PHILLIPSBURG is a handsome village, in Clearfield county, on the Moshannon; it contains about forty houses, three taverns, and two stores. Mr. Phillip's improvements on the property where he resides, on the border of the village, are extensive and handsome. His screw factory, and other iron works, are in the vicinity of the town. BIRMINGHAM is the name of a small village, on a branch of the Juniata, above Huntingdon; it is built on the side of a hill, and contains twenty seven dwelling houses, five stores and two taverns. It is a thriving place, and considerable business is transacted in it. In 1824, it contained but nine houses, and was incorporated as a borough during the last session of the legislature. There are different mills in the neighbourhood. A Baptist church is being built. A lead mine, near the village, was worked upwards of twenty years ago. THE SUSQUEHANNA GRAPE. S. Eshleman's falls, the approach to it is difficult, and that it has rarely been visited, except by the proprietor, an aged man named Fales, lately deceased, who did not trouble himself about grapes, either native or foreign; and merely used it as a place to turn young cattle upon in the summer season. The sycamore, of which it is the parasite, appears to be about forty years old, and the vine is rooted about thirty feet from the stem of the tree, under a pile of drift wood, from which it runs along the ground, in company with three other vines of the Fox, or chicken variety, apparently of the same age, and, interwoven, climb the tree together. From appearances I should judge that the tree is not older than the vine-that the young sycamore in its growth carried the vine with it. At the period in which this vine must have taken root, foreign grapes were little known in the United States and then their cultivation was confined to the neighborhood of the great Atlantic cities. About a year ago we obtained some cuttings of a grape vine which was discovered by Mr. Dininger, on an island in the Susquehanna, called Brushy Island. Of these cuttings we sent a few to Col. Carr, the proprie-rous and destructive, stripping the apple and pear, and tor of Bartram's Botanic Garden, near Philadelphia, and a few to the Messrs. Landreths. At the time, we gave a description of the fruit, from having seen a solitary bunch, which excited considerable curiosity, and among judges doubts of its being a native. The present season, about the beginning of September, Mr. Dininger visited the island, and procured a basket full of the grapes, fully ripe, which he brought to Lancaster, and divided among his friends. We are now, therefore, enabled to speak more fully on the subject. injured. None of the foreign varieties we have seen, correspond in appearance with this fruit, for though the wood and leaf of Miller's Burgundy are so similar, as scarcely to be distinguished apart, yet the bunches and fruit of that of the Susquehanna are much larger. During the last season, the caterpillar was very nume attacking the vine, so as not only to destroy the leaf, but in many cases injure the fruit; their ravages were chiefly confined to the foreign grape. In my garden, the Isabella remained untouched, the Alexander was touched but very slightly, while every leaf on the fine green grape of Provence, was devoured, and even the Powell grape suffered severely; yet Mr. Dininger assures me that when he was gathering the Susquehanna grape among the branches of the lofty sycamore, on Brushy Island, last September, the tree was completely Brushy Island, upon which this vine was found, is un-shorn by the caterpillars, but not a leaf of the vine was inhabited and uncultivated, the soil alluvial, and subject to overflow. The vine runs upon a large Sycamore, spreading through the top branches, to the height of forty or fifty feet from the ground, and appears to have grown with the tree, the root being twenty or thirty feet from the tree. The wood, leaf, and early shoots, very much resemble what is here called Miller's Burgundy; and the fruit, in colour and flavour, but in size is much larger. It was observed, that the fruit obtained in September, 1827, was a deep brown; that of the present season, some were brown, and others a deep black. The difference was accounted for by Mr. Dininger, who stated that the brown bunches were those that were shaded from the sun by the thick foliage of the tree; but those exposed to the sun were black. Some of the bunches procured this season were very fine, and set closely upon the stem-fruit, the size of the Powell grape, skin thin, no pulp, a sweet water, seed small, flayour equal to the celebrated Block Prince, and not inferior to any foreign grape, for the table. In a letter received from Col. Carr, on the subject of the Susquehanna Grape, he expresses a doubt of its the leaf, and the fruit, from all that have been heretofore discovered in our country. He concludes, by observing that it may being a native; because it differs materially in the wood, be a hybrid, the seed being probably carried by a bird; but if it be a seedling, it is naturalized to our climate, & therefore to be as much prized as if indigenous. I believe it to be a truth, that no native grape was previously