152 
Scieyitific Intelligence. [no. 3^ new series, 
main advantages Nvliich are sought, and if we estimate now for 
2000 yards, we shall probably allow for enough considering the 
present trade, and it is one of the great advantages of such a work, 
that it may be carried out just as it is wanted, the length having 
nothing to do with the stability. 
As to the cost per ton we have had sonfi considerable experience 
at the Godavery and Kistna, were probably 1| million tons have 
been quarried, and they have cost about 10 annas a ton on an average 
including carriage, partly along railways and partly by water, and the 
greater part of it with very imperfect apparatus.^ The quarrying 
here will probably not be more expensive from the appearance of 
the rock at Covelong, and superior apparatus would be used. 
With large blasts and powerful cranes, so that there will be little 
necessity for small charges, we know from the works at Portland 
and Holyhead, how very cheaply such work can be performed. 
"With respect to the crossing the surf, we have abundant proof 
how cheaply a small jetty can be constructed sufficient for such' a 
purpose, in the way the single row of screw piles now extending 
420 feet into the sea from the beach, has stood the late gales. It 
is quite clear that two such rows supporting each other would be 
quite sufficient to carry the stone to the back of the surf, if they 
extended to 600 feet from the beach at Madras. But I believe 
the best spot to obtain the stone at would be Covelong and the 
Seven Pagodas, where the surf is more moderate. At the former 
place there is a sort of cove formed by a projecting point of rocks, 
and also a reef detached from the shore, out of which probably a 
very good shipping place could be formed at little expense. There 
is there perhaps j million tons of stone, which it would be worth 
while to take and the rest might be got at the Seven Pagodas. 
The distances from these places to the roads are respectively 20 
and 30 land miles ; and over this space the stone boats might be 
towed by stiamers. It must be remembered that the number of 
stormy days in the year in this locality is very moderate, so that 
such work would not be interrupted in the way it is in England. 
Bringing the stone in this way, I think if we allow 50,000£ for 
t 
