1830.] REPORT OF SCHUYLKILL NAVIGATION COMPANY. bout the power of the company after the 8th day of March next, to alter, extend, and to, enlarge, and improve their works, in such manner as might be required to meet the increasing exigencies of trade. The legislature pomptly and liberally complied with the request, and by an act passed on the 14th day of Decem. ber last, conferred upon the Company, in comprehensive terms,all the needful powers to continue for fifteen years from the time just mentioned. Under this act the company will be enabled, without any doubt, to employ that whole period in finally determining the extent and character of the work, and completing it with the benefit of the light which experience may afford. The importance of this improvement to the city and the state can scarcely be now appreciated: but there is every reason to believe that the utmost extension which can be given to the exercise of the privileges and powers of the Company, will not go beyond the demands of trade. The same act fixes the period for making the dividends of the Company on the 1st of February and the 1st of August, periods more equally dividing the business part of the year. A copy of the supplemental act is herewith submitted. The works heretofore constructed, have been constantly becoming more solid. Their capacity may be greatly enlarged by an additional set of locks where the locks are at present combined. The actual state of the trade being such as to indicate that this has already become necessary at some points, and will soon be requi red at others, the President and Managers have commenced the addition at Flat Rock, and it is expected that the new locks will be finished by the 1st of September next. They are making arrangements also for similar works at other places, and they will go on with the whole as rapidly as circumstances will allow. The necessity of having some means of accurately ascertaining the tonnage of boats and the weights of their cargoes, has become so evident and pressing, as to induce the Board to prepare for erecting a weight lock at the Fair Mount canal. Contracts have accordingly been entered into, and it is expected it will be completed by the 1st of March next. The tow-paths and channels in Fair Mount and Flat Rock pools, have been so nearly completed as to leave very little to be done to finish them early in the season. The tolls and rents having amounted to a sum more than sufficient in the past year to meet the current expenses and the interest on the loans, the President and Managers felt themselves at liberty to distribute among the Stockholders the amount of the reserved dividend || fund, equal to three dollars and a half per share, and accordingly on the 30th Noeember notice was given to that effect. The reserved dividend fund having been held until divided, as a loan from the Stockholders, a sale to repay it was made of 1075 shares of the stock of the com. pany, at an advance of 43 per cent. equal to 71 dollars per share. Previous to the distribution, the Board availed themselves of the state of the market to sell the forfeited shares, 274 in number, at an advance of 50 per cent. or 75 dollars per share, with a right to the proportion of three and a half dollars per share of the reserved dividend fund. The 1075 shares were sold without that righ'. Of the loan of two hundred thousand dollars authorized by the ordinance of the 21st of January, 1828, a farther sum was raised in the early part of last year, amounting to nineteen thousand nine hundred dollars, at an interest of 5 per cent. making the whole sum raised on this account one hundred and twenty-three thousand five hundred and thirty dollars. The increase in the coal trade has been greater than in any previous year, being equal to near 70 per cent. advance on that of the year 1828. The whole quantity brought down in 1829 was 79,973 tons. And from merchandise, &c. other than coal, Equal to about 38 per cent. Of the tolls of 1829 there arose from the as- Leaving for the descending trade 29 43,007 $120,039 87,171 $32,868 $27,853 92,186 $120,039 Of the tonnage conveyed on the canal in 1829, there Making the whole tonnage in 1829 112,704 134,524 105,463 The amount of rents from real estate and water and ground rents received in 1829, was $10,574 And the arrears of rent amount to 5,533 The income of the Company in 1830, from real estate and ground and water rents is estimated at $13,800 The accompanying accounts are respectfully referred to as part of this report, to wit: No. 1. The accounts of the Company for 1829. 2. A general acount of the affairs of the Company. 3. A statement of the tonnage which ascended the the Schuylkill Navigation in 1829. 4. A statement of the articles and tonnage which descended the navigation in 1829. By order of the Board of Managers, JOSEPH S. LEWIS, President. Philadelphia, January 4, 1830. Statement of Articles and Tonage Ascending and Descending the Schuylkill Navigation 1829. Ascending. Merchandize.. .5068 Coal.. Salt.. Porter. Descending. .2288 Flour. .3320 Grain.... Limestone....... Tons.. 79,973 ..5,023 ...868 .3,139 ..5,091 ...958 ..240 ..1098 69 .119 ..957 .8968 356 556 490 Tons. In again presenting their annual statement, the Man- Bush. 30 Tons of Coal. Lumber. 