feet, have been changed to a radius of 630 feet, in ef-
fecting this object, and in straightening the line, partic-
ularly upon the eastern 20 sections, additional expense
beyond the estimate of 1828 has been incurred, but the
advantage derived from these improvements, are con-
sidered more than equivalent to the increased cost. Up-
on the western division considerable curves traced in the
former location are avoided. The two most prominent
In the lo-
points of alteration, are on sections 6 and 8.
cation of 1828, a curved line was conducted to the south
of Hempfield, the road is now traced through that vil-
lage, and a majority of those persons interested in the
property, have released to the commonwealth the dam-
ages which would arise from occupying their land.—
These improvements, with others of a minor character,
and which the nature of the country enabled us to effect,
have so diminished distance upon this division, that 17
chains only remain on the original 21st section for grad-
uation. The undulating surface of the country through
which the 20 sections of the eastern compartment of the
rail-way is traced, afforded but little opportunity of
shortening distance, the gain is only 8 chains, but the
line so far as regards its former serpentine character has
been considerably modified; this however could not be
effected without incurring an increase of cost in the
construction. The materials found upon both divisions
now under contract, and which will be applied for pav-
ing the horse path and securing the blocks of stone up.
on which the rails are to rest, will not be sufficient for
these purposes-I have endeavored by every means in
my power to prevent a waste of such materials, as they
will be valuable in our further constructions. Having
given you briefly the information required, as designa-
ted under the second head of the 1st resolution of the
board, I now come to the 4th item embraced within the
additional instructions addressed to you by the secreta-
ry on the 5th of the present month, viz-"a statement
of the amount at which each section was estimated, "&c.
I have already stated that various alterations and modi-
fications have been made on both divisions of the rail-
way. The general course of the line has not been ma-
terially changed, but its constituent parts have been so
altered from the former location into sections of a mile
each (which will be seen on referring to the table of dis-
tances to each section,) that I can now only give a com-
parative view in relation to the former estimate of re-

sults taken from the whole divisions.
To amount charged for road forming in 1828,

for 20 sections of 1 mile each, and 63
chains of section No. 21, including con-
tingencies
Add to above, the cost of paving and railing
58 chains being the distance saved in pre-
sent location

To amount estimated with contingencies, for
constructing bridges and culverts on 20
miles and 63 chains of section 21
Add to above, the substitution of stone piers
for wooden frames in bridges, No. 12, 15
and 16, and cut stone for recesses of the
piers of bridge No. 12,

To amount of road forming from estimate
(1828,) of 20 miles from section 60 and 29,
40 chains to foot of inclined plane at
Schuylkill river, with contingencies,
Add to above, the cost of constructing eight
chains of paving and railing, being the
distance now saved

$37,910 70

To amount estimated, &c. on same sections
for bridges and culverts

Total amount of estimate including contin-
gencies,

To amount paid on contract for
work done on 20 sections of
road forming, from Columbia

60,090 90

7,646 25

54,237 67

eastward, and the estimate of what remains unfinished, Deduct 10,741 cubic yards of stone for horse path, &c. remaining unbroken on the road at 48 cents per cubic yard, charged, prepared in other estimate at 73 cents per perch, 78 per cubic yard,

1,149 77

16,380 21

To amount paid on contract for
bridges and culverts, with the
estimated cost of unfinished
work,

185,750 72

To amount paid on do. for 20
sections of road forming, from
section 60 to section 79 inclt-
sive,

Deduct 26,667 cubic yards of
rock and hard slate for paving,
&c. at 46 cents per yard,

46,032 78

5,155 68

85,480 35

12,266 82

To amount paid on contract for bridges and
culverts, with the probable cost of unfin-
ished work,

Very respectfully, yours,
JOHN WILSON, Engineer.
D.

STATEMENT exhibiting a list of the persons employ
ed in the Engineer Department of the Pennsylvania
Rail Way from the 1st June to the 31st August, with
the wages or salary of each.

