. The same stream, in 1824, ap- nished by the streams not measured. With this allowpeared to yield 2.073 600 cubic feet per day; or nearly ance there remains 1.270.611 cubic feet per day for the six times the quantity found by Mr. Davies. This dit purposes of navigation. Supposing lock chambers of ference is remarkable, and must have an important the size used for the Union Canal, (which is believed bearing on the question of a tunnel. Assuming the to be best) namely, 75 feet long, 84 wide, and of eight measurement of Mr. Davies as correct, and supposing feet lift, this supply will be equal to 249 lockfulls, and the supply from Ben's creek, Bear Rock run, Laurel ai the well known rate of three lockfulls for two boats, Awamp branch, Beaver Dam r'un, trout run and Laurel will be abundantly sufficient for an uninterrupted water run, to be ten feet per second, as found by the late com communication. The entire length of this route, from missioners, we may estimate the entire supply of water the mouth of Juniata to Pittsburg, is about 353 miles. from the western side, upon their tunnel level, at The elevation of the proposed tunnel above the former 1.223.560 cubic feet per day.

point, is 1258 feet, and above the latter, 825, making Having finished his examination of the mountain. Mr. in all 2083 feet of lockage, requiring 260 locks of eight Davies proceeded with a line of levels down the Cone- feet lift. The rate at which a boat, carrying 20 tons, maugh, Kiskiminetas and Alleghieny; to Pittsburg, and may be drawn by a single horse on a well constructed has furnished the board with a detailed account of all canal, is from 2 to 3 miles an hour; and supposing no his operations.

lockage to intervene, the average distance which a boat The whole length of this route, from the mouth of woull pass over per day, may be fixed at 30 nuiles. At the Juniata to Pittsburg, is 267 miles and 173 perches. this rale, the lime of transportation on the northern The height of Bob's creek summit, above the first route, between the points abovementioned, would be of these points, is 2135 feet, and above Pittsburg, 1702 about 12 days, independent of lockage, which at ten feet.

minutes for each lock, is 43 hours, or four days, making In the map and profile which accompanies this re- the whole passage 16 days. It is not possible, from the port, the Juniata portion has been projected from the imperfect data in the possession of the board, accuratenotes of the late commissioners.

ly to estimate the cost of this route; still as some sucht General Lacock, a member of the board, accompa- calculation must enter into a decision upon its comparanied Mir. Davies during the greater part of his opera- tive merits, the opinion of Mr. Strickland, founded up. tions, and his presence is believed 10 have been highly on the best information within bis reach, has been obadvantageous.

tained. His estimate amounts in the whole to $4,324,100. The board bave thus submitte', with the ulmost prac. The particulars composing this sum, together with the ticable brevity, a sketch of the surveys performed under estimates of the other three routes, formed on the same their direction. For further detail, they must refer to principles, are annexed to this report. They must be the reports and drafts of the gentlemen employed; regarded only as approximations to the truth, which my which, together witir their field notes, are now forward- answer the purpose of a general comparison. ed, and to the general map and profiles, compiled from The ground through which the northern route must those documents, by William Strickland, Esq. a distin- pass, so far as it has been examined, presents no serious guished professional engineer.

impediments to the construction of a canal. It may gen. It is proper to mention, that no efforts have been crally be located upon bottom land adjoining the streams, spared to insure accuracy in the work. The best instru- and stone, timber, and other materials of excellent qual. ments were procured, and the board have reason to ity may every where be had. believe, were skilfully employed. A connexion of levels In turning to the Juniata route, the best method of with those of the late commissioners at the mouth of Ju- passing the Allegheny mountain presents itself; as the niata, anıl at Lilly's mill, west of the Allegheny moun. first and most important question. A majority of the tain, exhibits a difference of 15 feet in the intervening late commissioners were of' opinion, that a tunnel sunk distance. The same levels were tested by the known 754 feet below the summit which they selected, would elevation of Pittsburg above tide water, and found to be at once practicable and effectual. correspond within about three feet.

