apron, the apron is, in part, to be again wound round the upper roller, as first above mentioned, so as to remain until the litter is again discharged. What I claim as my improvement, and wish to secure by letters patent, in the rearing of silk worms, is the application of a revolving apron, or aprons, placed under the hurdles upon which the worms are fed, for the purpose of receiving and removing the litter falling from them; and this I claim, whether the same be made exactly in the way described, or in any other, operating substantially on the same principle, and by which a similar effect is produced. GAMALIEL GAY. Household Manufacture of Sugar.-A remarkable proof of the facility with which beet-root sugar manufactories may be established is presented at this moment at Wallers, in the department du Nord. Four of the villagers, by advancing 50 francs each, have formed a joint capital of 200 francs, and with this they produced between 40 and 50 lbs. of sugar, of rather inferior quality, a day. They employ currycombs to rasp the beet-roots, which they put into a napkin-press to extract the juice, and then boil the syrup in common culinary boilers. GRAIN. The Richmond Enquirer says that the wheat crop generally turns out even worse than was expected. There is straw enough; but the heads are withered, and yield comparatively few grains. We are assured that some of the farmers will not make seed wheat-others have ploughed up their fields without reaping-many will not make half crop; others, not a third or fourth. The ravages from various causes, the fly, the wet, smut, freshet, &c., &c., are more or less felt by almost all. The complaint extends to both sides of the mountains in Virginia. But the corn looks well, and the oats are very fine. The Baltimore American of Friday last publishes a letter from Gloucester Court House, Va., dated July 9, which states that the crop of wheat is so very indifferent that doubts are entertained whether a single bushel of the first quality can be obtained in the whole county. The average will not be more than equal to the fourth of a crop, and that fourth the poorest stuff that can be well imagined: that many of the farmers do not consider the crop as worth the trouble of harvesting:-and that the corn crop is very unpromising. The Alexandria Gazett has the following notice of the crops in the counties of Virginia mentioned therein: We learn from a gentleman who has recently visited the counties of Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, and Loudoun, that the wheat crop in the three first named counties will be from half to two thirds of an average one, Loudoun not so good. In Frederick county the crop is represented as very indifferent, and in Jefferson, Berkely, and many other counties beyond the Blue Ridge, it is said to be almost a total failure. The rye crop is generally very indifferent. Of the corn it is too early to judge, as much yet depends upon the weather-at present sale. the corn, though short, looks in a flourishing || RAILWAY IRON, LOCOMOTIVES, &c. state. With seasonable weather and the THE subscribers offer the following articles for absence of early frost it may partially re- Railway Iron, flat bars, with countersunk holes and munerate the farmers for their loss in the wheat and rye crops. The oat crop is an abundant one. We conversed on Tuesday last with a gentleman of Martinsburg, who assured us that in many fields in that section of country the seed would not be gathered. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. mitred joints, lbs. 350 tons 2 by , 15 ft in length, weighing 48 280 แ 66 100 3.50 100 24 We certainly owe an apology for having so long delayed to notice, and call attention E. V. Patent Chain Cable Bolts for Railway Car to, this very interesting and valuable peri-axles, in lengths of 12 feet 6 inches, to 13 feet 24, 2 odical. It was commenced in October last, 3, 3, 34, 31, and 34 inches diameter. by the Managers of the American Institute, and it has, as we are informed, and as it certainly deserves to do, progressed steadily in its course of usefulness. We wish it, and all other periodicals devoted to useful information, continued and abundant pros perity. Co., } TO CANAL CONTRACTORS. Office of the Sandy and Beaver Canal Co., July 25th, 1836. Proposals will be received at the office of the Sandy and Beaver canal company, in New Lisbon, Columbiana county, Ohio, until Monday the 10th day of Oc tober next, for the construction of about 50 cut stone locks, 17 dams, (varying from 5 to 20 feet in height) one aqueduct across the Tuscarawas River, several bridges, and about 10 or 15 miles of canal. amined at the Engineers office, New Lisbon. Plans and specifications of the work may be ex Persons unkown to the Engineer must accompany their proposals with good recommendations. B. HANNA, President. E H. GILL, Chief Engineer. 