John Wilson, principal engineer, at $2,250 per annum.
Emmerson M'Ilvaine, principal assistant, from June 1st
to 5th August, at 4 00 per day.
Robert Pettit, sub assistant engineer, from June 1st to
31st August, at 2 00 per day.

Samuel W. Mifflin, sub assistant engineer, from June 1st
to 31st August, at 2 00 per day.

J. B. Moore, sub assistant engineer, from June 1st to 31st August, at 2 00 per day.

8,335 89 John P. Baily, sub assistant engineer, from June 1st to 31st August, at 2 00 per day.

Joseph G. Davis, rodman, from June 1st to August 31st, at 1 50 per day.

William J.Lewis, rodman, from June 1st to August 31st, at 1 50 per day.

William W. Torbert, rodman, from June 1st to August 31st, at 1 50 per day.

40,877 10

15,816 45

Total cost of 40 sections on contract
To amount estimate of 1828 as above

192,661 41
185,750 72

Balance against the present contracts

6,910 69

NOTE. The grubbing was not estimated in 1828, it amounts in the 40 sections to 2,837 70.

From this statement it will appear that the western, division, is 10,351 34 below the estimate of the location of 1828, and the eastern division 17,262 03 above that estimate.

62,754 63

73,213 53

James Moore, rodman, from June 1st to August 31st, at 1 50 per day.

William H. G. Wilson, surveyor, from June 1st to August 31st, at 1 50 per day.

John Edgar Thomson, inspector of masonry and super-
intendent of bridges and culverts on eastern division,
from June 1st to August 31st, at 3 00 per day.
Henry R. Campbell, inspector of carpentry and superin-
tendent of bridges and culverts on western division,
from June 1st to August 31st at 3 00 per day.
Thomas E. Cochran, chainman,from July 6th to August
5th, at 100 per day.

Thomas E. Cochran, rodman, from July 6th to August
31st, at 1 50 per day.
Valentine Waltz, axe man, from June 1st to August 31st
at 100 per day.

1830.]

Samuel Schmid, axemam, from June 1st to August 31st
at 1 00 per day.
John Gonter, axeman, from June 1st to August 31st, at
1.00 per day.

E.

Organization of the Engineer Corps, from the first
day of September to the 2d November.
John Wilson, principal engineer, at 2,250 per annum.
John Edgar Thomson, principal assissant, at 3 50 p. day.
Robert Pettit, sub assistant engineer, at 2 00 per day.
John P. Baily, sub assistant engineer, at 2 00 per day.
Samuel W. Mifflin,sub assistant engineer, at 2 00 per day.
J. B. Moore, sub assistant engineer, at 2 00 per day.
William J. Lewis, rodman, at 1 50 per day.
William W. Torbert, rodman, at 1 50 per day.
James Moore, rodman, at 1 50 per day.
Thomas E. Cochran, rodman, at 1,50 per day.
Joseph G. Davis, surveyor, at 2.00 per day.
Henry R. Campbell, inspector carpentry and superin-
tendent bridges and culverts on western division, at
3.00 per day.

Valentine Waltz, axe man, at 1.00 per day.
Samuel Schmid, axe man, at 1.00 per day.
John Gonter, axe man, at 1.00 per day.
Joseph Mosher, clerk, from 15th June, at 2.50 per day.

PUBLIC MEETING.

The object of the meeting having been stated from the chair, the following preamble and resolutions were offered by Josiah Randall, Esq. which were read, considered and finally adopted, with three dissenting

voices.

95

pate in the vast accession of trade to be secured by the
proposed rail way.

