'• TimeJtri" and Development. 195 



(as this will prove to be) on the main line are very great and in view of 

 future extension to the west it should be done if possible. 



A rough approximation of the two gives the length of the thick line 

 going via the Essequibo river as 55. while the dotted line, including the 

 branch, is 57 A miles. The saving on working expenses makes the former 

 project the more desirable even if the latter was shorter. Against this, 

 however, it must be recognised that the dotted line would open up a 

 greater area of forest land and this point would have to be duly considered 

 on completion of the survey. 



From here the line continues to skirt the right bank of the Essequibo 

 river passing to the east of the small range of hills just above the mouth 

 of the Akaiwana creek. From this point the line would run due south to 

 the Kurupukari rapids where the Essequibo would be crossed by a steel 

 bridge on concrete piers. Taking a bend to the west it would then 

 follow the Burro-Burro river keeping however well back to avoid 

 crossing any large streams until Annai is reached and the first 

 savannah entered. Conti nuing almost due west and crossing the Mora 

 creek close to its confluence with the Rupununi, the line would then 

 proceed to the Ireng river, terminating on some high ground a few miles 

 above its mouth or junction with the Takutu, from which point it is 

 navigable for a large part of the year to Manaos and the Amazon. 



LENGTH— GRADES AND CURVES. 

 Tlie total Length of the line to be constructed after making allowance 

 for development due to curvature, etc., would be some 2<S0 miles, and I 

 am of opinion that one per cent, grades, compensated, with 6° curves 

 (955' Rad). can be obtained throughout its entire length. 



In no part will what is known as difficult country be encountered and 

 there should be extremely little rock work, while by keeping near the tup 

 of the different watersheds the bridging will be small. It must also be 

 remembered that in no single instance are the watersheds high. The 

 forests to be gone through though containing plenty of good timber, 

 offer no difficulty as regards cl aring while good water should be obtain- 

 able everywhere. The only work of any importance throughout the line 

 would be the construction of the bridge across the Essequebo river and 

 this is fullv dealt with elsewhere in the detailed notes under " Bridoinof." 



LABOUK CONSIDERATIONS. 

 Ill order that the line may be completed with the greatest possible 

 speed and open for public traffic, and quick construction is essential for 

 economy, a large labour force will be necessary which will number from 



