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AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL,

AND ADVOCATE OF INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT No. 35 WALL STREET, NEW-YORK, AT THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.

D. K. MINOR, EDITOR.]

CONTENTS:

New Method of applying Steam Power; Coal Steam
Boiler; Specification of a Patent for a New Ma-
nufacture of Wheels for Locomotive Engines and
Cars to run upon Railroads; On Saxton's Improved
Method of Propelling Carriages, &c..
page 81
82
Genesee and Allegany Canal, continued.
New Steamboat; Prize Medals for the Discoveries of
Science; To obtain Fire; Meteorological Synopsis,
&c...

Literary Notices.

Foreign Intelligence..

Home Intelligence.

........

Report of the Committee on Finance, of the Senate U.
S., on the Removal of the Public Deposites.
Advertisements, &c.

84
85

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1834.

of a boiler and furnace, in which coal may be
used to greater advantage than wood, till suc-
cess has crowned his efforts. But what the
form or fashion of his contrivance is for this
purpose, we are not informed.

We see it stated in a New-York paper, that
a Mr. Disbrow, already favorably known to the
public as an ingenious and enterprising me-
chanic, has likewise succeeded in constructing
87 a "Lackawana coal boiler," one of which is in
88 operation on board the steamboat Delaware,
and of which an individual who witnessed its
operation says, "it accomplishes all the antici-
pations of the inventor."

89 95-96

AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, &c. Specification of a Patent for a New Manufac

NEW-YORK, FEBRUARY 15, 1834.

In this volume of the Journal, we conclude the publication of the report made by the Canal Commissioners upon the survey of the route for a canal from Rochester to Olean Point, on the Allegany river. This report, although occupying much space, will be found well worth an attentive perusal.

[VOLUME III.-No. 6.

such flanches, lodgments, or projections, as shall enable me to attach thereto, spokes of wood, iron, or other material.

My claim to an exclusive privilege I rest entirely upon a new manufaeture of such wheels, by substituting for their rims, or for every part of them, a new material as hereinbefore set forth, the utility of which consists in its being better adapted to the purposes which they are intended to answer in running upon railroads. MATTHIAS W. BALDWIN.

On Saxton's Improved Method of Propelling
Carriages. By A READER. To the Editor
of the American Railroad Journal, and Ad-
vocate of Internal Improvements.

ture of Wheels for Locomotive Engines and
Cars, to run upon Railroads, granted to In your number of 16th November last, you
MATTHIAS W. BALDWIN, city of Philadel- furnished your readers with the specification
phia, June 29, 1833. [From the Journal of of a patent obtained in England by Joseph Sax-
the Franklin Institute.]
ton, for an improved method of propelling car-

To all whom it may concern, be it known,riages. On reading it, I was very much pleased
that I, Matthias W. Baldwin, of the city of with the result promised, and at the same time
Philadelphia, have invented a new and useful
manufacture of wheels for locomotive engines rather incredulous, doubting whether the in-
and cars, to run upon railroads, and that the ventor had not deceived himself. I could not
following is a full and exact description of my see through the principle, but did not think
that any argument against the truth. I find I
was not singular, for it is stated that "Many
able engineers had found a difficulty in com-
So, thinking it
prehending the principle."
highly curious, and to put an end to my doubts,

said invention.

transportation of an engine. He has entire or with both, as they have been heretofore I made a small model. It works to admiration,

It is

NEW METHOD OF APPLYING STEAM POWER. Mr. Brown, of Keeseville, has stated that he Instead of making the wheels for the carriages has invented a plan by which he proposes to of locomotive engines, and of other cars, or cardispense altogether with the use of an engine, thereby not only saving the important item of riages, to be used upon railroads, of cast iron, fifteen thousand dollars in the expense, but or of a combination of cast and wrought iron, cr of wood combined with cast or wrought iron, moreover the cumbrous bulk and ponderous confidence in the perfection and utility of this made, I cast the rims of such wheels, as well as in most instances the spokes and hubs, or and is the delight of every one who has seçn discovery, having tried the experiment "on a naves, in one piece with the rims, of a compo. it. It is a beautiful mechanical toy, but I am small scale;" and is taking measures to patent sition of metal known to workmen under the persuaded can never be used advantageously his invention, and to demonstrate its capacity name of hardened brass, or gun metal. on so great a scale as railroad transportation early the coming season. Mr. Brown is an innot necessary for me to designate the propor: would require. I had ne intention of troubling genious mechanic and worthy citizen of our tions in which the respective metals are mixed village. Thus, with Burden's boat, Rutter's which form the hardened brass or gun metal, you-it is the first time I have done so; but the process of generating steam, and Brown's apas these will vary with the degree of hardness subject has acquired new interest in my view, plication of its power, we may soon expect to desired in the rim, or tread, of the wheel, in a by the announcement, in a London paper, of ride from Troy to New-York and back in twelve manner well known to those conversant with hours, and at an expense less than we could some steps taken towards introducing the prin the casting of brass and its compounds. Where stay at home in "these hard times."-[Keese-it is desirable to increase the adhesion between ciple into practice. ville Argus.] the rail and the wheel, it may be found neces- I send inclosed the communication referred sary to make the wheel proportionably softer, to, and I am, sir, COAL STEAM BOILERS.-The construction by decreasing the quantity of tin entering into New-York, 3d Feb., 1834. of steam boilers of such a form as to admit of the composition of them, or even to cast them the use of anthracite coal for fuel, instead of of soft brass or of copper entirely. EXPERIMENTAL RAILWAY.-A lecture was wood, has long been a desideratum. I do not intend to confine myself to any par-given, or rather a conversation was held, yesengine and apparatus of the steamboat Novelty, ticular form for the tread of the wheel, or for terday noon, at a temporary building and railit was first designed to use coal, but from some the spokes and hub; but to modify it in such way, situate in Park street, near the Gloucesimperfection or obstacle then yet unsurmount-way as experience may suggest to be the ter gate, Regent's Park, on the "Economical, ed, in the arrangement and adaptation of the best adapted to the particular carriage or road rapid, and safe travelling upon railways by furnace and boilers, that design was abandoned. to which the wheel is to be applied. I intend means of Mr. Saxton's patent locomotive difIt is now understood that Dr. Nott has per-sometimes also, to cast the rim of the wheel of ferential pulley; by which simple invention (the severed in his experiments for the construction such metal without spokes, but furnished with placard, states) a horse, walking at the rate of