found, tnat did not possess a secondary skin, enclosing a stringy palp, and most of them possessing a husky flavour, proving their affinity to the Fox. But because this one found on the Susquehanna is an exception-because it possesses all the delicate sweetness, tenderness of skin, and delicious flavour of the most esteemed exotics, we are not willing to concede that it is not entitled to be classed among the native productions of our soil. In favour of its being purely of American Origin, we will state, that the island on which it was found, has pever been inhabited; that lying immediately below Again-we have many stories related through the country, by persons worthy of credit, of the delicious grapes found upon the islands of the Susquehanna. Some described as white, some red, black, purple, &c. without pulp, and all ripening in August and September. It was these reports, that urged several gentle men to the pursuit, which has been so far crowned with success, in the discovery of the kind I have described. I was one of several citizens who visited Brushy Island in the autumn of 1827, and saw the vine, and from the observations then made, and facts that have since come to my knowlege, I have no doubt that there does exist in those islands a variety of grapes, equal for the table or for wine, to any that have been imported; and that they are purely native. From what I have said, it will be understood that I am of opinion, that we have native grapes, equal to the foreign in every respect, with this advantage, that being indigenous, they are of a hardy nature, and do not suffer by our climate, nor so severely by our insects as those of France or Italy. It will be asked, why have not these fine grapes been discovered sooner? To this I will answer-They have been discovered, but not by persons who were aware of their value; and when described to those who were, doubts have arisen of the truth of the description; or upon examining the vines, the fruit, the only and best proof, which as a member of the bar would say, the nature of the case could admit, had disappeared. The cat-bird, is an excellent judge of the flavour of the grape, and the mocking-bird is as celebrated for its taste in fruit as in music. These warblers abound io the islands of the Susquehanna, build among the branches of the vine, and contend with the pheasant, the robbin, and the roving children of the neighbourhood, for the most delicious berries. Hence it is, that we scarcely meet with the fruit in that state as to be able to judge of its value. If we arrive a few days before the fruit is ripe, the taste refuses to detect its quality-if we arrive a few days after, there is nothing left for us, but the red, black, and white Fox, the sour chicken-disap pointment-and a suspicion, that we have been imposed upon by idle tales. Of the grape now discovered, we understand there are from two to three hundred plants in the possession of different gentlemen in this neighbourhood, in vigorous growth, independent of those in the possession of Col. Carr- and the Messrs. Landreths, of Philadelphia. | I have a few, which I shall continue to nurse, from an opinion that this kind will prove very valuable. Another year will afford a sufficient foundation for a stock in the United States.--Lancaster Gazette. SMALL NOTES. The following law goes into operation on the first of January next, and merits the attention of those who hold small notes. therein, interest to be calculated at and after the rate of twenty per cent. per annum, from the time when such note, bill, check, or paper, was first issued; and that without any demand on the drawer or acceptor, or any endorser or party to the same. Sect. 6. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That in the trial or hearing of any suit or action, which may be brought on any such note, check, bill, ticket, or paper, if the time when the same was first issued shall not be clearly proven, then the same shall be deemed and taken to have been first issued one year before the bringing of such suit or action, and interest shall be calculated thereon at the rate uf twenty per cent. accordingly. Sect. 7. And be it further ordained and enacted by the authority aforesaid, That so much of the fifth section of the act passed the eleventh day of April, eighteen hundred and twenty-seven, entitled An act to esta An act concerning small notes for payment of money-blish a bank in the county of Lebanon, and for other passed at the last session of the Pennsylvania Legis lature. Sect. