122 



on each side of the bow, and enclosed within the line of the sides of 

 the boat. Each wheel is seven and a half feet in diameter, and two 

 feet wide, and the paddles are of sheet iron, and inclined at an angle 

 of about forty degrees, so as to throw the water out from the sides of 

 the boat; the wheels revolving in planes parallel to the keel. This 

 arrangement is peculiar, and is stated to work exceedingly well in 

 navigating canals. It is contrived by Mr. Asa Worthington, of New 

 York. The boat can propel herself ten miles an hour in open water; 

 and she towed three barges from New York, bringing them through 

 the Delaware and Rarltan Canal at the rate of nearly four miles an 

 hour. The boat is new, and her whole cost has been $5500, the 

 hull being of wood. 



The foregoing information was obtained on board the boat, from 

 her owner. Captain J. W. Low. 



The distance from St. John's, in Canada, to Philadelphia, is nearly 

 five hundred miles; and the Champlain Canal being now frozen, the 

 boat is going southward to the Dismal Swamp Canal, to ply there 

 during the winter. She is said not to injure the banks more than an 

 ordinary packet boat. 



The interest felt on the subject of steam traction on canals, both in 

 this country and in England, makes the boat well worthy of exami- 

 nation, especially in reference to her small size in combination with 

 her great power for towing heavy tonnage. She could readily pass 

 through the Pennsylvania Canal. 



The observations of Mr. Roberts gave occasion to remarks 

 from Messrs. Cresson, Baldvs^in, Frazer, E. Morris, and A. D. 

 Bache, on the peculiar construction of the water-wheels of this 

 boat, the paddles being inclined to the direction of the motion 

 of the vessel, whilst the plane of revolution of the wheel was 

 in that direction, — and on the theory of the position of the pad- 

 dle wheel, the proper position of the wheels or propellers of a 

 canal boat, and other points. 



The Treasurer, Mr. Ord, presented his accounts for the year 

 as required by the laws of the Society, which were referred to 

 the Committee of Finance. 



Mr. Lea, from the Committee of Publication, in conformity 

 with the laws, laid their accounts for the year before the So- 

 ciety. The balance of funds in the hands of the Committee is 

 three hundred and eighty-five dollars and sixty-four cents. 