In the

A READER.

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Mr. Hawkins, having concluded his lecture, sage of two boats at a time, such as are used on the answered several inquiries made of him by gen- Erie canal, and any thing less than that would, in my tlemen present, and received their best wishes opinion, so incommode the navigation as to more for his success. In the course of the conver- than counterbalance the difference of expense. What sation, he mentioned that the manufacturer the expense of this excavation would be must depend who had made the rails for the company was upon the quality of earth through which we must But supposing it to be favorable, as external now executing an order from America for 1,000 Poss appearances indicate, it would not fall short of fifty miles of railway. cents per cubic yard, which will amount to $13,872.

THE GENESEE AND ALLEGANY CANAL.
[Continued from page 69.]

The arch way would contain 14,608 perches. For this work stone can be had within four miles, and in that case the expense may not exceed four dollars a

perch, making the sum of $58,432. As to the expense of making the canal along the bank of the river I think we could not reasonably estimate it at less than $6000 per mile, including grubbing and clearing, and all the contingent expenses. Distance twenty-five miles-$150,000. Here then we have an aggregate expense of $599,909 55.

the few gentlemen present, by observing that Part of the Route from Rochester to Allegany at the railway was not in a sufficient state to try Olean, through the Valley of Genesee River. any experiments then, and he hoped no genIt has been ascertained that the principal objection tleman had come there under that impression; to this route is the difficulty at Nunda falls, at which if so, his money should be returned. What he place the banks are steep, high and rocky, and run contemplated on the present occasion was to close into the shore. In addition to this, there ar. explain the principles on which Mr. Saxton's in- three perpendicular falls in the distance of a mile ane While at Greigsville, we were informed that a vention was founded, and to elucidate the same a half, amounting in the whole to 274 feet. By a red by models. This invention was calculated to ference to the map, it will be seen that the river here connection might be very advantageously formed propel a carriage at the rate of one mile in two makes a very circuitous bend, embracing a narrow between Rush Creek and the west branch of the Cushequa, as these streams rise in the same swamp: minutes; the railway before them when com- neck of land which rises high above its bend. Having only passed over this neck without mea. but upon examination we found the lands so high as pleted would be a quarter of a mile in length, suring the distance, I could not form an adequate idea to put that route entirely out of the question. It which distance and back, being half a mile, he of its width, but am of opinion it will not vary much should be here mentioned, that whether the Canasa. anticipated performing in one minute. Ulti-from 200 rods in its narrowest place, and that its raga or Cushequa route is adopted, the difficulties mately he considered the distance from London height will not fall short of 200 feet. To encounter mentioned above must be encountered, as they are to York might be performed in about six hours, the difficulty at this place, therefore, it was obvious common to both. The Cushequa route is shorter by and he did not despair of achieving in the same that the expense must be great, and it was hoped that several miles, and may perhaps be preferable on that way a journey from the metropolis to Edin- some other could be found more feasible and better The Canasaraga, at Dansville, is a very commo. burgh in the space of one open day. The pre-suited to the importance of the object.

Canasaraga, which heads in the hills several miles to

We com.

account.

Cantine, my assistant at that time, to go down as far as Franklin, and collect such information as he supposed might have a bearing on the subject. The result of his inquiries he has communicated to me in a letter, a copy of which is herewith transmitted.

On his return, he informed me, that the distance descent of the river between the two places, was 189 from Warren to Franklin was sixty miles, and the feet. That the west bank, particularly, was very fa

