22 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [20] 



part before cleariug itself while sounding. I think this condition was 

 not caused by any sudden strain, but that it has been gradual, from the 

 fact that we have been troubled with slack turns from time to time when 

 taking very deep soundings. 



The instructions of the Bureau of Navigation contemplated the exam- 

 ination of the bar at the mouth of the Magdalena Eiver, but we found it 

 impracticable to accomplish anything with ship's boats at this season of 

 the year, when the trades are at their height. The worst sea we have 

 encountered during the cruise was a few miles to the northward of this 

 bar. 



I went to Barranqnilla on the morning of the 17th, called on the 

 United States consul, Thomas M. Dawson, esq., and with his assistance 

 had interviews with ship-masters, steamship agents, &c., with reference 

 to the conditions and character of the bar. 



From the information obtained and from personal observation, my 

 opinion is that a survey with ship's boats is impracticable during the 

 winter months; May and June being the most favorable. Examinations 

 may, however, be made at any time with a sea-going tug of moderate 

 draught. A survey of the bar would be of no commercial benefit after the 

 expiration of a few weeks. Vessels drawing eight feet of water or less 

 may enter at anj- time with comparative safety, simply keeping clear of 

 the breakers; with from 8 to 12 feet draught it would be prudent to ex- 

 amine the bar before entering, and for greater draught an examination is 

 imperativel}' necessary before attempting to cross. 



In 1875 the bar cut away, giving about 30 feet, and steamers began to 

 cross and ascend the river, continuing to do so until 1880, when, owing 

 to the risks of grounding on the bar or detention in the river, they dis- 

 continued the practice, and now all anchor at Savanilla, or Salgar, as it 

 is locally called. 



Merchandise descending the river must be transhipped from the river 

 .steamers to the railway at Barranquilia and transported about 12 miles 

 to Salgar, where it is transferred to lighters, which are towed about 3 

 miles to the shipping at Savanilla anchorage. There are no facilities 

 for the rapid handling of freight, and with but five lighters to trans- 

 port the cargoes of seven steamship lines calling regularly at the port, 

 it is no matter of surprise to see vessels detained a week or more, losing 

 valuable time and frequently missing connections. 



The Government of the Eepublic and the people of Barranquilia real- 

 ize the necessity of providing a more practicable outlet for their great 

 river, and with this end in view surveys have been made for a deep-water 

 terminus of the Bolivar Eailway. At a new harbor recently surveyed, 

 called Puerto Belillo, a pier is projected where steamers can lay along- 

 side and discharge into cars or receive freight from them direct. 

 There is 30 feet of water at the end of the pier and 26 feet 200 feet in- 

 side. The length of the extension is about of miles on level ground, 

 with no serious engineering difiiculties, and the harbor is easy of ap- 



