"The Great American Canals (Volume 2, The Erie Canal)" by Archer Butler Hulbert is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume focuses specifically on the Erie Canal, detailing its conception, construction, and impact on American transportation and commerce. The text likely explores the critical role that the canal played in connecting the eastern states to the western frontiers, as well as its significance in the broader context of American infrastructure development. At the start of the book, the author presents a preface that outlines the major themes to be explored regarding the Erie Canal. The opening portion delves into the early history of the Mohawk Valley as a vital route prior to the canal's construction, noting both Indigenous use and European settlement patterns. Hulbert emphasizes the challenges that existed for transportation, such as the Cohoes Falls that hindered navigation on the Mohawk River. He introduces the early promoters' dreams and ideas surrounding the canal's potential, which ultimately set the stage for its creation as a pivotal American waterway. (This is an automatically generated summary.)