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^>mJ^
m
»ECI^L CONSUI.A.R REP»OKTS.
\
CANALS AND IRRIGATION
IN
FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
m FROM THE CONkSULS OF THE UNITED STATES Hi ANSWER
TO CIRCULARS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
ARRA.NGEMENT.
Page.
Part I. Canals T'-asi
Part II. In-igation 255-484
WA^ISrGTON-:
^' >0;f>%|ERNM'KNT FBI N TING OFFICE
1891.
SSSEESH"
mmmm
^l-AL
coisrsuL^H
REl>OHT8.
II
■J
'ANALS AND IRRIGATION
m
roHEIGM CODUTKIES.
ir.''sr;s,:.™-K'K'-»"
.1
ARRA.NGEMENT.
I^AiiT I. Canals. ^^^
PaktU. Irrigation." ''"251
255-494
WASHINGTON".
GOVERNMENT PRInttato «
^KINTINa OFFICE.
1«91.
-f»s'
IV
J
-I-
■K
IdeTelopment. a
I' S?*;""**"" »i
1; Welland Cani
Mand8t.Lawr
Titrol aud tolls,
.item of Canada
^nala, 20;Grenv
ty navigation, 2!
Jm Lock, 24; W«
Idins and Cornw
VHtructed up to
pnt, and Rapide
Jnal 32; Wellan
pie district navii
^Keon, 34; oonfej
I canal comniissio
nts, 38; Corn we]
-nsburg Canals; G
la Canal improv
m, Granville, an
#per Ottawa navit
\tf, cost of; Ot^
■Juor, and deepen
ntreal, 47; canal
J», distances and c
tColumhia: Geom
T8 and ditches, 53
[Water ways of, f
fimma: Cana/soi
»•• Canals of, 69.
Canal, 60, 61.
loto end Lake Bii
light; imgatingct
Jfalea: Canals of,
Ex. 45~-»i
CONTENTS,
PAET I.-0ANA1S.
DOMINION OP CANADA.
.stem of Canada, 17. iWt t J^ "P^nditWM of CiSuife ' c«' -
Int and Ra^ide Plii Ki »|f "^^^f ois danah ?f liSl^^S*' ^' °»°at
fnal, 32 ; WellanH PoJ; i i • ""^ » Galops Canaf "'amsbnrjr, Farrand'n
ftle di8trioVnav?gat?o'n *^ "o^ rr/«^. « ; ffr^,'*' **>« ^Sl .
I-Keon, 34; confedeSn a.:^°*°*^ *' ^Wsholm T ^id« /nS ®'^*'' »«<* New-
i canal oomniisaion ann^i*?^ expenditnrea on oanaWrA.^^"*?*' ** I^ake Bob-
'its, 38; CornwSj'rM°*'"®°* a°d "Port of? sSi?? k"* *" confederatfon
d Canal improvSts 4 f^''»P«>veIneBt8, 39 rMur^v^^^ aaS Wil-
.ok, Grenville, and Cari'Unn 'n ™Pf*'^*"»«nt« of BurhSon ^*^*"*i' '•'^ J Wei-
SOUTH AMEBIOA.
I Water ways of, 57. 68 *
»ut««a ; Cana/8 of. 68 59
Canals of, 69. ' ^'
WEST INDIES.
f^i/^fiS/a?-— «... .« «e..„, ., ,„,„,.,^„_ ^^ ^
CONTINENT OP ASIA
AUSTRALASIA.
^'aJw; Canals of, 71-77.
CONTENTS— CANALa
CONTINENT OF EUBOPE.
BKLQIUM.
Cttual dit de Baccordou.ent I Gaur7'r;.n f » ^°^' Nieiiport par Furnes and
=;«^^ -»' "•*. -"5"; ".X"i.^Ui:nssir.rii^^
DBNMARK.
I'KANCB.
dal period, and boatmen's corVSiii^^^^^ mxteentli century. lOjT^ Te fet
repubhc, 111 ; special appropriatfon "f ^n' ??.>"' «'""*« ' canaJsdnring thtZt
steam navigation. 113 ; census of canal Imlts iik •''"T'^ ""4. ''""cessioas ; can"l
compulsory towing, steam navication M«. ' ' ,*°"""8 *^^""' 'ho bank. 115 •
">g, 117j canal««f'iaiIwaytrafflnr7'lV«.'„f'*P"*'^'''5 the Rhine, cable' wi
revenue and oxpen.litures.™ I'i- 'the iCrr"' ''^.•^''*^«'- ^"^^^^ H9; canli
122; expense, working, salUf the wiif„r,^.T'' /'?'.'''*''?''«") canal, desor ption
123; motliods of irriga iornrocedZ r^ ?.^^ of. tlistribution, irrisatZ tables'
the Loz5re; sonrces^f w^tKuppIy' cZittt '//'Ration, 1^4 ; ^e^Lrtmen oj
Ca,.aroVTann?*'->r^«"'^ ^^«'- rainW],^!^?'*'""^^' "^ ^«^''«' ^25; water diatribuf
v.anai ot laucarviile, stat sties of l<>H_i4n. i ^
130, 131 ; canal ftom Nantes to bS ?li«S- ^™™ paen to the sea, statistics of
va. railway traffic, 133. ^^' '^^scnption and statistics of, 131, 1327om^
GERMANY.
'''7o^,T:lifh,irSe%Sr7-?^?'s\r.°' '''^ «<'™'»'«*ratFon and oonstmc
Canal, 13!); KhOne-MarneTanal lio-uT'^Q''^ Canal system, 136-139; BroS
144; Nied Canal, 144. 145 ;Sics2^\ht^i*l^^^^^ l^V^^^' Moselle SSl,
lod; West Prussia, 153. "'iA«/-i&u, Ji^ast Prussian oanala, 150-
The Corinth canals, 154, 155.
GRBBCE.
KUSSIA.
Tickhvinsky system; Rybinsk and Rnln„L^-7'^^°'^*'^°<^8'^ system, 161 : the
portation, 163 f irrigknVrnll*8ri64f SSSS^^^
SWXSBir.
TrollhSttan Canal, 166; Gota Canal, 167-169.
CONTENTS — CANALS.
THE tTNITBI) KINQDOM.
m
EBKland: Early En«l.^ canal. l««Vo^^ISr^^^^^^
nav.Kation, "\-"^'J*"'^^,^?toirg 190- Lewlsand Liverpool Canal. l.)l-19a;
/
OONSUXjA-R rbjports.
CONTINENT OF AMERICA.
Pago.
^'^Cana^^^ofrafaai (Commercial ARont Leiebman of Morrlsburg) 9-11
BuSton Kay Canal (Consul Roberts of } anulton) {Mi
gonth America—
^'* wkter ways of (Consul Borstel, of Pernambuco) 57
^"^ctn^alsofVconsul Walthall, of Demorara) ^8
""'^(Report by cSnsui Whelpley. of BarraBquilla) 59
West Indies-
French West Indies : iTi„^i^m 60
Canals of Guadalonpe (Consul Bartlett) ""
CONTINENT OF ASIA.
*^*^Kioto and Lake Biwas Canal (Consul Smithers, of Osaka) 63
"''Esdfo°ril»cS5Sl;-irciii-K,»gr.::::;::" ^
AUSTRALASIA.
New South Wales (Consul Griffin, of Sidney) ''^
CONTINENT OE EUROPE.
Belgium: ,_ . /• t ..o,»^ 79
Canal8of(Con8nlPreston, of Liege)-... gg
fiftnals of f Consul Steuart, of Antwf rp) •"•••• ," V tn
Krfthint Haiuaut. and Namur (Con«ul Roosevelt, of Brussels) . - . ... . - - . • «
Be& Caua"s-AX"ty and Manner of Construction (Consul Butter- ^^
field, of Ghent)
Daninnrk :
o.,^:r;;:■'■■'"•''c»"."^BV^l.i;;;;:;;;■;:;;:'....:::::;:::;:::;:::::;:::; .g
UniteSKLloiSr"^^*^'*' Gothenburg) »««
*^igland jgg
gpSS°S^.'.?:r^--' .«,
Inlant' naviiration „f /r. , ^''*""'^' ^°I«>",, of Sheffield) '" a^
„ Canals of uffiwp^^^P'l?''! Reid, of Dablin^
Scotland: ^^"t" (ConanI Ruby, of'selfaet) ^ 233
Wales: ^^""""^ B«>wn, of Glasgow) 238
C^l- of (CoasulJones. of Cardiff) ...*.." ''*'
247
Paet II—Ibeigation.
Egypt: CONTINENT OP AFRICA
Maa^L^r"^"-«(»o5r^"i,^^^^^^^^^
MadK' -^^^y"^ (Consul Campbell) 2«l-300
""' °^ Cape Town)..../.;;:; 301-307
307-310
^entlne Republic (ConsnlT™^" "" "^^«^^^-
*B»h- J ^^""'"^ ^«''«'' «f Buenos Ayres) .
f"!»*<Con8nl Burke).... -^•.. 311-395
BritS«^?°°l"' Clay ton)
Ss?.?--<consuiwk-airofi,v^;^^^^^^^ --':::::::::::;;:■• S
^^.PanamaCConsal-GeneralAdamson)... ^^e^^S
D"tch"GuTar?c;tS''"^""'«^ 32Q
Venezuela (ConVuffidorr^'a'^^^^^ .-V 3^
Nicaragua (Consul Wife „>^<^"ayra) 5??
Salvador (Consul Tuns/^hi^o''"*^"*) ^i
Spanish West Indies" *^^' °^ ®*" Salvador) .:;; .::; B
Santiago de Cuba (Consul Reio^er) ' 333
333
i
f
i
>'!■■
-\
1 J( -
'^
I*
/
9t
100
107
187
. im
133
134
147
150
163
154
156
165
166
IfiD
214
ai4
Id)... ^^
233
236
238
245
247
-(
. 255-278
27a, 280
281-300
300
301-307
307-310
311-335
S2S
325
32&-328
328
330
331
331
^1
" 'i*»
333
333
CONTENTS — IBUIQATION. ^ ▼
Mexico fConiiiil-Gen«rftl Mom, Mcxioo City) 334-3:17
Coahoila((;(in8nl WoesHiicr, f,« "iultlilo) 337
Lower CalKonila (CoiiHul Vic ;• of La Paz) , 338
Sonera (Couaul WUiard, of Oaayinaa) 839
CONTINENT OP ASIA.
Asiatic Tnrkey :
Asia Minor (Consnl Eramett, of Smyrna) ., 341
8ivtt8(CoiiMulJowott) 34a
Palestine (('onHiil aiiluian, of Jerusalem) , '. 342-347
Syria(CouHul Bissinger.of Beirut) ,... 347-353
Ceylon (ancient irrigation In Ceylon) 35i>, 3(iO
China:
Canton (Consul Seymonr) 361
New Chwaug (Vioe-Consul Bandinel) 362
Ningno (Consul Pettus) 363
Province of Fo-Kion (Consul Campbell, of Foo-Chow) 364
Province of KiangSn (Consul Jones, of Chin Kiang) 306
Shanghai (Consul General Kennedy) 367
Philippine Islands (Consul Webb, of Manilla) 368
Siam (Consul-Geueral Child, of Bangkok) 369
AUSTRALASIA.
New South Wales (Consnl OrifHn, of Sydney) 371-380
Development of irrigation in 380-394
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
Irrigation and its effects in Hawaii (Consnl-Oeneral Severance, of Honolulu) 391-407
CONTINENT OF EUROPE.
Austria-Hnngary (Consul-General Goldschmidt) 409-410
Belgium (Consul Stewart, of Antwerp) 410-421
France (Consul-Genoral Rathbone, or Paris) 4"22-4!i6
IJuuclies du Khouc (CousulTrail, of Marseilles) 426-404
Cogna« (Consul Earle) 464
Havre (Consul Dufais) ., "' 404-466
Nice (Consnl Hathaway) 406-408
Holland (Consul Ellis, uf Rotterdam) ..''. 468
Holland (Yice-Consul Yinke, of Amsterdam) ',\\\ 468
Italy:
Genoa (Consul Fletcher) 469
Naples (Consul Caniphausen) \\ 469
Palermo (Consul Carroll) , V.'.V. 470
Messina (Consul Jones) " 471-475
Sicily (Consul Jones, of Messina) ,",', 475-477
Catania (Consnl Lamantia) .''[ 478-482
Portugal :
Cape Verde (Consul Pease, of Santiago) 483
Spain :
(Consul Perez, of Santander) ; 483-493
(Consul Ingrabam, of Cadiz) 494
"f
'WJ
it
U
1.-1
m
-■\
A COMMUNICATION
FROM
THE SECRETARY OP STATE,
TRANSMITTING
Special reports of consular officers on irrigation, canals, and port regula-
tions.
December 5, 1890.— Eeforred to the Committee on Printing.
Department of State,
Washington, December 3, 1890.
SiE : I have the houor to transmit herewith a series of special reports,
from the eonsular officers of the United States, on irrigation, canals, and
port regulations in their, several districts, covering the following phases
of the subjects enumerated, viz :
Irrigation.— Ax&3i& irrigated ; quantity and quality of crops grown ;
sources of water supply; character of works used for storage and dis-
tribution of water ; systems of water distribution and cost of same to
the users thereof ; ownership of water; character of climate and na-
ture of soil of irrigated regions, etc.
Canals. — The time and manner of their construction ; their extent
and capacity ; the traffic upon them ; the effect they have had in cheap-
ening the cost of transportation; extent of the use of irrigating canals
and the benefits derived therefrom, etc.
Port regulations.— FiloUge ; lights and light dues ; quarantine rules
and regulations, etc.*
Congress appropriates $20,000 annually for the publication of consu-
lar reports, general and special, and the reports herewith would have
been published under the provisions of this appropriation, butthatthe
general and special reports already published and being prepared for
publication during the year will exhaust the same; hence the present
transmittal for publication.
In this connection it may be proper to say that, in addition to the
regular monthly series, the following special reports have already been
published during the present yeai
Cuttou textiles in foreigucouutiies; flies in Spanish America; carpet
manufactures in foreign countries; malt and beer in Spanish America;
* Port legulatious in a separate volume.
3
4
CANALS AND IBRmATION IN POBKIGN COUNTRIES.
fo^ g "coan rU' f lVb ' ^^fr.gerators and food preservation in
Gas amrgas inSc ire Lid Z!"^^^^^^^^ '• •^' "''"''" of Preparation^
and manufactur^of ruSL^^d^ L^r^^^^ S'?'"^ ' '°^'* ''"**^«^ »»PP»y
and coal con«ump?^ in Spl^i^'AmenL ^'^^^ '^^'^
for the nse of the DeSmeat ' I^^'^^'^S"^^*'^"^. l>e ordered printed
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. Thomas B. Reed, '^^^^ ^' ^i-aine.
Speaker of the Mouse of Bepresentativea.
};
m
m.
on in
:ion:
ppiy
coal
with
Qted
B.
,■>"<*,
CANAL CIRCULAR.
Department of State,
Washington, D. C, July 31, 1889.
Gentlemen : The Chamber of Commerce of St. Paul, Minn bv
resolution, transmitted by its president, has requested the Department
to secure, through the consular oflQcers, reports upon the canals in the
several countries, viz :
f h« f Iffl^® *"^ T'^'^^L ""^ *^^^'' construction, their extent and capacity,
the traffic upon them, the general management thereof, the effect thev
have had in cheapening the prices of transportation, etc.: also, reports
riS ffom th?m^"* ""^ *^^ °'^ ^"^ irrigating canals and the benXde
.rnI*!?c.?K-' J^«^f «re' requested to prepare reports covering the fore-
going subjects, adding such other information as may contribute to the
complete illustration of the important matters embraced by the resolu-
tion, and to forward the same to the Department at your earliest con-
venience.
I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant,
William F. Wharton, *
Acting JSecretary.
The Consular Officers of the United States.
6
M,
m ti S. m0\ ii ' mi Ji'W 'ti i 'f
PART I.
CANALS.
m^
1
i
CONTINENT OF AMERICA.
7
DOMINION OF CANADA.
CA]ffAIS OF CANADA.
liEPOUT BY OOMMEBOIAL AGENT LEISHMAN, OP MORRlSliVRQ.
OANAT, DEVELOPMENT.
prrZc'°a"U''v:?ltr'"" """ """"'^ '" ^^""^"^ "O™ -■">'' "y «">
In 1867 the uuion of the provinces was effected and thev became tho
property of the Dominion Government, subject to the controf of th«
department of inland revenue, but their^onsCet LfmaintenaLf and
repairs are provided for by the department of railroads and canals
Sault^Ste MaSranfl ^«"f"d Canal systems, in co^Sunction witi'he
aauit ate. Mane Canal and the Great Lakes, give an unbroken wafAr
communication from Duluth via Montreal to Liverpoora disfanZ nf
4,618m,l^s of which 71 miles are artificial navigation ' '^ ""^
in 1841 the system of canals between Montreal and Lake Onfarm
C1810.. at the time when the canals were originally constructed
fh J/'wH^T^-*^?"' ^^^ experience of subsequent j ears hav^ proven
that while the intermediate river affords a sufficient depth for ?esJels
tTL^?^. ^''*' '\*t^ "^"^^« themselves at certain periods of low waS
o J?f J\^"',P'°'' ^^°^^^ constructed between Montreal and Lake Erie
are the Lachine, Beauharnois, Cornwall, Farran's Point RapWe pfa?'
Sits't'hrtot^hS; n?' -g^-gate 'length of Se' ctffis'^io'i
S nnk« f« fiit H ^ ^^ overcome by locks is 533i feet and the number
of looks 18 fltty-three. The greatest navigable depth is 14 feet and that
at present to be found only in the Welland CaoT, which wL^o^^^^^
in the vearTsT ";;'^ *'? ""^IT^^^ d»"ng the ^eas^n orissr"'^
Ia4e tKanals oVU?l^'^^^ ^^ *^« Dominion Government to en-
large tne canals on the Si. Lawrence route, an^ it was subseouentlv
vesS'^futet dtf? ^T"" ^'r^^ ^^ '^'"'^'^ would accomrodS
vessels ot 14 teet draft. In conformity w th this scheme of enlarp^r
ment all permanent structures such as locks, bridges, ete.,whTchfre
being built are required to be of sunh Tir««o.fL„o"t 1^,. !:_'_!l"'^",^f®
vessels of^l4 feet draft. The newlocks'are 270 'fteT long "Swe^^^^
gates, 45 feet wide, and with a clear depth of 14 feerof watir on the
9
10
CANALS OP CANADA.
« nL a. 1 . • , ^K *" o[<^'^e»«e^ Stone, backed up with large, flat-bedded
stone, and laid throughout in hydraulic cement. Tbo faci' stoneg are
laid m regular courses, the thickest course being at the bottom and
diminishing upwards in regular succession. The foundation timbers
are pmo IJ inches square and covered with two thicknesses of planks.
LAOHINE CANAL.
The Lachine Canal is located on the northern aide of the St. Law-
rence River. It extends from the city of Montreal to the village of
iiachine, and was constructed to overcome the St. Louis rapids. It is
8J miles in length, has five locks, and a total lockage or rise of 45 feet.
Its mean width is 150 feet. It consists of one channel with two distinct
flonH.T«i'?fi''fl' *.^^.^^^^.J'°^ *^« enlarged. Its present navigable
S if iV^?\^".5,^'^^ *he excavation of the canal prism to a further
depth of 2 feet it will accommodate vessels of U feet draft. A portion
of this canal is lighted by electricity. Its copstruction consists of the
excavation of earth and rock, and the manner of letting the work is by
pubhc tenders. The work on this canal was commenced in 1821, and
the first vessel passed through it in 1826. '
BEAtlHARNOIS CANAL.
This canal conimences 15i miles west from the head of the Lachine
Canal. It is on the south side of the St. Lawrence River and connects
Lakes St. Louis and St. Francis and passes the three rapids known
respectively as the Cascades, the Cedars, and the Coteau. Its length
L «i^ 9nn' f ^ °«"^^^^ fJj"?^^ '? "*°®' ^"^ *^«'^ dimensions are the
niirnf ' ^•*^«^?V''"^ .T^ ^^ ^''^^ '« '^'^^^- The total rise or lockage
overcome 18 82 J feet; the navigable depth is 9 feet; the breadth of the
canal bottom is 80 feet, and its breadth at the water surface is 120 feet.
Opened in October, 1846, for navigation.
CORNWALL CANAL.
The Cornwall Canal was commenced in 1834 and opened for navi-
gation m 1842. It is situated on the north side of the St. Law-
rence, opposite the village of Cornwall, anr^ commences 32? miles
troni the head ot the Bean harnois Canal. It extends past the Long
Sault Rapide. It is the longest canal on the St. Lawrence, being
llj miles m length, has six locks, two of which are the new or ehlarged
T^lu •a}''^?^ ""rf ?'' lockage overcome is 48 feet. The navigable
S 'Mn%^\ ^S ^"^^^'^^^ at the bottom is 100 feet and at the water
surface 150 feet. Four new locks are under contract and are now in
the actual course of construction, together with the supply weirs and
bndges, also the enlarging and deepening of the canal prism. Its
water is utilized for motive power by varied and extensive manufac-
turing industries. This canal was formed by excavation and crib work.
WILLIAMSBURG CANALS.
The Farran's Point, Rapide Plat, and Galops Canals, are collectively
„Wn"/f, the Williamsburg Canals. They are situated on the north
snore ot the St. Lawrence River and were constructed to overcome cer-
tain rapids, the names of which they bear. They were formed by cut-
ting through projecting points, and with the material iPmnvAd inr.infli..«
DAys, and indents in the shore line, making a continuous range of bank
4
'C/>
CANALS OP CANADA.
11
'CJl
ine current, the depth of water, or other circurastancea, the bank is
nmdesohd by a hue of rough crib work, and along the outer Ze of the
bank as well as the two inner sides of the oaual f wall of broken stone
hif fi'f " .J'"'.* l^ ^r^^""^ *^« ^*^«^'"» of the sides. The ohanndis
tir TZbrtd?h n^f^H*''" ""''^''t .«^«P^' ""''^ 2 horizontal to iver
tical. 1 he breadth of the canal is 90 feet at the surface of the water
Sal ii thTZfn? lu T^'^' ^^ ^ ^^^' '^'^''' The Farran4 Point Oa!
na is the first of the division in ascending the river. It commenofti K
miles from the head of the Cornwall CanaL It was opened Tm? is
rise of 4 fee^' "nt h"\'" ^'"« V^' ^^« ''"^ ''^'^^ ^'"» «^^«^" or to'ti
surface ^^'^ ''''" ^^ ^'^^^ ^^^* '^'^^ «^«^ t^'^ ^«ter
thf %wrnf ^u^-'f *^^ ''r'^ ^^ *'-^^ ^^''^^^ ^"'1 is located opposite
Farran'sToint £n7 tT^' ^a T'^'^^^f « l^^ m^'es fro.n the head of
j^arransPointCanal. Tt was first opened for navigation in September
llf 'of iu'flr^ tV'' ^'V^^^' ^^' *^" ^^^I^^' ^"d a total riseC lock!
^?1L"^ feet. The enlargement of this canal in conformity with the
TlTT *"* r I ^f''^'^^. ««^^°^« ^»^« ^«en commenced. The work
already accomplished consists of the enlargement of the channel wiv
above and for some distance below the guard lock at the lead of tS«
ttr'^itfthe oldTcr ^^^^ '' ^ "^\'^ '^ ^•"'^ afuppl/^U^f conned
lion with the old lock. Arrangements are n progress for the f^uVircra
Tthe canal iXt "'sr.^' ''^\^""1' oo««'«ting^ofTie prism au 'ffik
at tne canal outlet. Soundings have been taken and snecifications arA
being prepared with a view of advertising the work forpuWic tenders
r«ni?^ ?.'-^?S^^ commences 4J miles fFom the head of Kanide PlS
lockage of IsJie/^'V' length, has three locks, and a total rise or
lockage ot 16f feet. It was first opened October, 1847. The new work
completed on this canal consists of the deepening of a channel wa7at
""^rtr ^w ',P^^H^ facilitaring access to the canaJ. ' ""^^ ^*
oft3 -1 -"^"^ £^°*^ connects Lake Erie with Lake Ontario It is
26f miles m ength extending from Port Colborne to PoShousie
liJr *r°ty-«»^ ^ocks and a total rise or lockage of 326* feet Its
construction was commenced by an incorporated company.* The first
nril^- *T^^ November 30, 1824. The company's fiuancikl resources
Sain° th«^L^n!,*^ the constantly large outlay that was necessary to
Jiri^n i«.i^^ *'*'?^ '" the efficient condition its importance required
m^l tH^o ^''\ ""^^ passed authorizing its purchase by the Govern!
ment. This canal was opened for navigation in 1841. It hS Tono
through several subsequent changes, thi tendency of which has been
to greatly increase its depth and dimensions.
Sellar Leishman,
UNITED STATES CONSULATE, Commercial Agent.
Morrisburg^ September 30, 1889.
BUHLINGTON BAY CANAL.
REPORT BT COmVL SOBERT&, OF nAMILTON.
The only canal within my consular district is a short one about half a
mile m length, connectiuff Lake Ontario with T^nHi»„^.. 1 T,^^" *
fh^baXS^fh^rif ^ ^''1\^^ sandy beach wh^ch diliS iSe wXs^f
the bay from the lake, and this short canal, which has no locks, gives
12
CANALS OP CANADA.
Lead of uavigation ou Lake Ontario ' ' ^^'"''ton became the
BuTS;:.^^f CtTlfnn^llSs^^S^^^^ --^ ^^^ ^^« ^^-^of
das and Hamilton about this tinTiilui"^''"' ""^^^^ »*^»>'« »f Dan-
pleted in 1832, the «Hme ymr tSwitn^PH h''"'"^ I" '«^«' »"^^ ««'"■
liDgton Bay enterprise. For vearsT L i^^^^^ "'? «o'"P'«tio» of the Bur-
business, but the «ul«Pnn»,.f ; ^^^''•'"'''^'"es Canal did a larire
Grand Trunk Railway r^^^^^^^^ Great We^telnll
ition of tolls on the Burlington BarCanarJ^^ "'''^«"; '^'»« «»>«■
board of trade as early as 1«40 a^^ !■ ^^"^ «"lvooated by a local
that the tolls werrflLlly a%is^« 1 T -'"""^ ^'^^^ «"«^ persistence
mpost, productive of TnLailpa^f^^^^^^^ T ^" '''^^^•"^
the purpose of driving shipping away froXe noT' '"'^ '"'"^'"^ ^"'^
thXlti^g Wi^st^rf^^^^ «tr"'^'- !, ^"? '"^^«^>ted for
answers to the inquiries s^ul?Ued ?n the drcXr"''^ ^^'^ categorical
not reported as fiuinhed until 183^7 S,ce then 5S« . i "^"'"P/Vt^ '* l>y 1825, but it wL
se|,ffiu1?4°^Uo"ft'te7r^^^^^^^^^ 138 feet; navigable for ves-
Ihe management is under controlof ti . i '?^^ **"'" J'®"" »""""!.
United States Consulate,
Hamilton, August 7, 1889.
Albert Roberts,
Consul.
THE WELLAND CANAL.
Ji^poijr BY oomvL whelak, of fort brie.
HISTORY OP CONSTRUCTION.
dis'trfct^a "d conne'c^^^^ through the consular
owes its origin, in great VarTtnJh/ ?^ ^"^ "^'t^ those of Ontario,
William Hamilton mS t,Tho was borT n'S"'t ^"^^ Perseverance of
in 1793. Like many S" tLrear v iit^f ^P^? ''^^^^^ ^^^^^^chusetts,
" United empire loyalists ?h,«n J seUlers of this section, known as
after the ReyolStionaT.rwar *"''' emigrated to Canada shortly
otheVtSg^Xledtemiflif^^^^ -anhood, he was, among
what is now the dt| of 8t CatC 1\ "T^''' '". *^^ neighborhood of
summer seasons led him to in vS^ ^^jcarc.ty of water during the
,., .^. .,,, ^, „„,^j^_, ^^^ two lakes by a canal across
CANALS OF CANADA.
18
tho Niagara ponlsnla, by which a fnll aiul never-faillntf supply of water
would be obtained, \he obHtructions to Niagara River navication turned
ftud overcome, and the cities of Montreal and Quebec made successful
rivals of New York and other competinjr Atlantic ports. As in the
case ot all great undertakings, there were forebodings of disaster and
loss of investment, opposition, and manifold dilViculties, and the pro-
ject was apparently abandoned. But Mr. Merritt's tireless euerirv
never slumbered, and in 1824 he succeeded in organizing and in haviiii
lucorporated the Welland Oanal Company, with a capital of £40,000.
Mr. George Keeper was chosen president; Mr. Merritt was made flnau-
cial agent, and proceeding to Montreal, New York, and other places
succeeded in enlisting capitalists in the undertaking, and in raisintr
sofflcieut funds with which to commence work.
The first sod was turned on November 30, 1824, but the work pro-
?f;«ofif.?^'^T?^ ^^i^i? difficulty of procuring money as needed.
if Jfrfni^ legislature of Ui)per Canada made a grant to the company
ot 1J,000 acres of land in the neighborhood of the canal, and empow-
ered the government to take stock to the amount of £40,000. The leg-
islature of the Lower Province and also the British Government ren-
dered some assistance to the company ; and in 1829 the work had so far
progressed that two schooners— the Anne and Jane of Toronto, and
theK. E. Houghton of Youngstown, N. Y.— passed up the canal to Port
Kobmson were there locked into the Welland River, and proceeded bv
way of Chippewa to Buffalo. The canal, as originally laid out, was
completed in 1833, but, it seems, required further and large expe™
tures for needed improvements and repairs.
In 1842 the Canadian government bought of the company all its
interest and stock in the canal, and, assuming the sole control and
roanagemeut, immediately commenced improvements. The main line of
tne old canal was 27^ miles long, with a total rise or lockage of 32(5*
feet and a depth of water of 10 teet. It had 26 lift-locks and 1 guard
iocK. In 1870 the government found it necessary, in the interest
ot commerce, to enlarge the canal throughout. From Port Dalhousie
the Lake Ontario entrance, south to Alianburgh, a distance of 119 miles
a new channel was dug, connecting with the old line at the latter place
so that from Port DaM.ousie to Alianburgh there are now two listinct
lines ot canal. From Alianburgh to Port Colborue the old canal was
enlarged. ^^
The Welland has one entrance from Lake Ontario serving for both
the old and new canals, and two from Lake Erie, one for the main line
at Port Oolborne, and one for the feeder at Port Maitland, 18 miles
farther up the lake ; it also has an entrance from the Niagara River at
Chippewa. The main and enlarged line is that between Port Dalhousie
and Port Colborne; it is 26| miles long and 100 feet in width at the
bottom, with a depth of water throughout of 14 feet : it has 25 lift locks
each 45 feet by 270. The feeder is 21 miles in length, has 2 locks? and
a depth o:- 9 feet of water. The new aqueduct at Welland, through
Which the waters of the canal are conveyed over the Welland Rivvir is
a stupendous work of massive stone masonry. It is about 422 feet' in
length, and Its breadth is 120 feet ; its channel is 86 feet wide, the bot-
tom being 6 feet below the low- water lino of the river, which passes
under the aqueduct through 6 arches, each of 40 feet span.
Besides the new aqueduct, the enlargement involved the building of
i^Jnli'l^.?!'A?/.^^^^iiy,^^^^^^ 7 culverts to carry the waterl of
. «..«ci Mic ciiciii, X ciaverc lor a roadway and the Grand
iruuk Railway tunnel, which is 665 feet long, 16 feet wide, and 18 feet
14
OAHAU OP CAHADA.
for, <li,l " ^.^ Sr?," P"'';"' fa««r in the S^''J'r.™' ' ^"™<to
^ '- _J__ -"o,»oi S83,m
"^"''^rnent of tonnane of VK i ~ L
~ . ' ' ^^^''' ^^^^^ and the season
Tear.
1883...
1884...
1885...
1886...
1887...,
I of '^osBels. of property.
385, 6Ifl
435, 332
382, 620
422,511
641, 790
«0«. 30,"!
494, 597
699, 542
■M
thus mtik-
inoial, and
'ot of the
* managed
i"tH uIor»|if
>'ied with
>ut $4,000
II
'■II
CANALS OP CANADA. |g
Tsar.
'£::::::::•••
1H84.... ••• —
■18M....
1886.... :::
Tonnage of vc««eU.
f»n«.llan. P^'ted
I BtatM.
Sl«, 484
471, 274
480,0'Jl
402, 914
405,360
Ifl-J, 580
370, oaa
30'j, ;i:io
847, 277
888,928
079,040
748, IDA
«5I,351
IfH), 101
824, UU
Tont.
008, 9ai«
827, 196
WO, 120
830,961
814,478
^'"*'"'ff">/Propert!, passed through the JVelland r,,.. , . ■ "
Tear.
Property I I>ro|.erty / ,„
1885
ifS?:::::::-"-'-
'**"
Tons.
332,364
314, »3fl
202, 978
273,484
Toni.
494, 497
SOD, 842
801, 9U
653,810
820,961
»U, 478
824, IMS
827, 300
Amomt of tolls collected on the Wetland Canal for a mriod .f ^ ~~~
~ «-»»a«/or apenod of six years commencing 1882.
Tear.
Tear.
1882
1883
1884
Tolls
colleoted.
$108, 040
184,077
176, 106 1887 .■;.■.■.":
\2 ■
J™2
Tolls,
colleoted.
♦161, 600
173, 984
157, 212
United States Consulate,
I'ort Urie, September 28, 1889.
James Whelan,
Consul.
WELLAKD, RIDBAU, AND ST. LAWRENCE CANA18
i«"l^UTf\re"^i?i?C,*»re,lr'" ^-'o-onns to secure .nor*
ami Lower St. Lawrellce C)f„a,°* TierZ.!"^ '^*, "'<'"'""'■ kI."™
a-ect .aueaod traosportatiou iu a^oT.era&^te'atC^^ro'r'^
EIDEAU OANAL.
WsX^o!?Sa?a":lr™a".'o'{^'^"„«T™'"»' ^-^ -^'^ m the
Lower to Upper Oanida "S ?L S? f "."''""^ '°L""«'y saPPUes from
Its use i. now very valuable to tJecoanrvlKr^,,'''',™'''''? WockadeS^
16
CANALS OF CANADA.
WBLLAND AND ST. LAWRENCE CANALS.
larked r{L'e\>^?elnt\fz:"nT^^^^^ ^" '''' --^ «-
mo tons, open a comple e wa e™ fh?^"''^ ^^ ^T ^*^««^1« «f
vest to tbe ocean. fS 6 m^uthgT Si v.^ gram-producing north,
railroads north and south oHtori^n .?,'/? *^'' ""^ ^' '^»'« ^^^^ the
now passing will doubMess exceXl «nv '^««^?«™P«tition. The season
graii passing out to the o' ean'by thS foufe "'' ''^' '" *'" ""'"'^"* ^^'
, u»r»«(; a aeries of eighteen years, ended December 31, 1888.
1889*.
TOTU.
,o7„ - 44,110
ira::: ??•«'«
1874 i!"!""'
1875
1878
1877
1878
1879 ■
1880 ■
1881
1882 ■
1883 ■
1884 ;;
\f^ ••] n\Wi
?||5 19,418
\fl 23,940
"*" 16,973
30, 660
24,017
13, 930
15,735
13,688
8,854
10, 688
12,467
9,655
12, 205
13,256
13, 826
Tons.
310, 090
231, 050
345, 720
400, 157
248, 555
194, 559
248, S94
188, 106
271,, 545
240,601
121, 393
205, 870
146, 7tl
135, 804
114,090
146, 151
210, 755
150, 833
Tong.
119,541
254, 534
180, 042
18), 1^8
103, 477
144,501
169, 185
185,931
144, 276
162, 891
103, 075
64 797
182, 143
118,811
117,536
218, 807
114,9,'!8 1
194,886
Tons.
3,920
2,693
2, 613
377
813
1, IIU
10, 216
1,217
803
252
537
975
279
61
7,504
1,188
5, 953
3, 38S
24, 490
2,810
3,088
1,196
477
Tong.
080
64
3
500
1,454
2,405
1,711
555
731
10, 746
1,116
4,891
12, 050
26, 629
6
1, 954
518
477
811
To,it.
1,541
2,300
3, 557
3,301
4, ;)04
2,949
1. 833
2,100
2, 387
1,418
1,371
225
10, 971
9,018
1,028
14, 571
12, 149
13, 358
long.
479, 882
524, 899
663,813
620, 938
374, 962
384,807
448, 931
889, 296
4.30, 795
417, 863
235, 752
275, 594
355, 336
288, 752
248,310
403,928
375,543
404, 045
*i!"iscal.
CANAL VS. RAILWAY TRANSPORTATION.
CANAL CONTROL.
route from the lake to the ocean ^^ *^^ ^''t'^*' ^^^er
CANAL TOLLS.
thJtoCaS'.'wI.fcn Sk^tt K"" «™=""'™'™ » ™c-Pt for
the money returned to th^ "L ^i Government and 00 per cent, of
furn«to7tte the V«ln "Pon w H"r?hf f ^^^^
throngn the St. LawrS S!Z a'Xo' t*? the cZtrT" If 1 ""'''^
leaves the wat(>r route for "onsnmnH^n L I ^^""'^^.^•. If the gram
loses the advantage of the return of the ^x!"'''''''''''''^''' '^' ^««««^
■iiMitfwfc^
'X
Total.
Tons.
479, 882
524, 809
663,813
620, 938
374, 962
384,807
448, 931
880, 296
430, 795
417, ^:53
235, 752
275, 594
355, 335
288, 752
248,310
403,928
375,543
404, 04S
CANALS OF CANADA.
CANAL RECEIPTS 0;d EXPENSES.
17
^"^^^2^^^ f er deductin,
pay the ruiiuiug expenses ' thought, will but little more than
rated and sustained euSf ^^t Sfifol thel^u^bS'^^ '« ^^^^^
M. 11. TWITCHELL,
United States Consulate, Consul.
Kingston, November 14^ 1889.
THE CANAL SYSTEM OP CANADA.*
th??u'gh^t^ZThri?!So'"ori^. ""'T ^''^'^^«' -^««e waters flow
from l^ndduLac at heSdof j;^^^^^^ waterway extending
Isle, .distance ol 2,3^ miles A on'i i?.^.'^^ *^^ «^r^'t« of Bellf
u abundant water powe^ and in Us nnm™?^'^"T*«"*^i«tance8
and commodious harbors numerous bays and inlets are safe
^^J&Z^ ^^-^ -f i^i". to the volume of
Eicheheu Elvers, the former brSn^i? N f t'^^^' are the Ottawa and
;«!!!^.^r_^"-^«^ forests o/onS:fnl\r^
I the white mana;pe;;;rorthnVest:;nH'^^^^^^ tribeslo,;^ before
bosoms the first explorers and ZVlZ^^TJ^fT- ^P°" ^^«'^ ^ro^'-l
i -o^eh.;rtofthls^orthernSSf^fK^^^
^ country. Supplies were brought u^ipsrV'^" ^"^^ ^''^^ t^« ^'orae
; ^^««*^'« to Quebec and Montreal ami iLl ?t- ^awreuce in seagoing
.: I settlements throughout the country '' ^'«tributed to the scattered
< : r^^^^o:^^:^:^^ 1-^^^ -d later, batteaux
umber rafts from the U per Otuiwa and tWT ^^J''" "^^^"^«^«' ^"d
i Ottawa and the St. Lawrence to Mo n ft?. i t1 "'*'i^'- *'*^***^'* ^owu the
;yhon their cargoes were eSin<r^l Si ? ' ^^'T ^'^«''»' ««d Quebec,
life brought from Fral.ce Tl e^S ^r ,!'''^ ""'"^^^^s and necessaries of
going vessels as far as Montreal b.,V ha w*'"''V^ "a vigable for sea-
Lake Ontario there was a rccesi o? .^m?! ^^"^'''^' ^"^ t'^^ foot of
reaches. On account of the r^Utv of t P«'*' ««Parated by navigable
impassable to boats of any size a^(^emb J n.o T''"S^^ ^^^P'^J« ^r«
can be passed on the downwarVSn v L ^"'*'''' ^"^ '"ost of them
and built strongly enou-h to rp.ii li ^ r'?'''^ '.'ot too heavily loaded
The head of naviSm, on Uie Ott uvf t? " ^* "\^ whirling waters
now the capital of the Dom?...!! f u^l'lL^j^Z^^ '« the city of Ottawa.
— ^^^^^^...,F .wxuieiij Known as liytown. Be^
H. Ex. 45 JZ^r" '^""'"^'"" ^"^"^^^^^-N^^^^^ ~^
i"
18
CANALS OF CANADA.
■1
flTp r«iS nW°*l *^^ ?r"^^' ''^^^^ "^^'^ ^* **>« «"«"'«'•" extremity of
the Island of Montreal there are several impassable rapids.
Ibe Ricbelieu, which is, as I have said the outlet of LakeChamplain
navi^ltron^ obstructed at various poiuts as to be unavailabie T^
M.t wh*^.*of T^""""! ''T'^^ ''".^^'*' ^^' Lawrence, Ottawa, and Riche-
lieu, with a statenieut showing their length and that of the navigable
reaches between them, will be found in Appendices A, B, and o! ^
The canal system of Canada, both in its entirety and its separate
parts, has been established to overcome these obstructions, and!b^/aS
ficial channels at various points, to render freely navigable the natural
routes ot transportation. By means of it the whole St. Lawrence "vs
tem, trom Lake Erie to the sea, has been made passable by a connect
Sf^r'^^'^.f T^'f'- ^o'^'Prisiug 71^ nnles of artificial navigation, the
least depth of which is 9 feet; a line of communication Established
between the St Lawrence at Montreal and Lake Ontario at Kingstou
by way of the Ottawa and the Eideau Eiver, and a passage oSed
from the St. Lawrence to Lake Champlain and the United Stftes.^
Xhe history of the efforts put forth to accomplish results so creditable
to the enterprise and liberality of the people of Canada is an interesdng
and instructive one, and this report will consist of a resume of its salient
points, with such statistical information as may pertain to it and a
statement of the present condition and future prospfcts of the System
For convenience, and because of their relations to each other, the
canals thus constructed are grouped in official reports, and by those
who have written upon them, under five heads, viz :
(1) The St. Lawrence Navigation.
(2) The Eichelieu and Lake Champlain.
(3) The Montreal and Kingston.
(4) The Upper Ottawa.
(5) The River Trent. •
While I shall not follow these divisions, but rather the chronological
order m treating of the subject, I shall have occasion to refer to tliem
arTkepUn mS' ""'" ^'^ ^" understanding what I say ?f they
THE ST. LAWRENCE NAVIGATION.
Before the commencement of the present century, and durin- the
pemd of French ascendency, locks, or more properl^small 31 with
^cks, had been constructed by the French at the Faucille, the Troudu
Mouhn, Split Rock, and Coteau du Lac to overcome the Cascades, Cedar
and Coteau Rapids between Lakes St. Louis and St. Francirs on the
St. Lawrence River. These canals were from 6 to 7 feet ^ie had a
depth of 2J feet on the miter sills of the locks, which were b^U of stone
?o loraTreteoir.'" ""'''' '"^ '"'''"" '"^"'^^ ^^ '^''^'^^ ^--"^
fh^sin/f !?f ^'' a Channel with 2^ feet of water was obtained around
he St Piert Sv..''' ^''"'"n^ ?^^'^' ^>^ ^'"'"^^^'^^ obstruotions from
;i if!, x®^' ^ ^'""'^" ^^^*^^^ running across the marsh now
From about the samo date until the construction of what is now
\IZV.' ^Y ^''"'^t"' ^^11"^''' ^^^^^^'^"'^ ''^'^ ^1>1« to ascend the Long
of w noh\ '^'' 'ni^'^yf'' '^^- 1'^'-^"»"-«. '-'y »^oans of two small locks, onS
ot which was situated nei.r the village of Moulinette, and was cou-
fw
<•
tjif
CANALS OF CANADA.
19
t
<•
structed and maintained by Adam Dixon, a merchant of that village.
But after the conquest of Canada by the British, and its division into
the Upper and Lower Provin^ies, the country above Montreal became
more thickly settled, and as tlie laud was brought under cultivation
and the crops more than met the wants of the inhabitants the question
ot the best method of securiuj? for their surplus i)ro(lucts cheap and
expeditious transportation to tide water, and thereby stimulating immi-
gration and 8ettlem(Mit became a very important one.
Both tlie upward and downward trade was very much embarrassed
by the difficulties and delays of the passage. In coming down the boats
could, It IS true, carry full loads, and the loss of time and danger at the
'rapids, while sufficiently great to be a serious incumbrance to com-
^merce, were inconsiderable when couii)ared with what was experienced
on the iipward trip. Ascending freight had to be hauled from Montreal
to Lachine and then loaded on boats, which could not carry above 8
tons, and generally started in companies and kept close together that
the crews might heli) one another in pushinu' up against the swift cur-
r rent. At the foot of some of the rapids the whole cargo had to be un-
shipped and carted to the next navigable reach, while at others the
same course had to be pursued with a greater or less part of the freight
that the boats might be sufficiently lightened to enter the small locks
which attorded the only means of passing the obstructions.
The average time between Lachine and Kingston on the upward trip
was 12 days, and the actual expenses of a Durham boat, with an aver-
age cargo of 8 tons, was about $26.50 per ton.
The time occupied in coming down was, of course, much less, not usu-
ally exceeding 4 days, and the expense proportionally smaller. The
vexatious delays, and the additional expenses of the many portages
and the frequent transshipments from boat to cart and from cart back
to boat were discouragements to trade too grave to be longer submitted
to by the enterprising and energetic men who were transforming the
wilderness of Upper Canada into fruitful farms and lining its available
streams with saw and grist mills.
In 1804 the government of Lower Canada completed a .S-foot channel
through the Lachine Bapids, close to the north shore, by which boats
could be dragged or poled from Montreal to Lachine.
At about the same time the Imperial Government, primarily for mili-
tary purposes, enlarged, reconstructed, and put into more advantageous
positions the old French locks at Split Rock and Coteau du LacN and
built a new canal nearly half a mile in length, with three locks, around
the cascades, instead of the old locks at the Faucille and the Trou du
Moulin. In 1805 and 1800 Lower Canada appropriated $8,000 for the
improvement of navigation on the St. Lawrence, and some work was
done at various i)oints, mainly in dredging.
During the war of 1812 the construction of a canal to connect Mon-
treal with Kingston, at the foot of Lake Ontario, by wav of the Ottawa
Kiver, was agitated as a military measure, and various plans and routes
were proposed.
The Imperial Government urged upon the provincial authorities the
desirability of prosecuting the work and offered to aid them by an ap-
propriation of £70,000 ; but the return of peace took away the immediate
necessity for military works, and the people were unwilling to assume
the burden of constructing this <;aual. The public men of Canada, and
those interested in the commerce of the Diovince. felt that 5li« Sf, Law-
rence route was destined to be the most important contributor to the
commercial prosiierity of the country, and that any money that could
20
CANALS OP CANADA.
i-w
be spared from its slender resources for internal improvements could be
most profitably spent on the St. Lawrence between tide water and
Kingston.
In 1815 the legislature of Lower Canada passed a bill granting the
promoters of a scheme to build a canal around the Lachine liapids a
sum of money in aid of its construction, and in 1818 a joint commission,
constituted by the governments of Lower and Upper Canada, and rep-
resenting each, made a very instructive report in which they recom-
mended that canals should be built at the Lachine Ilapids and between
Lake St. Francis and Lake St. Louis, and at the rapids above Lake St.
Francis.
In 1819 the above mentioned bill was rei)ealed and another was passed,
incorporating a joint stock company for the same purpose, with a capital
of $600,000 ; and in the same year another company with a smaller cap-
ital was chartered to construct what is now known as the Chambly
Canal around the Chambly Kapids in the Richelieu liiver. In 1817 the
locks between Lakes St. Louisand St. Francis were enlarged by the
Eoyal Statr Corps from G to 12 feet in breadth, and the depth of water
on sills was increased from 2 J to 3i feet, so as to admit bateaux and
Durham boats capable of carrying 100 barrels of flour. The amount
expended on these works can not be ascertained, as all record thereof
was destroyed by fire.
THE LACHINE CANAL.
The joint stock company, whose incorporation in 1819 for the con-
struction of the Lachine Canal was noted, caused extensive surveys and
estimates to be made, but was obliged for want of money to petition the
government of Lower Canada to assume the further prosecution of the
undertaking. In 1821 the act incorporating the company was repealed,
and the government was empowered by provincial statute (George IV,
chapter 6) to construct the Lachine and Montreal Canal as a provincial
work. The design which had been recommended by the company's
engineers was adopted by the government; commissioners were ap-
pointed to carry on the work in accordance therewith ; ground was
broken on the 17th July, 1821, and the canal was completed and opened
for trafiBc in 1825.
The canal, as then built, extended along the north side of the river
from the outskirts of Montreal tc the village of Lachine. It was 8 miles
and 718 yards in length, 28 feet in breadth at the bottom ; at the water
surface, 48 feet in earth and 30 feet in rock, and had 5 feet depth of
water. There were seven locks, built substantially of stone, 100 feet
long and 20 feet wide, and of a depth sufficient for vessels drawing 4*
feet of water. ^
The excavations were principally through earth, with a cutting about
1 mile in length at the Lachine end through a limestone formation.
The total cost was $488,404.15, all of which but $40,000, contrib-
uted by the Imperial Government to secure free passage of military
stores, etc., was paid by the government of Lower Canada. Of the
amount paid by the province a small part was probably derived from
tolls, as the loans authorized by the various acts amounted onlv to
$388,000. ^
OTTAWA CANALS.
In 1810 the Imperial Government began tlie eonstruetiou of a series
ot three short canals designed to overcome the Long Sault and other
'f
Pm
CANALS OF CANADA.
21
4
rapula on the Ottawa River above St. Anne's. Tliev were all on the
noitli side of the river, and, like the liideau Canal hereafter referred
to, were bn lit by the royal staff eorps, and were intended to form a
part of the inland system of comnmnieation between the lakes and
Montreal which the Imperial Government had determined to establish
tor military purposes, and which the construction of the Eideau Canal
would complete.
GRENVILLE CANAL.
The Upper or Grenville Canal overcomes the Lon^ Sanlt Rapids, and
was the first of the three built. The original plan contemplated locks
corresponding in size to those on the old Lachine Canal. Three were
commenced and completed upon this scale, but the other four were
Can l"^°" enlarged scale adopted in the mean time for the Rideau
The channel was excavated partly through solid rock and partly
through dirt. It was 6f miles long, from 20 to 30 feet wide on the bot-
?™\^^.*So 5 ^?.^^ ^®®* ^* ^^® surface. There were seven locks, four
oi Jini/^f,^'^"^ ^"'^ ^2 ^^'^^ wide, and three, at the upper end,
about 107 feet long and 19 feet wide, with a depth of 6 feet of water on
tue siJls.
The capacity of the Ottawa route from Montreal to Kingston as oriei-
nally established was limited by the dimensions of these three locks
which could only admit vessels of about 95 feet in length by 18A feet
m breadth. -' j
CHUTE 1 BLONDEAU CANAL.
