May 1861.] Public Works in Travancore. 137 



forwards an interesting letter upon the subject from Mr. Crawford 

 the Commercial Agent to His Highness the Rajah. 



2nd. — The construction of a Bridge over the Ponany River in 

 order to bring the Northern portion of the State of Cochin into 

 connexion with the Madras Railway, and of a road thence to Tri- 

 choor an important trading place at the head of the navigation of 

 the Trichoor Lake. His Highness the Rajah of Cochin has ex- 

 pressed his readiness to sanction the expense of both these works. 

 The site of the Bridge, close to the Railway Station, has been 

 fixed on. The intervening country between the River and Tri- 

 choor (20 miles) has been found to be very favorable to a road or 

 Railway, a survey is already in progress with a view to construct- 

 ing a road on such a plan, that all the drains and culverts shall be 

 suited to a Railway, should one eventually be laid down. 



3rd. — The construction of a Canal, to be called the Victoria 

 Canal, from Cape Comorin to within 7 miles of Trevandrum from 

 which there will be a portage to Trevandrum. This Canal has 

 been commenced by His Highness the Rajah. 



3. It is further in contemplation to overcome, as far as pos- 

 sible, the only interruption in the inland navigation between Tre- 

 vandrum and Trichoor, via Quilon, Allepey and Cochin, or that 

 at the Vurkullay hill by extending the present Canals for one mile 

 on each side of it, cutting down the hill to the extent of 80 feet 

 for the intervening two miles and having a Railway for that dis- 

 tance. Over such a Railway, on suitable tracks, the Canoes used 

 in this country with their cargoes can be easily drawn, a similar 

 expedient will probably be adopted for the portage from Trevan- 

 durm to the head of the Victoria Canal above alluded to. 



4. Roads striking off from the backwater to open out the infe- 

 rior of the country. 



1st. — From Trevandrum to the mountains due east and so to 

 Papanassum. 



2nd. — A road from Cotyam over the mountains to Dindigul. 

 These two have just been commenced. 



3rd. — A road from the Cochin backwater to join that under con- 

 struction from Polachy to the Anamually forests. 



