DRAINAGE OF HOLLAND. 297 



700,0007. and seven years. Above 60,000 acres more are to be 

 drained. 



" It was also proposed by Government to cut open the river 

 Khine to 1000 yards wide and 6 feet deep for 50 or 60 miles in 

 length ; they supposed it would cost them ten millions sterling. 

 I proposed to make iron ships of 1000 tons burthen, with an 

 engine in each, which would load them, propel, and also empty 

 them for about Id. per ton. Each ton will be about a square 

 yard, and the cutting the river Ehine 1000 yards wide, 6 feet 

 deep, 50 or 60 miles in length, will not cost one and a half mil- 

 lion, and be accomplished in a short time. I further proposed 

 that all this rubbish be carried into the sea of the Zuyder Zee, 

 which would make dry, by embanking with the rubbish, nearly 

 1,000,000 acres of good land, capable of paying ten times the 

 sum of cutting open the river Ehine. 



" All this would add 100 per cent, more to the surface of 

 Holland, and at this time it is much wanted, because their 

 settlements abroad are free almost of the mother-country, and 

 they have too many inhabitants for the land at present. I 

 made them plans for carrying the whole into effect, and have 

 closed my agreement with them. 



"In a few days I shall go to Cornwall, and promised to 

 return again to Holland within a month. I saw Mr. Hall and 

 the engineer of the Dock Company to-day. They are satisfied 

 that the plan for working the cranes is a good one. I am to 

 see them again on Monday next; after which I shall return 

 home, where I hope to see you, to consult you on the best plan 

 for constructing the machines for lifting the water, cutting the 

 canals, and making the dykes. 



" I remain, Sir, 



" Your very obedient servant, 



" RICHARD TREVITHICK." 



In this mere outline of a life it is impossible to go 

 fully into the merit of Trevithick's plans for doubling 

 the land surface of Holland. A drainage company was 

 formed in London with a board of directors, some of 



