in the
Corn Exchange; the Dispensary premises were also insured for 800 pounds,
instead of 600 pounds, in the County Fire Office, in 1902.

It will thus be seen that although the operations of the institution no
longer embrace the extended area of the early years of its existence, it
is still doing a most valuable work in the alleviation of suffering among
the poor and needy, in both town and country for many miles round, and is
thoroughly deserving of the increased support, which is required, to
continue its efficiency. We trust that this will be recognized by the
land owners and others, and that such assistance will be forthcoming.

CHAPTER IX.
THE CANAL.

The Horncastle Canal, connecting for commerce the town with the river
Witham, and so with Lincoln, Boston, and the sea, though now a derelict,
was formerly of much value. Its history is here given from its earliest
inception.

Horncastle having been for some centuries the chief market of an
important agricultural district, an association was formed towards the
close of the 18th century, with the title "The Company of Proprietors of
Horncastle Navigation, in the County of Lincoln." This was, in the year
1792, incorporated by an Act of Parliament, which gave a list of the
names of the original members, and secured to them, and to their
successors, perpetual possession of the same, and a common seal. The
canal was to be 11 miles long, extending from the junction of the two
rivers, Bain and Waring, which traverse the town and meet at the point
where now stands the public swimming bath, to the Witham at Tattershall;
and passing through the parishes of Thornton, Martin, Dalderby, Roughton,
Haltham, Kirkby, Coningsby, and Tattershall.

The company had at first a capital of 15,000 pounds in 50 pound shares,
no member being allowed to hold less than one share or more than 20. The
surveyors for the undertaking were Messrs. Robert Stickney and Samuel
Dickinson.

When about two-thirds of the work was completed this capital was
exhausted; and in the year 1800 a second Act of Parliament was obtained,
which authorised the raising of a supplementary sum of 20,000 pounds in
shares of 50 pounds; additional members being enrolled, and mortgages
raised on the tolls. The whole profits of the concern, for several
years, were absorbed in paying off the debt thus contracted, so that no
dividend accrued for the shareholders until the year 1813. The channel,
from Horn