404 Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. |November, 1909. 
is, however, a very important consideration. To give any 
reasonable chance of success continuity of action is essential, 
and this can only be obtained where we have stable channels 
and fixed positions for the overflow of the flood. I am afraid, 
therefore, that in the present state of the Kosi and for many 
years to come, little will be possible in this direction. : 
The last question noticed by Captain Hirst is the desira- 
bility of improving the navigable channels of the Ganges and 
Brahmaputra, and he advocates that the work required should 
be done by the State as a charge against the general revenues, 
and without requiring a direct return in the shape of tolls 
ome experimental work has been carried out in recent 
years by the Bengal Government on the Ganges between Patna 
and Damukdia, which showed that a good deal might be done 
by the use of bandals, at a comparatively small cost, toimprove 
the channels in the season of low water. 
: edging is expensive, and it seems advisable to resort to 
it only when there is some very special reason and when the 
volume of traffic is great. 
expense of the tax-payer. There are, no doubt, cases, of 
rdinarily, yield a moderate profit after paying all charges, 
including interest on loans. , rey 
chases r oce taffic, the sea is, of course, free of tolls, but 
ere are charges for light-houses, and harbour facilities have 
