296 DRAINAGE OF HOLLAND. 



across the mouth of the river Rhine, which made it overflow its 

 banks ; 80,000 lives were lost, and about 40,000 acres of land, 

 which remain to this time under 12 feet of water. 



" About 100 years since the head and surface of the river 

 Khine was 5 feet below what it now is. The under floors of 

 houses in Holland are nearly useless, and in -another century 

 must be totally lost, unless something is done to prevent it. 

 The river at present is nearly overflowing its banks. In conse- 

 quence of the rise of water, the windmill engines cannot lift it 

 out. To erect steam-engines, they never could believe would 

 repay the expense. Nearly one-half of Holland is at present 

 under water, either totally or partially, because the ground 

 kept dry in winter is flooded in summer. 



"About six years since it was in contemplation to recover 

 the 40,000 acres before mentioned, and a company was formed 

 of the King and the principal men in Holland, to drain this by 

 windmills, which they estimated would cost 250,0007., and 

 making the banks and canals 450,000?. more, when made by 

 men's labour, and seven years to accomplish it. 



" This seven years was a great objection, because of the 

 unhealthy state of the country while draining. The water is 

 about 18 inches every year, to be lifted on an average 10 feet 

 high. I have been furnished with correct calculations and 

 drawings from this company. 



" They expected to have drained 40,000 acres in seven years, 

 at a cost of 700,0007., which, when drained, would have sold at 

 507. per acre, about two millions. 



" I find, from the statement given me, of 18 inches of water- to 

 be lifted 10 feet high, it would require about one bushel of coal 

 to lift the water from one acre of ground for one year, and that a 

 63-inch cylinder double would perform the work of 40,000 acres, 

 when working with high steam and condensing, at an expense 

 of less than .30007. per year. Engines in boats would cut and 

 make the embankments and canals, without the help of men. 

 I proposed six cylinders of 60 inches diameter, double power, 

 which would drain the water in one year ; and also four others 

 for cutting the canals and making embankments. The ex- 

 pense would not exceed 100,0007. and one year, instead of 