The Middle or Chute k Blondeau Cannl, overcoming the rapids of the
same name, was commenced somewhat later than the Grenville Canal
and completed in 1832. It was cut through solid rock, was one-eighth
of a '"lie in length, and 30 feet wide at top and bottom. There was
one lock 130| feet long, 32| wide at the upper end and 36^ feet wide at
the lower end, with 6 feet of water on the sills.
CARILLON CANAL.
The Lower or Carillon Canal overcomes the Carillon Rapids, and was
commenced at about the same time as and completed a vear later than
the Chute a Blondeau Canal. To avoid expensive excavations a summit
level was made and water supplied to the canal from a neighboring
tributary of the Ottawa through a feeder .62 mile long. This canal wai
2i miles long, 30 feet broad on the bottom, and 50 feet at the water
surface. The locks were three in number, two of them rising and one
falling; one of the lift locks was 128 feet long and 32* feet wide, and the
other and the guard lock were 120^ feet long and 32* feet vvide; all
three had 6 feet of water on the sills. The original cost^of this series of
canals can not be even approximately ascertained, as all papers relating
to their construction were burned in Montreal In 1852.
RIDEAU CANAL.
In further pursuance of the scheme in accordance with which the fore-
going works had been commenced, the Imperial Government began in
oepcemoer, IbiiO, the construction of a canal from the city of Ottawa
then the inconsiderable village of By town, at the head of navigation ou
»&^«
22
CANALS OF CANADA.
tlio Ottawa Kivor, to Kingston, at tlio lower end of Lake Ontario
aiim work, now known as the Kidcau (.'anal, consisted in the eonversion
of the Eideau and Cataraqui Rivers, two obstructed and rapid streams,
into one continuous, navigable channel. The headwaters of the two
ny^ers were separated by aporta^je of a little more than a mile in width.
The Kideau, following a tortuous course of 86 miles, and flowing with
a comparatively slow and easy current through a gradually deepening'
channel, finally discharges itself by an abrupt and almost perpendicu*
Jar fall of 45 feet into the Ottawa Kiver near the city of Ottawa. The
Cataraqui winds its devious way in the oi)posite direction for a distance
of 45 miles, and empties into Lake Ontario at Kingston.
The method of construction adopted was the conversion of a ravine,
which ran into the Kideau about 2 miles above its mouth, into a canal,
with eight locks, and so overcoming the Rideau falls; raising the waters
of the Kideau and Cataraqui for the remaining distance by a series of
high dams, and supplementing them by short canals at various points
where the obstructions were too large to be overcome by the slack
water. After various modifications, during the progress of operations,
in some of the details of the plan, the work was finally completed and
opened for traffic in September, 1832. The whole route was 126A miles
long, but only 16^ of it was canal proper. The breadth of the canal
was at bottom 60 feet in earth and 54 feet in rock, and at the surface
80 feet m earth, and the navigable depth of the whole work was U feet.
There were 47 locks— 33 being ascending and 14 dtscending, going
from Ottawa to Kingston— 134 feet long and 33 feet wide, with 5 feet
of water on the sills, and a total lockage of 446J feet, 282^ rise and 164
fall. There were 24 dams, 11 of which w6re of cut stone, and the
remainder of wood and clay. The stone dams were from 5 to 60 feet in
height, and those of wood and clay from 6 to 45 feet. The works were
constructed in the most thorough and substantial manner, under the
direction of Colonel By of the Koyal Engineers. The total cost of the
undertaking, including the land exproi)riated, was $3,911,701.47, which
was borne by the Imperial Government.
This canal, with the three canals on the Ottawa, before described
and the lock afterwards built at St. Anne's, formed the Montreal and
Kingston route, and furnished a continuous inland water way between
the two places. They were built, as has been stated before, primarily
for military purposes to secure communication between the Lower St.
Lawrence and Lake Ontario, by a line farther back from the boundary
between Canada and the United States, and less exposed in case of war
than the St. Lawrence route. They were originally called and are
still named in official pa})ers " The Ordnance Canals."
The war office of the Imperial Government retained control of them,
and bore the expense of their maintenance until the year 1857, when
after much negotiation, they were transferred to the board of public
works of United Canada.
m
HA
ElVER TAY NAVIGATION.
The river Tay falls into the Rideau at the foot of Lower Rideau Lake.
About 8 miles from its mouth is the flourishing town of Perth. In 1831,
a company was incorporated to improve the navigation of this river.
The works were immediately commenced and were finished in 1834.
They consisted of five locks with dams and slides. Four of the locks
were of stone and the other was of wood. They were 101 feet long and
20 feet wide, Lad a depth of 4 feet on the sills and a lockage of 28 feet.
CANALS OF CANADA.
23
m
ilA
The total length of the channel was 8A miles. The cost of these im-
provements was $17,764.05, of which $7,764.05 was loaned by the gov-
ernment of Ui)per Canada and never repaid. The works have long
since fallen into decay and disuse.
Very lately a survey has been made, having in view the construction
of a short canal to connect the town of Perth with the Rideau Canal, and
so secure for the town communication with the various canal systems.
OTTAWA RIVER NAVIGATION.
The Ottawa River, at its junction with the St. Lawrence, is divided
into four distinct channels. Two of them pass back of the island of
Montreal and divided by the He Jesus, discharge into the St. Lawrence
below the city of Montreal. The other two, and the only ones used for
navigation, flow on each side of an island known as He Perrott, which
lies between the mainland and the upper end of the island of Montreal
and empty into the expansion of the St. Lawrence called Lake St. Louis,
a few miles above the Lachine Rapids.
Vdudreuil lock,— In these latter two channels are the first obstruc-
tions to navigation on the Ottawa. The upper of them, although af-
fording a more cinuiitous route, was in its natural state passable at all
stages of water for boats of moderate size, and to make it still more
available, a lock large enough to pass a steamer of twenty horse power
was built between the village of Vaudreuil on the mainland and He
Perrott as early as 1816. This lock was reconstructed in 1832-'33, on
the same scale as the locks of the Grenville Canal, and was maintained
as a private work until the completion of the lock at St. Anne's, in th 3
lower channel, when it was abandoned.
St. Anne's lock.— The lower channel, which is much the more direct,
18 obstructed Just opposite the village of St. Anne's at the head of the
island of Montreal, by a succession of short rapids. The necessity of
overcoming these, ,nd relieving trade from the exactions of the owners
of the private lock at Vaudreuil, was early felt, and soon after the
completion of the Ottawa River and Rideau Canals, urgent representa-
tions were made to the Government that the benefits of this system
was being partially lost, and a monopoly of the traffic secured to this
private company who owned the lock at Vaudreuil by the want of a
lock at St. Anne's.
Nothing decisive was done until 1840, when the work of constructing
a lock at this point was begun by the government of Lower Canad^
and after the uniou was carried to completion by the Government of
the United Provinces. It was opened for use on the 26th of June
1843. The canal was one-eighth mile long and the lock 190 feet long
by 45 wide, with 7 feet on the sills in the ordinary state of the rlVer
and 6 feet at low water, and had a wing dam and capacity fo- large
steamers. It cost $134,456.51, of which $19,860.02 was paid by the
government of Lower Canada, and the remainder by the United Prov-
inces.
CHAMBLY CANAL.
The Richelieu or Sorel River is the channel by which the waters of
LakeChampIain tlow into the St. Lawrence. Its mouth is near Sorel
46 miles below Montreal. It was navigable at all times a distance of
14 miles from Sorel to St. Ours, at the foot of the Chambly rapids,
ii!,^^!^^ ..^p.r,,, ^.^trri-vi XixjUi >jt. xjiim lo oi. Juuu.s, anu were impassable
both because of the shallowness of the water and the strength andra-
fl
24
CANALS OF CANADA.
pidity of tlio ctirronfc. Tlio ooinpaiiy, whinh was chaifonwl in isi7 f^ •
»»s appolZl to't, Vo d , g„ o^ "be Tork i.;r,£'f-V ""«"'""'>'"">'
wore prooeeilcl wiili ' """ ""* "Pessary surveys
iiiK the reaiilt l,oi,o,l for, it w™ I Uv a,.tV, S^T^^^ • "M"" ''™'""'-
til after the union in IKii h,^? ti i.-L ' f "®' '^"*^ '^ ^'^» "'^♦^ "»■
tu.,. wL tie,, ..,.n^.i":;i;^-;t ^^;a';s:-rg-, -f«sit
tion. ' "'^^ ^'"^® ^<^6n maintained in this condi-
feet at tha snrfu.« Tii,.! ^' '^^ **^^*^ ^^'^® »^ <^^e bottom and GO
feet wide and h/a liff h. i • f^ V^^^^ 'o^k was 122 feet long and 23i
feet wde^HlS fee' onfald^^^^^^^ '^.T V^' ^^et lon| ami 23|
sills was 7 feet? ^ ^""-^ '^''^^- "^^^ '^'^P^'* «^ ^^ter on thi
.n.;^?ofTJw:? cTnSaTliUrVw^^^^ ™ T^' ^^*^« «overn-
Government of tC U ited Pmvinces Sut'i55lJ5'?'-t' ""^ '^'
peuded on the dam, and $634,711.96 oS the canal. ^^"'^'^^^'^^ ''^' ^^^
WELL AND CANAL.
two lakes can not bo s S\v 'fh nnv J ^l'^*^^'«»«« " ^he levels of the
cause the va i tions in tl i p l;/^' f '^^^"^'^' ^'^*^'' ^
identical. It ifhoweie. 4 neSv . '"""^f' "' "^^ '^^^ ^^'^^^ ^''^ "«'
--, _i,..«,e., ah nearly as can be ascertained 326| feet.
CANALS OF CANADA.
25
is «iKT,,rHM,'r.,?f''''-'"''' "''■"'■ " """»»« ''"- "-'". «"'l ita au-rent
8oatb«»terly ami empties into Lake bS ^ KiverHows
tl.e'^mo.KT.;!,' G;r,f St-ef'^' ""^""^ »'■ '"""> «™' i» «t"at«. at
taimsi, a ii„7o™si„,{ii„t'it;'™Strori,o^ .'■■"'' ''^?" '""^ •
of eaiial and railivav tlip ,. i , , t , i, . fi ' • "? ''^ * combination
but tins plan v « "oo, lai^nlS , /, V^f r"'r.™''':<^'y,™»" '="I"«=ity i
communication liZil X w] lie , r,K ",^ rtc einnned to sccnro water
larsc to adn.it sclmoncrs ^1 si „^s '""' """ •""'" » «""" ^uiHciently
unsuitableness for luMivilv l«vw p<i hw^ o i ., **^e Niagara and its
tiofs and va^iorler „U°a„t w S wS^'d^cS'bf h"^"? ""J"'"-
iS|;e=t"o:::^tSKb:'!;s:3S^^^
per and Lower Canada became neSa^v Al thf«o '™^"^' ^^ ^P'
sponded liberally both in H.p \vnl?»f V ^' . *^^^®. ^o^^eniments re-
grauts of land ^ "" '''^^ °^ '"'''""' «"l>scriptions to stock, and
wis\tStT;;xtS trat'S'r.'^'^ "r??^r^ ^^-^--^ ^bat it
the aatunu, of tS yet w fst at tln^r ^'^ ^f.^'* ^"*? ^^« «^°'^» ^y
tt^crpan^; sr^eiiSSS^^
tain their water sinnlvW] ft '^ ^'^^,*^*''' '^"*^ determined to ob-
diminished IsASf^-'v/ i depth of cutting was at the sam^ tim«
nisned lo^ teet, and the danger of a recurrence of the accident be"
i
26
CANALS OF CANADA.
fore referred to very much lessened. Work was agaiti beffun and pros-
ecuted with so imiob vi^or that on November 30, 1821), two schooners
ascended the csanal from Lake Ontario to tlie Welland kiver.
Ill a report of the oi)eration8 of the cornpauy published about this
time the route as then established is thus described:
Vessols (IrawiiiR Jj feet of wator and not, having more than 21^ feet breadth of beam
will 8uil «lo\vu the river Niagara until tlicy approach about one-fourth of a mile from
the month of the Wellaud River. Th.-re they will enter a canal 15 chains in lenirth
which has been cut acnm a i><)int of land into tiie Welland Kiver, np which they will
pass a distance of 'Ji mileH. 'J'hey will then ascend two locks into the deep out and
pass through it, a distance of Iti^ miles more, into Lake Ontario.
The feeder was 20 feet broad at bottom, 40 feet at water surface, and
feet deep. The success of the scheme led the Government in 1831 to
grant the company a loan of $200,000 to assist in carrying out a pr( ct
for an extension of the main line over the Wellaud River to Port Uol-
borne by enlarging the feeder for about 5 miles so as to make it a navi-
gable channel, and excavating a new canal for the remaining distance
between the main line as originally completed and Lake Erie.
This work was flnished in 1833 and the line thus constructed occupied
nearly the same site as the enlarged line of 1841 and the old line of
the present day, having the same termini on the two lakes. It was 27*
miles long and the -breadth at the bottom was 24 feet. There were 40
locks, built of wood, all 110 feet long by 22 feet wide, except the first
three ascending locks from Port Dalhousie, which were 130 by 32 feet,
and one at Port (Jolborne, from the canal into Lake Erie, which was 125
by 24 feet.
At the solicitation of the company an act was passed in 1839 author-
izing the purchase by the province of the rights of the private stock-
holders, and shortly after the union, in 1841, the purchase was made
and the line was transferred to the new board of works of Canada.
Up to this time it Lad cost the province of Upper Canada, in loans,
which were never paid, in advances, and in the purchase of stock,
$1,751,427.77, and in addition $100,000 had been contributed to its con-
struction in the pnnrhase of the company's stock by the government of
Lower Canada, and $222,;i20 in loans by the Imperial Government, mak-
ing the total cost $2,073,047.77.
BURLINGTON BAY CANAL.
A low, sandy beach originally separated Burlington Bay, on which
the city of Hamilton is situated, from Lake Ontario. The construction
of a canal to connect these two bodies of water and enable vessels to
reach Hamilton and the Desjardius Canal, a work belonging to a private
company, and leading to the town of Dundas, was authorized by an act
passed by the legislature of Upper Canada on the 19th March, 1823.
Work was commenced under local commissioners in 1825, and the
canal was opened for the passage of vessels in 1830, and completed in
1832.
From 1832 to 1841 the work was gradually extended and the channel
deepened. The canal was half a mile long, from 108 to 138 feet wide,
and 10 leet deep, and was simply an artificial channel between two
lines of wooden piles, backed witli stone.
The amount expended upon this woik up to the time of the union, in
1841, was $124,300.08. '
^1
t
CANALS OF CANADA.
27
ffl
€
DESJAKDINa UANAL.
Tlio DcHJiudiiis OuiiJil above rcferml to tines not pioix'ily Ix-loiiji to
the cautvl s.VHtoms of (Jiuiada, hut a brief rerenuico to it iii this place
may be of luteiest. Jt mm built by a private coinpanv iiicorpomted in
January, 1826, by the lofji.slaturo of Upper (Jaiuuhi, and was opened for
vessels drawing 7A feet of water in August, ISW, It exten«led from a
point at the head of Burlington Bay, 2 miles north of Hamilton, to the
town ot Dundas, and was, including natural and artificial navigation
S^o^ww!' ''^ ^^*\^ ""'^^ '" It^nfith. It (!ost $<J8,C84, and of this amount
f 08,000 was advanoed at dilleient times by the governriuMit of Upper
Canada in the form of loans at 6 ])er cent. It is perhaps needless to
add that neither the principal nor interest of these loans has over been
paid.
COKNWALL OANAL.
The Cornwall Canal, which overcomes what are known as the Long
Hault Kapuls of the St. Lawrence, was the first canal constructed on
the scale recommended by Colonel Philli)ott, and adopted bv the gov-
ernment of United Canada, for the enlargements and new works then
projected.
The circumstances connected with the submission of this rejjort and
the adoption of the scheme suggested in it will be alluded to hereafter.
1 I , u ^^ ^^ ^^^^ *''*^ attention of the government of Upper Can-
ada had been called to the important question of the navigation below
TqTq^'u ^5' ^"*^ *^'*' J"^'"^ commission appointed by the two provinces in
1818 had reported, as has been stated, in favor of improvements at the
Long Sault Rapids. Examinaions and reports were made by several
engineers, acting under govemiuental authority, but nothing decisive
was done until 1832, when the house of assembly of Upper Canada
recommended the immediate commencement of improvements between
Cornwall and the head of the Long Sault Rapids on a scale to admit
vessels drawing 9 feet of water, and appropriated the sum of $280,000
theretor. '
In 1833 a coraraission was appointed for the purpose of carrying- out
the provisions of the act, in accordance with plans submitted to the
Government. In 1834 the work was put under contract, but the rebel-
bon of 1837 and financial causes retarded its comi)letion. Work was
entirely suspended in 1838, but in 1842 it was resumed by the govern-
ment of the United Provinces, and the canal was formally opened in
uuue, 1843.
The canal extended along the north shore from the town of Cornwall
to the village of Dickinson's Landing, was lU miles long, 100 feet in
breadth at the bottom, and 150 feet at the wafer surface, and I) feet in
depth. '
There were seven locks, overcoming a rise of 48 feet, 200 feet long
and 55 feet wide, with a depth of 9 feet on the sills. Supply in reiru-
lating weirs at the head of the canal and at each of the locks were afU^r-
wards added. The whole work cost $1,933,152.09; $1,420,310 was ex-
pended by the government of Upier Canada and the balance by tne
Upper Provinces. ''
Towards the year 1832 the- government of Lower Canada had re-
moved some of the obstructions in these same rapi.ls and cut a canal
about one fourth of a mile long acioss the point at Cedar Village, and
commenced a canal intended to be two thirds of a mile long across the
point just above the old canal at Cotean du Lac. The latter canal was
■ •-•MI.K.-
28
CANALS OP CANADA.
upon ir, inittl 1841, when a Mr. MrlJaini^ completed it bv iK'imiHMion nf
any l,„t local p,„,,„HB. ,„i„ tl,„ comKli™ ^Vho c'oZuu'S::?. '"'
UNION OP UPPEIl AND LOWER CANADA.
In 1841 tho provinces of tTpperand Lower (Xanadu were nnitod iindnr
rrirA\ZMion.r hi'ir "■"' '".^"^' '■"•'^^«"'^' s:.t:z:;u!:^^
niHcn luui Demi ,ione by the respective pn.n nc<'8 and bv the Jiimi.iii
watZw.';;^"' \-T''^' ''*""''^'"*^' ^''•' <'•«»»«''•'« to a freruvigo,?;e
rrnm.^ud '?/'"*""'''•'' .'^•'•' "'^"'^' ''•^"' '"'Provements, bo 1 of a
lerin.inent and teniponiry character, had been nuide, but tho wii.t of L
detuu c and comprehensive scheme had been seri s V felt S^
and dd erences „f opinion an.l poliey ha<l preveZ u ht irt <t^^^^^^^^^^
" :^e!;:iSo{^';;X:'"^""^' '"'• '• ''^ '^'^*^»'^^^" of';;;;.:^;;;;;rx
wntf 'i'?''^*' '"''''" ^'*T T'^''^ **>' "'t''i"s<>n<'int coniniissions and in other
provinus seemed hkely to be consummated, Lord Durham tinMi i.nv
ernor-Kenera , in preparation for the evei.t, cc.nnnissione LieXa^^^^^^
iJl ■ }■ "'*^ inland water commumcat on of tho Canadas " Ili^
examination seems to have been a very minute and Lareftil o e and l,^^
tXT.'lu-'?..??''''"''*'^; j^.f«r'''-» "t'H^ basis ol the ac on S^^
taken by the Government of Canada in relation to the imnrovemeit of
their ^^'ater^vays. He advocated the a.loption of a nil E svSn of
nav.jration improvements, and ur«ed that they sho i Id ^i o'i i s<^?i
commensurate with what he believed was to be tl e d re trtle if
Canada. He recomnicnde.l that the locks thnMifjlo^utXrwhoio
Lawrence system should be made of the same d mens s T tl.^«
adop ed for the Cornwall Canal, which was theruiX c^t rLfto w^^^^
with locks 200 feet in length by 55 feet in brea, th w th ^fS wS
g'owt^lake cominer'"^ ''^'""'' ""^^^"^^'^ '' ^^« "«««««*^'«« «f '^^
WORKS CONSTRUCTED UP TO 184L
fl«^i®*f *^'"f"^***. *^'^ ^'^'"^ "' the narrative of what works liad been
finished and what were in progress at the date of the unio n v be m
aid to a proper nnderstandins" of what was still necessar t be do m in
order to perfect the various lines and brine, them tTSe eaf^^
oTwlls'^SlSa^''*"^^^"' -^' - - «^^^^» «-^ adopted b^fhVird
There had been constructed :
First. On the St. Lawrence route-
St! Loui'^ ^''''^'"' ^''"'''' *° "^^^■^^'"e- tbo Lacbiue Itapids or Sault
S.r*^ Welland Canal, to connect Lakes Ontario and Erie
w
<■
TO
.
CANALS OF CANADA. 29
n3 Vn ^"'"""ff*"" ""y <''»'«••', wlii.'li WU8 nitlier Hub^ldiary to tlia.i a
part of th« Ht. riiiwrciice routv.
(4) The DesjunliiiN Cum.l, wl.ich wasowiuMl by u private corno.at ion
sr^. "i "i"' / '^M '•";" 'T'"' I''/: <>'>v'*'nnne„t, anil was a lo.'tl XTr!
Second, (hi the Montreal ami Kinjj.stoii route •
abolVs'r AnS." ""'^ ^'^^''^'''^ <''^"'^'''' "''"»"«• the rapids of Ottawa,
!S) m!'*^ Ivideau (Janal, between Ottawa and Kiuffston.
a) The Iliver Tay Canal. "
There was also, aw a part of and necessary to this Hv.stem until thw
u? vlSSif ''" '"'"'' ^'^""^'«' ^^'" I*"^'"^<^ '-'^' before described!
Tliere were in process of construction :
SaurKapki;.^''''''''"'''' ''*"''' * The Cornwall Canal, to avoid the Long
On the Ottawa : The St. Anne's lock, which was intended to super-
treal ..wi^r"'".^^"' ""l ^'"•*"'""'' ""^^ *^*^"'l"«t« the works of t^ioZ.
treai ana Kin{,'ston system.
And on the Kichdieu : The St. Ours lock, which with the Chambly
S?V«'"^?^p'^?','^''"^.^''''' •'<>""'HM.ced, was intended to overcome
the Chambly Rai)uls ami remove all obstruction to navigation between
the St. Lawrence and Lake Chnmplain. "«twcen
In addition there were two or three works at various points on thw
Kiver Trent which were of local importance only ^ ^
There had been expended, or advanced ui)ou loans which had never
been repaid, for the construction of these various works as foUows?
By tlio government of Lower Civimda :
Ou the Lachino Cniml a„„^ .^, ,,
On the Chambly Cinml P'J«,404. 15
On thoSt.Aniu>Hlock.... ;J2-^,4.JI.58
On the weiiundcan.1. ...::::;::::::::::::::::::::;:::;::;;:;;;; ^jj-^og
Total :
a40,705.75
By tlio government of Upper Canada: . ~
On the WcUaml Canal , ,,, . .„ _
0;i the Cornwall Canal .... ,'!^i*r '^'^^
Ou the Burlington Hay Canal .. loVo- ^^
On the Desjardina Canal... lJ4,3i)6.0H
On the KivorTay Canal 08,000.00
On the Kiver Trent Canal..! 5,6:10.35
V 9ii,44<>.3U
Total —
3,490,401.90
By the imperial government : -
On the Rideau Canal o n,^ ^«. .
On the Lachine Canal 3,911,701.47
On the Welland Canal..!.". J5^^^-^
2-22,2a0.00
Total
4,173,921.47
Total by governments T T;.,, ^.,., , =
By private corporations : o, oUo, u.^y. 12
On the Desjardins Canal on ^o. /^
On the River Tay Canal !!!•!!!!!!!!!!!! in nnn'nn
Grand total ~~
8.545,713.12
In addition to this amount there was what the war department of the
imperial government had spent on the locks between Lakes St Louis
and St. Francis, on the St. Lawrence, and on the Ott^w. r\:n;,, "?
rccoru 01 wiiich has been lost. " ' *
30
CANALS OP CANADA.
Lawrence, and the Lacliine Pan i? .*^? "PP^^ ^akea with tbe Sf
the Ottaw^* «A'«teuKS hi oco nrS '^a rSm^ *^^ «^- Lawrence and
several stretches between the two tiT ' ^'de-water, there were still
qnately provided thr TIu>1p Z *i '*'^' '''^''^ '^"<' at all, or very iimdfl
and St. i>ancis and\he STo^. /'^'1''^'' ^^^^'^^^ Lakes St. louS
and Prescott. ' '*^'^'^'' "** '''P>^'« ^^^tween Dickinson's Lamlin^
bJit hr;^eS:Cl^S^^X---tbes,nall locks originally
ro.val staff, and the canals b^Kv if '''''^''*' '''"'^ improved by the
"1 1S^2, across the po'ni a? C lar V |Lf 1,^!;''^"* "^'^'"^^^ ^^"a^'t
These weretotally inadeonatetn t Jli ^^ **"*^ ^''^ P«'"t J"st above it
litt e practical usl AtlhJ^ ?ef th^rrwe^e '^n^ ''^'"'^ ^"^ ^^^^ of
Uj)on the union all the works 001,1.1!?^^ 1^ ''"Pavements at all.
ferred to the board of public works ^'^'*'^ ''''^ '" P'^«^'««« ^ere trans:
n«o( ihcations, was adopted. ' '^ *^® ^^^^^'^ itself, with some
sni^i^^ns^S'Sn^^-^^^^^
the "^'-s.itiesof [he W ^"utVhiS^Rr ^''f ^^^ <J"ite be^-ond
soon outstripped. ' ^ ''^'''^ ^^'^ growing trade of the country
^ The trst new work entered upon after the union was the Beauharnois
BEAUHARNOIS CANAL
presented three distinct scSes for ft. Jf^° Cornwall and Kingston "
point. The tirst of them wE Vw?L ''"P'ov^njents in view at this
most feasible, contem pTaT^i the cot ru^^^^^ ""' ^" ^^^« ''^oll The
the rapnls and theuse of theSt wlnf 1 / ^^"^"^^ ^^n^ls at each of
were (o be on the north side nfTif!-^^^*''''^®" ^'»«^«'' These canals
overcome by nine lock This p aiMvTi;.?^ the descent was io be
the legislature, but was i.ever aSed mfon ^ ^n''"'* ^'^ ^ committee of
based upon carelul in-pstitron!..! P^"* Subsequently other nlan«
Alexander SteU^o , a f Srr'st^f '"^"^^ toparlfamentb'^Mr:
shared the same fate as that of Mr Mills Thf" 7^f ^'*^^^' ^uc they
the south side of the river as best ad«nf.?f^J''^*^^^«°"emen urged
lence of location and economy in ^^^^^ »^ot J m respect to con ven
suggested. ""™^ '" expenditure, tor the improvemento
military reasons thev should be f.lup f ""f,"^'^' ^"^ advised that for
In the inemorandiim s^.b mitted Iv tt bn^/T*^'"^^ "^ ^^^ "^«r!
diately after the union i)roviS., \i^ ^^^^/^ of public works imme
of the St. Lawrence S^iSon •;; r!!^;!!!!:!!/- P^lf ting this sS;
the uusc was estimated at:|l,023,Gt)0r""""'' "' ^'''^^''^ P'a», and
CANALS OF CANADA.
31
Before anything was done, and in Fehrnnrv i«^o *i ..
ot the boani of works repor ed in ?nvt nf o ' • . ' "'^ chief engineer
« .ore, chiefly on the grom% tla" uTonld ir^f'^'r'""'"',"" ^^« *^«"^^
ot all water-cours^s, especially of thrOffiw. i^^^"' """^^ n.dej.endent
IJ^lJe for 2 or 3 weeksSongeJe^^S^se^ar^a^lfrroTt^^^^^^^
byl't^^^iple'f;^^
substantially the plan recouVmended by Cshw ' '^ ^f ^lian.ent, and
canal on the south side of the river «nri r„ ®.*«^e"s«n» to wit, a single
was adopted. The canal was ope^erfor^vi"'^.-"'"" ^^'''^^'"^« "''^•'•i,
but various defects were soon deveioi ed .T K""" ."' ^''^ ^^" ^^^" ^^^^^
per entrance, and it became necestpr?!^ the construction of the up.
627 feet long'and the other ?92feetTo^„*^ Th« 1^' ^"'" ''''' ^^''^•»«' «"«
1850. -lecciong. 1 he dams were completed in
120 tSe'LVfL^'^I^'io^nS f ^l ^^T^^ ^* ^^^ ^-^tom, and
wide, with 9 feet of water on h^s 'Zl o-f' "^ ^«"^«"J ^fi feet
Subsequently regulating we hs were conir. J. ?"^"«' V'^^ «^" «^ ^*'^t.
and a dike about 5 miles lo g was bu ? «^ h^ "J 'i'^'' ^^ ^^^ '««'^'^^'
prevent flooding. ^ ^ ^"''*^ ^t the head of the canal to
^22 TS-^^^/r""^ "^""^^ ""^ ^^^ ^o^k up to 18G7 was «1 fill lo. i , . , .
«22,/83.45 was expeued on the dimr nJ ! ' •',*-*'^^' *^^^^Jch
exact amount of which I can not ^hiJnr ^ considerable sum, the
^ From the head of the Cornwall Rn«i ti '^^™«^e« ti-om overflow. '
for a distance of 5 miles, Znfoibw ?^^^^^^^
rents with intervening spaces of smooTh^S "' '"^^^ ""^ '''''' ^^'■
Th
WiLLIAMSBUSG CANALS
tb^ w\l[!:m' buTcaT4'' d'^^^^ T^'^^ ^— collectively
The construction of^these canals had^llf " '"' "^''^ '''^' «*" ^'^^^'' "^er^
commission of 1818, an,rsSquent v ^Mf T"'"'"^?^^^ ^'^ '^^ ^^iut
Colonel Phillpott, and had been the sub^.S ^^"J'"!'-'^ ^^^uglisli and
oat of the legislature. "^^^'^'^ °^ "'"''^ discussion in and
PARRAND'S POINT CANAX.
was completed in 1847 It w^^ h?1 % ®^f ' '^^ ^construction, and it
.broad at the bottom, and 90 S bSirtlf ?/ ? "^"« ,^«"8> ^0 feet
one lock 200 feet long and 45 feet wide wftl Q fif '^- '"'^""«- ^^ ^'^d
and overcoming a rise of 4 feet! ' *^^^ ^^ '''^**^^ »» the sill,
RAPIDE FLAT CANAL.
^iTr^^^Jle'tu^^'^^lfV'''''''^'''''^ <""■«> series, the R„pi.,e
aa 1826, work wa'/not cimTe ,SSn 'TZ'^"'] ^r" "«<"> """Sr^
locks, 200 feet long'and 45 feet wideiri*^^^^^^^^^^ There were two
and overcoming a ?ise of 1 4 feet!' ^* ""^ '''''*'''' *'" ^'^^ s'Hs,
32
CANALS OF CANADA.
i
GALOPS CAXAL.
l^ulnf r ''^; fr^^l long, \vitl. one lock, 200 leet loiifj by 45 feet wide
aud of 6 feet lift. From the head of this mnoi ti.n "S^f t „ '
navigable for 2^^- miles to the foo of tl.e TiaC Itnids TnnT ''^'
in^ao'' "^'''" ^^'' •^""'"''" '^"^^ ^^' commeuced in 1851 and completed
o^:t'^^SlS^::^^Si^ Sr- «^ ^^e junction canal,
burfcruals'"ct7$I aiS'If^^^^^^^^ denominated geT.erally the Williama-
unit^ed provinces ^^'^^^'^"^'^^l ^^"^^ ^^^ P^^l into the treasury of the
hams burg Canals are not used by (tsceudini crafts of anv kil? f Y'^'
heavily loaded, nor by ascending passenger vessels ^ ' ' ""^'''
LACHINE CANAL-ENLARGEMENTS OF 1843.
Besides the construction of the Beauharnois and Williamsburff Tannic
and the completion of the works which . ere i)ai tiall v Sf «K ?• ^'
The old canal built iff 1825, had long before become utterlv inaria
quate to the requirements of commerce. "«'-"me utterly inade-
Colonel Phillpott had proposed that the old line, the location of winnh
had never been quite satisfactory, be abandoned Z arf en relv new
?? wL T^^'f f'' ''" "" ^'."«^' ^^"«' '*"d this plan had nmny advicater
them equal to those of the Cornwall ami B^'ihtrE C^,^ *" "^"'^^
During the progress of the work and the urgent reoiP.f nf ih.
mercantile interests this plan was so far modiS^s to Tn'rLse he
depth of locks Nos. 1 and 2 at Montreal from 9 feet tTia i\T/^ I
on the snis, and tl us enable the lar^estT^^^^^
VIS. ed Montreal to pass easily into the first bfsin Sfth? canal
Ihe work was sufficiently advanced in 1848 to permit pasSof boats
a-cwuu tnc movliucatiuii ui the original plan just adverted to.
CANALS OF CANADA.
33
'f\
The capacity of the canal was more th ii doubled by these improve-
ments and the number of locks reduced from seven to' five
The enlargement cost $2,149,128.70 and was of course paid for bv the
Government of United Canada. '
WELLAND CANAL IMPROVEMENT OF 1842-'49.
The Welland Canal as originally built had never been satisfactory
either in its location, its dimensions, or in the character of the work, and
It had never been looked upon as pcrnjanently completed.
From time to time surveys and investigations had been made and
changes and improvements suggested, but nothing of any moment had
been done.
As soon, however, as the line came whollv under the control of the
government by the purchase of the interests of the private holders, it
was determined by the board of public works to commence improve-
ments. *^
It was decided that all the locks should be rebuilt in stone and their
dimensions increased to 120 feet long by 2G feet broad, with 8i feet
water on the sills; that the aqueduct required to carry the canal over
the Welland Eiver should be rebuilt of stone; that the feeder should
be converted into a navigable canal ; that the harbors on both lakes
should be improved, and finally that the projected Port Maitland
Branch should be undertaken and completed " with an entrance lock
from Lake Erie 200 feet long, 45 feet wide, and having 9 feet depth of
water.
The works were commenced in 1842 and completed in 1849.
The original plan was modified during the progress of tlie work so
as to make the locks 150 feet long by 26* feet wide, and the bed of the
main line 26 feet wide at the bottom.
As the Grand Eiver gave evident signs that it could not be relied
upon as a feeder, it was decided to obtain the water supply for the
canal from Lake Erie. To do this it became necessary to lower the
summit level 8 feet to that of Lake Erie.
This undertaking was commenced in 1846, but was not finally com-
pleted, so as to render the canal independent of the Grand liiver until
a few years ago.
These enlargements and improvements cost the government of Can-
ada up to Ist July, 1867, $4,900,820.60.
TRENT RIVER AND NEWCASTLE DISTRICT NAVIGATION.
The Trent River and Newcastle district navigation in its present
condition does not, in either section of it, form a completed system, but
consists simply of local improvements whicli have been made from time
to time and at various points between Trenton, on the Bay of Quinte,
into which the Trent Kiver empties, and Lake Simcoe, a large body of
water north of Toronto, and about half way on a direct line between
Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay.
These improvements are of two kinds, viz, those to render the channel
navigable for vessels, and those to facilitate the i)nssage of lumber.
Those of the former kind are .situated between the mouth of the river
Trent and the town of Lindsay on the Scugog River, and between Lind-
SaV and Port, Pprr\7 nf tlia l>aa«l nf r..il.-» t-ion-ri^c
The total distance between the Bay of Quints, at the mouth of the
H. Ex. 45 3
I
34
CANALS OF CANADA.
river Trent, and Port Perry is IGl^ miles, of which 34A miles are not
navigable for vessels drawing 6 feet of water * *
coSructedr"^ '" * "'^''^ the works which have been or are being
CANAL AT CHISHOLM RAPIDS.
iAf^J'^fl^ ""ir" '" the Chisholm Kapids, 15 miles above Trenton,
18 a fall of something more than 8 feet, ami here in 1873 a canal 2,927 feet
l.?«7^' cntthrongh bedded limestone, and a dam built to make still-
water navigation for the remainder of the distance <,overed by the rap ds.
and 33 feet wfde.''"^ ""^ '^'''"'"^ "''''""'^' ^^^ ^""* ^ "•"'^^^ ^^"^''
CANAL AT LAKE BOBOAYGEON.
Between 1833 and 1835 a short canal, with a wooden lock was con-
structed at Lake Bobcaygeon 140f miles above Trenton. By tlds canal
woofn'one' n^7!•r''^^'*'"^ '"^'^ ^'^^''"^ ^^*^^'» substituted for le
wooden one in 1857 vessels drawing not more than 4 feet are pinhlpri
to pass from lakes Chemong, Buckhorn, and Pigeon to stirgeoilke
f.Sl^H'"-M "t*' "»^?«"^'»S «iver to the town of Lindsay? wiSs con-
nected with Lake Ontario by railroad.
eo^v:i;Stol\rbe'r1L:? "^"'^^^ '" ''** ^"^^ ^'^« subsequently
HasUngh Loclc.-ln 1844 a lock, now known as Basting's Lock and
a darn was completed at Crook's Rapids, a point 32^ miles abox^ the
^^^^fFln^V^^^^ ^^'^'' lock; naVigation'is obtained from
Jiuiey 8 1^ alls to Whitla's, a distance of GOA miles, and during the same
year a dam was built at Nine-Mile Eapids ^ ^
Loch at WhitWs.-ln 1843 a lock was constructed at Whitla's 93
mries above the mouth of the Trent, by means of which vISs mav
Upon these works there was expended by the government of U per
ted St'aS Tnfo K>r't?;.^'';'^ the^overnment ofT^d-
r.. is7n ^'i ^1 , l^J' t^^^/'^^® ^^ confederation, $216,921.98.
in 1870 the lock at Lindsay, which had been converted infn n «i,M«
l^tre m\e^bf37'f"r'^^' tl.epronnceo? Ontario, "usdimt-'
In thefall nf 1S«? w ^^ ''"^^' ""'^^ ^ ?^* «*" ^^'^*«^' «" the sills.
is known ftlBh.r/ir^ commenced at various points along what
^ai?nny^!f the Black Lake division, which extends from Lakefleld to
Balsam Lake, the summit level on the main line of the Trent River
navigation, aud satisfactory progress has been made. At the Ui ner
Rapids, between Deer Bay and Buckhorn Lake, a ift lock and smaM
canal one-fourth mile long are being built. '
At the falls between Sturgeon and Cameron Lakes, a canal about onfi
third of a mile in length with two lift locks is under contract
The contract for the former of these routes requiri th t it shall bo
completed this year, and for the latter that it sh'all 1 - completed'llext
infj""5?f M ^^^« been given out for the construction oi a canal 2i miles
1 nSI wf '•? ^f J^^ksand regulating dams, around theBur leigS
tS 10 ks'S.l ;;.o"^''''**'"' ^^'" not yet'been commenced.^'
inese Jocks and the service works are to be 134 feet lontr 33 feet widfi
and have a depth of 5 feet on the sills. When tlmv Z^^yyii^^Zl^^'
i^gatiiT"''"''"'' """" ''^''" "^' ^""^"^ ^^^ "^"^« of direct "and latS
I
I
es are not
are being
i Trenfon,
2,927 feet
nake still-
he rapids,
ihes long,
was con-
liis canal
3(1 for the
B enabled
eon Lake
5h is con-
sequently
iock, and
bove the
jed from
the same
litla's, 93
sels may
Whitla's.
>f Upper
of Uni-
) a slide,
sdi men-
sills.
>ng what
efleld to
it Kiver
i Upper
id small
out one-
shall bo
;ed next
2i miles
(igh and
et wide,
lateral
t
I
CANALS OP CANADA.
CONFEDERATION.
^5
tario and Queb^and^he p ovin^s of^^^^^^ s;S' '^Tr^'^f^ ^ O""
EXPENDITURES PREVIOUS TO CONFEDERATION.
spe'^Lpof/thlclrals'Zlw^^^^ had been
distributed as shown on iranneS sche^^^^^^^^
Manner of expenditure.
Lacliiue Canal
BeauharuoiH Canal ..."
Corn Willi Canal
"WilliamaburK Caniil ..'..'.
General expondit mo ...
BurliiiKton Jiay Ciinal... .
Desjai din Bay Canal !!!!!!!
St. Lawrence system,
Welland
Dnring the
union.
$2, 149, )28. 70
1,611,424.11
4«4, 014. 32
1,320,055.54
116,821.31
a08, 328. 32
52, 263. U3
St Ann's lock
Chute & Blondoau Canai.".'.'. ."
Kideau Canal
Kiver Tay navigation ...'.
«, 043, 230. 23
6, 564, 592. 06
Total cost to
June 30, 1867.
*2, 587, 532. 85
1.611,424.11
1, 933, 152. 69
1, 320, 055. 54
11«,821.31
■132, 684. 40
160,947.93
8, 153,2]8.8.'t
7, 638, 239. 83
Montreal and Kingston system
Chats (Upper Ottawa)....
St. Ours lock and dam . .
Chambly Canal ^ll\"["\"
Richelieu and Lake Champlain system
Kiver Trent navigation. .>oi»iu
Total expenditure
134, 450. 51
63, 053. 64
4, 004, 764. 07
17, 764. 05
4, 280, 038. 27
482, 950. 81
121, 537. 65
634,711.76
760, 24^41
309,371.31
21,620,008.46
by the Imperial G overmen t $13 ST/s^^^Jh" ^f °^t?^.1 $4,173,921.47
and $40,684 by private corpoVattJnf ' ^ *^' ^"'^'^ Provinces,
Iinperia'ftveJnltt rfhe'relj^^Sor an'^^'^, ^^^^^^^'^^^^ ^^ '^^
locks and canals, between akes St LoSs ami sT ?.T™'"^ f *?" ^^^
struction of the three Ottawa T^iv^rn.uA 5 " ^^^^''^^S' '»«d the eon-
$48,405.83 spent b/theTovrnrnPn! n?T ^''^^f^ ^'^^l ^'so
improve the chanS throu jrthrLachLe^C^^^^^^^ ^^ttempting to
As a result of this erpenditm-e, a™t^Sg ^^^^^^^^ ?<l?'f «'
came into possession of the Dominion n«r.,S«+^i^ there
Canada, transferred under tlmnri.,?.' ^fL^^ ^^^ «««®ts of United
248^ miles of can a w"?h iS'S Twhtlf^on^f -f «<^f ^deration,
100 locks were in Unnor (J^Lnalo l',i Iq • ' ^^^^ "^'^^^ of canal and
were in Lower Canada ' ^ ^'^ ""^^' ^^ ^'^"^1 ^'"^ ^2 locks
was 9 feet on the mkor sS ' '"'""'' ""^ '"""' "«!'"' '»' wl'i<=l>
36
CANALS OF CANADA.
The Montreal and Kiugston system, including the river Tav navijra-
^on comprned 134.39 miles of canal and 64 locks, the least depth of
which was 5 feet on the miter sills. *
^vl^'?^^^it}^^'£!il 1" ^^'•^- ^^'^^'^ ^""'"f^ f'"'" Montreal to Kingston
mi 1 - feet— 401i feet rising and 177 feet falling.
. ^^'^''^^'eH/^'xl Lake Chaiuplain system comprised 12.13 miles of
canal and 10 locks, the least depth of whicii wasTftu-t on the miter sills
,,. rm°® ^'®^''*' ''?®'' *^® completion of the works above described
very little was done beyond what was necessary to keep them in repair.
APPOINTMENT OP CANAL COMMISSION.
. ^" ^f^,^}'f Governor-General of the Dominion appointed a commis-
sion, of which the late Sir Plugh Allen was chairman, " to make inTirv
as tQ the best means of securing a thorough and com'- r . ".-vi i,„
provement of the canal system, and to collect reliable infc , nnnn
which to base a plan therefor." "' *^
REPORT OF CANAL COMMISSION.
The commission, after a careful and searciiing inquiry, submitted an
elaborate report. In this report they discussed quite exh.iustivelv to
commercial and engineering a8])pcts of the questions submitted to them
detailed the result ot their investigations under each head, and made
certain recommendations, of which the following is an abstract •
1. Thatone uniform size of locks an I canals be established throughout
the whole of the St. Lawrence route, including the St. Lawrence canals
proper, the Welland Canal, and the proposed Sault Ste. Marie Canal.
That the locks be made 270 long and 45 feet wide, with a depth of 12
feet clear on the miter sills, and that the bottom of the canals be sunk
at least 1 foot below the miter sills of the locks, with a width throujih-
out of not less than 100 feet. They stated that these dimensions would
enable vessels of the usual build, carrying 1,0U0 tons, to pass, and if
their breadth of beam and sectional areas were increased the canals
might be navigable for vessels of 1,500 tons.
In giving their reasons for fixing the greatest depth of water on this
route at 12 feet, the commission say :
,T,2ilVrTt7/M w"*TTu'' ""^'''* *? ^"^ ^««* informed on the subject recom-
mend a dralt of 14 feet and others m much as 16 feet, regard must nevertheless be
had to the capabilities of the harbors and the eugineerTng characteristics of ou?
canals, as weii as the prudent suggestions of moderate and experienced men who
have limited their views to 12 feet. It, would be extremely unwisHSarkTu mao-
nifacent schemes, exceed ng the resources of a young country, witrtLvi^wonn:
troducing ocean vessels into ourcanals and lakes.
2. That the locks on the proposed Bay Verte Canal be made 270 feet
^^"/^"^^A^J^ft wide, with a depth of 15 feet on the miter sills.
3. That the locks in the Ottawa system be made 200 feet long, 45 feet
wide, with a depth of 9 feet on the miter sills.
1 ^' ^"^l?^^ the locks in the Richelieu Eiver be also made 200 feet
In^Si^'f" . ^^M^ "^V^®' ^•f'^^ucl^ a ^epth on the miter sills, not exceed-
^K T^' ^^ *^^ channel of the Eichelieu would afiord.
Ihe dimensions fixed upon for these routes were thought sufficientlv
large to accommodate the largest barges used for carrying lumber, thiit
being the main article traus;)orted through them fe « '"^M ^^^
ly naviffa-
b depth of
Kingston
3 miles of
niter sills.
described
in repair.
El commis-
ce inquiry
• rfre im-
•■'" upon
mitted an
lively the
[ to tlieiu,
md made
it:
lougliont
ce canals
ie Canal,
pth of 12
I be sunk
througli-
ns would
3, and if
e canals
r on this
Bct recom-
'thek'ss be
ic8 of our
men who
■k iu iiiag-
iew of in-
270 feet
?, 45 feet
200 feet
exceed-
Bciently
>er, that
CANALS OP CANADA.
IMPUOVEMENTS RECOMMENDED.
87
■•
nortJ.mi'inTM ^^^ improvements recommended, accordinff to their im-
In the first class they put :
7 mr '""P^o^'.ement of the Ottawa and Ohamblv Canals
5. The construction of the proposed Bay Verte Canal
In commenting upon the above-mentioned works th. report says-
mending which of them sbonkl be Lrnioceo pTwftI f f *''"^''''™''"'^ inrocorn-
that they should be undertaken in thfoKr in wW V '"* '''^ respectfully suggest
as possible simultaneously. " ^^'''^' ^''^^^ ^""^ mentioned, or as far
They put in the second class :
Which have been chirtPrArrfLTi;^ to the private companies
13. The construction of the Geor£,ian Bay Canal
regrdatfnTwlVs' be'^b xn? ?:?' ^''^ '^''''' '^"' ^^ -- ^'-s and
thi S otLT respect^not^^^^ '''P^^^ ^^ ^^t^^' I'"*
Je\r;r„rr tXT;S'S'\i,"^ fe^l^-r'i--. »"<>?-" "^ »-«
««.uy 8urvc;ysana examinations were made and schemes for
3i)]
38
CANALS OF CANADA.
LAOHINE CANAL IMPROVEMENTS.
a.m a .te,"f.: of'lLtet^L'n'erioZ'if'" " ■"-","^-"1' of 1=0 feet
In the enlarged system there are also five locks 970 fp«f ;» i *u
and 45 feet in width Thp riAt^H. ,.f V,'.V 'ocks, ^7U teet in length
100 feet, « 19 feet, and for tUeZltale?"; I's'fee? '"'' *'' " ™'"' "'
J^wo new o,a.o„r.v.f„eed basi„« are ia pr«,esB of co„str„ction at St.
finished early in the summer of the present year! ^ "'^'^ '^'" ^^
lliese enlargements have cost up to June 1882 .«f; -^d? n^ r*- i •
t
CANALS OP CANADA.
39
f nv?i n ^ pass tbrougli the whole canal in about 2^ hours, wliilc bartres
hnnrl ^^^''""•^"f «««"Py 3 hours, and those towed by ho S 4 to 5
hours. Tugs are, however, fast taking the place of h/rses tor tow?n2
pnrDoses, except at t -e locks, where hSr«es hive to be uS^
CORNWALL CANAL IMPROVEMENTS.
i« n!!^ ;'"P^ovement ou the Cornwall Canal was commenced in 1876 and
18 now progressing. "^' v>cu m xo<o, ana
8n;fH."n7M""^V' ^ower entrance channel has been formed 300 feet
south of the old one and extending back 3,800 feet until it ioiriP th«
line z/o leec Jong b^ 45 feet wide, and w th a depth of 14 feef, nn thl
miter sills, and a basin 826 feet long between these two locks have heln
?pT w '•^- w,*^^ ^l«epe"ing of the canal so as to aZit vessels of ?S
feet dralt, and the enlargement of the four locks near the upper entranoA
Tl'ere S W^"^ V'' '^^^'^^^ ^''« Projected Tmprovrents"
«'-.4S»'7 , T- «Pent on these improvements up to June 30 ] 882
$j4u,.309.57, making the total outlay on this <5anal $2,522,519.81. '
PRESENT CONDITION OF BEAUHARNOIS AND WiLLIAMSBURa CANALS.
