i50URCE OF ST. PETER's RIVER. 73 



hundred and fifty miles long. The supply of water would 

 be amply sufficient even for locks of the size of those on 

 the New York canal. Allowing the expense to be the same 

 as in New York, this canal would probably cost about three 

 millions of dollars ; but the experience which has been ac- 

 quired in the construction of that work, warrants us in be- 

 lieving that a similar undertaking may hereafter be per- 

 formed at a more economical rate. However this may be, 

 no doubt can exist as to the benefits which Ohio would reap 

 from this canal. 



From all that has been stated, it appears that the last of 

 these routes is that which offers at present the most decid- 

 ed advantages, but the plan which the commissioners have 

 in contemplation, and which, if practicable, will we doubt 

 not, at their suggestion, be undertaken by the state of Ohio, 

 is one that would prove as beneficial to that state as it will 

 be honourable to it. This plan would be to construct a canal 

 \vhich would unite with the lake as near the north-east 

 corner of the state as nature will permit, and passing 

 through the great vallies of the Muskingum, the Scioto, 

 and the Miami, in a south-westwardly direction, enter the 

 Ohio near the south-west corner of the state. The com- 

 missioners appear to be aware of the difficulties they will 

 have to encounter ; but the data they have already collect- 

 ed on this subject, are favourable to the execution of the 

 scheme, and if they should be equally successful during 

 the summer of 1824, in establishing the complete connexion, 

 they will have the honour of having suggested a course, 

 which, if it be not adopted at present, will be so at a future 

 time ; for, after the undisputed benefits which canals have 

 afforded wherever they have been made, it is impossible 

 to doubt that, with the great natural advantages which she 

 possesses, Ohio will be among the first to enlist herself 



Vol. I. 10 



