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Long breakwaters have been constructed near the approach channels in both oceans. One in Limon bay, or Colon harbour, called the west breakwater, is 11,526 ft. in length, 15 ft. wide at the top and 1 o ft. above mean sea-level. A second, also in Limon bay, known as the east breakwater, is without land connection, one mile in length and runs in an easterly direction at nearly a right angle with the canal channel. It has a lighthouse on the channel end. The west breakwater protects the harbour against severe gales, while the east breakwater prevents silting in the canal channel. The breakwater at the Pacific entrance extends from Balboa to Naos island, a distance of 17,000 feet. It was constructed for a twofold purpose : first, to divert cross-currents that would carry soft material from the shallow harbour of Panama into the Canal channel; second, to furnish rail connection between the islands and the mainland.
Upon the completion of the canal a number of villages along the line occupied during the con struction days were abandoned, the sites of several being covered by the filling of Gatun lake. The buildings in good condition were transferred to the permanent towns located at the ends of the canal and adjoining the locks. Culebra, the former headquarters of operations, situated on the west bank of the cut near its deepest part, was turned into an army post but was later abandoned. The permanent headquarters were located at Balboa Heights, and the offices of the departments centred in a large 3-storey concrete ad ministration building situated on a hill 10o ft. above sea-level, and overlooking the Pacific entrance to the canal. On the hill at the rear of this building are the residences of the governor and other officials. On the low land in front of the building, in a site which was formerly a tidal swamp and was raised to 20 ft. above sea level by filling with material from the Cut and hydraulic fill from excavation in the harbour, is the town of Balboa. This is laid out on both sides of a central avenue called the Prado, and contains permanent buildings of concrete blocks roofed with red tile. In addition to the dwellings of employees there are a police station, post office, fire-station, sanitary office, dispensary, clubhouse, a community house conducted by the Catholic Church, an army and navy Y.M.C.A., restaurant, churches, lodge hall, schoolhouses and playground.
At the ports on both oceans have been constructed facilities ample for commercial shipping and the naval needs of the United States. Modern piers, 1,200 ft. in length by 240 ft. in width, with enclosed sheds, built of reinforced concrete and steel, are ample for the transshipping of cargo and the storage of goods consigned there for orders. At the Pacific end, at the foot of Sosa Hill, Balboa, are marine and railway repair shops, foundry, etc., covering 6o ac., thoroughly equipped and including
a dry dock having a usable length of i,000 ft. and entrance width of 110 feet. The depth over keel blocks is 43 ft. at mean tide. Smaller shops and a dry dock 30o ft. long and 48 ft. wide with depth of 134 ft. are operated at the Atlantic end. Coaling plants capable
rapid bunkering are operated at both terminals, as well as oil-pumping plants connected with storage tanks for fuel oil, Diesel oil and gasoline. Storehouses supply all kinds of ship chandlery and repair material, as well as foodstuffs, beef and other fresh meats and cold storage supplies, ice, etc. Ships' every need of repair or supply can be met. Radio stations for com munication with ships are operated by the United States Navy at Balboa, Summit, France Field, Toro Point, and Gatun in the Canal Zone, and also at Cape Mala and David in the Republic of Panama. Salvage tugs and other wrecking equipment are available for use of vessels within a radius of 1,000 m. or more of the canal.
Hotels and hospitals are situated at both terminals.
By executive order dated Dec. 5, 1912, President Taft declared that "all land and land under water within the limits of the canal zone are necessary for the construction, maintenance, operation, protection, and sanitation of the Panama canal," and title to all such land was acquired by the Government of the United States. The canal zone is thus a Government reservation, and the only activities carried on by other than Government forces are on land rented to steam ship interests and to agriculturists under revocable licences. Heavy fortifications have been built at both entrances to the canal and brigade posts established near the locks. Both the army and the navy have aerial forces at the canal, and a base for submarines is maintained at the Atlantic end.
The Panama Railroad extends between Colon and Panama on the eastern side of the canal, and is 47.61 m. long. The railroad as built in 1850-55 followed the course of the Chagres from Gatun to Gamboa, and was for the most part on the west side of the route of the Canal. With the building of the canal it was necessary to relocate the railroad throughout practically its whole length. The construction of the original rail road was done by an American company under great difficulties; its completion antedated by 14 years the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States. The railroad was an essential factor in the construction of the canal, and is an im portant adjunct to its operations. It is equipped with 9o-lb. rails, rock-ballasted track, and automatic signals. It uses American rolling-stock, including oil-burning and Diesel electric locomotives.