1826 16,767 1826 1827 1828 1829 1826 2023 21245 1827 31436 1828 1828 6365 52742 Tons of Whiskey. 1826 420 1826 1827 483 1827 1828 1152 1828 1829 868! 1829 Iron Ore. Tons. Iron. Tons. 1826 2541 1827 1472 1826 122 1828 1674 1828 2126 1829 556 1829 2382 Cordwood. Tons. 1827 1279 1828 6791 1829 957 478 724 1828 904 PHILADELPHIA DISPENSARY. The expediency of locating a branch of this Dispensary in the western districts has been fully confirmed by the experience of the past year, as nearly one third of the whole business has been done at that establishment to the great accommodation of the neighboring poor. But whilst we acknowledge with satisfaction the extended utility of this Dispensary, commensurate as it is, with the extent and population of the city, it becomes our duty to state, that it is attended by an increased deThe managers, mand on the funds of the institution. therefore, while they ask for a continuance of the aid of Cords. the contributors, would respectfully solicit the attention 639 and support of their fellow citizens generally, on behalf 722 of this wide spreading Charity. 25 4188 -4213 15 Irregular and uncertain 67 711 Remaining under care 17 -726 --4213 Of whom the number recovered is 685 Died, 21 RECEIPTS. Balance in the Treasurer's hands in Dec. 1828 Relieved and irregular, 5 $4.98 455 00 132 00 432 86 Remaining under care, The Receipts and Expenditures have been as follows: 15 -726 188 50 RECEIPTS. on Schuylkill Permanent Bridge stock 20 House rent, including proportion of income of real estate bequeathed by James Wills Ground rents 00 Balance in Treasury from last year, $226 62 Cash from persons unknown, 25 00 492 59 Income of Wills' Legacy, 205 00 105 00 New England Society of Philadelphia, per E. U. S. Principal of 6 per cent. stock of 1814 1500 00 Chauncey, 74 92 Interest from Kensington Loan, 130 00 bis legacy 100 00 Interest United States Loan, 13 50 Cash borrowed to meet expenses 30 00 Contributions, 153 00 Union canal loan 24 00 EXPENDITURES. House expenses Donation through the Post Office Balance due the Treasurer Cash on acc't of Dr. Charles Brown's legacy $4,361 82 Leeching and cupping, Sharpening Surgical Instruments, 25 00 $828 044 Apothecary's Salary, 80 00 137 37 1.00 4.00 462 82 Books, 7 50 Medicines 1 20 Repairs at Dispensary and water rent 24 04 Collector's commissions, 12 97 Apothecary's salary 400 00 Balance in Treasury, Jan. 1, 1830, 418 71 Taxes and repairs on Zane street property 31 96 Stationary 20 75 $828 044 Union canal loan Repaid cash borrowed Commissions on collecting only in this country, but almost throughout the civilized world, among the labouring classes. Many who have heretofore been enabled to remunerate the Physician, are now compelled to apply to the Charitable Institutions, and particularly to the Dispensaries; such individuals we are especially bound to succour. The Managers, therefore, most respectfully solicit aid from the benevolent, believing that charity cannot be better disposed than in relieving those who suffer from disease. They acknowledge with great pleasure and unfeigned thankfulness the receipt of $74 92 from the New England Society of Philadelphia, as also 25 dollars from a person "unknown." Published by direction of the Managers. January 1, 1830. Tonnage. Sloops. Inward, coast wise.-Vessels 41-Tonnage 4255 Outward for December, 1829. WHERE TO. 31 Of these there were belonging to Great Britain 12, Holland 1, Hanseatic Towns 2, Denmark 3, Colombia 1, Hayti 3, Spain 5-total 26. Americans 348. There were from England 64, British American Possessions 61, Hayti 25, Cuba 61, Portugal 10, Spain 11, France 20, Sweden 2, Russia 1, Hanseatic Towns 8, Holland 7, Sicily 1, Madeira 4, Trieste 1, Canaries 1, Mexico 9, Guatemala 3, Colombia 23, Curracoa 1, Porto Rico 4, Swedish West Indies 3, Africa 3, China 3, Peru 3, Buenos Ayres and Montevideo 4, Danish West Indies 29, British East Indies 1, Brazils 11--Total 374. The Coal Trade --The water has now been drawn off the canal, and our transportation for the present suspended. It may perhaps be interesting to draw a parallel between the state of trade now, and what it was at this period last year. During the season of 1828, 47,417 tons were sent down, and in 1829, the quantity was increased to 78,708 tons, making nearly double the amount. Although the quantity is still insufficient for the demand, still we think that the approaching season 760 will remedy the former difficulties, and bring an ade747 quate supply to the market. Many of the rail roads in 435 our vicinity will be completed, if not by the beginning, 668 at least during the summer, and the canal will be nearly 292 occupied to the full extent of its capacity. The state of 400 affairs will assume a new complexion when those powNew openings 325 erful assistants to industry are finished. 321 will be made, new tracts of valuable coal land brought 122 into actual usefulness, and new energies given to all the Miner's Journal. 441 operations in our vicinity. 