Resolved, that so far as the purity of the water, sup-
plied to the inhabitants of Philadelphia, is deemed an
object worthy of the paternal care of our government,
it is inconsistent with sound policy to establish such
public works above Fair Mount, near the dam, as would
promote the growth of a village there, and thereby in-
crease the sources of pollution to the water, and of
destruction to the works themselves,

Therefore,

Resolved, that the Legislature be earnestly, but respectfully requested to cause the rail road to be continued down the West side of the Schuylkill to the perma nent bridge, and cross the river at, or near, the site of the present bridge,and by this route, secure to the City its accustomed trade. Resolved,that should the main rail way cross at Market street, branches may be extended to the Delaware through Southwark and the Northern Liberties, with great facility; whilst the adoption of the route by crossing at Peter's Island, must render it impracticable for the southern part of the city and its precincts to partici

Resolved, that a committee be appointed, who are hereby empowered to authorise a deputation to repair to Harrisburg,for the purpose of representing the views and wishes of the citizens now assembled on the interesting subject of the foregoing resolutions.

Resolved, That James M. Linnard, James Harper, Roberts Vaux, Joshua Lippincott, Robert Flemming, Edward S. Bird, J. Price Wetherill, Wm. Leiper, Josiah Randall, Thomas Cave, Joseph Worrell, George Blight, James N. Barker, Samuel P. Wetherill, and John Swift be the committee.

Resolved, That the said committee be empowered to adopt all other measures which may be best calculated to carry into effect the object of this meeting.

James Harper, Esq. then addressed the meeting and offered the following resolutions, which were adopted with acclamations.

RESOLVED, That the thanks of this meeting be tender ed to JOHN HARk Powell, Esq. for the manly, fearles and honorable manner in which he has supported the interests of the city of Philadelphia, in relation to the termination of the Pennsylvania Railway; & also to those members ofthe legislature who have aided him in promoting his views on that subject.

Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings, signed by the chairman and secretaries, be transmitted to the speakers of the senate and house of representatives of this commonwealth, to be laid by them before the bodies over which they preside.

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be
published in the papers of this city.

JAMES M. LINNARD, Chairman,
Secretaries.

SAMUEL P. WETHERILL, }

MISCELLANEOUS.

Whereas, it has been held as a sound maxim by all
well regulated governments, that every sudden and
unexpected change in the condition or pursuits of nian-wealth, has been appointed by the Governor, President
kind, is injurious, aud ought to be avoided.

CALVIN BLYTHE, Esq. late Secretary of the Common

Judge of the 12th Judicial District, in the room of Judge
Franks, resigned.

And whereas, the extraordinary exertions made to divert the great channel of inland trade of our city, from its legitimate course, into the Northern Liberties would, if successful, be productive of consequences ruinous to many and injurious to all those who own property, or reside in the central and southern part of the said city.

And whereas, it has been satisfactorily ascertained that, it is perfectly practicable to cross the Schuylkill with the railroad at the market street permanent bridge and thus continue the trade in its original channel.

And whereas, by crossing at market street, no injury will be done to the Water Works, so justly the pride and boast of Philadelphia.

SAMUEL MCLELLAN, M. D. has been unanimously elected, by the trustees of the Jefferson Medical College, to the Professorship of Anatomy in that Institution.

On the 22d ult. the Rev. SAMUEL B. How, of this

city, was unanimously elected Principal of Dickinson
College, by the trustees of that institution.

Extract of a letter to the Editors of the Philadelphia Ga-
zette, dated
HARRISBURG, Feb. 1, 1830.
Copy of a letter to the Chairman of the Committee of
Ways and Means-read this morning, (Feb. 1,) in the
House of Representatives and referred to said commit-
tee:-

"I am authorised by several citizens of the state and
individuals residing abroad, to offer to supply a loan of
four millions for a five per cent. debt, redeemable
and transferable, and on which the instalment is to be
made payable as proposed in the 6th section of bill No.
156-original No. 92.

"In case the Legislature should desire an additional sum of 600,000, and I submit to your consideration how far such an arrangement might accommodate the fiscal concerns of the state, by leaving subject to their dispo

sition the 5 per centum which the several banks are by their charter bound to supply on similar terms as to the four lions of dollars. I am prepared to supply the money, to the additional extent.

