546 RAIL-ROADS. 



level. In China, however, the canal from Canton to Pe- 

 kin with locks or inclined planes, is estimated to pass 

 through 825 miles, and is supposed to have existed since 

 the tenth century. A canal from the Nile to the Red 

 Sea, connecting the eastern waters with the Mediterra- 

 nean, was completed in the sixteenth century, after im- 

 mense labor for many years ; it was scarcely used, and 

 being cut through a sandy country was soon obliterated. 

 The Dutch have flourished for centuries beside their 

 canals. In France the canal of Languedoc in 16SO, and 

 in England the Sauky canal from Manchester to Liver- 

 pool in 1755, appear to have been the first of importance 

 in those distinguished countries. 



In modern times the art of canalling has undergone 

 but slight improvement, and with the exception of some 

 alteration in locks, it appears to have started into a sys- 

 tem almost at once. 



There are two objections which exist against canals as 

 a system. .FYr.stf, the necessity of a supply of water at the 

 summit levels or highest points, and second, the nature of 

 water as a resisting medium to bodies passing through 

 it. The former cannot be obviated by any effort of 

 science or invention, and canals, therefore, can only be 

 located where a constant supply of water can be at com- 

 mand, on the highest levels. The second objection may 

 be diminished, but only to a very limited extent, such as 

 " by the form of a boat, &-c. The usual rate of a canal- 

 boat for goods is but two to two and a half miles each 

 hour, and for passengers three to four miles. On the 

 Delaware and Chesapeake canal, passage boats have re- 

 cently been propelled by an increased number of horses 

 at six and eight miles, but from the motion produced in the 

 water, and the consequent injury upon the canal, it is 

 stated that the tolls of such boats will not repair the 

 damage. 



There is a third objection which attaches with pecu- 

 liar force to this country. Canals in New England are 

 rendered useless by ice often more than one third of the 

 year. A rail-road on the contrary may at a small ex- 

 pense be kept in operation the whole, of the year, except, 

 occasionally, in the northeastern portion of the Union. 



