PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT No. 35 WALL STREET, NEW-YORK, AT THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE. D. K. MINOR, EDITOR.] CONTENTS: page 1 Editorial Notices..... Dr. Hare's Apparatus and Processes.. Agriculture Home Intelligence.. Literary Notices...... Governor's Message to the New-York Legislature. 2 3 5 ib. AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, &c. NEW-YORK, JANUARY 11, 1834. 16 [VOLUME III.-No. 1. With a repetition, therefore, of the assurance that the Journal will be continued at least another year, and the expression of a hope that it will hereafter be a profitable work to all parties interested in it, as well as to the country at large, I beg to acknowledge the obligations under which the numerous favors of its friends have laid me, and to solicit a continuance, not only of their patronage as subscribers, but also as correspondents and friends." *In order to obviate the difficulty of remitting by mail, for want of small bills, I will ob subscriber. It has before been mentioned, yet it may be of the Journal to all who are now indebted for again, without impropriety, repeated, that past volumes; and hereafter, each subscriber's thus far the Journal has not paid its expenses. name and residence, with the amount paid I have, however, resolved to try it another year, and date to which it pays, will be inserted in and those who desire to have it, will run no the Journal, that he may have evidence of risk by paying in advance for the volume, as payment in his possession, should his receipt I assure them that when once commenced, as be mislaid. 8 it now is, it will be continued through the ib year, to those who pay in advance. Heretofore I have endeavored to persuade all to pay in advance, who wished the Journal sent to them; but have, in very many cases, been unsuccessful, either from the apprehension that it would not be continued, or from some other cause unknown to me; by which omissions TO THE PATRONS OF THE JOURNAL.-The I have not been able to make its income pay second volume of this Journal has been com- its expenses for materials and labor; and of pleted, and with this number, (somewhat de-course I have not only devoted my time to its layed, 'tis true,) another year is commenced. supervision without compensation, but have In entering upon the duties of another year, also been obliged to advance, during the two serve that U. S. Bank notes of $5, or over, may it may not be amiss to ask those of its patrons years, over a thousand dollars to meet its orand readers, who may have watched its brief dinary expenses, that it might not be disconbe remitted, when inclosed in presence of or by the Post-Master, at my risk, subject to postage, career, have I fulfilled my promises? Has the tinued. Its discontinuance will not, therefore, Journal answered your expectations? Should I presume, be considered as a mark of disre-and credit for the amount will be given to the you answer in the affirmative, as I, at least, spect by those who are now indebted for past may be permitted to hope, it will serve only volumes. It is always an unpleasant matter to stimulate to renewed exertion to make the to part with old friends, especially if they hapJournal more what I have desired, than I have pen to be indebted to us, and there is any prosyet been able to do. Should any of you, pect of obtaining the amount. It is, however, however, have cause to give a different answer, better that such friends should part while the I can only say, that, under the circumstances, debt is small, than that the acquaintance all that could be, has been done, to render it should be kept up entirely at the expense of The Journal will, as heretofore, be published weekly, at worthy of your continued patronage; and it one party-especially if it falls upon the one three dollars, in advance. It will also be sent to those who now affords me much pleasure to assure you least able to sustain it. Those subscribers, desire it in semi-monthly form, with a cover, stitched, at $4 that I shall be able hereafter to render it far therefore, who have not yet paid for the pre-cover, so as to be sent by mail, like a magazine, or in boards, per annum. Vols. I. and II. may now be had, stitched in a more valuable than heretofore. I shall not, vicus volumes, but wish to have it continued, at $3, with price of binding, (25-50-or 75 cents,) per volhowever, now give any new assurances of my will please to remember that prompt payment ume, as may be preferred. intentions, but merely repeat that, having de-only for the past as well as for the ensuing volcided to publish it another year, it will con-ume will ensure its continuance. I am comtinue to pursue the path originally marked out pelled to adopt this measure in order to reduce for it. It will be mainly devoted to the sub-the expenses of the work, by printing only a ject of Internal Improvement, in its various number sufficient to supply those who pay for It will also have a mechanical, an it, and to keep the setts, now on hand, com- we understand, to obtain an act of the Legislaagricultural, a miscellaneous, and a literary plete. I regret exceedingly the necessity of ture, authorizing the construction of this imdepartment-avoiding every thing like parti- such a course, but am resolved to work here- portant link in our works of internal improvezan politics, yet at the same time devoting after without compensation, for those only ment. It is a measure of great importance, and a share of its pages to the recording of many who are willing to aid in defraying the ex-one which will, we trust, find no lack of friends of the important political measures of the day, pense of materials and labor (except my own) in the right quarter. The documents accomfor the convenience of those who desire to necessary to its publication. panying the Appeal will be given in subsequent preserve them for future reference. modes. D. K. MINOR. New-York, January, 1834. One word on account of the delay of this number. Absence and indisposition have been the principal cause. It will hereafter, as heretofore, be published on Saturday. In this number will be found "AN APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK," in favor of a Canal to connect the Erie Canal with the Allegany river. An effort is to be made, as Bills will be forwarded in the next number numbers. Undulating Railroads. By A. CANFIELD. To the Editor of the American Railroad Journal, and Ad. vocate of Internal Improvements. SIR.