202 PIM ON THE ISTHMUS OF SUEZ. [April 11, 1859. 



the " Beport" itself of the "International Scientific Commission," copies of 

 which, together with an atlas showing the configurations of the Isthmus, have 

 been presented to the Society. From these elaborate works it will he seen 

 that every possible contingency likely to occur, and every objection likely to 

 be raised, has been fully anticipated and met. I may farther mention that, 

 since the period of its publication, increased labour and study has been de- 

 voted to this important undertaking ; that specimens of the borings along 

 the whole track through which the canal will have to be made can be seen 

 at the Geological Museum at Paris. 1 beg it will be distinctly understood by 

 the present meeting that, although I represent the Company in this country, 

 I have not taken part in this discussion with the object of making proselytes 

 with a view of engaging their financial co-operation. The time for this has 

 passed, and the list for subscriptions was closed on the 30th of November last 

 year. The capital subscribed, and the amount of calls required, have been 

 paid up. I think this statement due to myself in order to dispel any notions, 

 which I do not believe exist here, that 1 have entered into this ■ discussion 

 with any other motives than to endeavour, however inefficiently, to refute oii 

 purely scientific grounds the arguments which have been put forward against 

 the execution of the canal. In conclusion, I can only say that I believe 

 all arguments respecting the feasibility of the undertaking have been placed 

 beyond the pale of controversy ; nevertheless I shall be happy at all times to 

 aft'ord any information which it is in my power to give to this Society. I 

 consider that we have now arrived at the time for practical operations. Mr. 

 Ferdinand de Lesseps, accompanied by the contractor of the works and a 

 staff of engineers, is at present in Egypt, employed in staking out the ground 

 through which the canal will have to be cut. Ship-loads of timber and other 

 materials have already left the port of Marseilles for Egypt, and all the pre- 

 liminary steps are being taken for commencing the works ; and I earnestly 

 trust that, before six years have elapsed, this great problem, which has occu- 

 pied the minds of men for centuries, may be finally and successfully solved 

 for the benefit of all nations. 



Mr. Robert Stephenson, m.p., f.r.g.s. — I entered this room with a firm 

 determination to avoid all controversial points, and with a sincere intention of 

 conveying to you the impressions I received as to the physical geography of 

 the country, after having twice walked over it, which I conceive render the 

 completion and maintenance of this undertaking absolutely beyond the power of 

 man. Now, the most remarkable statement I ever heard of was the one urged 

 just now, that there being no difference of level between the two seas really 

 rendered the thing more practicable than ever. Negrelli, Talabot, and I were 

 induced to begin the investigation, from its being stated as a positive fact that 

 there was a difference of 30 feet in the level — a circumstance which would 

 have offered the only chance of the scheme being practicable. Now, we hear 

 to-night that there is no difference of level at all, and that this makes it more 

 practicable than ever. Can you conceive anything more absurd ? I cannot. 

 1 was astonished at the assertion of my friend Mr. George Eennie as to the 

 breakwater at Pelusium, and comparing it with the Portland breakwater. 

 Why, at Portland the stones are carried out from the shore and thrown into 

 the sea ; but at Pelusium there is no shore, and all the stones must be brought 

 a hundred miles. Is there any comparison between a breakwater at Portland 

 and a breakwater in the Mediterranean on a lee-shore, where there is no stone 

 and no foundation whatever ? It is nothing but the silt of the Nile. The 

 Nile brings down millions of tons of mud, and in course of time had thus 

 formed the delta at its mouth. This delta has protruded itself a long way 

 into the sea, owing to the contrary action of the current of the Nile and its 

 branches on one side, and of the current of the Mediterranean along the shores 

 of Africa on the other. The moment, then, that you construct a harbour at 