30-to 10 TO CONTRACTORS. Sealed proposals will be received at Jackson, until the 15th day of September next, for the graduation, masonry and bridging of the 3d division (50 miles) of the Mississippi Railroad. This road is located on a pine sandy ridge, the country is healthy, and provisions can be readily obtained at all seasons of the year. The whole line (150 miles) will be placed under contract, as the location advances next fall; and it is believed that no institution can offer greater inducements to good Contractors than this. F. H. PETRIE, Chief Eng. 28-till Sep. 5. } TO CONTRACTORS. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Lawrenceburgh and Indianapolis Railroad Company, June 20, 1836. PROPOSALS will be reeeived at this office until the first division of the Road. the 8th of August for the graduation and masonry on This division commences near the Ohio River at Lawrenceburgh, Indiana, and follows the Valley of Tanners Creek a distance of ten miles.. India Rubber Rope for Inclined Planes, made from New Zealand flax. Also Patent Hemp Cordage for Inclined Planes, and Canal Towing Lines. Patent Felt for placing between the iron chair and stone block of Edge Railways. Every description of Railway Iron, as well as Locomotive Engines, imported at the shortest notice, by the agency of one of our partners, who resides in England for this purpose. Mr. Solomon W. Roberts, a highly respectable American Engineer, resides in England for the purpose of inspecting all Locomotives, Machinery, Railway Iron &c. ordered through us A. & G. RALSTON. Philadelphia, No. 4, South Front st. NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS. PROPOSALS will be received by the Morris CaMeades Basin, from the 1st to the 4th of August next, nal and Banking Company, at the Engineers Office, for the excavation, embankment, and mechanical Law-work on the Long Pond Feeder, a distance of five and a half miles. Also, for the erection of a stone mda, and other work, near the outlet of Long Pond. Plans and Specifications of the work may be seen a the Engineers office, after the 1st of August. R. B. MASON, Engineer. Plans and Profiles of the Route and proposed works can be examined at the Engineers Office, renceburgh, Dearbor County, Indiana. 28-tau15 JULIUS W. ADAMS, Engineer. TO CONTRACTORS. PROPOSALS will be received at the Office of the Eastern Railroad Company, Boston, between the said Road from East Boston to Newburyport, a dis28th and 30th inst., for the grading and masonry of tance of 334 miles The line of this road is along a favorable country, which places will afford contractors every facility for passing threugh Lynn, Salem, Beverly, and Ipswich, obtaining provisions, &c. Plans and Profiles will be ready, and may be seen at the Office, after the 22d instant. Satisfactory recommendations must accompany the proposals of those who are unknown to the Engineer. JOHN M. FESSENDEN, Engineer. 22-130j 29-tlaug. HARTFORD AND NEW HAVEN RAILROAD. The H. and N. H. Railroad Company, are prepared to make immediate contracts for 200,000 running feet of Southern yellow pine, to measure six inches square quality best suited to receive a flat iron rail,-the and from cighteen to thirty feet in length; of the above to be delivered at New Haven by the first day of May next. Also for 200,000 running feet in addition, to be delivered by the first day of September 1837, at Hartford or Middletown. PROPOSALS may be addressed to THE subscriber would respectfully inform the pub-. TO BE SOLD OR LEASED the above lic, and particularly Railroad and Bridge Corpora- well known establishment, situated one mile tations that he will build Frame Bridges, or vend the right to others to build, on Col. Long's Patent, through-from Boston. The improvements consist of, out the United States, with few exceptions. The fol- No. 1. Boiler House, 50 feet by 30 feet, lowing sub-Agents have been engaged by the under-containing all the necessary machinery for signed who will also attend to this business, viz. making boilers for Locomotive and other steam Engines. Horace Childs, John Mahan, Thomas H. Cushing, Amos Whitemore, Fsq., Capt. Isaac Damon, Lyman Kingsly, Elijah Halbert, Capt. John Bottom, do Henniker, N. H. Northampton, Mass. do Waterloo, N. Y. Dunkirk, N. Y. Hudson, Ohio. do Lower Sandusky, Ohio. Tonawanda, Penn No. 2. Blacksmith's Shop, 50 feet by 20, fitted with cranes for heavy work. NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS. JAMES RIVER AND KANAWHA CANAL PROPOSALS will be received at the Office of the James River and Kanawha Company, in