sity under which it was imposed no longer exists. But the efforts to procure its repeal have thus far been unavailing.

The attention of the Directors having been drawn to the very important subject of the extension of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from Three Forks to Parkersburg, and of the Baltimore and Susquehanna Railroad from the northern terminus of the York and Cumberland Railroad to Sunbury, resolutions were passed and published approving strongly of these extensions as of great value to the general interests of Baltimore.

By invitation of the Board a committee appointed by the Directors of the Central Ohio Railroad Company visited this city in August last, and in public meeting furnished much valuable information in respect to its purposes, position, and prospects, and exhibited the advantages which would accrue to Baltimore by the extension of said work eastwardly from Zanesville to the Ohio River, at some point to connect with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The committee likewise invited subscriptions from our citizens in aid of this valuable connection, and books have been opened to enable them to be made.

A weekly journal entitled the Cotton Plant having been established at Washington, whose object is to foster and encourage “direct trade, manufactures, agriculture, and the development of Southern resources," was recommended to our merchants liberally to encourage the same by subscription and advertising, in the belief that it would prove a powerful auxiliary in augmenting their business.

In connection with this point it may be well to mention, that it is contemplated in December next to hold in Baltimore a Commercial Convention, at which Southern and Western interests it is thought will be fully represented; also that by an interchange of views at such a meeting, a larger share of the Commerce of the South and West than we have hitherto enjoyed may be induced to Baltimore. It is especially deemed auspicious that said Convention should be held at that time, as it will be nearly contemporaneous with the expected opening of our great work of internal improvement, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to the Ohio River at Wheeling.

A communication was received at the meeting held 6th ult., from a committee of the Maryland State Agricultural Society, asking the co-operation of the Board of Trade for the " purpose of aiding them in their investigation of the entire system of inspections under the existing laws of Maryland, an impression prevailing among the agriculturists of the State that their interests would be materially advanced by a radical change in the present system of inspects." A special committee of five was at once appointed to consider and report upon the subject in all its bearings. It is understood that it is engaged in this investigation, not only with reference to the systems existing at present in this State, but also comparatively with those prevailing in neighboring agricultural and commercial communities. From the joint deliberations of these committees, a valuable and interesting report may be anticipated shortly.

While on the topic of inspections it may not be inappropriate to remark, that at the almost unanimous request of buyers and sellers, the City Council at their last session adopted the license system of inspection of beef and pork, which will shortly go into operation. In regard to butter and lard the "voluntary system" prevails, although an inspector is appointed whose services may be obtained. A strong remonstrance against a bill proposing a tax of forty cents per ton for the inspection of guano was addressed to the Senate, stating that it was an unnecessary increase in cost of this extensively used manure which must be borne by the planter or farmer, and that the effect would be to drive a valuable trade from Baltimore to New York or other ports where no such charges are exacted. The bill did not pass.

A modification of the laws regulating the gauging of domestic distilled liquors was made by the Legislature on application of the Board, which abandons the old mode of marking by proofs, and substituting therefor, marking the numbers of degrees above or below proof, (as the case may be,) thus conforming with the custom of other large markets.

It is a source of congratulation that at length some steps have been taken towards deepening our ship channel; the City Councils at their last session made an appropriation of fifty thousand dollars, to be expended under the supervision of a Board of Commissioners. It is understood that the gentlemen thus appointed have organized and taken the initiatory measures for the disbursement of this fund to best advantage. Included in the River and Harbor Bill recently passed by Congress, (as before stated,) there is a sum of fifty thousand dollars for the improvement of our waters, of which twenty thousand dollars are for the construction of a dredge boat, and twenty thousand dollars for the improvement of the navigation of the Patapsco River and Chesa

peake Bay, while the remaining ten thousand dollars are intended for the Susquehanna at its mouth. With the object of obtaining the most benefit from the application of these two appropriations, it is hoped and believed that the Board of Commissioners, constituted by the councils, and the officer of engineers, under whose direction the general government will cause its funds to be expended, may act in concert.

It will thus be seen that the United States, as well as the city of Baltimore, have recognized the necessity of removing the obstructions that exist in our river and bay, preventing the ingress and egress of first class ships when deeply laden-such as our large and increasing Commerce demands. The amounts derived from these sources will suffice for a commencement, but to obtain the average depth of water to be desired-say twenty-five feet-they will prove altogether inadequate.

In view of this fact, it is the intention of the Board of Trade to make a strong appeal for aid in carrying out this all important work to the Legislature of Maryland, at its ensuing session, and the directors feel confident that honorable body will liberally respond. It can be proven that every agriculturist in the State is equally interested with every citizen, whether engaged in Commerce or in any of the various mechanical pursuits, in placing this-their market-on a footing to compete fairly with Northern ports in conveying their produce to consuming countries at the lowest rates of freight, and thus enabling the buyers here to pay for their tobacco, grain, flour, or other commodities, prices equal to those obtained in New York or Boston. It is unnecessary to advert, in this connection, to the vast coal interest of Maryland, of which the development has scarcely commenced. All concerned in it are too fully aware that cheap freights are an essential element required to bring into activity this important feature of the future wealth of Maryland.