sent invention was a new application of lever. The appearance of the map indicated two favorable dious mill stream; and I know of no place in the age, and one which was rather difficult to be points, to wit, the valley of the Cushequa and Canasa-western country, (with the exception of Rochester,) understood, unless put in operation. Many raga. And several intelligent gentlemen residing in so well calculated for hydraulic operations; and able engineers had found a difficulty in compre- river a short distance, and preserving the level along nection with the Susquehannah river, there is no point that quarter were of opinion, that by keeping up the should it ever be deemed expedient to form a con. hending the principle; but he would use his its banks, we might easily wind out of its valley, and perhaps more eligible than that between Arkport and best endeavors to make himself clearly under-rise above the high lands at the heads of these one of the branches of that stream. The distance bestood, and should feel happy in answering any streams. tween the two points is short, and there are no ob question put to him. It consisted of having To effect this, therefore, was the object of my exstructions in the way. I have seen the ground, and ropes, one mile in length, extending along the amination. We commenced at a place called Nor. speak with confidence. railway, and by means of Mr. Saxton's differ-ton's farms, near the middle of the east line of the ential pulley, it was calculated that, with the town of Nunda, in a valley which opens through the I was requested by Judge Bouck to make some power of one horse, a carriage, containing pas-country in an eastern and western direction, and is examinations on the Allegany river, in relation to the sengers to the weight of about one ton, could bounded on the south by an extensive range of hills improvement of its navigation. It not being conve. be propelled at the rate already stated of thirty nearly parallel to it, and which appear to be of a uni.nient for me to attend to it myself, I engaged Mr. miles an hour. It would require one horse to form height. Here we found the main branch of the each mile, but whilst the carriage proceeded at the north, and comes into the valley from that directhe rate of thirty miles, the horse would only tion, and then winds off towards the east. perform a distance of 150 yards; at the end of menced our level in reference to this stream, and took each mile fresh ropes were applied to the car- a westerly direction along the valley. riage, a fresh horse worked the second pulley, No obstruction appearing in our way until we came and thus it proceeded on the journey, a person to the Cushequa. The banks of this stream are high being stationed at the end of each mile to effect and wide, and should the Canasaraga route be adopt-vorable to the construction of a canal, with the exthe change of geerage. By these means, it was ed, it must be crossed by culvert and embankment ception of 3 1.8 miles. This distance, though more asserted, the greatest acclivity might be ascend- with a heavy expense. At this place the land begins expensive than the rest, was by no means impracti ed, and the experimental railway would be so to ascend. formed as to show its effect in this particular, We soon run up to sixteen feet, and within two and free from rock. No bluffs or sliding banks the whole cable. The bottom of the river stony, but generally part of it being on the same scale of declivity a half miles to fifty-eight feet, when we came to a distance. Materials of every description necessary as Shooter's Hill, or one foot in ten. He next abrupt ridge two hundred and one feet above our level, for the construction of the work were very convenient, proceeded to show, by means of diagrams and which extends quite to the river, and precludes the and in great abundance. He also learned from various models, the mode in which the propelling force to the bed of the river is four hundred two feet, and rally applicable to the whole distance to Pittsburgh. hope of getting round. The descent from this point respectable sources, that these remarks were gene. was acquired by the newly invented pulley, consequently below our level two hundred and one and then proceeded to state that it was not feet. To surmount this, allowing the descent in the Such being the facts, the cost per mile of making a his intention to run heavy carriages on the rail-river to be eight feet in a mile, (and it will not vary may not exceed $6000. This distance, being sixty canal from Warren to Franklin, exclusive of lockage, way. One ton, he thought, would be quite suf- much from it,) it is evident we must go up a little more miles, the expense amounts to ficient, because, when they could send ton after than twenty-five miles, and as the canal from the Alle. ton at the rate of thirty miles an hour, and with- gany will probably come into the Genesee river at the out any delay between, carrying great weights mouth of Black creek, it is likely it may be difficult to was unnecessary. On the present plan of lo- unite the two without some extra expense. comotive engines, it was indispensible that they should be formed to carry heavy weights, know any thing of the texture of the soil except from because the locomotive engine generally weigh-be uncertain and liable to error. But as it may be external appearances, our calculation of expense must ed ten tons; and that great weight, being in a desirable to know something on the subject, I submit state of agitation, wore out and damaged the the following estimate. road infinitely more than all the traffic that passed over. It was found also that one locomotive engine required three times as much fuel as a stationary engine of the same power. The earth is of a light loam, and a considerable It was his intention to use horses, because one- part of it may be excavated for eight cents per cubic horse power would be sufficient for his purpose; yard. But when we take into consideration the depth and it was found that there was no saving in of cutting, and the distance to which much of the earth using engines under six-horse power, it being must be carried, I am of opinion the average expense as cheap to keep six horses as to work a six-will not fall short of 25 cents per cubic yard. This horse engine. There would, in this way, be a The ridge from whence it begins to rise abruptly great saving in the expense of the power; to where the level cuts it on the opposite side, is there would also be a great saving in the con-about one hundred rods through, and to make a semi. struction of the railway. At present a yard of circular tunnel this distance of thirty-four feet span, railway weighs 50 lbs.; his would weigh less which will only give sufficient space for an arched than half. At present hills are cut down, and wall 28 feet span and three feet thick, would require valleys raised, to make a railway; by the pro- the excavation of 27,744 cubic yards. I mention this posed plan this would be unnecessary.

As we did not measure the distance, and do not

The distance of deep cutting from 16 to 58 feet, will be 2 1-2 miles, and the amount of excavation, 1,510,422 cubic yards.

item then amounts to $377,605 55.

Lockage 189 feet, at $8 per foot,

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$360,000

14,175 $374,175

Now allowing the average cost per mile, from War. ren to Franklin, to be applicable to the distance from

Warren to Pittsburgh, we shall perceive that as the miles nearly, that the whole expense of that distance one is $6,240, nearly, and the other two hundred will amount to $1,248,000. And we also perceive, second route, as communicated in this report, be true, that allowing these and the calculations made for the that the whole expense of making a canal navigation from Buffalo to Pittsburgh wil not be equal to $2,000,

000.

her science and resources to this mighty enterprize,
Now if the State of Pennsylvania will but bring forth
she may, in conjunction with the State of New-York,
effect a work which, for its importance in a commer.
cial, agricultural, and national point of view, cannot
Union.
be equalled by any other similar undertaking in the
The above is respectfully submitted by
CHARLES T. WHIPPO,
Murray, January 28, 1826.

(Copy of Mr. Cantine's Letter.)
Dear Sir: Agreeably to your directions, I proceeded

size because it would be sufficient to admit the pas-down the Allegany from Warren to Franklin, in Penn.