the City of Richmond, from the 15th to the 23rd day of August, ment and Walling not now under contract, together for the construction of all the Excavation, Embankwith nearly all the Culverts and the greater portion of the Locks between Lynchburg and Maidens' Adventure. The work now advertised embraces the twenty miles between Columbia and the head of Maidens' No. 3. Locomtive House, 54 feet by 25, Adventure Pond, the eight miles between Seven Isused for putting together Locomotive En-land Falls and Scottsville, and about twenty isolated gines. Several of the best Engines in use sections, reserved at the former letting, between Scottsville and Lynchburg. in the United States have been put in this establishment. No. 4. A three story brick building, covered with slate, 120 feet by 46, containing two water-wheels, equal to 40 horse power; Machine Shop, filled with lathes, &c.; Pat (Civil Engineer,) Ohio. tern Shop; Rolling Mill and Furnaces, caNew-Philadelphia, Ohio. Marietta, Ohio pable of rolling 4 tons of iron per diem, exLouisville, Kentucky.clusive of other work; three Trip HamSt. Francisville, Lous'a. mers, one of which is very large; engine for blowing Cupola Furnaces, moved by waterBridges on the above plan are to be seen at the ful-wheel; one very superior 12 horse Steam lowing localities, viz. On the main road leading from Engine, which could be dispensed with; Baltimore to Washington, two miles from the former and a variety of other machinery. place. Across the Metawamkeag river on the Military road, in Maine. On the National road in Illinois, at sundry points. On the Baltimore and Susquehanna Rrailroad at three points. On the Hudson and Patterson Railroad, in two places. On the Boston and Worcester Railroad, at several points. On the Boston and Providence Railroad, at sundry points. Across The quantity of masonry offered is very greatconsisting of about two hundred Culverts of from three to thirty feet span; nine Aqueducts, thirty-five Locks a number of Wastes, with several farm and road Bridges. General plans and specifications of all the work, and special plans of the most important Culverts and Aqueducts, will be found at the offices of the several Principal Assistant Engineers on the line of the Canal. The work will be prepared for examination by the 25th July; but mechanics, well recommended, desirous of immediate employment, can obtain contracts for the construction of a number of Culverts at private letting. the subscriber, or any of the Assistant Engineers, will No. 5. An Iron Foundry, 80 feet by 45, with a superior air Furnace, and two CupoCHARLES ELLET, Jr., Chief Engineer of the James River las, Core oven, Cranes, &c. fitted for the and Kanawha Company. largest work. Attached to the Foundry is NOTE. The Dams, Guard-Locks, most of the a large ware-house, containing Patterns for Bridges, and a number of Locks and Culverts, are the Castings of Hydraulic Presses, Loco-r served for a future letting. Persons visiting the lime motive and other Steam Engines, Lead Mill Rolls, Geering, Shafts, Stoves, Grates, &c. These were made of the most durable ma terials, under the direction of a very scienAcross the Genesse river, at Mount Morris, New-tific and practical Engineer, and are sup York, and several other bridges are now in progress. The Troy Iron and Nail Factory keeps constantly for sale a very extensive assortment of Wrought Spikes and Nails, from 3 to 10 inches, manufactured by the subscriber's Patent Machinery, which after five years successful operation, and now almost universal use in the United States, (as well as England, where the subscriber obtained a patent,) are found superior to any ever offered in market. posed to be of great value. No. 6. A building, 65 feet by 36, containing a large stack of chimneys, and furnaces, for making Cast Steel. This building has been used as a boarding-house, and can accommodate a large number of men. No, 7. A range of buildings, 200 feet long by 30, containing counting room, several store rooms, a Brass Foundry, room for cleaning castings, a large loft for storing patterns, stable for two horses, &c. &c. The above establishment being on tide water, presents greater advantages for some kinds of business than any other in the United States. Coal and Iron can be carried Railroad Companies may be supplied with Spikes from vessels in the harbors of Boston, to the having countersink heads suitable to the holes in iron wharf in front of the Factory, at 25 to 30 rails, to any amount and on short notice. Almost all cents per ton. Some of the largest jobs of the Railroads now in progress in the United States are fastened with Spikes made at the above named fac-iron work have been completed at this estory-for which purpose they are found invaluable, tablishment; among others, the great chain as their adhesion is more than double any common and lift pumps for freeing the Dry Dock at spikes made by the hammer. the Navy Yard, Charleston. ** Spikes are kept for sale, at factory prices, by I. & J. Townsend, Albany, and the principal Iron Merchants in Albany and Troy; J.I. Brower, 222 Water street, New-York; A. M. Jones, Philadelphia; T. Janviers, Baltimore; Degrand & Smith, Boston. P. S.