181 



for marsh hay. The products in each case are coarse and of little worth. 

 When these marshes are flooded they produce excellent feeding grounds for 

 fish. 



The damming of a lake would be sufficient, in many instances, for the 

 development of water power. This could be used at the site of the dam 

 or it could be converted into electricity and delivered to the property 

 owners whose holdings abut the lake. The power thus produced would be 

 sufficient in most lakes to offset the damage caused by the overflow of 

 uiarshes, provided a just appraisement could be secured. The owners of 

 the high ground around the lake would very generally favor the change, 

 because of the value added to the cottage sites. 



THE EFFECT UPON THE PARTICULAR LAKES UNDER CONSIDERATION. 



We7)ster Lake. — Webster lake has an area of 1.5 square miles. It has 

 already received the treatment that I have outltued. I have been unable to 

 determine the date of the first dam. The present dam was constructed in 

 1905. It gives a head of nine feet when the water is flowing over the spill- 

 way. The power is used to run a flouring mill owned by Mr. John Strom- 

 beck. One large turbine and two smaller ones are used. The large wheel 

 delivers sixty horse-poAver at a nine-foot head and forty horse-power at a 

 six-foot head. The ratings of the smaller wheels were not available. The 

 dam is an earthen one except the spillway with its apron and wings, which 

 are of concrete. 



With the dam out the present lake would be cut into a number of 

 smaller ones, connected by marshes. This former marsh land now fur- 

 nishes excellent feeding ground for fish. As a direct result of this, Web- 

 ster Lake has become one of the finest lakes in the state for bluegill 

 fishing. I have counted forty fishing boats in view at once; and from fifty 

 to eighty fish are counted a good string for a half day's fishing. 



The present level makes it possible to use the surrounding moraines 

 for the building of summer homes and resorts. One large hotel and several 

 cottages have already been erected on the south shore. The town of North 

 Webster has easy access to the lake. Many good building sites remain to be 

 developed. 



It is difficult to estimate the value of the power, the increased value 

 of the adjoining real estate, and the augmented fish production ; but this 

 certainly would exceed the value of the marsh land that would be exposed 

 if there were no dam. For map see Large ('06) . 



