IMPROYEMEKT OF MOUTH OF MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 93 



large annual expenditure to lengthen the Jettees as the delta ad- 

 vanced, and to dredge out the bars. 



If we should now consider the Jetty-system to succeed, the dan- 

 ger of entering is still not removed. It will be necessary, in a stoi-m 

 to find an entrance to a gap of only 300 yards among mud-lumps 

 and mud-banks, none of which are more than three feet above still 

 water, and although the channel may be boyed and marked and 

 lighted, still more than ordinary skill would be required, while at 

 the same time the entry would be subjected to the severest storms 

 and waves of the ocean. 



As reported, one member of the board concurred only in so far as 

 the selection of the south pass for the trial of the Jetty-system if 

 that be adopted, as the chances of success of the improvement of 

 the natural outlets do not in his judgment justify recommendation; 

 and since the canal plan offers reasonable chances of success, he 

 gives this his preference. 



New Orleans being the second city for value of her exports and 

 sixth in the value of her imports in the United States and promises 

 fair to improve with sufficient navigation, it is important that the 

 plan offering the [greatest chances of success should by all means 

 be the one to be adopted. 



From the quotation which I have used to give a general idea of 

 the appearance and consistence of the delta, and by examining a 

 map of the same, the difficulties to be encountered are very appar- 

 ent. Placed, I might say, in an open sea, a hundred feet deep of 

 mud, of insuflSicient consistence to sustain itself, ever seeking an 

 equilibrium, some sinking, some rising, moving, oozing, never at 

 rest; volumes at times lashed into foam by the fury of the ocean 

 waves. 



Considering the unstable foundation upon which we would have 

 to construct, and the fact, that the Jetty-plan has been attended 

 with success in only a few and special cases, it is but proper that 

 we should adopt some other and more certain method to obtain the 

 end in .view. 



The plan known as the Fort St. Philip Canal, has always ap- 

 peared to me to be most reliable method of opening the Miss. The 

 river at this point is deep and safe; the banks, although not more 

 than a few feet above the level of the river, have assumed sufficient 

 stabilitv to admit of constructions; the whole length between ex- 