It must be observed, however, that the streams relied The board take pleasure in expressing entire satis- on to feed this tunnel, yielded, when measured by Mr. faction with all the gentlemen by whom these examina- Davies, only about one half the water which the late tions were inade. Tlie arduous duty enjoined by their commissioners expected to derive from them. The instructions, was performed with such fidelity, intelli- drought of last year was indeed excessive, but the same gence and perseverance, as entitle them to the thanks cause may occur again, and a work of such magnitude, and confidence of the public.

difficulty and expense, as the proposed tunnel, should Upon the facts above referred to, a comparison of not be undertaken without a fuit assurance that when routes remains to be attempted.

completed it would answer the purpose intended. The It appears to be evident that the West Branch and board are therefore compelled to say, that there is no Clearfiell routes cannot enter into competition with the certainty of supplying a tunnel with water, unless it be other two. The for.mer is longer to Pittsburg, and would depressed much lower than was comtemplated by the be longer to Lake Erie, than the northern route. It late commissioners. The consequent increase of length cannot be supplied with water at the summit, and as a is an insuperable objection. portage line, it bears no comparison with the Juniata, The number of locks which must be crowded together which is 100 miles shorter. The Clearfield route would at both ends of the tunnel, is in the opinion of the board be longer and more expensive than either of the others. another serious difficulty. From the Juniata, at the juncIt has less water and considerably more elevation thun tion of the southwest and Beaver dam branches, to the Die northern route.

a

a

lift, to pass which, at ten minutes for each lock, would and it is suggested, that without delaying such legisla. occupy 27 2-3 hours, or 3 days.

tive measures, as may be necessary for commencing and These circumstances, viewed in connexion with the prosecuting the work, the final decision between the expense of the undertaking, bave satisfied the board, routes be l'eferred to a board of disinterested profesthat unless a more favorable situation than Blair's, or sional engineers, constituted in such manner as the LeBob's creek gap can be found, the idea of a tunnel gislature may think proper, and acting in conjunction must be wholly abandoned. This opinion, howerer, is with the commissioners. given with great deference to the former commissioners, The board do not hesitate to say, that the practicawhose talents, industry and zeal arc entitled to the bility of a communication, by one or other of the routes highest respect.

proposed, which shall answer all valuable and useful The hope of accomplishing an unbroken water com- purposes, is satisfactorily ascertained, and that the communication by the Juniata route being thus laid aside, monwealth may safely deermine, not only on its comthe board have taken into consicieration the propriety mencement, but on its completion. They therefore and probable effects of a portage over the mountain. recommend, that such steps be taken towards the acFor this purpose, the pass surveyed by Mr. Davies, complishment of the whole work, as will insure its acmust certainly be preferred, as it is lower, and ascends tive prosecution, as soon as the most eligible route shall inore gradually than Blair's gap.

have been fixed with certainty, It has been suggested, that a basin be established at Before leaving that portion of the report, which has the junction of the southwest and Beaver dam branch. reference to the surveys, it may be proper to inention, es of Juniata, capable of holding 100 boats, and pro- that the citizens of Bedford county have caused a canal vided with the necessary cranes, store-houses, &c.- route to be surveyed, which follows the Raystown That a rail road of the best construction be carried a branch of Juniata, and crosses the mountain between long the southwest branch to Black's mill, a distance the liead waters of that stream, and of Shade creek, a of 12 miles, with a rise of 277 feet, or at an angle of tributary of Conemaugh. From the report of this sur

