TIMBER TRANSPORT 



obtained for 150 years, as reported to the Con- 

 ference on Afforestation in 1907. But many 

 similar cases of excessive haulage and railway 

 rates could be given, and it will thus be seen 

 that the question of cost of transport is a vital 

 figure in the financial success of timber 

 culture. The use of our canals and other 

 waterways, as pointed out by the Prime 

 Minister, will go far in lessening the cost of 

 timber transport, and should be enquired 

 into. 



In the second Report, published a few days 

 ago, of the Select Committee on Transport it 

 is stated that, in comparison with the railway 

 system of the United Kingdom, its waterways 

 are at present relatively unimportant. Ex- 

 cluding open rivers, " waterways " are canals 

 and canalised rivers or " navigations/' The 

 total mileage of canals and navigations is 

 about 4,670 miles, of which 3,639 miles are in 

 England and Wales, 183 miles are in Scotland, 

 and 848 miles are in Ireland. Of the total 

 mileage, 3,310 miles are independently owned 

 or controlled by public bodies or companies, 



143 



