OBSERVATIONS ON IRRIGATION WORKS IN INDIA. 173 



example, at the canal near Rurki, which runs under, over, and through 

 a river, or at the grand waterways in Orissa and the Sone works. 

 It is not a small thing moi'eover that the sides of the canals are 

 generally covered with fine trees which, besides being most valuable, 

 add greatly to the beauty of the country. 



Mr. Odling. — The canal districts were at one time very unhealthy, 

 but where they have been drained the health of the districts has 

 greatly improved. In some cases the soil is five inches under the 

 water for a great part of the year. I am, however, bound to say 

 that in those districts where there are natural rice lands they are just 

 as unhealthy as those lands that have been artificially fitted for rice 

 irrigation. 



I have one other remark to make, and that is that Mr. Buckley 

 has very properly pointed out that the canal system did not originate 

 with the British Government. In fact it took its start in the time 

 of Alexander ; but there were large works in the south of India that 

 have been greatly improved by the British Government. 



Sir Charles Stevens mentioned the importance of communication. 

 I rather dwelt on it in the paper. The system of railways has been 

 a good deal developed of late years and will continue to be so. 



Mr. Buckley also well stated that while the canals will do some- 

 thing for the people, nothing but their own providence will ensure 

 complete protection from famine. 



I take the opportunity of thanking the meeting for the great 

 kindness with which they have received my remarks. 



NOTE. 



The following returns from the Department of Revenue and 

 Agriculture, give the latest results of irrigation in India. — E. H. 



From the Department of Revenue and Agriculture at Calcutta the 

 complete Agricultural Statistics of India lor 1897-98 to 1901-02 

 have been received in two volumes — one for British India, and the 

 other for the Native States. The volumes give details relating to 

 provincial and district areas, crops, live stock, implements, the 

 incidence of land revenue assessment, varieties of tenure, and other 

 subjects. The following table is a complication of the figures 

 relating to crop areas in British India in 1900-01 and 1901-02 : — 