"On the same terms as to the instalments, which if desirable, could be modified, I offer par for those amounts, and consider immaterial by which of the banks, or by what arrangement the payment of the interest, the transfer of the stock and issuing of the certificates is executed, provided it is done in the city of Philadelphia. "I am ready within 15 days, if these proposals should be accepted to commence their performance. "I am, &c.

(Signed)

THOS. BIDDLE."

Mayor's Salary,
Treasurer's do.

WEATHER.

On Sunday last, (31st ult.) the Delaware was closed by ice, so that there has been skaiting upon it ever since.

"On Monday and Tuesday the remarkable phenomena of passable sleighing without snow. The rain that had fallen, congealed immediately, and some few sleighs were seen and heard. The boys, however, had the best of the bargain; they occupied the side walk, moun-England, ted on their skates, and appeared to be in the possession of perfect enjoyment. The trees were covered with a thick coat of ice, which presented a beautiful appearance as the branches waved slightly in the sun light.— The attention of those citizens who passed along Chestnut street, in the evening, was especially directed to the double rows of trees in front of the State House; in the soft light of the moon, they appeared like the work of magic-the larger branches reflecting a silvery light, and the extremities, that moved slightly, flashing the hues of the rainbow; while beneath and around them, hundreds of lads were sporting with rapid movement, and wheeling with astonishing celerity, like a band of fairies." U. S. Gaz.

200

Recording Regulator, do.
Superintendant of Water Works, do. 600
Engineer of Water Works, do.

600

Baltimore,
Philadelphia,
New York,

Boston,
Portsmouth,

Portland,

Richmond,

Petersburg,
Lynchburg,

Raleigh,

Charleston,

Milledgeville,
Frederick, Md.

Hagerstown,
Washington, Pa.

England,

Pittsburg-The following are the Salaries allowed South America, to the city officers, viz: Gibraltar,

H. M.

1 42

9 15

15 30

31 23

37 00

38 00

11 40

14 25

25 55

24 10

69 00

$400

300

365

200

100

200

100

80

50

60

54 06

3 20

5 17 19.00

Miles from Washington. 36

139

228

Wheeling, Va.
Pittsburg,

Zanesville, O.

Columbus,

Cincinnati,
Lexington,
Huntsville,
Tuscaloosa,
Mobile,

436

500

554

123

147

206

285

539

662 44 69 239

84 00

93 00

91 45

92 45

1,025

New Orleans, 4 days. 1,189 The distances are taken from the post-office book.In general, the roads were in a bad state, and in somè cases very heavy.

PORT OF PHILADELPHIA.
Inward for January, 1830.

Where from.

South America
Hanse Towns,

Cuba,
Hayti,

British West Indies,
British American Colonies,
Brazils,

Inward Coastwise. Vessels 38
Tonnage 3671 tons.

-$3,245.

The following table, very appropriately headed
"Flight of the Message," showing the extraordinary
speed with which the message of the President was
transported to opposite extremes and different portions Cleared for Honesdale
of the Union, is copied from Niles' Register.

Narrows
AT ELLENVILLE

Time.

AT WURTSBORO'
Cleared for Honesdale
AT PORT LEWIS

Cleared for Honesdale

Narrows

AT HONESDALE

Cleared for sundry places on the Canal

21 30

24 10

27 50

34 24

50 00

Where to.

Cuba,

Hayti,

Danish West Indies,

British American Colonies,

Outward for January, 1830.

4 10 3

Sloops.

Schooners. ||~||~||

271

227

344

400

500

517

756

854

$1295 68 25-100
35 19 12-95

39 54 25-80
68 78 25-68

71 06 25-49
76 69 13-36

1 11 3 2992 Outward Coast wise.-Vessels 44-Tonnage 4300 tons: Morning Journal.

1362

727 588

370

117

360

348 431

4303

610 969

358

346

138

442

129

Delaware and Hudson Canal.-The following is the account of tolis received on the Delaware and Hudson Canal on Articles which have passed through the Pennsylvania section of said canal, with the portion designa ted, which belongs to the Pennsylvania Section, viz: AT EDDYVILLE Cleared for Honesdale

299 92 4.44 12 34 25 27 36 25 27 53

144 10 $549 85

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 there is an agent. Other subscribers pay in advanec.