-Railroad Companies would do well to forward their orders as early as practicable, as the subscriber is desirous of extending the manufacturing so as to keep pace with the daily increasing demand for his Spikes. (1J23am) H. BURDEN. AMES' CELEBRATED SHOVELS, SPADES, &c. 300 dozens Ames' superior back-strap Shovels 150 do do do cast steel Shovels & Spades 50 do do socket Shovels and Spades. Together with Pick Axes, Churn Drills, and Crow Bars (steel pointed,) mannfactured from Salisbury refined iron-for sale by the manufacturing agents, WITHERELL, AMES & CO. No. 8 State street, Albany. N. B.-Also furnished to order, Shapes of every descrption, made from Salisbury refined Iron. 4-ytf for the purpose of obtaining work, would do well to call at the office of the Company in the city of Richmond, where any information which they may desire will be cheerfully communicated. The valley of James River, between Lynchburg and Richmond, is healthy. (20-ta 18) C. E. Jr. RAILROAD CAR WHEELS AND BOXES, AND OTHER RAILROAD CASTINGS. Also, AXLES furnished and fitted to wheels com plete at the Jefferson Cotton and Wool Machine Fac Also, Flange Tires, turned complete. No. 264 Elizabeth street, near Bleecker street, mine these Cars; a specimen of which may be seen ALBANY EAGLE AIR FURNACE AND every description. ALSO-Steam Engines and Railroad Castings of every description. WILLIAM V. MANY manufactures to order, The situation for Railroad work is excel-IRON CASTINGS for Gearing Mills and Factories of lent, being in the angle formed by the crossing of the Providence and Worcester Railroads. The Locomotive "Yankee," now running on the latter road, and the "Boston," purchased by the State of Pennsylvania, were built at these works. With the Patterns and Machinery now n the premises, 20 Locomotives, and as many tenders. besides a great quantity of cars and wagons. could be made per annum. For terms, apply to THOS. J. ECKLEY, Boston, THE NEWCASTLE MANUFACTURING MR. EDWARD A. G. YOUNG, Superintendent, Newcastle, Del equalled in the United States. ARCHIMEDES WORKS. 4-yof AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, AND ADVOCATE OF INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT NO. 132 NASSAU STREET, NEW-YORK, AT FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE D. K MINOR, and GEORGE C. SCHAEFFER, EDITORS AND SATURDAY, AUGUST, 13 1833. [VOLUME V.-No' 32. 497 498 499 500 505 The Uticensians have probably never motion it was not too difficult to imagine that received so many visitants in one hour's they were closing in upon us. The village time-the town seemed literally to over- of Herkimer next comes to view, and froth flow with people. this point, there is a fine view up the valley of the West Canada, seeming to give an earnest of the beauty of Trenton falls. The depot at Utica, as well as that at 501 Schenectady, is most admirably arranged, 502 the car-houses, work-shops, &c., being so The valley now narrows, the road having situated, that each has the best location for crossed the stream by a fine bridge. The its own use, and at the same time, the rela-hills now seem to shut out all ingress, and tive position of the buildings is perfectly one unacquainted with the spot is puzzled symmetrical. to find how the canal, river and railroad are 506 511 AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL. NEW-YORK, AUGTST 13, 1836. Owing to delay in preparing the wood cuts, the article on the "Thames Tunnel," commenced in No. 14, has not been continued until this No. Other articles of great length, have also prevented the insertion of portions of it. UTICA AND SCHENECTADY RAILROAD. We returned on Tuesday, leaving Utica to penetrate. A point is turned showing at 8 o clock, with about 300 passengers-the village of Little Falls, its mills appearthis being the first regular trip upon the ing as if washed by some mighty fresher road. From the length of the train, and some other circumstances incident to an untraveled road-such as stiffness of machinery and cars-we did not arrive at Schenectady until half past two, though we are confident that with the same number of passen. We congratulate the public in general gers the trip can be made in less than four and all lovers of fine scenery in particular, hours. In fact, the main that left Utica on upon the opening of this read. On Mon- Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock, arrived a day, August the first, a large party of gen- Schenectady at 8 o'clock: making about 3 tlemen, the Vice President among the num-hours running time. Notwithstanding this ber, left Albany by thre Hudson and Mo. delay, having left Utica on Tuesday, at 8 hawk Road, in a train of cars between two A. M., we arrived in New-York on WednesA. M.