159 353 4973 tons. Tonnage. Sloops. Schooners. Brigs. Ships. PITTSBURGH, January 1. Steam Navigation.-Some time ago we noticed the arrival of a quantity of pig metal from Tennessee. Since then another boat has brought to our wharves a considerable quantity of blooms from the same works. A more forcible exemplification of the advantages conferred upon the western country by the introduction of steam power could not be given, than is afforded by this single circumstance. Fifteen years ago, thousands of tons might have lain at the works on the Cumberland, and the foundries and the steam engine factories might have 509 remained idle for months, for want of materials. Indeed, 11441 if the metal hsd been delivered gratuitously on board 593 keel boats and barges at the mouth of Cumberland, the 1279 prices here would not have paid the freight. Descend1544 ing navigation could then be carried on cheaply and 389 advantageously; the natural current of the river was a 279 sufficient moving power. One great advantage which 572 we derive from the use of steam is in equalizing the as301 cending and descending navigation, and removing the 334 obstacles, presented by the previously almost irresistible 192 current. 2 The following are the appointments made on the 4th of January, 1830, by the County Commissioners : Philip Peltz, Esq. Treasurer. Willis H. Blayney, Assistant Clerk. Thomas Sergeant, Esq. Solicitor. Archibald Randall, and John R. Vodges, counsellors for the collection of Fines and Forfeited Recognizances. William Vallance, Messenger. Jacob Zelin, Superintendent of Public Buildings. Further Appointments by the Mayor. William Roberts, Deputy Corder at the Drawbridge. John McLean, John Wilson, High Constables. Dr. Joseph Pancost, do. for south eastern do. Tho nas Porter, Collector of do. for N. E. District. U. S. Gazette. Dr. J. K. Mitchell, of this city, has invented a method of manufacturing caoutchouc, or Indian rubber, into thin and almost transparent sheets. When a sheet is folded and cut with scissors, the cut edges adhere with force, and after some hours maceration, as strongly as the uncut portion. The article is made so light that a bag composed of it, more than six feet in circumference weighs only six ounces. A similar invention has been announced by Mr. Hancock, of London; but he has not divul. ged the process. Dr. Mitchell effected it by soaking the caoutchouc in ether, until soft and capable of being rolled out.-Journal. Statement of Rain fallen from 1810 to 1829 inclusive, the first 14 years by the gage of P. Legoux, Esq. Spring Mill, the following 6 by that kept at the Pennsylvania Hospital. 32.656 34.968 Rain fallen in each month 35.625 43.135 January, 1810 1811 1812 1813 1814 1815 34.666 February, 1816 27.947 March, 1817 36.005 April, 1818 1819 1820 1821 1822 1823 1824 38.74 30.177 May, Total, Pennsylvania Hospital, Dec. 31, 1829. And may their lives, as slow they roll away, Beyond yon azure waste, where ceaseless roam Or look we to the north; where Scythia flings Of blacken'd corpses; or yon stranger Frank, Escap'd such scenes, the righteous doom revere, * General Diebitsch Sabalkansky. Printed every SATURDAY MORNING by WILLIAM F GEDDES, No. 59 Locust Street. Philadelphia; where, and at the PUBLICATION OFFICE, IN FRANKLIN PLACE, second door back of the Post Office, (back room) subscriptions will be thankfully received. Price FIVE DOLLARS per annum, payable annually by subscribers residing in or near the city, or where here is an agent. Other subscribers pay in advance. THE REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA. DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. VOL. V.-NO. 3. EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD. PHILADELPHIA, JANUARY 16, 1830. NO. 107 This GEOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON LUZERNE CO. ren range whose average height may be feet. Written by Isaac A. Chapman, Esq. in 1817. extends from the east to the west branch of the SusqueLuzerne County was erected from the county of Nor- hanna river between which it appears to have no other thumberland on the 26th day of September, 1786, and name than those mentioned, except that in a small terreceived its name in compliment to the Chevalier de la Lai-ritory on the head of Fishing creek the inhabitants call zerne then French Minister to the United States. Its greatest length from North to South is fifty two miles, and its greatest width from E. to W. 42. It is of an irregular form and contains by careful estimation 1430 square miles or 917,200 acres. it the North Mountain. Westward of the waters of the west branch of Susquehanna it forms the main ridge of Allegheny mountains. It crosses the east branch of the Susquehanna at the mouths of Tunkhannock and Bowman's creeks, and extending north eastwardly, it is callThe soil of Luzerne is so various in its fertility as noted Tunkhannock mountain and terminates in Susqueproperly to possess any general character. The vallies hanna county where it is called the Elk Mountain. being generally rich arable land but differing very much Mahoopeny Mountain is a spear