Nothing has yet been done to carry out the recommendations of Mm
commission .n regard to the remaining canals on th^ St Lawrence v z
the Boauharnois and the Williamsburg Canals, and thev remain of IS
same dnnens.ons as they were originally con, pie e to wit Tfeet de,.th
GALOPS RAPIDS IMPROVEMENTS.
general level, and these projections have to be removed
enSfee'i'o?'oanri^'"f"^ °^ *^'' ^.^j'^*' *« ^"«t« th« ^^^ds of the chief
tbJt^lnre^^rS'.Tr^.,'!!'''''^' '"•"-^' » »- '--"""ted, and
40
CANALS OP CANADA.
lue ciianiieJ oi the river and nvoirj fiw» wnu: > ., . . v' ""^^
avoid the Williamsburg Canal on the dowu-
MURRAY BAY OANAL.
wlfole^^th/bPsrir"*"' "l-"^'' ^J'^ «"ff"'eer8 reconiinended as, on the
on the line from Presqne Isle at SlSslooo «-!«,333.3J, and
be m-f,!«'nt"«fi p""* D''Il''r"n'^'" "' P«l'lic Works caused a survey to
t„ne tte project .,as been ^rc^euU^^S tl^^^^Si ^IS/'aS!
ta,^'err„'o?';:e"X7brre"^4rerafs^^^^ °' '»-' T-
on,men.;e,l that & consiieLtio'nKeforred "" """""'""' """ '■'"'•
prS,:^'fo'i^T<;;s„'e°ti'o:/s?„*^s\L\t^^^^^^^^^^^^
tbori.ed tl,e Government to n.uiertafe "beS ' ^»''""'"*"' ""-
The contracts call for tLe completion of tbe nudertaking in 1885.
m
4
ami lifjbt-
ilile to imo
tliodowu-
remity of
J) of laud
u, aud ou
3 out iuto
lis pcuin-
ted to the
atrip, by
Irie to the
Qinent of
jross the
) Harbor,
r the Bay
5, on the
les long,
!!•, would
ites and
aflicient
!.33, and
urvey to
a canal
nee that
imly ad-
impor-
lud rec-
and the
lent au-
ged ad-
iue Isle
Awarded,
canal,
1 be re-
e given
'OSS the
noes,
m, and
'ntario.
85.
CANALS OP CANADA.
WELLAND CANAL IMPROVEMENTS.
41
i
. Its en argcment was recommended as the first uwi .?«,.. V .
it was soon found that bowZ? arulilfi """I" ^ ' ■"■' ^°^''°"'», but
the score of ecoio,^, tlie^Seme.r^- m!^?!* °°"r ','"«'" '» »■'
eaJt«Tdrfthe"ilS"i!;* extenS^'l>"VC, T^"' """ """''' '» '"»
a distance of 11.83 inilCT th™ IL f...^^ , Daibousie to All,nd>tirj{,
Allanlinrg to Port ColbLr e a rtis imf ^l''fS?'™.f'"' »''' "'""" '*™
proyemel havelc^n S ml ac^rdingly •'* '"""^' ""'' '""^ ""•
H„,4erst5,raml Port o'Xorne ''' "'"' """^ ™"'" ""»""-' ''«'«<"'
tin^frSMSSd t'^ibe'Iew^Sl'Sn^ IT,"' *^L«'°- '"»<''-
there is only one chaun el M,« !Ji',i .1 T -^ '''"''jirg to Port Colborae
fore described ' " "''' """'' '"'""e: been enlarged, as be-
for the feeder rout^at Port M.iZ^A 1 *', ' "■■' Colborue, and one
Niagara Kiverrthetow" of Chippewa''''' """ "" "'"'""«"' f™"' "-«
fro?Zrnlato,"sie''fo°p"rt' clS:im *°? "^ e-»«"g, extends
structed, aud these have a denfh of nnit i o p . ^^^i^^ks had been con-
the rest have a depth of 14feet The J.^^lnl i^i *''" ™^^"" '"^«' ^'"'«
ated in that part of the line in wl.^.i. h,^ T ^f''^^ ^'^' l^o^ever, .^itu-
' %r A^ ^'^^ '^^' ^' otiriirr^xr^^ -'^ ^^ --^ - as
tie^oVflteotorsToTo mfnuTef "'^^^'^' ^^^
pla?ted^:fLth siderandTt^ff ^ with «tone and trees have been
?s^xrb;sSEHf?--"^
Iii?Il'^t7^i«l^;t''''''^^^ '^"^'' ^'^'^""^'« to Thorold the ca.al is
lished. -^ ''"^ "^ " '•^"'^'" ^^ seiiiaphore signals has been estab-
Passage is afforded at all stages of the lake level to v<388els drawing
i
42
CANALS OF CANADA.
u„«n this cauul lor c<„;»truction ,i„™Su SpuiuVu Y^lJ-'-"" """"
BURLINGTON BAY CANAL.
T.lK.'".KZt,ctl *'""'" """"'"' ""••«"'"W""y - i' waa in 1832,
ST. ANNK'S LOOK IMPEOVKMENTS.
ArH^ l^^^i* now lock was eominonciMl at St. Anne's, 200 feet lonrru.ui
GRKNVILLE CANAL IMPROVEMENTS.
The onlarsement of the Grenvilie Canals was entered upon avear
earlier and comprise*! the construction of tWe locks 200 feet Ion i .uuU?
Pie elVtuTho tu^t H 7'*^'' "' ''^•^ ^^'"^' '^^'- locks hat T,^,n com
piered, out the two at the lower entrance, whiclj -irpi tn t.it« m.«,v1„ \?
fonr old ones can not be brought into fuH nse ^n iU^.' 1 eH,np^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
re made in the channel. When these arc finished, wind, Sbe ( rin^
the curri^it year the dimensions of the channel will have bee ncrea^^^^^^
00 to SOteet at the surface, and crossinj? basins constructed it an
$l"7?3;580.^!*''"'^ '' ^"'" '' '""'• ""''' '''' *« June Sof 1882, ;S
CARILLON CANAL IMPROVEMENTS.
The improvements on the Carillon Oaual were commenced at about
the sam-. time as and in connection with those on the Grenvilie Thev
compnsed a dam 800 fe^t in length across the Ottaw^ R ve^ three
The dam and slide were co,ni)leted in November, 1881, and the canal
'
i
*i
r
l:>i
a
*i
OANAT.fi OP CANADA. Am
7 n.il„«, the level of the Hver l.«! h ^^'^«"^'' »e (Junal, u .listance of
.water on ti.e 10^0^811 k of the « ^. " r^i'^e.! so that the depth of
incroHse,! 2 foot U mw ox.m .?n?i ihn m ''**''''' ^'.^ *^''"' «""'i' '"»« »»i'«n
A Bh.n.ieau Canal yhg beV™ wf n^ ",r«*"''>; "^" "«'"^' ^ho (Jhute
wonhl havo been obv fe. b^ this new ro;"' ^^ ?'"'''"« ^^'"'^^'^^
iHRh many atean.ens arc , nable s/onrM ' ^"J '\''.'^" "'« ^^»t«'' «»
the chute, and havo to n "e h o c a n aT i«"i'r" ^'''''' ^*^' ^-^''^'^ ^^
and itH reconstruction and rJnou.'^^J^^^^^ of repair,
EIDEAU CANAL—PIIEHENT CONDITION.
UPPER OTTAWA NAVIGATION.
Montreal and Kingston. AbovftSnn?nf n.V^'T* ^'^ ^^«««'« ^^o'"
the Mattawan, a distance of S n^ ies the.; .r /'" ^''i'' *''^ '"^"^'^ «f
gable water, separated by rap dsTml ib S.! J H ""T ^^'^}^^^^ «f "avi-
improveu.ent of this part of tho river iSfJl..''"' *" "'^^'ffation. The
it with the Montreal and Kinirsto . .1.^^^^^^^^ ^''*' P"''^'"*'" of connecting
line between the St. iTiwi^n^vrRWrr i ^""^ f.' %^^'^o^^ projected
CHATS CANAL.
Kls'Une^^t^lra'^^^^^^^^^^ the Chats Rap-
Government of Upper CanS<?rfho'-^^'''^'^«^I'«nded by the
make the locks 190 fSt lo ig 1 ,745 L^rS' ?^ ^^*^" ^^« *«
route to a 7-foot navigation '^''*^' *"^ '^^^^P^ the whole
chalSof th^^rnlirrwa^rlb.!";;;!^^^^^^^^^^^^ -- -rk on the
for some distance throngh Sur x^ek n n!i h'"'"/ ""^"'^^ '''-^^^ *« b«
and the undertaking wal abZloned? ' ^ ^'''''*^^'^ ^'"'^ expensive,
CULBUTE CANAL.
iung, ana iias 2 locks, built of wood on, V 'I'V" "" "'^^-^-'if^^'itn oi a mile
w,th » depth „, 6 Wof watri'.;;:i',r'l'rif C-eL'Slit"^
I
I
44
CANALS OP CANADA.
(lam 223 feet long and 2 subnierffed dams, all made of wood, by which
fhe water is raised and a 7-foot navigation secured between the head of
Gland Calumet Falls and the foot of the Joachim Falls, a distance of
< 7 miles. The works cost )i^313,412.81.
BISSUM^ OP WORKS COMPLETE.
Thefollowing statement shows in brief the works heretofore described
With the cost of each up to June 30, 1882. '
Statement of works and coat up to June 30, 1882.
Works.
Before ounfed'
eratiuo.
Lncliine Canal
BeaubaruoiH Canal. ...
Cornwall Canal
Williamsbiirgb Canal .
Genoral oxDenditures.
Biiilincton Bay Canal.
Deojardius Bay Canal.
St.. Lawrence system. .
Wellaud system
St. A lino's look
Ottawa Cii il
Kideau Canal ,
River Tay navigation
Montreal and Kingston system
Chats ,
Culbnte
$2, 587, 632. 85
1,611,424. 11
1, ii-IS, 152. C!)
1, 320, 055. 54
116,821.31
432, 684. 40
150, 947. 93
Since confed-
eration.
Total cost to
June 30, 1882.
$5, 579, 163. 90
68, 7S4. 40
689, 367. 12
1,077.00
237, 890. 33
30, 426. 89
8, LIS, 218.83
7,638,239.83
TTpiier Ottawa .
St. Ours look and dam.
Chambly Canal
Kiclielieu and Lake Cliamplain
Kiver Trent navigation ,
Grand total .
134, 456. ,'51
63j 0.53. 64
4, 004, 764. 07
17, 764. 05
4, 280, 038. 27
482, 950. sT
6. 506, 688. 64
12, 690, 488. 25
404, 787. 15
2, 822, 800. 28
67, 402. 19
3, 294, 989. 62
$8, 166, 696. 75
1, 680, 178. 51
2, 622, 519. 81
1, 321, 732. 54
354, 720. 64
463,111.29
150, 947. 93
14, 659, 907. 47
20,328,728.08
539, 243. 66
2, 885, 853. 92
4, 132, 166. 26
17, 764. 05
313,412.81
482, 950. 81
121, 537."6r
634,711.78
313,412.81
42," 606.' 64
7, 575, 027. 89
482, 950. 81
313,412.81
796, 363. 62
121,537.65
677, 318. 42
756, 249. 41
309, 371. 31
21, 620. 068.1l6^
42, 606. 64
6, 398. 01
22, 854, 583. 99
798, 856. 07
315, 769. 32
44,474.652.45
Of this grand total a little less than half was expended before con-
federation and the balance has been expended since.
PROJECTED WORKS.
There remains to be referred to what are known in oflQcial reports and
pamphlets as " projected works."
OTTAWA SHIP CANAL.
Ottawa Ship- canal— Troh^h] J the most important of these is the Ot-
tawa ship canal, to which reference was made under the head of upper
Ottawa navigation, viz, a line from Montreal to Lake Huron by way of
the Ottawa and French Rivers.
These rivers formed the old French route from Quebec and Montreal
to the far west, and its course may be thus traced. The Ottawa was
entered at St. Anne's, just above Montreal, and ascended as far as the
mouth of the river Mattawan, 305 miles above Montreal, and 192 miles
above the citv of Ottawn. Tlw^ Mnffnwan wna fniir>n^n.ri .,« ifc « — ,,„«
almost due west 44^ miles to the upper end of what is known as Trout
Lake, which lies at the summit level. Theie a low sandy ridge or
a^
I
i
CANALS OF CANADA.
45
m
i
portage three-fourths of a mile wide was crossed to the northeast shore
of Lake Nipissing, and the lake was traversed about half its length, a
distance of 30 miles, to the headwaters of one of the tributaries of the
French Kiver. The course of this tributary and of the French iliver
was followed for 50 miles to the mouth of the latter, at the east side of
Georgian Bay, which is the northeastern end of Lake Huron.
This line of navigation has been examined several times by compe-
tent engineers under the direction of the department of public works
of Canada. Their reports developed the fact that the total distance by
this route from Montreal to Lake Huron, and through it to Chicago, is
very much shorter than (some claiming that it is not more than half as
long as) by the St. Lawrence and lakes, and it was stated that all ob-
structions to navigation could be overcome by the construction of a
series of short canals, the aggregate length of which, including the
Lachine and Ottawa Canals, would be 58 miles, and the aggregate lock-
age 098 feet, or, if dams were used at various points to deepen the
waters in certain rapids so as to make them navigable and additional
locks constructed, the total length oJ the canal might be reduced to 29^
miles instead of 58, although the lockage would be greater by a little
over 10 feet ; both plans contemplated at least 10 feet draft.
The cost of the first plan was estimated at $24,000,000, and of the
latter at $12,057,680. It was further claimed that by damming the
mouth of Lake Nipissing, at the head of French Eiver, so as to raise tlie
surface of its waters about 23 feet above its natural level, it would
form a reservoir which would be more than sufficient to insure a con-
stant supply of water on the summit reach. The chief'physical obsta-
cles to carrying out the undertaking were said to be that the cutting on
the upper section of the Ottawa and French Rivers would have to be
through Laurentian and Silurian rock.
The mouth of French Elver forms a safe and commodious harbor.
It is also claimed that this route would be open wiihin a fortnight, at
the most, as long as the St. Lawrence.
Of the feasibility of the undertaking I am not able to judge, but the
fact that, with all the energy that Canada has shown in the matter of
her water communications and the frequency with which the enterprise
has been before parliament, no steps have been taken to put the mag-
niflcant project into execution would seem to indicate that the judg-
ment of the majority is against it. Of this project the canal commission
say : " The importance of this work to the whole Dominion can not
well, prospectively, be overestimated," but in view of the wide dis-
crepancy in the estimates, they recommended further examination at as
early a day as possible.
Trent River navigation. — Another projected lino is that which com-
prehends as a part of it the Trent River and Newcastle district naviga-
tion, of which I have spoken before, and is intended to shorten the dis-
tance by water between Lakes Ontario and Huron. The route, as a
whole, and in its various sections, has been repeatedly surveyed, and
as late as 1880 a new survey of the whole route was authorized.
This survey, which is now in progress, is designed to be very complete
ami reliable, and to determine definitely the feasibility of constructing
the line. The plan has been to improve the Trent River to Rice Lake,
secure a navigable channel through a series of connected lakes until
the summit level between Lakes Ontario and Huron is reached at Lake
Balaam, 689^ feet above Lake Ontario, thence descend 118^ feet by a
canal and the Talbot River to Lake Siincoe, and 124| feet more by the
river Severn to Georgian Bay,
I
r,4
46
CANALS OP CANADA.
In luakmff then,, the department of railways and canals say :
ad^a::Siri<I:^:i'',^Sor^,:illXti!f';^ *'"J!^^^ the greatest i.„,necliate
part,of the ben, ^^'^il^:^:i':^£:^i^,':Z.:^Z^^ would for™ an integral
«I 8 4 408 to 9^fi7^S^^^ •"""' ™"'"»IJ' esttoatod at from
The year before the canal commission made their renort a Pnm«or,x,
with com|.eto..t powers, they do not M warr,„?5,l ifil '"""'"''.'""'y
»..yexpe,idit,„.o'of the public reso^ryal^T ''=™'"'n™l'"g
tiot "h'^'jo^jrintKiito'S'.'' ""•"^-•-."y reason of itsposi-
ti
i
CANALS OF CANADA.
47
oiild be so
would be
he Straits
ion of the
bed under
t immediate
an integral
I has had
ovince of
Canal, to
y way of
Toronto,
times has
d is now
1, to con-
in. This
foininent
rioters or
have de-
ll a com-
that the
opposite
3 on the
il.
at from
e depth
ore 8ub-
ompany
is canal,
ing, say
onipany
sending
out the
NEL OF
rnment
>minioa
Br com-
f some
uuder-
hannel
ts posi-
e head
e com-
4i
i
Such a condition of things was, of course, a serious embarrassment
to the ambition of Montreal to become the center of the foreign com-
merce of Canada, and detracted largely from the alue of the St. Law-
rence system as the highway from the northern and western ports of
the continent to the sea. The extent to which it operated to discourage
foreign trade is indicated by the fact that up to 1825 there were in the
port of Montreal only too small wharves, with a frontage of only 1,120
feet and a depth of only 2 feet of water, and in 1830 the greatest depth
of dockage was 5 feet, and the frontage had not greatly increased.
In response to urgent demands for greater facilities the harbor com-
missioners of Montreal were organized, and the management of all
matters connected with the improvements of the harbor confided to
them.
Before the end of 1832 the wharfage had been increased to an aggre-
gate frontage of 4,950 feet, or nearly a mile, with a depth of water
varying from 5 to 20 feet.
In 1841 the board of public works of the United Provinces was au-
thorized to improve and deepen the channel below Montreal, and during
the five succeeding years $3U0,0(J0 was spent for the purpose under
their direction.
In 1851 charge of the undertaking was transferred to the harbor
commissioners of Montreal, who already had control of the improve-
ments in the harbor proper, and by the latter part of 1853 a channel
150 feet wide and 16 feet deep was obtained.
During the next decade the work was steadily pushed forward, and
in 1859 a depth of 18 feet had been reached, and in 1805 a channel 300
feet wide and 20 feet deep was completed.
In 1873 the Dominion Government was authorized to contract a loan
of $1,500,000 to defray the expenses of completing the channel to a
depth of not less than 22 feet at low water, interest at 5 per cent., and
a sinking fund of 1 ; er cent,, to be paid annually by the harbor com-
missioners of Montreal out of the revenues of that port.
It was determined by the commissioners, after the work was under-
taken, to make the depth 25 feet, and a channel of this depth was com-
pleted in 1882, Even before the formal opening of this channel it had
been determined to increase its depth to 27^ feet at the earliest practi-
cable date, so that the largest ocean steamers might be enabled to reach
Montreal in 8afetj\ The General Government has alreadv loaned the
harbor commissioners $900,000 at 4 per cent, to carry out this determi-
nation, and the work will be vigorously entered upon at the opening of
navigation this year.
WHARFAGE FACILITIES AT MONTREAL.
During the period covered by these operations in the river itself the
wharfage facilities had been gradually extended to keep pace with the
increasing number and size of the vessels coming to this port from
the sea, and the rapidly advancing foreign and domestic commerce of
the dominion. There is now an unbroken line of wharves extending
from Point St. Charles, above the entrance of the Lachine Canal, to
Hochelaga, a distance of 3^ miles, with an aggregate frontage of 24,809
feet, or 4,17 miles, 16,458 feet of which have a dei)th of 25 feet, 2,391
feet a depth of 20 feet, and 5,960 a dcDth of fronj 10 to 20 feet.
The earlier wluirves were built of piles ])laced in a closed row and backed
with earth and stone filling. From 1846 to 1878 they were built en-
tirely of cribwork, strongly framed of pine and other timber, and tilled
48
CANALS OF CANADA.
i
and backed with stone ballast or the ordinary dredging from the har-
bor. Since 1878 open pilework has been used where there was no
danger from violent shoving of the ice.
The whole work in the harbor proper has cost about $3,000,000, of
which only about half a million has been furnished by the Government,
the rest being paid by the harbor commissioners.
The necessity of providing a revenue from which to pay the interest
on the loans contracted by the harbor commissioners and the General
Government to accomplish these improvements has compelled the ex-
action of large harbor dues and tolls. These are heavy taxes upon
shipping and a great embarrassment to the carrying trade of Canada.
Kllbrts have been made from ti!ne to time to prevail upon the Gen-
eral Government to treat the deepening of the channel as a public
work, and assume the debt already incurred, and carry on future oper-
ations, and thus make possible a substantial j eduction in the dues.
Municipal and interprovincial jealousies have no far prevented any
definite action being taken in this direction, but there is some prospect
that tlie hopes of those who have been active in the matter will be
realized, and the improvements of the St. Lawrence below Montreal
be put upon the same footing as those above and made a public work.
CLOSING REVIEW OF THE CANAL SYSTEMS OF CANADA.
The spirit with which the vast undertaking which has been described
was entered upon when Canada was small in population and feeble in
financial strength, the unvarying courage and energy with which it has
been pushed forward from step to step amid many discouragements
and against formidable obstacles, and the magnificent results, looking
at them in their physical and political aspects, which have been achieved
are apparent from the foregoing narrative.
How far the construction and maintenance of these water ways,
especially the Sc. Lawrence route, have operated to build up Canada
and increase its foreign and domestic commerce and divert to Canadian
channels the carrying trade of the West; in other words, how far the
sanguine expectations of the projectors and promoters of these im-
provements have been realized, is a question not easily answered.
The canal systems of Canada have unquestionably fostered inter-
provincial trade, have built up local traffic, have bound more closely
together the difterent parts of the province, and in earlier times did
much to stimulate immigration and open up the country to settlement
and cultivation. The Welland Canal in particular has "been and still is
the channel of a large and productive trade between the numerous and
important lake cities and towns on both sides of the line. But the
canals as they existed in 1871 were amply sufficient for the needs of
local and interprovincial trade, and the promoters and advocates of the
improvements and enlargements which have been completed since then,
and upon which nearly #20,000,000 have been spent, had in view some-
thing more ambitious and comprehensive than to provide for this.
The canal commission but echoed the sentiments expressed by the
public m"n of the Canadas as early as the beginning of the century,
and iterated and reiterated by the advocates of internal inprovements
from that time forward, when they say, " It only requires an energetic
eftbrt upon the part of the Dominion to make the St. Lawrence the
great Ui/hway between the sea and the West, at the very base of the
Eocky Mountains."
To secure for Canada all those advantages which the possession of
4
\
CANALS OF CANADA.
49
^
tills magmficent natural water way ought to give it, to make the St
LaNVTeuce route in its wliole lengtli tlie Ingliway by which tesnrnlus
lirocucts of the West would s.ek an outlet to tL LI to pi f i^ nto a
l)08ition to comi.eto successfully for the export trade of the con ncnt
obhcN^w'^;?"?!^'""""^." '*"^^ of communication, have Sen tbe g e
objects which these works, particularly the recent enlaroements ., 1
improven.ents on the St. Lawrence route, wereexpected to aSnpIish
Just so far as these objects have been or shall be obtainerto th^^
extent to which a fair share of the grain transportation of! continent
has been or shall be secured by Canada, so for, to that exten have
the hopes of the men who planned and carried out these cSietus
and improvements been realized, and the va«t expentmureTu caS
and yearly outlay for repairs and interest which the cSrv Lis s b
"of hL'aite^t'on^ 'J" ''''''''■ '''''^''' "^y thisTt^dWd t"an
not De said that the outlook is an encouraging one. The export trid«
ol the continent consists, and must always consist to a large c^^^^^^
the carriage o gram. The Montreal Corn Exchange, in a rSnt me
.norial,says: "A nominal share of the grain tradeof Uieco^tiSisan"
essential element in the prosperity of all other businesreCS iuas
ZvL^'^'^'J' V"^ f^""^^^*^ ^^^'"^^^^^ '^ accommodate cat le umber'
provisions, and other between deck cargoes can not be obtainecPand
80 far this year the grain export trade is absolutely dorman Vessel
after vessel, indeed all the ocean steamers which have ef thirZ
since navigation opened this season, have gone without sU\^ienrfLErht
t^^ll^rrthe^rl^^^^^^ ^^"^^ P-pectof anyimpr^^e'IiiSti
As to the cause of this most deplorable and disappointing condition
mJ l!?/\'''' are various opinions among those who have gTven the
matter attention and are most immediately interested. ^
Ihe view most generally entertained is that the St. Lawrence rontn
18 at present handicapped by heavy charges in the form or^hio a^.d
canal dues, wharfage dues, port-warden charges, and pibtS fees
amounting m the aggregate to an almost prohibitive toxatiouo" car'
riageby this route from the interior to the seaboard. It is "sserted
K ^iTT' "^ ^'^^'^^ ''^^'^''^ ^^^"" «^" l>« «'^rried from Chicago to
^fn .T Q^T^'^^"^^'"^^^"^ •'^"^^ •* half a bushel less than to Monti? al
T}wt l^- ^^'^'^^^^.\o^^t^ i« placed at a great disadvantage?S
eially m comparison with its chief competitor, the Erie Oaiml a Sd
vantage from which it can not recover until the G()vernS ren ; ?«"
canal tolls on eastern-bound freight and assume thedeSSeSrove^
ments in the channel below Montreal. improve-
V^^Zfiu:^!^!S^' adu^iniatratiou newspaper of this
IP il',^;rf o^ntTitr f.rs.''''' ""•'"« """- ^-"i- p««».
1 liti roiliictiOD of cliar^es at tho port of Montreal.
infciSTof °£ %? t"'"^ """•" ''•'' ""' ""•■"■''^ »f "■»<'<' »f Hie lead-
pm «r.nl™!n^„,1L'f::,:r''"^'°'-.":^ ',?« '°''^""''- »"" »"?•
policy of free eaualsato;i.earth;V;;;w"vro"rr'to"",S
cApetieu 10 accrue by their enlargement. « "^o
fl. Ex. 45 4
60
CANALS OP CANADA.
The Corn Exchange of Montreal say :
ength and presents an interesting array of statistics, takei the ground
that the struggle ,8 not between the St. Lawrence and the New York
State canals, but between land and water carriage, and that TutC
strugg e the raihyays are fast outdistancing the water ways and will/n
the end absorb the whole of the traffic; and finds in thTs £ rathe?
Although it can hardly be doubted that the actual cost, taking everv
thing .nto consideration, of carrying a ton of wheat or gm n Sm any
of the lake cities to Montreal is less by water than by ra^l, yet it iT sa"d
that, at the present time, so keen is the competition betweeL ?he varSs
railroads grain can be actually brought from the far West to Montreal
by car for something less than by boat. While this condition S' thin.^s
continues traffic will unquestionably be largely divS to the rafl
ways and the effect can not but be disastrous to the busiuesf of the
wa er ways. The presumption, however, is that the ecouoTic laws
which govern such matters will eventually assert themselves and the
railways will be compelled to maintain siich rates as TiU make the r
business It not actually remunerative, at least self-supi^tiiTg men
the equilibrium is restored and when, by an abolition of tolls and a
reduction ot dues, carriers by the St. Lawrence route are enabled to
compete in rates with those by other routes which are whSllv or mrtT
ally by wa er, it may be expected that traffic will again seek Us nat
ral channel and the country reap a part at least of thrbenefic ai reiu s
which were hoped for when the canal commission's schSwi^eSed
upon. It may be mentioned here that there is some opTosSn o he
policy of free canals on the ground that it will benefit AineSnmo
feet was to enable the largest class of lake craft to carry thei? car^.B^
direct to Montreal without breaking bulk, and even t^Vermit oceaS
going vessels to go directly to Toronto and the lake ports
Subsequent exi)erience has, I think, modified the views of those wha
hoped lor these results, and the consensus of opinion now is llrit^he
not beprofttably earned on in this way, and that the exnense of f^kw
an ocean vessel up through the various canals ^I^ike Se Ld f
3?'. ''V' and bringing it back again, or of seuirng down ?o Mon
treal the large lake steamers, would more than overbalancrthe S
S'lrSr. "' "'""' transshipments between the point ot' depanure
Indeed the opinion is freely expressed by those whose iudtrmpnt on
mtt'rniJst'Tlw^' '^ "^'^1^' thatthe\nlargemen':dmK
ments in the St. Lawrence canals, not including the Welland havo nof
h«fnV« ffi^U' i'" "" ^"""«» lo pass the canals as they were in 1,S71
•''>
CANALS OF CANADA.
51
loriiml Hliare
orous trariH-
of inland
t at some
[\e ground
!few York
At iu this
nd will in
ct, rather
on of the
ingQvery-
from any
' it is said
le various
Montreal
of things
the rail-
iss of the
mic laws
, and the
ike their
. When
lis and a
labled to
or parti-
its natu-
il results
5 entered
)u to the
can pro-
increase
irinining
:ed at 11
cargoes
t ocean-
ose who
:hat the
ute, can
f taking
and the
to Mon-
le addi-
jparture
nent on
n prove •
avc not
anspor-
in 1«71,
in some
''■f
In sul)uiittii)g thus report I desire to express my indebtedness for most
ot the tacts stated in it to the general report of the commissioner of
public works of the united provinces for the year ending June 30, 18G7-
the general report of the minister of public works of the Dominion
for the period between June 30, 1867, and June 30, 1882; the annual
reports ot the commissioner of railways and canals since 1879- the
report of the chief engineer of canals, submitted iu 1880 ; and a iWe
number ot other papers and documents.
I have endeavored to seek out all the sources of information to which
access could be obtained and to verify my statements in every wav
possible, and a large part of the time occupied in compiling this report
has been devoted to eftbrts in these two directions. I could wish the
results had been more satisfactory, but I submit them with the hope
that they may not be altogether useless.
iSeabgent p. Stearns,
TT o ^, Consul- General.
United States Consulate-General,
Montreal, June 1, 1884.
Appendix A.— Table of distances and sections of navigation and of obstructions on the St.
Lawrence route.
From —
Montreal ....
Lac'hino
Meljclii .i'lo.
To-
Lnohine ,
Moloclievillo.
Valloylield...
Valloyfield
Corn Willi
Dickinsim's Landing
Farrona Point
Cioylii's Inland
Morriabuigli ,
Head of Rapide Flat.
Iroqiioitt Villajie
Head (ialops Kapids..
Prcscott
Kingston
Port Dalhousio
Port Dalhousle .
Cornwall
Dickinson's Landing
Farrano Point
tUoylo's Island
iIo)Tinbnrjjli
Kapide Flat
Iro(|uoia Village
Galops Kapida
Prcstott
Kingston
Port Dalliousio
Port Colborno
Sections of navigation,
Port Colborne .
Lachino Canal
Lake St. Louis.
Ik'auharnois Canal
Lake St. Fr.incis
Cornwall Canal
Ki\er St. Lawrence
Farrano Point Canal
River St. Lawrencu
Rapido Flat Can al
River St. Lawrence
Galops Canal
Rivot St. Lawrence
River St. Lawrence
Lake Ontario
Welland Canal lold)
Wolland Canal (enlarged)
Bis-
tauco.
Miles.
8i
15i
Hi
, i
4
7ft
59
170
27
20i
Obstructions.
Lacbine Rapids.
Cnsoadea, Coteaii
and Cedar Rapids.
Long Sault Rapids.
Rapids.
Rapido Flat Rap-
ids.
Galops Rapids.
Niagara Rivor and
Falls.
Appendix B.— Table of distance.?, sections of navigation, and obstrnclic as on the Montreal
Ottawa, and Kinnston route. '
From —
Montreal
Lachino
Foot of St. Anne's Ca-
nal and lock.
Head of St. Anne's
Canal and lock.
Foot ot Carillon Civ-
nal.
Head of Carillon Ca-
nal.
I'oot of Grenville Ca-
nal.
Head ofGrenvillo C.l-
nal.
To-
Lachino
St. Anne's Canal
Head of St. Anne's
Canal and look.
Foot of Carillon Ca-
nal.
Head of Carillon Ca-
nal.
Grenville Canal
Sections of navigation.
Dis-
tance.
Ottawa Citv
Head of Grenville
Canal.
OMawii City
Kingston .
Lachino Canal
Lake St. Louis
St. Anne's Canal
Lake of Two Monntains
and river Ottawa.
Carillon Canal
River Ottawa ,
Grenville Canal
Rivor Ottawa
Rideau ('anal
Miles.
81
144
i
27
5.1
56
12CJ
Obstructions.
St. Anne's Rapids.
Carillon Rapids.
LongSaultR.apid3.
Rapids and shal-
iowH and falls.
I
I
52
CANALS OP CANADA.
Al■J.K^fOlX C.~Table of distaucca, mdions of navigation, ami obatruetions on LaleCh
2>liiiH route.
am-
From —
To—
Moiitical Soiol
C'"';' St. Ours
hi. Ours , '
?m' * *",? H?''H • ■ < I«i>ni'l'>iv BaViu '.
Clmiii ,l.v Haain ; SLJoliu's
°*' Jo''u " j nou8ii'.s I'oirit...
SeotiouH of niivigotion.
UivorSt. r.awronce....
Hivor Ultiliiilioii
St. Oimh lock unU dam .
l{iver Jliclrolioii
<:iiaiiil)lv Canal
llivcr Hiclielieti
tauco.
Mitit.
40
14
»2
12
23
ObstruntloiiB.
St. Ours Uapiils.
Cbanibly KapUls.
Appkkoix ^'-ffJlf'oiving levgth of each canal, vumbor a„d dimensions of locks, and
dimensionH and tonna;/,; of vessels which can pas, them.
Locks.
Lacliino ,
BKaiiharnols...
Cc»Mnvall
Williaiimbiirdli
AV(.'laiKl (now)
St. Ours luck
Cliambly
St. Aimo'a luck
Carillon ..•
Greuvillo
Bideau
Vessels pnssin); through.
?„
cQ
s
§
H
12
1,000 to 1
50O
!i
700
U
760
U
800
12
l,000|tol
, .WO
V
(iUO
«*
230
u
700
!t
700
»
700
4i
250
*Ei.so,282J; fall, 164; 44Ci.
NOTK.—Tho depth given in the average depth at low water. When the water is unnsiiallv low tl.i»
depth can not be raaintaiued, and the capacity of the canals is reduced unusually low this
BRITISH COLUMBIA.
REPORT BY CONSUL STEVENS, OF VICTORIA.
GEDGHAPHICAL AND GEOLOGICAL.
British Coliimbia is to a certain extent troiigh-sbapetl, for whereas the coast is
niarg.ne.1 by the lofty yarallel ranges of the Cascades and the easteru border s
mu^ril ii?,^*'"^^' .^^^Vr^ins, range beside range, the interior consists of agrea?
Svii ^. I J' '— "^"1 ^11 1^^^ Sr*'nt water conrses, the Fraser and the Thon.psou
? tf^n 7^.1^"er IS HI reality a tributary of the Fraser, into which it empties at
l.>tton, but It occupies a wide valley and drains an important lake system in the
Znn'.n*'/" r?. "^ *'T prov nee, while the main stem of the Fraser comes from the
Sf ...i"',,-" IfY""]'' .T^'"'^'' the combined currents break th'ir way through in a
westerly direction to the coast, forming the niagiiificeut Fraser Canon! It is the val-
ley of the Thompson, ..ud afterward the Fia.ser Cauou, which the Canadian Pacific
?^ Ir^ advantage of to mal<e its picturesque passage of the multiplied coast
This southern central interior of British Columbia has one of the driest climates on
the continent, althougli you can see snow-covered mountains in all directions fex-
Zll^T\^'^^T'^■ 'i^'"'''-' any hill-top, and will see portentous rain clouds co™«
overhead and t ischarging Itu. r contents on the distant heights. This is due to thf
fact that the rain clouds, drifting in from the Paoilic, are arl-ested by the lofty Cas
cades, condensed by their cold summits, and deprived of a large part of t^dr
moisture, while the remainder, buoyed up in the rarefied, equable, and steady currents
JhZ 1^'i^ ?v : ^^ * r ^^'^r^i;'^ ''"''*."'^ atmosphere always ascending from t^e dry
plans drift oyer to the Kockv Mountain.^ l.ofore they enooimter any iutorfereuce suf-
iw L )•^'''l*''^^'•'1 ':?""^'"? "* moisture. Two .circumstances result-one, the
absence of forests, which there is not rainfall enough to support; and, second the
'<t
ocka,
and
rough.
?n
a
a
a
o
H
POtol
500
700
760
800
O0|tol
, 500
(iUU
230
700
700
700
250
CANALS OF CANADA.
53
^"ttnhlS:;^^ 1!^^^^^^^'^^'^ «"PH-'l '>y tl.o abundant
rivers wore inon^\M\hZZA^UouI^^^^^^ "'}"">'• ^h all tl,e.s„
try li«8 1,.,.,,, nn.h.r.JN';. .i" .„"'."''':T '" P'^-^t fiK<''< M>au now, ami -m the wliolo coun-
try hm l.ce,. un(U;rsoinToTomi.Vu"'Jhn n' JZ' ^"'" V'""' '"*,T' '""' '*'' ^''" ^^■''"'" «""•'-
and both the Fraser u id the T !n,,. i'"""- '""'" »''^'' *" cut deep chanu.ds.
general lovd of the conutr5? ^'"""^''"" "»^^' "«^v «omo buudreds of feet below tl;
hav!,l.Se'oi'2al"for'\b'e1oft?i;:nl' ^'V'r"' '^''''''^ ^^"™ *"»° *" t'^'e '^"^ then to
have ^a chfF liK e/pnesH^sho ^a 8nSeiinn^>V^ enpecially in places where they
other, which can be EeYfor a lon^ dttnnni T^'?'-"''^ i^vv<,o^B, oue above the
embankment. From iiist Llovv Kan.lnVf. ?® ''\V^'"xJ "^ ""*' ^'*" ««« ^he railway
the 8onth ThompZ,SSre^ rin^dikrilZi^^^ ^'"''^ Thompson comes into
lake, down nearly to Lytton these termce« forrf *'"' ^^'^*«?' . ^^^^k in(o a beantiful
red earth, suddenly followed by an ol vp ^v^^,T^,J^1 • "*' "**-'" '"*«»«» of rust-
With this gay an/fantastic coirtrwhfcrthfZ.b v^L"n-°T ^'''t« «^P08«re.
poses an artistic contrast, and over wbTch l.Vn.if ^'""*^':S^ „'>r'»"iut emerald river op-
the additional iutercstofgrShStand IrenrUh nf ^^'"^ "^ ?"*'l*^''^ ^'«'''*' there goes
iuff grotesqneness of form caused Krwat^^^^^^^^^ of prospect, and a constantly chang-
hardness into odd monumental sen.l,l.n,o«? ^/,"*^ '^^''""K 'lowu rooks of unequal
one of archUecturaThurn o aSai Z,^^^^^^ phases of mimicry, reu.inding
laid withgreatdepositsof stiff cTav in te^ t'"* rocks are over-
tho streams of water which f< low tL«^ wh.ch the action ot the atmosphere and of
tremendous energy, hlrwordeen^^.nierrH^S"^ '''''' ""^ '^"'^ *'^«» ^^1' « i
spires, and broken Valls.Thchblaffrthsfrin^^ '"'" "/Titanic towers,
and fantastic shadows on the other NoralUhl If *' * ""."•"" ?'*^'' *""• «"»* s^^arp
but the strange forms and ludv bn?« nf i^^ f^lT '•* ?'* '" this grotesque mold,
herbaged terraces hro^"gh^which this Lt'! '^^ * '^ '''''•^ *''"*'«' '^"^ the scantily
most strongly on the menfory^'Ser^e 1^ liS^^revideir^eSe!'"^"" *'''™"'^"'
MINING AND FARMING.
thSraK^fkl'Sl'^'lfrby^^^^^ -<^ «t--l>oat« ply along
wagon road was long ago cut into thIolifF«nlnr .1 T "^^ ^n? "'^"^ ^'^^hes, and a
the routes to the C\-irib„o distr S wh?rb «mi I/'^ *''*' lower Thompson to form one of
colonies of Chinese are busily e^^^^^^
gold. Ashcroft, a modern town wrthseterall^nT. "• ^''f -l"- "^^ "^«^ ^^^^^^ for
point for farmers, cattlen eHud mrnerri th^ is the supplying
Bakerville and the well-sett ed gold mining re.^* on of h« nLl-?'"'''- '? ^P'' ^'^"'^°«'
ing here, however can onir hn ^rm-» i • ^- ?• *** the northern inter or. Farm-
str^eamsflowin'.L'^p"cLn°nL'renZs& '"^^^ '"««* of'the
limited areas of bottom land. ""gation difficult and expensive, except for
Fruit-raising succeeds wonderfully well The Tiiiia o„/i * i
ered with nutritious bunch grass andrr^^ino^wln I '^"^^ t'^fploss valleys are cov-
dustry, an industry which i^constantlv on f7>J^^ ^^^^ ^^ * '** "''"* iunjortant in-
IKRIGATINa DIKES AND DITCHES.
aud its adjacsut ooiiiitry bv iiSiat L nJw"" ** 'l™»riM,a section
ffii
54
CANALS OP CANADA.
■1
1
aTZt'T\'T "/'ir r""™»' '»'' '"" '"'»We to Kle, '„l.tl i,re more
<Ii.|l nite,aiHl I am told tliat tLe project was a failure " brok. m„nS
wl, Sf K';"! ItoTuleT V'i """ °°'^- i" I« '"ow "u Iplie'st: w'LtTor
Tf whici, rm.'.racUcable!'''""' ""' """"•" "' "■"'""■ ■"'""•»• '■"»™»Mou
to be made ; that lands uv.iy bo leased or sold lor paymen of ra es • tha?
land bPrn^ifpT p1! and necessary break waters^ assessment only nnon
land benelited. Clerks to be competent witnesses, commissioner Wf
W n'''\'-,^''''^*'.°^^^'» I^'«"«5 outerdikes andS" S Low
kept, outer dike ceasing to protect inner. Proprietors of in n^'dik,^
recourse to compel repairs of outer dikes; iijn (TdiL" l.m
paired; mode of making application for clr/vinage-lu of commis-'
sioner; mode of valuing and assessing damage to lands-cases o^twn
proprietors, but neither owning two-thirds, how j, x)vh ed for^ ocemn .?
n.a.y appeal to Supreme Court; tines for ot icial ney ect t'rb' 1 no i'ces
valid unless otherwise specified; conimissioners not 1 ab e fo • S^^^^
predecessor; lieutenant-governor- in council mav in ceSn cases' nar
anty interest on two-thirds money for diking; LessmeX tir1^^^^
terest so guarantied, lien on the lind therefor. ''''^''""^^''^^ ^^^ ^^^ >n-
28 lSSsfv/?f^-'*'l'JN^'''^^^^'"^'" amended in 1883, and again April
28, 1888 (Victoria 51 , is intended for the relief of the settlers i.dnw,
ers of land upon Matsqui Prairie. As its object s In a 'wrerwE^^
the inquiry of the circular I am now answering, aiul may i^a.ne sure
"contribute to the complete illustration of the n.po, a1 1 matS "m
MATSOUI LAND COMPANY.
r.t'r.,rr'icS!L^i'E.t;^''«'' -'• ''''• "■'' '■"■• •>-'.- -."la;-.
The ^inds lie on the south bank of the Fraser River, some 30 miles
above iS'ew Westminster, and about the same from the Hter o f 1 «
district described in my dispatch. By a,„ act passed i 1878 ! M
Berby was permitted to dike in the whole of the iTer la .Is it M^ts'
qm, and to thus acquire a large extent of the cou.it^y Nei- llS-'
from ^iol\T ^^"^'^ ^^ *'^^, '''' ^" P'^>''»'" '^" '^«si««nfent ^ u g-
%T]lf3 t^^I^ "''"' according to the situation of their farms/and
ny:'^'}V: au;;iutug iiom tiio conjunction of the dike
liie highest freshet known to have occurred in the' Fraser prior to
m
i;
CANALS OP CANADA.
65
Hf
.IM « TfS . ? ' "'"^ ^^r- ^^^'"^^^ """^ required by the net to build u
(Ike 8U tic eut to prevent a similar overtiow. He did thi8, buildiuir a
d>ke a loot lnKl.erti,m. the 187(5 level. The work whs complotodM!
l»81 and cost $<(),()()( >, it being 7 miles lonj; with a breadth at the base
h'Zr'ZT^^^^^^^ In 1882 ^the water rose about a foo
higher than 18/6, and overtopped the dike at the upi)er end, making
several breaches and bursting two flood-gates across the mouth of the
sloughs. With this exception the dike stood splendidly and proved
to have been thoroughly well built and adapted to the purpose. Never-
theless the enterprise is now suspended for want of means
fiir* ^.^V«J"'e"ced engineers have recently inspected and reported on
\^La a'- \! • /I''' m?"'« "^^""^^ ^^'"e l>>'i«ed in thorough repair and
S?. wi'° ?''^^' • ^^1 ."'^^'"'^^^ "'^^ '■*" ''^'^ necessary to replace
bulKheads, stockades, and increase the height along its entire length
iCi4(fnnS"*"T?H'"""* '" *-'"^ '^r^ ""'"^ «» ^«t''^'^^' -'" cost no mor^
tnan «4(),000. If the convenient sloughs may be made available for oflf-
take drains, the estimate will greatly be reduced. The present dimeu-
. sions of the dike are 4 feet in width on top, and slopes of one and one-
Halt of one, and it is proposed to raise it 2 feet above the present level.
which will give a height above the flood line of 1872.
It 18, as I believe, reliably stated that some 12,{)()0 to 14,000 acres of
Aor 7'ilr^ '"^'^^ available under the dikage act, at a value of from
f Jo to f 3/i per acre.
Previously to preparing this dispatch, I addressed notes to ex-Gov-
ernor Cornwall Governn jnt Agent So es, and others, so that the in-
formation which I might forward to the Department would bo as com-
prehensive as possible. In this manner I fully expected to secure a
great deal of information in regard to irrigating canals or <litches. Mv
expectations, in this regard, have not been as fullv realized as I hail
Hoped. 1 lie two communications herewith were the only answers
received. '' """^^o
Ashcroft is the residence of Cornwall, the late chief executive of the
province, who has a fine i)ack of hounds and can give a veritable coyote
hunt to his visaing friends. Thaddeus Harper, of Virginia, a large
stock-raiser, also resides there. s , ictifoo
Government Agent Souea to Consul Stevens.
GovBUNMENT Offick, Clinton, Bhitisii Columdia,
r»,>..„c. Ti- X , Septmither 30, 1889.
i..„ t^ • ^ ■ T'-^ *" acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th instant ask-
ing tor mformatiou on behalf of the Department of State, for th^UnUed States
regarding ca.ul. for transportation and irrigation in this province '
r.S\rr^ I' ii''^' *" ^''^ *^'5* ^ •*^"' "°* "^•''■™ of the existence of any canals in this
Prov'nce for the purposes of transportation. ^ ^
the wesKfin.mSi*I"' J T\'"^ ^^^.' •^™'". *^« '^'^^"' «'«I"^ «f the Cascades to
lue western loot lulls of th.- Selkirk Mountains there s a larao exttiit of arid conntrv
of irH Ttion' * Tlfe VT'^ "' cultivation, without the artificial use ol'S by ZS
wnnM^? -, 1 *^/' '" *"^"'''' '''^®" .-ippHed in connection with irri.ration, and as it
Wn in"h?s7r?vtcr""^ "' ^'" ^''"'^^ "^ '""^ Uu.on-notably CaUfornia-ia'ui^
ntfn *!"' PO^V"". "f til" province above indicated, land suitable for cnltivation is situ-
ated, as a rule, m the numberless small valleys, and generally of liniited extent and
rne legal title to water for this purpose is governed by provincial Htatnte t^ wliinh
^,^,!^',^1^,,*'-^:":, '*?'•)• Looking these over yon will see at once that the term
can ffi V?;? s ;.,] tr^l. t" '[^'Sation h. t n« province. Any further information that I
can gn e I shall be most happy to lurnisli you with at any time.
1 have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
F. SOUES,
Government Agent,
CANALS OP CANADA.
Mr. Cornwall to Vonml .Sltm
tin.
ItorliapH fiofi, ;ji,|,o()o to
ri";vv«;^M;,„urH,lo,^;:S;,^l^|;,;;!:;[',:;'^^ ". 8HMft,rd ntton,pt,ul to
• ni.l<'H, and ,.t, n .vmt. of n\L,t mm "" """' '""■"' » '"stunco if sonio
ontH TlH.r« „,,, aIso^,,l:' i„' ;, , /;;\! "•,; ^^-'-'f " '";• ^vorki„p with nicorroct Kra<\.
t ..If. of (iM-m I havo no,.,M„o„al irn.vKLw I /'.'"'' •''"'""•'' '•"'^' ^ '■«'«••«' «o iay
tlio tiiMo will ,.ro long . rriv,, wl. . I. ,T r ., ' ' '"*" •'""""'inlcato. I rmv^oe tUit
country i„ Hvailal.I,. S>r rr Jati, w 1 .' i/ '"\ r^'"'" ^^■'''•"' '" """»' pa N '/ '*
e^n"t^^^t^! --f 7£ lvj--!;;::i ^£
taken.
AlM.onjrl,, as yo,, ,vlll ol.Horvo. I o
8>H- I ..ortionH would bo frui losV- wi I il "^'^'Kf' <>» Mu< cultivation of tl... sol
and attained. It is hardly n^eils'srr'^l^oiXrH.a^ •»•« "'"'*'-• ''«
\> th ron.nvod expressions of rec-r..f % .If i . -^ or inipossihle.
8poo,(,cmfonnati,M,Sn,luMlirecf?of/vo« eek '"" ""'^^''^ *° ^"^"'«'» J"" with more
I have the honor to be, dear «ir. jour obedient servant.
C. F. COKNWALL.
soil. Tli„ l,„.,.,.«.,n ",,'■"'" .'^■' ."'l*?l'» '» credited to tli,. ,vrn,„r r„.„-r-
"if
If
i
il
li
%\
CANALS IN BRAZIL.
61
are, however, Hurpassed in many nlaeps in tlio rTniforl sj^nf^. . i , •
iHalio. I Haw in 1«7.3 nour fh« ^ , .1^ 1/ • "^ ' States, notably in
tion <,alh,.l ^nZmH»'i7L[^^^^^^ «'vor,,|.Mt after l.avin^r ti.e Hta-
"•Ml in tiM, min eSrnev "no Z'i'T''-'"'^ ^''^^ Amopolis,
inarkable as the Giant Su.seway. ^ '^ "^ ^*"'''''' **''""'^<^ '^« '•«'
BOHEBT J. SteVKNS,
VmiED States Consttlate, Con^wf.
Vic'^orm, October 24, 1889.
SOUTH AMERICA.
BRAZIL.
liEPOn'T ST CONSUL IWIfSTEr, OF PEllNAMIWCO.
WATER WAYS.
tniflic or con)merco and /• 1. ?« f«J^ ?i ^" ^''® ^"^^''^^ advantage of
SO and 90 inel.es perTiimun ''" ''"' ^""^'^ '''■»''''«« between
tl.oy are 1 rotectod l)v u^orU m' \vh^ . ' '^" 'f "V"^ business, because
consular listricrw it, occ ,t onn 1, • ^"^''•^'? ^''e coast of this whole
and from the Sa^, tl^S^S re^F'i'''lf ^/^ admit in^jress or egress to
"Finland and formVa gl y LS »"'« ''^''^ *'"«
ocean upon the land an<i offers tSrinn-^^^nii^^^ "^ ^^^
In the interior, tralTic is eirripVl nn i!m ^ 4\® protection of a river,
(lise slung on each side if thcMn Zt^.T^'M "'^^:l''^^« the merchan.
travel at^.ight, m^UanVo v a\s o7t 1V>". 'nn";"-*^'^^^^^^ "^^^ ^"^
coi.stant loading and unloadiriffof h«m.l '. '"idnight; this requires
fnlly say just here that 1^1 n^^^^^^^ merchandise, and I would respect-
si«i.t of this fact ami export tirefrS '""^^ ^""'"'^^
will not bear the handlir ,„ a 'm^^^^^^^^ Packages that they
fore, not so readily so ms l^irnnS.l "^'^ ^^ * "'^ ''^'''^' ''^"^^ '^^o, there-
aware how said goodrr^chttS'/"^^ 7'"'^ ^''^' exporters are
tion of Hour in thSconsuhr di S "?*^' ^or instance, the importa-
barrels per anni i r t^ ^wl. fSn'r 1' '^'ll*''' an.ounts to about 200,()u0
but now Austria /pp is mttLalfo^^^^^ ^i"'," '^^ P"*^^"' "^'^^^^
two Austrian lines of s eifnu "s Htpk 1^ ? vTT 'll^f""^ ''°'" Trieste in
is owing to the Austria' t,frSSfg'£te^^^^^^ Whether this change
States I will not sav huf o,.i fi • • ^^ *^"'^" ^"'"^ f''om the United
while it does ,00^,; o t rouS^i.TS "" ^"?"*^" ''^'''' ^' """'^
this barrel is better fiTled and S^^^^^
Austrian bnrr.l nf «o":'S.'l"'L.f™"?er so much so tiiat should any
be in the barrel wh^riVii mj;"' w shl?^ l^i-%hoih heads wouhl still
feet both heads would L t wM.c it ami U^.^-u'r'' ^'"'T^ ^'^^ ^^
at once, if an American barrel 0^:^^- J'^IJ^^I^S'^^:^
58
CANALS IN BRITISH GUIANA.
rule l.oMs g„o,l ,„ ,„„„„ i,„t„„c™ of otl.e/ Americargaocl.Tmport™
H. ClIllISTIAN BORSTEL,
United States Consulate, Consul.