The west branch of Ischua creek to be turnsylvania. I left the former place on the 8th day of Oc-I was cordially received by the citizens of Warren tober last, accompanied by a gentleman selected by and Franklin, and every information in their power ed into Lime lake, yields per miMost respectfully, your obedient servant, nute the citizens of Warren as a man the most capable of afforded. ABM. CANTINE. giving correct information of the operation of the To C. T WHIPPO, Esq. floods, and of the river generally.

or the streams that fall into it.

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200 cubic ft.

150

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200

66

250

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700

66

150

150

Lime lake, from a surface of 150
acres, per minute
Beaver and Fish lakes do. 240
per minute
Peacock & Mud l. Cl'r cr.
acres, per minute
Cattaraugus lake

acres,

acres,

per minute

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The stream was uncommonly low, which afford. ed the best opportunity of viewing its bottom. From To the Honorable the Board of Canal Commissioners of the State of New-York, the best information I could obtain from the citiI take the liberty to address the following rezens of Warren, I was of opinion the west side afforded the greatest facilities, and my examinations port: That the following examinatious have been were therefore principally confined to that side. My examinations may be classed under three heads. made by your orders, for the purpose of ascerFirst, the descent in the river, by estimating the fall taining the practicability of constructing a cain the river by the different ripples, by comparing nal, and of supplying the same with water, to them with the two we had ascertained with the in. strument. Second, to ascertain if the stream could connect the Erie canal with the Allegany river,small spring brooks; and it should be underbe improved by damming, and locking, and canalling by passing the village of Batavia, and up the stood that these calculations were made at the from one dam to another. Third, canalling on the valley of the Tonne wanda creek, to a summit driest part of an unusually dry season. west side, to be supplied with water from the river to be formed between Cattaraugus lake at the the opinion of respectable, observing men, that northeasterly, and Lime lake at the southwest- these same lakes and streams have usually af1st. Estimating the descent, I judge it to be one erly extremity, and thence descending by the forded more than double the quantity herein hundred and sixty feet; but on my return to Warren, valley of the Ischua and Olean creeks, to the stated, during whole seasons in succession; on searching the prothonotary's office, I found by Allegany river at Olean Point. and that these lakes might be made into resercomparing our levels with a report made by com- For which purpose I commenced the 6th Oc-voirs of more than double their present capamissioners appointed by the legislature of Pennsylva- tober, 1825, at the level of the Allegany river city, by erecting dains across their outlets of nia, to survey a route for a canal from lake Erie to at Olean Point, at which place it is ten rods moderate height, and comparatively at a trifling the Allegany river at the mouth of French creek, I wide, and sends forth 12,236 cubic feet of wa-expense, which would insure a supply of water found the descent to be one hundred and eighty-nine ter per minute. From thence an accurate levon the summit adequate to the demands of exfeet. Those commissioners, in their report, regretel and measurement of distances was carried tensive commercial operations. that it was not in their power to procure an experienced engineer with proper instruments to investi- up the Olean creek 7 miles and 42 chains, to its gate the route: it is, however, probable that that re-junction with Oil and Ischua creeks in the township of Hinsdale, and found the rise to be port is nearly correct. 2dly. Draining the river, &c. The reason why 37.79 feet between the Allegany and Oil creek. this mode of improvement was suggested, is, that it Oil creek at its junction yields 551 cubic feet was feared the banks of the river would be so steep of water per minute, in the driest weather. and difficult as to prevent the construction of a canal. From the mouth of Oil creek, the level and To avoid this difficulty, several dams would be ne. survey were continued up the Ischua through Total amt. lockage, rise and fall, 1,369.47 feet. cessary, but it would be impossible to determine their the townships of Franklinville, Farmersville It is proper here to state the lockage on the location or number; not knowing the descent in the and Yorkshire, to Lime lake, a distance of 27 Rochester and Olean canal, by the Oil creek river from one point to another, and believing as I do, miles and 66 chains from Olean Point; and the summit, viz.: that it would be better to construct a canal on the total rise from the Allegany river to Lime lake west side of the river, I shall therefore proceed to the result of my examination on that head. A canal from Olean to Lime lake would pass 3dly. Canalling on the west side, &c. The distance from Warren to Franklin is sixty through a valuable tract of country, well cultimiles. Sixteen miles of this, the side-hill comes vated, and abounding with pine and oak timdown to or near the water's edge, at seventeen dif. ber of the first quality. The soil is a sandy ferent places; which is moderately steep. At al. loam, easily excavated, and the surface is genemost each of those there are several rods together, rally very regular on the line of canal. where there is a margin sufficiently elevated above The summit dividing Ischua creek from the the river, and wide enough to admit of a canal. south end of Lime lake, is about one mile in 309.63" length, through a tamrack swamp, and rises The principal feeder for the Oil creek sumon an average six feet above the surface of mit from the west is the Ischua creek, which Lime lake. Suitable stone for locks, &c. can be found along the line at convenient distances. can be taken out for that purpose at the foot of From Lime lake, (which is the summit,) the Farwell's mill race, three miles and twentysummit level was carried in a direction towards four chains above the mouth of Oil creek, viz.: Cattaraugus lake, and it is ascertained that Ischua, at Farwell's mill, feet per minute, 750 Beaver lake is 62 feet, and Peacock lake 53 feet Lime lake, and Beaver and Fish lakes, which can be turned into the Ischua, above Lime lake; and both these lakes have several smaller ones connected with them, it is evident their waters can all be brought on the summit level.

