1839.] new Tenasserim Coal Field. 391 



mountainous, but the ridges run in nearly the same direction as 

 would the road, and from the numerous large nullas falling into the 

 river near to Peagune it appears possible that a practicable line might 

 be formed. The distance is only fifteen miles. 



A tolerably level railway across this part of the country would re- 

 duce the expense of actual transport to Mergui to one man for four 

 days to every one and a half tons of coal, or to nearly one Rupee per 

 ton, supposing the carriage is to be drawn by men ; but by employing 

 ponies the price is reduced to less than four annas a ton. Now in case 

 of delay and extra power being required in some parts of the line, take 

 the expense at three times the estimate, or twelve annas per ton, which 

 is still only a quarter of that incurred in the transport by water ; thus 

 being a saving of 22,500 Rupees in favor of the road upon the trans- 

 port of 10,000 tons of coal. 



The best description of road for this country appears to be a single 

 suspension rail of timber (as represented by figures 1 to 4 in the 

 enclosed sketch) as being cheapest in construction, uninjured by 

 heavy rain, easily repaired, and (by actual experiment) offering less 

 resistance to the motion of carriages than any other form of road. It 

 consists of a plank of hard wood, three inches broad by ten or twelve 

 deep, supported on posts nine or ten feet apart, and varying in length 

 according to the surface of the country passed over, so as to support the 

 rail in a horizontal line. The rail is let into a notch cut on the top 

 of the posts, and is adjusted by means of wedges driven in opposite 

 directions between the posts and the rail; the resistance is reduced 

 thirty per cent, by the addition of a thin plate of iron upon the top 

 of the rail. A carriage having only two wheels with the load suspended 

 on either side is represented in figures 1, 2, 3.* 



A road on this principle has been tried with great success in Eng- 

 land. A horse was found capable of dragging fourteen tons, exclusive of 

 the carriage, during a good day's work where the rail was quite level. 

 Figure 4 shews the manner of crossing streams and small ravines. 



I have no doubt but these carriages would run upon a cable stretch- 

 ed from point to point should circumstances require it. 



Models can be furnished if required. I have, &c. 



(Signed) C. H. HUTCHINSON, 



Mergui, 6th May, 1839. 2d Lieut. Madras Artillery. 



(A true Copy.) E. A. BLUNDELL, 



Commissioner in the Tenasserim Provinces. 



* We have not received Lieut. Hutchinson's sketch, but his description is neverthe- 

 less sufficiently intelligible. The subject is of so much interest that we deem it ex- 