Pernamhuco, October 14, 1889.
BRITISH GUIANA.
Demerara.
REPORT BY OONSVL WALTHALL, OP DEMERAItA.
n Jw TT "''''"''^" and "trench," ' used somewhat iiuliscriminatolv
structed for purposes of public travel or traffic, or so use eTceot to h
united extent, by consent of their proprietors or mauaS There aiP
noronn?.."?"^''^' ^^"""'^'-^ constructed and inStS for the p^r-'
pose of introducing a supply of water from the streams swimns ^, ml
7^":^^. ''" "'"'^^ ^^ '''' ^'^^ ^--' vil,agei;'i"3:atirs
tlwrHfv'M^ "'"l^^ important of these is the Lamaha Canal, by whicu
the city of Georgetown and a number of sugar estates in the viH tv
are supplied w^i water from the Lamaha Creek and ts affiants Th^
SeS ofT?;;.'t''T";"'' "l^^"f-'^ ^^"^ «" '''' '^ width '^^rau'aVeiage
Pffi^ if K ^^^^' Its construction-commenced about 00 years affo-was
eflected by means of contributions of labor from the parties in teres t^l
aided by loans of money from the Colonial Governme the iutereat on
wh-ch and the expenses of its maintenance, enlargement, reS
are met by assessments levied on the city and thfesta esTtere^tb'
The management is vested in a committee of six persons of whom th,e«
are chosen by the municipal council of Georpetown and three bh«
pr-.prie ors of estates, with the high sheriff of the county (Deme^^^^^^^
which tl',e canal lies, as ex ojjicio chairman. The quantky of w^^^^^^^
Sr^y WSi^xiir buffi,""^'"'^^^ "^ ver/raSy^l^f ^. a
lUL supply IS abundant, but m the dry seasons is re;rulated bv nermi^
ting the various - kokers " to bo opened only a certafn numbeTorh^urs
in each month, the time being apportioned mainly accord hi jr to the
quantity of labor originally contributed to the Nvork bfthe Tesr.ect e
estates The city of Georgetown being situated at th^termirus of ,e
S'^Sl^c!^ i? inS^^jIStll— - ^PP'^ *^ ^'^e ^S^ tZ
Tliere are several other canals constructed and managed on the same
sm^
' See consul's supplcmon', to liis report ou irrigation.
irom
CANALS IN COLOMBIA.
59
the streams, lakes, ami swamps in the dry seasons, dams or "stop-
offs" are built in some places, constituting extensive and permanent
reservoirs in the rear of the cultivated hinds on tlie coast. The water
brought from these, by means of canals and sluices, is employed, not
only for the internal navigation of plantations — as already explained —
but (especially in towns and villages) for various domestic ])urposes,
including, in seasons of protracted drought, when the rain water in
tanks and cisterns is exhausted, even the drinking uses of some of
the inhabitants.
W. T. Walthall,
Consul,
United States Consulate,
Demerara, 'November 8, 1889.
\«iv
COLOMBIA.
REVOni BY YIOE-aONSUL WHELPLET, OF BAItRAKQVILLA.
In reply to Department circular of May 2 on irrigation and water
supply, and the one of July 31 on the kiiulred subject of canals, I have
the honor to state that there is no system of artiticial irrij' tion in ope-
ration in this consular district, and I believe no enterprise of that na-
ture in the country, with the exception of such small ditches as may be
in use in some mining locality for sluicing.
There are no canals. In 1783 a monk of Novita opened a narrow
water way for canoes between the headwaters of the rivers San Juan,
on the Pacific si<le, and the Atrato, on the Atlantic, called the canal
of "Kaspadura." With that exception, and the "Panama," there are
no records extant of canal construction.
Barranquilla has for waterworks aCornish pumping engine, old style,
taking water through a 12-inch main from another pumping engine ou
the margin of the Magdalena River, a mile distant.
Its distribution, by the ■' Cornish " hydraulic, is on the " Holly " or
direct system, the surplus reaching a small storage reservoir back of
the town, 120 feet above the river level, intended to hold a week's sup-
ply in case of necessity for repairs to engines.
It is a private enterprise. Householders using the water pay $3 a
month.
The poorer class, having their own " burros" and water barrels, have
the water carried from the Caiio, a branch of the river in front of the
town. Probably about one-third of the resident population i)atronize
the " water works " owned and controlled by a syndicate of foreigners.
The plant of the enterprise was from England'; the valves and gates
and the connections are such as were discarded 20 years ago in the
United States.
Information obtainable here, on the subjects mentioned, is of no in-
terest or value whatever to the Department.
P. M. Whelpley,
ViCC-COHHlU.
Consulate of the United States,
JyanannuilUif iScplcmbor 13, 1889.
SBB
wmtmamttm
60
CANALS IN FBENCrf WEST INDIES.
FRENCH WEST INDIES.
GUADELOUPE.
REFORT ItY CONSUL liARTLETT.
CANAL DES ROTOUES.
This canal is about 8 kilometres, in length. It extends from the Bay
of Port liOiiis to a little village called Gripponin the commune of
Moriie Al'Eau, at about halfway between Pointe a-Pitre and the Moule.
This canal was dug for the purpose of transporting canes and sugar
from the different estates in that vicinity to Pointe-^- Pitre, via the Bay
of Port Louis and la Reviere-Sal^e, and in return plantation supplies are
taken back.
The Canal des Rotours was constructed between 1825, and 1830, by
the Baron Angot des Eotours, vice-admiral, then governor of Guade-
loupe.
When first corai-euced the Government's intentions were to have con-
structed this canal from the Bay of Port Louis to the Moule, a distance
of about 20 kilometres; but owing to political difficulties which took
place in 1830, the canal was abandoned after reaching as far as Gris-
Pont.
It is reported that the digging of this canal caused the death of threa
convoys of negroes from the coasts of Africa, owing to its being situ
atod in a very marshy tract of land.
The enterprise having been abandoned, the Government leased the
canal to a company for (JO years, from 1830 to 1890. This lease expires
next year. Then the canal will revert to the owners of the plantation
through which it passes, and which, on account of mortgages, now be-
longs to the Credit Foncier.
The depth of the waters of the canal at present is about 5 to G feet.
LA RITI^EE-SALliE
Is a natural canal which separates Guadeloupe proper from Grand
'Terre, about 6 to 7 miles in length, connecting the harbor of Pointe-a-
1 itre, at its southern entrance, with the bay of Port Louis and the sea
at Its northern entrance; its breadth varies from 30 to 120 metres, and
IS navigable for vessels of 8 to 10 feet draft.
No foreign vessels are allowed to pass through Riviere-Salee without
a special permit, although it is the natural route for all droghers aud
coasting vessels aud steamers of the island.
LAMENTIN CANAL
Is a short canal of about 1 kilometre in length, extending from the Bay
of Lamentin to the village of that name. It is used for the conveyance
of canes and sugar from the plantations of that commune to Pointe a-
Pitre, via Iliviere Salde.
Tl-MP are, all over Guadeloupe proper, ancient canals cousiriU!ted
during tiie last century. Some are several kilometres in length. These
canals were constructed to convey water from the rivers or watersheds
\. '
..
;|
'tit,
CANALS IN FRENCH WEST INDIES.
61
to the difterent sugar plantations for tho purpc j of workintj their
sugar uiills. Some of these cauais were dug by several proprietors of
small plautatiouH, combined, each proprietor having a limited time for
inakuig use of the waters. The proprietors of larger plantations con-
structed their own cauais, but the greater part of these ancient cauais
Uas been abandoned since the construction of large usines or central
sugar manufactories.
there are in Guadeloupe no canals for irrigating purposes, and thev
are not required. » f t j ^ ^:)
Charles Babtlett,
United States Consulate,
Guadeloupe, September 9, 1889.
[
1
nfii i 111
I ■ wnj i m
ae
^1
(
•1
4
CONTINENT OF ASIA.
JAPAN.
THE KIOTO AND LAKE BIWA CANAL.
REPORT BY CONSUL SMITBERS, OF OSAKA.
This importaut public work was formally opened by His Iinperia
Majesty tbe Emperor, ou the 9tb instant. The canal is desiLmed to
connect Lake Biwa with Kioto, which has a waterway extendiuff to the
Bay ot Osaka. The length of the canal is (JJ miles, and has been con
structed m 6 years, entirely under the supervision of a Japanese engi-
Lake Biwa has an area of 500 square miles and is situated 280 feet
above the sea level, and is 143 feet above the level pf Kioto. The canal
hi.s three tunnels, the largest being over 1^ miles. They are lined
throughout with masonry and brickwork, and have a breadth of 16
feet and a height of 14 feet. There are no towpaths in the tuLaels, the
canal boats being propelled through them by a chain laid at the bo torn
of the watel^ For the most part the canal is constructed by making
cuttings and embankments along the sides of the mountains, and is
lined throughout on the inside by substantial stone masonry.
At a distance of about 5 miles from the lake, in order to overcome the
ditterence in level between that point and the plane of the city (being
120 feet in a distance oi 1,800 feet) the boats are hoisted into a cradle
running on a railway track, and are pulled up and down by means of a
wire hawser, worked by water power from the canal abovJ.
fhv^.^.1 Tr'T*/'*'r\'*''V""^'''''''"^® ^^ ^'"'''^ navigation from lake Biwa
through Kioto to Osaka, one of the largest commercial centers in Japan
It IS proposed to utilize the water power at Kioto for manutacturing
purposes, for lighting the city by electricity, and for irrigating the rice
«f \t® "^^r^* "^f ^''fv ^^""l] ^^'''' entirely completed, as stated in the report
of Ml. ianabe, the able engineer, is estimated at one million and a
quarter Sliver yen, a sum which would be totally inadequate to con-
structsuoh a work in the United States.
United States Consulate,
Biof/o and Osaka, Ajwil 12, 1890.
E. J. Smitheks,
Con ml.
63
mmm
64
CANALS IN CHINA.
[IncIosuTo in Consul Smlthorg's report, from the niogo News, of Saturday, April 12, 1890.)
We have obtained some further and interostiiiK particulars concerning the openinir
of the Kioto-Biwa Canal from a Kobd resident, who was a favored gucHt at the core-
monial. Ainout; tl'o foreigners j)re.sent wore Mr. E. J. Sraithers, United States con-
snl here, Admiral Belknap, of the United States squadron in these waters, and his
llag- lieu tenant, Mr. Norris. The Kobd contingent of visitors proceeded to Kioto,
where, in consequence of an anticipated detention on the lino, they took jinrikisha
to the head of the canal at Lake Biwa, the whole way being lined with troops, and
all ordinary traffic stopped. Arrived here they found no less than some 30 honse-
boats expressly provided to convey visitors down the canal to Kioto, a handsome
boat having been built for Hia Majesty, and in which boat Admiral Belknap had
been asked to make the journey of the canal in company with the Emperor. His
Majesty, however, as we know, did not take kindly to the water portion of the pro-
gramme, and the visitors made the passage by themselves, the first boat ever to make
the journey of the canal being that containing Mr. Sraithers, Admiral Belknap, and
Flag- Lieutenant Norris. The passage to Kioto was easily and comfortably made in
about one hour and three-quarters. About one-half hour after leaving Otsu the tun-
nel was entered, and this had been lit throughont its entire length with electric light
ill anticipation of the Emperor performing the journey by water. The depth of the
canal on the occasion of which we write was about 4 feet of water, but its dimen-
sions will allow of an additional depth of 2 or 4 feet more. The banks throughout
are faced with stone, and the work, wo learn, reflects great credit upon those charged
with its conception and execution.
CHINA.
REPORT BY aONSXIL PETTV^, OF NIHGPO.
OONSTEUCTION. '
The history of Ningpo gives the time of construction of the first canals
in this district 400 years B. 0. That the principal canals were natural
outlets from lakes and swamps, the soil being alluvial, the same as the
great valley of our Mississippi ; hence the first canals were like the
bayous of Louisiana, their flow into the river being obstructed by dams
at the mouth. Other canals were then excavated leading to and being
supplied by these main arteries.
EXTENT AND CAPACITY.
They extend all through the valleys of China; all shipping to the
port of Hangchow, 140 miles north of this, is by canals. Very few junks
can visit its port, owing to rocks, shoals, etc., at the entrance of its har-
bor. A large trade is done by this city with Ilangchow, all produce
being carried by boats that are made to navigate the canals. At Hang-
chow the canals of this district connect with the Grand Canal, which
leads as far as Peking. Almost every farm in this district has its
canals for transportation and irrigation. We have no means of carrying
in this district except by canal in the valleys and coolie carriers over
the hills J no wheel or other carrying vehicle except the sedan chair,
carried by coolies.
CANAL TRAFFIC.
There are many varieties of boats for traffic on these canals : the
larger boats being from 40 to 50 feet long, t.bout 8 feet beam, capacity
,,.,,,„, ,., iU!,„. iiifcor cue uocu lui Liiu liic-^vL ciiuiils. ±iien anotiier
class of boats 30 ieet long and feet beam, carrying 8 to 10 tons, vary-
ing in size to the small foot boat, used in visiting the outlying farms
and gardens. On the main canals during the day as far as the eye can
Hills
vary-
Till' canals sli(>vi'« ■"
400 il. V. The smiil
are tlie canals said to have liri'ii in existence.
HiU Country
s
iihcrlfss snialli'i' oiu's, iiscil fn
40O
Thf ••anals sliowii lie.v aiv those on wliiuli small .■nift niiiy ply bi'sicl.'s i li.-s.'. I here aiv ''''!'''»'''»■'*« ^"''V,,
ll. C. T1.0KS''r '•anals t^onneoting these main ones are said to have been dug at vanoua times smee then.
!ounti
a,v >,>Mnl,.rU.ss s.nall.r ..m.s, ms.mI fnr irri^.tiuK tlu- fi.Uls. Those mavU.d .lu.s : r : :
irioua times since then.
are tlic ciiiuils siiitl to liave bi'eii in existence
CANALS IN CHINA.
66
/
see are boats going and coming filled with freight and passengers. As
to the extent ot trade by the.se canals, it is inipusnible to ascertain.
From the Ohinese customs we hndiu 1888 there was di.s! ibisted by these
canals 115,044 pieces of cotton goods, 353,880 gallons of kerosene od.
ami other lujports in proportion, to the outlying tow ns and cities of
thisUiatrict. The transportation of tea and other native producit. which
pass through the lekiu stations or interior customs, which are under the
control of native officials can not be got at, but is immense.
MANAGEMENT AND PBEIOHT EAi KS.
The mauagom(>nt is by the native officials. The navigation is free.
Ihetr principal duty is to see there is no obstruction to navigation and
keep ui) the repairs.
1 can only give the rates to Hangchow, as it is the principal citv
which transports freight to and from this city. It is 140 m ^s from
this port. The cost of freight to this port is about 50 cents per cwt
Ihe cost iH greater on < bis route from the fact that many haulovers take
place, that is, to luiul over from one canal to another, and from the
river to the canal. Then there are 5 miles to transport the freight bv
coolies at Hangchow. The overland transportation by coolies from
Jeng'hua to Taichow, distance 100 miles, cost $1.15 per c\n t. But the
freight IS much lower on tl« > Grand Canal, where there are few haul
overs. Passenger rates an very low. Our missionaries do nearly all
their traveling by canals. They take their bedding and provisions on
the Chinese boat^ and travel \ .ry ch( aply ; as for instance, ihe fare
from this to Hangchow is about 70 cents.
lEElGATING CANALS.
Canals iu China are more uumerou 4 than the roads in our most popu-
lous States. Branch canals are excavated from the main canals at
short distances, from 100 to 300 yards. These canals run at right angles
from the main arteries, so that all the fUrmsandgardenscanbe irrigated
ivhich 18 done by wooden chnin puuips made to reach the water from
the bank. They are worked i / hand or ox. So all farms in the val-
ley are ungated, always insuring a good crop of rice.
The boats are propelled on these canals -v a process called by the
Chinese "Yo-lu," that is, sculling, usin^ 2 or 3 men wi'^i oars for
this puri)08e. Ihey also use sails, which, when the wind u- fair cause
the boats V make 6 or 7 miles an hour.
Numerous bridges cross the canals, mostly of stone. Tf.. canals are
thicl^v settled with villages. Tou never go moi.> than 3 wiles on the
canal.; without coming to n village; all seem busy and full of life at
every village or large fn'^. ouse where the canal is bridged.
Accompanying is a dra tg which will give some idra of the extent
ot canals in this portion of tuis i)rovince. !>' the northern portion
they are still more numerous.
Thos. p. Pbttus,
United States Consulate, ^^^^^'
Ningpo, September 25, 1889.
H. Ex. 45 5
^1
I
66
CANALH IN CHINA.
THE IMPERIAL CANAL.
liEl'ORT BY CONSUL JONEH. OF VIUNKIANU.
The imperial canal of Chiua, linown the world over as the Grand
Canal which extends from the a..cler.t city of K wa-chow: some 3mUe8
above Chinkjang to IVkinjf, a (listanceof (iSo miles, is a work of vadous
afjes, and is but partially artilicial. ' '^""^ "» vaiious
The original object of its c()ustr..ctiou was to supply the capital with
ood durn.K he t.n.es of the predatory warsof th« Mo. jjols, an i s m v
use during the Kreater po, ti..n of the distance is to conv-ey to he caoi d
the nee tribute from the provinces adjoining the Lower Y ant' sze Urver
BtZ^'^:,r"""' '"' ""'"'"' "' '*" ''""''""^' lio (tile aS
The portion of the canal from Kwii-chow to Tsinp-KJang-pu about
K) miles where it formerly crosse.i the old bed of the Slo w Ruer
dry since l.S.,4, when the river, at a ih.od, deserted its former bed and
ma(le a new channel to the Gulf of l>echili, is mainly natura!ad dates
back to sonu. seven centuries B.C. The intermediate ptt between
Tsing.K.an«-pu and Liu Tsing-Chow, in the extreme northof 1 1 e prov
nice of Shantung, ,s for the most part artificial, and dates rom the
Yuen dyims^y, in the early part of the thirteenth century
I rom Liu Isiug-Chow to IVkiiig the canal occupies part of the course
of the river Wei, more or less navigable as far as vvii-k ng fu L the
province of Ilonan. From Tientsin to Tung-Chow, ii^ Id e manner Ihe
grain ,s carried along the Peibo Kiver, and tVom Tung-Clow^o Peking
a distance ot some 14 or 1.5 miles, ad vlintage has beeu taS of the bed
ot the u weu-ho Uiver to form a water pas.s^ige, through whic the ri-^fi
transterre.1 to small boats, is .Iragged with ditHcultv '
Ihe hist portion of the canal is mainly formed bv conneciinn- 1 sfrintr
of lakes, of which the Kao-Yii and the Pao Yiig arrtre^.rSal f
uim.uarge ot the KaoYu Lake Iroiii Kwa chow to Yang-chow
To jMcvent the aoodiug of the lower country, an important line of
embankment hasbeeuformed all the vvayfromYang-ChowtoHw^^^^^^^^
a distance ot about 100 miles. Thi.^ embankment is the prhSal and
udeed It may be said the only important engineering wo k hi connect
• a\'u.:t^e^7foo feet'Vn i" ''''"''' '^T '" ^^ '' ^-^ ^"^'MviUi a width
at ine uase ot 100 teet, and is jnerced by numerous overflow or irrisat-
ug sluices. With this exception there were no materTlTbs acles to
be overcame in the construction of the canal reqnirinreSeering
W KA V'^T^ ^'''^?' ""^^ '" *'""*"^ theconnecting linksand in buTd
em,.loyed '™'"''' ^" ^''^'''' ^'" '"^^"' ^00,000 men were a? times
The river Hwai (distinct from the Wei spoken of above), which drain<*
the greater part of the province of Houan, and much of Cof AuhuT
formerly flowed past the town of Elwai-an-fu into the Ye low Sea hav
Lfke" ' ^""^^^^^^•'"^^^ the large body of water known a' the Hungt«Ie
At some time previous to the twelfth century, bydiggino- connecting
channels the waters of the H.ingtsze Lake were fed into the Tao y/
ami the lower course of the Hwai, from tue Hungtsze to the sea/becanm
.r,7r"%'^u'"'^;r^r7"^^^ by theefnbankmeiftarovemr
iV.U"«#;i -P'eaftiug over the lower country, they were led alonff the
Ime of the canal to the neighborhood of Yang-Chow; some 20 mites nlrth^
tr^
CANALS IN CHINA.
67
tie Grand
lie 3 miles
jf various
sital with
^i its only
[le capital
ize Uiver,
le Grain-
i>u, about
>\v River,
bed and
ind dates
l»etween
liie prov-
from the
le course
J, in the
oner the
Peking,
■ the bed
the rice,
a string
Bipal, by
e former
; line of
ei-anfu,
pal and
couuec-
a width
irrigat-
acles to
iueering
nbuild-
t times
i drains
Auhui,
ia, hav-
uugtsze
necting
lao YU,
became
^e men-
)ng the
3 uorth-
■M'-^i
eust of Chin Kiang, whence they fouiul their way to the sea by the town
of S en-uUraiao, partly aowing into tlu^ Yan«l,s/e and partly irrigitinu
the fertdo dwtnct known as Kian^^ l'.,h or " North of t^lu^ Kiver "
In the beginning of the thirteenth century the ohl Yellow Uiver.
which then discharged into tlie(JiiironVchi!l near the northern bound-
ary of Shantung, burst its right bank, in the prefeetnieof Tungehang-
fu, 111 Shantung, and (lowed through the level strait between eastern
and western Shantung to Ts.ng Kiang-pn. Here it seems to have occu-
p ed the former channel of IIu-l I wei siioken of above. The time was one
ot political trouble in the Empire and the Yellow River was probably
neglected; anyhow, after occupying this channel for about 80 years,
a fresh bieach, also of the right bank, occurred near Kaifung-fu, the cap-
ital o Honan. The waters submerged the same country as in 1888.
and dually making their way to Tsing-Kiang-pu joined the former
course and made their way to the sea past llwai an-fu.
As soon as the new course was put in some sort of order the possi-
bility ot occupying the portion of the former channel from near Tunc-
?n H.S F i«'uj?K'aug.pu, as a canal, seems to have presented itself
to the Emperors of the Mongol dynasty, then ruling at Peking. As
there was not a suliiciout supply of water, connections were made with
ih!u n/' ^/in, flowing iTom the celebrated Tai-Shan, in Shantung, and
JtfrS n' formerly flowed directly into the sea near Haichow, in the
extreme north of Kiangsu. Both these rivers rise in the highlands and
spread out m their lower levels into more or less shallow lakes, varying in
extent according to the season. As the soil to be excavated-the bed of
a post Tertiary sea-vyas a light sandy loam, and the lake lay close to the
course of the channel, the work involved was of the simplest, mainly
li^nrll A?* '?'"^ masonry dams, still existing, which turned off the
JJllu ^ 1'® streams. Kising in the highlands and having compara-
tively short courses, the water of these rivers is subject to sudden fluc-
WaJT't '''^•*'"'''''^*'-^ ^?"''^ *■'*''" Lung- Wang-miao, its summit
level, to Ts ug Kiang-pu, is almost dry, while at times it is too full
to be available for traffic. The bed falls considerably, and in order to
fni'^r^.V H dlffl«"tya"d obtain water enough to float the boats mak
mg use of the Sanal, the Chinese engineers had recourse to probably
the most primitive and ineflective expedient ever' tried
At intervals the banks of the stream were contracted and what are
denoinlnated "Ch'as" built; each of these consiSso^ a masonry
chamber 22 feet wide and from 150 to 200 feet long grooved at S
sidestopermitof banks of wood being slipped down to form a dam!
At ordinary times the canal is closed, but when the rice tribute boats
arrive the sluices aredrawn, andthe boats are laboriously towed through
the sluice, a couple of hundred men working with rude capstans, being
frequently required to pass each boat, an operation involving from half
an hour to an hour. Owing to the waste of water involved in this opera-
tion only a tew boats can pass at a charge; the remainder have to wait
till the dam is replaced and the upper reach filled with water to a suf-
hcient height. In consequence of these delays the boats bearing the
rice tribute startingfrom Tsing-Kiang-pu, in the early spring, dS not
arrive at the summit level, at Luug-wang-miao, till the middle of June
their average day's work varying from 7 to 11 miles.
From Lung Wang- miao northwards to its junction with the Wei at
Liu- ising-chow the canal is wholly artificial. The soil here is a liaht
loamy sand, and with the exception of a slight slope of about 15 inches
in the mile towards the Gulf of Pechili the surface is practically evel!
In selecting Lm-Tsing as the point of junction the Chinese engineirs
" J? -' " — ^
'^r-:M
68
CANALS IN CHINA.
With no knowledge of leveling beyond the flow of water in p .lif.h
t!ie e^ipue. Il.d n, ever been nntde use of for any commercial purpose
t
CANALS IN CHINA.
69
'^n^r'<^iiz':^%:^:7^^,£i^!^r -'"-^ °'""^ "-'^' *»
A. C. Jones,
United States Consulate, Consul.
Chin Kiang, November 4, 1889.
t
I \
m.
I
RWW!^P^I((^fc|»^j
m.
I
AUSTRALASIA.
NEW SOUTH WALES.
REPORT liX OON,SUL ORIFFIK, OF SYDNEY.
^in^Sn''''^''"^ ""^^^^ ^<^"t^ Wales, although comprisiuff an area of
310,700 square miles, contaius barely 1,100,000 iuhabitants «ml ff ti«
not be expected tor so limited a number of pco ^ to flSd 'tSf caiS
S w>/? 'll'^'^^P ^'^'^ capabilities for caJialLtion arundoubtedlv
exist within this vast extent of territory. uuuouuieajy
My reports to the Department of State dated Ist and 30th of Onto
ber, on irrigatiou and tfie reclamation of arid lands, wiU show how bfc?e
has been done even to conserve water for pastoral and agricSural
purposes. The New South Wales Government has now taken up th?s
f.r,^^f r'^ energetically, and large sums of money have been appri
priated to carry on necessary irrigation works ; and it may be ex ected
that m a very shorL period a number of irrigation canals will be under
course of construction to be followed, doubtless, by otherTfor naviga
iw^rrpPn'^"- ^^ ,C^overn,nent for a considerable period has been
aware of the great advantages to be derived from such canals but as
yet the only sums expended for navigation have been to cSr the Hve^s
from snags and other obstructions. The sum of £80 000 /Isso S^O l?««
^nTr^-'."^'?/" *''^ "l^"'^^^ '^' improvementstrfiXer&r iu.
and considerabe more than that amount on the River MurrumMdgee
I learn from information supplied to me by Mr. H. G. McS^v Gov
ernment engineer for water conservation, that the improvement^ on
the Murray Kiver have be^n mainly dealt with by the neiglibS col
onies of Victoria and South Australia, the boundaries of which are
formed in inirt by that river. The riparian owners and occu ptrs of
land along its banks, while admitting that the work harbecfn of benefit
to navigation, are said to be very decided in the opinion that thei> 1 ind
has suffered great injury, for the reason that the removVof the oTstruc
tions occasions a free flow of water, and at the same time reduces the
level of the surface of the water so that in time of flZ X a m, re 1 m
1 tedareaof land can be benefited by the overflow. It is noUlesirSl
that this Slate of aiiairs should continue, but that s^me method of irr^
for rvtISon ^'^"""''^ ''''''^ "^'"'^ ""' '''''''''' ^^'^ improvements
nr^n?^''''."'''''^"' ^ t^^ ^''"^'^ «f Sydney, a short canal was cut bv
private enterprise to improve the navigation of the river of the same
name which flows through that district, but it can haidlv be resided
Ihe'S'irnfT' ^ "'"'^'V*^"* "^ ^ "'*^^« «"*^'"ff t^ improve ami Sn'e
the flow of the river. A number of cuttings in rivers have been made
by private enterprise in various parts «f the colony for irriSn nur
!!=T^^.t,l"^if^'JSP-^-L«^' -^^-^ ^»«tribute the'flood waSrsTthe
1 '-."^"iy. iucau cutDings vary iioiu U to 14 teet in width • us flio
country m that district slopes gradually from the banks of the riVe? the
71
i
"f
• ^. . -J
! hi
72
CANALS IN AUSTRALASIA.
Iniid JM Hooded I)v flfravitiiHoii On .n n >
n.owestonMliWctiTiffS'i.V^^^^^^^^^^ V""'^ ""l><»ifi".f rivers in
. I>uri,o8o ci^ntriih^ ^^'"^'^^"^^ "" ^>-V, l>"'"Pins and for this
directs uttentioTto tin! cvufu s inZd^ ?' wi*^ T "'« ^^^'^rina district,
Ho says, wl.en dealin«\ 1^ one t ^^^^^^^^^
tlie area wliicli eonid bo irr^^J' /i hi h *^ the value of water and
Mnrray and MurrurnbidgerSs: ^ ^ ^"^^'^^^^^ '"^^'^ ^'^^ '^^
There ]» anotbor wnv in «'iii«i *i ■■
valned, an.l that in by CHtimaLff he extS'fl^nH ^^''^'-'^^ *'' ^° °«''^«'^ "^y l>«
In the lir«t report of the eomu^Sn U L Intii^^
(^.nivlallowofl cubic foot ptTH-Zu Jrir./fS^^^ that on the Eastcxii Jumna
of wafer from the Gauges C\inair,/S^^^^^
merit of the water iHcon.^cteronsSn^^ ^'^ l'^"'^ ''"««« t^« "I'l^age^
•en.ark, and it can „ot be too ,.fte.?nS' e 'f at U « m t''\P""^'V'^«- ^ '"«y J»«™
that we must look for information r, .J - n, ' I V'l^.t^ ^"f^"*' ""^ not to America
A8 the table on this m,hK . t m firsf ±,^ otMi.'^"*'"'' «* irrigation management
iBgroatly ,. advancoof otlHTconntSs^^^^^^^^^^^
Auieri.-a, in t (,« order named. I Ts not nobul, e f LtT^.K^P"'"' '*'''^'' l'^"n««. an^
some time at iei..t, attain to th.^Ind an Htaml ,r il " ***"' *'«»ntry we shall for
will be no crops in ii'verina JuiTwO JS'«^\U'T"^ "^ '^'^t^^"' l^»t «s there
sugar-cane and rice, whicli are comjnm, 3 5^^ '^ l'^''^" Proportion of water dh
be assumed that here 1 en lie Vmt Tr" .M-m^^ viiV?^' •'' ^"^^ ^ """^ it may saleL
case of the Mnrray, I est mated tli[M4i " ' irrigate 200 acres. Hence in tht
capable of in igathlg Co6™00 acii n '.fri?:?.^' """'^V^ /!>« "vailable s' ipply is
the short duration of the liich sunX ..V, i^^^fi *l"*'i*'""'^''o">^
reservoir. It will, howeve fei sa^f 'uier L v ^llT f ^^'^^'^ ^^'''^■•' «« ^ storage
'ffio"^^'''P^^'''^y "f ^^^'^^'"'I'^lS^^u^,^ r^ tfko the average
loO 000 acres during the remainder of to ve-ii 'pL^f ^' <l<Hing the spring, and at
as the area which the av;iilable eannlv in' f^'.I" f -^ *'8'."'«8 give 1,350,000 acres
But a portion of the snply S b„ E Wluu!:^" "/«'« '« c'^P'-^^'lo of irrigathiff
rlf "F'S'^'?". «'Hl au?tLTpo,urwillT,e'&o.!'w'^.'/'T' ^^ ^'}'''' Purposes bt
cent. will make ample allowance for hlV( teml nn?/^7iM ''''• f\ "''''^'iction of UO per
tion at 1,080.000 acres The i".VnH^i,i!,Vi ?,','!"" ^'" '''^"^''^ the net areaof irrin'ft.
willingness to pay fol wateHbf ^ri^lTon wy ?S^^^^^^ 'IZ ^^^T' l'^' "taSd'S
knowri t.'*i;sufd"4x;?henf r i^^^^
this project Mr. McSey says: " '°^^ ^^'^^'^' In support of
■inS?^;zmark:is;;i!:fS;;stij;rT^f^
• Wagga Wagga, may safely l,etS a '^0 't w,',!' f •''^"* 1?* ""''^'^ »>>' river below
ranal at the off-take woiil.l de ,on i ,., , '^^* reduced level for t lie bed of the
n48-so near that iovel7rn"fict S n"^ ^"^' '^ »'-^ '- ^!^-t
affect my conclusions. '■'"trt nco which can occur in regard to it will
cross the line of the Narrandera-.Ier leVie R^ii' iv nV^ !?"]''" *^' """" """'^1 ^'i»
conlinued, its reduced level at the cross ./wi I bo Ar^4 /-^l"] ^'""*^ '''^'^ ''*' <'"" i>e
crossing under the railway, at about Urn esfr„N ^^' '1""^ ^'^ "• «'»table level for
head of the Conargo Branch, at 77 ,, i cs th/'A w fn?^"^""!- ^''■°"' •'« "'*1^'« to the
nches per mile, and the reduced .'vel 'lU I^^i. V ' ^i '"^ continue at the rate of 18
head of f he Couargo Branch to the h,. > l .f Ti n '^ ^^^'^"^ .'^''"^'^ ^^ 4:}2.5. From the
fall would be at the rate of 2 feet ..r,i ^^^^Yi'i'Sonilla Branch, at 10.3 miles the
tancowouldbe;mir,. tVo„ thebeni 'li' '^Iv *''" '•*'•' "^'''^ lovel'at the la ter'dis
Comparing these levels with othAr« .mf. ,„,.,. , . ,
place oau easily be tound ibr cros^ng the Na^a^ae;;:;j^;^dS?;J ffli/i^^ f J^fifi
^J
1^^
J
^J
ii^
'I
I
CANALS IN ACISTRALASTA. 73
Wl!ff^vV*" 'r»""^«^ ^•'^""««' lev-H H '2 .J wiiUo t haf of h'''^'"^ ''."'''''^'•^ °PPO«i^«
Whilo, thoroforo, tho ixwifcions of th,/^^ r,'.. . ^"^ ,"' ^^^^ ground at Hay is .'504
good approximations/iU ov Zt botl^Cu tl^S^ branches arc given^n y as
confi^nration of tl.e country tb^t both .uwtt,^ "? ^'""^"/"^ from a study of the
feet h Kher than the ground level at J^; dorie The^iuJ" ^^ ^^'^'^ H^'> '^''^ i«- 87*
Lake Urana to JoriJdorie is only ^^3 miles It is if n„.f *-*,"''®. V * ^'""^c* 'i^e from
from the known uniformity of the d sS* th«f A ^*'l'.'^^'?*.f''°" tliese figures and
pains between Lake Urana and JeriTdede d* rect ioJ??h« 'r?**"'*? "^ irrigating the
nimbidttee Sonf.hHin Punoi ;„ 1 , '"^.V'™"^. *™'n the Urana brannh of fi.» iu.,_
Main canal from head to Urana
hranoh.
tTrana branch
Main canal from Urana branch
to Conargo branch.
Conargo branch
Main canal from Conargo
branch to Wangonilla branch
wangonilla branch .
Main canal from "Wanconilla
branch to 120 miles.
Main canal from 129 miles to \m
miloB.
Main canal from 156 miles to
end.
Double trapezoid bed •
wi(.th = lOO foetl
borme width^^Ui
feet.
Bed width =62 feet;
bermo width = 108
leet.
096. 2 Trapezoidal bed width
= 43ffcPt.
218. 4 Trapezoidal bod width
= 21 feet.
8a». 6 I Trapezoidal bed width
302.4 Trapezoidal bod width
= 1.5 teet.
3o4.6 Trapezoidal bed width
= l.'J t'e„t.
109 Trapezoidal bed width
= 14 feet.
110.4 Trapezoidal bed width
= 8 feet.
The approximate estimate
as follows:
for the quantity and cost of the works in this system is
Description.
Headworks, half share ..
Main canal, firstpart as above!
Urana branch
LranaT.ako
Main uiiial, serond pait
Conarco branch .
Main canal, third part
VyaiiKoiiilla l)raiidi ...
Mam canal, four th jiart
Main canal, lifth part...:.:;:::
" "SRSl,-!X!::p^rt
Total for work
Quantity.
Rate
cubic *^°8t'
yard.
Ouhic yds. i .,. ^, !
Cost of
roKU-
latiiit;
works.
6, 408, 000
4, 928, 000
200, 000
3, 29,'-., GOO
I,2t<8, 3L'0
1, 4i)4, 3^0
1, .'■>76, 9(i0
675, 840
liOI. 800
.1.
JE400, 500
287
467
15, OOli
192
24'?
«(
410
H7,
lOR
01,
9f-!)
39,
■m
0-.
l\iit\
19, (.67
Cost of
distribu-
tary
Heacls.
£11.500
11,000
10, 000
12, 000
10,000
2, 000
2,500
£i, 000
8, 000
i\ 0(iO
8,000
6,000
2, 000
5, 000
1,600
2, 000
1,000
Cost of
bridges.
£12, 000
10, 000
Total
cost.
5, .'■,00
4,000
2,500
4, OoO
1, 500
2. OOU
1, 000
£11,500
427, 500
321, 467
32, 000
215, 743
70, 416
01, 698
103, 489
42 i.9A
53:375
29, 080
1,372,381
#«
'^— J
.:f
I
I
i
74
Oo8t of workd, as above.
tiiirvovH
Coutiii({ouuii!H (H«yj!i[m
CANALS IN AUSTRALASIA.
Qrnnd total.
lo.onu
09, 016
1,452,000
^^ «... .e at B.!-=a - ^^^^^X?^
tleiltJm^fnTro:^^^^^^^^^ Pl-'" country beyond, so that
The riv. . valloy in at this place rnodorrow^rr P"«\throuKh. 'second.
The do,.th of cntti«K, ho far ar.-a^ oTml-r 1 w ' ^"^ l>o»ndo(l by hills. Third,
tively slight from the outset. Forh ttt th« v^f '\'\'''''l'^'' r"''' »>" ''""'Para-
bo eucountemd will be under 20 Ct .inl hn/ H,f n'* ''f^*"* "'^ '=""'"« '"<"1.V to
more than M.reo-qnarters of a 1 nile! ' f h That th« ""• '''''"";^ .^" " '"»f'"'"« «f
quired to (livort a nermanont s 11. nlv inVn Vh„ . f t''«,'"<»X"|'"ui hoighf, of woir ro-
10 or 11 fe.,t-tliatis, about .r&rS ho oKf?,""' ^"'" T.'}*' '»«''« *'"^»
to divert the supply for the G..ulburn irri^aio ' f V^^ "'°"* ^"'"°^ *« P^P"^*'^
th^rfc;?hi;- :jt.!ra5 tiryfe"^"^^^'^^^^^ -'^ '^vers, the Ml i„ '
t<3rmed '' Huniu.er level '^rAnmry^H4d^^rffi'^^ *^^ ^'"'* ^as been
that the corr.>s|)..u,li„,r Un-el of the river »/«»? ^.V' ney h.shwater mark ; so
be desirable to have tSe be of t e cmiil al ^XvTl!'''^' " ^•^/'^^'^ ^^'^- ^' *t would
of the river.I propose 47VasJrrt;. 5^^^^^^ f''« l»"i
from its head the canal will crosHhe s rvev.d I .« L ""°''- /*.'ll>o">' ^^0 'wiles
cairn to Corowa, the crossing i)la,.,Li,M,f'ii,? °.,*''*^ proposed railway from Cul-
1:H from the later.lZScd'Lje",ffS^ ""'" ^''"' former place and
ossaryfor the Government to c..n <ctalo mail ran .Mm^
the minor channels for thedistributionof t .« w. f l T . T^ '*" P'''"«'l"il branches,
regulations, and subject to Gove me t ap .rovarbv /^^^^^^^^ ""der Jixed
approximate detai). of the main cana.'i;nSS^i^..^t,lS^;-^l;;^^ The
Doaoriptiou.
Afaiii ciinal from head to Jerll.
aerie branch
Jprildorie brnnoh ."."."
Main canal from Jorib'terio
brancbto ruppal branch ...
Tuppal brancb
Main canal from Tuppai
branch to end, near M( "
mein
Slope of bed.
Bed
width
iluuia-
1 in 6, 000
1 in 2, 750
1 in 3, 33a 3
1 in 2 600
1 in 3, 33a 3
tWt.
84
15
64
12
43
Side
slopes.
Maxi-
niiiin
depth of
wilier,
litol
IJ tol
IJtol
■ itol
IJ^tol
Feet.
8
6
7
e
Ca'cu-
lated
charge
per
SjUcond.
Kediiced
levels.
Begin- t;, , «
iiint'of/^'"l''f
IcuKth. '""Kth.
Ou. ft
2,003
842
1,489
303
1,002
47.5
422
422
396
396
422
359
3
331
222
Lengths.
MiU».
50
33
16
31
no
-!i«c It 1.1. ,.i{^ Ctiat« iiuaiij uuici-afes ou me opeu plains
4
^
lO.OOO
09,0l«
.. l,4r)2,000
the river
n to have
ew Soutli
1 work 8 of
y, for the
nd, 80 that
. Sticoiid.
Is. Tliird.
J cotiipara-
S likuly to
liHtiviKie of
)f woir ro-
nioro than
9 proiiosed
the full in
hiis been
mark ; so
s it would
e the bod
'20 mi lea
from Cnl-
;>l(ico and
> fall from
I iu 5,000,
tv that in
own, bnt
on of the
II bo ncc-
J ranches,
ider hxt'd
3m. The
Lengths.
Mile».
60
33
10
31
TIO
indera
i^iiters.
ie of a
3f the
tiile of
tting,
1 this
8, but
plains
A
^
CANALS IN AUSTRALASIA.
76
Description.
Mnin cniinl, first length
Main canal, second luiigth ..
Jorlldorio brnniih
Main canal, tliird leuglli '.'."
Tuppal branch
Main canal, fourth length. !!
Totals .
Estl.
Minted
iiieuii
depth
of oxca
vation.
Feet.
8
5
Estimated
quautilieb.
Cubic yds,
4, 7«7, ^00
4, SOfi UOO
720, ()(»0
1, 370, noo
r>oi, 100
6, r>S2, 400
Rate
per
culiiu
yard.
t. d.
Cost.
Kemarks.
18, 502, 806
£3r)9, 040
300, 37.'f
30 300
85, 050
29, 555
383, 973
1, 184, 897
The depths of exca-
vation assained nro
considerably more
than will be re-
(juired to afford ma-
terial for the banks.
at «.:trat"ort?e%Trior '£Sr^^ rSti^e*^;""? VI} ^^ '^' -«""'*"-
ontlets to distribittaries, and the"bdd^os%"' rol iV for c™sfrifflo™'A« t"h""'' *^i«
will, as far as possible, follow rid-e h"ies thoro w II l^f, vl?t i.-f.i ^V'^? *'""''^»
Excavation of canal and branches
Weir at Bungowaunah £1,195,000
Eegnlatorat main canal head! :i9, 000
Three other regulators, at £5,000 ^'^^^
Bridges, 40, averaging £;tOO 15, 000
Distributary heads, 30, at /SOO
Drainage culverts, 2, at £1,500.. '
SosTof t.rvfys'!r.."!!!"r^^^ '''''°^ cVibic Vard;::"::::::::::::
Compensation for land...".'.* ' '
Total.
12, 000
15, 000
.3, 000
30, 000
16, 000
£5,000
Adds percent, for contineencVes 1,345,000
^ 67,250
Total estimated cost.
1,412,250
Of rlpS'S^^^^^^ '" ""' interrogatories of rmne on the subject
drSbmd:atn|:i"^i:*tatl?rt^^^^^^ passed, though a comprehensive
servation comnifssion The dams wKbivi^li'" ^'"''^ ''«?"'•* «f *!>« water con-
the colony, and on some of the H v«T« ^1 T ?? constructed on creeks tlironghout
quently h^'ppens KTa.l\'%o\Sc"7t" e^'ut ThZ^ "'^'^' ^^ '' ^^«-
ocoupy land lower down the courseof the creek orriyer.^ ^ ^ '"°' ""^^ °^° ""^
CANALS POB SYDNEY WATER SUPPLY.
^ The city of Sydney is supplied with water from a. ^istnnoo «f at ^;i^a
,L,'LT.?^'"'' ^r'" ^ ^^'^^^ ot 437 feet above the sealevdTudlslon
ducted through a series of tunnels and open canals to Sject^im'les
'**"»«I*«W«W»«NP,
' I,
i I
I i
* ;
76
C4NALS IN AUSTRALASIA.
from tlio Hoiirco of.sMnnlv T^m... fi,-^ ..
IS con(lu(,t(Ml tluouffl wrouoi'; „?/^'*r'''''' ?* ^'^^'i'^^^'t the water
of piping.- used in the wmk . " ' "'^^^ ^""^ ^'^'"^'« '-^"tl the leugth
Tunnels
Opna canals ....!." '
•"- .
Kiles.
.. 11*
. 5i
. 11
■ n
Total
12 miles from the outlet of the ma rarrt!.nn%*^^^^ fl'stance of about
formed With straightorslijjhthLtterS^^^^^ channel has been
bottom is 10 feet .-the width ipSa- , ''^- ^^^ ^^Pth from berme to
The fall is at the rate (Tf 1 foof SfJ '"°^^' ' ^^^ ^^^^^ «f '^ater, 8 fee?
necessary the walls were bum of mason^vTet'?;'"' "^^^^^ ""'W was
the term nation of the sandstone conn?rv tht ^'^ ?^ ^° cement; from
snale and clay. The dimen 3« ., ^ w^, .\^® ^^^^^ '» mainly throusrh
«^I.H,ltol,. depth fiomri rberme 9fTef V^^^^^^^^^ '''^> «Ce of
at top water level, 19 feet The s^llf^^^^^^
«tone pitching 9 itlches thick/ ThrnclinaHonn'/H-^"®, protected with
per mile. The canal above Prospecrterm?n.fo5 ^^'\^ ^^^""^^ ^« 2 feet
flow weir, leading the water in?o«^n?^.*®^'? ''^*«"' ^ith an over-
flows into the relervoir. The ndinatS nf ^^, ^^'T^^ ^^^" ^I^i«hTt
The level of the overflow wefr at th« «mi L ?^' ''''^"°^' '^ ^ '"^ 3«-25.
18, 48.16 feet above the high witer of ?h« 1^*^ ^^? "^''"n?' ^« 243.15; that
the dimensions of the rese^rvoTr at Prospect ''''''''* ^'^"'"''^'^^ ^'^
Area of watershpri 9 f?ni „ **" J^i^hpecc:
R. L. top o7dam'1(,9''feet aboUTY^ "^f*^^ «"^^«««' 1'261 acres •
-level 195; lowest level to which wat^^i^t''^ ^'''^'''^'^ high-water
width of dam on top, 30 feet • slmTpt^f be drawn for supply, 179 •
15-foot bermes at 1^.1 175' a ?^'47^* widf"h"^f ' ,'* tol oiL%ith
rpToTpuSletn ^i?'f^^^ n^'^i^JZl
wa„,widtLntop?3"&^^^^^^^^^
th J^LJS ome*trb7mtat'o7T^^^^^^^ -ried round
ered into the canal leading from t hi Z. "''^ '''''''' P'l^^^ ^nd deliv-
been laid from the basin aboveTheres^rvortoVh^ '^ S"f "^^^^ b^«
the purpose of supplvinff the ikHprf,?^ ^ ^ ^^^ ^'^°^' below it for
also to give head IrTe^^or^^^^^^^ and
also serve for emptying the resefvlfr %h ^ *?"/"?' P*P«« ^^f^^red to
4f miles long, and the cross «p.h«« • ^^® ^f"''* ^^'^^ ^he reservoir is
partly Ysha^^ed.^ The h gtwS level ^at'L"^'"' ''''''^' ^^"« ^°d
canal is 175.50. The level of the ton nfJi ^^^ reservoir end of th«
out the entire length of IhTs sectJo'^^L ^??To '"tIT- ^^"'^ through-
allows an increased head to be obtScrfoV f hi i^*"'' arrangement
Owing to the nature of the ground Son ZJ? ^"^'^^ "^^^^^ Sydney,
covered in, and is virtuallvf .^nil ' ^ /^^ o,t thi8 section had to be
is at the r^te of I incTes^^mHe 1^^^^^^^^^ ilT f fu ^'^^ '"^^ *" «^"al
ing basin and pipe-head r?servor hat been boll? v^ '^il*^ * «t'"'»-
to Sydney the water will flow through pfZ '*'" **"* reservoir
•<liiey. Tlio
1 the IcDgtli
11*
■ S3J
H
11
_H
• ■-•« •••• 63
board that
3e of about
>1 has been
m berme to
iter, 8 feet,
lining was
lent; from
y through
i,* slope of
and width
Bcted with
il is 2 feet
;h an over-
a which it
I in 38.25.
3.15; that
►wing are
61 acres ;
igh- water
'Ply, 170 ;
ter, with
00 feet;
greatest
; puddle
e slopes,
3d round
id deliv-
lain has
w it for
oir, and
erred to
Brvoir is
a>lls and
of the
firough-
gement
Sydney,
d to be
n canal
Stiitiu-
servoip
CANALS IN AUSTRALASIA.
77
works, he states, with th« AvP^nH-.., '^^L'll"^.!^--'/--'''''^?)- ^" the
M±r.^'l'J :."l"«..-vanls of .earthwork, and iiraised to sum:
7 w^aa*
V i" the center.
cient height to onabr6tbe.a,t,;bt.adi„rtoZ;c;v';,'l,™»,,,,,,uea
available capLityTCi thou,, uf ! ml!;? TT" •""," "■■<»«>°'
capacity Of o^ert^tuZLaSL of X«.' """ " «™'""*
G. W. Griffin,
Consulate of thp] United States, Co7isul.
Sydney, November 18, 1889.
31 .
i
1 1
I
Si
ifl
i .'I
J II
J
i ONTINENT OF EUROPE.