of a degree. From this point to the summit of the vey, it would appear to present many advantages for mountain, is about 5 miles, with a rise of 1276 feet. the location of a canal. The pass at the mountain, is To overcome this, five inclined places, separated by represented to be lower than that of Bob's creek, and short levels, are contemplated. Each inclined plane it is asserted, that abundance of water might be intro will have a rise of 255 feet in a mile, forming an angle duced into a tunnel, of not more than 435 perches. of 24 degrees. Upon each level a brake may be con- Although this route has not been accurately surveystructed for regulating the motion of the ascending and ed, under the direction of the board-it did not entirely descending loads. Wherever the brake is used, the escape their attention. That part, which lies between railway must be double. In other places it may be sin- Shade creek and the town of Bedford, was examines, gle, with sidelings to permit vehicles to pass each other. at their request, by Gen. Lacock, in September last. On the top of the mountain, it is believed, a level may His report agrees generally with the resulls of the Bedbe formed for the distance of a mile. From the summit ford survey, except as to the water discharged by Shade westward, the descent is gradual to the forks of the south creek, which he estimates at from 4 to 4 cubic feet branch of the Conemaugi, being 1000 feet in 11 miles, per second, while the measurement in December last, is or less than one degree. At the point last mentioned, stated at 18 feet per second. a basin is proposed, similar to that east of the mountain. It may be doubted, whether at the height practicable The entire length of the route, from the mouth of Ju- for a tunnel, the supply of water, would be greater than niała to Pittsburg, will then be about 267 miles, and in the vicinity of Blair's gap.- General Lacock belier173 perches. The distance from the former point to ed it would not; and in conformity with his opinion, the the proposed eastern basin, is 120 miles, with a rise of idea of a more accurate survey was abandoned. But if 582 feet.

the supply be sufficient, this is probably the best point The distance from the proposed western basin to at which a canal could pass the Allegheny mountain.Pittshurg, is 113 miles, and the lescent 699) feet. The The distance would be but nine miles greater than by whole lockage, therefore, will be 12813 feet, requiring the Frankstown branch. 560 locks of 8 feet lift. The length of the portage is Upon the whole, it appears to the board, that this 28 miles. The time of passing the canal, at 30 miles route may deserve a more particular investigation, per day, would be eight days. To pass the locks, before the line of the state canal be finally determined would occupy 26 2-3 hours, or nearly three days, and on. the unloading, re-loading, and crossing the mountain, In obedience to the injunctions contained in the sevmay be fixed at two days more, making 13 days for the enth section of the act of 7th April last, the commissionwhole passage.

ers have made the inquiries therein directed, and subAn estimate of the expense of this route, in the mit the following result: mode proposed, framed upon such information as could 1. That the establishment and management of a fund, be obtained, has been made by Mr. Strickland, and for the execution of the work proposed, must be comannexed hereto. It amounts to 3,045,900 dollars. mensurate with the probable cost, and must be so ar.

The act of Assembly, from which the board derives ranged, as to provide for the necessary expenditure, its power, refers exclusively to the establishment of a from time to time, as it may be required, in the most navigable communication between the eastern and west- economical and least burthensoir.e manner. For this ern waters of the state. It is evident, therefore, that purpose, considerable authority must be delegated, of within the strict limit of their duty, they must recom- a highly confidential character, and it is believed that inend the northern route, because i hat alone affords the such authority may best be executed by a commission, means of continued water communication. But it may composed of the officers of the government. It is there. perhaps be a question, whether the advantages possess- fore respectfully suggested, that such a commission be ed by the Juniata route, with reference to cost and dis. established, and that the persons composing it, be de. tance, do not counterbalance the inconvenience of a nominated “ The commissioners of the fund for the importage. The commissioners have already stated the provement of the state;" that a fund be established, facts which have come to their knowledge, calculated appropriated exclusively to such works as may be unto throw ligiit on this important point, but much re- dertaken by the state, and pledged for the payment of mains to be done before a final decision can safely be the principal and interest of such loans as may be formed. Accurate estimates, founded upon examina- raised; that this fund De composed of such revenue as tions by scientific engineers, should first be made, and may be provided for the purpose, and of the tolls which every circumstance entitled to weight, be distinctly as may be received from the work; that the accounts of certaincu. All this may be done in the ensuing scason, this fund be kept separate from the other funds and