AND PROTECTION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND. 21 



proof that the flooding of the lower districts of the towns of 

 'erth, Glasgow, and Stockton, the ports of these rivers, is 

 msibly diminished both in frequency and extent. On the 

 bher hand, the danger of rashly obstructing the flood water 

 mnnels of rivers is well illustrated on a large scale in many 

 dlway and road-works throughout the country, where lines 

 )f railway or road have been injudiciously carried across flat 

 haugh land on solid embankments of earth-work. Cases must 

 suggest themselves to the recollection of the reader, where great 

 injury has followed the construction of such works, injury 

 which could only be remedied at great expense by enlarging 

 the water-ways of bridges, and converting solid embankments 

 into open viaducts for the free passage of flood water a 

 relief to the submerged land which I have recommended in 

 several cases where I have been consulted. 



