Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-07-15

In connection with the passage Of the River
and Harbor bill. it may be interesting to
know what improvements have already been
made in tho Kennebec by deepening the
channel and removing distractions:
: A partial survey of this river for improve
ment was made by Colonel Long of the Init
ed States engineers in 1878, but the first
effort to carry the work into practical effect
Was in 1s47 when the city of Augusta ap-
propriated $4,000 for the removal of the
distractions in the river between that city
and Hallowell so that the State capital might
become in reality what it was in theory, the
head of navigation. This sum was expend-
ed with good results. In 1867, a re-survey
was made by General Thorn under which
the work of permanent improvement was
begun; the first stage being the deepening.
widening and Strengthening of the channel
between Augusta and Gardner There were
five shoals within this distance, me of
which would allow the passage of only the
lightest draft vessels at the lowest stage of
water in summer. They were: Cages and
Bretts (,he latter 4, 600 feet long at Angus
ia. Iiinkley's, Hallowell and Shepards Point
shoals at Hallowell, two extensive shoals be-
tween Hallowell and Richmond "a miles. a
large and dangerous sunken rock near Ma
humkeag Island below South Gardiner. and a
number of detached bOulders scattered be-
tween these points also several sunken lodges
in the narrows below Richmond, including a
large and well -known obstruction called Dry
Rock. This great work of improvement con-
sumed 10 seasons and cost Sl42 900: and the
result Is that there is now a safe and unob-
structed channel not less than 100 feet in
width and 10 feet deep at mean low water, or
l53 feet at mean high water at low stages of
the river, from Richmond to Gardiner: and
thence TO Augusta a channel 100 feet wide,
" 18th minimum depth OF 81 feet and an aver
age depth of ii feet at low water in midsum-
mer. The reports of the engineer in charge
show that the amount of excavation done in
this part of the river amounted TO 1900
cubic yards. and that over = 900 cubic yards
of rock was broken up and 1870 large detached
boulJers removed from the bed of the river.
Angus, will be great month at Lake
Naranocook. Several monster political
meetings VIII be held at the Lake, addressed
by some of the most distinguished orators in
the country. On Thursday, August Sd. the
Odd Fellows from all over the State have
grand excursion and gathering at Marano-
cook. The order will he well represented on
the occasion. 4 week later. On the 9th,
members of the q. A. X. of Maine have
reunion atthe same place. The State Grange
will also have picnic at this charming spot
on a day not yet selected.
Good horses are scarce, in great demand
at unusually high prices. There seems to be
a noticeable dearth of good Canadian horses,
particularly for work, even in their own
country. Maine depends largely on horses
from the Provinces, more particularly be-
cause they are easily acclimated
The Pilgrim Press says that Rev. A. l..
Park of Falls church, Va, late of Gardiner.
Me-, has nearly recovered his health, and is
able to attend to his ministerial duties with
great pleasure to himself and parishioners.
The health of his family is much better than
in Maine.