THE

REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE.

VOL. V.-NO. 7.

EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.

PHILADELPHIA, FEBRUARY 13, 1830. NO. 111.

ALLEGHENY PORTAGE.

Report of Moncure Robinson, principal Engineer upon the
Allegheny portage.
To the Board of Canal Commissioners of the State of
Pennsylvania.
GENTLEMEN,

quite as strongly the greatest practical diminution of
the amount of absolute power required; or, in other
words, that the mountain should be crossed at the least
elevation, and by a line of the least length which may
be attainable. If, as is believed, the rail-way will in a
few years have nearly as large an amount of trade as it
can accommodate, all elevation beyond what is neces-

By the resolutions of the Board of the 8th of Decr. last, appointing me the engineer of the Allegheny por-sarily encountered, any unnecessary increase of distance tage, my attention was directed to three points, "1st, and obstacles arising from unnecessary curvatures, will the construction of a rail-way overcoming the summit form a perpetual tax on this trade, which ought as far by means of stationary engines, or self-acting planes, as possible, to be avoided. with intermediate levels, or moderately ascending planes. 2d, the construction of a Macadamized turnpike of the best kind, between the same points. 3d, the suggestion of any other plan which might occur to me as calculated to afford the best accommodation to trade."

Preliminary to the trace of any route, a full examination was made of the summit, as far north and south as there was the least probability that a line would cross. It resulted in ascertaining the fact, that the Sugar run summit, to which attention had been first drawn by Mr. Blair, and across which one of the lines of Mr." Roberts had been traced, was the most reduced point within the range of the contemplated connexion at which the mountain could be crossed. It next became an object of inquiry how far a diminished elevation might be attained by tunneling.

Bends of level were traced on each side of the mountain, (where the information sought for was not afforded by previous surveys,) so as to show by the proximi ty of these lines when plotted, the points which presented themselves under the most favourable aspect, and examinations were afterwards made on the ground at these points. It was ascertained that south of the northern turnpike, a more reduced elevation than that of the Sugar run summit, could not be effected without incurring the expense of a tunnel of unreasonable length, and more than proportional expense; that north of the Blair's gap turnpike, two points presented themselves affording more than ordinary facilities; that at one of them, a short distance north of Samuel Lemon's tavern, a summit level one hundred feet lower than the Sugar run summit might be effected by a tunnel of a mile, that

Two considerations of less moment in the location of a canal, become objects of indispensable attention in that of a rail-road, and in determining its profile, viz: the amount and the direction of the trade to be anticipated on it; a knowledge of each fact, as far as it can be ascertained, is essential to a decision between rival routes, where it becomes often a question how far a more eligi- | ble trace may be justified at an enhanced cost. The proportion of trade, or its relative distribution in each direction, has its influence where no such question is to be settled, because on this ratio depends the graduation which may be advisable for each portion of the roadway, and which of course, is to be approached as nearly as it can be attained, without incurring an expense more than commensurate with the object. In a report of the 4th of December last, on a proposat a second point one and a half miles further north, the ed rail-way connexion between the Susquehanna and summit level might be reduced 200 feet by a tunnel of Schuylkill, I took occasion to consider this subject in a mile and one sixth: the greatest height of the comb of some detail. The conclusion was deduced that between earth, in the former case being 177 feet, in the latter 240 the Susquehanna and the dividing ground, that is to say, feet. in the direction of greatest transportation, the ascending Setting aside the point of elevation, it was further apgraduation per mile should be reduced to its minimum, parent on a mere view of the country, that the greatest the remaining ascent being overcome by inclined planes facilities for the location of a valuable line of rail-way, and stationary power at points of convenient location. would not be presented south of the turnpike, and it The reasoning which led to this conclusion, applies with appeared from the surveys of the preceding season greater force to the Allegheny portage. There can be that any practicable line in this quarter could not be mano doubt that the trade must be immense on a line of terially, if at all,shorter than one passing along the westrailway, intended to connect the east and west, and two ern slope of the Allegheny mountain, crossing at the divisions of canal, each of which passes through a dis-point first named, and descending by the Blair's gap valtrict peculiarly fertile in most valuable but ponderous ley. Under these circumstances it was evident, that furminerals, and almost as little that whatever may be the ther examinations might, without hazard, be confined to present ratio of that trade, that from the west to the east such lines as would cross the summit, either at the Sumust after a time preponderate. gar run gap, or at one or other of the points above named, as far as favorable to a reduction of the summit

