t 238 ] 



cient to repay the expence of fuch vafr un- 

 dertakings; but when two fuch considera- 

 ble trading and manufacturing towns as 

 Manchejler and Liverpool communicate, by 

 means of this navigation, at a cheaper and 

 eafier rate than by the old one, there is no 

 doubt but his Grace will meet with that 

 profitable return his noble fpirit fo truly 

 deferves. 



This fcheme is a vaft one, and worthy fo 

 bold and daring a genius. The river Mer- 

 fey, at that place, is five hundred and fixty 

 yards wide; and at fpring tides the water 

 flows near eighteen feet perpendicular. 

 The marts of veffels, which navigate the 

 river itfelf, are faid to befeventy feet high; 

 add to all this, that the river is fometimes 

 rough and boifterous: It is planned, not- 

 withstanding thefe tremendous difficulties, 

 to carry the canal acrofs the river. The 

 greateft undertaking (if executed) that ever 

 yet was thought of, and will exceed the 

 nobleft works of the Romans, when matters 

 of the world; or the legendary tales even of 

 S emir amis herfelf. 



The excellency and utility of the plan 

 are, however, indifputable: If the canal- 

 was carried directly to the town of Liver- 

 pool, there would at once be a complete, 

 eafy, fafe, and cheap navigation from that 

 great fea-port directly to Manchejler, and 

 all the other towns and places near which 



the 