--Having heard several of our most distinguished civil engineers express a disbelief in the theory of the undulating railroad as laid down by the ingenious discoverer of its advantages, (though they ad. mit that they had not carefully examined the matter,) I am induced to offer some remarks on the subject. What I propose to shew is, that a car must and will run over an undulating road, with a moving power! less than would be required to move it on a level road." Though, to my mind, this is abundantly proved by Mr. Badnall, I shall take a different course to arrive at the same conclusion. no reason to doubt that this will be found to be one of in railroads. I am, Sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, On the Improved Art of Boring for Water, as prac- The practice of boring for water appears to have been first undertaken from the rational probability of its success; but it was found necessary very much to improve the instruments of the art, on account of the Let us first suppose a car placed on a level road, nature of the rock and soil. And, for economy of laand a locomotive power, applied which is just suffibor, to devise a mode of applying the power of the cient to overcome all friction. Now, the smallest steam engine to a machine which raises the chisel and additional force will put the car in motion; and the allows its blow by sudden release and fall. velocity will be exactly proportional to the said additional force. We will suppose it to be so small as to produce the least conceivable velocity. Now, we will suppose the same car to be placed at one of the apexes of an undulating road. We will suppose the Thus the primitive rocks are, it is believed, inva. riably found in the order or succession, upwards, of granite, granular limestone with quartz, gneiss, mica slate, soapstone, sienite, succeeded by the transition rocks, metalliferous limestone, argillaceous, and siliceous slate, graywacke slate, and rubblestone; which are again succeeded by the secondary rocks, and rocksalt; and over these the diluvial masses, or red sandstone, breccia, compact limestone, gypsum, aggregations of rocks and earth; and among them the recent alluvial deposits. Thus the granite of the highest mountains must, in its formation, have been level and low; but, when the formation of the dry land took place, was uphove by some physical cause, which the Creator had prepared. On the Alps, in the vicinity of Mont Blanc, stupen. dous masses of granite stand up thousands of feet, as if protruded through strata of more recent formation, which slope down from them. It appears that much the same operation, on the grandest scale, have prepared the continents for the habitations of man. The same fiat which caused dry land to appear, created the vallies, and the plains, the streamlets, and the rivers, and set bounds to the sea. The alluvial soil, in which the operation is often to On the continent of North America, there are, ob. be carried on more deep than wells could be made,viously, three distinct systems of mountains. The required, to reach the rock, the invention of an iron central line of the Appalachian, being the Alleghany tube, having the quality of great stiffness, without any the base of the system may be described as appearing And the eastern border of mountains, is granite. considerable projection at the joints, both in order to at the falls of all the rivers' nearest tide, discharging undulations to be segments of circles. Now, if a be forced down by powerful leverage, and to be clear into the Atlantic south of the Hudson. In Darby's power is applied barely sufficient to overcome all the within, for the operations to be carried on through it. geographical view of the United States, page 81, it is friction, it is certain that the car will run down and Being undermined at the same time that pressure is said, "this inflected line, from New-York to the Mississippi, is marked, at distant intervals, by falls, or ascend on the opposite portion of the circle to the exerted, it, by successive lengths, reaches the rock rapids, in the bed of the streams." same height as that from which it started; and the to be bored into, through it—should there not, as often principle of this movement is in no respect different occurs, have been found abundance of water at the from that of a pendulum vibrating in the same circle. surface thereof. Implements to overcome any obsta. If we then suppose the undulation or segment of the cle in the way have also been contrived. circle to be the same as that described by a "second The tube being entered a little into the rock, and pendulum," it will follow as an inevitable conclusion, pressed down, makes therewith a tight joint; and that the car must pass from one apex to the other inhus a perforation to the depth of seven hundred feet one second of time. Here then is a certain distance has in several instances been made. There are, inon the undulating road passed over in a certain limit-deed, accidents to which the operation is liable, but ed time, whereas, on the horizontal road, with the same moving power, the time occupied may be as there are, also, implements to meet such exigencies; great as can be imagined. You will observe, (and it experience has now rendered their management is important,) that this result is obtained, notwith-casy. The bore is generally first two and a half inches standing that the friction is supposed to be constant-diameter; and if more water is required than it af. ly the same on both roads, and, of course, the amount of friction greater on the undulating, (as it is longer,)||fords, or permits, it is enlarged to seven inches, by than on the level road. an instrument called the reamer. * The Allegany mountains, being two thousand four hundred and seventy-three feet high, attract and con. dense the vapors and clouds, and is well known to be a more rainy region than the plains below, giving rise to numerous rivers. It is reasonable to think, that when the granite strata rose from their original position, that cavities were formed by their disruption, and that whatever spaces for it thence among the strata to the ocean; and if so, occur, must be filled with water, and be the passage this water may be intercepted, in part, by perforating the strata. This might have been reasonably ex. pected, and this expectation has been verified by trials. Public Armory, near Harper's Ferry, on the Potomac. The nearest boring to the Alleghanies is at the The next at Baltimore; again near the Schuylkill; ville; Amboy; Newark; and Jersey City. again at Princeton; then at New Brunswick; Somer On the island of New-York there were stronger reasons for expecting to find water in the rock than elsewhere, because here commences the third sys. en-Hudson and Lake Champlain from those of the bays tem of mountain formation, dividing the waters of the of New-England. It commences here and extends northward, forming the mountains of Berkshire and Vermont. It is a range of primitive rock, the stratowards the east from the centre of New-England. ta of which rise from the west and probably decline We have the authority of Professor Eaton, a teach. But the most important fact is the one stated by the inventor, viz. that the pressure from a car is less When the work commences in a rock above ground, on an inclined than on a horizontal road. This is it is usual to excavate a small well, as the water often certainly true, since a part of the gravitating force or rises to the surface, or nearly so; or the bore is weight of the car must be exerted, or expended, inlarged for the reception of the pump. accelerating the motion in descending; and the same; portion of the gravitating force must be sustained, or To bring up large quantities from a small bore, overcome, by the moving power in ascending and the hydraulic principles have been superadded; which amount of pressure from which the rails are thus re-induce a more lively flow of water to the boring, and lieved is the same, whether the moving power be an up into the pumps. The former, by abstracting the impulse or a constantly acting power. This leads to column and making a vacancy much below the height a very surprizing conclusion, viz. that since the pressure upon the rails diminishes in proportion to their to which the water ordinarily rises; the other by steepness, it follows that the steeper the undulations placing the pumps externally on the sides of the bore, the less