RIVER PROBLEMS IN CHINA 5 



in summer for fairly large steamers for 600 miles from its 

 mouth. 



The hydraulic problems of this river are numerous. The 

 following are the most important: — 



(1) Improvement of the navigational conditions in the 

 torrential gorges between Chungking and Ichang. 



(2) The protection from floods of the alluvial areas near 

 the river especially at : 



(a) the mouth of the Siang River where an immense 

 lake, the Tungting, swells and shrinks with 

 the Yangtse. 



(6) the mouth of the Kan Eiver, where a similar 

 lake, the Poyang, exists. 



(c) between Tatung and Taipingfu, where a group 

 of variable lakes exists. 



(d) in the Estuary below Kiangyin where excessive 

 tidal waves rise above the level of the land. 



(3) The control of the shifting channels which impede 

 navigation between Hankow and Woosung and 

 threaten the existence of Chinkiang as a port. 



(4) The regulation of the Whangpoo and improve- 

 ment of the approaches to Shanghai, the largest 



harbour of Central and North China. 



It is well known how the indefatigable energy of Mr. 

 Archibald Little succeeded in overcoming the difficulties of 

 the passage of the gorges by steam. Immense steam power 

 and great navigational skill is required. The passage con- 

 sists of alternate comparatively calm extremely deep reaches 

 separated by narrower shallow rocky rapids over which even 

 very small junks require 20 or more trackers. Many lives 

 are lost annually and the mails are lost to the extent of an 

 appreciable percentage. Doubtless money put into winding 

 engines and removal of bad places by blasting would alleviate 

 some of the worst features. 



A railway has been surveyed along the gorges and is 

 considered feasible economically but there can be little doubt 

 that an improvement of the navigational conditions would be 

 of great benefit. The water gradient from Chungking to 

 Ichang is 1.2 feet per mile, and in the parts of the channel 

 where it is free from rock bars, the maximum velocity does 

 not often exceed 7 feet per second. 



The -protection of the alluvial lands from flood is entirely 

 managed by dykes and there can be little doubt that great 

 improvements could be made by the introduction of a com- 

 pletely co-ordinated system and more scientific locating and 

 maintenance of the dykes. Telegraphic warnings of the 

 approach of heavy freshets would also be of great service. 



