No. 275. i 
229 
4th. Inasmuch as communications of some kind must be formed in 
inhabited districts, the expense of a water conveyance through this re- 
gion will not be much greater, in the end, than an ordinary turnpike; a 
canal, therefore, might be used as the great thoroughfare, while the 
minor points would be connected, as usual, by roads. 
The above suggestions will appear more important and in their true 
light, when taken in connection with the proposed rail-ways from the 
St. Lawrence to Champlain. In case the southern route should be se- 
lected, the whole interior of Hamilton and the adjacent counties, to 
some extent, would be furnished with an easy and direct outlet to mar- 
ket. It is difficult to make an estimate of the number of miles which 
would be opened at once for batteaux navigation, and which might be 
opened at a small expense, but it is not extravagant to estimate the dis- 
tance as equal in length to the Erie canal. There would be opened, 
also, at least fifty miles of direct steam-boat navigation, by construct- 
ing a single lock between Crotched lake and Long lake, and another 
between the former and Racket lake. The latter is one of great impor- 
tance, and is much larger than is represented on the maps. It is deeper 
and more extensive than Long lake. It has several bays which project 
from the main lake five or six miles; it is probable, therefore, that the 
amount of water in Racket is double that in Long lake. I have already 
remarked that the character of the borders of the lakes and streams is 
well adapted to the easy construction of paths and roads, in consequence 
of the predominance of hard gravelly bottoms. There is another con- 
sideration not to be overlooked, that the whole country being situated 
upon table land, is not exposed generally to injury by freshets; hence, 
public works, as embankments, &c. constructed along the rivers and 
borders of the lakes, will not be liable to excavations by the rapid rise 
of water; hence, too, the expense for repairs will not constitute a heavy 
drawback on the profits of the works contemplated. I am sustained in 
this position by the preservation of the great State road passing through 
this country, which, though constructed a long time since, has suffered 
very little in its foundation. 
In conclusion, I remark, that whatever may be the present interests 
of individuals, or the present policy of the State, this region of country 
cannot remain long unoccupied or unimproved. It would be well, how- 
ever, if this policy could be settled soon, for landholders would then 
feel the importance of employing agents to maintain an oversight of 
their lands. At present, they are exposed to the wanton destruction of 
trespassers, who for a single cut of a pine, make no more scruple in 