-time actually engines, as far as the summit, from which day, at half past we descended with one. After a short de-employed in going, 194 hours. lay at Schenectady, the party were seated in twenty cars, ten of which, taken by each locomotive, soon began to whirl away. The company have erected a bridge over the Mohawk, of considerable length. In the bank beyond, a deep cut is being made for the direct line of the road, which meanwhile follows the cut for the Saratoga road. Throughout the whole length the grades are very moderate, and the journey can be performed in a very short time. Owing to some delay on this occasion, we did not reach Utica until half past two, or three o'clock. From the nature of the location of this road, it is mostly an embankment-keeping into the bed of the stream. The tourist having his doubts for a mo ment dispersed, is again confined by another embrace of the hills, and directly in the midst of them, with hardly the appearance of an oulet either way. At this place the road itself is an object' of great interest, at one moment passing through a space of rock, and at the next, hanging to the side of the b ak by the firm ness of its own structure. The road now leaves the gorge, and crosses the plain, the character of the scenery remaining similar,untik at the Nose, where another pass charms the eye by its surprises. We consider that the construction of this road reflects great credit upon the Directors, Engineers and Superintendant. Mr. Young, assisted by Messrs. Higham & Lee, has the eredit of having completed one of the most essential routes is our chain of railroad. Almost every one is familiar with the The rich scenery around Utica first pre- The cheapness of the road is in agreea ble contrast with other works in the same It was necessary, in compliance with an act of legislature, to purchase the turnpike, for which the sum of $64,000 was given. Including this, machinery, eight iocome lives, depots, &c., the cost per mile is $20,000; while the Mohawk road cost $60,000 per mile. 5th. That the cost of tin ber for the locks. bridges, acqueducts and other structures Nearly $4000 were received on the first day-proving that this will become one cupon the Chenango canal, is much greater the most useful roads in our State. One most happy result from the completion of this road will be its effect to accelerate the western road, completing the continuous line of railroad from Albany to Buffalo. We understand that Mr. Davison, who has acted as superintendant to the entire satisfaction of all parties, has resigned, while the services of Mr. Young are tained. D. K. MINOR : re Sir-In the Railroad Journal of the 16th ult., is an article from the New-York American, over the signature of M," from which the following is an extract: 71 Chenango canal are built entirely of stone || gether with their numerous and enormous laid in Hydraulic cement. impositions, make it our duty to let the public see what they ought to be paid. The coachmen forget that in the end they lose the fare is, the less the demand will be for money by these impositions, for the dearer than the cost of the same material on the proposed route from Utica to Oswego. coaches, and the greater the liability to im 6th. That owing to the peculiar relative position, the less inclined people will be to situations of the two canals in question, put themselves in a condition to be imposed the number and cost of road and farm than in any city in England, where every upon. The fares now demanded are higher bridges upon the Chenango canal, exceeds thing is so dear, and far higher than in any what is required upon the route from Utica city upon the continent: but the fares fixed to Oswego, for the same purpose. It is by law, we copy below, as taken from the true that the erection of farm bridges was Corporation laws, and we advise our readnot contemplated upon the latter route, be-ers to cut out and lay by the article for the ing incompatible with the character of the purpose of using it when occasion demands. navigation, but damages were entered in the estimate for their omission, which would more than cover the cost of their construction. 