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NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



constructed of timber, very much after the plan of the timber 

 dams still constructed by the lumbermen in this region. 1 



In 1874, when Mr Benedict prepared his report, the demands for 

 water upon the Hudson river were far less extensive than at 

 present, and even in 1882 the total waterpower of the stream was, 

 according to the statistics of the Report on the Water Power of 

 the United States, Tenth Census, only 12,894 horsepower, while 

 in 1895 the total horsepower was 43,481. Taking into account 

 additional wheels set in the last few years, as well as the extensive 

 development of the Hudson River Power Transmission Company, 

 3 miles below Mechanicville, it is probable that in 1898 there were 

 wheels set on the Hudson river capable of furnishing, at full 

 capacity, not far from 55,000 horsepower. This great develop- 

 ment has led to a very strong demand in the last few years for 

 increased flow during the low-water period. The extensive 

 plant of the Hudson River Water Power Company at Spier Falls 

 is now approaching completion. In 1904 there are wheels set 

 capable of producing about 80,000 horsepower. 



Recent investigations. In 1895 a survey of the upper Hudson 

 valley was authorized with the view of determining what lakes 

 and streams may be improved, and the water stored and diverted, 

 in order to provide for the enlargement of Champlain canal ; for 

 restoring to the water of Hudson river at or below Glens 

 Falls the water diverted therefrom for canal purposes; and for 

 improving the navigation of the lower Hudson river. The 

 proposed reservoirs are all in the upper section, above Troy. 



When one considers the scope of the investigation it may be 

 readily seen that the studies must necessarily be of rather wide 

 range. Special consideration should be given the following topics : 



1) The area of the several subdivisions of the catchment area, 

 together with the locations and extent of the reservoir sites, and 

 the total area from which the runoff can be controlled. 



2) The rainfall and mean temperature of the tributary region, 

 as well as its physical characteristics, the relative amounts of 

 timber and cleared area, etc. 



*For further particulars of Mr Benedict's reservoir system, see Report on 

 a Survey of the Waters of the Upper Hudson and Raquette Rivers in the 

 Summer of 1874, with Reference to Increasing the Supply of Water for the 

 Champlain Canal and Improving the Navigation of the Hudson River, by F. 

 N. Benedict, Ass. Doc. (1875), Vol. I, No. G, p. 8."). 