No views which would be new in confirmation of the opinions here expressed, can be offered to the consid-level. eration of the board. Under this impression, they are The line first traced was that crossing immediately north of Samuel Lemmon's tavern, this appearing on a

submitted without comment.

The same views, however, which recommend a cheap-reconnoissance of the ground, to combine more comer power than that of horses on a railway which is to pletely than any other the recommendations of reduced traverse the Allegheny, and the largest facilities which elevation, diminished distance and relative facility. A can be afforded on the graduated portions of it, urge topographical plan and profile of this line revised at each VOL. V. point, which admitted of any material improvement, is

13

It was further resolved,

"That Mr. Robinson be directed as soon as he shall have made the necessary examinations, to furnish the board with his views and opinions in detail."

Agreeably to this resolution, I have now the honor to submit to the board the following report:

herewith presented. It will be unnecessary to trouble the board with a detail of the extended and minute examinations which have led to the conclusion that it presents in an eminent degree the most eligible route for a rail road, or the plan contemplated by lifts and levels. It may be proper however to remark,that the line which crossed at the more reduced summit was with much reluctance abandoned, and only after it was discovered that it would prove much more expensive; on the west-rail-road and of connection with the canals east and west ern side of the summit much more circuitous, and that of the mountain, are recommended after much consid insuperable difficulties would attend the location of lifts eration. It will be proper to explain to the board at along the Sugar run valley. some length, the reasons which have led to the conclusion that they are on the whole the most advisable.

converted into a large and commodious basin by raising Livergood's dam and embanking on the opposite flat; dedueting this distance, the whole length of the western division of the rail-road from S DMI to the head of the proposed basin, is twenty-seven miles and ninetythree poles, and the whole distance between the two basins thirty-eight miles and fifty-one poles.

The points adopted as points of termination for the

The line adopted may for convenient consideration be classed in two divisions, commencing at a BM on a beech, on a branch of Clearfield north 45° 30' west, of Lemmon's 2,004 feet above our summit level, and going east, it curves on a radius of 500 feet to the western entrance of the tunnel at station 5. After piercing the mountain it is located on the steep slopes S. of the N. branch of the Blair's gap run, falling at five points, by inclined planes and in the intervening distances, at a graduation varying between 3-100 ths and 32-1000 ths of a foot per ten feet. The foot of the last inclined plane is located about six miles from the eastern entrance of the tunnel, and about one third of a mile below the Blair,s gap inn. From this point the hills fall away on each side of the Blair's gap valley, and become too much indented with ravines to admit of retaining such a gradation as would have been preferred. It has been found practicable, however, so to distribute the fall of the valley as to give an average descent per mile from the foot of plane No. 5, east to Hollidaysburg.