^.
BELGIUM.
UJ-:V0H1' •ONSVL PRESTON OP LIEQE
LARGE CANALS.
1. The canal from Ghent toBruffes and frnm Timr. +^ /^ * ^
nectlDg with tlie North Sea Jia^h i"?; k&etre? ** ^
am™iu'rat:„!l&9lf2/8°;3' ™« "■'^'^-'"S '<>»«. ""d the total
fran!L%o"tKr,Ln1J' tCIZ^^ f-""- "■"» ^,862
to 33.673 francs. ^""""s^fUectedfonhesamejearaiiiouuted
2. The canal from Ghent to Ternenzen, which aives to Ohont n,« •
total amount transported 913 ')M\ fmiH t« i«fi«t» ' •' ■ • "'^' ^^®
work cost 15'> l'}i\i-v^rul Ji'J^^^o tons. lu 188b the maintaining of the
+r,n« n^ii Z?"''^"'" Irancs, and tor improvements, 9,996 francs THa
toils collected amounted to 21,097 francs "> •^j-^^u nancs. ine
'S. The canal of WillebroBck, from Brussels to thfi Riv«.. t>„. i -^
passes through the town of Vilvorde the xHn«aA nf wn . "V®''* '1^
runs into the Rupel near the tiw^f BoL hn! U^"^^f«eck and
communication with the' EscaiUand the sS ts fenS^is^.'^rrf'^' '^
tres. Its constructicm was begun in 1830 and finishefun i835 tT.
kilometric tonnage in 1885 wfTs •>? '>r,'> ^>ak V^ ""'»"«« m i»J5. The
transported was 1^074,585 tons '' ^^""^ ^^^ the total amount
tttt^nt^trjnsp^^^^^^^^^^ '''' -« ^'^^^'^^^^ tons an"d
t The river Escant, called i„ Flemish the Schekte.
78
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)
A
r^r
1.0
I.I
1.25
yo """^
""3.2
2,5
iif !r III"
:r Uii
lAO
2.0
1.4
1.8
lU
■i-*i
HlOl ^
Scieices
Corporation
i
f
<^-
#
M
V
,^
>^^^
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 87i2-4S03
80
CANALS IN BELGIUM.
SMALL CANALS.
1. The cauai from Oharleroi to Brussels by Hal. It unites itself at
Brussels to the canal of Willebroeck. It serves also for communication
between the basin of the Escant and that of the Meuse. Length 74 kil-
ometre:..
This canal has its branches which are directed towards the coal basin
of the center,* altogether in length 16 kilometres. They are now occu-
pied in the construction of a canal which will put these branches in
communication with the canal from Mans to Oond6. These important
works will give to this canal and its branches a larger section. It was
begun in 1832, finished in 1839. Its kilometric tonnage ia 30,158,356
tons ; total amoant transported 789,927 tons ; cost of maintenance
131,888 francs, ind for improvements 4,982 francs.
2. The canal from Plasschendaole to Nieuport, which leaves the canal
from Bruges to Ostend and unites at Nieuport at the Yser and to the
canal from Nieuport to Furnes. Its length is 21 kilometres. It was
purcha8<»,d by the Government in 1854. In 1886 its kilometric tonnage
was 1,468,213 tons, the total amount transported 93.613 tons, the cost
of maintaining 18,741 francs ; and for improvements 6,000 francs ; tolls
12,071 francs. This canal has divers branches ; the canal of Ouden-
bourg, of Moerdyck, of Ghistells, and of Bourgogne ; altogether 12 kilo-
metres in length.
3. The canal from Nieuport to Furnes, which follows up toDunkerqae;
its length is lOJ kilometres. It was purchased by the Government in
1854.
4. The canal of Basse Colm, which goes from Furnes to Berques, in
France ; length, 11 kilometres.
5. The canal of Lao, which begins at Furnes and rejoins the Yeser at
Lao; length, 15 kilometres. Kilometric tonnage in 1885, 235,116 tons.
Total amount transported 17,775 tons.
6. The canal of Yopres to the Yser, continuing to Nieuport; length
15 kilometres. Kilometric tonnage, 299,761 tons. Total amount of ton-
nage transported, 20,425 tons.
7. The canal from Dixmude to Handzeame; length, 12J kilometres.
It has a branch towards Zarren, in length 3 kilometres.
8. The canal from Ypres to the Lys, ending near Wervicy, not yet
finished ; length, 14J kilometres ; commenced in 1846.
9. The canal from Eoulers to the Lys; length, 16J kilometres ; begun
in 1846, finished in 1853. Kilometric tonnage, 741,283 tons. Total
amount transported, 55,329 tons. Cost of maintaining, 16,037 francs ;
tolls, 1,960 francs. *
10. The canal of Schipdonck, or from Deynze to Heyst, which derives
its water from the Lys. In its latter part it runs parallel to the canal
Leopold. Its length is 54 kilometres.
11. The canal of the Li6ve, which commences at the canal from Ghent
to Ortend, at about 5 kilometres from Ghent, and terminates at the
canal of Schipdonck; length, 11 kilometres. Kilometric tonnage, 29,260
tons ; total amount transported, 24,569 tons.
12,, The canal from Bruges to the Eciise, by Damme; length, 14
kilometres. Kilometric tonnage, 309,807 tons; total amount transported,
28,973 tons. The canals of Schipdonck and the canal Leopold pass in
a tunnel under this canal.
»
••They call the basin of the ceater, the east of Mans, that part of the coal basin of
Ihe Hainant, comprised between the Borinage and tlio basin ofCharloroi; its limits
am <,a8ily t^ac^^d by the lines St. Denis, Harmigries, Fontaine TEvfigue, aud Gouy-so-
I'ieton. Its extent is about 400 square kilometres, inclosing forty villaees.
CANALS IN BELGIUM.
81
;es itself at
manication
igth 74 kil.
i coal basia
?! now occu-
»ranches in
) important
an. It was
30,158,356
laiutenauce
)s the caual
and to the
es. It was
pic tonuage
16, the cost
ancs ; tolls
of Ouden-
herl2kilo.
>aQkerqae;
sroment in
Berques, in
tie Yeser at
$5,115 tons.
>rt; length
lunt of ton-
kilometres,
cy, not yet
'es; begun
)n8. Total
)37 francs ;
ich derives
3 the canal
rom Ghent
fces at the
age, 29,260
length, 14
ansported,
3ld pass in
coal basin of
>i; its liniitH
liid Gouy-so-
;es.
;
13. The canal of Lisseweghe commences at the canal from Bruges to
Ostend, near Bruges, and runs towards the North Sea : length, 13 kil-
ometres. . ; o >
14. The canal of Blankenberghe, a branch of the canal from Bruges
to Ostend ; length, 12 kilometres. Commenced in 1873.
15. The canal Leopold or canal of Selzaete,which takes its waters
from the northern part of the Flandres and ends in the sea at Heyst;
length, 38i kilometres. Commenced in 1854 ; finished in 1855.
16. The canal of Moervaert, which puts the Durme in connection with
the canal of Terneuzen ; length, 21 kilometres. Begun and finished in
.««• „-^"^™®^"° tonnage, 1,169.573 tons ; total amount transported,
126,420 tons. Tolls, 2,980 francs. '
17. The canal of Langeleede, which begins at the canal of Moervaert
and terminates near the irontiers of Netherlands ; length, 5 kilometres
Kdometric tonnage, 37,039 tons; total amount transported, 65,890
18. The canal of Stekene, which takes its origin at the village of
Stekene and terminates at the canal of Moervaert ; length, 5 kilo-
metres. Built in 1853. Kilometric tonnage, 194,930 tons. Total
amount transported, 49,972 tons.
19. The canal from Li6ge to Maertricht commences at the river
Meus^ m Li^ge and terminates at Maertricht, where it again enters
into the Meuse ; length, 25^ kilometres, of which 20 kilometres are on
Belgian territory. Commenced in 1845, and finished 1850. Kilometric
tonnage, 10,382,932 tons (in 1885); total amount transported, 614,432
o^ni^^®* °^ maintaining, 120,318 francs; and for improvements,
25,597 francs. Tolls in 1886, 76,259 francs.
20. The canal from Maestricht to Bois-le-Duc, which forms a prolonga-
tion of the preceding canal. It traverses the province of Limbourg
m Belgium, over an extent of 45 kilometres. Begun in 1823, finished
in 1826. Kilometric tonnage, 24,175,845 tons; total amount of trans-
portation, 466,608 tons. Cost of maintaining, 60,093 francs, and for im-
provements, 6,117 francs. Tolls, 62,163 francs.
21. The canal of the junction of the Meuse and the Escaut, which
starts from Bacholt (northwest of Maeseyck) at the canal of Maestricht
to Bois-le-Duc, passing by Herei'^hals and terminating at the Escaut
at Antwerp. This canal conneci with the Little Nethe, a little under
Herenthals. Length, 86 kilometres. It was commenced in 1843, part
of It finished in 1844, and its branches from 1846 to 1856. One of its
branches is towards the camp of Beverloo, in length 15 kilometres •
another towards Hasselt, 39 kilometres, and a third towards Turnhout
25 kilometres. The kilometric tonnage of the whole was, for 1885,
38,944,056 tons, and the total amount transported 995,604 tons. The
cost of Its maintenance was 125,330 francs and for ii. nrovements 26,746
francs. Tolls amounted in 1886 to 263,795 francs.
22. The canal from Turnhout towards Antwerp rejoins near Antwerp
the canal of the junction. Length, 37 kilometres ; finished in 1846.
Kilometric tonnage, 3,552,777 tons ; amount transported, 191,397 tons.
Cost of maintenance, 17,726 francs. Amount of tolls in 1886, 21,191
francs. '
23. The canal from Mans to Cond6, uniting those two towns. Length
J4 J kilometres. It was purchased by the Government in 1843. Its kil-
ometric tonnage in 1885 was 8,364,431 tons; the total amount trans-
ported, 1,062,385 tons. Cost of maintenance 28,950 franca, and for
improvement 9,881 francs. Tolls in 1886, 88,215 francs.
24. The caual from Pommeroeul to Antoing, which connects the canal
H. Ex. 45 6
82
CANALS JN BELC4IUM.
li
in 18l'8. For 1885 the kiLS.."^ purchased by the Governoienfe
am..uut transported 7^' T^!?^^^^^^^^ was 10,840,689 tons; the
and ton^proUt t;|j^^^^
rive'r D^d^e":! SeJ'S ^^ ^.^h; length 2IJ kilome.reTand the
Which ,rth:rnS ^rrce^.?, t^izt t« o';tr?
ComJ6 III commniiicatioii with tbe low«r P^ .i ' it ot Maim to
Its kiloiiietric tonnaffe was 8 91 • OQd tnna t!^ i^ ' '" ^" '°°^
kilometrB»i ..ouira^nceTru ixirflufrdio 8r%'hT''J'^' "?"""'=' "
nage lor 1885 was AJt oqm t^^l "Ji«8"eain i»4w. The kilometnc ton-
torfs '^^"^ *^^°^- ^^^ ^^'^^^l ^"»0""t transported 61,495
LyJ: leligth^Ts/Sromrr* '" ^^"''''"J ^^'^'^^ '«'"« ^^e Escaut to the
1885' the^kiU,^!.^^^^^^^^^^^^ wSTomis \1^'' "t^'^'? "'Z^^^' ^"
transported 71,237 tons""Str„,iinte£'l^?:^4bfrtc^^^^^^ *^"^"°*
lEEIGATING CANALS. •
LENGTH AND OWNERSHIP.
generally free. Sonie^oTuerLtig 'to he'So "„?f i^t^fhe ?n "
a,^xrri^^Yviir(izTni'^r£,':r~^
construetion and mainteTning of then? ®'™ '"'''""™ '•"■ «"«
EXPENSES.
FiSroX^v"ei»er»t;Zrn"a'i„tU!;^e"r?^^^^^^^^
hl'ZlYnaiySpt-^elt eT.3-"6^!;rr^ ^
e,pen,,e,prVi«^Tpe^Ia','d^c;^^
The following: table gives the ordinary expenses fron 1880^^ i«sr
In some years they have included improvemLtstn ordlnlTex^nfel-
18^0 Francs.
1*^81 4,986,9r.l.00
1>'H2 8,:m,6Wy.90
1H-S ;■ 11,4(54,723.16
1884 ;:;::; ^ 2,y:j7,«;$5.40
188? ; 2.0(54,819.00
■ 1.792,43L00
i
I'JJiKl'imkili Lmj.m^iti..mK
«n
ngth 25 kil-
xoverumenfe
) tons; the
094 fraucs,
aiics.
es, and the
kilometres,
of Maijs to
rchased by
r. In 1885
ran sported
at uear the
Roubaix 8
netric tou-
ted 61,495
caut to the
1 1803. In
il amount
arpopes of
reamH and
ich rain in
,651 kilo-
rernment.
iffiition is
the com-
ompanies
IS for the
^o kinds:
imounted
>meut8in
xtraordi-
8, canali-
isiu 1883
ordinary
ties.
to 1885.
xpenses.
Francs.
)86, 9^1.00
W, etf), 90
l«4,723. 16
!37, «;jr). 4«
m, 819. 00
92,431.00
CANALS IN DELGIUM.
TOLLS.
as
The amount ot tolls collected varies a great deal; some canals are
entirely free, on others the toll is collected by the kilometrio ton, the
lowest toll being .0012 of 1 franc or .12 of a centime per kilometric^on.
There are some ou which the toll is 1 frauc per ton for the whole canal,
or a certain fee, sometimes as much as 1 franc by the vessel, for pass'
ing the locks. ' *^
EFFECT ON CHEAPENING TRANSPORTATION.
It seems almost unnecessary to remark in conclusion that Belffium
takes the lead on the continent of Europe, in establishing these artifi-
cial water ways, and that to that fact is owing, in a great measure, her
commercial prosperity. Nothing contributes so much to the commerce
ot any country as rapid, easy, and cheap means of communication, and
the experience of the Belgians has been like that of tha tJnited States,
that canals have done more than anything else, in the last 60 years to
cheapen transportation. = » .t o, w
Wm. S. Preston,
United States Consulate, Consul.
Wge, September 25, 1889.
ANTWERP.
beport by oonsttl 8teuakt.
meuse-scheldt canal.
^isUyry.—A project was formed in 1626 to join by a canal the river
Scheldt to the Rivers Meuse and Rhine ; the details upon its course are
wanting, but we know Venlo was the poiut of leaving the Meuse. The
work was suspended in 1628, the Dutch having become masters of the
two extremes of the line.
In 1805 Napoleon decided that this important communication should
De opened ; the preparations commenced immediately, and in 1808 work
was being done upon nearly the whole length of the line. Soon how-
ever, the reunion of Holland to the French Empire, and political events,
interfered, and the work between the Meuse and the Rhine, alreadv
well advanced, was for the second time abandoned. The buildiuff of
this c^nal would have increased the importance of the portof Antwero
and the transit towards Germany, but after the revolution of 1830 the
execution of the project, such as originally intended, had no longer the
?eZiied in^HoUand ^'"™' ^^ ^^"^'*' ^^^ ^""'"^ ""^ passage to the Meuse,
In October, im, Chief Engineer Kiiramer resumed the studies uoon
this matter and presented a complete plan of canalization comprising
the opening of the following canals, viz : ^ ^
a I' ^^H^^ ^^2^^^V: o/ the canal from the junction of the Meuse with the
Scheldt, from Bocholt to Pierre Bleue.
2. A second section from Pierre Bleue to Herenthals, where a junction
18 made with the Scheldt by the river Petite mthe canalized
wi^iithe rivei"Derer^''''' ^^'"'*,^ ^^'''^*' ^^''" ^j""^*^''" ^« ™«^«
1 ff
I i
: ,(
wt^
fe.i
84
CANALS IN BELGIUM.
cati.ra part 'S^?urw„^,''Z«lV?„' VhT""?'",' "" I"" '» ««"
Bagtoe KUmraer mentioned in the project presented by
sections, Lmdy Zin BocLo^t to P .,£ b,'*'""''' be/<"»Posed of two
to Heremlials "ocHolt to Pierre Bleue, and from Pierre Biene
s;.vte".^'Ki^i?,?r!s.ft',:rca"^^^^^^^^
a little belo TneSials ],S*,hf ° "J"™'' ""'^ "" "^« P«We '"f^tK
by the ri^riJttrand Knp°el "»' J""*"" «" """le with the Scheldt
^^mandl2Z^le^V7lT''T''^ "' ««' »"» " "etres of
largement was SrmTuatedt ^L^ "'1 -.""I ^^^''^y work of their en-
metres w dZaTd Waters denVb „f t„t^ ""' ™«™ «°™e, with 10
tions for oaviSn aT^ Hie l»..r«f ?1 water, present the same condi.
''K?l:^rv'^r "" "-^^^^^^^^ '™°' '''''' '^
thelfaSel^t™ E?^"l*:rtTr?f-1 ^r-^'P/^^^^^^^
pa nil «i 7 'ii\ ^^+ • r"*^ J * P^rt ot the third section of the thmiiffi,
SSfconlrfeTa^^ -"»» the new dS^or
which kectTei^pteS^teforT^t^^h^^^^^^ '^^ ^''^»'«« ^^
and was made pa rTKe bas^n of* h« n^^^f ^"?^? ^^^'"^ ^^s removed
of Antwerp. ''^ ^^^ ''*"^^' *<^ *^« expense of the city
to ?aVt"llet""""' P™"'" ^'■^o-" ' » i-cline of from 3 at the base
rnlJrrtXtSr/cS^irtSetnT"'^ "'"^ °°-"- -''-'-■"»
taken from the MeuseL'&'ocV\!T.Kht's^^Stth"e^L7£:V„;'!
«^
UWHUi - w
CANALS IN BELGIUM.
85
put in exe-
ssented by
janction of
sed of two
erre Bleue
> theprov-
3, and the
which the
gation the
as only in
was made
w'erp, into
tie M6the,
te Scheldt
metres of
■ their en-
e, with 10
me condi-
'■ Liege to
sessitated
> through
docks or
sluice by
removed
' the city
27,282.60
59,071.40
3rally 10
le canal,
le of 285
the base
a trano-
lered by
i depth,
counter
)e of 45
ikments
leir dis-
I fed by
ing the
ers are
is, dur-
^
frL\he mr?! w^'L^n H^-^""-' '"^'1'^'"*^ ^^ Grobbendonck by water taken
irom the JS^tiie when this river can give an abundance of water. When
essaJv ona^/Hf '^•'*'n "'T^ T'l^^ «^ '^"^ ^^^''^^ furnishes thrnec
essary quantity. Finally, when the mthe needs all its water in order
Grrbenrnck "'^''' ™''^' *'" '^"^^««^"" '^^ water fssUt off aS
Bights of navigation.^The royal decree of July, 1865, re'^ulates the
tTeTtar'tZU' H 'f "'/'^ ?"^'^^^^« ^^^«r^W« admiiml £;
kilometre. navigation at .0075 franc per ton and per
coifnled'as'rol;?'"" '' "' " ^" ^'' ""' considered, and all over are
No ^llTonutZ^^V' * kilometre is paid by reason of that distance.
in?^i^;^,^ptvrt2eT^^^^^^^^
S:nToT2rcriSrer^^^'^°^^"^^ by theUceiver of tolltagSsra'p'a;^
Under an order of the minister of iiuance in 1866, boats for manure
either loaded or empty, whatever be the quantity thenSrv enfov an
entire exemption from all tolls, and have permission to cSateemntv
A royal order of 1867 decreel, that rafts and cargoes SToodshal be
metrtuVeVr'^t^ '''' by the royal decree ot^865:irciSg'|
ceftiM^^^^^^
mitted by reason of their cargo or distance traveled
Supervtsion—Burema to the number of 7 are esto-blished, viz:
No.
Barean at—
Bocbolt
Bridge No. 8
Gate No. 1
GateNo.*
GateNo.g
Gate No. 11
GateNo.l4
Location.
Be^inDing of canal .
Neerpelt
Pierre Blene
Dosscliel
Gheel
Herpnlhals
Wyneglieu
DlKtance.
Kilometret.
12.' 380
26.795
3I.0S0
43.819
56.256
74.892
Locomotion.-^The boats are either dra^ vn by horses or men The
rns^'Shl.r*'^*'^'' '"^P'^^-y^^ «"^y f«^ theLall boa?sor56to ?S
On several occasions attempts have been made to use boats sneciallv
constructed, as towers, but they have been discontinued ' "P^^'^^'^y
nfo^Jr%t '\^^'^ ^f °?i;^"y ^y tbe day and sometimes bv the ton
^oafe.— The draft of water of the boats which navigate the canal
hu^tt'oZ'^^Y'^^^T'^ ""''^ '^^ S«^«^^" ^' ^* the mofuyo metres
but It comes down to 1 metre and sometimes less; their ton naee is
variable; exceptionally it reaches 300 and even 330 tons ^
i^ \u , ^^^^ traverse the canal can, in point of tonnage beran^fld
The length and breadth of the boats varies coDsiderablj ; the longest
'^^^inn
I
8G
CANALS IN BELGIUM.
morilan T''"' '''^' '^''"*''' '« "'^" ^^^^ ^ "^«tr««' «"d sometimes
All the boats navigating the caual hava the movable mast
The navigation by steam is very small, say an average ^ five or «ix
fh«S?/'*^''"~^u?^^''^^t*^'° ^'°® ^'^^ <;^'« service of the management of
the water 18 eatahliahed along the canal from Bocholt to Antwero
Character oj freight-The ordinary transports are as follows •*^*
ani•/r;"4or^VTire^SS^ *'^ ^^^^ "^^"'^ ^^ Belgium's France,
Limbonrg.*"'""' *'" neighborhood of Liege sent towards Antwerp and
mf;bfetrslaS'""'"^-'^"'«' ^^"«^' P^"^'^^^' -^ paving stones,
th^intr^rTS^e^rntJJf ''''''''' g-nis along thtrn^sent to
^.e^Minerals of iron, lea^, zinc, and copper, sent from Antwerp to
Liege^'"^ "^"""^ ^"^ American oak, loaded at Antwerp and sent to
from Airp'L'^a^fs'L^^^^^^^^^ '^^^*^^' ^^""^"^ ^^^ ^^^^^ -^ «-t
r J!* ^^\^® ^*°^ ^^^ g'^«^ ^^^''^S' taken from along the banks of th«
Canal de la Campine and the branch towards Hasseft.
TUENHOUT-ANTWEBP CANAL.
^e«miifton.-The canal from Turnhout to Antwerp is the extensinn
towards the latter city, of the branch canal towards Turnhout iS
«3® ?Ql«^®^^i^^ reaching to Saint Leonard was opened to cironla.
tion in 1866, and the second and last in 1874 circula-
The canal has a total development of 37,332 metres It was onn
structed m the first instance on a liberal scale, and presents a width of
10 metres. The anchorage in the first dam of tL^canal is onW ?65
haslaJoX? enlir 'T' *V^^ ^^^"^^ canal'to Tarnhont, Uf
nas itselt only 1.65 metres of anchorage: further on at thn ^afA T^n i
utuTetZ%:Uk\' '''''''' ^' '- '^^ canal Of rj^^nX^ofth^e
25^? CTmber'?8lf ihf fT^ '' '"^"^f*"'^ ^^ ^^« ^^^^^ «rder of the
^oin j^ovemDer, 1844, which has received modifications and additinnH
made applicable to the first section by royal order^of^November iS'
*°^ » <^he second section by that of November,T874 ' '
Aai^U'Tir ^^l®^ on navigation in the first section are fixed bv roval
decree ot November, 1805, for the boats loaded and empty and bv that
of September, 1867, for the rafts and cargoes of wood -the one, .0075
" w nii ' j^j^m.w s iM P KtM e
CANALS IN BELGIUM.
87
Hometimes
five or six
twerp and
gement of
i^erp.
rs:
d France,
bwerp and
Qg stones,
) factories
>rp.
)>l,8ent to
itwerp to
i sent to
and sent
ks of the
E tension,
»ut. Its
Erom this
I kilome-
between
I circula-
vas eon-
width of
nly 1.65
t, which
te No. 1,
1 of the
main to
gin to a
) is con-
p of the
ditions,
?, 1865,
»y royal
by that
B, .0075
fl
franc per ton and kilometre, or per metre cube and kilometre for the
wood. Tlie manure is exempt from all tax, but the empty boats are
submitted to a tax of 20 centimes. The same cbarges have been laid
upon the second section by a royal decree, made applicable in Novem-
ber, 1874.
Bureaus of collection.— T\x& first bureau is at the origin at Turnhout,
a second is establislied at bridge No. 9 at Saint Leonard, and a third, a
bureau of control, at bridge No. 16 at Schooten, at the junction of the
second section of the canal of Turnhout with the third section of the
canal of junction of the Meuse with the Scheldt.
Towage.— ThO) towage is made by sail, by men. or by horses ; in the
last case payment is made by the day. A horse with its conductor costs
10 francs, and the salary of men is from 2 to 3 francs per day. If one
calculates the cost price by ton- kilometer, the towage will be found to
cost about .(J06o francs when a horse is used, and .00165 francs when
the work is done entirely by men.
Boats.— 'She maximum tounage is 173 tons between the origin and
gate No. I ; the boats have generally from 20 to 30 metres of length,
with three metres of width. Between Eyckevorsel and the end the
tonnage can be estimated at about 300 tons, and the ordinary dimen-
sions of the boats for this section vary from 30 to 40 metres in length,
with 3 to 6 metres of width.
Telegraph.-^ telegraph line established along the canal is utilized
for the service of navigation and management of the water.
KIND OP TEANSPOETS.
Freight.— The merchandise transported is generally wood, coal, and
ceramic products.
John H. Steuaet,
^ ^ Consul.
United States Consulate.
Antwerp, December 6, 1889.
BR/^BANT, HAINAUT, AND NAMUR.
Je. POST BT CONSUL ROOSEVELT, OF 3RVSSELS.
There are no canals in the provinces of Brabant, Haiuaut, or Namur
used for irrigating purposes.
The establishing of canals has cheapened transportation in some
localities, while in others no material change has been produced.
blaton canal.
This canal is constructed on the plan known here as " point & par-
tage," or dividingpoint, which consists of a reach 5.994 metres in length
and two branches, one having a development of 3,876 metres, and ten
locks, having total height of 29 metres ; the other a development of
11,723 metres, eleven locks, and total height of 33 metres. Length be-
tween busks, 48 meters. There are double lateral reservoirs for the
purpose of economizing one-half the quantity of water necessary to flood
the locks, but owing to imperfect construction they are unsatisfactory.
Water gauge.— TUe normal height is fixed at 7 feet to accommodate
vessels drawing 6 feet.
"WTtmnfm^-:
n,A:iiiii^. tnBac
^sp
R8
OANAL.^ IN BKLOIUM.
in twontv-four hour,, ' -^,000 to JO,OOU oiibic luctoiN of water
BRUSMKLS CANAL.
i"»y load una unloa,! at the docks of bSis ''^'^^ ^^""'^^^
Tm l*''^f'^;~^'''^^ ''""\! '''^ '^"'•'»''^<» ^r'"" «'« river Sonne.
Fixed rates for the entire route are as follo"^ • ^ '''**^^-
,_ P>'(oofortheMp,tnoluding m-oioes of looks and stopping poinU.
Nature of voskoU.
Ohftilonii hoftU
Tourimi b.>«t8
O.HV.H, v,.Ms,-i» ::::::,
iJeiirtsmanR
Snmll craft ami jianlwi boAtr.V.
Itoata tnuisportluK ii>.>iiiiro aiul fariu" lohVaP* ".
•••«•■■.
* 16 per cent reduoUon.
To go and return—
With
or without
With cargo.
oarKo.
Franot,
Franct.
16
20.50
27
37
29
60
20
36
16
13.78
1176
u
I
St' '^
tiiiU'liiiieH,
UN of \vat«r
' of boat, 8
2 uontimoH.
r)f onliiuuy
3 length of
)tro8. Tlie
'e<l to paHH
ith 12 por-
joiiry, 4 of
DHtruutioii.
it's from 3
ow path, 3
ak," 18 the
urope. It
s executed
iiiitH from
3r 7, 1531.
in width,
netres.
[) iC8 prea-
egislative
argiiig of
I. seaport,
the snino
the canal,
sanal will
tonnage
are five
n having
jptiug at
route at
) classes,
I'st class,
fd class.
return—
With cargo.
Franci.
20.50
87
W
96
16
13.75
i
f
CANALS IN BELGIUM. ^0
Sn^,/t^''T/''!'''r^''?'' ^"■'"'^«' «^«"««' t''"^ '^»*l wood.
«i.lJ «"»Kin tronj .«) to 7<> inetrin; average width. 16 inetr«H- an
. MHSt^J":^^^^^^^^^^ < entimetres. The loci!;, with o\.e ex/^ptTon'. are
niSsThH canal i/^^ *'"''^"K*' '^^«'^«' 'f«"' '«> t') 45
frnmT?; fl . 'rm ^'"■"'«''<^<' With a towpath Varying in width
2 of 8?Id ^uf naviSl^'"'""*^ ^^T' ^•;^"' « «^ ^««<1' ^ ^^ '^^''/and
mitr^ni cenLctrT''' ^^"''"^'' '^"^ ' "^''''^ 50 centimetres' to 8
C7AaWerot (;«naf._A8 early as 1570 the cities of Brussels Malines
iJ\.« ' . ' ^"'. *"** improved and extended canal, which tA-dav
is recog.nzotl as one of the n.ost valuable water way^f the KinSom^
traftlT"^ ""'"'"'' '''"•"' *" ^""^•"^^^^ «»^ induJfrylias^^efedT;
genraZronrhv^H^.r^?''"^^ ''•^ ^^'«"«- ^" ^'l^^ ^'«n«h canals it is
generally done by the boatmen; consequently no tax is exacted.
BOATS.
Ordinary width.... ' nietroH., 35
''"oSaryZJth !.'"'*''' '"^'^^^ 72
Ordinnry width .'..'"*.".!. 1 uietrea.. 20
Nature Of transports.-Goa,], iron ore, cast iron, and pavi'nff stones ^^ '
infCth 'Z7TS'?i^!7'''7''-''-^ "«^''««' ""-"^^r of K,^6l varying
jii lengtn irom 19 to 40 metres; average width of looks in tn«fr^..
s oT- SS":;f ?!'• ™"'"'" """"Of »^i* wirdmiictveJedbyn™
Stone, length of tune necessary to pass throuch locks from 7 f« mk
IZTr'''' ««^--The tax 18 fixed at five-tenths of a centime per ton
Metise Canal — January ], 1879. the sum of Qo sis sa A.„„!r ^
BOATS. '
Maximnm tonnage
Maxiiuiiiu length .*.".".".'."" tons. 800
Maximum width.. - meters. 41
Depth do... 5
~ do... 1.80
90
N
IM
ii
#(
1
CANALS IN BELGIUM.
doe/.:?t ext.t ,' Z'L.ter« ti'"' ''"*«f- ^h«" ^he cargo of a boat
» centhno, which HooulteiLcar^^^^^ "'^' ^**f i" '*«''''««J two flaK
leoted on the tot..! ti.nnage. **"** ^"^'» ***« entire tax in col-
a^ul i„ Width ?rom 7 to l5\feC?'i'^'" '""^''^ '''"'" ^« to ( Jl ,„^S
Time ne(M388ary topasJiook S'.a?*'?^'*'?^' ^ '"«^''«« A<> centi metres'
jeut bridges ci;,8HT8 cana 7T o S s'w '"t* ^'r-'^J^"-" P™
?«rr'«X '"»««°ry, aud 11 masonry aad?ron T* •'"'l^ '"""' ^ *^"" a'"l
30 to (JO metres. ^^ *"** *^«'»- J^avigabie puasage, from
POMMBROBUL AND ANTOINO CANAL.
thra'aE'^S t'^ttSin.^'^^^ between
l?.an commerce from the hea'V d^ea f^* .^T'"?' *"^' ^'^ '""^^^t Bel
Mou8 Canal and going to different , K'f **'.' ^?*''='* trequ««ti„g the
French part of the Escauf w . '" ""' ^^ ''•« onutrv via the
formalities. The ca^nair^M^eS m ', ?^^^^^^^^^^
=:JS?i!:^^-^«^^-"-s^
Boa<«.-.Maxinm,n tonnage^ 3^2 to.^s ""'' *'"^-
13^r£reTe^^,?,' 'yjS^i^^-l'' ^^'>^« -tres. .^n^berof loclcs
ti^s. Depth varieVfrom Tne^^e llZT '''''^'^' ^ ""''''' -^0 ce, ?S
metres. Construction of loK 1 J.tinS "'*'S'^^ metres 27 ceutl
time necessary to flood looks fir«i'?"^ ot rough stona Average
passage through locks, twent^ n^^^^^ Averafe
of which 9 are^'draw and 9 pemane?;"^ •^"'"^«'' ^^ bridges T
masonry construction. NLSle li ifh ""f ""**"' ^ «^ ^«*>^' ^"<1 3 of
centimetres to 7 metres 90 ce^ntimetres aJ^""^' ^'T ^ '"^tres SS
4 J metres. ^enumetres. Average width of towpath,
OTHER CANALS.
Canal was by Loois XIV, in tran,nnrH„^ important use of the Sambre
during the seige of Namar ""''»"'«'« supplies for the French army
fton. 60 1» 270 on the S^^br^" " '" ^ '™« •■> «>« Oarthe Canal, and
UEO. W. KOOSEVELT,
United States Consulate Consul.
Brussels, November 20, 1889.
I
the cargo of a boat
O'liicea two liaiis of
r-flfths of a ceutiine
tbe entire tax in col-
Returning from
lore, Halt, slato, ami
of buii(iing 8ioneH,
from IJollauU, ore,
r to Vl86, 26,57i>
• 50 to 1(»0 metres,
res 10 centimetres.
Iweiity-dveperma-
nl iron, 2 iron ami
*ble pussage, from
L.
Junction between
uil to protect Bel-
ts frequenting the
country via the
« French cuttoms
:5ks are Hooded by
*«ug iO.UOU cubic
•• Vessels towed
•I per kilometre,
uos, delivered by
•
Number of locks,
etres 20 centime-
metres 27 ceuti-
stona Average
mtes. Average
• of bridges, 18,
r wood, and 3 of
>in 3 metres 88
dth of towpath,
are old and im-
e oftheSambre
le French army
'the Canal, and
one, anrl wood.
SEVELT,
Consul.
Belgian Canal System : Map prepareu by the C(
TWEBP
'arcoiug
A I N A U L T
Pont-a Chin
^ATH
STEM : Map prepared by the Consul at Ghent.
-J**»*«i»A-P-fl«»¥«'-J9«B»*»-»-). »,»&.*%.
)
iiil
«f»
m*
CANALS IN BELGIUM.
91
4»
GHENT.
JtEPOIiT BT CONSUL BUTTBttFIELl).
TWERP
^m
ANTIQUITY OF BELGIAN CANALS— TIME AND MANNER OP CON-
STRUCTION.
The venerable antiquity of nearly all the most important canals in this
part of Belgium is such, that the time and manner of their construction,
if properly investigated, might well lead to disquisitions of a scope and
character quite beyond the average contemplation. It has, therefore,
been my endeavor to keep clear of encumbering details, and to present
as concise a vievf as a historical subject carefully digested will permit
of. The extent, capacity, traffic, and management being elsewhere given
will not now call ibr especial prominence.
The Terneuzen Canal— An enumeration of the canals of this consular
district mo'st appropriately begins with the Terneuzen Canal as one of
first importance, not alone to this city, which it connects with the sea,
but to the whole of Flanders, which, thanks to it, is largely enabled to
avoid the attempted commercial monopoly of Ailtwerp. Perhaps a
sufficient account of this canal has already been given in my report on
the " Navigation of the Scheldt," prepared for the Navy Department
and forwarded to you on the 12th of September, 1888. However, I
may repeat that efforts to open up direct communication from Ghent
to the sea date back to the year 1251. Intermittent, partially success-
ful, work, often interrupted or undone by shifting sands, was kept up
for centuries; but not till 18J3 was the canal ever satisfactory. In
that yea" the plans of Messrs. Noel and Van Diefelen were brought to
a successful completion, and, under the auspices of the Dutch Govern-
ment the Terneuzen ship canal was formally opened to navigation.
Of course at this time the canal lay under one jurisdiction; but since
the Belgian revolution the Dutch frontier intersects tue canal at Sel-
zarte, leaving the Terneuzen outlet to Holland.
This double jurisdiction, whereby Ghent is injured and Belgium made
a dependent, is a source of annoyance, if not, indeed, of irritation. This
very year it has been announced, as yon will remember, that the canal
is to be closed to navigation for repairs at th& Dutch end. The man-
agf naent of this canal belongs to the state, which has a special corps of
engineers, police, and others employed to enforce its regulations.
These are set forth in the "reglement gdn^ral," a copy of which is
herewith transmitted. There is a singular and special regulation to
the effect that a white mast headlight should, under the ordinary cir-
cumstances of a dark night, be plainly visible at 900 metres, while red
and green lights are required to shine out at 500 metres.
The navigation dues of this and the other canals have been collected
and tabulated on a separate sheet. The figures relating to canal traffic
Lave been similarly treated.
Moervaert Canal— This canal servos as a leak between the Terneuzen
Canal and the countrv to the east of this place, usually known as the
" Pays de waes." Its origin seems doubtful, although it was deepened
and thoroughly repaired in 1778; communicates with the waters of the
Zuidleede, Laufeleede, and Stekene. This last is a so-called " com-
munal "canal, being under the direct management of the local authori-
ties. Its importance is small, but its age respectable, for it is said to
have been built in 1351 ; enlarged in 1853.
I
CANALS IN BELGIUM.
., t ^"hrl?!'-?^ ^T? rrr*"*". '*^'^ '^*^^ kilogrammes measurement are charged
.It a bridge called " Koeibrug," besides which aud the ordinary uavffa
tion dues there are dock dues at Stekene. oramary uaviga.
mnd par Bruges d Ostende Canal— The Gheut-Ostend Canal oi.p of
resnmPdfn u'fl^ T^^^o^ i? ^?^^' ^^^ ^<>^'^' *^^ice interrupted, was
cut thrnnoh h' """'^ ''^ T^^^^ ^'"^«« «««"on Was finally, if roughly,
- ments we?e ad?edTn\%'k ^%^ proving insufflciint, impfove!
ijiciiiN were duaecl in 1751. Seven years later, proper re<^ulations liiv
refoSeirSr^^^^^ ""' enforced ivigation on^h^'section b^^^^^^^^^^^
in 1I56 IK f^fio-^. ^^"^ ?°^^ r^" ^'''^^^' ^^^^«"«d «nd deepened
of the r.L 1 .J f ^""^ brought into the Ghent docks "by means
or tne (.anal do Kaccordemeut. As to the section from Bruffes to Os
tend, the part from Bruges to Plasschendaele is thf Sdest (^^^^^^^
1066 the canal was prolonged to Slykeus, enlarged in 1751 and flnallv
earned forward early in the present century from Slykens to the BasS
du Commerce at Ostend (1817-1820) oiyneus to ine mssius
frotihe' h?m?r o'f^^hf V^"'t ^' ?^"^.^tion de la Lys takes its name
irom tne namlet ot Schipdonck, where it crosses the Ghent-Osfend
th'e^s'iLrCTw'at?^^^^^^^^ Its chief purpose Ts to dra tSff
tne superflous waters of the Lys, aud thus to prevent the inundations
to which this city was once frequently liable. munuations
FlaMchendaele a, Nieuport CawaZ.— Differing from the Scbindonck
dates lis tf^Xf^'^^^'"'^''' construction, fhe Plasschendaefe Canal
dates Its origin to the early part of the sixteenth century. It receives
caLtoMCrut.??'^?^T; ^^^^^ '" ^1^^" sapplies^hrTzerrndThl
St\%t'i^?othXtrt^^^^^^^ ^^^^^"- ^^"^ ^^^^ '"^^ Ghent-Ostend
Lys River Ganal—ThQ attempt to use the Lys for canal purnoses was
SuUtT WnP '.*'°^" ""'^T^ ^^^ ^I^' b^ ^1>««« orde?s a7ock was
built at Comines (now in Belgium, then in France). In 1723-1724 an-
a78m ^Fn^^f ' ""^^"'i ^"^ *^" """f ^ «f '^^ "^«r somewhat straightened
til i^tl .f ^F^^!? later King William of Holland especially fharged
the states of Flanders (Etats des Deux Flandres) with the care ami
Bupervisipn of this important water way. Movable bSges on the turn
vS^'llyeirG^f f ^."i \'''- ^^?^"^' *^« morelocks we?e prS.
bl^'k^'and Comi'n e^^^^^^^ ^"'^ *^« ^'^ -- -^""^ at HaW
The process known as « rouissage," or the retting of flax is per-
mitted on this river from 15th of April to the 15th of October in each
year. Instead of the flax lands being flooded, as I am told is the casein
t'o^arth'^ w'f '^ ""flt^'f "^*« ^^^' (ban;,ons)rhLh arlthtn made
this its'nect for Hf/fl^v h^ ^^'^ T!^'"^ '° P^^'««^« remarkable virtue in
inis lespect, tor the flax thus soaked meets with particular favor
Factories and washhouses have the right to use the Lys, provided
their use ot the water does not interfere in any way with navigliion
i^TeTjtter. " ^'"'' '' ''''"''^''' " ^^""^^ andVidgel) decideSiry
Roulers d, la Lys CanaZ.— As is sufficiently implied by its name this
canal serves to place Koulers, so to speak, " on" the Lys It S of re"
cent construction and was, I believe, until lately managed by a com!
S'totheTa'te """^'''"^ ""^ *^'^' charter, have surrendered tSi
+1,-. FT '' "ci V V n"^ — - -'''f"(. — i or oomi- liiaLJincc beiore reachiutf iTrheut
canaVfffn S^^^"^ ^^' are almost parallel,and the purposf of th^a
canal is to jom the two rivers. The right to build, maintain, and man-
nt are charged
Unary uaviga.
Canal, one of
jomparatively
errupted, was
y, if roughly,
lent, improve-
tiihitions hav-
ion became of
and deepened
cks "by means
Bruges to Os-
8t (1U22). Jn
I, and finally
the Bassius
akes its name
rhent-Ostend
i to drain off
) inundations
Scbipdonck,
sndaele Canal
It receives
Tzer and the
rhent-Ostend
)urpo8e8 was
•s a lock was
723-1724 an-
straightened
ally charged
he care and
1 on the turn-
!ks were pro-
lilt at Harle-
9ax, is per-
ober in each
ss the case in
re then made
ble virtue in
favor.
78, provided
navigation,
cides finally
3 name, this
It is of re-
l by a com-
jndered the
hiug Ghent
pose of this
1, and man-
CANALS IN BELGIUM.
93
i
age the Bossuyt Canal was first sought in 1838, but was not granted
until 1857. Its stock is divided into shares, all regularly quoted.
EautUscaut River and Canal — The upper parfc of the Scheldt was
originally improved some time in the tenth century. These attempts
were somewhat primitive and failed to give the proper facilities for
navigation. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, however,
thanks to extensive works systematically carried out, the river acquired
an importance never since lost. Just before receiving the Lys at Ghent
the Upper Scheldt takes the name of " Canal des Chandronniers." This
short but interesting section is venerable with age, for it has existed
I believe, as a canal since 1194. '
Below Ghent the Scheldt so deepens and widens as to rapidly become
far more than a mere canal-river, and hence falls outside my present
subject. Like the Terneuzen Canal, it is treated in my report on the
*' navigation of the Scheldt." j i u u.i lue
Dmdre Canal— Thm practically artificial streain passes through or
close to the towns of Otts, Grammont, Ninove, Alost, and flows into
the Scheldt at Termoude. The navigation of the Dendre became prac-
ticable in the seventeenth century. It has quite recently been much
improved ( 1863-1878).
Yzer River and Canal— A small though historical river, the Yzer be-
came a canal in the sixteenth century. About 1830 it was deepened
and subsequently, by a law passed in 1858, was thoroughlv renovated
dikes and locks being also added. ^ '
Tpread, VYzer Canal— The origin of this canal was a grant to the
city of Tpres by the Countess Marguerite, in 1251, of a concession from
Bossmghe to the Yzer. Later, in 1638, Philip IV of Spain ordered cer-
tain changes to be made, whereby part of the original canal (Yperl^e)
was abandoned. '
The management pertains to the provincial alithorities of western
T7 Vafi*^ ^y ^^^^^^ ®* ^^^ ^*°^ of the Netherlands, dated December
Canal di Loo — This canal, managed also by the province, was con-
structed in the fifteenth century, but does not seem to have been touched
tor improvement until some 20 years ago, when its bridges, locks, and
dikes were bailt anew.
Nieuport par Furnes Canal— By decree, dated August 13, 1638 the
right to construct a canal from Dunkirk to Nieuport and Plasseheu-
daele was granted by Philip of Spain to the cities of Dunkirk, Furnes
and Bruges. From the peace of Utrecht to 1826 the canal, owing to the
diminished importance of Dunkirk, was little used. The transportation
ot coal, however, having greatly developed, it was thought worth while
to deepen and widen its dimensions (1829-1830). As the result of a
conference m 1861 between the French and Belgian engineers, it was
agreed to enlarge the canal throughout its course, each Government to
bear the expense of the alterations within its territory. The stipulated
provisions have, I understand, been faithfully executed.
Canal dit de Baccordement d (?a?id.— Sufficient mention of this canal
will be found on page 6 of the present report.
EXTENT AND CAPACITY.
Next after the time and mauuer of conHtrnction, dealt with in the
preceding notes, comes the extent and capacity of the canals. This is
very fully given in the following specially prepared table. After the
name of the canal you will notice that I have introduced a separate
i
t
i
94
CANALS IN BELGIUM.
Extent and capacity of important canals, with riimensiona in detail,
[Standard of nieasuremont. metre.]
Ka
Name of oaual.
Speciflo reference
to it« port«.
BelKinm
Koodeuliuize.
Ghent
«r"«e8
I>«iiMne
Slykeng
Coblrcdam
8
B
10
H
12
13
14
IS
16
Conite ..
Rnnibeke ....
1 Temenzen
2 Monvaurt
•••■do
stekene
Gaud par Bruges &
Uateude.
— do
— do
••- do
-•-do
— do
Schlpd onck, or Dfiri-
vtttlon do la Lyg.
Plasschoudaele 4
Nieuport.
L...do
Lys (river) CouVtrai
liuulers k la Lys . . . '
— do
BoHHuyt a Com tra ||
Haut-Escaut.
•••do
•■-•do
— do
■•••do
• do
Deudre Canalis6e. .
■ -do
Yser (also river) . .
-..Uo --...,.....,..
-••do
do
•do
do
-. do
TpresiTYzer
Canal d(> Loo
Nifuport par Fur-
nes.
_ do
Gand R'acoordement
- do
Total
length of
canal.
llainaut
Flanders
Chundronniors .
Strop
Gentbruggo ....
Termondu
Stavele !^.",
Fentelle
Van Exem
Ypro^« AVzerCanai
Dixmnde
Niouport
17, 846
21,113
'6,*6i2
70, 132
27,408
21, 018
'ii2,"532'
"i6,'585"
"37," 748'
102, 065
65, 38i
'•ii,'456
, Width
Length of locks
uflocks.
*None
w.'oo
Koue
70.00
82.00
'64.66
42.00
90.00
45.00
41.45
42. 20
40.90
38.66'
40.' 36
41.74
'4i.",^0
80.00
41.77
27.25
and
bridges.
Height of
bridges, etc.
17.50
6.00
'4.' 85
6.60
8.20
12.00
10.90
12.00
5.25
6.40
6.50
6.40
6.40
6.40
'5.'i5
5.30
6.50
5.70
6.50
12.50
6.20
6.20
0.34
6.00
Drawbridges
— do ..
--.do
■ •do
■ ■•do
— do
■••■do
do ,
•--•do ,
— do
53. 75
Drawbridges
...do
4.35
4.35
3.78
4.,')0
3.50
Depth of
water.
Sum-
mer.
t6.30
1.40
"i.'i6"
2.00
Win-
ter.
tfi.30
1.70
"i."M
2.30
3.00 3.00
14. 30 4. 10
3. 70 3. 60
2.00
}2.20
2.80
2.00
1- 80 1. 80
1. 90 2. 10
1. 80 1. 80
Ecluse de Nleu^
port.
Ecluae de Furnes .
Ecluse de TolhaiV
16. 336
14, 3:12
18, 790
'2,' 699'
45.10
37.00
27.35
43.00
45.10
"85.'66'
5.40
5.60
6.55
6.25
5.30
5.40
7.00
12.00
4.60
4.50
4.25
Tw 2.87
Drawbridges
3.70
3.70
' 2. 90
Drawbridges
do
....do....
....(lo ....
• -..do....
— do
..do
• ..do
— do
-.do
..do
1.80
1.90
1.90
1.90
1.90
1.90
1.00
1.00
l.UO
1.60
1.70
1.30
1..50
1.70
1.80
1.4(1
1.70
1.30
1.90
3.00
1.80
2."i6
2.10
2.10
2.10
3.50
1.90
LOO
LOO
Leo
L70
1.30
L50
1.70
1.80
1.40
L70
L30
1.90
3.30
* There are no locks between Ghent and Selzaete
.■aVa-nrpr^*" ^"^"* ^--'« "--'"« ™o™ ^^^'^ -^-BO millimetres must remain at the outer docks or
els*ewre's''^tio"„Vr;o^:r'"'' "' intersection with the Ghent.6stend Canal, there are drawbrid.ea'
II The locks can remain closed for one hour to boats going up stream. '
CANAL TRAFFIC.
no efforts are made to ke... fi.e .►,«.«/,',-" "i • ' i»l'l"«'iei"I, that
pie but Clear view ofu^e^^^^tS & ^at^oV CS:!^^^:
H-
lange in the
f water.
ail.
Depth of
water.
Bum.
Win.
raer.
ter.
B te. 30
tfi.30
1.40
1.70
. 1.10
1.56
. 2.00
2.30
3.00
3.00
14. ,30
110
3.70
3.60
2.00
2.30
J2.20
2.00
i-80 i.'so
1. 90 2. 10
1.80 1.80
1.80
1.80
1.90
2.10
1.90
2.10
1.90
2.10
1.90
2.10
1.90
3.30
1.00
1.90
1.00
1.90
l.uo
1.00
1.60
1.60
1.70
1.70
1.30
1.30
1.50
1.60
1.70
1.70
1.80
1.80
1.4(1
1.40
1.70
1.70
1.30
1.90
1.90
3.00
3.30
iter dockn or
' to tlie flood.
IK" (French,
rawbridgesj
en pub-
nly 1 to
J a com-
nd, that
It a sim-
hare se-
(
4
CANALS IN BELGIUM.
95
lected such as relate to certain sections of oach canal. Where canals
constantly intersect each other, and where merchandise i^, fivqueutlv
unloaded at intermediate points of Nrnail importance, it is uecessarv to
keep the termmi w«ll in mind. So much being premise.l it is easier to
understand the true imports of the following table on " canal traffic."
Traffic for six months ending December 31, 1879.