moving power will be required; and this lower than the height to which the water rises. Thus must be the fact, until the pressure upon the road is availing of the natural difference between the head vations made in this island. and the position of the pumps; that thus, filling qutcker, er of Geology, to say that the strata of primitive rock, son, begins to rise, and come to the surface in the after spreading down from the west as far as the HudBerkshire mountains. That they do thus actually slope upwards from the west is known by the exca so much reduced that the locomotive power will cause the wheels to slip on the rails. I here, of course, commences its rise northward, at the same time the The city thus being at the point where the range suppose that there shall be no loss of momentum in consequence of the change of direction of the movstrata dip west, the waters therein cannot flow east, ing body. To be successful, this art seems only to require and must, of course, flow south. And that the spaAnother proposition that bears on the case is, that suitable instruments and requisite skill; and there have ces are full of pure water is not only ascertained by the pressure of the car on the rails is diminished in now been so many instances, that it begins to become Highlands in a thousand places, but by its actual ab. its outpouring at the head of the streams of the the same proportion as the velocity is increased, and a rational inquiry, whether there may not be in the straction here, in a number of instances, and by the from this cause the friction is lessened in the same geology of our country, good cause always to expect spontaneous outpourings of it also here on the spot, proportion. To prove this in a few words, let us sup-success. And, instead of looking to distant ponds in the very centre of the city. pose such a velocity to be given to a car as will cause and streams for a supply of pure water, whether there The natural indications of water here were strong it to move parallel to the surface of the earth, without may not be a provision by Nature, even for cities before any experiment was made. The rock springs touching the rails; now, but a moment's thought is densely peopled, on the very spot they occupy? necessary to show, that if this velocity be diminished, of the 1st Ward were known before the Revolution; The researches of geology seem to have estab-and the central valley, before it was occupied by the pressure on the rails will begin, and will increase shed the most material facts in this inquiry, that the streets, was the seat of large and deep collections of in exact proportion to the diminution of velocity, and primitive rocks are always stratified. the friction arising from this pressure will increase in that, while the earth was yet without form, and void by the Common Council sufficient for the whole city; It appears, spring water; and one of these was, in 1798, deemed the same proportion. of life, the crystallization which constitutes the rocks and it was a question whether it should not be preIf, then, it is proved that the friction or resistance was going on, and forming them in strata; of which, served for this purpose. to motion is less, it cannot be denied that the same the cause can be but conjecture. It is possible that the vertheless, the springs which fed it are not lost. They But it was filled up. Ne. moving power will produce a greater velocity on an process extricated the substance that makes the divi- continue to flow, and are, in fact, recovered by the ef. undulating than on a level road; at the same time, 1sion between them, till its quantity was sufficient to fect of the deep tube above described. The two or hold it to be proven by my first proposition, that if the deposit; and, being settled, the crystallization recom-three millions of gallons a day, which then flowed friction were the same on both roads, that the undula-menced, thus; formning successive layers. But that, here, are regained and protected by a mass of earth ting road still has a decided advantage. I would not at this time go so far as to make an undu-different kinds should have successively formed, is besides the strata of its own kind, general layers of from fifty to a hundred feet deep. lating road over a level route, nor do I suppose that not less true than curious. In one mass, they might tubes. Two of them in West Grand street, the other The proof of this fact is in the success of three very long or very steep planes can be used; yet I see not have been so easily raised as appears was done.in Lawrence, near Canal, at Cram's distillery; and There is also proof of the like issues of pure water on the east side, north of Chatham square, by the success of all the tubes that have been set down to the surface of the rock near the East river. But on the West side the water is not obtained without penetrating the rock about one hundred feet, being on the top of the slope thereof, but this operaration has in every instance been successful. The general reason for expecting success in this operation being thus explained, the inquiry becomes perhaps the more interesting, how often the theory has been confirmed by practice? The instances have not been many, but are rather convincing. The least likely to succeed was that of the botanic garden, because begun on the bare apex of an elevated rock, about the highest ground in the island. It penetrates the rock 112 feet, and the water stands 94 feet deep, constantly renewed. this one continually overflows on being reduced one||tionate to the present city, may be preferred by the age railroad crosses the Allegany mountains at the or two joints. community. But it is possible that the certainty and height of 1398 feet above the basin of the canal on readiness, the inexhaustible nature of the sources the eastern side, and 1171 feet above that on the which come hither in the natural aqueducts of the western side. The Schuylhill Canal and Navigation rock, have not yet been duly appreciated by the public. Company, incorporated in 1815, have completed their They certainly have not been by the commissioners; canals and locks along this river from Philadelphia and it remains yet for public opinion to decide the in- to Reading on the Schuylkill, 61 miles. The Union teresting question, how the city of New-York shall be Canal connecting the Susquehannah with the Schuyl supplied with pure and wholesome water. kill, was constructed so recently as 1827. It comTo leave behind so productive a source of supply as mences four miles below Reading, on the Schuylkill the rock affords, is like leaving a fortress in the rear. river, and extends to Middleton, on the SusquehanThis resource will, at all events, be the object of a nah, 82 miles. The whole amount of costs and esticompany of capitalists. It has been solicited of the mates for completing these works and other auxiliaCommon Council that leave be given to deliver it by ry constructions is $20,267,280, of which more than squeduct pipes. It is stated in the Water Committee's 16,000,000 have been already expended. recent report, that the city actually pays 273,750 dol- Another route from the Susquehannah to the Allegalars for the water distributed by drays; and the ship.ny was surveyed some years since, by the celebrated ping 50,000 dollars. They compute the number of English engineer, Weston, and by him reported prac. buildings for which water would be required at ticable within the experienced cost of