There are three miles of steep side hill; soil the whole of this distance of the sandy order, some places loamy with some detached masses of rock. The river along this distance not to exceed ten feet deep at any one place where it would be necessary to construct works for a defence to the canal, and the greater part of the distance less than three feet deep. The bottom of the river, the whole distance, was stony, and all the information I could obtain from the old settlers, as to the changes of its channel and banks, agreed that they were few and gradual, and the uniformity of the descent, the appearance of its banks, the great width of the stream, and its appearance generally, unite to show the information correct. There is not a bluff or sliding bank on the whole shore. A covering or lining of stone on the outer side of the tow-path, sloping at two to one, would be sufficient to protect it from the effects of the river; the stone for this purpose in many places would be

obtained in digging the canal, and at other places

from the bed of the river.

the bed of the stream at this point is rock, thinly cov

is 233.63 feet.

233.63"

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Cattaraugus lake was found to be 22 feet above Lime lake, but being on the line of the canal, it must be cut through, and also a dividing Having viewed Oil creek summit as a reridge at the northerly end of the lake, which markable depression across the country, and rises 15 feet above the level of the lake, and very favorable for a canal, the following exruns out to the level in 25 chains. From Lime aminations were made with a view to that oblake to the north end of the deep cut, the sum-ject. The Allegany river at Olean is 2 chains mit level would be 24 miles, and the ground 50 links wide, and moves at the rate of 100 190 There are two chains of rock bank in horizontal generally favorable, though in many places feet per minute, at an average depth of foot, strata; they will admit of being easily broken up sidelying and steep, and all may be called and sends forward 12,236 cubic feet of water Its total descent from Olean to heavy timbered land. The only deep cut una- per minute. ered with loose stones, which, when I viewed it, was voidable is through the Cattaraugus lake and Pittsburgh is 650 feet, and the distance 280 but partially covered with water. There is good] The cutting through the miles; and in order to a better knowledge of earth convenient to this place, to form the canal, and the dividing ridge. the stone for covering may be taken from the bank or lake would be 26 feet for half a mile, and through this fine river, a level was carried up the river the bed of the stream; the river is of good width the ridge 41 feet for near one-fourth of a mile.8 miles to Rea's mills near the Pennsylvania here. The average cutting for two miles is about 20 line, and in that distance the surface of the About half a mile be. The residue of the distance, the canal may be car-feet, and it is to be presumed that rock would river had risen 17 feet. low Rea's, the Oswego fork of the Allegany ried through favorable ground at or near the foot of be met in those depths. the hill, altogether out of the reach of the floods of the From the northerly end of this deep cut, the comes in from the east: this fine stream has country slopes gently to the north, and the ea- a swift current, and sends out 2,500 cubic feet minute. per As to a supply of water, on this subject there can nal would follow the valley of the Tonnewanda of water I had hopes that this be no difficulty. There are a number of streams that fall into the Allegany on the west side, and their decreek, which would be the principal feeder, and stream might be brought to the Oil creek sumscent is sufficiently rapid when they enter the valley, runs through a country of excellent soil and mit by extending the summit to the vicinity of highly cultivated for 30 miles, to Batavia, and Olean; and this I believe to be practicable, to be made use of as feeders, and to be crossed conveniently, the largest of which are Broken-straw, Oil thence 20 miles further (having a choice of provided the Oswego could be taken out a few and Freuch creeks; there is every material necessa-ground the whole distance) to the Erie canal. miles south of the Pennsylvania line. ry for the construction of the work in the vicinity The whole distance or length of the Batavia and feeder made navigable would lead into the region of stone coal. where it will be used. The most intelligent gentle. Olean canal is 101 miles and 66 chains. men in that quarter united in stating that the river The water to supply the summit level of this was of the same character from Franklin to Pittsburgh."canal is as follows, viz :

river.

This

A canal uniting with the Allegany river by either of the above routes, would accommo,

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date a large section of our country, whose sur-|| plus products are equal in quantity and quality to those of any portion of the state in proportion to its cultivated land and population, in both which respects it is rapidly increasing. These are primary advantages to a large portion of our citizens, but with the state, other considerations are to be considered; as the great enhancement in the value of the state lands, which are known to abound in lumber of the best quality, and coal mines and other minerals, which are known to abound on the various branches of the Allegany, and the very extensive commerce which would be drawn through this canal, and down the Allegany and the Ohio, and from the countries adjacent.

With all these advantages, this canal would undoubtedly soon become a source of increasing revenue to this state.

All which is very respectfully submitted.
NATHAN S. ROBERTS, Engineer.
Lenox, Madison co. N. Y. Į

18th January, 1826.

[From the Journal of the Franklin Insti- Domestic spirits,...

tute.]

Boards and scantling, .

Salt,

.....

GENTLEMEN,-I am directed by the Timber,.
Shingles,
Staves.....
American Philosophical Society to commu-
nicate to you, for publication, the annexed Flour,.
letter, received at their last stated meeting. Provisions,..
The object of the Society is to diffuse the in- Ashes,...:
formation given in that letter throughout the Lime,
scientific community in the United States. Cider,
Very respectfully, yours,
A. D. BACHE,

Beer,

Passed. .gallons 1,609,616 .feet 40,804,377

Prize Medals to be awarded, for Discoveries || Amount of produce, &c. shipped at and passed Utica on
the Erie Canal during the year 1833.
in Science, by the Royal Society of London.

Shipped.