But it may not be improper to draw attention to the consideration of the direct advantage which must ensue to the State by the increased returns from the value of large investments in the several works of internal improvements, consequent upon opening a sufficiently deep and unimpeded channel to the ocean, for the large quantities of heavy agricultural and mineral productions which ere long must reach Baltimore by the various roads and channels constructed in part by the money and credit of the State-and provided that they can be brought here, and carried to points of consumption on as favorable terms as by other rival routes-otherwise a portion of this immense trade will be dormant, and a large share be driven into more fortunate and economical channels.

Reference is asked to the accompanying report of the treasurer of the association for its present financial condition, and all is respectfully submitted to your consideration, by order of the Board of Directors.

JOHN C. BRUNE, President.

AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE board of tradE OF THE CITY OF BALTIMORE.

Whereas an association of citizens has for several years existed in the city of Baltimore, under the title of the " Board of Trade of the City of Baltimore," having for its object the encouragement and advancement of the interests of Commerce and manufactures in said city;

And whereas said association has applied for an act of incorporation, in order that thereby its existence may be rendered more secure, and that it may be enabled to carry out with greater efficiency the important and laudable objects for which it was formed; therefore

SEC. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the president of said association, John C. Brune; the vice-presidents, Wm. McKim, Hermann H. Perry, Henry Tiffany, and Nathan Rogers; the treasurer, Edward B. Dallam; the secretary, George U. Porter; and the directors, Thomas C. Jenkins, William P. Lemmon, Joseph C. Wilson, Patrick H. Sullivan, James George, Enoch Pratt, Daniel Warfield, Gustav W. Lurman, William G. Harrison, William R. Travers, Albert Schumacher, Alexander Rieman, David S. Wilson, Josiah Lee, Thomas Wilson, William Bose, Benjamin C. Buck, Chauncey Brooks, Thomas W. Levering, George B. Hoffman, John J Abrahams, Hugh Jenkins, Enoch A. Courtney, and George K. Walter, and such other persons as now are members of said association, and their successors, be and they are hereby created a corporation by the name of the "Board of Trade of the City of Baltimore," and by that name may sue and be sued, answer and defend in any Court of law or equity, and may ordain and establish such by-laws, rules, and regulations as shall ap pear necessary and proper for conducting the concerns of said corporation, and shall not be contrary to law; and the same may change, alter, and amend as shall appear proper; and may have, use, and at pleasure change a common seal, and generally

may do any act or thing necessary and proper to carry into effect the provisions of this act, and to promote the designs of the corporation.

SEO. 2. And be it enacted, That the said corporation shall have the power of receiving subscriptions, donations, devises, and bequests of money or real or personal property, in trust or otherwise; and of purchasing or otherwise acquiring and holding such property, to be applied by it for the promotion and encouragement of the Commerce, trade, and manufactures of the city of Baltimore; provided, however, that the property to be held by said corporation, at any one time, shall not exceed in clear annual value the sum of thirty thousand dollars.

SEC. 3. And be it enacted, That nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to authorize said corporation to issue any note, token, scrip, or device, or other evidence of debt to be used as currency.

SEC. 4. And be it enacted, That this act shall have effect from and after its passage, and the General Assembly may at any time alter or repeal this act of incorporation.

After the report was read a resolution was adopted, directing the printing of four hundred copies for the use of the members. The election of officers for the ensuing year was then had, and resulted as follows:

FOR PRESIDENT--John C. Brune.

FOR VICE-PRESIDENTS--William McKim, Thomas C. Jenkins, Henry Tiffany, Chauncey Brooks.

FOR TREASURER--E. B. Dallam.

FOR SECRETARY--G. U. Porter.

FOR DIRECTORS--Wm. P. Lemmon, P. H. Sullivan, James George, Enoch Pratt, G. W. Lurman, Wm. G. Harrison, Wm. R. Travers, A. Rieman, William Bose, Thomas W. Levering, George B. Hoffman, J. J. Abrahams, E. S. Courtney, William Kennedy, C. D. Culbertson, Robert Leslie, Robert Howard, John H. Duvall, Galloway Cheston, Robert R. Kirkland, B. F. Newcomer, Robert W. Allen, F. B. Graf, S. K. Burkholder.

NAUTICAL INTELLIGENCE.

LIGHT-HOUSES ON THE NORTH COAST OF SPAIN.

The Hydrographic Department, under date July 17th, 1852, has issued the following notice to mariners, descriptive of three new light-houses on the North coast of Spain:

1ST. LIGHT ON THE POINT OF MACHICHACO, PROVINCE OF BISCAY.

From the 21st of August a new light-house will be lighted every night, established on the Point of Cape Machichaco, on the north coast of Spain, from the setting to the rising of the sun. This light-house is situated 14 miles east of the Point of Fuerte de la Galea, latitude 43° 28' N., and longitude 3° 22′ 50′′ E. of the Observatory of San Fernando, (Cadiz.) The apparatus is of the 1st catadioptric order of Fresnel's system, with fixed lights, and flashes at intervals of four minutes. This light, which is of the natural color, at an elevation of 285 Castilian feet above the level of the Equinoctial high tides, and produces a tangent of 18.8 miles.