[SUndard of measurement, ton of 1,000 kilogrammes.]
KTame of canal.
Temenzen
Moervatrt
Stekeue
Gand & Ostend .
Do.
Schindonck o? Derivation de
la L,v8.
PlasHcheadaoIe & Nlonport . . .
Do :.
^y " •-■•■•■•■■■ ...... ■......,.,
Do
Do
EouliTs 4 la Lys ,
BosHuyt iV Courtral
Haut Kscaut
Do ,.:
Deudre caualtH6e
„ Do
Tzer
Ypresil'Tzer
Canal d<A L to
Nieuuort par Fumes .'".
Oaud Raeoordenieut
Reference to separate sections.
From—
Maide
Terdonck
Stukeue
Ghent (Lys, D6ri.
vation).
Bruiies
Doynze
Nienport
Oiideubourg .
0u8.ii'It;eiu
(Jourtrai
W. velgem....
Riiiilers
Courtral
Aiidoiiaerde .
Pout^-chiu...
Giaiiiiuout
Ninove ,
Dixmude ,
Tpi'es
Loo
Furues
Paliugshuizen
To-
Selzaete
Wach tebeke I
Moervaert (Junction)
Bruges ,
Ostend
Ghent-Ostend (Jancfion)"!
Rattcrvalle
Pl'iSHchendaele
De,\nzi)
Harleheke
Ciinitral .'"
Hainbeke
Hai lebcke
Ghent ((Jhaudronnicrs)!
Warcoiug
Ninove..... ]
Alost ".'.■
Tervaete
Bii.sRingUe
Foth.rn "
Wulnen
Muide
Down,
stream.
118,816
19, O-.'O
2,585
109, 190
♦3, 330
23, 730
23, 440
31,856
25, 8£5
42, 015
29,990
3,2M0
36, 615
233, 255
317, 250
72, 810
71,515
3,970
3,850
2, -.45
15,905
68,650
Up.
stream.
32, 365
16, 705
2,055
15, 025
*2a 420
62, «i00
13, 695
6,855
43, 935
33, 140
83, 836
10,890
9, luO
3,600
4,020
80,850
82,005
21, 765
465
580
16, 135
168, 085
•These Hguies repreaeut tli • amount oftr.ilHc wUirli leavin.' Bniwa r,.a .i,o» n^t^^A T~^
the tr.mc leaving 0.^ten,l winch re.icl.es Uru "(m M icI fha^is ori^Tm7lS J fi^^Tl °J*^^?^ "^Z *.*'"**
It may further be of infore.t to note the size (maximum and aver-
age) ot the boats navi-ati.ig tlie various canals. The following is taken
irom omcial sources : & ^^
fSliuidnrd of moasurement, ton of 1,000 kilogrammes.]
Name of cainl.
Moervaert
StekeiiM
Gand fi Osteiidit
SoliipilMiiik
Plasscheiiihlele
Lys.
Roiih'rs ft ]a \,\»
Boasuyl h L-'i uilrai....
Miixi-
itiiim.
12-.
40
■6Xt
3 !,'«
3J0
Hmi
31 1"
auo
A ver-
age.
175
175
175
Name of canal.
Haut Escaut
Dendre
Yzer
Ypres Jk I'Yzer '.'.
Canal de Loo
Nieuport par Furnes
Gand Raccordemont.
Maxi.
muw.
335
335
250
270
40
200
650
Aver,
age.
315
50
60
76
The Temenzen Canal, smee it is also a ship canal, is not given in the
above chissih.'at.on. The merchandise transported by canalboat in the
two provinces (.t e^istt-rn and western Flanders consists mostly ol coal
coke, mineral ore, iron, and other metals; sand, chalk, cement, rouo-h
su.m- .siaie, ami iiiaioie; potteries and glassware: lumber, flrewo.rd,
and charcoal J cereals and tlourj beetroote; ashes and manures, and
4
^-< 'H ll llW» i [. l li i llm ^
96
CANALS IN BELGIUM.
Stto^^^^^^^^^ 'atter are not speciflcally
enumomted. '"teiuieu, l suppose, to coverall cases not previously
MANAGEMENT.
iMcc:; s'r'tt =ur "i;t\^«'utrattTii «r ' "i« ^•--
iuclosed table, they appear fa? froreSi^n®^ T ''^''''«?*^ *^« P«^
«ulHted to produce & L ough for ren t rs ' w/ '''*' ^''"V''^^'^ «*'•
intimately interwoveu wit h tlwf imfnf /, »' , •^''*'^^ ^""»'** a^o so
posed that evernhiuK tT,a lon^ eZSl'''''-^ '""^^'"y' '* "''^^^ *>« «"!>■
to make the.u as hit le of a S^eS « .^l''",'"^/"'^ l'"^^ ^^^'' ^^""«
possible. The fact retnains, however that t oh inf *' ^* • ^i'' ^""«^^' "«
tricate development make it an mwJ f **•«"'""« existence and in-
multit«dinous\i^,ectnf their Iw^^^^^^^ '^'^ '^ trace the
both fail me for a histoS f^^^lvtll^^'T'- ^'"'^^ «"<! opportunity
must somewhat reurSlvifT/r^^^ management, hence I
G6ndral cles VoLX'Sek L'LS^^^^^^^^^^ "li^glement
queut " K6fflemeut8 PartinnliwL™ k^m P^^V ?tat» and the subse-
Beige «undldateVMT2M^^^^^ ^^'^ P"^^'«^«^ ^^ *^« "Moniteur
I now give the table on « navigation dues."
Canal navigation dues.
[StMdanl of meMnrement, ton of 1,000 kilogrammea.]
Name of canaL
TerneuEen
Moervaort '.'.'.','.'.
Stekono
Gand A Ostonde
Srhipdomjt, or Derivation de'la Lyi*
rinssohondaeloANlenport. '
Lys
Bu88u,vt4Courtrai
Amonnt
per
kilometre.
Franet.
.006
.0026
.01
.0002
.0016
.005
.0U26
*.03
Name of oanal.
HnatBsoaut
Dendre oan«dia6e . .
Tzer
Jpreg A I'Yzer.. ".'.■■'.
Canal de Loo
Nieiiport par Fnrn'eV
GandRacoordoment .,
Amonnt
per
kilometre.
JVonc».
t.0016
.004
.005
.006
.005
.006
.002
llhere .8 a ftirther due of .00efr«.o8 per ton of cargo per kilometre.
EFFECTS ON PEIOES.
^^fP^ Of
Belgium, with canals centuries X bCmesTlTla^^^^^ this part of
to make an investigation that might i.uXgentlv slorthi *i
prices of a system of canals i»i«iiigentiy show the eftect on
Madou the number of boats is aho?/? ^nna' ^^I^ K \^''^ '^^ ^^^ ^^^^
CANALS IN DENMARK.
97
specifically
t previously
, the i)rov-
ged as per
obably cal-
ihIh are so
lay be sup-
been done
! benefit as
ice and in-
trace the
|)portunity
it, hence I
[i^fflement
the snbse-
'Moniteur
Amonnt
per
kilometre.
■Franci.
t. 0016
.004
.005
.005
.005
.006
.002
08 per ton of
NavlgatioH of the Ghent oanalt, excluding vegiieh other than thone fsed/or unlhiarij canal
transportation, .
BoatflpnuHtnglook
at—
1878.
1877.
1878.
187U.
1880.
No.
Ton-
No.
Ton-
nage.
No.
Ton-
No.
Ton-
nage.
No.
4, 728
3, 65.S
3, 080
Ton-
niige.
P«<'horio
4,872
4,716
4,640
402, 388
574, 1)33
332, 035
4,704
4,700
4,502
467, 008
600, 084
38U, HU8
4,261
4, 125
4,172
319, 010
470, .110
204, 550
4, 257
3, two
3,254
341, 15R
470, 225
314,770
Pont Miulon
Muitlu
280,410
.'■.14, MM
302, 24J
Frei^yht rates per ton (as e. g., in the case of coal) may serve to give
one an idea of canals in tboirrelation to competing railways, and conse-
quently, at least pro tanto, of their efTeot on prices. They are as fol-
lows, and will bring this report to an appropriate close :
liatea per ton for coal October 31, 1889,
From St. Ghislain, near Mons, to-
Con rtral
Ypres . . .
Bruges ..
Antwerp
Gliont ...
Brussetg.
By cnnal
Franca.
2. HO
4.80
3.20
2.70
2.70
3.10
By rail.
Franci.
3.84
4.31)
3, no
3.60
3. OS
2.70
In canal transportation it often occurs that there is a question of con-
venience involved, as where works or factories stand close to a canal
in which case cartage is often saved. In Ghent alone there are over
250 bridges crossing canals, thus showing that they are numerous all
over the city. Hence their frequent greater convenience than railroads.
P. W. L. BUXTEKFIELD,
TT ci ^ Consul.
United States Consulate,
Ghent, November 9, 1889.
y'steni of
ast mod-
Jmmerce
8 part of
lifetime
effect on
ais, it is
Naviga-
ipaired.
[I at the
ie Pont
1 nearly
DENMARK.
JiEPORT BT CONSUL JtYDEIi, OF OOPENHAOEy.
In reply to the circular dispatch from the Department, under date
of the 31st July last past, calling for a report upon the canals con-
structed in this kingdom for the benefit of general trafTu;, as well as for
irrigation purposes, I have herewith the honor to report that under the
first category there are but two, namely, the Odense Canal and the
Frederic the Seventh's Canal.
First, the Odense Canal, connecting the inland town of the same name
in the Island of Fynen, with the entrance to the Odense Frith, is one
■of great benefit to the shippers of the agricultural products of the
island, as also to the importers of foreign goods, such as coal, iron,
eto., the expeiKses of land carriage, as well as the expenses of trans-
shipment at the Firth, being thus avoided, the carjroes herns: loaded
in small-sized vessels at the Odense quay and taken "without hindrance
$0 sea to prosecute the voyage to their dlffeieut ports of destiuatiou.
I. Ex. 45 7
98
CANALS IN DENMARK.
Ibis cnnal s 2(1,(100 foot in loiiKth, and tlio conHtrnctlon was (Irfif. com-
n.onciMl 111 17»«J, and comploHMl in IH();{; was J.irtiM^r<li'oi...ii(.(liii 1H77-
J«HJ, aiul a«:aiii dorpciu-d and widMUMl in ].S8.{_1««({. it haw now a
depth ot 15 A'ct with a width vaiying iVoin .{5 to (50 feet; and in the
giMieral tnido of l.SMH tluue pa.ss.-d thron-li tliis canal a total niiinlK.r of
70J \cHHvlti of tho aH:>rioKato t(.nna^'.' of Sii.O'O toim, (ionniNtinir of 24n
stniin vossclH ot I4,KI0 tons and of 507 sailing vonsoIh of ;5S,57(» tonw
Second, l<mK'ric,th« Seventh's canal between the deeper partH 'of
tlie liimeljord in Jutland, respectively east and west of Lo^stiir The
canal IS constructed aioiiK'side of the r.imerj.)id southern coast; line
Iron. Lo^^Htor town t«)\vard the southwest, so that vessels naviijatiii.'
the western part ot the J.iinefjord may avoid tlie shoals in the frith
west ()l Lofjstor. The (Muial has a length of 15,500 feet between the
mouths ot tlu^ harbors at tlui two extremities, and was opened to navi-
gatioii on the IMh July, IHOI, and has a <lepth of J) feet with a width on
the water line varyiiiK from 75 to 00 feet. The canal is used bv small
vessels enp.ued in the general tiatllc between the small towns situated
on the western parts of the Limeljord; and the annual number of ves-
sels and bcmts passing throiiffh is about 000, with an aijirreirato ton-
nage from T,( ,000 to 70,0i,0 tons. Vessels making use of these canals
are subjected to the following canal dues, viz :
On tjie Odense Canal: All steam and sailing vessels and all boats
above 4 tons, laden or in ballast, in addition to the customary (lovern-
meiit harbor dues, or cargoes landed or shipped, the dues are levied as
follows: ^»«^" »D
1. All vessels registered in the Odense custom house or in phu^es of
the same customs <listrict, both on inward or outward passage have to
pay canal dues per ton of 1 }, cents. h , h>o uu
2. All homo vessels registered in other customs districts; as well as
all vessels sailing under the Hags of privileged nations with a rate of
canal dues per ton of 2.^ cents.
On the Frederic the Seve.ith's Canal as follows:
1. On all vessels under the national Hag or under the flags of privi-
})Tlon at llli ct'ilt'' ^''"^' *'"'"" ^ ^"^ ^^ *''"' ^'"'^^"' with canal dues
2. On all home and foreign vessels under privileged flags above 32
tons, with a rate per ton of IG cents. ^
3. All boats of or below 4 tons i)ay altogether the sum of 50 (ires, say,
4. Fishing boats with wells only pay half rates of canal dues.
5. All vessels employed exclusively for lighterage or towiu.r pur-
poses are exempted from payment of dues. " ^
6. All vessels of more than 4 tons that may be passing several times
11 the course of 1 week, after payment of the dues on the first passage!
are exempted from further payments for the rest of the week
i. lun-eigu vessels under uni)rivileged flags are charged v ith au ad-
ditional rate ot oue-halt above the amount levied on vessels under privi-
Next With respect to canals for irrigation purposes: It may be as well
Jvi.n,.t?r ' ''^ *'', ^''''*', * "^'""'^ •'*^*'''"»* »*■ tl^'it part of the kiiidom
where these works have been constructed. In the early ages the iiite-
iior ot Jutland was covered in great part with large 'forests of i»ine
wood; but owing to the wholesale and wasteful cutting down of the
wood by the inhabitants these forests, toward the sixteenth century, had
R.most entirely disariDcarwt. ieaviuii
by d
.,„, , •, ^.j' '-;:-•' r " "•" v.egrees in their place a larsre
and dreary waste of heath lauds, without any attempts having been made
" "' '" ■' I '
CANALS IN DICNMARK.
90
towards bririffiiiff tlio saiiio uiulor cultivation ; and it was only at the
cloNeof tliounfoitnnato warof 1S(54, when Denmark wa« Ntri|)pod of
her valuable Duchies of HchleHwiK-thdMtein, that this ^reat national
loss led to strenuous efforts being made towards the earryintfout of iuj-
proveinents in nniny ways in the reuuiinintj; parts of the "kin«don>.
Thus in lH(i(i a society was founded under the title of "The Dardsh
Society of Heath Lands" for the purpose of clearing and fertilizing this
vast tract of land in Jutland, covering a 8Up«'rHcial area of about 110
Danish square miles (I Danish mile ^ 4| English miles), this area
being traversed by several water courses of greater or lesser extent, ruu-
iiing froni east to west and diverging to the North Sea.
The society now consists of near 4,()(M) mendiera, amongst whom are
to be found several public institutions and many wealthy private indi-
viduals, who have contributed their shares on purely patriotic grounds;
and it has been by the aid of these contributions, together with consid-
erable subventions from the state, that in the last twenty-three years a
new life has been given to this part of the Kingdom, as also 'by the
construction of roads and railways.
Of the 140 Danish sipnue miles of heath lands existing in 18(50, there
now remains but about 90 square miles, 40 having been converted into
meadows and fields and the other 10 square miles into plantations.
ThefoUowing classes of works are undertaken by the society, namely :
(1) Construction of irrigation canals; (2) plantations iu general; (3)
limited i)lantations on the different properties, and inclosures with
quick-set hedges; (4) draining of bog lands; (5) cultivation of marsh
lands.
The society has now superintended the construction of 145 irrigatit)a
canals, which have a total delivery of 2,200 cubic feet of water per sec-
ond, the greater part of the canals having a length varying from 5 to
15 English miles.
A complete irrigation will require for the entire period of irrigating a
delivery of one lilth of a cubic foot per second for 1 barrel (If acres) of
land measure; but the meadows receive four to six times that volume of
water, when they receive an alternating watering. A large quantity
of the water from th( canals is, however, only used for moistening the
land, and which will only call for oue-fourtli of the above-mentioned
quantity.
The total superficial area of the irrigable laud which has been con-
verted in this way amounts to 15,000 barrels of lan<l (21,000 acres), and
which by these proceedings have now an increased value of 6,000,000
kroners ($1,000,000). Tlie yield of these meadows is of about 4 000
pounds of hay per barrel ( If acres) of land. Only one crop is made, and in
lieu of an aftermath the cattle are put out on the fields during the autumn.
The society prepares all the plans of construction of these canals, as
well as the irrigation, and superintends the execution of the works free
from any charge to the i)ropnetors; but these latter have to defray all
costs of the works. The total cost of the canals has been from 300 to
1,000 kroners ($80 to $270) per cubic foot of water. Each canal has its
own local administration board elected by the parties interested in the
irrigation in question, and a certain vo'"' ■-. ;f water is placed at the
disposal of each party concerned fc ... lole period of irrigation
namely, from the 1st April to 1st Dec -* h;^. .ud they must then receive
it, so that there may be no disturbance m vuo arranged order for the use
of the water amoiigst all parties conccrucu. The - ter is distributed
to the associations by the means of wooden tronfehs, the working of
which IS placed under very strict control. These canals have been con-
^"9"MHPmii
100
CANALS IN FKANCE.
;l
fltruotiMl at as modomtft a cost an posHiblo; tlio grnuiul in which thoy
fi'"", *'!'*?■ J"""'^' Kt^iHMiilly of Hiindy, but ut tiincH iimrHhy, luitury : anil
tluiir tall liuH beon itigulatcd ho as to give a rapidity of water How of
Tho interior HlopcM of the canalH are at the i)roportional rate of U of
bnHO to 1 of height, an<i the exterior 8lopen of the bankH have 3 to 4 of
bane to I ot heifjht, the banks at the Miinunit bein^'ofunnicjlent width to
servo m a carriiigeway, this width beintr from 10 to 12 feet all aloiii;
the great canals. The miueduets under the canals are generally of ma-
Honry or ot glazed earthon ware pipes. The society during their twenty-
three years' labor have now intercepted the greater part of the water
courses of the heath lands by canals, wherever this could be executed
without too great pecuniary cost, iiiul are now engaged on the improve-
ment of some old works of bad construction. It is also their iiit« ntion
to carry on experiments for a better system of irrigating. During
these tw<'ntythree years they have also completeil four uundred and
lltty phintations of a total extent of 3(j,7()() barrels of land (51,40) acres)
and are the owners of eight properties in dirterent pitrts of the heath'
lands ot a total sunertlcial area of 4,500 barrels of 1;.. « (0,300 acres) for
the carrying on of exj)eriments in planting, and by which they have
succeeded in being able to solve with some certitude a question of so
great importance to the interior of Jutland.
IlENIlY Ji. ItYDER,
United States Consulate,
Copenhagen, November 10, 1889.
FRANCE.
HISTORY OF FRENCH CANALS.
nEVORT UY CONHUL-aHNJEHAL RATUliONE, OF I'AIilS.
A glance at the map of. France, if it gives the canals and navigable
water courses, is sutticient to convince the most casual observer that
the country is very rich iu both of them. In that respect Prance occu-
pies tlu^ tlrst rank amoung European countries; her navigable rivers
are 11 ,855 kilometres lon^ ; her canals 4,789 kilometres. These figures
are given for the year 1888. Th^ iv .test number of canals are to be
found in the departments borderiuf;, more or less on BeJo-ium • the
largest number of navigable ri- ' * '
,.. . . -^ '■"• ' ^' arry crait of a considerable
tonnage are likewise iound in tao iiorth of France.' It would be difti-
cult to estimate the exact cost of so extensive a network inasmuch as
it is the work of several centuries, and has been i)aid for in a variety of
ways by means of a large number of resources dillering widely iu their
origin ; moreover, it requires changes in improvements, etc. In some
cases the changes are of so extensive a character that the original
^vorks have almost entirely disappeared. With regard to the time of
construction, no detinite time dates can be given without drawing up an
exceedingly elaborate and complicated table.
The works were seldom carried out at once and entire.]". The differ-
ent periods during which changes and improvements were niado'mav
bo couddered as periods of coustructiou. As already stated, the changes
CANALS IN FRANCE.
101
iituro ; and
ter ttow of
have otten been of a Hweepi'iff <lcHcrii)ti()». In sovcral crt808 troops
wore employed in cutting ounalM or in a.sHiHtin<f the insuttlcient number
of workmen engaged for the purpose. TIiuh during flie reign of Hesiry
Iv (>,0()UHoldier8 were enjployed on the workH in connection with the
Canal de Briare.
In 1719 the Canal de Loing was conceded to the regent, Duke of
Orleans, and his lieirs forever. The duke caused the work to Lm exe-
cuted by large bodies of trooj>s.
I'reviduH to the revolution of 1789 the canals were generally cot by
parties to whom a concession had been granted, the conditions of which
varied according to the amount of influence enjoved by those who re-
ceived the i)rivilege.
A great deal of .jobbery was the natural consequence of this arrange-
ment. Hut after 1791 the French Government took the management
of all canals into its own hands. All canals the construction of which
luid already been commenced by grantees were finished under t\u\ di-
rection of the Coverument. Jkit the treasury was not able to bear the
strain thus brought upon it. In order to tind the money required Napo-
leon decided to sell a certain number of canals belonging to the state-
among others, those of the Midi, d'Orldans, and Lonig, of which par-
ticulars are given hereafter.
During the reign of Napoleon I (1804-1815) 200 kilometres were
opened to navigation. The principal canals dug during the same pe-
riod were those of the Haute-Seine, Blavet, Marous a Kochelle, Aries
a Bouc, and Ille et liance, to which reference is made further on. All
the works were carried out and paid for by the state. After the year
1818 all works connected with canals were executed by the treasury
by means ot loans and by the system of concessions which appeared
to return to favor.
From 1830 to 1848 work was pushed forward with great activity : 2,000
kilometres were opened to navigation at a cost of over 7,000,000 francs
A number of useful laws regulating inland navigation were also passed.
A few concessions were granted before 1837, and in this way the canals
named (de Koanne A Digoin, de la Sauldre a I'Oise) in Table A and
several others of minor imimrtance were cut.
During the four stormy years that followed the Revolution of 1848
the national exchequer was more or less dilapidated and a great finan-
cial crisis ensued. Accordingly little was done to increase the canal
mileage. Seventeen million francs were devoted to finishing canals in
course of construction. Those called de la Marne au Ehin and de
I'Aisne il la Marne were among the number.
When Napoleon III became Emperor he effected a sweeping change
m the law relating to the cutting of canals. The commencement of all
works connected with them was henceforth regulated by Imperial decree.
He retained this privilege until his fall in 1870.
The attention given to railroads meanwhile had made the authorities
underestimate the value of canals. While the laying down of railroads
was pushed with the greatest activity, canals became more or less neg-
lected, but in 1860 a reaction took place in favor of them. The treaty
ofcommerce signed by the Emperor and Mr. Cobden pointed to the
necessity of perfecting as far as possible the instruments of production
in France, so as to enable the country to hold its own in the matter of
industrial competition. The Government accordingly devoted large
HJims to improvirif; the esistiug canals, and to constructing fresh ones.
Ihe funds remaining from the loan of 500,000,000 francs, raised to de-
Iray the cost of the Italian war in 1859, were also devoted to the same
■PPPPI
. 'mmmmimfi ma!'*
f ■it'
I
lit
1
1^2 CANALS IN FRANCE.
f.!:" ? ^^m, -'^'^1>'*\A)' "o cmals of great importance were cut duriiiff this
hnn,lhJ^" '^•'^'^' ''^'^"'^ wereclnefly intended to defray the costs of
improving existing ones in various ways.
fi>5%^!^"",f " '"'^. "^'^ ^"''^'""^ ^^® ^y«'^'" of concessions. He granted a
few of hard y any importance, while he bought up several important
onos granted long before his accession. ^ important
-iJil'^ '',^[!"^^ included between the reestablishment of the Renublic in
187^) and the year 1887 is divided into two distinct parts viz? '"^
During the hrst part of 1870-'78, canal work suffered severely in
conse(iuence of the disasters of 1870, ond the works planned by the
Emperor absorbed nearly all the funds available. Frince in tliese 7
years spent about 28,000,000 francs on canals alone
In 1879 the minister of public works drew up an extensive nroiect
for the carrying out of which large sums had been votedrstcoo S
metres were to be altered and improved, and Iresh canals'wirh an ac-
cumulated length of 2,400 kilometres were to be constructed The es
timated costs of these works were about 150,000,000 francs. In that
year an extraordinary credit of 12,000,000 francs ^as set apart for the
purpose besides the sum set down in the general budge . The cred s
des med for he works in hand gradua".v increased, yea- by ye^r, unt I
88. when they attained the high figure of nearly KoOu,000 franc" a
steady dechne, however, followed. ><iucs, d
The progress of the works was not sufHcieutly rapid to exhaust the
sums so avish ly voted, and it was tlius that tlie moiiej grante d min
ished in the following proportion year after year :
1883 Francs.
1884 39,573,()93
1885 .".■.■.".■.■. 22,772,437
188(5 18,568,830
1887 ;;.::; 15,254,137
10, ()77,685
The question of toll money in connection with ciinals has gone through
many complicated phases. After the revolution of 1789 the right of toll
was practically abolished, and replaced after a time by rates calle
" droits de navigation." During the reigi. of Nai,oieon III these were
rates altogether.
Table A gives the chief facts and figures relating to the French
canals above 20 kilometres long. tuxieuuu
The figures giving the number of steamboats and steam tugs are not
included, but they are not very numerous. The figures plaiJ^l under
?nr?.wl"^; ?T '''r " '^' ''''' ^"^'"^'^ '^«'"« r^'^« '^"^l a fevC' ixil'
calfed ''"^'''^'" *"" ^^"^ tlescription of boats properly sc
The figures stating the lenptli of the difTereut canals do not include
8ome of the small lateral branches some of them possess. In the case
of canals not wholly French, the figures show thi mileage within the
in^i 1 , 1 7''^" ^'^e S'\'"^remark is applicable to the boats, bridges,
and flood gates connected with them. ^ '
eon.trm.-n!^ vf /t'' r^^ if"' ''' ^"'^ ^^^^^f.^^^: expenses incurred in
??p,rpn iSr ^"i mJ T^^ f ^""'' ^"^^f '^^ ^'"^ foregoing canals until
Decembei 31, 1889. In several cases it has not been possible to obtain
A^tri'fc^io'WiSfei^ftit., .^l^iaJ's^^^
the Freuch
CANALS. IN FRANCE. 103
complete figures, but in that case those given below are as uear the
exact amount as possibly could be obtained :
Complete expenses till 1889.
Frftncs.
Aisne ^ la Mnrne 24,237,969
^fdennp' 19,078,076
Aire 4.077,749
Berry 27,803,290
i?'*''\<** 2,978,390
Kombourg 3,218,047
Bourgogue 58,556,197
I*"/^':« 6,390.055
J^«'''"« 2,C41,379
Centre 17,164,669
De la Charente h la Sendre 1 917 488
A la Garonne '...'.'.'.'.'. 62io99.'620
A la Loire . 33,999,158
De Marans i\ Rochello 13 507,097
Haute-Marne 17' qj^' 743
De la Marue aa Rbin .'..'.'.'--.'-.'.''.'.'.'"!'';.".".''"!.V!.*".' 86,'088;242
DeNaate8i\ Brest 49,118,893
Nivernais..., 28,861,154
I'Ourcy 179,089
?*•§"«"*>"•-■--.• 3,794,995
Dn RhOne au Rliin 24 205 724
f*^"^*^ *..."!.■;."!;!;;".!".■.": 8;8i6;494
Sauldre.. 1,721 989
Hauto-Seine 10,207,062
^«"«<5o 1,993,642
^"mme 12, 4991217
An important feature connected with navigation has long been neg-
lected in France, i. e., numbering and classifying the boats and craft of
every kind on canals and navigable rivers. The first census of these
was taken on October 15, 1887. It is impossible to give an exact idea
of them, without going into particulars, which would far outreach the
importance of the subject \':ith regard to the manner in which the other
facts pertaining to French canals have been given. The boats are of
almost e\ cry conceivahia size, shape, and tonnage, according to the
canal on which they are found and tlie regions in which they were built.
They are divided into eleven groups. Each group embraces all the boats
more or less resembling each other by their style of construction. Some
have decks, others are without ; a few are built of iron while the greater
number are wooden. They are built chiefly in France and Belgium,
Their owners, captains, and crews are FrencAi with a fair sprinkling of
foreigners, chiefly Belgians. Those intended principally for the con-
veyance of passengers have or have not cabins, according to their
class and the nature of their, traffic. The annexed statement gives im-
portant figures with regard to them.
Nnmberof boats of all kinds exclusive of steamers 8,527
Length —
From 38.58 metres and upwards 434
From 33 to 38.50 metres '...'.'.'...". 3 125
Les6 than 33 metres ...'.'.........'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.. 4' 968
Bu-:it— ■
With decks 4 212
Without decks i ...".-"... ""."!!! !'..!!'. '.!1* !'.".!!!! 4' 315
S^iron =^
Of wood 43(j
"*3r
..auf^tm^-'jiv;. vmnt i ^ rtmr*^-'
4\
■li ;
!M
fM
104 CANALS IN FRANCE.
l{j' wlioiM Imilt —
Fn-ncliimMi - .„„
(J.Miiiiins ^''°
oiiiiu-iiHtionaiitics , .."."..".!'..".!!!'."!!!!.".!*.!]." 4
Ownnd by — ^^^^^'^^^
•'''■•■'K'li 7 n7Q
K"'Kian8 .;.."."•."■;: I'S
(icrmaiiH ^'"^^
Otlier natioDiilitics "".."."!!^J.""! *','!!!. *!'".. ya
CrowH, incliuliug captain— '
I'^llMlCh Q QQ1
JM iKi.ms 1 594
Gwiiiaiis '„,^
OtlitT nalionalitios "."-'. V".' .".'."." "....'.'...'.'.."."..' 104
Wi th cabins ' _ ..„
Without cabins -•".-.-""!."".".".""".'.'.'".."."'" 771
Tonnafjo 1 d-l am
Number of steamboats of every Jdnii !!.'.'.".'.".""! ."." .Oij^.uaJ
llorse power '.'.'..'.'.'. 3 gio
For conveying pa8son<j;nr8 : '
Number , -„
Maximum tonnage |. '....'",, ,\\. [ q<j
Horse power '.". JI!! !!!"! ! iui
For carrying goods:
Number .-
Maximum tonnage 7 71H
Horse j)o\vor. o'oni'
Numbw of tugs ] '"'.^
Horsepower .".'.'.".".".'.".".""." 1 nan
Buiitby- ^•^'^
Frenclunen hq
Belgians .'.'.'."-".'.".".'.'.".".'.".'.".'.'."."." a
Germans ...'.'.'.'.'.'.....,.. ?
Other nationalities ii
Ownedby— ^^
FnMudimen or
iiidgians .'."'."." iff
Crews, with captains, mechanics, and stokers":
Fniichinen 0011
lielgians •^'^}}
()tliernati(malities -..".".'.'."." !".'."!"""".".'.i".'.'.'." "^i
rroiich measiues of weight aud distauce uiontioucd iu the foreiioinir
repoit: ^ *»
1 kilometre = 3, 280}g feet = 0, 62136 mile.
1 niitro =39.37 inches.
1 ton = 2, 204. 6 pounds.
J. L. Eathbone,
TT „ ^ Consul- Qeneral.
UNITED States Oonsulate-Genekal,
Farisy France^ September 20, 1889.
I
■imtkiiU
7,499
6()8
319
4
........ 7,078
1,096
270
9,:m
1,594
718
104
7, 756
771
.... 1,032,083
161
>■■■*>>« J.O
93
181
41
7,718
2,306
32
1,020
..'.'.".".'.' 6
85
16
3211
55
e foregoing
ONE,
■ General.
CANALS IN FRANCE.
105
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106
CANALS IN PRANCE.
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CANALS TN FRANCE.
107
NORTH OF FRANCE.
liEPOIiT Sr OON'VL WILLIAMS, OF liOVEK.
THE DEULK.
Tlie navigable water ways which have been conatructed and utilized
for transportation are very numerous in the north of France ; moat of
them are very ancient. Since their early construction, they liave been
subjected to many changes. The following brief account of tiie cou-
struction of the canal of Deule will give an idea of what would be the
magnitude of the work of describing all of the canals in this consular
district. The Basse Deule has been navigable from time immemorial.
It was conceded wholly to Lille in May, 1207, by Marguerite, Countess
of 1 landers and Uainaut.
On the 3l8t of October, 1271, John III, lord of Lille and La Ba8S(^,
was authorized at his own (.expense to construct a canal between these
two cities. The act fixed tne size at 40 feet with a depth of at least 4
leet, and allowed for the work a remuneration of 1,500 livres d 'Artois*.
This work upon 25 kilometres was completed within a year.
In the beginning of the sixteenth century this canal was extended to
Courri6re8 and Lena, This work was done at the expense of the city,
ot Lille by an ordinance of the council of state of the king, dated
October 31, 1G74.
These different undertakings, although important, failed to attain
any real commercial importance until the year 1088, when a project
was entertained of uniting the valleys of the Deule" and Scarpe by a
canal which, passing over the ridge which separated ihem, would arrive
at Courri<^res at the Fort of Scarpe.
The cost was ecpially divided between the city of Lille and the
states of Flanders and Artois.
The 7th of May, 1090, the city of Lille undertook the entire charge
of the work and collected the tolls.
On the 0th of August, 1749, a royal decree enjoined the excavation
ot the canal between Douai and Lille ; this work cost 413,539 francs.
At this time the junction was made in the passage of Lille, and the
canal of Lsplanade was opened, which was destined to cotni)lete an un-
interrupted line of communication between Fort do Scarpe and Deule-
ment. The canal of Deule became the property of the state after the
lievolntion in March, 1798.
Toll was established upon it in favor of the state in April, 1808.
Nevertheless, by an order issued in 1810, Lille was put to the expense
ot a cleaning out, which was done under the supervision of the Govern-
mert by so-ne Spanish prisoners at an expense of 000,000 francs. The
city has never been able to recover this sum.
The Deule thus formed a canal at summit level. The highest level
situated between the locks of Fortde Scarpe and that of Pout-iVVendin
(destroyed in 1859) was 20,400 metres long. It was fed by a spout of
water taken from the Scarpe above Douai, through a little artificial
stream. Navigation was difficult, even at a draft of water not ex-
ceeding 1.20"', and intermittent on account of the dam at Ponta-Vendin
.-«!?» u.^ ovHvi.^ OksIxj-^ littviiiy uat o\ni sec oi gates. Dunui; the drv
.season navigation was closed.
The aiicieut livres varied in each department from 20 to ^(i francs.
M
108
OANAIiH IN PHANCE.
Tlio nn»{jr(\sHivo flllitifj up of llio (•nim.l, hh well uh tlio tlinidiiUy of
Hiip|il,v, <M)iitiiuiti.ll,v JiU'.riMiNitijr tuid hcroiuiii); iiiori^ NcrioiiH, iiiid tlio to-
|iiii'(«ini<iit.s of ItiiNJiioNH (lovolopin^ itrHi^lf nl tlio hhiiio (iino, tlio (lovorii-
i
iiiiMit, HJiioo IH1!(), liiis stiKlioa to iinprovo tliin niiiiU to tlio grcati^Ht
(v\t«Mil. of wiii(*li i(H nlvtllr(^ would luliiiil.
Tho Io»!k ut INmt-a-Vi'iMlin wuh tiiUni away mi<l llio bod of tlio canal
lowoivd to Mui Hatiio point aH tliiit of tlio rivor Hcarpo, tliuH tnuiNfoiin-
ing I ho canal into a branoli of that riv(>r and insuring a good supply
of WiiUM' and tlio nioro rapid niovt^uicnt, of hoais.
liorks roplaced Nitnpl«^ daniH, (ho di^pth of thi> canal was inoroasod ho
as to p(>rniit (lu^ passage «)f boats tlrawiug 1.5 nu'troof walor.
My (ho hnv of Maroli 21, 1.SU5, thoro was a grant niiido. Tho <'ost to
iniprovo (his oanal was(>s(iM)atod at 1,200,()(K) Iranos. 'riuMlonnvnd upon
thooaiuil being still groator than its oapsu^ity, tho parties hohling the
grant were obliged to do suppleinontnry work, and it was oidy in IS37
that the proper «lo|t(h andeonstant sup|)ly of water for tho canal were
obtained. Tho grant of the l)euh>, whi«?li was considered at tlrst as
«piito unin)p(M'tant, has paid its stockholders largely, and that under a
nuKh<ralo rate of toll.
The average^ tonnngeof the \vholo roufe did not exceed lfi(),()0(> tons
till IS'jr., but in isnij it reached about <'.()0,()()() tons. The grant expired
tlM> Kith of S(>pten»ber, 18r>4, since then other iniproveniouts have been
nia(l(\ The d(>plh ol the canal has been increased to 2 metres between
Douai and Ijille, by tho decree of April 18, 18(10, so as t(> permit tho
passage of boats drawing 1.8 nietr«v of water. Tho expense was r>3l,(l.'J3
Iranes. Anotlu'r enactnuMit nnulo 'M of August, 18(J2, authorized tho
stniighteniug of the canal through Lille. The cost was ({t.3,'.)l.'{ francs.
A new U)ck was construct od at Don in 18(»8, at a cost of 3(>2,r)!)2 francs
but the impn>venuM)ts wen^ still incom|)Iote. The canal wa« cr«)oke(i
both above and below Lille, and did not have the full depth through-
out its length.
ily a new act in 1880, an appropriation of 3,418,800 francs was made
to complete tlu» canal according to tho plan annexed to tho law of tho
Ath of August, 1870 — this work contemplating many important
clmnges, such as a general cleaning out of the bed, [)rotecting tho
steep banks with stoiu% tho establishment of public ports, and sitlings
for placing boats, will when compIet«Ml admit tho passage of boats of
38.rHuetresin UMigth,r» nu^tres in wi<lth, and l.tlO n)etre«>f draft, carrying
300 tons throughout tho eutiro canal, tho same as those now plying
between Taris aiul Lille.
The sums which have been spent upon tho construction and improve-
ment t>f the Deule, incliuling those covered by tho act of 1880, can be
termed in i-ound numbers as follows:
Frnnos.
rrovions to (ho innot<H>nt1i 0(>ntnry 7,000,000
(ii-iuit Honoroz, Maroh -H, lS'^r> 1,^00,000
Avtof Aiuil -27. l.S)0 .V.U.OOO
Anjjiist 3. 1S()V> 741,000
SoploinluT 10, 180-* 3ti(),000
Augusta, 1.n:<0 3,4lri,000
TotAl i:<.'i6.',000
The cost per k'lometre amounts to 207,000 francs. This expeiuliture
is very nu)derato considering the results obtained, and tho great
advantages ationied by this route.
The canal of Deulo in its most important and frequented sections,
between Douai and Lille, has only two levels, the oue of 30 ami tho
CANALS IN FItANC'E.
109
1mi nimcnUy of
)iiM, and tlio n'l'
ic, tlui (loviMii-
Tlui <'o.st to
other 17 kllotnotreH in loii^'tli, mipiinitcMl by tlio lo(?k of Don. Between
J)ouivl and Don, it presents alternately ntraii?lit lineM, or lonj; cnrves.
The work in pro^jresH will remove the nMuainiiiff sliort carves and
narrow pawsaj^'es between Don an<l Lille, au<l between Lillo and the
head of the canal of Konbaix.
IttraverHCH the principal indiiHtrial centers of the Department of the
North and of tin* Pas tie (Calais. Itservtis lor the transportation of
coal fronj the mines of that section and its di,stribnth)n at the princi-
pal centers of consumption ; I'aris at one extremity aiul Lillo and
Lionbaix at the other.
It forms one of the hiies which connect Paris with Lille and the
northern ports, Dnnkirk, (havelines, and Calais.
The tralllc of this line is lartje and increases yearly. Between Douai
and Lille the tonnajje passinj,' over the whole rente in 1882 amounted
to 1,;}8(K(M)() tons, and bronj^ht this canal to the seventh lank among the
navijjable waters of France.
It serves also a nsefnl puri)OHo in a sanatory point of view to Lille, a
city of 178,141 iniinbitants, and prov " >s water for the interior canals
of Lilh^ and furnishes a sni)ply of fresh water alonj? its course. At
the close of the eighteenth century, when the state became possessed of
this canal, the How of water was only 2,700 litres per second : it now
exceeds 5,(100 litres at the ordinary level.
This increase is due to the improvements above referred to, and the
city isconsidtH-ed to be well repaid for her share of the expense incurred
in the constnuition and amelionition of this canal.
Before leavinjjthis branch of the subject of canals, contained in the
query recpiestin^' the time and manner of their construction, I would
state that the interior navij^ation of France is sup|)lied with 11,855
kilometres of rivers navifjable and smaller streams classed as capable
of lloatinff crafts, and 4,78!) kilometres of ciinals. One would not care
to reply catef,^orically to the (piestion, an<l give the exact tigure of the
time, manner, and cost of construction of each. As seen from the
study of the canal of Deule, the network of navigable waters is the
work of many centuries. The original streams have been transformed
so as to have lost in many instances their normal character. These
changes have been continually made to adapt them to the varying ex-
igencies of the moment.
The depth, width, and dimensions of the works were made to con-
form to the progress of engineering as applied to the improvements in
navigation.
New works thus replaced old works, so that, at a given moment, it
is injpossible to say how much remained of the old,
The cost of construction alone should be taken into account and sep-
arated from that of annual repairs. With this view, and in the effort
to comply with this recpiest, 1 have api)ended a chart containing the
sums expended u|)on several canals at various times, many of them
dating from the Gallic Boman period, passing the Feudal period, fol-
lowed by a period when grants were conceded to corporations to con-
struct ami manage these canals, and the present period, when these
canals have passed into the possession of the Government.
CANALS PKIOll TO TUE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
Before the sixteenth century and under the Roman rule, a lew efforts
Imd been made to build canals. Marius actually caused his legions to
dig between Aries and the sea a canal to which his name is attached,
but no vestige of the work remains.
. --wail .'
^i
i I
110
CANALS IN PRANCE.
The wator courses were used for traiiMporfation, in a state of nature
and were navij-ated by small boats drawiii;,' but little water, and mount'
in^r a short distance iroui tiieir sourees. Tlie roads were used to pass
fronj one valley to tiie other. These water ways were the common
property of the people inhabiting their borders, who used them freely
subject only to such restricitions as were required to resi)ect the rijfhts'
of one another, and refrain from damaf,niig the i)roperty itself. As
soon as the trallic became more brisk, an understanding was established
between boatmen on such rivers as the Loire, Seine, Khone, and
Moselle, ami certain regulations were established to dettne the rights
of each one.
FEUDAL PERIOD.
At the time of the invasion of the wild hordes, boating was thor-
oughly disorganized. There was no safety for a long time in navi-
gating the streams. Tiie corporations of boatmen established a police
among themselves and began to revive boating.
boatmen's coeporations.
As soon as the royal i)ower attained some strength the boatmen's
corporations sought from it some aid to protect theuiselves from the
lords. They obtained charters and had a regular organization and by
means of assessments and tolls obtained the funds to carry out some
improvements and alterations. At the beginning of the thirteenth
century, such a corporation was in existence on the Seine. It was
called the " Hanse des marchands de I'eau " or society of water mer-
chants of Paris.
In the thirteenth century Philipi)e Auguste authorized them to build
one of the gates of Paris (ie port de I'ecole) and remunerate themselves
by collecting a tax upon merchandise transported by water.
Analogous corporations rose up about this time upon the Garonne,
Ithone, Saone, and the Loire. In 1402 the corporation called "des
marchands navigateurs" (m<nchant navigators) of the river Loire
received from Charles VI letters patent, by the terms of which the
king conceded the right to them to collect during 4 years, taxes upon
the boats and merchandise transported on the Loire, in order to enable
them to resist the encroachments of the lords bordering upon the rivers.
The collection of this tax was indefinitely postponed.
In 1482 an ordinance of King Louis *XI decided that the receipts
should be used to help in the maintenance and imj)rovement of the
Loire. This tax was called "droit de bo("'te" (old French for "box
tax") because the collectors received it in boxes placed at the ports of
the Loire. The ordinance of Charles VIII, of March, 149.->, extended
the appropriation of the "droit de boete" to all of tiie rivers of the
king<h)m. The powers with which these corporations were invested by
the king comprised, beside the right to conduct (evon against the
opposition of persons living on the borders) the cleaning of rivers, the
removal of obstacles, and tlie construction and maintenance of towiuff
paths. *
It was found necessary that the Government should interfere to assist
these cori)orations against the invasions of the lords, and to secure free
use of the waterways to the people. Eventually these canals were
made eniiieiy Inbiitary to the Government, whicli assumed the obliga-
tions incurred, and the construction of new and the maintcuauce of
old works.
I i
CANALS IN FRANCE.
Ill
149% extended
In the bcffinuing of the sixteenth century a great impetus was given
to interior navigation by the invention of locks. Tlie.se appear to have
been introduced by Leonard de Vinci under Francis I. The hist
attempts to utilize them upon the straits of the Lot, in 1527, were
unsuccessful; but they were put into use upon the Vilaine from ir>-M
«• ;?; ^"*^''"^'*^ !»'•"'«» without water had been previously used to
ettect the passage trom one level to the other. Such planes existed in
Flanders since the fourteenth century. exisieu in
CANAL GRANTS.
To Henry the Fourth and his devoted minister, Sully, belong the
honor ot the attempt to construct a canal at summit level. In ml
Uugues Crosnier of lours, an engineer much in advance of that early
Kwi r' ««'"""« «'oned to prepare plans for the Canal of Briare, i.^
tended to connect the Lone and the Seine by the valley of the Lo in
The royal treasury furnished the funds. Six thousand troops w re
employed upon the work. The death of the King soon afte pu a « op
U ft So'yeL. '" ''"^^^ """"^ ""^"^ °^*""^^' ^"''^"" postponed
The enterprise was taken up again under the ministry of Richelieu.
Giullaume Bouterone and Jacques Guyon were the authors of a new
^^ri':iV!Te:r^^^^^ ^^^^^"«« '^^""^
Their offer and terms accompanying it were agreed to, and letters
patent were issued in the month of September, l(i38. The Kin - con
lerred upon these men and their children titles of nobility. This'canal
was opened at the time specified.
The success of this first attempt of concessions led to their general
adoption. For nearly three centuries the reign of concessions for
canals prevailed, and was beneficial in the results^f their deXimient!
fii t^ii^ /*" "?-^ waterways the state held the control and received
he tolls, furnishing, with the aid of the interested districts and locals
ties, a more or less considerable balance of the funds required
«nnn L w!'i ^""'A^' ^"^^S^^^"' ^ere conceded to favorites. Others
soon followed to the royal family or attendants at court.
CANALS DURING FIRST REPTTBLIO.
Nearly all of the work upon canals was interrupted by the revolution.
The decree of Ja,mary 15, 1790, which abolished provincial adminiS-
JimnoT'.i? *^-''''Jf ^?"^^ ^"*^ departments, united in the public
«^v n«n.?l i"^"^'^^^^? ""^ "^'^ 'y^'^*^*' belonged to the provincialt sates,
SIX canals haying only a length of 134 kilometres esctwed.
ihe collection of tolls was abandoned on nearly all of the canals
and entirely upon the rivers, which were completely neglected. '
llie canals were at first placed in the hands of the agency of the
national domain from 1791 to 1798. From 1798 to 1807 tliey were iu
trusted to an administration in which the Government was interested
iPitr^nf quiet and order weiHi restored, the repairs and mainte-
nance of these canals, fallen into decay by the neglect of many years,
became the object of solicitude to the Government ^ '
finn -^f'f?'"*" "" i'|w in/licating a new departure in the way of specilica-
tiou ot taxes and their appropriation to the maintenance of the canals.
M - I
f I
; i >
' ! I
1 i I
112
CANALS IN FRANCE.
The OHtiinated cost of repairs at that time was 11,825,029 franca.
These and many moni provinioii8 were made by tiie celeluated law of
the aoth FU)r<:'al, y«'ar X (May 20, 1802). After having provided for
the maintenance of eacjli series of canals from their recei|»t8, the Gov-
ernment took upon itself to continue the constructions intorrupttid by
the revolution.
Contrary to the lineofcondu(!t adopted for the existing water routes,
the proposed new lines were to be constructed at the expense of the
(foveriuuent. The funds were dellcient. Napoleon then proposed to
raise the necessary amount 'wseliinp: the caiuils belonjjinj; to the state.
These were the Midi, Orleuus, Loing, and the canals of the Ceutre,
and St. (^lUMitin.
'IJhis i)lan was arried out by the law of the 23d of December, 1H09,
which ordered the sale of the above-mentioned canals upon the condi-
tion that the i)roceeds should be employed to tinish the camil Napoleon,
connecting the Rhine and the Ithone, the canal of Bourgogne, and the
grand canal of the North, which was intended to unite the Escaut an<l
the Llhine. The proceeds, however, were diverted from the proposed
channel and were swallowed up in the budget.
In the days of the Empire more than 1,000 kilometres of canal wore
projected but only 200 kiloirietres were opened to mivigation. Seventy-
live million francs were expended upon construction of new lines of
interior navigation. The financial exiiedients resorted to during the
period of 1789 to 1814 to meet the expenses and outlay for internal
navigation were numerous.
Grants without being entirely abandoned were in disfavor. The
regie or administration by tjix for maintenance and repairs prevailed.
The general funds were supposed to i)rovidefor the construction fuiul.
In the 25 years from 1789 to 1811, although the work ordered applied
to ;j,093 kilometres of canal, of which 1,202 kilometres were oi)ened for
tratiic, it was impossible to api)ropriate more than 75,000,000 francs to
this work, or about 3 millions per year, and the length opened up
scarcely attained 200 kilometres, less than 10 kilometres per year,
SPECIAL APPROPRIATION OF TOLLS.
Some busy spirits during the reign of Louis XVIII, having discovered
that the system adopted of applying the tolls of each water basin to
its own maintenance not having succeeded, without investigating
whether the liefect was in the system or the manner of its execution,
succeeded in changing it. The tolls were maintained but handed over
to the treasury.
Kecognizing its error, the Government again by act of March 21,
1825, placed the option within itself to specially appropriate the pro-
ceeds of each series of canals to themselves. For new constructions
the Government confined itself to several financial expedients. Ad-
vances were wanted, and the Government contracted the loans by
pledging the future tolls of the canals. These advances were made by
the boards of trade, cities, or other interested parties.
This system has been productive of so much benefit that it seems
unwise to condemn it, although the clashing of interest between the
general and local authorities to which it must give rise, clearly indi-
cates that serious ditiiculties are scarcely avoidable. In 1879 canals
were classified and made subject to precise limits, and definitions from
which they were not permitted to vary in the least.
CANALS IN FRANCE. HQ
Depth of water M.troi.
Widthof lockH "'..■.'" ■ '••• '^-^
Lengtliof loclcH in «ho clear..... ./''"^^
lleight unUor UridifeH *^-'*0
** 3.70
The most notable oveut of tlio aariie year was the almlition of ill tnUa
p!;"iii^to"!"-^^.^-'^"."!"^^.^^
pro^muniue from beini,^ fully carried out.' ~ ^"'"'""^^^^ '^^' P^*^^ ^^ ^^^^
The foJlowiug lines were pureliased:
Scarpo iSup6rioure Francs.
