1844. | 



of a Pier at Madras. 



53 



may be obtained in the quantity, and of the dimensions required, but the 

 effect of the worms upon those timbers is so destructive, that in order to 

 preserve them, it would be necessary to sheath the entire part of each 

 pile immersed in the water, with copper, in the usual way for ship's bot- 

 toms, to prevent the ravages of those insects. 



But though those timbers would be necessary for all the long piles, 

 yet, from the report of persons sent to examine the woods in the Oalastry 

 and Tripetty countries, I learn that a sufficient supply of the finest Red- 

 wood and Ebony, may be procured for all the smaller piles, beams, &c. 

 at a moderate price, which will be doubly advantageous in point of ex- 

 pense, as these timbers are not subject to be attacked by the worms, nor 

 are destructible in water as the other woods are. 



By the mode of construction detailed in the enlarged section, I hope it 

 will appear, that the utmost strength is gained without offering too great 

 opposition to the waves, and as the only part of the work which may be 

 considered liable to injury, from any very violent weather, or extraordinary 

 high surf, is the flooring ; it is my intention that the planks should be 

 framed in plat-forms, to be taken up at the approach of the monsoon, at 

 which time only, it can be supposed to be in danger, and when, as there 

 may not probably be any shipping in the roads, such interruption cannot 

 be attended with any inconvenience. 



■ 



In a work of this nature, subject as it is to, numberless accidents, where 

 seasons and opportunities must be watched, and where a variety of ma- 

 chinery must be used, it is not possible to form a precise estimate of what 

 the amount may be, but after attentively considering the prices at which 

 the different materials may be supplied on the spot, the capacity and 

 hire of the different artificers to be employed, and making a reasonable 

 allowance for casualties, I conclude, that the whole of the work may be 

 executed in the best manner, for two hundred and twenty thousand 

 Pagodas, as may be seen in the estimate subjoined, No. 1. a sum of very 

 inadequate consideration, compared with the great and increasing advan- 

 tages certain to arise from its completion. 



Taking this for granted therefore, I shall endeavour to shew how this 

 sum may be furnished in the easiest way, without exacting an increase 

 of expense from the merchants or ship owners, but on the contrary, in 

 addition to the safety and expedition of clearing ships, and the facility of 

 intercourse, a considerable reduction will take place in the Port expenses, 

 to which vessels of all descriptions are at present subject. 