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania in general assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That from and after the first day of January next, it shall not be lawful for any person or persons, or body corporate, with the intention to create or put into circulation, or continue the circulation, a paper circulating medium, to issue, circulate, or directly or indirectly caused to be issued or circulated, any note, bill, check, ticket, or paper, purporting or evidencing, or intended to purport or evidence, that any sum less than five dollars will be paid to the order of any person, or to any person receiving or holding such note, bill, check, ticket, or paper, or to be the bearer of the same, or that it will be received in payment of any debt or demand, or that the bearer of the same, or any person receiving or holding the same, will be entitled to receive any goods or effects of the value of any sum less than five dollars; and that from and after the said first day of January next, it shall not be lawful for any person or persons, or body corporate, to make, issue, or pay away, pass, exchange, or transfer, or eause to be made, issued, paid away, passed, exchanged, transferred, any bank note, bill, ticket, or paper, purporting to be a bank note, or calculated to be circulated as a bank note, of any less denomination than five dollars. Sect. 2. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That any and every person or persons and body corporates, offending against any of the provisions of the first section of this act, shall forfeit and pay for every such offence, the sum of five dollars, to be recovered by any person suing for the same, as debts of like amount are by law recoverable, one-half for his own use, and the other half to be for the use of the overseers, guardians, or directors of the poor, of the city, county, district, or township, within which such offence shall have been committed. purposes, as prohibiting any bank incorporated by this commonwealth from receiving after the first of September last, any notes of banks not authorised by the laws of this state, of a lower denomination than five dollars, be, and the same is hereby suspended until the first day of January next, and it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Commonwealth to cause this act to be published immediately after its passage, in at least one newspaper in each county in which a newspaper may be published, for the space of one month, immediately previous to the first day of January next, and to forward a copy of the same to each of the prothonotaries of the respective courts in the respective counties of this commonwealth, to be by him put up in his office, and to be read by him on the first and third days of each term, in open court for the ensuing year. NER MIDDLESWARTH, Speaker of the House of Representatives. DANIEL STURGEON, Speaker of the Senate. Approved--the twelfth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight. Samuel Cook, VS. J. ANDREW SHULZE. LAW CASE. Thomas Taylor & Carson. This was an action brought by Samuel Cook, a seaman belonging to the brig Mexico, against Thomas Taylor, captain, and Carson, mate of said vessel, to recover damages for an assault and battery, and other grievances alleged to have been committed by the defendants upon the person of the plaintiff, in the month of May, 1828. The deposition given in evidence by the plaintiff, stated that the defendants on the 20th May, at St. Thomas, beat the plaintiff with hand-spikes, and afterwards lashed his feet to the deck, and his wrists to the rigging, in which situation he was kept two hours. Next morning the mate ordered him to go to work, but he refused Sect. 3. And be it further enacted by the authority aud complained that he was sick and stiff with the treataforesaid, Tha tno such note, bill, check, ticket, or pa- ment he had received. The mate beat him with a rope's per, mentioned in the first section of this act, shall be end, and by order of the captain went on shore for a held or taken to be void or of null effect by reason there- corporal and guard, and had him confined in prison from of, but all suits and actions may be brought and sustain- Friday to Sunday. The next day the vessel sailed for ed on such note, bill, check, ticket, or paper, and any Santa Cruz, where he deserted, was arrested, confined thing contained hereiu to the contrary notwithstand-in prison, and afterwards brought on board and lashed ing; and in such suits or actions, if the same shall be de- to the boom, with his hands tied above his head, for 7 termined in favour of the plaintiff, judgment shall be days, exposed to the weather, &c. rendered on the principal sum due on such note, bill, check, ticket, or paper, together with interest thereon, at the rate hereinafter provided for; and full costs. Sect. 4. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That any person or persons; or body corporate, who shall endorse, or in any way put his or their name upon the same, shall be liable to pay to any holder thereof, together with the principal sum expressed On behalf of the defendants it was proved, that the plaintiff refused to stand watch, and commenced the attack upon the mate; and that on the morning following he was very abusive and refractory. Judge Coxe charged the jury in substance nearly as follows. The plaintiff has instituted this action to recover daImages from the captain and mate of the brig Mexico, fo 180,000 bushels of wheat; 6,000 bushels of clover seed; 1,000 barrels of whiskey. The whole quantity of iron manufactured is about 800 tons, from which, if we deduct the home consumption, the balance will be a surplus. bout 100,000 bushels of wheat; 950 barrels of whiskey; Lycoming county sends annually to foreign market a100 tons of pork, and a large quantity of lumber. Clearfield county spares