other construc35,000. They state that in the city of London there tions deemed practicable; that is, by the Juniata, are eight water companies. It is not stated why the the Conemaugh and the Kiskeminitas, with a port. Corporation did not supply that city. The explanation age over the mountains of 18 miles. The Pennwould have been that, where capital is to be applied, sylvanians, as it appears by published reports of their those do it most economically who have the most in society above mentioned, have also extended their terest in making it effectual. One of them is stated views up the Allegany and French Creek, with a deto have risen greatly in value. sign to obtain the trade of Lake Erie. They have also contemplated a connection between the Susque Appeal to the People of the State of New-York and of New-York, with a view to draw the trade of the hannah and the Allegany, by a canal within the State their Representatives in the Legislature, in favor west up the latter and down the former, and thence, of constructing the Genesee and Allegany Canal by the Union canal, to the Schuylkill and Philadelphia! The great Delaware and Raritan canal, now on the At a meeting of citizens in the city of New-York, favorable to the construction of a canal from Roches point of completion, connects the waters of the Delater, on the Erie Canal, to Olean, on the Allegany river, railroad now established between New-York and ware with the waters of New-York, which, with the held at the Shakspeare Hotel, Oct. 11, 1833, Chris- Philadelphia, will give fresh inducements to the Penntian Bergh was called to the chair, and Edwin Wil-sylvanians to enrich their State by facilitating transliams appointed secretary. After full discussion, and portation across it from New-York to Pittsburg. a variety of interesting statements, it was unanimous. ly resolved, The next proof is one mile more south, at the great well of the Fire Engine Reservoir, 113 feet deep, of which 96 are in the rock, and considerable water is obtained. West of this, near the Hudson, are those about one hundred feet deep, which supply the city with rock water, by means of drays; also, that at a distillery on Perry street, which gives 22 to 26,000 gallons a day. More southerly, and on the highest part of Broadway, near Bleecker street, is that belonging to the Manhattan Company, lately the subject of considera. tion by the Board of Commissioners. It will be recollected that this Company was instituted to bring in the Bronx water, which, at the time their charter was granted, was estimated to cost about 200,000 dollars; but, by more complete surveys, it was found very likely to absorb their whole capital of two millions, so as to defeat the purpose of employing] the surplus of 1,800,000 as banking capital. The Company had employed double the amount of the original estimate in supplying the city with the best water they could command, when the progress of the art of boring for water came to the knowledge of the directors. After making a well 42 feet deep, down to the surface of the rock, they penetrated it 400 feet, in the course of which operation good water was found between all the lower strata, and not less than eight times. 1. That in the opinion of this meeting, from the statements made, and information obtained from authentic sources, the proposed canal will have an im. portant bearing on the growth and prosperity of this state, particularly of this city, and ought to be constructed at the expense of the state; inasmuch as it will open a new and great thoroughfare through the rich valleys of the Genesee, Allegany, and Ohio, to the Mississippi. 2. That a committee of forty-five gentlemen, from They were so well satisfied with the result, as to all the wards of this city, be appointed to call the athave it reamed to the diameter of 7 inches; and, by tention of the citizens generally to the subject of this applying only the power of a six horse engine, raise canal, and to take such measures to present this subabout 130,000 gallons of water a day. And the Board ject to the Legislature at the next session, as shall of Commissioners pronounce it good and wholesome; be expedient. it is in fact soft, and clear as crystal. APPEAL, &c They also calculate that 42 such borings only would supply the city with six millions of gallons a In this appeal it is proposed to show, 1st, That the day. This one cost ten thousand dollars. connection of the Allegany with the waters of New. The Company may possibly have expected to York harbor is practicable by canals through Penn. raise, at once, as much as would supply the pipes sylvania and New-Jersey: 2. That it is practica. already laid down, by their agent, stated at near-ble by a canal from the Allegany within New-York ly 700,000 gallons a day; if so, it was rather a to the Genesee river, and thence by the Erie canal too great demand on one boring, though this one and Hudson river: 3. That the expense of construct. is, in the improved mode of management, probably ing the Genesee and Allegany canal will be covered capable of producing considerably more than it as yet has done. to It is true there are great obstacles to be overcome the State of Pennsylvania; but withont disparaging between the Susquehannah and the Allegany, within the enterprize of that State, it may be safely said that New-York Legislature, realizing, as it has done, the immense benefits of canal construction within this State, were they legislating for Pennsylvania and sitting at Harrisburg, would surmount those obstacles, and form that connection with the least possible delay; and it should be known that measures are now taking between the nearest points of the Susquehannah and in Philadelphia to achieve that object by connections the Allegany within Pennsylvania. of New-York harbor is practicable by a canal from II. The connection of the Allegany with the waters the Allegany, within New-York, to the Genesee river, and thence by the Erie canal and Hudson river. In respect to this branch of the subject, reference is made to the reports of the canal commissioners, printed with the Journals of the Assembly for the year 1826, in the appendix (F.) They are printed at large in the appendix to this Appeal. III. The expense of constructing the Genesee and Allegany canal will be covered by the increase of tolls on the Erie canal, and of taxable property within the western counties of the State. The Genesee and Allegany canal may be estimated at an equal cost with any equal section of the Erie canal, say of 90 miles. Then the Erie canal is to be considered as extended by this branch into the western rivers and the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Kentucky, and Missouri, so that the whole extension of the Erie canal to Ham. by the increase of tolls on the Erie canal, and of taxable property within the western counties of the state: But from some other cause, probably the preference 4. That the Genesee and Allegany canal, as a public which the stockholders give to banking with their highway, is preferable, at the present time, to every capital, their water-works are offered for sale to the other mode of connecting the great western rivers, city; and might well have been an object of purchase the Ohio and Mississippi, with the waters of New. any party competent to their perfection, as no York harbor, and will lead eventually to the condoubt all the houses along an extensive range of pipes struction of a railroad through the southern