62 
STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
“From a survey made on the 7th of Dec., 1869, under my direction, the 
least depth of water in the channel over the outer bar, was IS feet. You 
can safely rely on a greater depth in the spring. 
“The government has appropriated and assigned to the improvement of 
this harbor, since 1866, the sum of eighty-four thousand and two hundred 
and eighty-three dollars and fifty-one cents, of which there remains unex¬ 
pended, something over twenty thousand (20,000) dollars. 
“ I have asked for the additional sum of |54,000. This amount added to 
that on hand, will enable me to add 200 feet more of pier, carrying the ex¬ 
tremities of each pier beyond the outer bar, and to make such repairs on the 
old work as may become necessary. 
“The light-house was built before I assumed charge, and I am therefore 
unable to give you the cost or amount appropriated. This particular infor¬ 
mation you can obtain from my predecessor, Gen. W. F. Reynolds, L. H. 
Engineer, Detroit, Michigan. 
“The area of the Kinuickinick basin covered with water east of railroad 
bridge, including the old river, is about 145 acres in extent. A cut from 8 to 
10 feet deep, and about 200 feet wide has been made leading to the bridge. 
Outside of this cut the water is about four feet deep. 
“The area west of the bridge is about 125 acres in extent and the same 
depth of water. A cut has been made on this side, but its dimensions, etc., 
I do not know. That portion of the basin east of the railroad bridge, forms 
an important element in the harbor facilities and privileges of this city, and 
I feel surprised at the delay on the part of the city in not improving it. 
Certainly, past experience has shown the advantages belonging to Milwaukee 
as a harbor of refuge, and the entire blocking up of the straight cut by ves¬ 
sels running in here seeking shelter. As commerce increases, the impera¬ 
tive necessity of the improvement of this basin will be evident, and it is only 
a question of time concerning its improvement. 
“ I am sir, very respectfully, your very obedient servant, 
J. B. WHEELER, 
Major of Engineers and BH CoV^ 
THE NEW STOCK YARDS AT MILWAUKEE. 
% 
“A much needed improvement has been made during the 
past year by the Milwaukee and St. Paul Eailway Company, 
in constructing new and very complete stock yards at a point 
accessible to all the railroads entering the city. The new 
yards are located upon the south side of the Menomonee flats, 
about one mile west of the union depot, a point where all the 
railroads entering the city from the west unite. The facilities 
for receiving, shipping and yarding stock here are very good, 
