1840.] Levels between the Jumna and Sutlij, 693 



Its object, would be obviated by a more southerly course, would 

 alone point out the latter as preferable ; but if it can be shewn that 

 the scheme is feasible on a line taken at random, the probable exist- 

 ence of one decidedly favorable, will readily be admitted. 



Whether the construction of such a work would be eventually as 

 Utility of the measure beneficial to the country as it appears practicable 

 en?e'toThl futoe "£!'£ ^s an engineering operation, the Government are 

 ofthe Upper Provinces, doubtless in possession of better information to 

 guide their judgment, than any which I could afford them. At the 

 present time it might facilitate the transport of military stores required 

 for warlike operations westward of the Sutlij, but this inducement 

 will fail whenever Magazines may be formed on the banks of the Indus, 

 and their contents transported by water from Bombay. As regards the 

 public interest, however, the case is different, attention being now so 

 universally attracted towards the shorter communications with Europe, 

 whether by the Mesopotamian route or that of the Red Sea, it cannot 

 be supposed that the use of these means will long be restricted to 

 the conveyance of mails ; the more valuable description of merchandise 

 will soon follow, and shipments for Europe will be made from some 

 port to be established near the mouths of the Indus. The North- 

 western provinces of India will abandon the present circuitous route 

 by Calcutta, and send their exports by the more direct one of the Indus, 

 and the deserts bordering the east banks of that river, which will then 

 be the only obstruction, may be turned by the contemplated canal. 



Though fully aware of the more than apathy which exists in this 

 Its obvious advantages, country towards any thing involving a change of 

 established usage, and but little acquainted with the nature and amount 

 of produce exchanged between the several provinces of India, yet 

 I I can scarce suppose that the community would not avail themselves 

 of the facilities for the circulation of trade, which would be afforded by 

 a communication between two such rivers as the Ganges and the Indus, 

 embracing such an extent of fertile country, and entering the sea at 

 such distant points. 



If it be urged that the construction of a canal would be premature 



A plausible obi ec- before the full establishment of the trade which 



tion answered. js ^^ gj^g j^ employment, I would reply, that the 



formation, or at least the certain prospect of a canal, would be one 



4 T 