493,169

114,626

.do. 1,733,255

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SIR,-I am honored with the commands of His Royal Highness, the President of the Royal Society, to acquaint you, for the in- Fur and peltry. formation of the American Philosophical So- Gypsum,. ciety, at Philadelphia, that His Majesty, the Merchandise, King, has been pleased to grant two gold Furniture, Clay, Coal,.. NEW STEAMBOAT--We copy from the medals of the value of £50 each, to be "Troy Budget" an account of another inven-awarded by the Royal Society on the day of Pig Iron,... their anniversary meeting in each succeedtion, which report says will supersede Mr. ing year, for the most important discoveries Burden's. We have sent to the inventor, re-in any one principal branch of physical and questing him to furnish drawings and descrip- mathematical knowledge. tions of his plans, and hope shortly to be His Majesty having graciously expressed able to lay them before our readers. It a wish, that scientific men of all nations consists, we understand, of two boats, and a should be invited to afford the aid of their third may be added-300 feet long, and talents and researches, I am accordingly decked over their whole length. Each boat, commanded by His Royal Highness the in shape and mould very much like the In-President to announce to you, sir, that the dian bark canoe, is firmly secured by arches said Royal Medals for 1836 will be awarded attached to the bottom and passing up through in that year: the one for the most important the deck, about 20 feet high in the centre, unpublished paper on Astronomy, the other extending nearly the whole length of the for the most important unpublished paper in boat. The appearance of the boat is pleas. Animal Physiology, which may have been ing, and is acknowledged by competent prac- communicated to the Royal Society for intical scientific judges to be far superior to sertion in their Transactions, after the preany thing yet in the shape of a steamboat. sent date, and prior to the month of June, in the year 1836. Mr. Langdon intends to finish the boat in a superior style, with two cabins of 200 feet For the present, and the two following each, dispensing with the promenade deck years, the Council of the Royal Society, and every thing necessary for its support. with the approbation of His Majesty the On the main deck, the only one required, he King, have directed the Royal Medals to be also intends to have two horizontal engines, awarded for important discoveries or series of one each end of the shafts, the cranks being investigations published within three years placed at right angles. The boiler will be previous to the time of award; and those for constructed like the one which is in opera. the year 1833 have been adjudged, the one tion at the steam-engine works of Langdon, to Sir John F. W. Herschel, for his paper ou Grosbeck & Co., West Troy, for burning the investigation of the Orbits of Revolving anthracite coal. The boiler is very econo- Double Stars, inserted in the fifth volume of mical in its consumption of fuel, and is a ra- the memoirs of the Royal Astronomical Sopid generator of steam. Mr. L. is of opinion ciety; the other to Professor Decandolle, for co that one firing will be sufficient to carry his his investigations in Vegetable Physiology, boat from Troy to New-York. We have as detailed in his work entitled Physiologie seen the boiler, and it certainly appears, Vegetale. like the boat, to be superior to every thing of the kind in the country.

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TEMPERATURE. Synopsis of Meteorological Tables, kept at Rochester, N. Y., for the years 1831, 1832, and 1833. INCHES RAIN. INCHES SNOW.

May
Novemb'r 38.9
Septemb❜r 60.9
August... 71.
Decemb'r 19.5 34.5 34.
January... 23.
July......... 71.3 74.
February 23.5 26.
June........71.6 70.3 62.
59.7 57.2 62.
70.5 68.
October... 51.5 52.619.5 29.54 29.50 29.46 4.2
26.
Ann. Res. 48.3 50.1 49.6 29.49 29.52 29.49 26.9 24.3 22.6
April........ 47.5 47.4 52.5 29.38 29.48 29.54 3.8
March...... 41.8 38.6 35.4 29.39 29.44 29.50 1.3
41.5 40.4
62.8 63.5 29.50 29.54 29.54 2.4
29.49 29.47 29.56 0.0
70.9 29.49 29.50 29.51 5.4
26.4 31.429.45 29.56 29.42
29.61 29.60 29.49 1.2
29.53 29.50 29.42 3.4
29.70 29.63 29.51)
29.42 29.51 29.51 2.8
2.4
1831 1832 1833 1831 1832 1833 1831 1832 1833 1831 1832 1833 1831 1832 1833
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TEX. SP. WA'R.

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The boat is an interesting and ingenious specimen of mechanism-combining great To the Secretary of the American Philos. Soc., Philadel. strength and durability with a spacious deck and extensive cabins. Its buoyancy and diAPPARATUS FOR OBTAINING FIRE.-A very mensions, united with the perfect safety atingenious apparatus is now exhibiting at the tending it, together with the superior accom-store of Mr. John Bailey, in Union street, for modations which can be furnished, when put obtaining fire. It consists of two glass cylinin operation, will bring about a new era in the ders, the outer one of which contains a comhistory of travelling by steam. Mr. L. has pound of sulphuric acid and water, and in the Coldest and Warmest Days of 1831, '32, secured a patent, and intends to have his boat inner one, which is without a bottom, is susin readiness for use in the course of the next pended a piece of zinc. The action of the acid YEARS. COLD'ST DAY. WARM'ST DAY. MEAN OF EX. upon the zinc creates a gas, which is let out by means of a valve, and in coming in contact|| 1831. June 3, Mr. Langdon is not unknown to the public with atmospheric air, immediately ignites a 4° below zero 9.° above ze. as a worthy and skilful mechanic. He is piece of platina exposed to it. The apparatus January 27, June 25, the inventor of the Horse Ferry Boat, which is very neat, and was constructed by a young 6° below zero 88° above ze. has come into very general use. We wish man in Mr. Bailey's employ, from a descrip- January 17, July 21, him the completest success in his new enter. tion of a similar work in Europe.-[New-Bedprise. ford Gazette.]

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NEW-YORK AMERICAN.

FEBRUARY 8-14, 1834.
LITERARY NOTICES.