counties ilton, on the Allegany, by this southwestern branch would take the water, were it all as good as that thus of the state to the Hudson river: 5. That the con- be the same in length as from Rochester by the westfrom Rochester, which is 270 miles from Albany, will derived from the rock. struction of such a canal and railroad will secure to It has thus been shown why the general formation the city and state of New-York a large portion of ern branch to Buffalo, which may be considered also of the country is favorable to the system of deriving the immense trade with the population on the banks as extending into the State of Pennsylvania and Ohio, water from the rock, and why New-York, specially of the Allegany, Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi, on the lakes. Treating the Allegany and Genesee favored, has only to penetrato a little deeper than which is now transacted at Philadelphia, Baltimore, canal as an extension of the great trunk of the Erie usual to find pure water in great abundance, at a Washington and Alexandria, on the Potomac, and in canal, is doubtless the correct view of this proposed construction; for it is now apparent. from the vast inmoderate expense, and, when thus obtained, incompa- New-Orleans. rably finer than that of the Schuylhill at Philadelphia, crease of trade and transportation on the western and free from all unfavorable influences of climate or waters, and the practicability of steam navigation from locality. For, however dense the population of the Pittsburgh to Hamilton, on the Allegany, a condition city may be, the rock water is defended by the depth In the year 1789, some distinguished citizens of of inland navigation not known nor contemplated at and nature of its channels. Pennsylvania formed The Society for promoting the the first design of the Erie canal, that the projectors Improvement of Roads and Inland Navigation within of this great work should have directed it towards the that State. Their surveys and estimates and perse. western rivers as well as towards the lake Erie. It is verance finally resulted in the construction of canals indeed mos cleart to every man's apprehension, that if and railroads between Philadelphia and Pittsburg. the State of New-York, with a full knowledge of the The Grand Pennsylvania canal, commencing at Co-existing state of western trade and navigability of the lumbia, on the Susquehannah, at the termination of Allegany, were limited to the alternative of terminatthe Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad, forty miles ing its Erie canal in the lakes or in the western rivers, from that city, extends westward 172 1.2 miles along the latter most certainly must be preferred, as opening the Juniata, till it meets the Allegany Portage Rail an extent of river shores through a populous and ferroad, at Holidaysburg. This road runs 36 miles to tile country, exceeding, by many thousand miles and Johnstown. Thence the western division of the Grand many millions of people, the extent of lake shores and Pennsylvania canal runs westward 105 miles to the number of lake population, directly connected with this Monongahela river at Pittsburg. The Allegany Port.canal, independent of foreign favor. But happily the cities. An apology to your readers would be offered for the length of this article, but that the subject is now becoming an interesting one to most of our sea port At New Orleans a company is incorporated having a large capital, and a banking privilege, The Mississippi is perhaps the only river in our country that, like the Nile, comes at midsummer cool from distant mountains of ice. But no stream can be other than a drain of the district it waters. And it is well known that impurities combine chemically with water. The recent survey and report for an aqueduct route from the Croton, though at an expense vory dispropor. I. That the connection of the Allegany with the waters of New.York harbor is practicable by canals through Pennsylvania and Jersey. State of New-York may now construct both branches in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chatauque, is the great-convenience by our own Legislature. It is enough i of the Erie canal, and enjoy the benefit of the trade est, and the number of paupers is less than in most the aggregate receipts of all the canals cover the from the rivers as well as the lakes. other counties of the State-and that the aggregate expense of all by yielding 5 per cent. on the whole These views are founded on the general principle increase of population in this State, 302,674, since the V. The construction of such a canal and railroad' governing the profit of canal structures, stated by Mr. healthful and invigorating action of the Erie canal, will secure to the city and State of New-York a large Gallatin, in his report as Secretary of the Treasury to exceeds the whole number of population in each of portion of the immense trade with the population on the Senate of the United States, in April, 1808. "C. nine States in the Union, and nearly equals the popu. the banks of the Allegany, Ohio, Missouri, and upper nals," he says, "with a few exceptions, cannot, in lation in each of five more. These facts demonstrate, Mississippi, which is now transacted at Philadelphia, America, be undertaken with a view solely to the in- beyond all question, that the establishment of another Baltimore, Washington and Alexandria on the Poto. tercourse between the two extremes of the canal and extremity to the Erie canal must advance the wealth mac, and in New Orleans. along the intermediate ground which they occupy. It of the counties in its vicinity on every side. The By far the largest portion of population on the is necessary, in order to be productive, that the canal southern counties along the Pennsylvania line must western waters, lies on the banks of the Ohio and should open a communication with a natural extensive share in this benefit, in common with the other south-Allegany, nearer to the Hudson than to New Orleans, navigation which will flow through that new channel. western counties, and all must enjoy a large increase and it will always be in the power of this State, by It follows, therefore," says he, "when a canal has in every kind of valuable and taxable property. making the transportation cheaper between the Hudson been constructed, and it might be connected by another The cost of this new branch of the Erie canal, which and the Allegany, to secure the trade from Cincinnati canal to another navigation, the first constructed canal can scarcely be sufficiently described by a name so and the banks of the Ohio for the city and State of will remain comparatively unproductive until the other limited as the Genesee and Allegany canal, will be New-York, if ever a lower rate of transportation of improvements be effected, until the other canal also covered by the tolls. This is easily demonstrated. foreign and domestic manufactures should be essen. be completed." Thus, if the Erie canal had termi-The cost of constructing the Erie canal from Genesee tial to this result. But as a large portion of these nated in its course westward at the Genesee, it would to Buffalo is covered by the tolls which this branch manufactures, which now ascend from New Orleans, have remained comparatively unproductive till its ex-adds to the earnings of the rest of the canal; and not have been, and must need be, imported into New tension southward to the western rivers, or westward by