Canul of Vite iwid Saiite . .V.V.V.". 0,2:^3,024
Canal Boauoairo and lu l{ii<lello a;{2,000
Canal of Givers. ... 4,087,t)59
2,000,000
GRANTH AND CONCESSIONS.
The situation of grants is as follows :
Perpetual grante :
Lez or Canal <Ie Orave
Caiiul do I.iniel
Canal (Id Midi
Canal do lOuroy...
Canal St. DenlB ."■.■.■
Canal St. Martin....
Canal d'Aire [
Canal d u Boiirgidon
Canal do lu Dive et du ciimiot!
Drot
Canal fro.n Dunkirk to FuineV
Canal lateral i1 la Garonne
Ciinal do St. Dizior a Wassy . . .
Sarabro canal i.sAo
Caual do la Sanibro & I'Oise..
Cannl do Sylvfin'ial
Canal de liv Souchoz .... . .'.' '." ' '
Expiration
of grant.
Areaof grant.
Doc. rt, 1050
Sept, 22, 10;t9
Jan. 10, 19L'5
'Iiin. 1, 194:i
Sopt. 10, IhO!)
Dec. :)1, l!)60
, 1048
Oct. a, 1890
Nov. 1, 19.'i7
S<'pt. 2a, 1930
Sent. 31, 1660
KUo7netre».
10
279
108
7
5
»
11
40
68
13
213
2:{
S4
71
9
a. 400
016. 400
No new comiession has been granted under the third Kepublie The
expenditure for the improvement of water ways of France from 1875 to
Fof the rTver'^"lV5^^0^^^ ''^'""'^^^^ 'f"^ '''•''' contributions w^re :
iasoSi^sTfrn,'.,. i '<?:\*'^'!^'5 canals, 24!),7i;j,581 francs; total,
4d5,U84,d84 francs. The State also appropriated to the reimbursement
of advances a sum of 80,619,349 francs! The purcha^^of Te Sts of
the Scarpe, Vire and Tande, and canals of ^aucaire and la RacleHe
caused an expenditure of 9,;il9,6o9 francs. i^acieiie
CANAL STEAM NAVIGATION.
sa^H'nniwrTln?,-®'"7"^°^ ^^'?f replaced five combined locks at the pas-
S to Lvon. f r*'""" '^'^ ''''T\?^ Neufossd. Upon the lines f"om
l-ans to Lyons, by Bougogne and Bourbonnais, some portions of the
11. liix. 45 8
^
mi
1 1
1
1;
1 m
:i|
114 CANALS IN FRANCE.
route rtre not yet fliiiHhed, but tl»e work ou tlu'He inactively pushed and
tliey will Hoon be llniHlied.
The draft of water of 3 metreH which haw been obtained between Paris
and Kouen has induced the fornuUion of a regular line of service be-
tween Paris and Loudon. The Emilfi, which can carry 173 touH, uuide
twenty trips hist year, carrying a little more than the half of this
quantity of freight each way.
The Lemington made several trips between Paris, London, CardiflF,
Plym«mth, and Liverpool, carrying 1 12 tons, having a capacity of 208
tons. The Enther, of a capacity of 4(50 tons, made a trip carrying 335
tons.
These are simply huge canal boats propelled by a screw.
The proportion of traffic by steamers varies con8i<lerably according
to the luitnre of the merchandise. Coal, building material, manure,
wood, uuwrought iron, and agricultural products, are carried by ordi-
nary boats, either towed or by cable, while steamers carry principally
machinery, groceries, and in general all valuable merchandise.
Some side-wheel steamers which i)ly regularly between La Villette
and Kouen by the canal of Denis, of 125 to 200 tons capacity, vary
from 20 to 70 horsepower an«l make three to four trips per mouth,
while those which go to Corleil and other ports of Paris from Rouen,
or Eavre, are screw steamers with 200 horsepower and 300 tons capa-
city and make about 25 trips per year. These boats never take ou a
full load.
CENSUS OF CANAL BOATS.
A general ceiisus of boats engaged in the interior navigation of
Franco took place October 15, 1887.
It was taken without interrupting the advance of the boats. The
result was as follows :
Ordinary boats. — The entire number of boats ui)on the navigable
waters of France was found to be 15,730, with a tonnage of 2,713,847
tons of 1,000 kilograms, corresponding to i gross tou.
Nine hundred and thirty-three boats of 38.5 metres* (120 feet 3
inches) and upward in length, having a tonnage of .342,933 tons.
Four thousand eight hundred and. sixty-three boats of 33 metres to
38.5 metres in length, having a total tonnage of 955,010 tons.
Their nationality was found to be as follows :
Built in—
France -• 14,252
Bolginm 1,017
Germany '-^'^9
Various nationalities, Holland and Alsatian , 112
The ownership of the boats was as follows:
French boats 13, 632
Belgian boats 1,645
Gerniati boats 280
Holland and the proviucos of Luxomburg and Alsaco 173
Most of these boats were constructed of wood ; 858 only were of iron.
Of the 15,730 counted, 7,578 had decks and 8,152 were without decks.
Nearly all (13,324) had cabins; 2,400 had none.
In these cabins 38,108 i)ersons were sheltered, of whom 18,750 were
men, 7,323 women, and 12,035 children.
The crews, iuciudiug the owners, number 23,141 men, of whom 14,895
*A metro is 39.3708 iuchos.
CANALS IN FRANCE.
116
ively pushed and
were French, .'«,'J18 foreiffners— Belgians, (JerniunH, HolhuiderH, and Al-
Hatians; 1,874 of these ^loatM had «tubles, in which were sheltered li 587
animals for towing the boats, of which l,irj4 were horses, and l'433
mules and asses. '
There wore found upon these waters 073 steamboats of a capacity of
45,805 tons, and 5r»,<);w horse power. Two hundred and thirty-seven of
these steamers were i)roi)elIed by pmUlle wheels and 437 by screws.
Two hundred and ninety-nine of these boats were used for earryintr
passengers, liiO for merchandise, 184 as tugs, and 70 for towing. lu
this list were included 38 steam yachts, having a caj.acity of SOU horse-
power. Duly (51 of these vessels had a foreign origin. Of the owners
034 were French, and '.iU only foreigners.
The crew, cai)tain, engineers, and stokers included, nuiid)ered 2,870
men of whom L',075 were French, 81 Swiss, 05 Belgians, li Germans, 35
English, 3 Spaniards, and Italians, and 3 of whom the nationality was
unknown. These b. iits muw under the head of eleven groups, and in
several of' these groups were as many as from twelve to fourteen different
styles ot boats of all sizes, shapes, and varieties of construction. The
principal types of boats in use are as follows: ( I ) I'eniches or belandres
This IS the most important grou[>, and rei»resents a third of the tonnage,'
and a much greater pfo[)()' tion of the boats navigating the Seine, and
the canals of the north, 'j'hey are Hat-bottomed and decked. Tlioir
lorm IS rectangular, their duDtnsions and tonnage are variable, but
all ot recent construction are of the regulation size of Urst-class boats
and the tonnage when drawi.ig 1 8t) metres varies from 295 to 300 tons.
They are used for long routes. (2) The tlialand so nearly resembles the
p6niche or belandre that they are often mistaken lor them. They are
used upon rivers and canals, and especiially those of the north and east,
and on the Seine. Those of the Seine nre generally 40 metres m
length and 7.35 metres in width, and carry 475 tons, drawing 1.8 metres
ot water. Ihey are found even longer, 50 metres, and these can carry
0J5 tons. Lach series of canals and each river has its peculiar crafts
which seem best fitted to the locality. The capacity of these boats
varies from that of the market boat to the boats foun.l on the Khone
and Saone, which, with the same draft of water and a proportioned
width ot beam, have a length of from 120 to 140 metres. These long
hulls, adapted to a special navigation, arc really floating rafts, which
on the rapids receive a perceptible inUection in a vertical direction.
Custom has adopted these exceptional dimensions upon the Saone,
the course of which is smooth, as well as upon the L'hone, which is
rapid in its How. They seem to answer the purpose ou both streams.
TOWING FROM THE BANK.
Towing from the bank or towpath is accomplished by men's arms or
beasts of burden.
Upon the canals but little used, the towing by hand is still the most
m use and is the most economical. Two men with allowance of or the
difference ot the load can draw a boat carrying from 80 to 100 tons.
It IS hard work, but when locks are frequent is endurable. The rate of
triivel rarely comes up to a kilometre (tive eighths of a mile) per hour,
and with the tune lost in locks, not more than 8 or 10 kilometres can be
reckoned for a day's work. The cost of Iwinlimr iiion« ic, n tr. n ,r^\\\\,^^^^r^^
(0.t)U< iranc) per ton per kilometre. The use of the boat, insurance,
incidental expenses, and profit, come to as much more, so that the cost
-ra
116
CABALS IN PRANCE.
I
of trausportatiou in this way is from 0.010 to 0.014 franc per ton per
kilometre.
Upon the Canal de Berry, to pass through the narrow locks, boats
of 2.50 metres in width, carrying 50 tons, are used. They are towed by
an ass, stabled on board, assisted by the boatman and his family when
circumstances require.
This primitive arrangement competes successfully with the large
boats, not only on the larger canals communicating with the Canal de
Berry, but also upon i he small streams of the basin of the Seine. When
the happy family are in accord, and everything moves smoothly, this
mixed towing costs about the same as the first mentioned, while gain-
ing two or three more kilometres per day.
Towage by horses iS done at the rate of 14 to 18 kilometres per day ;
the price amounts to 0.011 franc, and the whole cost of trans|)ortation
to 0.017 to 0.018. With relays of horses the cost wouhl increase from
0.0:^0 to 0.0:^2 franc, and there would be a gain of 11 to 12 kilometres
per day.
Many of the boats, like those of the Canal de Berry, carry their horses
on board.
There are so many contingencies, such as flood, rates of insurance,
pilotage, etc., which vary so much at different times and seasons, and
are also influenced by a more or less lively competition, that the figures
above named as the price of towing may rather be assumed as what
they should be, than what they really are.
COMPULSORY TOWING.
By an act of the lOth of June, 1875, towing .was made compulsory
upon the Escaut, the canal of St. Quentin, the<,canal of Sensed, the
Scarpe, Deule, etc., in liort upon all water ways which connect Paris
with the north and Belgium. This commercial restraint became neces-
sary on account of the frequent blockades upon routes where it was
important to keep free passage. It has been satisfactory, but it would
be injudicious to attempt to generalize a measure of this kind.
The arrangement is briefly as follows : A contractor on each division
agrees to insure the towing of all boats which ofl'er, at prices fixed in
his contract, and which vary according to distance and the kind of
towing required. Their prices average per kilometre 0.002 per ton of
boat's hull added to 0.003 to 0.006 millimetres per ton of actual cargo.
Towing is obligatory upon all loaded boats except steamers and sailing
vessels; it is optional for empty boats.
CANAL SAILING VESSELS.
Sailing is very little practiced upon the interior rivers of France;
numerous bridges and narro\v connecting canals do not offer great
facilities for this mode of navigation. In the maritime portions of the
rivers, where bridges are rare, nearly all of the ships are equipped with
sails, which they use advantageously.
STEAM NAVIGATION.
There are two kinds of steamers — those propelled by side wheels and
those by screw.
The former, acting on the surface, require less dr.aftof water and are
not so much exposed to damage from bars or other obstructions in the
stream; on the other hand, in the maritime part of the river they are sub-
CANALS IN FRANCE.
iieir horses
117
.octea cau* str„„| tug^/t^rr^uife^'r 1 o^b^tin^lSS
GKAPNELS OF TIlZ RHONE.
CABLE TOWING.
proved very successful in luiiuers ° °' """"« ''»'
caual of Marue ou theSue -.ZZ 1 ? u'^'u of MaSir ""' " ""'
ways Js objeotloi ; oSrs Cl fe™^^^^
For instance, in curves it is w.'.irH.ttr,™ i " f '"'''° al""i<Ioned.
stretcL in adVance ^tbe lirsLui toasZrt °,i'?^^'-,7 """ ,""'
tbe couvoy is less forcibly dra'n, towLna;''Sli«C!''''' "" *"'
CANAL VS. RAILWAY TRAFFIC.
Iff
,1
mUktsdJAiJiumi
118 CANALS IN FRANCE.
Ill J885 the railroads, like very sensitive barometers, indicated the
de))re8sioii of trade by their diminished n^ceipts, which were 10 per
cent, less than those of the previous years.
Their total receipts remained stationary from 1880 to 1886, although
in this interval the length of the lines had been extended from 23,089
kilometres to 30,()0G, or an increase of about one-third. The tonnage
was even more allected than the conveyance of passengers.
From 1884 to 1885, although 1,12;{ kilometres of new line had been
opened, say 4 per cent., the tonnage fell from 10,487,990,453 to 9,791,-
537,035, a loss of 7 per (^ent. The crisis, which so nntavorably affected
the railways, had the eilect upon the canals of greatly increasing their
traffic, as shown by accomi)anyiiig chart. In examinnig the figures in
canal freiglit in 1885 to 1887, it is seen that the tonnage of the navi-
gable water ways rose during that period from less than 2J milliards
of tons to more than 3 milliards, gaining more than 20 per cent.
Upon railroads the cost of transportation is known and can be re-
du(!ed upon full carloads to 4 and even 3 centimes per ton per kilome-
tre on French railways.
Upon canals and rivers used as canals the price of transportation is
unknown. It has been estimated at 15 millimetres for canals and 20
millimetres for rivers, which, with the keeping in repairs, represents 20
to 25 millimetres.
This estimate has been uia<^ > for the North of France, where much is
favorable to navigation. It can be assumed that less favorable circum-
stances could scarcely add more than 10 millimetres to this cost.
Adoi)tiug this estimate, which appears liberal, the benefit would be
1 Iranc Ibr a course of 100 kilometres, and for a long route 3 francs for
300 kilometres. •
It should, however, be considered that between two places united by
railway an«l canal th6 former has an advantage of about one-fourth
in distance. Valuable merchandise requiring rapid transit, such as
wines, worth 350 to 400 francs per ton, would on a distance of 300 kilo-
metres gain 2.25 franct:, or one-half per cent., whiidi would not compen-
sate for the delay of a month. Coal, on the other hand, worth 16 francs
l)er ton at the mine, by saving 2,25 francs would have a benefit of 15 per
cent. The same apj)lies to building stone.
The advantage upon rubble and grindstones which pay G francs by
the cubic metre, the eciuivalent of 3 francs per ton, for a distance of 100
kilometres is 0.75 francs or 25 ])er cent, on cost of material. Wood,
minerals, manure, limestone, bulky merchandise, hay, straw, and coke
are advantivgeously curried on canals.
Heavy ordnance for the navy is often carried by canal, the risk of
breaking down the (!ars and bridges deterring from the transport by
rail. Agriculture and trade are jiarticularly developed in the Depart-
ment of the North, and of the Pas-de-Calais, and they owe much of
their prosperity to the connection of their mines with the manufactur-
ing centers of France by canals. This is the most important coal basin
in France; it furnished in 1882 half of the whole amount mined in
France, and more than 30 per cent, of the entire consumption of France.
The coal basin of the north and the Pas-de-Oalais produced—
Tons.
InlSr.O 1,000,000
InlSiiC 2,000,000
In 18T0 4,000,000
s
'fe
CANALS IN FRANCE.
119
sated the
e 10 i>er
althongb
m 23,089
tonnage
liad been
to 9,791,-
Y affected
*iiig their
figures in
the navl-
milliards
nt.
an be re-
sr kilome-
rtation is
Ja and 20
esents 20
3 much is
circum-
8t.
would be
trancs for
united by
ne- fourth
, such as
• 300 kilo-
i conipen-
16 francs
; of 15 per
francs bv
ice of 100
. Wood,
and CO lie
he risk of
nsport by
e l)epart-
5 much of
mufactur-
coal basin
mined in
)f France,
d—
Tons.
. 1,000,000
. 2,000,000
. 4,000,000
. 8,500,000
. 9,500,000
In the year 1883 tlie output exceeded that of 1884 by 600,000 tons,
as the industrial crisis limited the demand in the latter year.
The mining of this coal increases in a wonderful manner and calls
lor constant amelioration and increase of water communications, which
call alone enable them to compete successfully with importations from
other regions.
EXPENSES OF WATER WAYS.
The expenses of public water ways are, like other public works, sub-
ject to ordinary and extraordinary expenses. The hrst are of annual
occurrence and do not vary much from year to year, such as keeping
in order old or constructing minor new lines; the second relate to
more permanent improvements and additions, which when complete do
not require to be renewed for many years.
The hrst are included in the ord'inary budget of the minister of pub-
lic works; the second, under one or more heads, are termed extraor-
dinary works.
Herewith will be found a summary of the ordinary expenses of the
navigable ways, and another table of the sums thus expended from 1814
to 1817. These tables only give the details of the expenses for labor,
to the exclusion of the laborers. Tiie personal expenses paid for super-
vision are difiicult to obtain, such as the sums paid to engineers, mana-
gers secondary agents, lock-tenders, etc. Many of the superior officers
and their aids have a variety of duties to perform which are not con-
nected with canals. They have to look after roads, railroads, hydraulic
works, and various sur\ eys.
A considerable portion of this fund is applied to expenses connected
with these water ways, such as maritime canals and the maritime
portion of the river upon which shins a^^ end. The rivers serve other
purposes, such as reservoirs for man and beast and domestic purposes
and irrigation of the streets of villages and cities and irrigation of laud,
l^or the last-named purpose this district has no use. A considerable
source of revenue arises from the sale of forests planted on lands
redeemed by dikes and the banks of canals and upon which trees
^^wm?' •'^' '"''"o^s and poplars, are grown, which sell on an average
at JO francs ajiiece at the growth of 30 years.
The revenue from this source alone was 315,063 francs in 1887 The
wood sales of the navigable waters of the Department of the North
and Pasde-Calais were, from 1883 to 1887, 69,500 francs, and will be
much more when the growing groves will be matured. The net profit
of tlie sale of 18,000 poplars on the Seine was 414,000 francs in 40
years, or 10,350 francs per annum. The trees add not only to the
beauty but the comfort of these water ways.
The falls are utilized as a motive power, and they become vast reser-
voirs, where fish are extensively propagated. They sometimes break
through their banks and do much damage to lands and become the
depositaries of much unhealthy matter and require great outlay for
repairs. i &
The importance of the waterways of France is conceded on all sides,
and their extension and amelioration have received (he careful consid-
®^m, " ®^ ®^®^-^ administration, and of none more than the present.
llie financial problem alone prevents thei; more rapid completion
1^ ranee inust (or thinks that she must) maintain an immense army and
navy, and these cry louder than canals for their supplies. Froflts
drawn by the State from the navigable water ways still eyist, as shown
by the tables, although tolls have been abolished.
^
4
I
ir
. ■ ■ ■ ■r g J J; .':l E»3g33«l
il
!
s i il
i ;B1
1
i
I
i,
f
'il^
120
CANALS IN FRANCE.
Tb()s(i wliicli acoiuo to the state, as regulated f)y decrees, from the
exteiiHioii of the <likes «)r tlie lower Seine, deserve paiticular inentioii.
Tlie share of the state i.s one half, the other half of the land reclaimed
ill this way becoiiiiii}; the pro}>(irty of the owner adjoining the river.
Tiie work is lar from coin|)lete, yet l'(),()()0,()()0 francs' woith of land
can now be considered as alrea<ly ac(iuired. In addition tiie treasury has
already received ;{,()00,(H)0 francs from the sale of grass. Although
tolls no longer exist, it is interesting to examine, as in an accompanying
table, what these were from their commencement July 9, 183G, until
their abolition in 1871).
The fluctuations from year to year were due to changes in the tolls
and are no index to the amount of traffic.
CONCLUSION.
It is only a question of money to rentier Paris as accessible to the
sea as any Euroi)ean i)ort, and to connect it with Dunkirk on the north-
ern coast by a deep canal, and to unite the iMediterranean and the
Atlantic by a ship canal.
The water ways of our own country have presented such great nat-
ural advantages that their extension and improvement for navigation
has been too much neglected. Our lakes could be readily united by a
ship canal with the IIu<lson, and Albany (if Troy would permit) could,
if connet^ted by a ship cianal with the city of Hudson, receiver the larg-
est ships, which would greatly relieve the docks of New York. Tiie re-
quirements of Western freight will soon demand some such arrange-
ment, and theonly relief will be through Canada, which is already mak-
ing great strides in that direction.
The etlicient body of engineers who have visited France this season
have been much interested in the study of the utilization of the navi-
gal)le ways, and their influence will be felt in improving the numerous
water ways of every section of our country.
It is well to anticipate the requirements of our country, which will
soon have outgrown all of the railways and canals, and should not be
retarded in its progress while awaiting other constructions and exten-
sions.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES.
The accompanying tables .show the expenditures for maintenance,
and the receipts from tolls from 1814-'30 to 1879-'87, for all France.
OUDINARY WORK.
Expenses drawn from the treasuri/ and from other interestrd sources.
Years.
Tresisiiry fund;!.
FnntlB from otlior aourcoB.
Kivei'8.
Canal .s.
Cnmbiiioil.
Rivers.
Crtiiala.
Combined.
1887
Francs.
5, 20!), 000
Francs.
.'">, 538, 000
Francg.
10, 807, 000
Fra ncs.
213,000
Francs.
20, 000
Fra net.
239, 000
1814-'30
33, 608, 1!)9
11)2,153,000
27, 7i.'-.,;wi
11 7, 034, 805
30, 198. 627
46, 15,-., 927
"';W,'85i,'9,-iG'
10,841,594
8!), 798, 202
;»8. 843, 851
40. iiU/, 5V8
33,008 J 99
1831-'47
]4I,005,9.'-.7
44,5W.075
206, 8 13, 007
78. 042. 378
92. 753, 51.5
1848-'51
18.V2-'70
187I-'78
1870-'K7
79, isb
.5.334,016
1.029.188
2,304,051
70, 001
530, 488
240. 071
31J, 308
200, 302
5, 865, 101
1.875 859
2, 077, 040
Combiuod
303, 800, 838
230. 933, 183
596, 800, 021
9,4.)8, 150
1, 100, 158
10,018,314
IIS season
the uavi-
uimerous
aoiircoH.
Combined.
CANALS IN FRANCE.
ORDINARY WORK— continued.
Expenses Uraun from the ireanury and from other interested
121
«o«rce«— Continued.
Tears.
1887 ,
3814-'30
18:!l-'47
i84«-'r,i
]8-.2-'70
1871-78
1879-'87
Combined
Funds of treasury and oilier funds com-
biued.
Kivers.
Cannls.
Combined.
Franct.
5, 482, 000
33, 608, 109
102, 15:t, 999
27. 84r,, 082
122, 300, 421
40,827,715
48,620,578
375, ;i24, 994
Franef.
5, 482, 000
3;t,608, 199
102, 153, 999
27, 845, 082
12.', 309, 421
39, 090, 522
40, 0U9, 970
232, 093, 341
Francs.
11,048,000
33,008,199
14l,<ia5, 957
44, 757, 277
212,698,111
79, 918, 237
95, 430, 554
007, 418, 335
EXTRAOIiDINARY WORK.
Expenses incurred for interior navigation.
Years.
Rivers.
First
category.
1887 ,
18U-'30..
18HI-'47..
1818-'51 ..
lH52-'70..
1871-'7H
1879-'87 . .
Frdncg.
3, 859, 000
Second
category.
Francs.
I,;«i5,000
22, 097, 384
5,013, 505
■)3, 130. 914
17,701,814
35, 840, 387
33. 008, 109
Special credit.
RbAne.
Sa6ue.
Francs.
28,283,104
4,971,206
23, 760, 160
7, 39(, 137
9,604,301
22.', 077, 171
10, 646, 562
i), 114,790
12, 917, 040
3, 458, 682
Francs.
Tsfirc.
Francs.
Ehin.
Francs.
5,410,454
1,391,721
a, 038, 389
2, 092, 193
32, 137, 674
1,516.775
568,719
3, 601, 573
1, 257, 103
1.5.532,767 6,944,170
Tears.
Loire.
Allier.
Francs.
0, 772, 499
3, 352, 597
15, 210, 202
25, 335, 358
12, 60.5, 603
3, 120, 127
10, 924, 370
3, 912, 932
Francs.
1,284,413
359, 622
1, 582, 953
509, 154
30,469,122 I 3,736,142
Rivers.
Special credit.
Sevro
uiurtai'te
1887.
]814..'30.
1881-'47 .
lSt8-T>l .
I852-'70..
1871-'78.,
1879-'87..
Francs.
Garonne.
Francs.
Ferries.
961,201
270, 457
I, 459, 625
380, 292
12, 075, 8.54
2, 402, 707
.5, 804, 736
1, 801, 373
3,077,635 22,084,669
Francs.
45, 000
Conibioed.
Canals.
First
category.
Francs.
5, 269, 000
Franci.
4, 450, 000
Second
category .
537, 870
1, 998, 181
690, 847
645, 239
3, 872, 140
33, 60H, 199
102, 163, 999
27, 715, 381
117, 034, 805
39, 198, 527
40, 165, 927
365, 860, 838
27, 849, 392
11,65.5,980
67, 685, 109
30, 833, 720
37, 038, 065
174, 86S, 175
Francs.
1, 088, 000
Combined.
11, 002, 506
5. 285, 614
12, 21 {, 093
8,010,122
9, 558, 013
56, 070, 008
Francs.
5, 538, 000
38, 851, 958
10,841,594
89, 798, 202
38, 843, 851
40, 597, 578
Total.
Francs.
10,807,000
230, 933, 183
33, 008, 199
141,005,957
44, 556, 976
206, 833, 007
78, 042, 378
82, 753, 505
596, 800, 021
as
hi
■"Vi
i
1 1
122 CANALS IN FRANCE.
Difienf of revenue and profit acmting to the nlata for rivers and canala in 1887.
Krrrii'n
I'MhIhty
liiiiiilii'i);
I'ljllltllllDIlS
Vni^ III' water
Uhi- (if |)iilili:' (loinnin
(Jnnlnut I'or towing..,
MiHI'lllIllIUHIIIH
Total.
Itlvurg.
'•ranet.
80, (i(l8
8:ii,:)4;i
111,400
27, 20:1
02, 487
1211, 111 4
y. 7(iO
114, 04M
I,;i40.200
OuiiiiIh.
Francs.
2. 220
180, r>iio
l.MI, 322
317,800
77, f>0,5
114, 2110
102,802
CI. 108
1,084,G'>5
Total.
Franei.
111,804
1,020,01)0
270, 788
n4r), 003
130,0112
223, b4(l
100, &71
U,'), IM
2,433,0ni
Annual income from i
oila received by the mate for years 18IW to the aboliiion of tolls
in 1871).
Ycftr.
Aiiniinl
iiu'oino.
Year.
Aiiuunl
income.
1838
Fraiicn.
5,013,310
r>, 477, 0118
5,2,S0,801
0,704,301
0, .'■)85, 821
7, 004, 282
7, 302, J5
8, 720, 000
11, 144, 401
0, ('.74, 023
0, 800, ;<5(i
8, 028, 30,-)
0. 387, 7110
10,3,'>U, 120
10, 082, 484
10, 082, 4.S4
0,. 050, 109
10, 300, 6611
1 1, 008, 348
10, 5.-!4, 528
7, 892, 782
1H50
Franct.
7,071 179
1H30
1800.
0,507, 133
1840
1801
1W!2
4, 0'.iO, 050
1841
4, 250, 020
4, 832, 003
4,077,100
1812
1803
1843
1804
180.')..
1844
4,871,249
1845
IHOO
5,370,470
1840
1807
3, 820, 188
1847
1808
3,721,024
1848
18U0
1870
3, 984, 408
2, 072, 088
1840.
181^0
1H7I
3, 283, 470
18.'il
1872
3, 777, 225
3, 705, 270
18,V.'
1873
IK.Vl
1874
3. 842. 400
18!i4
IhT.")
4, 270, 809
4,1,54,620
4, 402, 288
IB-W
1870
1850
1877
J857
1878
4, 203, 813
4,31)0,781
IS.W
1870
OlIAS. P
United Sta'jes Consulate,
Rotten, i^cptombcr 'Jl, 1890.
Williams,
Cotisul.
THE FOREZ CANAL.
JiFrOTiT BY COMMEKCIAL AOEXT MALMROS, OF ST. ETIENNE.
The Foivz Canal, dorived from the Loire River, is destined to the irri-
gation of that jiart of the jihiin conijirised between the Loire and the
Lifjnon Mountains, it is composed of three great branches giving ori-
gin to a hirge unmber of arteries. By the decree of 18(i3 a i>erpetual
concession of the canal was granted to the department of the Loire for
the irrigation of about ()r),(U)() acres, and granted for its construction
1,000,000 francs, representing about a (quarter of the total expense.
The works were thereupon comn)enced,but after some months, the sub-
scriptions being deemed iiKsuilh-iont, the const ruction was inteiTUptcd
for a long time. However, in ISS'2 a bill was passed assuring the com-
plete execution of the canal at the expense of the state by means of the
1887.
Total.
Franet.
i,o2u,o;)»
270, 7K8
.lif), 063
i;iu,o»'^
l>2;i, b40
]00,&71
145, ]M
'A4»:i,ora
ilion of tolls
AduurI
income.
Francii.
7,071,170
0,.n07, i;t3
4, (I'.IU, 1(50
4, 250, 020
4, 8;i2, 003
4,077,100
4,871,249
5,370,470
;i, 820, 188
3,721,024
3, 984, 408
2, 072, 088
3, 283, 470
3, 777, 225
3, 705, 270
3, 84'.', 400
4, 270, 80!)
4,154,626
4, 402, 288
4, 203, 813
4,300,781
MS,
Consul.
to the irri-
e and the
jiving ori-
l>erpetual
'. Loire for
istruotion
expense.
I, the 8ub-
iteiTUptod
<; the com-
ans of the
CANALS IN FRANCE.
123
following reaonrces: First, afiupidemcntarvsnbaicly of 1,222,000 franca
briiifrmff up the atate {?raMt to a tliinl of the whole cost ; second, a loan
to the departiiu'ntof the Loire hearinj,' intereat at 4 per cent.
Iho maintenance ami workinj; of the canal ahould be borne by the
department who each year was to liand over to the treasniy the net
proceeda until tlw whole anm advanced waa paid oft'. Immediatelv the
worka commenced a<,^ain and at the end of aix years the three branchea
were terminated to the aatiafaction of all parties and eapecially of the
farmera who dwelt in their vicinity.
Rvpcnsc— The expense of the construction of the Fore/, Canal reached
the aum of 7,037,100 francs. The followintf table shows the lenijtha,
area covered, and expenses of the construction at the different epocha-
Designation of tlio parts of tlio canal.
Works exociitod boforo 1883
Works oxeciitod up to 1888.
Total
Area fur-
nished.
Acrct.
18,000
5, 000
23, 000
Lt-njitli
of canal.
Miles.
100
15
11.'!
Bxpeuae.
Franet.
3, 000, OliO. 00
1,097,008.57
4, 097, 008. 57
The correct estimate of the remainder has not yet been ascertained
aa tlie canals are not yet completed, but it is expected that the whole
sum will not exceed the 7 millions already mentioned.
Worhnff of the canaL—The maintenance and working of the canal ia
done by the <lei)artment of the Loire, which emi)loya a regnlar ataft'of
engineers, overaeers, etc., for that purpoae.
T/ie sale of the tcater.— The water of irrigation is aold bv volume and
gauged With precision. The unit of subscription corresponds to a con-
tinual output of half a litre i)er second. The water can be employed for
any extent of land and destined to other uaea than that of irrigation aa
may be required. Nevertheless the subscriptions arc based on the
acreage. The lowest subscription which forms the unit is 40 francs,
ihe water for public fountains or industrial uses is paid at 160 francs
per litre.
Mode of distribution.— Some proprietors, and thoae amongst the
larg-eat consumers, take the water continually by special pipes, but by
lar the largest number receive it periodically and collectively. The
members of these groups are served through the same pipe placed at
the head of a stream, branching out into secondary rills so as to bring
the water to the limits of each farm. The pipe ia furnished with a
flood-gate and a gauging apparatua, attended by a man who regulates
the opening so that each riH receives the volume of water required,
l^ach of the members of the groups receives once a week, the same davs
and at the same hours, the totality of the outflow during a time which
IS always in proportion to the importance of his subscription. For this
purpose the proprietor i)laces on the rill at the head of his f\irm a sluice
which he opens and shuts at will. The irrigation commences on the
land the f^irthest off from the canal, and when tiio time is ui) the nro-
prietor behind closes the rill and turns the water on to his own land
and so on until the farm nearest the i)arent canal is served, so that no
fraud can be cominitted, or very rarely so. Thanks to this organization
the suryeillants have very little trouble, and in anv case frauds are
easily discovered,
Irrioation tahles.—^^ch year before the 1st of April the irrigation
tables are made out by the agents of each subdivision and posted up iu
\w
■ i.
i
I
1 ! *
124
CANALH IN KUANCE.
fl,n nn.voiH' ()m.'.'« mitil the 1st of N..v(Mnl)W. Bosi.los oacl. snbflcrll.er
i : . ■ or iml IH" i....ssc.ss,.^. The ini^Mtion .s ,imn.R(..l u, su. !. a nan^
, 1 t vciv Hi..alU«st pn>|.n.'t«.r ivcr'vos Ihe water nl ha^t two
i;;;;,'!; a,Hl (l,e vohnne .nsrilu.tlul ranges Iro.a 7 to 15 htros per «econ<l.
"Mi.riii' siiMvij-n is av()i(U'»l as iimch aH posHiuU^
' W« / //r;;/l.//on.~.'rhe waters „f the <.anal are used al.nost ex-
rh IS V V Ibr the irriuaiion of arlitleial ov natural pastures.
''' Cn/J.l-Kirs ^rrifrati..n by hori.outal rills lor Imuls »"vvuk
cHMtain Knullen.l Seeon.l. Irrigation h.y wooden troughs, wlnelns well
"'u:'h:Mi;eJ^'n'^hIl are use.l with ,reat advantage by tlu«nM)st
i mvthoC marshy weeds; but this eoines Iroin the lault ol t u' propiie-
f. s wh n e et to till the hollows .»r holes and Kive a rej-ular slope to
the nusulowr llowever, they are bepnniuK to do better as they gain
'^''\Z!!Z'l;rirri,uttion.-^Vhe resalts ol>taiued by the eouscientioua pro-
TM . orl M V Tsat sVa<-t()rv. Son;;-, lauds f.u' which 2,500 tra.u^s the
et re (•> 47 ae e was paid betore this systeu, of irripHuu. are now
rtlS,uio,Va.,es. The results lor others are more ]"«;!»:,« ;,>,^^.,«"
e, eo naoinj.. Mea.lows whieh h.Melotbre were valued at A<» \''" »
J .1 1 not now be sold uiuler 4,500 franes. As it takes tyou 500 to (.00
; e e e^aV;^^^^^^^^^^^^ i'ood n.eadow, the protlt ^^ ^^^^^ ^^
I ; iV nes and due to irrif^ation. The hire ot farn.s has a so uotably
rnerltas^il ; lands whieh wen. let at W francs before the existence ot the
canals now obtain easily 'JOt> iranes.
ncvclopmvHt of the »yi>tem of irri(iaHon from 1871 io 1885.
Ijpnsth of
Extent of
I'rotluction.
Yonrs.
canal.
Kilomrlri's.
irri}!iitiou.
Ilertarft.
Franr».
:)l.l)40
■Jll
8, 435. 30
1R71 ..
;n. 1)1(1
185.2.')
0, 833. 50
187-2 ■;■...
32.»ti710
ItiO. 70
4, 335. 34
187;t
38. 70:no
211.44
10,048.11
1K71 .
3». 70310
204. ni
12,081.11
187S
63. 1701 -J
307. 70
13,612.40
1870 ...
fi3.1701-J
30.1. 33
15,703.10
1877
79.04347
3i;o. eo
1«,0«3.00
85. 1746.'>
408. 36
17,023.82
1S7!»
DO. 'JSriO;')
fiOO. 49
18,851.30
1S80
10J.328ir>
540. 75
20, 050. 63
1S81
104. 0003.')
C6H.40
20, 014. 23
IKfi-J
llU.OOOiif)
533. 70
20, 337. 04
188;i
104.0003.'")
563. 50
21, 020, 03
1881
104. C9'J85
011.80
22,013.64
1885
.
1 Uil>mi.>ttv:-B<"ilo- llioctil
re-- 2.471 acre
s.
The Slow progress of irrinatiou remarked in the plain of the Foroz is
to I H^t ti^l. Hi to the want of initiative on the part of many proprie.
tor^ind to the relative importance of the expenses to be incurred in
!l !r,M^n ; lin of the lauds which hitherto did not receive the^waters
«'r f .■.V'..:,n.,i It i,..s been already stated that the cosr oy uccuire
a n^it 'd i '500 o H> fJam- J^ and farmers hesitate to lay out that smij^
rtltS^^^^ ai<e convinced of the profits they would gain, while again
subscriber
)n of evtirj
iicli a luaii
t h'ast two
)er wecoiKl.
almost ex-
< haviiiR a
liicli is well
)y tlu» most
employ Uio
• I raCcd and
/ t'tnployeti.
H I'avor tlio
I lie i)roprie-
ilar slojwto
s tliey gain
out ion a pro-
I) iVaiuis the
ion arc now
est, yet still
2,000 francs
,m mK)to(iOO
then nearly
also notably
stonceof tlio
nt of
rrotluction.
itiou.
are».
Francg.
11
8,4:i5.30
85. an
0, 833. 50
tlO. 70
4, 335. 34
!U.44
10,048.11
;o4. ni
I'J.OSl.U
507. 70
13,512.46
iti.1. ".la
15,703.10
ISO. CO
10, 003. 00
408. ;!5
17,023.82
riOfl, 40
18, S.") 1.30
54!). ir>
20, 050. 63
568.40
20, 034. 23
5;!3. 70
20, 337. 04
553. r.o
21,020.03
011.80
22,013.64
if the Foroz is
nany i)roprie-
l)e incurred in
ve the waters
st l>,v hectare
out that sum,
n. while again
CANALS IN FRANCE. 125
the fanners have generally only a lease of from six to nine years, and
r«STimlfto"n;;>y't!" '" ""^"'"'^^ "'""'^ "''^""''" ""' '""'y 'h.^ye'mch
The amount of Water to be derived from the Loire is fixed at 6 cubio
metres per secrond wit h permission to increase this quantity progressively
nL.?fH ""•" ".""''In- f'''' ^^'" J"" I'"-'*' Of determining the sections
?L V .Vv ""fZu^ ';"'?'M"^'^'«'^ '"^ve been taken as basis. On the
Is 1, dav oi Apn , 188!) M.O kilometres 840 metres of the canal were iu
activity ot winch ,i7 kilometres ;{r> metres belonged to the nuiin canal, the
re namder to the bianeh arteries. The entire work is iu a sound con.
dition. iJowever, the nupermeability of the canal and its branches
eaves at certain points much to be desired. The tiltratious of water
thereby produced con.stitute not only a «langer to the stability of the
embankment at sucii jioints, l)ut have also the imjouveiiience of irreatlv
reuuciiig the net reveuues of the canal. It is proposed to devote all sur-
plus reveues ot the canal to reme<ly this <lefect. Although the advan-
tages ot irrigation in the Plainedu l^orez ai-e iucontestable the receipts
nave but feebly iu<;reased.
qi?i^r?i ^^'A *° 1«8^» »'<'lu«ive, have been given in preceding table.
Since then they have been as follows : b " «•
1887 ^™"<'»-
1888.... 24,«)'28.:J7
188<).... 27,307.43
i8yo(o«un.i^f)::::::::::::;:::::;:::::::::::;:::;;;;;;;:;;;;-;;;-;---j^^
Secondary brauohes are constructed whenever the subscriptions in
a region are snaicient to guarantee a revenue of 00 per cent, of the
wTw «>i ;?;if'''''^''Z ■'•'''" Pi-ol>'tble expenses during the year 1890
win De w8,0;>0 francs, leaving a suri)lus of 1,950 francs.
DEPARTMENT OF THE LOZijRE.
In this department there is no irrigating canal constructed or owned
eitner ijy the state or any of its subdivisions or by any private incor-
porated company or syndicate, yet believing that irrigation as practiced
in the depart^aent and the laws regulating it may be of some interest,
1 submit the following remarks in regard thereto :
Up to the present, a special account of the lands irrigated in the
department of the Loz6re has not been kept. The lower valleys are
generally ungated as well as the sloping lands, .iud the quantity of hay
ana straw «leiived from grounds thus irrigated has increased fourfold
ana tne quality has also been considerably a- meliorated. The average
pnce ot land submittetl to this irrigation has increased 4 and 5 per
jVowrces 0/ ica/er supph/.-lSo river, lake, or reservoir of importance
exists in thedepartment, but some rather good streams traverse iu differ-
fariuer*^ "'^ country and are availed of by the most intelligent
Character of worU.~T\\(^ method generally adopted iu the Lozere
consists in cutting through the banks of the streams and causing the
water to flow through the land by rills slightly inclined. As the amount
ot water depends on the tlushiug of the streams by the rainfall it often
liappens that m summer a great lack is ex|)erjenced. In sneh euses
the proprietors of the soil have an understanding with each other and
irrigate alternately. The water derived from springs is collected iu
reservoirs and distributed by means of pipes made ad hoc. The trac-
126
CANALS IN FRANCE.
'
iu{?of the rill.s is vory HimpU). The fiirmor cuts >no from the stream
direct uiul prolongs it to the jmkI of his land and then traces arteries
on each side of it as becomes necessary.
Water distribution.—Tlm administration of the department has not
80 far regulated by any special laws the system of irrigation in the
Loz5re, but has left it entirely to the people themselves, who are gov-
erned by the general laws of irrigation, which are as follows :
The proprietorH of lunil bordering on a rmining water other than such as belong to
the public (loiuain (utato) may make use of hiksU water for irriKatiug their laiid. lii
caHo the water I'liiiH through the property the owner may even within the limits of
bisbiud divert mich water from it« natural course for purposes of irrigation, provided
it is restored to its natural course at the point where the water again issues from his
property.
The proprietors of an estate traversed by a running stream can not absorb entirely
such waters to the ))rejudico of lower riverside owners, even if such water docs not
Buftice for the complete irrigation of his own estate. In such a case it l)eIongs to the
province of the local courts of Justico to so regulate the use of said water between
the several riverside owners as ito conciliate the general interest of agriculture with
the rights of private property.
The prefeotsof departments are invested with powers of making police regulations
coucerniug the manner of using all running w.aters not navigable nor lloatable.
Every proprietor who in order to irrigate his land desires to make use of either nat-
ural or artilicial water courses of which ho has the right to dispose may obtain the
passage of such water across intervening estates on first paying a just indemnity to
the owners of the last-named estates. Excepted from this servitude are houses, roads,
gardens, parks, and inclosures belonging to dwelling houses.
The owners of land lying below the estates so irrigated are bound to receive the
waters running off from the latter on receiving a just indemnity. The exceptions
mentioned to the previous apply also to this servitude.
The contests arising out of said servitude, the location of the pipea or other
waterways, the dimensions and forms of the latter, the iudenmitiea due to either the
proprietors of said intervening estates or of the estates through which the water
runs off from the irrigated property, have to be submitted to the tribunals of justice.
These will proceed in a summary manner, conciliating the interests of the irrigating
works to be established, with the respect due to property, and appoint, in case a
valuation should be necessary, an export, but not more than one. Riverside owners
of land entitled to irrigation h ive tlio privilege of supporting their dams or other
structures required for that purpose on the land on tho opposite side of the river by-
paying a just indemnity to the owner of such land.
The peasantry therefore being completely free to control the irriga-
tion of their lands they use the water according to their wants. Irri-
gation is eftected at three diifercnt periods of the year: (1) Before the
first cut; (2) immediately after, and (3) in September before the cold
Sftfs 111
The method of irrigation as given above, being so simple and rudi-
meutary, it is difficult to calculate the expense, which in all cases is
excessively small if not insignificant. The farmers trace the rills iu
winter when they have nothing else to do. The springs belong to the
proprietors of the lauds in which they are situated, and the streams
belong to nobody iu particular, but all who live on their borders pos-
sess the right of use of them as defined by tho civil laws already cited.
Climate and soil.— The Department of the Loz^re is the most elevated
of the central departments of France. It is traversed in <lirTerent direc-
tions by lofty mountains with profound valleys intervening. The winter
consequently is rigorous to an extremedegree on the height'^. The snow
makes its appearance early in the month of October and does not dis-
appear before the first fortnight in May. Parts of the country are ren-
dered uninhabitable by the frequent snow storms whicli beat with fury
the heights. In tlie valley the climate is cold iu wiuter and not warm
iu summer except at the southern part of tho department.
CANALS IN FRANCE.
127
and'srScr"' '"° ""'' '■'""'™""'^' "-"^ i- ''•'r the most part chalky
paStS'LlIfolK^" ''•■"'""" '" "'■"" *«■-'"" '-"o"^ of the de.
MoiKle (chief lowii) .. „.. .
Marvejols millimetres.. 73:J=2 feot nnr1,««
viiiofort :::::;:;::::::: ''«; «4h=2 f.otSo s:
metres.. 2=0 feet 8 iiichea
OSOAB MALMROS,
United States Commkrcial Aciknt, ^'^"'^'^^^^'"^ ^O^nt
i^t. mienne, June 10, 1890.
COGNAC.
REPORT BY CONSUL EARLE.
it, that it was very roper yS^^
transportation in this coiisularTi S. ,• i ^"i^'^"^ ^^^ ''"^»^" ^^ter
It is eftected by teer Tj Lhnnn ^ ^^i^\'^ "^^"'"^l waterways,
folding nmsts, a7d hfvL i canaP^?rnf f '^'^'^^^ ^^t*^' fu^'^i^hed with
Thesefas a rule, L nmnfuvererbfa couT JfV'' T *."f ?^" '"'^•l^"'
a syndicateof h ffger ownerr I nn . n , hill "F ^''^f' belonging to
by river and rail comfm^rbut at rm- f tt nf'f '/''^ ^^^ ^'^'^^^ ^^^^es
the carrying trade of iognac is by ?he Chare' te''' ""'' '^""""'^ "^'
Garonne'T,d o?S MeJi^' S?'"'', '^ 'J'" f ^'^^^ ^^^^^'^^ «^««J o^ the
tets in the Aepartment of t^e G ZL'^'nnJ'f ^'T '^l'''^'' ^^ ^as-
southeasterly d rect ^to the town of fef^^ ^'^^ ^T.'" Bordeaux, in a
rault. It begins, therefore fntTo .1^!. •*'?^"\ ^^^ Department of Hd-
and end in tifa of the cttul o^^^^^^^^^^ th^^o^mX at Bordeaux,
therefore, give you all necessarv infnrmlr ^« f ^ese gentlemen will
myself with «a^-ng thatTfclaf D 1 e" T'l^'l ''^^^^^^'.^ «°"tent
i^i:^s:rsS5??-^^
and are formiiK to tilts purpose ' "'""P™"^ 1"'™ bee,, formed
'^^^^l^^^^l^t:^^''^' I ^-a" ^ave .o
Edward P. Earle,
United States Consulate, Consul.
Cognac, Attgust 14, 1889.
128
i I
CANALS IN FRANCE.
HAVRE.
REPORT UY VOSSUIj DUFAIS. OV HAVRE,
Tlio canals in my coiiHiilar district, oiiibiaciiij? tlicarroiidl.ssementHof
Havre and Yv«'tot in tlni Dcpartmc.it of tlio Seitic-lnlciit'iiio, tiic I)e-
partinentH of Calvaaos, IllcetVilaiiic, Maucho, Mayeune, and Orne,
aro the following;:
1. Tlio canal of Tancarville, from llavrotoTancarville (on tlio Soino).
2. The canal fronjOaon (Calvados) into tlio soa at Oiiistrcliiim.
.'{. Tlio canal from llonnos (Ilh^ot-Vilainc! and Cotes du Nord)totlio
mouth of the river Kawce, near Dinaii.
4. The canal from Coutiinces (Manclie) to the sea.
5, The canal Vire and Taute, (ionnectinj; the town of Les Ornea on
the river Tautc witli I'orribeton the river Vire (Depart, do la Manchc).
CANAL OF TANCARVILLE.
The daiifjer to small river (sraft in navigatingf the lower Seine, and
particularly its estuary, necessitated tho construction of this canal. Its
lenjjth Is about IS miles, connecting the docks of Havre, through the
Bassin do 1' Euro, with the river Seine at Tancarville, where the river
contracts and becomes safe for river navigation ; tho work was linished
and inaugurated on tho UTtli July, 1887.
Tho soil through which tlie canal i)a88es being mostly alluvial, the
cutting presented very little ditliculty. The excavations amount to
about 5 million cubic meters.
The canal emerges from the Bassin do I'Eure about live-eighths of a
mile from this point; it bends to tho northeast on a curve of about 050
yards; it then crosses the plain of Graville St.-Ilonorine diagoimlly,
passes in front of Ilarfleur to within tive eighths of a mile of this town
(to which there is a branch of the canal), and, following a (Mirve of about
3,2(50 yards, strikes tho foot of the cliffs of Gonfreville, Orclier, Koger-
ville, Oudalle, and Sandouville up to the light house of Le Bode, from
whence it reaches Tancarville in a straight line through tho meadows
of St. Vigor, Cerlangue, and Tancarville, where it.joins tho river Seine
at the foot of the Capo of Tancarville, about 00 miles below liouen.
As said, a branch perpendicular to the line of tho canal connects it
with Hartleur, to which the depth of water is 19A feet; from Ilartleur
to Tancarville, U^ feet; its width from Havre to Uartiour, 02 feet, and
from there to Tancarville, 81^ feet.
The normal level of the canal is 3;^ feet below the mean level of the
land between Havre and Tancarville, or 24J feet above tho zero of the
water of the charts of Havre.
At Havre steamboats and vessels pass from the Bassin do I'Eureinto
a "garage "or receiving basin 103 feet in width, 750 feet in length;
from there into a locked basin or "sas" 587 feet long and 98 feet wide
through two double gates, from which they emerge through another
like gate into the tluvial basin 190 feet wide, and 1,900 feet long. At
Tancarville, where the springtides and accomi)auying bar reach an ex-
traordinary height, there is a single gate (32 feet in height from the
bottom), and another one of 30 feet iu height forming a lock of 176 feet
in length. The depth of water at the first gate at the lowest ebb is 10^
feet, and at tho lowest high tide 22 feet. From the lock vessels pass
I !i
idiHsementH of
liemo, the De-
UP, and Oriie,
on tlui Siiino).
trcliiiin.
I Nord) to tbo
Les Ornes on
ela Miincbe).