7th. That the expense of constructing necessary Reservoirs, Feeders &c., for the supply of the Chenango canal, constitutes a prominent item in the cost of that work, and that it is distinctly stated in Mr. Johnson's report pages 31 and 47, that this item of expense on the poposed canal, from Utica to Oswego, was not embraced in his estimate; surveys for the purpose were contemplated, but "want of time and other circumstances prevented their execution." Five dollars are often demanded for taking strangers from one hotel to another, when the hotels are full, but the privilege of keeping the carriage all day, and of going but five dollars. Passengers, under the to and returning from Kingsbridge, costs Corporation laws, can go to Harlem and return, with the privilege of remaining three hours, for five dollars. ger, remaining one hour, and returning is The price for one passenger to 61st street, and remaining three quarters of an hour and returning, $1 50; every additional passenger, 374 cents. The cost per mile from Utica to Oswego of that portion which is actually canal, in-hour and returning, $1; every additional To Fortieth street, remaining half an cluding lockage, will therefore far exceed $12,237, the amount stated in the passenger 25 cents. munication of "M." com "The Ship or Steamboat caual surveyed by E. F. Johnson, Esq., between Utica and Oswego, is estimated for a canal of 99 feet width of surface and 8 feet deep, and has 180 feet of lockage; the distance is 924 miles, and the aggregate estimate is $1,131,969, which is at the rate of only $12,237, per mile. I wish to inquire if whether there may not be some error in this estimate? and if it be possible to construct a Ship canal of these dimensions, at a less sum than $12,500 per mile? This esti. mate is but little more than one half the cost of construction of the Chenango canal with wood locks, is less than half the cost of the construction of the Utica and Schenectady railroad, and if I am rightly informed, about one fourth of the cost of the railroads that lead in three tions from the city of Boston." Had the writer of the preceding examined Mr. Johnson's Report and the Reports upon the Chenango canal with the attention price of provisions and labor, and in the The recent extraordinary advance in the which an honest minded man would have value of land and materials, will render it done, before calling in question, in so pub-proper to augment proportionately, the sum lic a manner, the accuracy of Mr. Johnson's total in his estimate, and when so augestimates he would have found, mented the cost will be less than that of any 1st, That the route on which the esti found in the United States of equal extent, navigable communication which can be mate was made from Utica to Oswego, com-dimensions and importance. prised fifty seven miles of Lake and improved River navigation, leaving but thirty five and two third miles of artificial canal, ten and a half miles only of which was new canal. be found the following. "In calculating On page 2d, of Mr. Johnson's report, will the quantity and value of labor and materifull value, so that should the canal be conls, I have endeavored to give each their direc-structed before any important change shall take place in the current value of those articles, the cost will not differ materially from the result as stated in the estimate." 2nd. That the total amount of lockage upon the Chenango canal was, between 1000 and 1100 feet, being nearly or quite six times the total amount of lockage on the proposed canal from Utica to Oswego. Srd. That the locks upon the Chenango canal are not "wood locks," but are buil principally of stone, a portion being laid in cement and the remainder dry wall, with a timber and plank lining to the chambers; the dimensions of the walls not being ma. terially different from what would be required for an entire stoue lock. In conclusion, I will add, that the Ontario ra canal be found of more importance to passen To the new Alms house and returning, ger and returning, 371⁄2 cents. 75 cents, and for every additional cents; and for every additional passenger, exceeding a mile, and within two miles, 50 To conveying a passenger any distance 25 cents. To conveying a passenger any distance not exceeding one mile, 25 cents; and for every additional passenger, 25 cents. one or more passenge.s, with the privilege right to demand or to receive any pay for The Hackney coachman has no legal the conveyance of a passenger, unless the number of the carriage and the rates of fare are fixed upon the carriage. There is a penalty of $10 for asking a larger price than the law entitles the coachman to. upon the driver of a coach, when on any A penalty of $10 is also inflicted of the public stands, or whilst waiting for employment, when