2D. LIGHT ON THE POINT OF THE FUERTE DE LA GALEA, PROVINCE OF BISCAY. This light-house, established on the coast to the east of the Bay (Concha) of Portugalete, is situated 14 miles west of Cape Machichaco, in latitude 43° 22′ 26′′ N., and longitude 3° 8' 14" E. of the Observatory of San Fernando. Its apparatus is of the 4th catadioptric order; the light fixed and of the natural color, at a hight of 416 Castilian feet above the sea in the Equinoctial high tides, and is distant 5,200 feet of the same measure from the Punta de la Galea. This light in strictness produces a tangent of 22.66 miles; but it can only be distinguished at this, or even at a less distance, under favorable conditions of the atmosphere.

3D. LIGHT CAPE PENAS, PROVINCE OF OVIEDO.

It is situated in latitude 43° 42′ 20′′ N., and longitude 22' 28" E. of the Observatory of San Fernando. The hight of the luminous focus above the level of the sea is $70 Castilian feet, and its apparatus, which is of the first catadioptric order of Fresnel produces a light with eclipses which follow each other at intervals of 30 seconds, with a tangent in clear weather of 20 miles. This light will be first illuminated on the 15th of August.

BELL BUOY IN THE BAY OF FUNDY.

ST. JOHN, N. B., September 22, 1852.

TO FREEMAN HUNT, Editor of the Merchants' Magazine :

DEAR SIR-I beg leave to communicate to you, for the information of the readers of your useful Magazine, that a bell buoy is about being moored not under one-and-ahalf and not over two miles directly south of Patridge Island, at the entrance of this harbor. The dimensions are as follows, namely,-length over all, thirty five feet ; breadth, twelve feet; extreme hight of mast, fifteen feet, on top of which is the bell; the least swell will cause the bell to ring; there are four clappers. The buoy is ballasted with eight tons of pig iron, and was built in England, of boiler-plate, in a substantial and workmanlike manner. Half-way up the iron mast there is a cage for the protection of any person shipwrecked who can reach it.

The prevalence of fog in the Bay of Fundy renders the buoy absolutely necessary. It is the first of the kind ever used this side of the Atlantic. Yours, respectfully,

R. S.

ASCERTAINING THE CURRENTS OF THE OCEAN.

A bottle containing the following note was picked up July 29th, 1852, in Galeon Bay, on the N. E. part of the Island of Martinique, in latitude 14° N., longitude 60° 56' West.

H. M. S. RAPID, Tuesday, February 24, 1852.

In latitude 30' S., longitudé 22° 34' 30" W., experienced a strong current, running N. W., at the rate of 30 miles per day; two days previous, but in the above latitude and longitude, we had no currents, which induces me to send this bottle. Should it be picked up, note the day of month and date, together with your latitude and longitude, and forward it to me. ALFRED MESSUM, Master H. M. S. Rapid.

REVOLVING LIGHT ON THE EAST END OF KANGAROO ISLAND.

We are indebted to G. J. Abbot, Esq., of the State Department, Washington, for the subjoined notice to mariners. It is dated, Hydrographic Office, Admiralty, July 15th.

1852:

Mariners are hereby informed, that on the 10th of January, 1852, a revolving light was established on Cape Willoughby, the eastern extremity of Kangaroo Island, in 35° 49′ 20′′ S. and 138° 12' 30" E. of Greenwich.

The light appears at intervals of a minute and a half, and being elevated 241 feet above the level of the sea, may be seen at the distance of twenty-four miles, from the deck of a moderate sized vessel, and on all bearings, from N. E. by E. E. round to S. by E. E.

PORT PATRICK HARBOR LIGHT.

Notice is hereby given that, by order of the lords commissioners of her majesty's treasury, the Harbor Light of Port Patrick, in Wigtonshire, will, from and after the 1st of January next, 1853, cease to be exhibited.

RAILROAD, CANAL, AND STEAMBOAT STATISTICS.

RAILROAD SYSTEM OF THE WEST.

Under this title, a writer in the Toledo Republican in an interesting article, considers what outlets the new system of railroads in the Western States will have towards the east, and in which directions their freights will most profitably be carried. The railroads now projected in the Western States amount to nearly ten thousand miles, 2,000 of which are nearly finished, and the remainder will probably be so, before the end of 1853. At about the same time, Baltimore and Philadelphia will each have completed a single line railroad to the Ohio. The New York and Erie Railroad will probably then be double-tracked, as well as the roads between Buffalo and Albany.

The side roads in New York, together with the Ogdensburg, may be considered equivalent to a continuous single-track. This would give the Northern route, five tracks of railroad besides the Erie Canal; leaving to the Southern route, two tracks of railroad and the Pennsylvania Canal.

The following Western roads are considered as depending on the Pennsylvania Central and the Baltimore and Ohio roads for an outlet.