568 TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION G. 
Maintenance of way and structures. , 20.13 per cent. 
* equipment . ; p . . 20.88 a 
Conducting transportation . - : : . 55.25 
General expenses . - : 
” 
Jee eae 
Allowing two cords of wood fuel to be equal to one ton, 5,609,000 tons of 
fuel—of which 5,578,000 tons were coal—were consumed by Canadian 
railway locomotives in 1907 in running 100,155,000 miles. The total cost 
was about 3,027,5001., equal to 14.59 per cent. of the working expenses. 
From this brief summary of facts some idea may be gained of the rapid 
development of Canadian railways, their immense capital value and traffic, 
and the remarkable influence they have had upon the progress and popula- 
tion of the Dominion. It is a matter for satisfaction that British capital 
and engineering skill have, contributed in no small measure to produce this 
development, and it may be hoped that in the future they may render even 
greater service. 
Inland Navigation. 
The most important system of inland navigation which Canada possesses 
is primarily due to the existence of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence 
River ; but the utilisation of these natural advantages and the construction 
of a continuous navigable channel from the sea to the head of Lake Superior 
is due to the work of engineers. The importance of such a navigable water- 
way leading to the heart of the Dominion was recognised long ago by the 
Government. The first canal is said to have been opened in 1821, and from 
that time onwards the canal system has been developed, but the greatest pro- 
gress has been made during the last forty years under successive Administra- 
tions. Up to March 31, 1907, the capital expenditure on Canadian canals, 
exclusive of outlay by the Imperial Government, has approached 18,350,000/. 
sterling, of which more than ten millions have been spent on enlargements. 
Besides minor canal systems, many of which are important, a great ‘ trunk 
system’ of water-transit has been created from Montreal to Port Arthur, at 
the head of Lake Superior, this all-water route being nearly 1,300 miles in 
length, having a minimum depth of water of 14 feet and effecting a 
total vertical rise of about 600 feet from tidal water in the St. 
Lawrence to Lake Superior. In order to effect this rise forty-nine locks 
are provided, most of which are 270 feet long and 45 feet wide, enabling 
vessels 255 feet long to be accommodated. Out of the total length of more 
than 1,200 miles only 734 miles consist of artificial channels. The Welland 
Canal, connecting Lakes Erie and Ontario—with a total rise from lake to 
lake of 327 feet, effected in twenty-five locks—is 263 miles long. This canal 
dates from 1824; its enlargement to present dimensions was begun in 1872, 
and occupied fifteen years ; the total expenditure on the canal has been nearly 
five and a-half millions sterling. Another important section of the waterway 
is the Sault Ste. Marie Canal—about 6,000 feet in length and from 142 to 
150 feet wide between the pier-ends, with a lock 900 feet long, 60 feet wide, 
having 20; feet of water over the sills. The difference of level between Lakes 
Superior and Huron is 18 feet. Commenced in 1888, the Sault Ste. 
Marie Canal was opened for traffic in 1895, the cost being about 930,0001. 
Like its predecessor on the United States side of St. Mary’s River—the so- 
called ‘Soo’ Canal affords free passage for the ships of both countries. In 
1898 about two and three-quarter millions represented the tonnage of vessels 
passing through the Canadian Canal, and of this total about 403,000 tons 
was in Canadian vessels. In 1907 the total tonnage had risen to 12,176,000 
tons, of which 2,288,000 was in Canadian vessels. The Soulanges Canal is 
fourteen miles long, with a rise of 84 feet effected in four locks. Commenced 
in 1892, it was opened for traffic in 1899, and cost nearly 1,400,000/. The 
Lachine Canal was commenced in 1821, enlarged in 1843 and 1873, and, aa 
