( 866 ) 



K.nes 



SPRING TIDE. 

 45 27 



NEAP TIDE. 

 45 27 



9K.M. 



~ i.oo M 



The figures inscribed in the diagram represent the hours elapsed since low tide in the Pacific. 

 -f = current from the Pacific towards the Atlantic 

 -ir= „ h » Atlantic „ „ Pacific. 



§ 6. From the preceding considerations we may conclude that, as 

 far as we can judge by direct computation of the velocities, to be 



expected in an open Panama canal, there is reason to think that 

 these velocities will indeed be somewhat, but not considerably greater 

 than those on the Suez-canal between the Bitter Lakes and the 

 Red Sea. 



Meanwhile we ought not to forget, that both in these computations 

 and in our knowledge about the velocities which occur on the Suez- 

 canal there remains some or rather considerable uncertainty. This 

 uncertainty might only be diminished by more complete observations 

 than have been published as yet concerning the relation between 

 velocity of the current, tidal motion and dimensions of the cross- 

 section of the Suez-canal. 



We shall be enabled to get at a just estimate therefore about the 

 question whether an open Panama-canal without lock is possible, only 

 by following a way different from that of a comparison of the computed 

 velocities with those observed on the Suez-canal. This way may 

 consist in trying to get at a direct knowledge of the differences of 

 the velocities on the two canals by a comparison of the circum- 