annually about 3,000 bushels of wheat; 100 tons of castings and pig iron; 2,000 tons of bituminous stone coal, and about 500,000 ft. of boards and square timber. Columbia county exports annually about 100,000 bushels of wheat; 3.000 bushels of clover seed; 3,000 barrels of whiskey; 250 tons of pork and a small amount of lumber. Luzerne county spares a surplus annually of about 190,000 bushels of wheat; 1,000 barrels of pork; 500 barrels of whiskey and 100,000 bushels of anthracite coal. I have not been able to procure any account of the surplus produce of the counties of Bradford and Susquehanna; but the quantity of wheat and lumber is considerable. an assault and battery, and imprisonment, which the plaintiff alledges were unjustifiable and cruel. There are certain situations in which man may place himself, and may be placed by nature, which subjects him to different species of authority; than that, which we as citizens are subjected to. By nature, as a child, under the authority of the parent, and as in this case, by himself, in the situation of a seaman; and shipped on board a vessel, where the master has powers, which necessity requires, he should possess, and he may inflict chastisement on seamen for the safety of the vessel and preservation of discipline. Hence, the question for the jury to determine, is, are the defendants justified by any circumstances, and in the chastisement of the plaintiff, did they go beyond the proper and reasonable limits prescribed by the law? The jury will perceive that the authority of the captain over his seamen, is similar in its character, to that of a parent over his child, or a guardian over his ward, and a master over his apprentice. As the class of individuals who are the particular subjects of the authority of the captain, are more difficult to keep in order than those living constantly under the check of the laws of the land, I.beral construction is to be given to the powers of the master; but if juries find that a captain has stepped beyond the limits of his authority, and abus: ed the legitimate purposes for which it was vested in him, and even where an offence was originally committed by a seaman, and his punishment has been cruel and excessive, a jury will say, the master shall be liable in damages to the party aggrieved. Yet on the other hand, if the seaman has been refractory, disobedient, or struck the officer, juries will not be very nice in naming the degree of punishment inflicted by the master on such offenders. In relation to the confinement of seamen in foreign prisons, when seamen have been mutinous or dangerous, masters have considered themselves justified in imprisoning them. Though sometimes such measures I am not informed as to the surplus agricultural promay be necessary, it cannot always be regarded as jus- ducts of that part of New York, bounding the north tifiable, to determine how far it might be considered so, east branch of the Susquehanna, but know it to be conthe original cause must be examined, and strong justify-siderable, and the quantity of lumber immense. During ing proof will be required from a eaptain who has pur- the war, we received annually about 12,000 tons of sued such a course. The evidence in this case is all re- plaister, but the quantity is now reduced to 3,000 and duced to writing, by the consent of counsel; you will from 10 to 15,000 barrels of salt. have the depositions with you; in examining them, you will consider the description of the persons who are the witnesses. In this case, if the jury believe the testi mony of the cook, a shade is cast over the plaintifl's case; for if he first struck the mate, It is a material feature in the cause; but notwithstanding, if the jury think the defendants treated the plaintiff with a degree of severity beyond the offence, or more than necessary for the preservation of discipline, and the safety of the vessel, the defendants must answer in proportion to the extent in which they have offended. It is very material to this cause, for the jury to determine who was the original aggressor; they must gather the truth, as well as they can, from the conflicting testimony. Verdict for plaintiff, damages twenty-five dollars. Counsel for plaintiff, W. W. Haley, Esq.; for defendants G. W. Farquahar, Esq.-Aurora. TRADE OF THE SUSQUEHANNA. Tioga county spares annually about 10,000 bushels of wheat: a considerable quantity of other kinds of grain; pork and whiskey, and a large amount of lumber. The manufacture of pot and pearl ash has been commenced and bids fair to be a source of profit. That portion of the state of New York, bordering upon the Tioga river, spares annually a surplus of about 100,000 bushels of wheat, and a large quantity of lumber, &c. In the above account no notice is taken of the agricultural and other products of the counties of Perry, Mifflin and Huntingdon situate on the Juniata, nor of the counties of Cumberland, York, Dauphin, and Lancaster, a considerable portion of which may be said to be on the Susquehanna, and to form a part of, and be deeply interested in the Susquehanna trade. The above is exclusive of horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, butter, cheese, bees wax, maple sugar and a variety of agricultural products. RECAPITULATION. Wheat. Clover-seed. Union county.... 