the tolls collected for transportation on that part o York, and be sent coastwise to New Orleans, before to the western lakes. Had the southwestern branch the canal. In like manner the cost of this new branch they can reach the shores of the Missouri, the upper of the Erie canal to the Allegany been first construct will be covered by the tolls collected along the whole Mississippi, and the Ohio, the freight and insurance ed, the same reason for extending the westward route of the whole canal, on merchandise which this from New York to New Orleans, must be superadded branch to the lake would have pleaded with no less branch will carry to and from the western rivers. If to the river transportation upwards, and in this view force, but not greater, than does this appeal to the it be admitted that the cost of this branch will not it is clear that New York must secure to itself, by the people and the Legislature of New-York in favor of exceed the cost of the Erie canal from the Ge- construction of this canal and of the railroad from the the south-westward branch from the Genesee to Al-nesce to Buffalo, and that the quantity of merchan. Allegany, a large portion of the trade which is now legany. dise brought from the western rivers and conveyed to transacted in New Orleans, and by parity of reasonThe report of Mr. Gallatin, above referred to, was them will be no less than the quantity brought and ing, a large portion of that done through the Chesa made in obedience to the order of the Senate of the conveyed by the branch from Genesee to Buffalo, the peake and Ohio canal to the Potomac, and the grand 2d March, 1807, which embraced the whole subject conclusion is irresistible, that the expense of the Pennsylvania canal to the Schuylkill: for New York of canals connecting the Atlantic with the great proposed canal will be as entirely covered as is the ex-sends her importations to every city in the Union. western rivers. And it appears from the report that pense of the canal from Genesee to Buffalo. It has It is respectfully urged upon the people, and no mode of crossing the Allegany mountains from the ever been considered necessary that each section of the members of the Legislature, that the present Atlantic to Pittsburgh, was deemed practicable by the canal should produce tolls to the amount of 7 per is the fitting time for action. The whole country canals north of the Potomac. The connection of the cent. on its cost. It is enough if the whole receipts is prosperous beyond all former conditions of wel Susquehannah with the Allegany, by the modes cover the interest on the whole cost. But in construct fare; engineers of experience are at hand; and above mentioned, was adverted to by Mr. Gallatin, ing another branch to a natural and extensive naviga- practised laborers are numerous. The necessaries but deemed inexpedient. He insists much on the tion, it is sufficient warrant for incurring the expense, if of life are cheap, and wages low. A spirited effort great importance to the Union and to the Northern there be a reasonable presumption that it will bring might accomplish this great national work within a and Middle States, of effecting some convenient mode and carry such an additional quantity of merchandise year from its commencement. of turning the Allegany mountains on the north, and as will yield tolls throughout the whole extent of the connecting the great western rivers with their At canal to the amount of 7 per cent. on its own cost. lantic harbors. But at that day the great project of Of this result no one can doubt from the extension the Erie canal had not been sufficiently developed to of the Erie canal by this new branch towards that show that by these means the great barriers between vast and increasing inland navigation. The rivers Atlantic and western commerce might be turned on will yield and require as much transportation as The following are specimens of letters the north. In this view of the object of this appeal, the lakes, and the business on each will naturally which are daily coming to hand, since the it] rises into a great national work which is to be continuation of the Railroad Journal was anconsummated on the soil of New-York, by the con. struction of this canal, well worthy to be considered Most of those who have been faas the south-western branch of the Erie canal, and as much destined to add no less to the productiveness of the grand trunk of the Erie canal, than its present extension from the Genesee to Lake Erie has done, and is doing every year. But the building timber upon the banks of the Allegany, within this State, and along its banks in Penn. sylvania, comprising five hundred miles of shores, exceeds in quantity the supply of New-York ship. building for the next ten years, and perishes annually or is consumed for fuel, through mere want of conveyance to the Atlantic. Builders, both in naval and civil architecture in the city of New-York, are paying annually large sums of money for supplies of timber and lumber from other States, at great prices, and for inferior qualities, while our own timber, of superior quality, perishes where it grows. augment both. IV. The Genesee and Allegany canal, as a public highway, is preferable at the present time to every other mode of connecting the great western rivers with the waters of New-York harbor; and its construction will lead eventually to the establishment of a railroad through the southern counties of the State, to the Hudson river. CHRISTIAN BERGH, Chairman of the Committee. [To be continued.] The amount of taxable property in the southwesternnounced. counties in buildings occupied as dwellings and stores, and in the increased value of their timber and farms miliar with it from its commencement, appear and manufactories, will not and cannot be overlooked to view it alike as not only being worth its as an argument in favor of this construction. cost, but also, of some benefit to the cause to which it is mainly devoted, notwithstanding the very little attention which my other avocations have hitherto permitted me ro devote to it. It has been thus far, or for two years past, my evening's amusement, or task. It It is preferable, because that connection will be will hereafter receive a share also of my daily effected first by the state of New-York, by constructions wholly within its own limits. The great advan- attention, and it will therefore I trust be found tage of making the first connection by water between to contain a greater variety of useful and inthe Atlantic and the western rivers north of the Poto-teresting reading than I have yet been able to mac, is manifest from the report of Mr. Gallatin, who observes that after the course of trade is once estab. furnish. I have no hesitation to guarantee it, But the inhabitants of the western counties gene.lished upon any convenient route, it is scarcely if all those who patronize the Journal by subrally are interested in this construction. Their pro- possible to divert it into another channel. This fact perty will be largely increased in value by the increase he uses as an argument in favor of adopting at first the scribing for it, will do so in a manner as subof population and business incident to the establish. most convenient route. This mode of connection is stantial as the gentlemen who wrote the folment of another extremity to the Erie canal, which preferable now, because it is the most convenient lowing letters. Such patronage can be relied connects