The present condition of the dam does not allow the full natural ebb on the river side by reason of the influx of the inlet flood, nor the full flood on account of the outflow with the inlet ebb. If the dam had been complete during the above observations of 1878, it seems certain that the average range on the river side would have been at least 88 per cent. of the average range at Smithville, and the percentage would have been still further increased if a proper portion of the larger tides had been observed so as to bring the average to the mean range. PROBABLE OPERATIONS FOR THE COMING FISCAL YEAR. The operations proposed being dependent on the amounts to be appropriated by Congress, are mentioned below in the order of their importance. It is of the utmost importance for the security and preservation of the work already done that the New Inlet Dam should be finished to high-water mark as rapidly as practicable. This requires a larger amount of work than had been anticipated, for reasons before stated. The price of stone riprap has, by competition and skill in working, been largely reduced since the former estimates. It can be obtained in open market at the estimated price. It is of equal importance that the old works connecting Zeke's and Smith's Islands should be thoroughly repaired. The importance of assisting the concentration of natural forces, which are being so largely increased by the closure of the New Inlet, and consequent increase of the volume and force of the tidal currents at the mouth of the river, requires and justifies all reasonable expenditure therefor. It is recommended that this should be done by the use of a suction-dredge to complete the Bald Head Channel across the bar. This method of dredging is peculiarly well adapted to the work and to the material on this bar. It is believed that the dredge Woodbury can be thoroughly repaired, with a large new boiler and in hull, house, machinery, &c., so as to make her powerful and effective for the work, for $14,000. The completion of the new cut above Snow's Marsh, before described, is recommended.. So also the widening of the dredged channel near Campbell's Island. The dredging in both these places is more expensive than ordinary excavation, as there is some compact sand at the proposed channel above Snow's Marsh, and some stumps and logs. may be expected at the channel near Campbell's Island. The following estimates are presented for the coming fiscal year. It is hoped that the full amount may be granted. The growing importance of Wilmington, the commercial metropolis of the State, demands persistence in the improvement of the river and entrance. 74,000 cubic yards for New Inlet Dam, at $1.663 6,000 cubic yards large stone, for top on sea-face of dam, at $4. Repairs of old works at Zeke's and Smith's Islands Repairs of suction-dredge Woodbury.... Operation of suction-dredge, 8 months... 80,000 cubic yards dredging at Snow's Marsh Channel, at 25 cents 60,000 cubic yards dredging at Campbell's Island Channel, at 30 cents Superintendence and surveys Contingencies (about 10 per cent.) Total..... $123, 333 33 24, 000 00 10, 000 00 14,000 00 8,000 00 20, 000 00 18, 000 00 15,000 00 23,666 67 Respectfully submitted. Capt. C. B. PHILLIPS, Corps of Engineers, United States Army. 31 E 256, 000 00 HENRY BACON, Barrels. ANNUAL EXPORT TABLE. Statement of the principal articles of produce and manufacture exported from the port of Wilmington, N. C., to points out of the State, for the year ending December 31, 1877, and compared with the years 1876, 1875, and 1874; also the receipts of a few articles for the same period, with a note of the shipping for 1877. [Compiled by JOHN L. CANTWELL, Secretary of the Wilmington Produce Exchange.] Tar. Crude turpentine. Pitch. Rosin oil. Kerosene oil. 650 23, 093 10, 423 5 923 10, 604 80 6 250 900 Newburyport 225,956 New York 580, 048 Philadelphia 207, 176 Portsmouth, N. H. 350, 656 Richmond 219, 640 Statement of the principal articles of produce and manufacture exported from the port of Wilmington, N. C. &c.—Continued. 84, 844 159, 175 Railroad-ties. Saint Pierre 119, 000 53, 065 Saint George. 372, 143 Saint John's, P. R. 155, 632 254, 400 50,000 Saint John, N. B Saint Stephen. 131, 630 Trieste Total, 1877 Total, 1876 Total, 1875 Total, 1874 8, 892, 018 8, 122, 860 5,904, 541 4, 231, 030 76, 889 8, 520, 213 22, 898 116, 476 54, 619 3, 562, 438 55, 532 2, 650, 860 664 8,741 RECEIPTS. Crude turpentine. Pitch. Rosin oil. Kerosene oil. 25 2 50 50 24, 136 30 78, 605 451, 294 38,048 62, 159 379, 585 27,785 85, 181 300, 400 16, 619 339 182 |