tendered his fare, if he refuses to carry any person or persons to York Express, may be of service to some The following article, from the New-any place or places on the island of NewYork. of our readers. Every one who visits NewYork should understand, and be governed by it, when using a Hack. 1836. HACKNEY COACHMEN. UTICA. The difficulties constantly increasing between the Hackney coachmen of this city 4th. That some of the locks upon the and our citizens, as well as strangers, to Every driver or owner of a Hackney tion to carry upon his coach with his coach or carriage, is under a legal obligapassenger one trunk, or other article used for and for travelling, without compensation therefor, entitled to 6 cents, for one mile, and if every more, to 12 cents. article more than one, he is We have been applied to frequently for tions as the subject appeared to call for information in regard to the progress of the||from them. "Water Works," both by citizens and others, taking an interest in an undertaking of such magnitude. During a recent visit to Philadelphia, we felt jealous of our fellow citizens, where we beheld the pure and sparkling water poured over the streets in every direction, and tempering the heat of an otherwise insupportable day. The act of the legislature, under which the commissioners are now organised, was passed the 2d of May, 1834. This act authorised a re-examination of the whole subject; directed the commissioners to agree upon a plan for introducing a sufficient quantity of pure and wholesome water in the city, and to report the same to the common council. In the month of July following, the Com portant that they should be put in possession of proper maps of the land, both of that necessarily to be overflowed, as well as that on which the acqueduct was to be built, in order that they might inform the owners of the quantity wanted, and be prepared to negotiate with them for its purchase. The quantity of land to be overflowed was furnished the commissioners by Mr. Cartwright, in the month of November 1835, and they immediately commenced The following is the first official report, negociations with the owners for its purthat we have seen published since the com-mon Council passed an ordinance appro- coase. They were enabled to purchase mencement of the undertaking. We hope priating $500 to defray the expenses of of the land around the Croton reservoir, that the difficulties may be removed forth- re-examining the subject and the commis- two hundred and forty-one acres fortywith, and that we may safely enjoy the sioners immediately thereafter engaged Da- four hundreths, and there still remain to be pleasure of the introduction of that purest vid B. Douglas and John Martineau, purchased or to be acquired through the of all streams, the Croton-in anticipation Esquires, civil engineers, to make the ne- intervention of commissioners, two hundred cessary surveys and levels of the whole and fifty-four acres forty-eight hundreths. route from the Croton to this city. Mr. The engineers spent the whole summer Martineau completed his work, and pre-of 1835 at field-work, and did not leave sented his report on the 25th January, that work until about the eighth of January, 1835, and Mr. Douglas on the first of 1836. A party was then formed for office February next thereafter-both reports duty during the winter, consisting of eight were accompanied with maps and draw-persons, including the chief engineer. ings in elucidation on the subject. at least, BOARD OF ALDERMEN. August 1, 1836. The following communication was received from the water commissions, which was laid on the table, and 500 copies ordered printed. J. MORTON, clerk. To the honorable the common council of the city of New York. The number of persons composing the engineer corps, now consists of seven engineers, including the chief, eight rodmen, and four chainmen and laborers, making a total of nineteen persons. The necessity of possessing the maps of The report of the commissioners was the land, on the line of the acqueduct, was represented to the Common Council on the peatedly urged on the attention of the engi16th of February, 1835, and in the month neers, but they were not completed when the of March thereafter, the plan proposed by time arrived for the party again to take the The water commissioners beg leave to the commissioners was approved and or- field, which was on the 11th of April, 1836. lay before the common council a brief dered to be submitted to the electors at the The whole line of acqueduct has been restatement of the situation and progress of ensuing election for charter officers, in surveyed during the presert summer, being the great work they are engaged in, com- April; and