No. XIV.

table.

led me.

sional flakes of snow, which b gan to fall from ing up a moss-covered bucket I placed my lips to the black lowering sky, threatened a storm which the rusty iron-bound brim and took a draught to might cover in a moment the only path that could which the most delicious of Lynch's chateau were guide me homeward. I sat down at once among but vile vin-du-pays in comparison. I can remember the long dry grass, and stripping off my leg.but one drink in my life before to compare with it, gings and disembarrassing my heels of the now use- and that was from a similar goblet after other lips DEXTER, (Washtenaw Co., M. T.) Dɛc. 15th. less spurs, stowed all away in my coat pockets. The than mine had hallowed the brim. A few moments I have been waiting here since I last wrote coat itself, 1 rolled up in a bundle around my left after a lad rode into the yard with the object of my in order to join an exploring party of three or arm, and taking my gun, to which I applied a fresh pursuit, whose bridle had been broken to pieces in four invividuals, to go up into Shiawassee cap, in my right, I strode off in as good a humor as the effort of several men to catch him a mile or two county, to examine lands. A heavy snow one could summon under such provoking circum off. I was mounted in a moment, and regained my storm has set in to-day, however, and as it stances. I could not help thinking, indeed, how lodgings in an hour, when I found that the adventure will put an end to the expedition, I shall pro-deserted in one of the broad praries, thirty miles, of tresh pike and white-fish just smoking on the much worse matters might have been had I been thus of the day had not impaired my relish for a suppor bably start by myself for the Holemago county perhaps, from any house. As for the loss of my to-morrow. The journey to Grand River horse, I felt so indignant against the inconsiderate which I proposed to myself, I shall, from the brute, that I confess it did not much trouble me. longitudinally near here, though never, I believe, The range of hills which traverse the Peninsula time it would consume, be compelled now to Thus did I trudge on, growing momentarily better more than 200 feet high, are said by some to con. abandon entirely. I do not regret the time humor with myself. The scene around was dreary stitute the most elevated part of Michigan. As they I spent here for I am not far from the centre of at present, but having had all the wild flowers that abound in game and consist altogether of oak openthe territory; and while I have my head quar- grow in Michigan described to me, I exercised my ings, you can conceive of nothing more animating ters at a good tavern in a well settled place, I imagination by conceiving the more attractive ap- than to gallop over them on horseback. I was out can, in a ride of a few miles, plunge at once pearance it must wear in summer. I thought how again among them yesterday; and having a pocket into the wilderness. It is a pretty dangerous the brown woods must look when the lofty oaks a compass with me and a map of the country in my matter, however, for a stranger to go without round were clothed in their deep green foliage. I pocket, I ventured to leave the trails that wind among a guide reconoitering through a country where thought of the various vines and flowers which then the hollows, and scamper over the hills, as my fancy fill the broad opening between their stems-of the every hill, lake and wood, looks so much like clumps of cluster roses that here grow wild and beneath my horse's feet as I topped the first slight A large flock of grouse rose almost from its brother, that the ordinary landmarks are of cover whole acres-of the crimson daisy and fra- eminence, and then just as the animal was recover. no assistance to the eye. The scenery of Mi-grant balm pink, the deep-hued lichnidia, and gor-ing from the flurry into which the rushing sound of chigan will be far more attractive when culti-geous golden rod, which, with jonquils and ama. their wings threw him, a tall broad-antlered buck, vation shall give variety to a landscape which, ranth, the purple fox-glove, and saffron colored silk the largest I ever saw, sprang from a small covert, however beautiful it is at present, is somewhat weed paint the surface of the soil. I could fancy and bounded through the wide forest glades. Away monotonous. After visiting nearly a dozen of the glossy leaves of the night shade, with its white too I went-the feeling was irresistible-I could see the transparent ponds of every size which stud blossoms and poisonous berries, the creeping ivy the fellow leaping as if he had wings over the rollthe surface of the country, and finding but two The snow.white lily of the valley, the lilac-tinted, spirits to my horse, that sent us ahead like one and and red columbian clustering at the base of the hills.ing land, and the clear bracing atmosphere had given or three whose firm banks of some fifteen or adder's tongue and straw.colored arrow-head, shoot the same animal. In spite of the deer's prodigious twenty feet elevation, assumed a picturesque ing through the long grass between, while the purple jumps, which were as high as they were long, I had appearance,from the irregular manner in which fleur-de-lis bloomed along the wet marshes, and gained decidedly on the chase, when coming to the they pushed their beautifully wooded promon- the splendid cardinal.flower tossed its scarlet leaves brow of a steep hill, he dashed down the side, and tories far into the lakes they bounded, I star- in the breeze that swept the banks above. was far away over another before my less agile horse ted, the other day, to visit a sheet of water I must have practised horticulture in this way for could descend the first. I saw two more deer, be somewhat elevated, about twelve miles off.