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Scientific Intelligence. [no. 3, new series, 



main advantages which 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 some considerable experience 

 at the Godavery and Kistna, were probably lj 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 f 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 steamers. 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 



