596 



NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



The preceding quotation is exceedingly important as indicating 

 why the Genesee feeder was maintained after the canal had been 

 completed to Lake Erie, and a permanent Supply of water ob- 

 tained from that source. 



During the year 1820 contracts for the construction of the canal 

 immediately east and west of Rochester were let. 



In their report to the Legislature, under date of March 12, 1821 y 

 the Canal Commissioners discussed the practicability of two pro- 

 posed routes for the canal from Rochester west, the northern of 

 which would be below the level of Lake Erie, while the southern 

 would rise above that level. The conclusion arrived at was that 

 if the southern location were adopted there would probabh- be at 

 times a serious shortage of water^ in view of which, and other 

 considerations, the Commissioners decided to adopt the present 

 route from Lake Erie east, which does not at any point rise above 

 the level of that lake, and which therefore admits of feeding the 

 entire canal from that source. The Commissioners say: 



Having adopted that route for the canal, which, at every 

 departure from the level of Lake Erie, in its progress eastward, 

 will descend, till it reaches the Seneca river, we entertain no 

 doubt of an abundant and permanent supply of water for every 

 part of the canal. But, in order to provide against any possibility 

 of danger on this subject, it is intended to construct the canal 

 through the dry region between the locks at the mountain ridge 

 and the Genesee river, with a descent towards the east of one or 

 two inches in every mile; the necessary effect of which will be to 

 save the expense of at least one lock, and to induce a current of 

 so much water from Lake Erie towards the east as will leave but 

 little to be required from the Genesee river; and this little may 

 be still reduced, and if it shall ever become expedient, by a feeder 

 from the Trondequoit creek, a copious and equable stream, which 

 it was formerly supposed could not be drawn upon for the canal, 

 but which, by the enterprising zeal of David S. Bates, Esq., one 

 of our resident engineers, has been found capable of being taken 

 into it at Pittsford, near the west end of the level, about thirteen 

 miles in length. From this level eastward, there might be ob- 

 tained a sufficient supply of water from the Canandaigua lake, 

 Mud creek and several oilier sources, for all the demands of the 

 canal if (he Genesee river were annihilated. 



From the Commissioners' report, submitted February 27, 1822, 

 il is learned that contracts were signed for opening a feeder from 



