'Sluice Canal' to the Riverdocks

The ditch (sluice) was dug and prepared as shown in the diagram below
when there was no road, or wide trail connecting to the riverdocks.
As seen in the drawing below , the farm utility barge was long and wide
enough to carry the usual load of a medium sized farm wagon.  The
sides of the ditch were reinforced with wide wooden boards.  The
dimensions of the ditch were approx. 6 ft. wide at the top, 4 1/2 ft. at
the bottom and the water was 2 to 21/2 ft. deep.