WESTERN CANAL. 11 



and which cost $6,044 7. The width of the 

 canal on the water surface is 40 feet — at the bot- 

 tom 28, and its depth is four feet. The length 

 of a lock is 90 feet, and its width in the clear is 

 14. Vessels of 100 tons may pass through this 

 canal with ease, and will convey greater loads 

 than any of the Hudson sloops. One level ex- 

 tends from seven miles east of Utica to near Syra- 

 cuse, a distance of G9 miles ; and on the west 

 side of Genesee river, there is another level of 70 

 miles. Similar instances of extensive levels are 

 unprecedented as applied to any given canal. 

 There are on the middle section nine locks, and 

 a number of occupation and road bridges, waste 

 gates, safety gates, tumbling bays or weirs, cul- 

 verts, aqueducts, aqueduct bridges, embankments, 

 and deep cuttings, but not a single tunnel, draw- 

 bridge, or reservoir; and on the whole route I 

 observed but one artificial feeder, the canal being 

 abundantly supplied by natural streams. This 

 canal is constructed in the most solid and durable 

 manner, and the water which fills it is as copious 

 and as perennial as the lakes and springs from 

 which it issues. This work was commenced at 

 the eastern end of the section, and as you proceed 

 to the west, you observe increased improvement, 

 arising unquestionably from augmented experi- 

 ence and deep reflection, The locks are built of 