It will be observed, on examination, that the profile of the western part of the proposed rail road from the foot of the inclined plane No. 4, to its point of termination is well adapted to the use of locomotive engines. A motive power may in consequence be adopted on this part of the rail-road, peculiarly eligible, where expedi tion becomes an object, and better adapted than any other to the case of a profile within the limits of locomotive graduation, and which for other power would not be advantageous. On the other hand there is little doubt that an ample supply of water for locks of even the small lift of five feet cannot be commanded from the Conemaugh, above the confluence of the south branch. This circumstance would have appeared decisive against an extension of the canal above Johnstown, had it been clear that an increased quantity could not have been obtained elsewhere. It was deemed proper, however, to omit no view of the subject, which could with propriety be taken under the instructions given, and which A short distance below this village the rail road will might be desired by the board. Examinations were acconnect with the eastern division of Pennsylvania canal, cordingly commenced with the view of ascertaining and the last 1538 feet of the line located, terminating at what further supply could be commanded at the conflusection 308, would be parallel with the proposed basin.ence of the Munster and Ebensburg branches. Excluding this distance, and computing from S BMI, to the head of the basin, the length of the eastern division of the rail road will be ten miles and two hundred and seventy-eight poles.

It is ascertained that a feeder which would not be expensive, for five and a half miles, may be taken from the Bedford and Cedar swamp branches of the south branch, immediately above their junction, and brought without any material difficulty to a depressed point in the dividing ground between the Conemaugh and South branch. From this point (a little south of William Brookbank's, on the Johnstown road,) it would be necessary to conduct the water by a vault of five feet diameter, a distance of 1000 yards, after which it would be discharged into one of the sources of Ephraim's run, and thence find its way along the bed of that stream to the Conemaugh, two miles above the point in question. A small portion of the waters of the Clearfield might also be commanded without much difficulty, and at seve ral points on the Conemaugh reservoirs of large capaçity, could if requisite be constructed.

Under these circumstances, it may be deemed per fectly practicable to extend the navigation west of the dividing ground, by locks of any convenient size, seventeen miles above Johnstown, and it is not to be denied that some very material advantages would flow from such a reduction in the length of the portage. It is believed, however, that these will be overbalanced.

First-By the increased expense of a canal in this distance, locks constructed on any permanent plan would cost as much, or nearly as much as the rail way. To this

Station 214 at the foot of inclined plane No. 4, is 8 miles and one hundred and ninety-one poles from S B M I. From this point to the big bend of the Cone maugh, a distance of nine miles and two hundred and sixty-nine poles, the line is located (with the exception of a short distance from the foot of plane No. 4,) on the north side of the Conemaugh, and is graduated on a slope generally rising to, but in no case exceeding thirteen feet and two tenths per mile. At this point, plane No. is to be added the cost of a canal embracing much diffi5 west, is located by which the line is lowered ninety-cult ground and of a feeder involving a subterraneous one and a half feet. Between the foot of this plane and passage of the length above stated. Johnstown, nine miles and twenty poles, the Conemaugh is crossed five times so as to obtain for the railroad the best and most direct line. The trace in this distance nevertheless deviates more from a straight line than on any portion of the route; on this part of the location the graduation is for the greater part of the dis-newals alone might perhaps be equal on the canal and tance as steep as 26 feet and 40-100 ths per mile, but rail road, but a large number of officers would be requi red on the former work, who might be dispensed with at no point exceeds this descent. on the latter. Their salaries at the lowest rates at which competent officers could be procured, would form a per centage on the tolls which might be anticipated, worthy

Secondly-By the delay attendant on passing through as many locks as would be necessary to overcome the fall (400 feet) in this distance.

Thirdly-By the increased annual expenses on the canal when completed. This item for repairs and re

The line of the rail road terminates at No. 671, near Johnstown, the last 1300 feet being at a convenient distance from an arm of the Conemaugh, which will be

The first 588 poles of the western division of the rail-road passes over ground of a very gentle declivity, sloping in the first instance towards Storm's run, a tributary of Clearfield, and afterwards towards the Laurel swamp branch of the Conemaugh. At the end of this distance, the inclined planes west of the summit comnence, the line falling successively at Adam's run, Bear rock run and Ben's creek. A fourth inclined plane is located about three fourths' of a mile below Litzinger's saw-mill, and lowers the line into the valley of Conemangh.

The graduation between these planes varies between 11-1000 and 22-1000 of a foot for each distance of ten feet, and may be made somewhat more gentle on a definitive location.