it with a "natural extensive navigation that route for transporting supplies from the largest market will flow through that new channel." of foreign goods, where of course the producer finds upon; it enables an editor to borrow the IDEAS On inspection of the census of 1820 and 1830 of the the best market for his productions of every kind. It of others to enrich, rather than their money to United States, and of our state census in 1825, an is also preferable now, because it is wanted as a less pay the expenses of, his Journal; and it may astonishing increase of population, wealth and ad. expensive mode of transporting merchandise from vancement, will be perceived at the extremities of New-York to the banks of the great western rivers of well be said that he who is often obliged to our great inland navigation, and at places of entrepot the Alleagny and Ohio, the Missouri and Mississippi, resort to the latter, can hardly be expected, along its route. The increase in the 8th senatorial during the summer months, when the commerce of either to make judicious selections, or to comdistrict at the western extremity, from 1825 to 1830, New Orleans is for the most part suspended. It is exceeds even that of the 1st senatorial district, in. preferable to a railroad, because it may be sooner municate his own ideas relative to measures cluding New-York and Suffolk, Queens, Kings, and made and with far less expense. Yet it will lead to and modes of improvement in a proper manRichmond counties. Referring to Williams' New. the construction of the railroad contemplated between ner. On this subject, the editor of this JourYork Annual Register, a work of unquestioned accu- the Allegany and the Hudson, because, in the course racy, it will be seen that the increase in these two of a few years, the transportation between the west. nal speaks feelingly. districts, from 1825 to 1830, was far greater than in ern waters and the Hudson will probably require both any others. The increase of the 1st district being of these means of conveyance. The transportation 48,723, the double of any other district except the 8th, through Utica, at the present time, equals in quantity. and the increase of the 8th being 76,211, approxima- every twenty-four hours, the whole lading of two ting to the double of that of the first. large ships in the Liverpool line of packets. But it is preferable because the rate of tolls between pose the 8th district, the increase during those 5 years the Hudson and the Allegany can be regulated at It is remarkable that among the counties which com I DEAR SIR Although I am unable to procure any subscribers to your valuable Journal, am not the less anxious for its prosperity and circulation through this country, I regret that scientific men, men whose circumstances in general enable them to reap great advantages from such a publication, should S have permitted you, by their neglect, even for||er is soon expected in the Lady Rowena, from As the sources of supply are annually drying a moment, to anticipate its discontinuance. Liverpool.-[Charleston Patriot.] up, and the demand is constantly increasing, Gratified, however, that your prospects are the pine timber lands of our state are becoming sufficient to induce its continuance another The Milton (N. C.) Spectator says: "The invaluable.-[Bangor Rep.] · year, I herewith enclose to you a five dollar enterprize of connecting Raleigh with Petersbill, and my best wishes for better success burg, and Richmond with Fredericksburg, or PROSPERITY OF ILLINOIS.-The following hereafter. Truly yours, in other words extending the Petersburg rail- letter, from the Vandalia Whig, affords an exroad to Raleigh, and constructing one from ample for clergymen, and particularly missionDEAR SIR,--When I saw some weeks ago your Richmond to Fredericksburg, will no doubt be aries, to make public information connected notice that the Railroad Journal was in danger of crowned with success. The legislature of death from atrophy, I was truly astonished that the both states are willing to grant a charter, and with the prosperity and happiness of the people. friends of internal improvements in this extensive We copy with pleasure the following intecountry could be so few or so blind to their own in. when completed will form one of the grandSuc- resting extract of a letter from the Rev. J. M. terest as to suffer a paper so valuable to languish forest thoroughfares in the United States. Peck to Gov. Reynolds. Mr. Peck has travelled a moment; and I am happy to perceive by the notice cess attend it." in the Journal of the 23d November, that they only The same paper remarks that, "The tobac-over the State perhaps as much as any person wanted a little prompting, and that subscriptions have co crop, from all that can be gathered from in it. He has recently made the tour of the so far increased as to warrant the hope of its conti- most sources, is certainly short, compared even Northern Counties, and takes an interest in with the previous year. Some reckon it is noting the progress of every valuable species short by one-third, and many by one-half; perof improvement; his comparison between the haps the former may be the most accurate. appearance of things there, in the present and The prices consequently will be well sup-founded on correct data. Mr. P. is a gentleman former seasons, may doubtless be taken as ported, if short crops have such a tendency."-of high character, of intelligence, and close Petersburg Intelligencer.] habits of observation. His letter may be safely trusted "beyond the Blue Ridge" by those who wish to hear from the "far West." nuance. pur. I feel somewhat as if an apology was due from this quarter of the country, for the very meagre subscripscription list it affords the Journal. We are deluged with political papers, (more than are or ever will be paid for,) which, most of them, serve very little pose but to exasperate the feelings of the communi. ty. Every one thinks he must take his party's paper, and very few think they can afford to take any other. I have endeavored, as far as I have had opportunity, to procure names for you, but do not know that with any Some have told me that they would send for the Journal, but whether they have or not I do not know. I did not sent their names because they did not advance the money. We are yet years behind other parts of the country on the subject of public im. provements; I think, however, that as soon as some demonstrations" are made with regard to railroads which are now in embryo in this region, there will be a change of feeling and action, and I hope many copies of the Journal will be called for. success. 44 ROCK SPRING, Ill. Oct 12, 1833. Gov. REYNOLDS: [From the Louisville Public Advertiser.] CUMBERLAND BAR.