This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1821. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... eservoir might be formed to conduct these waters to the canal. 4th. To survey, sound, and estimate by actual measurement the courses and depths of Christiana creek, of Elk river, and Back creek, and their respective channels, and also of the river Delaware at New Castle and opposite to Red Hook and its vicinity. These operations with several of a less important nature which were from time to time thought necessary for the general investigation of the subject, were pursued with unremitting industry through the late summer. But the season being considerably advanced before the appointment of the board, it was found impossible to complete them before the winter put a close to all ope/ations of the field, and its length and rigor prevented their recommencement till unusually late in the present spring. However reluctant therefore the board have been to delay the important measures of a decision on the route--of the commencement of the work, and of giving the result of their labours to the public eye, they have been compelled to it by circumstances beyond their controul, and by their desire to effect their surveys in such a manner as should render them, not a vague, but an accurate guide to themselves and their successors: and they trust that their constituents will feel with themselves, that this delay is in a great measure compensated by the accurate and copious information which it has produced. Without entering into the detail of these operations which would be too tedious for the present purpose, it will be sufficient to mention their general result and the measures which have been founded upon them. 1. By the survey of the waters of Elk, Christiana, and White-clay creeks, and of the course of the feeder and reservoir, it was ascertained, that the supply to be d...