Method of conducting the Canal Surveys, 19 



Art. II. — Method of Conducting the Canal Surveys in the State 

 of New York; by E.F. Johnson, Civil Engineer. 



At the time when the two great Canals of the state of New York 

 were constructed, the outlines or boundaries of the ground which 

 they occupied were not established by any accurate or systematic 

 surveys, and hence no means were afforded for ascertaining the pre- 

 cise extent of ground intended to be appropriated by the state for 

 their use. 



At the period of their completion, the damages to the different pro- 

 prietors whose lands were intersected and injured by them, were as- 

 sessed by commissioners duly appointed and authorized for the pur- 

 pose. These commissioners in making their estimates directed 

 measurements to be made, in very many instances, for determining 

 as nearly as practicable, without too much delay and expense, the 

 average length and breadth of the several portions of ground tak- 

 en from the different proprietors through whose lands the Canals 

 passed. 



From these measurements the approximate quantity of ground con- 

 tained in each portion was deduced, which compared with its value 

 per acre, enabled the commissioners to determine, with greater cer- 

 tainty than could otherwise have been attained, the actual damage to 

 individuals occasioned as above stated. 



Although the ineasurements thus made, may have answered suffi- 

 ciently well perhaps for the purpose for which they were instituted, 

 yet the want of more perfect and systematic surveys in accurately 

 defining the outlines of the Canals was soon felt. The proprietors 

 of the adjoining grounds, being ignorant of the precise extent of the 

 claims of the state, could only refer, in their instruments of convey- 

 ance, in a general manner, to the Canal as a boundary, and were 

 equally at loss in the erection of buildings in those cases where as 

 near an approach to the Canals as possible was desirable without in- 

 fringing upon the rights of the state. 



The inconvenience resulting from this state of things was not con- 

 fined altogether to individuals. The rapid increase in the value of 

 lands bordering the Canals, which followed their completion," and the 

 numerous encroachments which were in consequence made upon the 

 ground required for their efficient and successful operation, render- 

 ed it necessary for the state to devise some means of preventing any 



