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NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



reservoir, advantage being taken of the fact that a large reser- 

 voir can be constructed for less cost per unit of volume than a 

 number of small reservoirs. In the barge canal report it was 

 assumed that it was important to construct a number of small 

 reservoirs along the line of the canal with the result that the 

 cost of a water supply for the canal route, with traffic of 10,- 

 000,000 tons per year, is estimated at $5,555,000. For the river 

 route, with traffic of 10,000,000 tons per year, the estimated cost 

 is $4,469,000. 



Origin of ~bar<jc canal. The question has arisen in the State of 

 New York as to who originated the barge canal idea. The fol- 

 lowing statement is given as bearing on this point: 



We have already seen that Silas Seymour, in his report for 

 1883, referred to a continuously descending high-level canal 

 from Newark to the west end of the Rome level. 1 



The next detailed reference appears in the report of Martin 

 Sehenck, State Engineer and Surveyor, for the year 1893. Mr 

 Schenck says : 



In my report of last year I briefly outlined a proposed enlarged 

 canal capable of bearing barges 250 feet in length by 25 feet 

 breadth of beam, with 10 feet draft of water and of the lowest 

 possible hight above water so that the greater part of the bridges 

 crossing it could be fixed structures instead of movable ones. 



This canal would have a general width of 100 feet at the water 

 line, a depth of 12 feet (except at such points as over aqueducts 

 or other expensive structures where economy would suggest the 

 reduction of a foot in depth) and have vertical or battered side 

 walls except in localities of existing wide waters where economy 

 of width would be a minor consideration. The general width 

 proposed might be materially reduced for short distances through 

 the cities and towns along its route, over aqueducts, through ex- 

 pensive rock cuts, etc., and since no towing-path would be re- 

 quired, there are many miles of cuttings where the removal of 

 thai alone would give nearly the entire width required. The 

 route proposed for this canal would generally follow the present 

 alignment of Erie canal except for short distances, where it would 

 he wise to make detours in order to obtain economy of construc- 

 tion and better alignment. The vessels designed for use might 

 be built, lor convenience in handling, in two sections and be towed 

 in fleets by means of similar boats lit ted witli twin screws and 



Refer t<> page 801. 



