Open Road — Guides — Railroads — Canals — Bridges 



state of the waters conveys an idea of danger, and we were 1833 

 landed safely on the opposite beach in 1 4 minutes, having been Shirreff 



drenched in crossing by the spray of the falls. Mr. D 



remained with the luggage, while we went in search of assistance 

 to transport it. Two men of colour were met carrying trunks to 

 the ferry, who brought ours on their return. 



1834 



Report on the location and expense of a ship canal around Niagara 1834 

 Falls; also, from the Illinois river to Lake Michigan. With a report of a 

 select committee to the assembly April 1 4, 1 834, relating to the connection 

 from Oswego to the Hudson. N. Y. : Office of the R. R. jour. 1834. 

 Pp. 1-7. 



This report was collated from the report of N. S. Roberts, C. E., 

 made in January, 1826, for an association of gentlemen residing in Man- 

 chester and Lewiston. It was published in pursuance of a resolution of 

 the Chamber of Commerce of New York, September, 1834. A state 

 convention was held at Utica September 11,1 834, to consider the project 

 for a canal around the Falls. This movement was inspired by jealousy of 

 Canadian canal development, and the projects of other states, and by the 

 fear of the loss of the upper lake trade, and the inadequacy of the Erie 

 canal as well as a desire for southern and western trade. 



The following report, ... is collated . . . with the 

 view of ascertaining the location and expense of a Canal, of the 

 dimensions stated in the accompanying estimate. It has been 

 published at this latter day with a view to disseminate the only 

 information as yet possessed on this subject. It serves the pur- 

 pose, however of proving the practicability of the project, and 

 guide by which to judge of the comparative expense of a con- 

 struction on a larger scale. 



This improvement, so decidedly national in its character, should 

 be proportioned to the largest class of steamboats and schooners 

 navigating the lakes, and correspond with the Ship or Steamboat 

 Canal on the St. Lawrence, with locks 55 feet wide, 10 feet 

 deep, and 200 feet long; by which vessels from the ocean can 

 be passed to our upper lakes. 



1215 