150,000 6000 Four years ago, a gentleman well qualified for the task, instituted inquiries for the purpose of ascertaining Lycoming.. the extent of the descending trade of the Susquehanna. Clearfield.. The following was the result of the investigation. Union County sends annually to market a surplus of about 150,000 bushels of wheat; 2,800 barrels of whiskey; 6,000 bushels of clover seed; 200 tons of pork, and a small quantity of lumber. Northumberland county spares a surplus of about 190,000 bushels of wheat; 2,000 barrels of whiskey; 180 tons of pork; 3,500 bushels of clover seed and a small amount of lumber. Columbia. Whiskey. Pork. 180,000 5000 Clearfield county, in addition, furnishes 2000 tons of bituminous coal, and 100 tons of castings and pig iron. Luzerne furnishes 100,000 bushels of Anthracite coal. It is a fact well known along the river, that the Coal Centre county spares for foreign consumption about Mines of Luzerne county are worked much more ex tensively now, than they were four years ago. New iron works have been erected in Centre and Huntingdon counties. We think it fair to estimate the Coal, Pig Metal and Bar Iron that descended the Susquehanna last spring as the double of what descended in the year 1824. The lumber trade has also very considerably increased, and there is no doubt that this has likewise been the case with flour, wheat, clover-seed, whiskey and pork. Of the producers of flour, wheat, clover seed, and pork, and manufacturers of iron and whiskey, many are their own carriers, and rely upon the Spring Freshet for conveying the above articles to market, the return for which is indispensable to meet their engagements at home. There are a great number of extensive dealers in the above articles, who reside on the north and west. branches, and to whom a conveyance of their produce to market in the spring is also indispensable to meet their engagements. The situation of those employed in getting out Coal and preparing lumber for market is precisely similar. Now, we are informed, that the Shamokin Dam cannot be passed but at imminent risk by arks and keel bottom boats, and can only be passed with the greatest difficulty by rafts. Our informant mentioned that some rafts of lumber, for the bridge at the mouth of the Juniata, passed through the sluice of the Shamokiu Dam a few days ago, but were so shattered by the roughness of the course, that they were obliged to ruft over, that is, to take their rafts apart and put them together anew, before they proceeded any further with them. The sluice of the dam at the mouth of the Juniata is sufficiently rough, even for the descent of rafts, and experienced watermen say that loaded keel bottomed boats cannot ascend it-but must sink. If our information should turn out to be correct, heavy losses must be sustained by the up river people next spring.-Ilarr. Chronicle. ANNUAL REPORT, Of the President and Managers of the Union Canal The period having arrived when the Board of managers of the Union Canal Company are required to make an Annual Report, they feel a high gratification in being able to state, that the general result of the first year's experience, has been such as to give an increased confidence in the practical utility of the Union Canal. It is destined to be not only the great connecting link between the Susquehannah and the Schuylkill, but it will realize the most sanguine expectations, both as it regards its influence upon the trade of the city, and the prosperity of the interior, as well as its profitable - | ness to the individual Stockholders. | rives when it will be proper to draw the water from the summit, for the purpose of making some additions to this part of the work. The resources which are within reach, and which the board rely upon to prevent the future interruption of the navigation, are,— 1. The formation of a new reservoir, of vast capacity, in the bed of the Swatara. This work is now under contract, and while it will be a reservation of water, which can be raised to the summit in a dry season, will, at the same time, be an extension of the navigation to within four miles of extensive coal mines. It will be constructed in the manner recommended and described by Canvass White, Esq. 2. Sheathing and raising the sides of the summit, so as to give a perpendicular depth of five feet four inches, which will produce an extra quantity of 700 locks full upon the summit, where alone a scarcity is to be apprehended, and which may be used In times of drought, as the depth may be decreased from five feet four inches, to 3 feet 4 inches, without interrupting the navigation. 3. The formation of three new feeders on the eastern section, and raising Hammaker's dam three feet eight inches on the western section, which are now completed, and will furnish a sufficiency of water on those levels below the summit heretofore defective. 