Within twenty days after so qualifying, unless prevented by sickness or some other good cause, said commissioners shall proceed to view the premises and perform their duties. They shall be furnished by the clerk of the circuit court a copy of the plat of the land and proposed improvements filed with the petition under the provisions of section 244.020. They shall mark out the most practical route and location of the ditch, tile or levee, and they shall assess the benefits and damages, if any, that will accrue to each tract or parcel of land, according to ownership, because of the proposed works; they shall specify the number of crossings, if any, that will be needed for the use and convenience of the public or owners of the land to be affected by the proposed works, and they shall make such recommendations as they may consider necessary for the use of the circuit court in deciding the cause. They shall make out their report in writing and after the same shall have been signed by at least two of said commissioners, it shall be filed in the office of the circuit clerk. Said commissioners may employ an engineer or surveyor to run levels, make measurements and obtain such other information as said commissioners may deem necessary to assist them in their work.