was limited to a small area where there are obstructions known as Coffin Rocks and Channel Rocks. The project for improvement comprises only the marking of the rocks by beacons and the removal of a few bowlders from the channel above Addison Point, at a total estimated cost of $3,500. A project has been adopted to erect one stone beacon and one iron spindle to mark the Channel Rocks and Coffin Rocks, and to remove such bowlders as may be found. The work is so small in amount, so varied, and so remote from any commercial or business centers that it has not been considered judicious to do the work by contract after public advertisement. A recommenda tion was therefore submitted and approved for constructing the beacon and spindle and removing the bowlders by hired labor and purchase of material in open market. Arrangements have been made for commenc ing the work, and it will be completed during the ensuing summer. Money statement. Amount appropriated by act approved September 19, 1890.. July 1, 1891, balance unexpended.... July 1, 1891, balance available..... Exports: Bricks Blueberries (canned). Imports: Coal.. Wood Total tonnage $3,500.00 3,500.00 270.60 3, 229.40 Three vessels of 350 tons each were built during the year. A 5. IMPROVEMENT OF NARRAGUAGUS RIVER, MAINE. The part of the river comprised in the project for improvement is at the mouth of the river proper and at the head of Narraguagus Bay, below the village of Millbridge, which is near the head of tidewater. The river is navigable for small vessels as far up as Cherryfield, 5 miles above Millbridge. Before the improvement was begun the bar at the mouth of the river gave less than 6 feet depth of water at mean low tide. The project for improvement, originally estimated to cost $50,000, consists in deepening the channel over the bar by dredging to a depth of 11 feet to the steamboat landings and then 9 feet deep to the anchorage. Previous to June 30, 1890, the expenditures bad been $20,000. In the last fiscal year the expenditures have been $5,956.20. Under the appropriation of September 19, 1890, specifications were prepared and proposals for dredging were invited by public advertisement. The amount of appropriations being very small, this work was combined with improvements by dredging at Belfast, Camden, and Rockport, Me., to be let in a single contract, but with a separate price for dredging each locality. The total of appropriations for four improvements thus combined is but $28,500, but the effect has been to obtain exceptionally low prices, which could not have been expected had each work been let separately. Proposals were opened December 30, 1890, and the contract was awarded to the firm of Moore & Wright, whose aggregate bid for the four works was lowest. Under this contract work was commenced May 16, 1891. At the end of the fiscal year the amount dredged under the contract was 61,740 cubic yards. Dredging under the contract will probably be completed about the middle of July. Most of the material dredged is a hard bluish mud resembling clay; also some gravel, shells, and stones. Small portions of the channel previously dredged have been filled by sawdust, which apparently comes down the river from mills at or above Cherryfield. A small map, showing the locality and extent of the improvement, is forwarded to accompany this report. The names of parties who are violating the provisions of section 6 of river and harbor act of September 19, 1890, have been obtained for information of the Department of Justice, under provisions of section 11 of the act mentioned. The commerce of the Narraguagus River is not extensive, but a considerable area of country is dependent upon it for shipments of lumber and for miscellaneous freights. The improvement is in the collection district of Machias. The nearest port of entry is Machias. Nearest light-house is Narraguagus Light-house, on Pond Island. One steamer touches at Millbridge four times per week for about 9 months each year. Other steamers touch at the same point during a few of the summer months. Money statement. Amount appropriated by act approved September 19, 1890 June 30, 1891, amount expended during fiscal year.. $7,500.00 2, 341.57 July 1, 1891, balance unexpended. July 1, 1891, outstanding liabilities 5, 158.43 July 1, 1891, amount covered by uncompleted contracts... $3,614.63 5, 116.80 41.63 July 1, 1891, balance available (Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project 22,500.00 22,500.00 |