Part V.] Pearson: Note on the Utilization of Bamboo. 71 
The last five miles to the falls are a series of cataracts divided by deep 
holes, the bad portions of the channel being more or less divided into 
three sections. At present, bamboos are floated down the entire length 
of the river, being dragged over the rocky portions, while, at the main 
falls, they are thrown down and collected into large rafts in the deep pools 
at the foot of the falls. Without doubt, the stretches, over which 
floating is at present difficult, could be greatly improved by clearing 
the main channel of boulders and rocks, and this at no great expense. 
The stream in February was found to be broad and the amount o'f 
water was quite sufficient for rafting purposes. Probably for two 
months of the hot weather, dragging would be necessary over short 
lengths of difficult channel within five miles of the main falls. 
The stream below the falls is deep and broad so that a pulp- mill, 
situated on the east bank of the river, would be in direct communication 
by water with Akyab, a port that large steamers can enter throughout 
the year. 
(8) Cost of cutting and extraction. 
The Seik Chaung, above the falls, has a long narrow catchment area, 
so that, the distance, over which the bamboos will have to be dragged to 
the stream, will not exceed one mile. On the other hand, with the 
exception of the Rhee tributary, there are few by-streams down which 
floating is possible. The present cost of extracting bamboos to the falls 
is Re. 1 per 100 ; were work to be carried out on a large scale, under 
proper supervision, the cost could no doubt be reduced. The price of 
bamboos in Akyab is at present Rs. 2 per 100. 
(9) Cost of landing dry stems yer ton at the factory site. 
The weight of 10,575 dry stems is 16,576 lbs. so that 100 stems weigh 
155 lbs. The weight of the nodes, as before stated, need not in this case 
be taken into consideration. It therefore requires 1,452 bamboos to 
make one ton. The cost of landing 100 bamboos at the falls is Re. 1. so 
that the cost of one ton of bamboos at the proposed factory site, i.e., 
just below the falls, comes to Rs. 14-8-1. 
(10) Labour. 
It is probable that, if Government decides to stop Taungya cutting in 
any given area, it will insist on a serious attempt being made to employ 
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