830 [Assembly 



seven and one-fourtli miles occurs along this route, partially or 

 entirely interrupted by obstructions which will require removing, 

 to complete the navigation the whole line of one hundred and 

 eighteen miles. The lateral navigation, branching from this main 

 trunk, formed by the rivers and lakes, which are mingled with 

 those above enumerated, affords an additional communication, 

 navigable by steamers, of thirty-three miles, and by small boats 

 of ten tons burthen, of thirty-eight miles more, with an interven- 

 ing obstruction of only one-half mile. The result shews the ex- 

 istence in that sequestered wilderness, of a navigation adapted to 

 steamboats of eighty-nine miles, and to small boats of ninety-three 

 miles, which is obstructed by natural impediments interposing in 

 different localities, and embracing in the aggregate, the trifling 

 distance of seven and three-quarter miles. The total length of 

 the proposed improvement is one hundred and ninety miles. 

 The obstacles which exist chiefly occur in low and marshy 

 ground, and may be readily surmounted. Mr. Benedict exhibits 

 minute calculations, in which he estimates the expense of im- 

 proving the whole one hundred and ninety miles, which embraces 



the lateral branches, at $312 , 950 



with an average cost per mile of 1,611 



The cost of opening the direct route, 292,950 



at an average expense per mile of 2 ,482 



/* 



This estimate contemplates merely an improvement of the exist- 

 ing navigation and surmounting the impediments which occur 

 along the seven and three-quarter miles. 



In a subsequent calculation, founded upon the scheme of 

 creating an ample and perfect intercourse by railroads and 

 canals, from Lake Champlain to the Black river^ Prof. Benedict 

 presents another table of estimates. 



From Boonville to McLenathan's Falls, which is now Franklin 

 Falls, at the termination of the plank 'road, he calculates the 

 expenditure as follows : 



A railroad from Boonville, 21 miles, $291 ,800 



Dams, locks and canals from that point to Franklin 



Falls, a distance of 121 miles, 450,000 