4. The stoppage of such leaks as could not be discovered without filling the canal, and which could not heretofore be stopped without interrupting the trade. In addition to the expedients above enumerated, the board rely upon a great saving of water hereafter, from the experience which has been acquired by the locktenders, in passing the boats through the locks. Among the interesting results of the first year's experience, the board will enumerate the following: 1. Upwards of 18,000 tons have passed through the canal since the last spring, although the boats at the commencement were only seventeen in number, and the outlet locks on the Susquehanna were not finished, which occasioned a short portage throughout the entire season, between the river and the canal. 2. In consequence of the demonstrations of the trade which seeks the canal, about one hundred and fifty boats have been built by private enterprise, and are ready for the spring business, and the outlet locks on the Susquehanna are now finished. course with the Susquehanna. 4. The doubts entertained by some persons, whether an adequate supply of water for the summit can be raised by a mechanical power, have been put to rest, and a full demonstration made, that the locks which appear small to the eye, can pass with the greatest facility boats of 25 tons. 3. Although the obstacle of a portage at the west end of the canal was encountered, and but few boats were ready in the brisk part of the season, and a large portion of trade had ascended the Susquehanna before the canal was opened, yet, the tolls actually received, amount to upwards of 15,000 dollars, and in addition, about 11,000 dollars have been paid by the Union Canat boats to the Schuylkill Navigation Company, making a By a reference to the last Ammural Report, it will be | total of 26,000 dollars, derived from this means of interseen, that the board where then engaged in planking the summit to the extent of six miles. In the progress of this arduons operation, 1,712,638 feet of boards and plank, and 232,000 running feet of timber were used. It was commenced on the 6th of Angust, and was completed on the 20th of December, making a period of four months and fourteen days. On the 28th of December, a cargo of 20 tons of Susquehannah coal passed through the entire Canal, to the port opposite Reading. The rapid and effectual manner with which the planking was executed, the board ascribe to the talents and persevering industry of William Lehman, the resident engineer. With the opening of the spring, the canal was ready for use, and continued in operation, with a few short interruptions, until late in August, when an unusual drought, fogether with the great consumption of water which invariably attends the first year's trial of all new canals, interrupted the navigation for about a month, when it was restored for a few days, and again interrupted, from the same causes, for another month. The canal is now again in full operation, and no doubt is entertained of its continuing so, until the period ar In addition to the beneficial results above enumerated the board will remark, that the opening of a new market by means of the Union Canal, to a portion of the inhabitants of the interior, has enabled them to receive their plaister, and other articles, at a cheaper rate, has given them better prices for all their productions, and has convinced them that Philadelphia can best supply their wants, and is, at the same time, the best purchaser of their commodities. A statement of the articles which have passed through the canal since April last, is annexed to this report. The treasurer's account, showing the sum of 11,942 dollars 67 cents, to be the balance of cash in his hands on the 1st instant, is herewith transmitted. In the progress of the work, during the two last years, the board found it necessary to make temporary loans, from individuals and institutions, to liquidate which, they advertised for a further loan of 300,000 dollars, in July last, which was subscribed for at a premium of four per cent. Since the last report damages to the extent of 6,603 dollars 87 cents have been paid. In conclusion, the Board will remark, that it is confidently believed, that the State Canal, which is an extension of the Union Canal, and a source of pride to all, will be opened in the course of next summer, from Lewistown, on the Juniata, and from Northumberland, at the confluence of the west and north branches of the Susquehanna. These are but parts of the glorious works of Pennsylvania; but these parts alone, without further aid, will increase the tolls of the stockholders of the Union Canal and the Schuylkill Navigation Company, will augment the trade and wealth of Philadelphia, and will develope the riches of a large portion of our beautiful country. All of which is respectfully submitted. By order of the Board of Managers. SAMUEL MIFFLIN, President. Philadelphia, November 18, 1828. the timber part of the waste wear, and protected on the face by sloping stone walls. Sluice gates are to be provided, for drawing off the water as may be required. The wood part of the dam may be considered objectionable, on account of its being exposed to the weather when drawn down, and thereby subject to decay. This difficulty will be remedied in the peculiar construction of the dam, by keeping the timber constantly wet, by a supply of water taken from Trout run, which can easily be brought to the