The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1865-12-14

as near as possible to the points of junction
with the two rivers.
BRIDGES
Will be required over the causeway at
Kempsvie, the Bay Shore and the Kellum's
road plans of which, as well as of the locks,
have been made, and are ready for your in
spection.
The Second Division is not as yet located,
but few weeks will suffice to prepare it for
the contractor who may become the successful
bidder. This division extends from the North
Landing bridge, passes under Dozier's bridges,
and terminates at Cox's bridge; at which
point the line connects with the arm of Lynn
haven river, which flows under London bridge
and divides that portion Of theswamp through
which it passes into nearly two equal parts ;;
the one being bounded on the North by the
North Landing roads running from Kemps-
vile to the North Landing cross roads, and
the other part by the Eastern Shore road,
leading from kempsville to the Eastern Shore
chapel, and thence to the court house of the
county.
The length of the work will be between six
and seven miles, and the distance from one of
the roads referred to, to the other, is certainly
not less than four miles. Now, seven multi
piled by four equals twenty-eight square
miles; the area cleared and in cultivation be-
tween these two roads, does not | think ex-
coed eight square miles, the remaining twenty
being covered with large forests of timber,
which area, per acre, would yield from 70 to
100 cords of the very best wood, and vast
quantity of the finest ship timber all of
OF which, at trihing expense could be
brought into market through this canal
Then, $40 acres being equal to a square mile,
and yielding at the lowest estimate rs cords
of wood per acre, the quantity reaches $4,000
cords, which at 25 cents per cord will amount
to ST., 000-and in as much as the owners of
the land, if wishing to sell their wood will
obtain the usual price, they would receive
from so to rs cents per cord standing At
rs cents, which every one must readily admit
is uncommonly low, these 20 square miles
will afford $4,000 in the article of wood
alone; and at so certs per cord, which is but
fair estimate, $480000.
But, independent Of the wood and timber,
the advantages bestowed by the canal upon
each acre of land used for agricultural pur-
poses, will amount to $40 and possibly 500.
Say only $40 and we have the sum of S128,-
900, which, added to the value of the wood,
at 20 cents per cord, makes the sum of $685.
900 at the least valuation.
There is no land now in cultivation south of
Nimmo's, that will not be enhanced in value
from So to SIS per acre, this fact lefes sue
cessful contradiction From Nimmo's to
Morse's Point, the distance is about Is miles,
and the breadth of the peninsula six miles,
making 80 square miles, which, at an increase
of $40 per acre THAT will beyond all reasona-
BILE doubt be effected), and we have an
in tTn1,l ,fl
added to the former sum, makes $944,OOO.-
These estimates are not by any means vision
airy. | am supported in my views by the
elsewhere. Besides all this, the dividends to
stockholders, the money and time saved in
transporting the products, &c, of TIE country
to market, and the improved character of the
soil by draining, must be taken into considera-
ton All the country bordering upon Lynn
haven bay, Broad bay, Linkhorn bay, and
Long creek, as well as that extensive and fer
tile portion of your country between the North
West Landing and London bridge will, upon
the completion of your work, be brought
within few hours travel of the Norfolk mar
ket. AS it now is, your whole section of coun-
try is isolated. Produce of every kind must
either be hauled from 10 to II miles, and then
can be done only at certain stages of the
tide; or be shipped down Lynnhaven river,
pass out of the Inlet" which is dangerous
and difficult Of navigation, even during the
most favorable seasons Of the year, and be
carried to Norfolk al an expense executing the
freight rates between Norfolk and the city of
New York.
The distance from the Inlet to Norfolk
hoin A n.
the distance between 35 and SO miles and af-
ford safe means of transportation at all sea-
SONS OF the year, and your farming community
will thereby be placed i'll possession of faci-
ties, which, | am sure no one conversant with
the geography of your country, would deny to
them and more than this, thousands of dol
lars would annually be saved to ship-owners
and others, whose vessels are so frequently
wrecked upon that portion of coast between
Cape Henry and Currituck.
The work upon the First Division is being
carried on as rapidly as circumstances will
Justify, and will, think, be completed within
the time required by the contract
Although the excavation through the high
grounds has been taken out to the depth of
only three feet the Swamps are already well
drained; aad that portion of the Marsh be-
tween the South terminus aud Kempsvle, is
rapidly becoming firm in fact, am clearly
OF opinion, that in very few years it will be
as valuable for meadow lands as any in the
State and as far as the Swamp lands are con-
cerned, they willcompare favorably with those
of our sister State in point of fertility. All
they need IS thorough draining, and this your
Canal will, beyond doubt, effect.
The entire cost of the work, VIII Oh will be a
fraction over 104 miles, will not amount to as
much as the grading fora railroad, laying
aside the cost of superstructure and rolling
stock: and all who are conversant with the