12 Board of Public Works

canal by which the port of Baltimore may be connected with the proposed
artificial navigation of the Potomac river, to be explored and examined for the
purpose of fixing and determining the most eligible and proper route for the
same";

2. to "cause such of the lowlands on the margin of the rivers and creeks in this
state, as they shall think proper, to be explored and examined, for the purpose
of draining, embanking, and rendering the same dry and cultivable";

3. "by exploring and surveying the intermediate country with streams, ascertain
the best practicable route for a canal between the eastern branch of the Potomac
River, and also between any lateral canal to Baltimore and the City of An-
napolis";

4. to "cause to be explored, surveyed and sounded, such portions as they may
deem necessary, of the Susquehannah, Pocomoke, Manokin, Wicomico, Great
Choptank, Chester, and all other rivers of this state, and of the country adjacent
thereto, for the purpose of ascertaining the practicability and expense of open-
ing and improving the navigation of said rivers, and of devising the most proper
plans for effecting those objects"; and

5. to "cause the necessary surveys and levels to be taken, and accurate maps,
field books, drafts and models thereof, to be made; and further to recommend
the most proper plans for the formation and construction of said canal, and
other improvements, and thereafter, in like manner, to proceed in reference to
any road, canal, or other improvement which they may be required to explore,
locate and construct, altogether or partly in behalf of the people of this state."

Section 4 of the act required the board to estimate the sums necessary for com-
pleting the contemplated improvements and "such others as may hereafter be in like
manner proposed." It further required the board to present to the next session of the
legislature all of its estimates, surveys, maps, field books, plans, drafts, and models,
together with a comprehensive report of its proceedings.

Section 5 directed the board to make application to the United States, other states,
and to individual landowners for donations of land or money to aid in the construction
or completion of any proposed road, canal, or other improvement.

Section 6 created an internal improvement fund consisting of "all grants, cessions,
donations and subscriptions" made or given for that purpose to the board by the Gen-
eral Assembly, the Congress, or by other states, corporations, and individuals. The
fund was to be "superintended and managed" by the board, with the aid of the treasurer
of the Western Shore. When required by the legislature, the board was authorized to
borrow money, "on the credit of the people of this state," in augmentation of that fund.
The treasurer was directed to "issue transferrable certificates of stock payable at such
time or times as may be determined by law or by [the board]" for these loans.

Section 7 directed the board annually "to cause an inventory or schedule to be
made of the property belonging to this state in the respective road and canal stocks
or companies."

Section 8 authorized the board to represent the state's interest in all of the internal
improvement companies chartered by the legislature and to report upon "the prospect,
progress and condition of all works and stocks of this kind in which the state may be
or shall propose to become a proprietor, and in like manner to communicate their
views as to any practicable and expedient extension of internal improvements by such
means." The board was further directed to ascertain "whether to any, and to what
amount, and upon what terms, loans of money may or can be procured at home and
abroad, on the credit of this state, for the purposes aforesaid" (emphasis added).