230 THE ISTHMUS. 



and by various other writers, on the possibility 

 of making canals and railroads at various places. 



As I have had several opportunities of hear- 

 ing these topics discussed by people resident in 

 South America during my visit to that country, 

 and have been able to compare the information 

 I have received from them with that contained 

 in Humboldt^s interesting narrative, whose 

 judgment certainly is more to be relied upon 

 than that of any other writer, I shall add here 

 a few memoranda on this most interesting sub- 

 ject. I am aware that I have it in my power 

 to throw but little new light upon a question 

 which has been considered by several writers ; 

 but as I was on the spot, and my attention was 

 much awakened to it, I may be excused for 

 offering some remarks upon the practicability 

 of one or more of these projects for uniting the 

 two great oceans. 



There are five plans altogether, any one of 

 which is possible, and each of which presents 

 more or less of positive advantage, for uniting 



