W On the Inland Navigation of 



real value that has been introduced into the structure of locks, 

 since the time of the opening of the canal of Languedoc. We 

 have seen a proposal for a similar change in the form of locks, 

 made by a French engineer ; and although he is, doubtless, no 

 plagiarist, still it is proper to state that Mr. White's locks 

 were not only planned, but built and in actual use before the 

 French publication made its appearance. 



The Susquehannah, we have stated, in the former paper 

 on this subject, to be full of rapids and other obstructions, 

 from the time it enters the state of Pennsylvania. It is prac- 

 ticable as a descending navigation for arks in times of floods, 

 and an attempt was made, some years since, to mount against 

 its current by means of a steam-boat. Although this vessel 

 did mount the river, it appears doubtful whether the experi- 

 ment will be followed by any useful results ; for it would be 

 impossible to convey in this manner any heavy lading. 



There is, however, little doubt that a canal might be made 

 in the valley of the Susquehannah, as far as its junction with the 

 Tioga branch. The latter, running altogether on the western 

 side of the great ridges of mountains, might readily be ren- 

 dered navigable ; and plans have been proposed, to connect it 

 with the Gennesse River, and with the Seneca Lake, in the 

 state of New York; by either of these, it would come into 

 communication with the Erie canal, and thus with the lake of 

 that name. 



We consider this to be the best route by which Philadelphia 

 can be brought by canals into competition with New York for 

 the trade of the western country, unless some successful sub- 

 stitute be found for locks in inland navigation. It is, however, 

 far more circuitous and distant than the New York route, but 

 it has the important advantage, at certain seasons, of being 

 earlier clear of ice, and closing later than the New York 

 canals. It is probable, that some means may be found of 

 lessening the distance, and for this purpose a canal route has 

 been examined directly from Philadelphia to Harrisburgh, on 

 the Susquehannah. 



The legislature of Pennsylvania has recently adopted a great 

 and general system of internal improvement by canals and 

 rail-ways ; and is thus the second state of the union that has 



