Route to India. 143 



terranean, who would consequently, in such a case, reap the entire be- 

 nefit. I am decidedly of opinion, that British capital and British energy 

 would alone execute the work in a truly useful and permanent style. 

 But the measure is daily becoming so much more obvious as one of 

 practical facility, that it cannot long be postponed in some shape or an- 

 other. 



The conclusions may now be recapitulated in general terms : — 



1st, That a ship canal between the two seas, which contemplates an 

 extended commerce between the countries of Europe and the Indian 

 Ocean, should be free from the effects of all fluctuating causes, arising 

 from inundations or floods, &c. 



2dj That it should be a measure irrespective of the commerce of Egypt 

 and the Nile, or rather that it could not combine these objects in the 

 same measure with any good results ; though it would be the means of 

 greatly improving the commerce of Egypt by accessory measures. 



3d, That the mean fall from the level of the Red Sea to that of the 

 Mediterranean (say 30 feet) is sufficient to keep the artificial channel 

 clean, if the fall be properly economized ; and also that it would be able 

 to preserve its mouth in the Bay of Pelusium in a navigable state at all 



4:th, That a navigation of still water with locks could not be long 

 maintained with advantage, under all the circumstances of the case. 



5th, That a broad and deep stream, like that of the Dardanelles, could 

 not be produced by natural operations, assisted slightly by art ; but that 

 the attempt would be pregnant with mischief in some quarters, and 

 result in disappointment. 



6th, That a direct and perfectly controllable channel of a uniform size 

 and shape and incline, would be the safest and most appropriate under- 

 taking of which the circumstances permit, and under the imperfect in- 

 formation we possess. 



It must, however, be confessed, that no definitive opinion can be given, 

 or very satisftictory estimates assumed, until a new and detailed survey, 

 having the express objects in view, is completed, comprehending the ne- 

 cessary levellings and borings and maritime surveys of the ports at the 

 termini of the canal. 



With respect to the land survey, were all the necessary persons and 

 means duly prepared to commence operations in the beginning of Octo- 

 ber, it is probable the investigation might be completed in the beginning 

 of the following May, and a true solution given to this great geographi- 

 cal, commercial, and engineering question. 



As mankind multiply and make progress in the arts and civilization, 

 new wants arise, and the ingenuity and industry of man is taxed to 

 discover new sources of wealth, maintenance, and occupation ; and wo 

 find, under the dispensations of an allwise Providence, that at suitable 

 seasons resources are unveiled which have been long provided but con- 



