Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1856-02-16

COUNTY E. oMEAR GOODRICH

necessary, to have carefully measured and esti-
mated the work, while to have ensured pro-
per quantity and quality OF material, there
should have been, particularly in the rock sec
tions, while the lining was being put on, an
experienced and faithful superintendent on each
section. In this way alone could have been
prevented improper construction by contractors,
whose object and policy was profit, without re-
ference to the quality of the work. This would
have prevented lining, variously intermixed
with stone drains left remaining which had
been constructed to carry off the water, brought
in by rains and rivulets; the burying of the
remains OF shanty foundations, stables ovens,
and even horses In the lining and embank-
ments. A a @
Where such Guperintendents could have been
obtained, would perhaps have been difficult
question. The sworn assistants of the chief
engineer were in all cases to require the pud-
die bitches and mucking to be kept in advance
of the work, and the level and tape applied
throughout the sections before making the f.
nal estimate Of the work yet numerous cases
exist where the prism of canal was not cut
down to bottom, or the required width, where
the solid and quarried rock came nearly to ca
nal bottom, aud where the mucking and pud-
die ditches under banks, could not have been
performed as the overfowing bitches at the
base of the banks, or the DESTROYED crops OF
the farmer will testify
PASSING THE WATER THROUGH THE CANAL.
In passing over the canal in the latter part
OF October, 1854, found the gates of Athens
lock wide open, and the whole Chemung river
so far as it could be controlled by the dam
passing through the upper level and at the
first lock below the dam, oil the wickets and
the waterway were open to supply the re-
naming six and four-tenths miles of canal be-
low
At TOwanda there was about six and one
half feet OF water on the mitre sill, and thence
the water gradually diminished from leakage
and filtration until it disappeared in the vicini-
ty OF Wyaluslng creek, nineteen and one-fourth
miles from the dam. 1t had previously been
to the public bridge across the canal, three
fourths of mile lower down. The water had
been repeatedly withdrawn for repairs of small
breaks, which were constantly occurring and
each succeeding attempt resulted in the falling
back of the water. The cause is now evident
the longer the water was applied the greater
the quantity Of material washed out from the
lining into the coarse material beneath, for the
reasons before given and it is evident that
with the same plan pursued for years, the canal
could not be filed until most of the porous ma
terial should be removed
At Horse Race dam the depth Of water on
the mitrc sill of the lock was six and one-half
feet, and terminated at the Osterhout narrows.
sixteen and one-half miles below. 1t was again
introduced from the Buttermilk Falls creek,
and passed through that level until it termina-
taI nv n SUhfprranaon in
creek, covering distance of about four miles.
THE PRESENT SEASON
The continued rains and slides during the
past season, prevented the necessary repairs to
that portion of the canal above Towanda being
made for the admission of water until early i'm
August. 1t was maintained in navigable order
to the close of the season without any breaches
From TOwanda dam the water was passed
to Laeeyville, thirty miles, and from thence to
Meshoppen, by means of the Tuscarora feeder
The levels could have been filled up to four
feet 70 the lock below Browntown. From
Horse Race dam the water extended to the
narrows above GARDENERS ferry, leaving space
Of over one mile before reaching GARDENERS
Greek feeder, from which point it was carried
to its junction with the Wyoming line
Various circumstances prevented the filling
of the levels. Symptoms of break at the cul-
vert below the lock at the head of Osterhout's
level, prevented putting in more than two feet
and six inches of water. The falls level, in
consequence of the breaches recently repaired
in the Roberts narrows, was not allowed to
carry more than the same depth of water 1t
was impossible to fll Falling Spring level, be-
cause of the subterranean passages existing in
thoG hnyo tho
In the repairs on this canal, have only had |
in view the opening for successful navigation
with full loaded boats asspeediIy and certainly |
as the character of the work and the difficult
ties encountered would permit and if the same
system of repairs are pursued for a series of
years, its capacity will be materially increased
Where bars have been removed, the waste
material has been placed so as to widen and |
give stability to the banks. If earth was want
ing to strengthen the banks, or fill in the bot
tom, it has usually been obtained from contrac-
ted portions of the canal, the extra expense
being only for the distance moved with boats
When holes were cut through the tow-path
bank for drainage, to prevent its annual rope
tition, for removing bars, a wooden trunk, Sc
cured with sheet piling and q gate, has been
inserted
OPENING OF NAVIGATION.
Many of the friends of the canal have been
anxious that boat might be cot
through the past season, with or without a
partial load ; and to accomplish this that eve
~ temporary expedient should be resorted to,
regardless of any future expense or delay, in
order that the Legislature might be induced to
grant moro readily the funds requisite for its
service the ensuing year, by congratulating
them, in the usual manner, on the future pros.
poets of the work. Although it might have
facilitated the appropriations, the result would
nave been delay i'll the passage of full loaded
boats, an increased expenditure for years, dis
appointments and loss TO those who have made
fnaan urifh fhn