289 



of Spanish America can order surveys to be 

 made on the spot, the levelling of the ridge of 

 partition, the measure of the distances, the 

 soundings of the lakes and rivers to be crossed, 

 and the estimate of the springs and rain-waters 

 proper to feed the upper basin. These previous 

 labors will require but a small expence, but 

 hiust be executed according to a uniform 

 plan, at the isthmuses of Tehuantepec or Goa- 

 zacoalcos, Nicaragua, Panama, Cupica or Da- 

 rien, and Raspadura ot Choco. When the plans 

 and profiles of these five territories are placed 

 before the public, the persuasion of the possibi- 

 lity of an oceanic junction will become more 

 general in both continents, and will facilitate 

 the formation of a joint-stock company. A free 

 discussion will shew clearly the advantages and 

 disadvantages of each locality, and will soon 

 lead to the fixing on tw"o, or perhaps, on one 

 sole point. The junction company will then 

 submit the local circumstances to a second tod 

 more rigid examination ; the expence will be 

 estimated, and the execution of this important 

 Work confided to engineers who have practically 

 engaged in executing similar works in Europe. 



As there seems to be no doubt that in case of 

 the impracticability of an oceanic canal, canals 

 of small section might be dug in some of the 

 five points we have named, to the great profit 

 of the share -holders, it would perhaps be advan- 



VOL, vi. u 



