History of Canal and River Navigations. 189 



The above shows how completely enterprise in inland 

 waterways has stagnated during the 19th century. The 

 proprietors have neglected to keep pace with the require- 

 ments of trade. In fact, with the exceptions of the naviga- 

 tions of the Weaver and Aire and Calder, which have been 

 re-modelled, and certain improvements in detail on a few 

 others, little or nothing has been done to enlarge or improve 

 our waterways. In many instances they have been allowed 

 to fall into decay, and some have been abandoned or con- 

 verted into railways. Steam haulage has been adopted on 

 only a few of the more progressive. 



The importance of inland navigation faded as the con- 

 struction of railways was proceeded with, although for some 

 years its influence on trade remained very considerable. 



In the middle of the last century Boltqn was the chief 

 seat of the cotton industry. It was the improved means of 

 transit afforded by the Bridgewater Canal, in competition 

 with the Mersey and Irwell Navigation, that enabled Man- 

 chester to take the lead, and although situated on the 

 fringe of the district, Manchester has now for many years 

 continued to hold the first place in the cotton trade. 



It will be observed that the commercial prosperity 

 following on the completion of the Bridgewater Canal was 

 the signal for much activity in canal construction, and it is 

 worthy of remark that what may be termed the canal era 

 synchronises with the great development of manufacturing 

 industry in this country. 



Before 1 830 a network of canals overspread the kingdom, 

 as shown on the map before you. This map, &g miles to 

 the inch, has been reproduced on a scale of j£ the original. 

 The canals were, unfortunately, constructed without any 

 regard to system, and locks were built of various dimensions, 

 so that boats of a uniform burthen were prevented from 

 trading for long distances. Through routes were in the 

 hands of several distinct companies, whose sole object was 

 N 