point for that purpose. By this ar rangement, no danger need be apprehended from a failure of the dam, occasioned by the decay of the timber' work, for, in addition to the protection by the water from Trout run, the reservoir will be replenished by every considerable rain, and cause the water to flow over the top. The valley of the Swatara, has been recently re-surveyed, and examined; the land is found to be of an inferior quality for agricultural purposes, although considerably improved. A new stone grist mill and saw mill, a distillery, several dwelling-houses and barns, and abont 720 acres of land, will be inundated. The dam will set the water back above the mouth of The whole amount of tonnage which passed this Ca- Fishing creek, and make a pool above six miles in nal, from the 17th of March 1828, to the 1st of Novem-length, perfecting so much of the navigation of the ber, was 18,124 tons, as follows: Tons. Cwt. 4204 4 Fish, salt and merchandise. 4167 17 Lumber. 395 1 Shingles and staves. 3511 13 Gypsum. 354 4 Iron. 3619 17 Cloverseed, bricks, leather, cement, butter, 18124 Upwards of 762 tons have passed since Nov. 1. To the President and Managers of the Union Canal Gentlemen--When the plan was proposed, (and adopted by the Board,) to supply the summit level of the Union Canal from the Swatara, by means of hydraulic power, we then calculated that an adequate supply of water could be obtained, by constructing reservoirs in the mountainous country above the head of the feeders, in case the Swatara should be diminished by excessive droughts below what would be required for the navigation, which was proved to be the case this season. Swatara towards the coal mines. This part of the navigation can be so arranged as to be drawn down about ten feet, without interrupting the passage of boats. Some land at the head of the pond, would be left exposed to the action of the sun, at such times as the water should be drawn down, and perhaps might be prejudicial to the health of the inhabitants residing along its borders; this, however, may be effectually avoided, by constructing another dam and embankments at a pro per point, of sufficient elevation to prevent the bottom land from being uncovered with water, thereby doing away all possible objection to any unhealthy effects of the reservoir; for no injurious miasmata will be generated, if the land is kept constantly under water of some depth. The timber and brush should be carefully removed throughout the whole of the pond, and a towing path constructed along the bank. A public road will probably be opened along the east bank of the pond, which will make a better and more direct route from the dam to Pine Grove, than the canal now travelled. A new road will be required from the dam, to pass around the bay, occasioned by the ravine of Trout run. The expense of the work connected with the reservoir, will depend in a great measure on the season and the facility of getting the necessary quantity of timber pro-and plank delivered et the dam; it has been estimated at thirty thousand dollars, makieg due allowance for unfavourable weather and other contingencies. I should recommend, that measures be taken to execute the work as speedily as circumstances will permit. Experience having demonstrated the necessity of curing a further supply of water, it now becomes necessary to resort to the measure which has been in contemplation for some time, but deferred on account of not involving the stockholders in unnecessary expenses; for had the Swatara continued to furnish the quantity of water found to flow in at the time the water-works were projected, no further provision would have been necessary. The country has heretofore been examined, for the purpose of ascertaining the practicability of constructing a reservoir, if it should be required. The gap in the Blue Mountain, was found to present a favourable site for the location of a dam, and has now been fixed upon for that object, as the ravine through which the Swatara passes at that point, is but about 430 feet wide, with rocky banks. The height of the dam is fixed at 40 feet, 200 feet in length, and is to constructed of timber in the form of crib-work, filled with stone and covered with pine plank. One abutment of the dam will be the solid rock of the shore, the other abutment, at the end of the 200 feet of dam, to be of stone, laid in hydraulic cement, and raised to the necessary height. The remaining part of the dam to fill the ravine, is to be constructed by raising a mound of earth, about ten feet higher than the top of The reservoir, when filled, will contain a supply for six months, equal to the present demand, which in aif probability, is more than will be required at any future period, All which is respectfully submitted. CORRECTIONS. Our readers are desired to correct a typographical er ror which escaped us in our last number, on page 292, 5th line from the bottom of the first column, 3000 miles are printed instead of 300. Mr. Lukens, whose marriage we announced last week, in an advertisement, denies the several relationships there stated as existing, between himself and his wife, and says that, his wifes mother is only niece to a former wife. |