it was adopted by the electors the fourth survey and level of the line un mencing at the date of their first entering by a large majority of eleven thousand three der the direction of the present engineer, upon the duties of their office, and contin- hundred and sixty-seven votes. and as a reason why the maps were not uing down to the present period. They In the month of May following, the prepared at an earlier day, we are informed have deemed this expose necessary, both Common Council passed an ordinance in- by Mr. Douglas that some important imfor the information of the citizens gene-structing the commissioners to proceed provements had been made in the course rally, as well as that of your honorable with the work, and authorised the creation of the aqueduct, that would shorten the body; the first being the source from of a public stock or fund, to defray the ex-distance, and lessen the curves, and it was whence the means are derived, and the pense of carrying the said plan into effect, therefore only on the 11th of June, 1836, second the legal check upon any improper On the 24 day of June thereafter, the that we were put into possession of a poruse of those means. commissioners appointed David B. Dough- tion of the aforesaid maps, and the remainUnder the temporary act of the legisla-las, Esq. their chief engineer, and directed der of them was furnished on the 17th of ture, passed the 26th of February, 1833, him to organise a proper corps of engineers the same month. the commissioners were only authorised to as soon as practicable. He reported as examine the feasibility and expense of sup-necessary to form said corps, 5 engineers, plying this city with pure and wholesome including himself, 5 rodmen, and 7 laborers water, and by the authority given them by and chainmen, who were duly appointed this act, they appointed Canvass White and by the commissioners. The party, conDavid B. Douglas, esquires, civil en- sisting of 17 persons, proceeded to the gineers, to ascertain whether any of the field of operation, and commenced work streams or rivers, in the county of West- on or about the 6th day of July, 1835. chester, would afford such supply, and the They were directed first to run and stake practicability and expense of introducing out a line around the reservoir, to be formed it. Mr. White, however, was prevented by damming the Croton; the line to include by sickness from performing his portion of one rod of land above that which would be the work, and it devolved on Mr. Douglas overflowed by the backing up of the water to make the necessary examinations. He of the river, and George W. Cartwright, reported to the commissioners on the first Esq. was engaged to survey the land that of Nov. 1833, that the Croton was the pro-would thus be overflowed, and to furnish per source; the quantity ample, the practi- the commissioners with maps of the quancability of introducing it undoubted, the tity belonging to each individual, cost about five millions of dollars, and the time required about five years. He furnished them at the same time, with a large map of the country designating the several trial levels he had run, and the line finally fixed upon for the aqueduct from the Croton to the Harlem river, and from thence to the several reservoirs on the island of New York. On the 12th of November, the commissioners reported these facts to the common council, with such observa They were next directed to stake out the line of the aqueduct from the Croton to the Harlem river, and also the width of the land required for building said acqueducts and culverts, and forming the necessary excavacations and embankments. The commissioners are not authorised to use any of the land necessary for the works until it is acquired either by purchase or by appraisers appointed for the purpose by the chancellor. It was, therefore, im During the session of the legislature of 1836, a very strong remonstrance was presented to that honorable body by some of the inhabitants of Westchester, against the provisions of the act, authorising the necessary land to be taken by commissioners, and complaints were also made to the water commissioners, by others, that the act of the 2d of May, 1834, did not sufficiently secure their rights. The first complaints proposed, 1st. That the legal possession and the use of the land should remain with the ori ginal owners, after being paid for by the corporation. 2d. That if the land was not used for the aqueduct, after being paid for, it should revert back to those from whom it was obtained. 3d. That provision should be made to prevent trespasses on the property of the inhabitants. 4th. That the persons through whose land the aqueduct passed, should have the |