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 enbic yards for New Inlet Dam, at $1.66%

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.....

Respectfully submitted.

Capt. C. B. PHILLIPS,

Corps of Engineers, United States Army.

31 E

$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

256, 000 00

HENRY BACON,
Assistant Engineer.

A thorough survey of the Bald Head and western chann has been made, and projected on a scale of goon·

The triangulation in preparation for a complete hydro, connecting the above surveys has been made.

Reconnaissances and exaininations have been made and of Federal Point, Zeke's and Smith's Islands, Bald Head P The tug James T. Easton, and the crew of the same, have surveys, and very little extra labor has been employed on under the care of a watchman and the crew discharged I pairs will be required to put her in running order.

The suction-dredge Woodbury has been laid up une during the year. Her hull and machinery have necessai and rust. Her boiler is known to be worthless. The n ratus are in reasonably good condition.

Simultaneous tidal observations have been taken, espec Point, and Wilmington. They have not been taken absolute average range of the tides so much as their rela* the several places.

Some of the comparative results of these observatio tidal observations will, on comparison with future obser at the same places after closing the New Inlet, show tidal movements.

From 184 simultaneous observations, each of high a and 1877, and 71 similar observations of the same from 1878, since the partial closure of the New Inlet, the follo One hundred and eighty-four observations in

ANNUAL EXPORT TABLE.