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isn THOMPSON'S COAST PILOT. ST. MARY'S FALLS SHIP CANAL. This Canal, which connects the navigation of Lake Superior with the Lower Lakes, is one mile in length, and cost about one million dollars. It was built in the years 1853-'54-'55, by the Saint Mary's: Falls Ship Canal Company, under a contract with commissioners appointed by the authorities of the State of Michigan to secure the building of the canal. . | A grant of 750,000 acres of the public land had sealing been made by Congress to the State of Michigan, to aid in the con- struction of this important work. This grant of 750,000 acres was given to 'he parties. contracting for the building of the canal, provided the work should be completed within two years from the date of the contract. The work was commenced in the spring of 1853, and completed within the time specified in the contract (two years.) -- This result was accomplished under many disadvantages, during a very sickly season, and when great difficulty was experienced in, obtaining laborers; but the unremitting vigor of those who had the charge of the work secured its completion in the most substantial, - permanent, and acceptable manner. During a great portion of the time there were from '1, 200 to 1,600 men employed upon the work, exclusive of the force at the different quarries where the stone was cut and prepared for the locks, beside a large force employed in necessary agencies, getting timber, etc. The stones for the locks were cut at Anderdon, Canada, near. Malden, and at Marblehead, near Sandusky, in Ohio. 'These were sent in vessels to the work, some twenty-five different sailing vessels being employed in this business. | On the completion of the canal, in June, 1855, the, Governor of the State, the State officers, and the Canal Commissioners proceeded. to Sault Ste. Marie for the purpose of inspecting the work. It was accepted, and thereupon, in accordance with the terms of the con- tract, the State authorities released to the Canal Company and issued patents for the 750,000 acres of land. 'This was all the remu- neration the company received for the work. was The lands were selected during the building of the canal, by agents appointed by the Governor of Michigan.