1862.] the Isthmus of Krau. 353 
and introduce a hardy and hard-working population (the Chinese) 
into provinces which contain mineral wealth in known and unknown 
quantities ; wealth, which merely requires labour to develop to any 
extent, and in search of which the Chinese even now find their 
weary way, but who would then come in large numbers, especially 
as the new treaty allows them to emigrate with their families. 
Much and valuable information regarding the great mineral wealth 
of these provinces may be found in some interesting papers by Colonel 
Tremenheere, Bengal Engineers, and Professors Heifer and Oldham.. 
17. The Tables annexed I. II. & III. show the economy of fuel, 
establishment, and time, which would be arrived at by establishing 
easy communication across the Isthmus. A canal we consider out 
of the question. A railroad is not only quite practicable, hut likely 
to cost less 'per mile than any other in India. 
1st. Table I. exhibits the costs of the present line 
of steamers per month, without taking into consi¬ 
deration the expenses of idle vessels, or any inci¬ 
dental expenses whatever, merely the cost of fuel 
and establishment per trip, for running steamers, 
as kept up by the P. and O. Company from Cejdon 
via Singapore to Hong-kong, .......Its. 
Table II. the cost of ditto, (kept up we believe by 
Messrs. Apcar &. Co.) direct from Calcutta to 
Hong-kong via Singapore, . 
Table III. the ditto, of ditto, kept up by C. &. B. S. 
N. Company from Calcutta to Maulmein via Akyab 
and Rangoon,. 
Total Cost of present arrangement per month, . 91,800 0 0 
2nd. Table I. shows again the cost of a line run¬ 
ning from Ceylon to Krau and from Gulf of Siam 
(Tayoung) to Hong-kong, . Rs. 32,900 0 0 
Table II, the cost of a line from Calcutta via Akyab, 
Rangoon, Maulmein, Tavoy, Mergui and Siam and 
thence per China-line to Hong-kong, . 17,300 0 0 
Total cost of two lines which would answer all the 
39,700 0 0 
40,200 0 0 
11,900 0 O 
50,200 0 0 
purposes of the present three lines, 
