In the early spring the water would be drawn off from the canal to allow the men to find breaks in the bank caused by the beaver and muskrat, which were continually making holes, thus letting the water out, frequently doing great damage to the surrounding country. The boys would take advantage of this time and search for articles lost overboard, and it was common to find valuables. When the water was let on every boy and girl would be on hand to watch it and try and keep up with the head of the stream. As an avenue for skating it was unsurpassed, and a spin to Woburn and beyond was of frequent occurrence.
The methods of receiving, transporting, and delivering freight were very similar to those of the present day; a way-bill or pass-port accompanied the goods. Freight charges were paid on removal of the property, and in case of delayed removal, a wharfage or demurrage charge was added.
Meanwhile Caleb Eddy, who assumed the agency of the corporation in 1825, rebuilt the wooden locks and dams of stone. With the accession of business brought by the corporation at Lowell, the prospect for increased dividends in the future was extremely encouraging. The ‘Golden Age’ of the canal appeared close at hand, but the fond hopes of the proprietors were once more destined to disappointment. Even the genius of James Sullivan had not foreseen the locomotive. In 1829 a petition was presented to the legislature for the survey of a road from Boston to Lowell. It was at the house of Patrick T. Jackson, Esq., at 22 Winter street, Boston, where the first step was taken for the organization of a company to build the Boston & Lowell railroad. A committee of the canal was then quickly chosen to draw up for presentation to the General Court a remonstrance of the proprietors of the Middlesex canal against the grant of a charter to build a road from Boston to Lowell. Notwithstanding the pathetic remonstrance of the canal proprietors, the legislature incorporated the road, and refused compensation to the canal. Even while the road was being built, the canal directors did not seem to realize the full gravity of the situation. They continued the policy of replacing wood with stone, and made every effort to perfect the service in all its details, and as late as
