PALESTINE CANAL. 209 



find Its way to the canal, and pass out either to the 

 Indies or to the Mediterranean ports. 



The estimates for this remarkable work varied from 

 twenty-five millions to fifty millions sterling. The Suez 

 Canal is believed to have cost over forty millions ; but 

 55 per cent, of its earnings have to be expended in 

 dredging the channel, and keeping its ports open from 

 the immense accumulation of sand. Besides which, after 

 all, it is a mere ditch, and at any time an accident might 

 stop the whole traffic, whereas, in the Palestine Canal, the 

 channel would be of great depth and width — in some 

 places twelve to fourteen miles wide — and sailing-ships 

 of the largest size could easily navigate throughout its 

 entire length. 



In the end the Syndicate which was at that time 

 formed (1884) resolved to wait until a more certain 

 survey could be formed, especially at the Akabah end of 

 the canal, and up to the present time the scheme has 

 been in abeyance ; but I firmly believe that some day 

 this gigantic project will eventually be carried out, and 

 will do more to enlarge the power and influence of 

 England in the East than any suggestion that has as yet 

 been made. 



