1844.J 



of a Pier at Madras. 



81 



Messrs. Porter and Co. (by their patent process on Mr. Sorel's prin- 

 ciple of zincing iron, and thereby giving it an immoveable coating which 5 

 effectually prevents oxidation, galvanize any description of wrought and 

 cast iron work. The complete success of this process is now fully estab- 

 lished, and in France several manufactories have been worked under the 

 patent for 5 years. The French Government have taken license, and 

 established manufactories at Brest, Cherbourg &c. which are under the 

 direction of Mr. Sorel. > 



If it is proved, that the compound employed for the Iron Queen, is as 

 effectual, as it is said, it is this process, which ought to be resorted to, as 

 being economical, and of easy application. However, the projector of 

 the Pier, ought to be left free to choose, out of the processes now employed 

 for preserving iron from oxidation, such an one as would prove more effec- 

 tual, after having observed them, where they are applied. It results from 

 what has been here aforesaid, that the requisites of durability, are as well 

 ensured as can be desired. In any case, the projector of the proposed 

 Pier, cannot pretend that it will last for ever, but, that it will only last 

 longer, than any other that could be adopted, being, at the same time, 

 less expensive and not liable to so many repairs, in the same space of time. 

 Although the piles, should last but thirty or forty years, and we are fully 

 convinced they will last more, there would be no great harm if, after so 

 many years, one of them was to be replaced, as during this space of time, 

 the Pier will require but very little repairs ; to provide for those to come, 

 a small sum of money, may be levied every year on the returns, which 

 consequently will be hardly affected. 



The farther limit of the surf never being more than 130 fathoms from 

 the shore, the length of the Pier ought not to be more than 308 yards, 

 and even 278. If this length was found to be sufficient, that of the plat- 

 form could be increased and carried from 84 feet, it has in the project, to 

 140. The height of the Pier, above the level of the sea, being 14 feet, and 

 that of the waves, in bad weather 5 or b\ feet only, above the same level, 

 there is no risk of the planking being torn off, nor even for receivng any 

 injury. However for greater security, a space of one or two inches has 

 been left between planks, so that the action of the sea should be much 

 less, if it was to rise to such a height, which has never been seen, and 

 seems to be quite impossible. 



We dare to expect that the explanation we have given, will enable the 

 Committee for the improvement of the communications between the 



ii 