-The obstruction in the navigation of the Ohio, occasioned by this formidable bar, has been completely obviated. A dam, five eighths of a mile in length, fifty feet brod at its base, eight Dear Sir,-It will be gratifying to you, as it feet wide at the top, and rising four feet above low is to me, to learn that our state is improving water, has been erected between Dog Island, near rapidly in population, industry, enterprize, the Illinois shore, and the head of Cumberland River. wealth, character, and intelligence. The crops, This dam is so secured by abutments that it cannot be undermined by the action of the current; and, by generally, are more than ordinary. I judge that it, all the water that flows down the River, at a low two acres of corn have been raised this season stage, is thrown between Cumberland Island and the wherever one was before, and the amount of Kentucky shore. No doubt is entertained of the new ground broken, fences made, and buildpermanency of this very extensive dam, by which the ings erected, is double to any former year. bars at the head and foot of the Island have already been so far removed, as to give, at that place, as great a depth of water as there is over the ordinary bars of the river; and the action of the current is daily deepening the channel and sweeping away the remnants of the bars. The citizens of Smithland are delighted with the improvement, and it must prove highly acceptable and beneficial to those engaged in the navigation of the Ohio. Schools are increasing-and a better order. Sunday schools have gained about twenty-five per cent. The class of emigrants who come are generally of the first order-then of more wealth, intelligence, and enterprize. Chicago is destined to outstrip every other town in the State. The average amount of buildings has been one a day. Seventy arrivals of schooners, and two steamboats, from April 18 to September 11. Population now about eight hundred. mechanics. Thirty stores, and plenty of Ottawa does not thrive rapidly. Our canal four miles up Fox River, at the Rapids. There is the great place for business, and will eventually become one of the greatest water power places in the great West. You intimate (Nov 231) a possibility of changing the form of publication from weekly to semi-month ly, or monthly, and, among other reasons, yon men. tion the greater certainty in transmission by mail. Newspapers from all parts, particularly political papers, have been occasionally missed, or materially damaged; but my journal has in no one instance failed. It has sometimes been delayed a week or so, and that is all. I impute this to your careful and strong wrapping, and very legible direction. I think nothing else would have saved it. A semi-monthly or monthly could not have been more certain, and, as WHITE PINE.-This tree, which constitutes far as I have known, not so regular. An objection the uncoined bullion and much of the present may lie against the change, as the character of the wealth of this part of the country, is the loftiest paper may be considered as changed from newspaper tree in the United States. It attains sometimes commissioners ought to have fixed the town to magazine or pamphlet, which, you know, involves the height of 150 feet, or even more, with a an increase of postage. As another objection, I men. tion a remark made to me just now by a lad who had just trunk five feet and upwards in diameter. Its taken up the Journal, as usual after his day's work, foliage is evergreen, light, delicate, and making and was reading the introductory article: "we can an elegant appearance. It is found most abunnot wait so long." You see, therefore, there are dant between the forty-seventh and forty-third The Railway from Chicago to the foot of the some who would prefer it as often as possible. Per-parallels of latitude, along the Alleganies to Rapids of Illinois, (not at Ottawa,) ought to be haps, however, other considerations may preponder-their south-western termination, and in its going forward, and I think should cross Fox ate on the other side, and we must submit to the ma- greatest glory west of the Rocky Mountains, River at the Rapids of Fox, and run from jor vote. If the majority should be against me, you on the river Öregon. On the head waters or thence straight to Chicago. may depend on it I shall act on this subject like some the Allegany is cut all the pine destined to supof our trimming politicians and go over to the strong-ply not only the towns along the Ohio, but also est party, and precisely for the same reason--love of the "spoils"; for I shall not be disposed to give up On the head waters of the Delaware are large the New-Orleans market, 3000 miles distant. the Journal for a mere change of form, so long as I think I get more than the worth of the money by it. forests of white pine, which are floated in spring If once made to that point, I have no doubt This, by the way, brings to mind your threat (if down the waters of that river, and the west the business would more than pay the interest I may call it so) of raising the price to four dollars. branch of the Susquehannah, for the supply of on the capital and ordinary expenses. Then To this subscribers may, of course, be expected to the cities and towns in that quarter. The commence at Alton and make one to Springobject; but if we cannot support it by an increased shores of Lake Champlain, and the banks of the field. When this is completed, I would defy number, why, then better pay an increased price than rivers flowing into it, abound in this kind of the world to prevent the two ends from being not at all. I would take the liberty, however, to sug-pine, which is partly floated down the St. Law-tied together. Twenty-five years will see this gest, that as most of the subscribers probably take rence to Quebec, and partly through the north- done. upon of a Railway from Chicago to Alton. the paper only, or chiefly, for the benefit they derive ern canal to Albany, whence it is distributed from the railroad department, or its collaterals, per- down the Hudson. But Maine furnishes about subjects have occupied your thoughts before. Excuse my rude suggestions-doubtless the haps it would better reconcile them to an increase of price, (should you resolve on that measure,) if the three-fourths of all the white pine lumber ex- I will only add, a most interesting, because proportion of matter in that department should at the ported from the United States, and the Penob- most useful, discovery has been made in the same time be increased at the expense of some of the Scot river is the centre of this trade, and here- upper country, to make prairie fence for 20 miscellaneous matter. But I would not undertake to after must furnish the main supply in the lum- cents per rod-and I think it will last forever. judge, and would apologize for the liberty I have ta- ber market. Throughout the northern states, It is made of turf or sod, but in a peculiar way, ken, were it not that I think it quite as safe to trust the about three-fourths of all the houses are built so as to bring the grass wholly outside. If it whole to your candor. chiefly of this material, and the ornamental succeeds, as I believe it will, the question about work of nearly all the rest is composed of it. the immediate cultivation of our large prairies is For masts and spars its use is almost univer- settled-and millions of acres in Illinois can be sal throughout the middle and northern states; put under immediate cultivation. and owing to its lightness, its loss could not be supplied without considerable difficulty. The Riga masts are said to have more strength; We understand that two locomotives for the but the English derive most of those in the use of our railroad, arrived in the ship Saluda, merchant service, and yards and bowsprits for this morning, from New-York, and that anoth-the navy, from New-Brunswick and Canada. Spitendevil Creek, within 12 or 14 miles of the city. Respectfully, your obedient servant, M. G. Maine, Dec. 3, 1833. * Mr. G. has since ordered the previous and en. suing volumes for a gentleman. But I will trespass no longer on your time. The North River is frozen over as far down as |