Geology of Seneca County. 123 



stream-bed has also been deepened throughout, including the 

 point where it connects with the lake, which is not the original 

 point of outlet. The effect of this enlargement has been the 

 lowering of the level of the lake. The dam at Waterloo is at 

 present the first obstruction to the outflow. It was built in 1796, 

 antedating that at Rochester. There are several concerns using 

 the power at Waterloo, obtaining at times of high water an 

 actual maximum of probably about 450 H. P. The canal is State 

 property, and has a first claim upon the water as far as required 

 for lockage; but the water required for this service is at present 

 but a comparatively small part of the total amount, and is exclu- 

 sive of the above figure. The amount of power varies greatly 

 with the season, and may fall to about one-half of that named, 

 in times of drought like the present summer, when the level is 

 three feet below that of flood. The wheels are not constructed 

 to make use of the full possible power, as in that case they 

 would be at a disadvantage during low water. Estimates of 

 power capable of being used are necessarily only approximate ; 

 the high-water power which migJit be used for short periods 

 may be double the 450 H. P., and is certainly much greater than 

 that figure. There is a natural dependence of the flow upon the 

 season of the year ; yet, there may be dry winters, with continu- 

 ous low water. A great deal of steam power is used to supple- 

 ment the water power. 



Seneca Falls.— M.v. Harrison Chamberlain, of the Phoenix 

 Mills, gives me as the estimate usually adopted by mill- owners 

 and hydraulic engineers, the amount of 1,000 horse power, for 

 the total average flow of the stream, with a fall of 16 feet, at his 

 mills. Formerly the State used nearly one half of the flow for 

 navigation purposes, but of late years the amount has been con- 

 siderably less in consequence of falling off in canal tonnage. 

 Below this mill there are three lesser falls, at as man}^ locks, in 

 this village, but the lowest fall has not yet been made available 

 for mill power and privileges. The total turned to account in 

 Seneca Falls is considerably over double the figure given above. 



Seventeen concerns were named to me as drawing power from 

 the stream, including three flour-mills ; malt and marble works ; 

 manufactories of fire engines, pumps, paint, paper, knit goods, 

 etc. 



