feet wide and 6 feet deep at mean low water, where existing mean lowwater depths vary from 3 to 6 feet; also for the removal of shoals from the cross-over channel and at the entrance to the south branch, should the available funds permit. Bids were opened March 29, 1893, and the following were received: Elijah Brainard, 343 cents per cubic yard; P. Sanford Ross, 36 cents per cubic yard, and Edgar M. Payn, 378 cents per cubic yard, measured in scows. The bid of Edgar M. Payn, although the highest, was recommended for acceptance by reason of its containing no provision against beginning work in accordance with the specifications, which was the case with the other two (abstract herewith). This recommendation was approved and a contract entered into April 13, 1893, for the removal of about 13,000 cubic yards of material. The reports of the steamboat lines navigating the river as to the condition of the channels early in the spring were, for causes above explained, very unfavorable, and it soon became apparent that all available funds would have to be employed in pushing through channels for the steamers irrespective of any scheme of general improvement. The amount appropriated for this inland harbor being only about $5,000 per annum, it is evident that nothing can be done looking toward a permanent channel inclosed between low-water dikes (the only method by which a permanent way can be maintained), and that the money granted is only barely sufficient to keep the very variable and inconstant channels in repair. For this reason, when it was reported that a deep hole existed just above the Oceanic Bridge, far removed from the channel, and in quiet water, where the material dredged could be deposited without injuring any local interests, it was contemplated with great satisfaction. The contract with Edgar M. Payn, at 378 cents, provided for putting the material ashore, but when the hole above mentioned was discovered, the contractor consented to do the dredging required at a much reduced price per yard (25 cents), and accordingly a supplementary contract, having this change in view, was entered into May 4 and approved by the Department May 15, 1893. Work under the supplementary contract of May 4 was begun May 6 and was completed at the close of the fiscal year. This work consisted in the removal of various shoals from both branches of the river, as follows: In the north branch a channel 170 feet wide, 6 feet deep, mean low water, and 425 feet long, was dredged through a bar above Upper Rocky Point; a channel 100 feet wide, 6 feet deep, and 275 feet long, made through a bar in the cross-over channel, and a small shoal in the channel just below Dike C 2, removed. In the south branch the lower end of stone Dike C 4 was removed for a distance of 350 feet, and a channel 100 feet wide, 6 feet deep, and 450 feet long cut through from the channel of the main stem to a point in the channel of the south branch above the bars that obstruct its old outlet. The total amount of material removed under the contract was 18,565 cubic yards. As above remarked, it was very fortunate that this method of disposal of dredged material was determined upon, for it enabled this office to do all necessary work demanded by the commercial interests of the river; this could not have been done at the original price per yard without trenching upon the fund reserved for dikes. As corresponding repairs of channels will be necessary next spring, it is now recommended that the unexpended balance of the fund reserved for dikes be diverted from the use intended originally, and that it be devoted to the improvements of navigation which will be asked for at that time. The expenditures during the fiscal year amount to $3,186.87, as follows: This work is in the collection district of Perth Amboy, which is the nearest port of entry; nearest light-house, Navesink Light; nearest fort, fort at Sandy Hook, N. J. Amount of revenue collected at the port of Perth Amboy during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1893, is $22,680.83. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project. 1,680.44 20, 062.00 20, 062.00 Abstract of bids for improving Shrewsbury River, New Jersey, by dredging, received and opened March 29, 1893, under advertisement dated February 18, 1893. * Contract entered into April 13, 1893, for the removal of 13,000 cubic yards, more or less, of material. COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. The following statistics relative to the commerce of Shrewsbury River, New Jersey, during the year ending December 31, 1892, were furnished by Capt. James S. Throckmorton, of Red Bank, N. J.: The above table shows an increase of 49,000 tons over amount reported for year ending December 31, 1891. F 15. IMPROVEMENT OF MANASQUAN (SQUAN) RIVER, NEW JERSEY. In its original condition this stream had a depth of from 4 to 6 feet at mean low water for several miles above its mouth, and was obstructed at its outlet into the ocean by a sand spit, which had deflected the stream into a channel parallel with the beach, communicating with the ocean across shifting sand bars, on which the best depth did not exceed 14 feet at mean low water; mean range of tide, 2.4 feet. In severe storms this channel was sometimes entirely closed by sand. The project for its improvement was adopted in 1879, and contemplated dredging the lower river and obtaining by means of jetties a permanent outlet nearly at right angles to the beach, with a depth of 6 feet at mean low water, at an estimated cost of $52,120. This was increased to $72,000 in 1882, the increase being due to advanced prices and to a proprosed increase in the length of the jetties. The amount expended under this project to June 30, 1887, was $39,000, with which two jetties had been constructed, but neither to its full length, appropriations having ceased in 1882. No permanent improvement had been effected. A detailed account of this work was given in my report for 1891, p. 1010, et seq. There were no expenditures on account of this work during the past fiscal year. The work is in the collection district of Perth Amboy, N. J., which is the nearest port of entry. Nearest light-house, Great Beds Light, in Raritan Bay; nearest fort, fort at Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Amount of revenue collected at the port of Perth Amboy during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1893, $22,680.83. Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project.. Submitted in compliance with requirements of sections 2 of river and harbor acts of 1866 and 1867. $2,000.00 2,000.00 31,000.00 F 16. PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF SEAFORD CREEK, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. [Printed in House Ex. Doc. No. 38, Fifty second Congress, second session.] OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS, UNITED STATES ARMY, Washington, D. C., December 5, 1892. SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith a copy of report dated September 22, 1892, by Capt. Thomas L. Casey, Corps of Engineers, of the results of a preliminary examination of Seaford Creek, Long Island, New York, made to comply with requirements of the river and harbor act approved July 13, 1892. I concur in the opinion expressed by Capt. Casey, and by the division engineer that this creek is not worthy of improvement by the General Government. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. LINCOLN CASEY, Hon. S. B. ELKINS, Secretary of War. Brig. Gen., Chief of Engineers. REPORT OF CAPT. THOMAS L. CASEY, CORPS OF ENGINEERS. UNITED STATES ENGINEER OFFICE, GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report upon a preliminary examination of Seaford Creek, Long Island, as ordered by the river and harbor act of July 13, 1892: Seaford is a scattering village of a few hundred inhabitants, in the town of Hempstead, Long Island. It extends to the marsh back of |