only of Bowman's in their fertility; and the mountains generally barren mountain and terminates at the mouth of Mahoopeny and not susceptible of cultivation. The country is very creek. mountainous, and the mountains consist principally of Sugar Loaf mountain is a high conical Pyramid rising ridges running parallel to each other; and like the oth- from the centre of Nescopeck valley. It is not connecter mountains of Pennsylvania extending nearly paralleled with any other mountain and forms a very singular to the sea coast from E. N.E.to W.S. W. These moun- appearance. Its name is derived from its form and the tains are situated at different distances from each other, mountain has given name to a township. leaving fertile vallies between in which are fine settlements, forming the population of the county. The principal mountains of Luzerne are the following-The Wyoming Mountains situate on each side of the Susquehanna river forming the valley of Wyoming. That on the east side is called Bullocks mountain. That on West Shawney Range. The average height of the first is one thousand feet, that of the other 850 feet. from the summit of one mountain to that of the other opposite Wilkesbarre measuring by the road is six miles and a quarter. In an air line about 5 miles. The character of these mountains is much the same, they are thinly covered with timber, generally steep, and in many places very rocky. The Wyoming, the Lackawannock and the Buck mountains produce a mineral coal of an excellent quality called in the vicinity Stone coal from its excessive hardness. It is not bituminous and burns without smoke and very little flame. It forms an important article of export from Luzerne county; and is taken down the Susquehanna in arks. This coal was first burnt in grates in the year 1808, and is now in very common use. At the foot of each mountain are small hills so that the The Vallies of Luzerne are the following:broken ground occupies more space than the bases of The valley of Wyoming lying on both sides of the mountains. At Wilkesbarre the level plain extends on Susquehanna river is about twenty miles long and five the west side about a mile and a quarter from the river,on miles broad. The Susquehanna enters it at its norththe east side about half a mile. On this last the town of easternmost extremity through a precipitious gap in the Wilkesbarre is built. This plain is alluvial formed by Shawnese range of mountains which appear to have been the river and is the first quality of land, being extreme-made by the river itself .It flows in a serpentine course ly productive. through the plains of Wyoming and leaves the valley The Nescopeck mountain on the north side of Nesco- through a gap similar to that at which it enters; forming peck creek is a range of nearly the same height with as it leaves the valley what is called Nauticoke falls. In those of Wyoming and parallel to them. It forms a reg-this valley stand the towns of Wilkesbarre and Kingsular and almost unbroken ridge nearly destitute of tim- ton,opposite each other on both sides of the river. This ber on its summit. It extends from the Susquehanna is the most populous valley in the county. The soil is nearly to the Lehigh. of the first quality and extremely productive. The Buck mountain is a range parallel to the Nescopeck situate about five miles to the S.E. of the latter. It is a broken range loosing its name at both ends of Nescopeck Valley. Hell Kitchen mountain commences at the head of Nescopeck valley and extending north eastwardly terminates near the Lehigh. This is a very high rocky and barren ridge, having no timber on its top, where fern and small bushes only find support. Down the north side of this mountain falls Hell Kitchen Creek a small branch of Nescopeck. Lackawannock Valley extends from the mouth of the Lackawannock creek up the same about 30 miles. --The soil is of second quality, the land uneven, forming no level plains of any considerable extent. This next to Wyoming valley is the most populous. Nescopeck Valley lies on both sides of Nescopeck creek and between Nescopeck and Bucks Mountains. It is about 20 miles long and 5 miles wide and does not extend to the river. In population it will rank next to the Lackawannock valley and the soil is somewhat bet ter. Bowman's Valley lying on Bowman's creek between Bowman's and Mahoopeny mountains is not very popu lous and the land generally poor. It is about two miles wide and 15 miles long. The principal population is Lackawannock mountain is a continuation of the Shawnese range of Wyoming mountains. This near the Susquehanna is very high and steep but becomes smaller as it extends north easterly. It terminates in Susquehanna county where it is called the Moosie Moun-near the river. tain, and a part of it Mount Ararat. Bowmans mountain called the Bald mountain near the western limits of the county is a high regular bar VOL. V. 5 Tunkhannock Valley is very crooked and irregular, about a mile wide lessening in some places to half a mile; and about 35 miles long. It is, most of it, cultivat ed, is populous considering its small width. |