up-stream from the outer end of the north dike to protect it from running ice. The estimated cost of this work was as follows: Building the north dike, 748 yards long Building the branch dike, 640 yards long. $41,600 Building the south dike, 1,277 yards long 34,400 Contingencies.. Dredging a channel 3,000 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 14 feet deep at low water, 48,000 cubic yards, at 30 cents 59,600 14,400 22,500 Total... 172,500 The final length of the north and south dikes was, however, to be determined by the effects that they were observed to produce in the removal of the bar as they were gradually extended outward. In 1872, by reason of a reduction in the estimated length and cost of the dikes, this estimate was reduced to $104,000. The project was practically completed in 1880, and a history of the improvement may be found in the Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1881, Part I, page 494, with comparative sketches. At that date the north dike was about 2,200 feet long, the branch dike was about 1,000 feet long, the south dike was about 2,800 feet long, with a spur to the light-house 330 feet long, and a channel depth had been obtained of 13 feet at low water between dikes. The appropriation of $2,000, passed August 2, 1882, was applied to repairs. The dikes were refilled with stone where needed, fender piles were placed at the outer end of the north dike, and 600 feet of the south dike was raised to the level of high water. The balance of this appropriation available July 1, 1884, was $706.03, which, with the appropriation of $1,000 approved July 5, 1884, has been applied during the fiscal year to cutting off 150 feet of the outer end of the south dike, in accordance with a recommendation contained in the last annual report. Three small lumps between the piers have been dredged to a depth of 14 feet at low water, requiring the excavation of 9234 cubic yards of material, and spring piles have been placed along the dikes where needed. All the work was done by hired labor. Although the project is practically completed, $10,000 is still to be appropriated under the original estimate, which can be profitably expended in reparing the dikes, and in widening the channel between them. Appropriations for the improvement of Rondout Harbor have been made as follows: Rondout is in the collection district of New York. The nearest works of defense are those of New York Harbor. No statement has been received of the amount of commerce of Rondout for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885; but in the last annual report it is stated that the amount of commerce and navigation benefited by the completion of the work is $70,000,000. July 1, 1885, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1884..... 1,699 67 July 1, 1885, amount available...... 60 36 Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project. 10,000 00 10, 000 00 D 26. IMPROVEMENT OF SAUGERTIES HARBOR, NEW YORK. The harbor of Saugerties is on the west bank of the Hudson River, about 95 miles above New York, and is formed by the mouth of Esopus Creek. Some works of improvement have already been attempted by the inhabitants, but no permanent benefit has been derived from them. In 1883 a survey with a view to its improvement, ordered by act of Congress passed August 2, 1882, was made under direction of General Newton, whose report dated November 28, 1883, is found in the Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1884, Part I, page 716. This report shows that the mouth of the creek is obstructed by a bar 1,100 feet long, lying between the 6-foot curve in the Hudson and the 6-foot curve in the creek, with a minimum depth upon it of 3 feet at mean low water, and two projects for its improvement were submitted, both providing for a channel 7 feet deep at low water and 100 feet wide, to be obtained by constructing parallel dikes and dredging a channel between them; but the question which method would best secure the purpose was to be left until further examination could be made. A sketch showing the two plans proposed was printed in Senate Ex.. Doc. No. 57, Forty-eighth Congress, first session. The estimates were as follows: FIRST PLAN. Dredging a channel 1,900 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 7 feet deep at mean low water: Dredging a channel 2,500 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 7 feet deep at mean low Five thousand dollars for the improvement of this harbor was appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884, but in view of the fact that the State of New York had undertaken to make some improvements there it was decided not to begin work at once, but to wait until it could be ascertained what plan had been decided upon by the State authorities and until a further examination could be made. No work has yet been done. Saugerties is in the eleventh collection district. The nearest port of entry is Albany, N. Y., and the nearest light-house is at the mouth of Esopus Creek. COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. No statement of the commerce of Saugerties has been received for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1885. A carefully-prepared statement is submitted with General Newton's report of November 28, 1883, which may be found on page 717, part 1, of the Report of the Chief of Engineers for 1884. Money statement. Amount appropriated by act approved July 5, 1884.. July 1, 1885, amount expended during fiscal year, exclusive of outstanding liabilities July 1, 1884..... July 1, 1885, amount available........... $5,000 00 44 05 4,955 95 D 27. REMOVING SUNKEN VESSELS OR CRAFT OBSTRUCTING OR ENDANGER ING NAVIGATION. On the 29th of February, 1884, the schooner Jane, coal-laden, bound to Providence, R. I., was wrecked in what is known as the "Eastern Channel," leading out of and into the harbor of New Haven. The wreck was duly reported and after advertising the notice to owners required by law, and getting no response thereto, proposals were asked for its removal under date of March 18, 1885. The following is an abstract of bids received: PROPOSALS FOR REMOVAL OF WRECK AT ENTRANCE TO NEW HAVEN HARBOR, CONNECTICUT, OPENED APRIL 18, 1885. 1. C. W. Johnston, Lewes, Del 2. Thomas H. Scott, New London, Conn .............! 3. William E. Chapman, New York, N. Y. $1,260 600 449 William E. Chapman was the lowest responsible bidder, and a contract was entered into with him April 27, 1885, for the work. On June 27 the contractor brought up a large derrick scow, passed chains under the wreck, raised it and secured it alongside, and then towed it out into the Sound and dropped it in deep water. The wreckage consisted of 80 feet of the bottom, the sternpost, and some of the ribs of the schooner. An examination of the bottom, made afterward, showed that all the wreckage had been removed. of the wreckage had drifted ashore on Light-house Point. The cost of the removal of the wreck was $556.19. The rest |