- sometime, when on rising a slight eminence in my sides several flocks of grouse, during my morning's My way, after going a mile or two from the path, I saw my amiable roan standing quietly look-ride. Singularly enough, this was the only time that village, led through oak openings of rolling ing in the direction whence I was coming, apparent. I had moved a mile without a gun since I left New land, called "the short hills," which I can bestly waiting for me. I was completely mollified. I York; and it was the only opportunity I have had to assimilate to a collection of enormous graves heart to lay my hand upon the bridle. He moved a this region, I should certainly have let the wild forgave him the little freak and advanced with a light use one to advantage. If Der Freyschutz were in the tombs of cities, it you choose--thrown conlittle, and so did I. He moved a little more and huntsman make his own terms with me for better fusedly together upon a perfectly level surface I stood still. I spoke to him, but he continued mov. luck. where a patch of wild meadow land-a ing. I coaxed him in a tone that would have melted To-day, for the first time, I saw the meadows on cranberry marsh, or a bog that looked like the the heart of one of the marble horses of St. Mark's. fire. They are of vast extent, running far into the desolated bed of a lake, and frequently indeed He was moved by it only further from me. I whis-woods like the friths of a lake; and as the wild grass the shallow lake itself, filled up the intervals.tled to him-(I had taught him a day or two before to which they supply in the greatest profusion, furnishThe huge oaks that crowned the summits of come to my whistle, when he had obeyed me like aes the new settler with all the hay he uses for his these formal mounds were the only objects dog)-he stopped, and I advanced once more to lay stock, they are burnt over thus annually to make it that relieved the dreariness of the landscape--my hand on the saddle, and the scoundrel broke into tender. These fires, travelling far over the country, even they, I thought, while riding alone beneath a trot just as I was about touching him. I brought seize upon the large praries, and consuming every their branches, that sighed to the December my piece to my shoulder, and could hardly forbear tree in the woods except the hardiest, cause the often-mentioned oak openings, so characteristic of wind, were not the most enlivening objects in drawing the trigger upon him as I stood. the world. I rode thus for miles, without seeThe ground now rolled like the waves of a frozen Michigan scenery. It is a beautiful sight to see the sea, and my nefarious brute, who soon began to stalk fire shooting in every direction over these broad ex. ing a living thing, except a raven, which, as leisurely along about a hundred yards ahead of me, panses of land, which are kindled at a variety of that description of bird is only found in these would, to carry out the figure, be just topping the points. The flame at one moment curls along the parts of the Union where wolves still infest the combing while I was in the trough, and vice versa-ground, and seems to lick up its fuel from below, country, I at once took it for granted was ho- like two children balancing on a plank. It was per.while at the next it tumbles over like the breakers vering near one of the savage beasts to which fectly insufferable, mile after mile, to see that eter.of the sea upon the dried grass, and sweeps it in a he so faithfully plays the Jackall. Wheeling nal saddle bobbing up and down a hundred yards a- wave of fire from the ground. I found myself re. my horse suddenly from the trail toward a thick head of me. Sometimes, indeed, the vexatious wear.peatedly surrounded by the fire, while riding hither et of dwarf oaks, where I expected to find the er would step aside among a cluster af oaks tonip the and thither, watching its progress; but was only on carrion deer that attracted these worthies, he tender grass which still lingered around their roots, shyed from the bush, and I was thrown upon mire the Indian blanket and flame colored surcingle and then as he would arch his neck, and seeming to ad. the spot. After extricating the foot, by which which, after the gay taste of the west, I had buckled, I was dragged a yard or two, from the stirrup, combining use with ornament, to the back of the unsprang up but little hurt and moved as quick-grateful brute, dash off with a snort into a patch of ly as possible to catch my horse, who, having prairie land, I could not but admire the eye of fire and paused for an instant in a clump of trees near gracefully-gathering-limbs of the spirited creature, As I rode to and fro he e, with a young gentleby, turned his head around, like a pointer taken I wished, however, that he was any body's horse but man in company, trying to find a point where, if aback with the scent after he has passed a bush,||mine, disporting himself at that rate. Besides he was necessary, we might encounter the flame to less and stood calmly gazing at me. At the first a Kentucky horse, and what right had he to run thus disadvantage, if unable to avoid it altogether, the step toward the rascal,however, he moved near-wild in Michigan. At last at a turning of the path he ridiculous position in which we had placed ourly a rod sideways, and then ducking his head disappeared behind a hill, and ceasing longer to tan-selves, reminded me not a little of that which toward the ground, and throwing his heels high talize, left me comparatively comfortable. I reach. Andrew Fairservice occupied on the rock, when ed the first clearing" about 20 minutes afterward, he trotted hither and thither on his narrow platin the air, my ungrateful courser, accompany and looking along the highway which here com- form, to avoid the bullets of Rob Roy's Caterans. ing these motions with every additional mark menced, my steed was nowhere to be seen. Tire A finer subject for reflection, however, presented of disrespect he could summon to his aid, left alike with walking and vexation, and parched with itselt near the spot. A small brook crossed the his master alone in the wilderness. He disap- thirst, (I had neither eat nor drank since breakfast, meadow, and my companion dismounting, led his peared behind a hill in a moment. I could not and it was now nightfall) I advanced to the only shan-horse through, and gained the other side in a moment help ejaculating with the Kentuckian whose tee near, and knocked at the door. There was no But mine, when I rode him rapidly to the brink, and house and family had been burnt up by the sav-answer, and I shook it violently. A rush-bottomed endeavored to jump him, recoiled. I wheeled round. ages while he was cleaning his rifle at a brook chair rattled and a cat, the solitary occupant, sprang and tried it again; but his recent experience in the hard by This is very ridiculous." No time out through a broken window. I soon found my way, treacherous marsh made him fear the sedgy brink, was to be lost however. It was late in the day however, to the dilapitated trunk of a large sycamore and nothing could prevail upon the cautious animal and I was far from any house; while the occa-tree near, which formed the top of a well, and draw-to approach it. At the last attempt, he recoiled no

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two occasions exposed to any inconvenience-once that I had to dismount, in a morass, covered with when my horse was bogged to the saddle girths, so high weeds, to which the flame was approaching, and again when I found myself in a patch of small woodland, which crackled and roared like tophet itself.

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