" Tirnehri" and Development. 193 



thence via Essequibo and Kupununi and across the savannah to the Irene- 

 River, then by Siparuni and Burro-burro Rivers back to the Essequibo 

 and up to Kurupukari Fall ou that River thence via Konawaruk and 

 Tumatumari down Potaro River and back to Georgetown. Altogether 

 1100 miles were covered 875 by boat 225 on land in 68 days. He then 

 reviews the various surveys and projects which have already been 

 sketched in this paper, stating objections to the Bartica route for a trunk 

 railway, and goes on to describe the topography of the route : — 



RIVERS AND WATERWAYS. 

 British Guiana is peculiar in that it is a beautifully watered country 

 and is traversed by many large rivers and streams, which unfortunatelv 

 are navigable only in parts, these stretches being separated by numerous 

 rapids and falls which are not only a hindrance and cause innumerable 

 delays, but are in many cases dangerous and in others impossible to get 

 through. It is the occurrence of these rapids, formed by l)ars of rocks, 

 which causes the rivers to be held back forming large still pools above 

 until the next rapid is reached, and it is along these reaches that naviga- 

 tion is comparatively easy in small craft during ordinary water. When 

 the rains are on and the rivers begin to rise, these pools extend and in 

 several cases where during the dry season a "portage" would have to 

 be made, a rapid can be safely passed through in the high water. 



The bigger rivers such as the Essequibo, Demerara, Berbice and 

 Corentyne are navigable for large boats from the coast for varying 

 distances. On the Essequibo ships drawing 14 feet can proceed to 

 Bartica, some 56 miles from Georgetown. On the Demerara ships with 

 a draught of 16 feet can proceed to Wismar — a distance of 65 miles. 

 While on the Berbice, which is hindered by a shallow bar at the mouth 

 boats with a draught of only 8 feet can cress it and proceed for a dis- 

 tance of 88 miles to Paradise.* 



The Corentyne, which is better in this respect, admits boats drawing 

 16 feet and is navigable to a point some 10 miles or so below Orealla. 



From all these steamer termini transhipment has to be made into 

 small boats or launches ; consequently the cost of transport is prohibitive 

 and the settlement of the interior of the country has not been developed 

 in the slightest way. 



THE ROUTE OF THE RAILWAY. 



It will open up large forest areas and render much more accessible the 

 great country lying to the south of the junction of the Rupununi and 

 Essequibo rivers. In connection with this it may be found practicable 



*Note : — Mr. Bland is wrongfully informed. The Berbice River is the Hnest water- 

 way in the colony. The Direct Line Steamer " Cheniston " drawing 16ft. entered the 

 Berbice River without difficulty on one of her last voyages to the colony, and since then 

 large timber ships have been in the port. We have personally taken soundings at 

 Cuinaka, 88 mil**s from the mouth, and found 39ft. of water. I be river is navigalde for 

 ships drawing 16ft. to Eboroaba (5° 18' S. Lat.) at which point greenheart timber has 

 been loaded into seagoing bottoms. For lighter craft it is navigable to the oth parallel 

 of latitude, about 180 miles from the mouth. — [Sc. Ed.] 