'er Seine, and
lis canal. Its
S throujjb tlie
hero tlie river
k was linished
y alluvial, the
us amount to
eeightlis of a
e of about 050
10 dia^jonally,
of this town
Mirve of about
►rcher, Koger-
jC Elode, from
the meadows
lie river Seine
jw Rouen,
al connects it
frotn Elarfleur
r, 02 feet, and
iU level of the
be zero of the
de I'Enreinto
:et in length;
i 98 feet wide
ough another
I'et long. At
: reach an ex-
ight from the
mk of 176 feet
rest ebb islOJ
V vessels pass
CANALS IN FHANCE.
129
into the "sas^or locked h-iMin nvi? <• * i
" ^';»g'»\ m> lurnisl,™ tho Bei'vicp <»nvoMie.it points ,
iho canal is numaced I»v tha «foL i
workH by tbeaclnnniS iifof ro,Sfam(bS «^ P»^'i«
No tollH are levied. *'"^ bridges (Pouts et Ohaussdes).
^^The^masonry of the locks, etc., is of the most solid description, being
est^nr:^^;;S);iK:;i;;:^iS. s;;.:t^^^'«r'r "- -■«-»
consequence of 8i)eculali,»n haviui! tX^uU^^^ I'riiKiipally i„
priation of uecesiary la.u to the ex; , /Jf^ '» an icipation of appro,
a change in the ori^^nal pbuKs '^^. I" ^f Z ^f f?''"'' ''""^ "'«« *«
l^fJIio^Sri^llS'llSli^il'S^^ l-e about
nnunder fell upon the State. ^"'"'"^'^^*^ ^^ "a^re $1,000,000. The re-
The principal localities which sit flm f;,..« ^<^4.i
were in active relations wS IJavL dow .fr ^^^ ^^'"""^ ^^ *''« C'"^^!
Sone Paris, and Rouen, a Nancy a mrPnin^i'V*''*' *''*^ ^'""'^^ «f t»ie
and Moselle, which sent cargoeSal U Sl'i'^T^'^ "•^' Meurthe,
were grain of all sorts, cotton lye woods n^^^^^^^^ the principal goods
now ujostly pass through the canal ' l^*-'t^'^>Iei»m, etc., goods which
^o^o^'st!:zr::^.Z'7i^^ «^'-^ "^^^aiands,-
;ron, of a length of 125 to 130 feet ts to ^7.1 V f^^^^fV/O''^ true ted of
trom 300 to 450 tons, with 5 ftoMo iJ? f"''^. I'rcadth, and carrying
chalauds of the Genen^^ Tmns^'or Uio ? r ?. '^'''^^ ^^ ^''^'^'' ^^^''^ iron
through the estuary of the S W .o i ""'"l''"'^ ^'^'^^
brc^adthof26feet,KutheJcatSeS;L'T^'^ f '''' teet';^'
and are trading mostly wit^h iSuZ Zl r'ris^'"''*"' '^'^''" «^ «'^"'''«
nage varies from 250 to 700 tons on a len\rS of lo, r'."^''\ ^^*''' ^O"-
16 feet, 7^ feet high in the middirdrawifJ f w ?rf • ^'^*^ ^ ^^''^th of
{-gate such canals as Have a ^i^^J^f^^^iSlSr^f^S
?t^f. r?iffl"l/'/^^"^ ^-^^ tugboats.
liable to variations, but one U Se of t?.'il nf^'' '^ ^' "^ ^^♦^''^^^^t are
regular and quicker mode of ri^-er imvi/aHon I ''^^^' '^^^' *« ^ "^"''e
wine, timber, petroleum, etc., arelar'^e Iv forw;r.i^? ^""^ZX"- ''"^^' g''«'"»
cotton for the mills in the East wl foh f£ ^''''™'^^^ ^y this canal, also
by rail ; on the other hand, he^v y a'd bulkv'iL7' «^«'"f ^^'^ sbippecl
mi " "^*^" ^ francs per ton ""^ "^ ^^^"^ to i!
. k.
1 !
1 '
MM
130
CANALS IN FRANCE.
The following table gives the number of boats and tonnage up and
down stream since the opening of the canal:
Total traffic for 1887, 1888, and 1889.
For the year 1887 the movement Is from August 1 to end of December, and for 1880 from January
1 to August 31.
CANAL FROM CAEN TO THE SEA.
This canal has been constructed to give access to sea-going vessels to
the nort of C3aen from Ouistreham on the sea, so as to remedy serious
inconveniences wM^^^^^ through the river Orne was exposed
to? TtTs constructed on a\ingle level with locks .^t eithj end ; its
i\;n«rfh is about 9§ of a mile (13,987 meters , with a depth of 17 feet.
'Xe "oriS traLveJse secU of the canal (as illastrated beh>w pre^
sents a bed (or cunette) with embankments, tow path, etc. This bed
h?s at the bottom a width of 32 feet and at the top of 88 feet; the era-
bankments are 16 feet wide, the tow-path 42 feet on the top and 72 at
' Ydo'c^Cgaref fJo ^e'et ?n tgth is below the bridge at BlaineviUe
and a second one of 975 feet in length is immediately above the lock at
^ The canal' is crossed by four turning bridges at important Pomts, the
abutments of which leave a passage varying from 40 to 40J feet in
width The roadway of the bridges is llj feet wide, and their length
il 85 feet The construction of the canal was authorized by a law passed
Julv 19 1837, in which year the work was begun but it was not until
1843 that the final project was adopted. The canal was opened to navi-
lation on the 1st of July, 1857, though some necessary complementary
fork was not flnShed until 1859. At that time the canal had cost
rbnntll940 000, including the locked basin at Ouistreham and the
SS at Orn'rcalled the New Dock ; both these works costing about
^ T^i?^' oa^ual is fed by a sweet-water stream called the Odon, and by
water ckawn from the river Orne by means of a movable b..r or dam,
which obstruction is at all times, except in the winter season or sprmg
*^ The'canal is not used for irrigation, as the land through which it
passes does not need it.
'1-;-
»nnage up and
CANALS IN FBANCE.
.
Knmber
ptDnaces.
}nna<;e.
Up.
Down.
6S, 097
291, 574
207, 634
17
182
116
17
190
109
for 1880 from January
■going vessels to
remedy serious
Qe was exposed
either end; its
)th of 17 feet,
ated below) pre-
, etc. Til is bed
88 feet ; the era-
le top and 72 at
^e at Blaineville,
ibove the lock at
irtant points, the
to to 40J feet in
and their length
d by a law passed
} it was not until
,8 opened to navi-
y complementary
e canal had cost
streham and the
ks costing about
the Odon, and by
,rable b!ir or dam,
• season or spring
through which it
131
urn pore oi <^aen through the river Orue is not included :
IMPOKTS,
Morcbandiso.
Mercbamlise.
Coal
Timber
Oil seeds
Soap
Cement
Salt
Pig iron
M infra) tar.
Bricks
Tons.
Oats
Ice
Pyrites ...
Wheat
Oranges ..
Iron
Various* .
Total
6,433
300
590
9,969
380
100
7,004
331, 219
* Various merchandise comprises coffee, sugar, hides, indigo, tallow, grease, etc.
EXrOKTS.
stone
Paving stones
lion ore
Barley
1,680
3,(. .
5,514
29r
Oil-cake ..
Various...
Total
728
1,685
15,561
United States Consulate,
Eavre, France, October 3, 1889.
F. F. DUFAIS,
Consul.
CANAL FROM NANTES TO BREST.
Ji£POJiT OF CONSUL SHACKELFORD.
int^tlo^^etr/s^tlfersfeS^^ ?/« -"es, divided
a distance of 69 miles It tavp.fai^ ^""'W^^ *^ ^^^ city of Eedou,
emptyinginto the Loire. TWs 8t?e JS to L«^H*^'r ^'^f"' ^ «"^^" "^«r
isee, adapted for nav^iou by £s and looL ^Ti'"^"^ ^°'?' '^ «^"^»-
are in the center of the citv Thi wi . ; ^^f ^^"^ ^"^ *^o locks
!,.., ^^.m^ufi juuviivixa mm numerous small rivers. ' " "''
tm ;J
"*?•
•■ ' ; W
! il
I I
fi;
!H
CANALS IN PRANCE.
I am indebted to the chief engineer for the following answers to my
questions :
1 Navigfttion was established between the rivers Loire and Vilaine by the com-
^'? ll.:c2t^:f'Sfl,'sraoVtf Ihe city of Redon was 7,752.5-31 francs 20 cen-
times. Of this section 24 miles was dug by hand and 45 miles by junctions with
small rivers canalisde. ..,..„ ^ . t. m r t^ T»«..ti, nt
3. The width at the surface of the water is 13.48 metres, about 50 foot. Depth of
water, 1.52 metres, about 5 feet.
4. The locks and their dimensions are as follows :
No. of locks.
Width.
Len«tli.
Id
12
3
2
Metret.
5.30
4.70
4.70
4.70
Metret.
32.44
2«. 85
20. :io
0.28
5. It was constrncted by the Govornment and is the property of the state.
(5. The boats belong to individnals. , , . , r xi ^..t „^.,«
7 Tlie oouatruction of the canal has increased the trade of the section ot conn-
try through which it passes. The tonnage of goods transported by the canal was:
Tons.
21,580
1838
184-J
187(5
59,465
90,231
t?88::::"::::::::::"::::::::::':::::::"::':--:: -■ - ■- 129,739
8. Boats loaded for the past throe years :
Year.
IPRfi.
1887.
1888.
No. of
boats.
1,477
1,773
1,812
Tdunago.
101, 160
119,540
129, 739
It is difficult to estimate the value of their cargoes, but the proportions of the ar-
ticles transported may be classiiicd as follows :
Articlos.
BiiiUlinK.stoiio
Wood for fuol and coiistiiictioii
AIllDHl'O •
Apriciiltiinil in-oducU
M iscellrtiipoiia
1886.
1887.
Per cent.
I'cr cent.
33
18
27
30
13
24
11
14
14
14
1888.
Per cent.
27
36
10
12
15
'.) As to tolls, they wore colloctod formerly by a fixed tariff of rates, but that sys-
tem was abolished liy law of February 19, 1880, and tlioy are now colloctod by special
'^"l.*^ The water is supplied by rivers on the route of the canal and from the following
sources:
Source.
Keservoirdo Viorenu
Pond of A^'ioreau
Pond do la Probostioro.
Keservoir do Boiil do Hijr.s
lioaorvoii' d r Etaii^ an MC-o. . .
Total
Area.
Ilcctares.
J81.65
20. 95
73. 18
35. 39
67.3'J
Amount.
Cubic vietret.
7,451,280
504, 108
1, .513, 852
368, 300
1.200,000
11,037,040
answers to my
aino by the com-
i31 fraucs 20 cen-
jy jitnctious with
feot. Depth of
CANALS IN GERMANY.
CANAL VS. RAILWAY TRAFFIC.
133
ni 1 f ""^.^ ^' ^"^ the eighth question it is shown that the articles trans
ported by the camil are few in nnmber and conflned to heavv b,X
m"VwVconntr"'^ *'" '''^'' ""'^^^ ^ ^«»-<^ i« thcPSp^^ie'nceln
n. A. SlIACICELFORD,
Consulate of tue United States, Consul
Nantes, France, September 12,' 1889.
bhe state.
le section of conn-
y the canal was:
Tons.
21,580
59,465
90,231
129,739
No. of
boats.
1,477
1,773
1,812
TouDago.
101, 160
119,540
129, 739
portions of the ar-
1887.
1888.
ht.
Per cent.
Per cent.
13
18
27
i7
30
30
13
24
10
U
14
12
14
14
15
rates, hut that sys-
coUoctod by special
i from tlie following
Area.
Amount.
Icciareg.
181.65
20. 95
73. 18
35. 39
57.3'J
Cubic metres.
7, 4 jl, 280
504, 108
1, .513, 952
368, 300
1,200,000
11, 037, 040
GERMANY.
GERMAN CANALS.
RE POUT liY CONSUL EDWAIiDS, OF liERLIN
Ge^n3:xta^vrs:;:,Sjrvi/"'' """"" "'"'" '""' "■"
^n^dlp-^eti^airiErrerintoIr "^""'' ''"''=" »""- "■« Oa.r
i„te»Kr'' *""""' "'''"'' """<'" "«' «'"«"• »'"» Havel, is 48 kilometres
inleDgtr' ^''°^'' ''""'' '"""" "" ^"""^ ""•' l''""*. ta 35 kilometres
i.,ten1:"th!""" ^*""' """"'' """"" ""^ ""'"'"' ""'' n-'™'. te 3» kilometres
meJsTlXfh. *'"'''''' """"' ""''^^ "» Ol"-- ""'1 Woiscbel, is 28 kilo-
IMPORTANCE.
ine great progress made by Berli.i durino- thn T^Q«f 9n ,,^o^ 1 1
OWNERSHIP.
oSroVsl^^^litt."'^ ''^"<'" •""■« ^-''"" -S^avfZeTreoT,;
TRAFFIC.
The traffic is immense; the rates of transportation very low.
•I -J
4
IS
iJUL
wgm(m*»^"
134
CANALS IN GERMANY.
ADMINISTEATION.
The canals are aclministerea witli great care and with the best possi-
Die pecuniary advantage to tlio Government.
CONSTRUCTION.
The gradually falling courses of the rivers of Prussia favor the con-
struction and operation of canals. Some- canals were constructed ex-
clusively tor the purpose of preventing inundations, whilst some others
serve only for wood floating.
By reference to Map ii it will be observed that the Elbing-Nogat
Canalleads to the " Frische-Haff," a part of the Baltic Sea.
7. The Johannisburg Canal unites several lakes, the i)rincipal traffic
being wood floating.
8. Hamme-Oste Canal unites the Elbe and Weser.
9. Hunte-Ems Canal unites the Weser and Ems.
10. Jade Canal unites the North Sea and Ems.
11. Ems-Rhin Canal unites tlie Rhine and Ems.
12. Hadamar Canal unites the Elbe and Weser.
. ^2',?^*^®^ Canal, near Kiel, leaps from the Baltic to the North Sea,
18 48 kilometres in length, 11 feet deep, apd 96 feet broad on the sur-
face.
14. The Luwdig's Canal in Bavaria is very important, uniting the
Donau, the Maia, and the Rhine. It is 188 kilometres in length, 5 to 6
leet m depth, 54 feet breadth on tho surface, and 34 feet at the bottom.
15. Alsace-Lorraine-Rhine-Rhone Canal leads from the Rhine near
Strasburg to the Rhone in France.
10. Rhine-Marne Canal leads from the Rhine near Strasburff to the
Marne, in France. *
17. Saar Canal leads from Saarburg to Saargemiind.
The testimony is unanimous that all these canals have been worked
tor the benefit of the people, and have aided materially in advanciu*'
the commercial prosperity of the country. "
W. H. Edwards,
T,„ „ ^ Consul- General.
United States Consulate-General,
Berlin, October 9, 1889.
f
ALSACE-LORRAINE.
HEPORT BT CONSUL JOHNSON, OF KTKL.
INTRODUCTION.
The canal system of Alsace-Lorraine consists of six main canals with
several branch canals. The main canals are :
1. The Rhine-Rhone-Canal from the French frontier to Miilhausen and
thence to Strasburg.
2. The Strasburg Canal system.
3. The Breush Canal from Goolsheim to Strasburg.
4. The Rhine MarneCanal from the French frontier to Saaburff. Fa-
Dern, Ffalzbburg, Hochfeldeu, Brumath to Strasburg.
6. The Saar Coal Canal, from the Rhine-Marne Canal, near Gonder-
smgen, to Saarbriicken.
CANALS IN GERMANY.
135
>e8t po8si<
r the con-
ructed ex-
ine others
ing-Nogat
pal trafific
orth Sea,
I the sur-
iting the
th, 5 to 6
e bottom,
line near
rg to the
I worked
[Ivanciug
)S,
eneral.
als with
iisen and
urff, Fa-
Gonder-
«
6. The Moselle Canal, from the Rhine-Marne Canal to Metz, with .
branches.
The number of boats frequenting the canals of Alsace-Lorraine is
about 1,500, manned by about 4,000 persons. The size and carrying
capacity of the canal boats are different, according to their purpose
and according to the mode of building which is customary where they
are constructed. There are six principal classes, which are shown in
Table No. 1.
The Ehine-lVtarne and the Saar Coal Canal are regularly frequented
by J, 195 boats, the nationality of which is shown here below :
nomo coniitry.
Alsace-Lorraine
J'russia
Belgium and Lnxenibtirg
Franco
Uailuii
Total
Number
of bp' *,a.
30»
219
83
567
17
1,193
Per cent.
20
19
7
47
1
lOU
Under
200 tons.
141
13H
23
U
318
Over
200 tons.
168
81
83
M4
3
877
1. THE RHINE-RHONE CANAL.
This embraces the branch canals of Fliiningen, Colmar, and New
Breisach, also with the Strasburg (Janal system and the 111 Rhine Canal.
The first project of a water communication between the Rhine, near
Strasburg, Alsace, and the River Rh6ne near Lyons, France, by partly
using the river Doubs and Sadne, was made in 1744 by Marshal de la
Cliche, but the execution was delayed until 1783. From that time, first
of all, a communication between the river Sadne, near St. Symphorien,
and the river Doubs, near D61e, was commenced, which was nearly
finished in September, 1792.
The continuance of canalization was already granted when the Revo-
lution broke out and caused aa interruption in the course of construc-
tion. Not until 1805, under Napoleon 1 , could work be vesumed upon the
whole line from Ddle to Strasburg, but during the var time, notwith-
standing the employment of prisoners of war tho progress was very
i^low.
Although the canal was finished in its principal construction in 1814,
the navigation upon it could only be opened to Besancon, France, in
July, 1820, and up to MUlhausen in 1829.
The branch canal from Mtilhausen to the Rhine near Fliiningen, which
can not be dispensed with as a water supply for the distance from Miil-
hausen to Strasburg, was commenced in 1824, but could only be opened
in 1834.
According to the first project the expenses for the establishment of
the Rhine-Rh6ne Canal in 1744 were estimated at 13,000,000 francs
($J,476,190), but the execution of the work up to 1820 cost already
11,000,000 francs. For th6 further continuance there was deemed suflft-
cient a sum of 10,000,000 francs, but even this sum, procured upon
shares by a 6 per cent, loan, proved insufldcient. The State had still to
add for the total completion of the canal the sum of 7,000,000 francs,
giving a real building sura of 28,000,000, and with further raised
marks ($5,380,870), which shows for a total length of 350 kilometres an
expense of 64,570 marks ($15,374) per kilometre.
Under the Emperor Napoleon I the canal was called " Canal Napoleon,'^
m
i
^^^ CANALS IN GERMANY.
Se\rr!?i^at7r?;4t' ■" "'■'"' '"^V^^' «■» I'IBW™ Ual was ex-
2. THE STRASBURO CANAL SYSTEM
Ihe expenses amounted to :
i! or caualization of the 111 above anif i.«Vn"n^ VfVoVi W.,'n '':'", 608, 000
For the establi.h.ueut of ih7lXVcZ!:'2^^^^^ ,, gj ^
Total — '■
rn. ^ , ^ 2,000,000
2. Eenovation of 99 pair canal sluice-lock gates.
iislsisilpll
6. A new warehouse in Fliiningen.
8. xhe establishmt^nf, nf a. h».i/ip.« »..,;if u_ ^.i.-, ., ,, ,_..,,
^.!.cgv>, udtit uy the cttj of Miilhausen at
'
IMBK9A. MKm
ived again
lip to the
asburg its
first prqj-
Wie Canal
23.8 kilo-
iue boats,
ing canal
ow Stras-
il was ex-
t branch,
in in 1835
9s and of
1842, the
uence in
Marks.
608, 000
275J, COO
1,120,000
2, 000, 000
Canal,
SCO and
sxecuted
usively :
iiningen
I others,
Bk walls
ge over
; (2) the
(3) the
of the
eisach ;
I bridge
bridge
Sluice
aassive
bridge)
at the
to pass
lecting
Canal,
sen at
CANALS IN GERMANY. I37
9. The Breisach Branch Canal.
slniL'^;;tXnt?' '*"''' ''''' ^'"^"^''' •''"•^^«^' '"^''^ 'J^fe^tive
, }}\ 0"eIock bridge across the 111 within Strasburg, called "Tasan«n
brucke ;" (pheasant's bridge,) was put to a thorough repair. "'
12. A new warehouse near Sluice No. 85 of the Rhine-Rhdne Canal
iuarB?aTcl?Canar* ^"" ^" *'^ Khine-Rh6ne Canal an/t^S!;!.
14. Anew wrought-iron railing on the port basin and 815 8nnar«
"fXe'ttV"^
Besides this, considerable leakages were stopped, pavements effer-tPrt
a number of sluice doors repaired, and a la?gedfaZ^g sewer non'
structed along the Colmar Branch, Canal and up to the Rh?np %hAn«
Fo??LLT« ?'"'r ^"- V'' "'^ P"^P««« <^f the rZvaUf'le^kirg wa^^^^^
For these structures extraordinary means were used, viz :
1872 Marks.
1873 ...I,'."! ■■ 143.290
1874 ."."■.!.■".;." • 509,040
1875 101,310
1876 58,240
1877 221,830
87,750
Total
pended ?*" '^ '"'"uteuance of the Rhine-Rhone Canal were ex-
1872 .... Marks.
1873 '.'."'." 238,940
1874 158,980
1875 164,170
1876 142,220
1877 224,190
" 175,000
Total
1,103,C>00
This is in the average annually 9.33 mark per kilometre and for tho
whole cana in the average annually 183916 mirks. In 1877 nav gat on
Friih ^ 'f-^^'!:"P.^.'.^„^'^ ^^««"°* «f extraordinary repairs from ?»"
].? n '.iTf ^I ^^ Mulhausen from 1st to 15th of FebrSaiy and from
Ist to 31st of August, together forty-six days; in the then Mulhauseu
district, on account of frost, twenty-nine days ; 'in the then Breisach d^^
tnct, on account of the sinking of a boat, two days ; in the then Stras
burg district, on account of frost, from 22d to 31st of December n?ne
days; on account of high water, from February 15 to A^rH 17, thirty
On account of want of water boats could only use the Fluninaon
OKoW?''^ 7iJ^ * ^'^^^ ^^ ^^*«^ «f •«» "metres during the t me ?fom
October 1 until November, 1877. One boat was sunk on the canal .n
corpses were found in the canal in 1877. '
The old basin in Mulhausen, situated between the Sluices Nos 39 and
on'lv 9?K ^^% '^'^^?^ '^"P^^' ^^« ^ ^'^^^ «f 60 metres Td a length o^^
cient for ?rt%T' n ^^^ ^^^^^^FV^ P^«^*«"« '^^^' ^^^^ alreadyTsuffl
in "'f?t.K,tS?:..?f i?^^!fl!«' '' ^« too far distant from the great indus-
.!, .,,„.^^ a 01 iTiuuiausen and JJoiuach. For this reason thA
establishment of a second "New Port Basin" upon the soSi;d"Nord
I
m
m
-||||*«WH»^
138
CANAI>S IN GERMANY.
fold" {Northdchl), on Mic ikhMhms'., side of tlio city, was ordorod by
imperial decree, <lated April 13, 1870, hut tlie execution was prevented
by the outbreak of tlui war.
IJy virtue of the treaty of the city of Mliliiausen with *tho country
ndniinistration, dated December 22, 1871, to the eftect that the plans
made by the French enffincers should bo executed and that the state
iln °"'^ **^^ ^^ certain contribution, work was couunonced in spring
1872.
This contract was revoked on the .3d of October, 1873, after the "ad-
ministration of waterworks" had been organized on account of differ-
ent diificulties. The administration of waterworks then undertook to
carry out the work commenced.
By the first (French) project the river 111 was to flow through the
basin, and Quatelbach (Quatel Creek) was to be fed partly by the III,
partly by the Fliiniugen JJranch Canal from the Khire.
The 111 carries along with it massesof very fertile mud, which would
have been deposited in the dead water of the basin, and so have been
lost to the meadows of the Quatelbach. * In consequence of the above
facts, fifteen communities owning meadows on the Quatelbach and
Vauban Canal made a protest on the 15th of July, 1872.
In order to avoid dredging and other disadvantageous operations, an
entirely new project was made, by which the second basin is to form the
prolongation of the projected city, enlargement m a straight line.
The basin is 950 metres long and 40 metres wide, and the river 111 is
led into the Quatelbach through a vaulted canal along the basin with-
out being mixed with Rhine water. Tiie basin is fed by Khine water
exclusively, and on both sides of it are made bridle paths of 5 metres
width and store places of 12 metre width, as well as roadways of 8 5
metres width. A road bridge is built at the mouth of the canal,
which IS constructed to connect the basin with the Rhine-Rhone Canal.
The sewerage serves for the emptying of the basin, the building expenses
of which are estimated at 576,800 marks.
The Rhine-Rh6ue Canal is fed from the French frontier to Miilhan-
sen by water from the river Harg, and from there principally by Rhine-
water, the latter through the Flitningen Branch Canal. In consequence
of the great leakage of the Rhine-Rhone Canal, which is built with
coarse gravel, the want of water supply is so great that the Fluningen
Branch Canal is unable to cover the loss of water, especially at low
water in the Rhine.
This fleflciency became more evident after the opening of the Colmar
Branch Canal, in consequence of which the building of a new water-sup-
plying canal was concluded by the French Government by decree dated
August 12, 1863. This canal was called the Breisach Branch Canal,
and was at the same time intended to furnish a certain quantity of water
to the 111 for industrial and agricultural purposes.
This canal, now executed by the German Government, branches oflf
from the Rhine 800 metres below the pontoon bridge near Alt-Breisach,
crosses the landmark of Biesheim in a uorthwesterlydirection and runs
into the Biesheim Giesscn ; follows this for 980 metres and reaches the
Rhine-Rhone canal near Kuenheim, 700 metres above sluice No. 62,
but does not flow into it until 60 meters below sluice No. 62, running
80 long close to the right hand side bridle-path. Up to this place it has
a width of 10 metres at the bottom, a depth of water of 2 meters and
connecting the Rhine with the Rhine-Rhone cauul, it serves besides for
SUUDlvinfir water also fornaviVat'On nnd rafHn"- T?iiT.fK-»».f^», i^ « «;™;
lar way, running close to the right bridle-path, it follows the direction
1^
onlorod by
< prevented
ho country
the pluns
t the state
t(l in spring
er the *< ad-
t of differ-
dertook to
irough the
by the 111,
bich would
have been
the above
ilbach aud
rations, an
;o form the
aight line,
river 111 is
}a8in with-
jine water
)f 5 metres
i^ays of 8.5
the canal,
one Canal,
g expenses
Miilhau-
by Ehine-
n sequence
built with
Fiuuingen
lly at low
he Oolmar
water-sup-
cree dated
ich Canal,
y of water
inches oflf
-Breisach,
1 and runs
aches the
ce No. 62,
J, running
lace it has
eters and
•esides for
, in a simi-
I direction
CANALS IN GERMANY.
189
of the Rhine-RhAne canal nntil below shiico No. 03 at the branching oft"
of the Colinar branch canal ; but this latter distance has only a width
of 3 metres at the bottom and only servos for supplying water. Cross
profile and water-descent are so meted that cubic metres of water led
ottper second, of which 5 are intended for supplying the Khiue-Khone
canal and 4 for the 111.
The part from the Bieslieim Giessen (rivulet) to the Khiue-Rhone
canal, 3,427 meters in length, and the ditch for supplying water, run-
Ming along the latter with 3,237 meters length, have principally been
made by the French Government from 1807 to 1870, but the completion,
and especially the deepening of the bottom of the canal for 0.20
meters, as well as the costly condensation work, has been achieved by
the German Government.
The distance from the Rhine to the Giessen, a length of 3,049 meters,
was built in 1870 and 1877, and contains a large admission sluice with
bridge close to the Rhine, an arched bridge in Grossmatten way and a
bridge with massive skew-backs and iron superstructure across the
Giessen (rivulet, slough) instead of the previous wooden one. The sup-
ply ditch from the Colmar canal to the III is 200 meters in length, built
in 1877, branches off to the north side below the 111 sluice, is intended
to supply the III with 4 cubic meters of water, and has a supply and a
flood sluice, as well as a field bridge leading over it. All these struct-
ures have been opened for public use on the 1st of June, 1878.
According to previous experience a raft trafiic from the Rhine through
the Breisach Branch canal to the Rhine-Rhone canal may be expected •
therefore a raft-port for rebinding of timber, suitable for the prescribed'
canal dimensions has been projected, with which there is to be connected
an unloading place for two boats. In order to reach the Rhine-Rhone
canal from the Rhine-Marne canal boats are obliged to use the III for
a distance of 6 kilometers.
As the III has much descent within the city of Strasbnrg, a relay of
up to eight horses has to be taken. Nevertheless often the difficulties
of the passage up-stream are not overcome without causing interrup-
tions in the boat traffic, especially injurious to the industry of Miilhau-
sen. For the purpose of avoiding these disadvantages, previously a
communication canal had been projected between Rhine-Marne and
Rhine-Rhone canal, but in consideration of an amount of 826,000 mark
for its execution it was abandoned. In order to overcome the aforesaid
difficulties the introduction of towing with steam power has been taken
in view. The total expenses amount to 80,000 mark. The expenses of
management are covered by fees levied upon masters of boats.
3. THE BREUSCH CANAL.
A project of the canalization of the Breusch River was already taken
in view at the beginning of the fifteenth century by Bishop Wilhelm von
Diest, but was only executed 1082 by Marshal Vauban for the purpose
of transmitting by this canal material for the construction of the citadel
of Strasbnrg. For this reason the canal was managed and maintained
by the military authorities until 1775, when it was ceded to the city of
Strasbnrg as property under the condition of self-maintenance, which
at that time amounted to 7,000 to 8,000 francs annually. In 1792, how-
ever, the military authorities again took charge of the management of
the banal by reason of the neglect of the city of Strasburg to properly
keep it up. Strasburg then had only to contribute an amouut of 5,000
francs per annum.
Ill
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140
CANALS IN GEBMANT.
In 1803 the manaf^ement waH takon cliarpr? of by the State. The city
then had to cover the costs of maintenance alone. In 1824 the canal
was made the complete property of the state, and the city was relieved
forever from any and every contribution for maintenance.
Besides the ordinary maintenance, 'le following extraordiiuiry repairs
ware made on the Brousch canal from 1872 to 1877 :
1. Eight pairs of sluice gates, and 8 sluice-bottom beddings renewed.
2. At 7 sluices the chamber slopes were new plastered, and many
repairs of the brick walls of the gate chambers made.
3. Along the villages of Wolchoim and Oberschiiffolcheim, 510 metres
slope-plaster were made.
4. The skew-backs of the canal bridge near Oberschiiffolcheim and
their superstructure were raised and renewed.
The extraordinary repairs necessitated the close of the canal for
traffic in 1873 for 51 days, and in 1877 for 78 days. In consequence
of frost weather the canal could not be used at least 8 days, and at
the most 41 days annually. Expenses for ordinary repairs were paid.
Marks.
1872 11.120
1873 , 12,000
1874 14,360
1875 lo.ono
1876 16,370
1877 i 9,830
Total 73,730
This is an average of 11,288 marks annually, and 621 marks per kilo-
metre at a length of 19,730 kilometres.
For extraordinary repairs there were necessary :
Murkfl.
1872 17,960
1873 41,020
1874
1875
1876 9,940
1877 8,000
Total 76,920
The repairs in 1877 include the new plastering of the chamber slopes
of the sluices Nos. 6 and 8.
Days.
For this purpose the traffic was interrupted from August 19 to September 5 17
On account of frost, from December Si to 31 8
On account of the repair of sluices from November 6 toll 5
Together 30
THE RHINE-MARNE CANAL.
The technical preparatory works of this important canal were con-
ducted by the engineer, M. Brisson, 1877, on behalf of an association
for the purpose of effecting a connection of the Rhine with the Marne,
and in an extended view with the river Seine, this is from Strasburgh
to Paris and Havre. The work, commenced in 1838 and considerably
progressed up to 1844, when the projected establishment of a railroad
from Paris to Strasburgh for a time made the finishing of the enterprise
doubtful.
The course of construction was, however, continued, and the canal
was put ia use iu 1831 ueLweeu Vitry and Naucy, and 1S55 betweeu
Nancy and Strasburg.
ie. The dty
24 the canal
was relieved
iiiary repairs
igs renewed.
, and many
1, 510 metres
folcheim and
lie canal for
consequence
lays, and at
rs were paid.
Marks.
11,120
12,000
14,360
lo.ono
16,370
9,830
73,730
irks per kilo-
Murkfl.
17,960
41,020
v.'".'.'.'. '9,'940
8,000
76,920
amber slopes
Days.
uber5 17
8
5
30
al were con-
u association
Li theMarne,
a Strasburgli
considerably
of a railroad
he enterprise
Traffic
upon the
Rliine Marne Canal.
i a4»;^l86.|.H^.,|,4HHJlUHJ.^.,|v4"''" ^BJlJ8oJ
1 Saar Coal ana Cokes [ {''('^ifwTtnnce
5 Oi/terF/vi^/a. '
tid the canal
.ooii DeiW66u
I
I
I
CANALS IN OERMANT. 141
For the con8truction of the canals originally a "state credit" was
given of only ;{0,<K)(),(M)() marks, but m this proved insufflcient it was
raised to 0(),00(),0()0 marks in 1.S46, thus showing the building expenses
for the disaster from Vitry (315 kilometres long) to be 190,476 marks
per kilometre.
Extraordinary repairs and new constructions were executed from 1872
to 1887, as follows:
1. New construction of a culvert near Lagarde in order to be able to
empty the holdings of the western descent independent of the French
portion of this part of the canals.
2. Rebuilding in iron of the wooden crossway of the bridge near
sluices No. 7 and 9 of the western, and No. 44 of the eastern descent.
3. New construction of a quay wall 108 metres in length for the cus-
toms service at Lagarde.
4. Construction of a store place for the continually growing traffic iu
timber and stone in the LUtzelburg Valley.
6. New construction of a tool house near Lagarde and Ilochfelden.
0. New construction of a tool storehouse with lodgings for canal guard
near Uesseu.
7. New erection of a sluice-keeper house at sluice No. 14 east.
8. Erection of wooden sluice keeper's huts at the double sluice, Nos.
30 and 31 east, in Freibern,ou the great tunnel near i^ rzweiler, at sluice
No. 2 east, as well as on the supplying lake of Gondrexanges.
9. Purveyance of two pair new sluice gates.
10. New building of a tool-shop house with lodgings for bridge guard
at the turn bridge near Vendenheim ; and rebuilding of the wooden
into an iron cross roadway from the bridge over sluice No. 22 east.
There were further supplied, a hand-dredging machine with two
crafts and two skift's, as well as a steam dredging machine with ten
iron mud boats. For the ordinary management service eight new
transport boats were built.
For the bettor management of the water supplying (feeding) service
of the Khine-Marne and the Saar Coal Canals there was established in
1876 a telegraphic connection on the one baud from the office of the
«' district hydraulic engineer" in Saarburg to the residences of the canal
guard in Hessen, and of the guard at the luipply (feeding) sluice in
Nittingen on tne other hand from the office at Saarburg to the residences
of the canal guard in Gondroxange, of the guard on the lake of Eixin-
gen, and sluice No. 1.
These telegraph lines have since 1878 been completed ; new construc-
tions were executed in 1877 as follows: 1. The canal guard house in
LUtzelburg; 2, a shop at sluice No. 2 east; 3, a bridge guard house at
the turn bridge near Vendenheim ; 4, a wooden bridge near sluice No.
21 across the canal was replaced by an iron bri<lge. Besides this there
were 600 poplar trees on Vendenheim common ground replaced by fruit
trees. For these Imihiings ami purveyances were paid :
Markn.
]%^ 6,910
J"^ i9,:«o
K^^ 49,800
1°'" 12.400
Total 119,680
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142
CANALS IN GERMANY.
;k;
:IM
The ordinary maiuteuance caused the eypense of:
Marks.
1S72 90,080
1*^7:} ioo,a:jo
1H74 90,140
1«76 78,270
1876 lia,440
lti77 78,680
Total 549,840
This is in the average annually 91,640 marks and 8.78 marks per kilo-
metre.
After the transfer of the Saar Coal Canal to the district of Metz the
distance from kilometre of the Saar Coal Canal to kilometre 5 (mark-
stone) in October, 1877, was put under the jurisdiction of the district
hydraulic engineer in Saarburg. One canal guard station was abolished.
On the western descent of the canal shipping was suspended from
January (5 to 31, 1877, as the French Government had ordered a block-
ade for that time.
On account of ice, shipping was interrupted on the canal in 1877 from
March 2 to G and from December 21 to 31, together fourteen days.
Part blockings on account of the sinking of vessels and other acci-
dents occurred at 6 places and interrupted the traffic on these localities
for 17 days.
In consequence of the breach of a hanging bar the wire-rope bridge
over the canal at Dettweiler fell down on the 14th of May ; the same
was reestablished within 28 days. In consequence of this accident
projects were made for the establishment of fixed bridges instead of
suspension bridges, the execution of which was intended.
The telegraph line opened on November 20, 1876, on the Ehine-Marne
Canal, proved serviceable in 1877 for the prompt feeding (supplying
with water) of the Ehine-Marne Canal and of the Saar Coal Canal.
Experiments made with the telephone in December, 1877, showed its
practicability for the service along the canals. By introduction of the
telephone two canal wardens may be dispensed with ; at the same time
accelerated movements of vessels between the different sluices will be
effected.
5. THE SAAR COAL CANAL ; IT IS THE BRANCH CANAL FROM MITTERS-
IIEIM TO DIEUZE.
The construction of the canal was commenced in 1862 and finished
in May, ICGG, since which time it was given over to public use. The
importance of this canal is proved by the sudden rise of traffic on the
Rhine-Marue and RhineKhone canal, which was trebled in conse-
quence of the conveyances from the Saar Coal Canal.
The building costs for the 75.6 kilometers long canal amounted to
13,326,819 marks, or 176,280 marks per kilometer.
The following new buildings and special repairs were made on the
Saar Coal Canal during the period from 1871 to 1877 inclusive, viz :
1. The construction of three bridges which had been destroyed dur-
ing the war of 1870.
2. Rebuilding of a bridge for pedestrians which had been washed
away by flood.
3. Twenty-eight sluice-master houses, the building of which had been
commenced by the French Government, were finished and two new ones
constructed.
*4Uj
Harks.
U0,080
ioo,a:jo
90,140
78,270
112,440
78,680
549,840
marks per kilo-
ict of Metz the
)metre 5 (mark-
of the district
1 was abolished,
uspended from
rdered a block-
lal in 1877 from
teen days,
md other acci-
theso localities
ire-rope bridge
lay ; the same
f this accident
iges instead of
id.
le Ehine-Marne
ing (supplying
Coal Canal.
877, showed its
)duction of the
b the same time
sluices will be
^ROM MITTERS-
B2 and finished
iblic use. The
f traffic on the
bled in couse-
I amounted to
•e made on the
lusive, viz :
destroyed dur-
been washed
rhich had been
II two new ones
1 Mill Tons
-900, 000
■800. 000
-700.000
--ttOO.OOO
-500.000
--400.000
-liOO-OOO
■200.000
-100.000
Traffic
upon the
Saaer Coal Canal
iSaaer Coal cutd CbAe{?'^f^ff"^% ■ ■
„ _ \ Import fifr Alsace Lorraine
^b-onOre TimisafromlmncetoSaarbruckerv.
in
trrwutfy^/'r
3 Otiicr ryei^hf.'. Rdifffn^if/'ri^lf.ni.-fJie
Cenierit Glass and/ Stone muv;BuUdlnq
Storms Timber and Coixttvood, Cement.Salt
Grain, etc, etc.
411
i,
wii^
Ir y^*
.^iVw
CANALS IN GERMANY.
143
4. A decayed water defense work near sluice No. 28, at Saargemiiad,
was rebuilt.
* 5. For protection against underwashing the left bank of the canalized
Saar was provided with a stone reenforcement for long distances, from
Saargemtind up to the Prussian frontier, near Giidingen. As the Saar
here forms the frontier between Lorraine and Prussia, the latter re-
turns half of the expenses of this distance for repairs and maintenance.
6. The Saar Coal Canal, from the place of its branching oft' from the
Ehine-Marne Canal, was planted with fruit trees up to Saargemiind.
7. The canal bed has been reenforced on many places, and brick walls
were built in order to avoid oft'sliding from the canal slopes.
8. During the blocking of the canal, 1873 to 187G, considerable masses
of mud were removed from the bottom, especially in the ports.
9. Considerable repairs were made at the iron aqueduct near Saaral-
ben and on the iron sluice doors.
10. A new material and tool depot with canal guard lodgment was
built oa the great port at Saargemiind.
11. An iron path bridge was built at sluice No. 29, across the Wol-
ferdinger Creek.
12. Considerable bank slides were removed near Saaralben.
JFor these structures were expended :
Marks.
1872 105,870
1873 72,960
1874 19,360
1875 11,930
1876 23,550
1877 14,390
Total , 248,060
For the maintenance and management have been expended :
Marks.
1872 88,320
1873 106,950
1874 88,600
1875 56,750
1876 105,120
1877 05,540
Total 511,298
This is in the average 85,213 marks per annum, and in a length of
75,608 kilometres, 112.7 marks per kilometre. According to notations
made at sluice No. 28, there were passing upstream, in 1877, 3,437 loaded
and 8 empty boats, with together 11,745,516 cwts. of cargo ; and ac-
cording to notations at sluice No. 13, 3,487 loaded and 29 empty boats,
with 11,652,593 cwts. cargo passed downstream. The greatest traffic
was in the month of August as well up as downstream, with over
1,400,000 cwts.
The canal was not blocked in 1877. The only interruption which oc-
curred was caused by the sinking of a large boat and lasted 2 days.
The branch canal to Dieuze. — Already, by decree of Napoleon I, dated
April 15, 1806, the construction of a canal from the salt works near
Dieuze to Saarbriicken had been ordered.
By this project the canal was to go from Dieuze through the valleys
of the Verbach, Ehone, and Elbe to Saaralben, and thence through the
Saar Valley to Saarbriicken.
Building was conunenccd, and the German prisoners of war nearly
finished it, 1809 to 1014. The ensuing political events impede" the prog-
K
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I:;i
144
CANALS IN GERMANY.
ress of canal building, whicli was not continued until 1866, after the
oaar coal canal had been finished.
The work, which was going on well, was interrupted in 1870 by the
war and was resumed by the German Government in 1872 and finished
up to Lauterfingenj but the old Salt Work Canal to Dieuze has not
been rehuilt, as there is no necessity for a canal for Dieuze and sur-
rounding country besides the railway from Dieuze to Saaralben.
There were expended for these works:
1872
Markn.
1B73 ::::::::::::::::::; 13^
1874
106, 7(5C
1875::::;:;:;:::;:::::;": f^yf^.
1876
54,440
1877:::::::":;:::;:;:::::: 4,o»«
1,0/0
Total .
357,970
6. THE MOSELLE CANAL.
The reservoir lake of Gondrechange, 626 hectares, contains 6,520,000
cubic metres of water fit for supply ilowing to it annually from its own
hydrographic district ; the reservoir lake at Kixingen, 130 hectares
contains 4,000,000 cubic metres of water, of which it receives 1,000 000
from its own district and 3,000,000 from floods in the two Saars ; finally
E'^o®n/nn5^°,'V ^^^^ ^^ Millershcim, 26.2 hectares, which contains
.^,800,000 cubic metres of water.
But all this water is not sufficient in dry years, especially if the pro-
jected deepening to 2 metres depth of the Rhine-Marne and Saar Coal
Canal should bo executed. It has, therefore, been taken in view by
raising of its normal level of water for 1.5 metre, to increase the capacity
of the ake of Gondrechange form 6,520,000 to 13,428,000 cubic metres
annually as reserve (spare) water, which even in several succeeding dry
years would be sufficient to guaranty a depth of water of 2 metres in
the canals. The elevation of the closing dams and the other stowing
^^n , n'.?f ^^^' ^® ^^^ acquisition of real estate, have been estimated at
1,011,000 marks. The cost of deepening the Ehine-Marne Canal to 2
metres water-depth is estimated at 522,000 marks, the Saar Coal Canal
172,000 marks, which would amount to a total of 1,705,000 marks.
The deepening also of the Rhine- Ehone Canal between Strasburg
and Mielhausen is taken in view.
The traffic on the Rhine-Marne and Saar Coal canal, from the open-
ing of each of them to 1877, is represented in a graphical way upon the
affixed two tables, Nos. 3 and 4.
The partitions on the lower margin show the annual course: the verti-
cal columns above them represent a comparative statement of the an-
nually transported goods ; the corresponding tonnage may be seen on
the scale on the left-hand side. In order to show the importance of the
canals for the transport, of the principal goods, the share of the coals,
ores, building materials of minerals, as well as the participation in tim-
ber, m the total traffic, has been marked separately.
PEOJECT FOR THE NIEB CANAL.
Already during the French administration there was a canal proposed
by the merchants of Lorraine, intended to connect the Moselle River
near Metz, witli th«, Saar River, above SaarUouis. The technical pre-
paratory work was commenced in 1872 in Lorraine, by the water-works
*-^mf^
I 1866, after the
i in 1870 by the
872 and finished
Dieuze has not
Diuuze and sur-
aaralben.
Markn.
139,650
106,7fiC
4y,:jr)0
54,440
4,090
1,670
357,970
ntains 6,520,000
Uy from its own
I, 130 hectares,
ceives 1,000,000
I Saars ; finally,
which contains
ially if the pro-
and Saar Coal
en in view, by
ise the capacity
)0 cubic metres
succeeding dry
r of 2 metres in
) other stowing
en estimated at
irne Canal to 2
aar Coal Canal
100 marks,
'een Strasburg
from the open-
I way upon the
urge ; the verti-
nent of the an-
oay be seen on
portance of the
e of the coals,
iipation in tim- -
Banal proposed
Moselle Kiver,
technical pre-
!ie water-works
CANALS IN GERMANY.
145
district engineer at Metz ; in Prussia by the building inspector at Saar-
brucken.
The direction of the canal was finally thus determined: Branching off
from the port of the Moselle Canal at the Metz Kailway station, cross-
ing ot the river Seille by bridge canal, then north of the railroad from
Mt^tz to Saarbrucken, passing Peltre and Jury, up to the water-shed be-
tween beille and Nied, near Courcelles, through eighteen sluices of 2 00
metres descent each, in a total elevation of 46.8 metres.
At Courcelles commences the 40 kilometers long, vertical plane and
extends along the Nied Valley as far as Hargarten, touching Pange,
Landonvillers, Bolchen, Ottendorf, and Teterchen. From Hargarten the
canal deceuds with six sluices into the Bist Valley, along the places Falk
and Merten, up to the Prussian frontier at Uberherrn. Besides the last-
mentioned SIX sluces in Lorraine there will yet be ten more required on
Prussian territory.
The already existing ponds, as those of Bouligny and Mutche, which
can serve for supplying and for furnishing an extraordinary water sup-
ply, as well as the valleys nearBeaudrecourt, St. Eprre, Orou and lilor-
ville,on the French Nied, and near Ham, on the Brist, acceptable for
the establishment of reservoirs, have been submitted to a close technical
examination.
FnJi!:^^^^ projects was expended from 1873 to 1875 the total amount
of 70,348 marks.
The expenses of the canal without -jump works, over a length of 55
kilometres for Alsace-Lorraine, is estimated at a grand total of
17,040,000 marks; per kilometre, 304,280 mark; and by water supply with
pump works at 20,500,000 marks. The execution of the project, however,
18 not expected to be carried out at present, owing to a railroad which
is in course of construction from Peterchen to Buss (Saarbrucken) bv
the Government. '
Unitkd States C )nsulate,
Kehl, September 21, 1889.
E. Johnson,
Consul.
H. Ex. 45-
-10
yj
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146
CANALS IN GERMANY.
bt a, * S t- S • t
i|!
C d
CANALS IN GERMANY.
147
CANALIZED EIVERS IN THE DISTRICT OF FRANKFORT ONTHE
MAIN.
REPOUT BY CONSUL QENEIIAL MASON.
Of canals, strictly speaking, there are none of any consequence, either
lor purposes of irrigation or navigation, in the district of Fraiikfort-on-
the-Maiu. Against tlie first of these necessities nature has provided a
ranijall so copious and uniform that the problem of adequate drainage
18 often more important than that of irrigation.
In respect to canals constructed wholly for purposes of navigation,
this region has remained hitherto unprovided, for the reason, appar-
eutly, that during the autorailway period, when most canals in western
J^urope were built, the navigable Khine and its important tributary,
the Main, fulhlled, as was then thought, all the necessary requirements
tor water transportation. But the modern developmentof internal com-
uierce, the steadily growing demand for cheap and largely augmented
treigliting facilities, have overrun, here as elsewhere, the capacity of
natural channels of transport, and necessitated the improvement by
canalization of two rivers in this district, viz, the Lahn from Giessen
to Its mouth near Coblenz, and the Main from Frankfort to its confla-
ence with the Rhine at Mayence.
As a work of engineering the canalized Lahn has a certain technical
interest, but its commercial importance is relatively limited. The canal-
ized lower Main, on the other hand, although neither a difficult nor a
costly work, is one of the most important improvements of its kind in
iiurope. The subject, moreover, has a special interest in this connection
from the tact that the difficulties which have been here overcome are
similar to those which obstruct so many American rivers; and the
methods employed are readily applicable to a large proportion of the
inland water-courses in our country wherein navigation is restricted or
wholly suspended at certain seasons by rapids or Insufficient water.
J^rauktort, although in early times the most important mercantile city
ot western Germany, began at a later periou to lose some of this su-
premacy by reason of its comparative isolation from the Rhine, which
as the great commercial artery of this region, poured a constantly in-
creasing trade into Mayence and Mannheim, its inferior but more fortu-
nately situated rivals.
From Frankfort to Mayence, a distance of 20 En^rMsh miles, the Main
attorded, during all but very dry seasons or when frozen or swollen by
floods, a practicable channel for small freight-boats towed by horses.
±Jut these boats were so inferior in size to the freight craft of the Rhine
as to generally necessitate transshipment at Mayence, and this business
of transfer contributed largely to the prosperity of that city. The
obvious step for Frankfort was to either construct a canal to Mayence
or so improve the Main that the freight-boats of the Rhine could come
readily to her wharves from Rotterdam, Cologne, Ruhrhaven, and other
river ports without breaking cargo. These projects were long talked
over, but nothing was done until after the annexation of Frankfort to
Prussia in 1866. For various reasons the annexation gave a notable
stimulus to the trade and manufacturing industries of this city The
one demanded clieaner outgoing .and incoming freights, the other
cheaper and more plentiful coals, lumber, iron, and other materials.
rhe chamber of commerce appealed to the Government at Berlin for
aid in building the required canal, and in 1874, after the plan had been
* L
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148
CANALS IN GERMANY.
•i
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I
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SKwwww!^ ^^ *''^ ^/^*® ongiueors, a preliminary appropriation of
fJlOjOOO was granted. ^ n i
But before tljo work bad been seriously undertaken Mr. Ouno, a Gov-
ernmoiit engnicer, presented a new plan. Instead of cutting a canal
trora Frankfort to Mayence, he proposed to iini)rove the channel of the
Main and to circumvent its most shallow and difficult rapi<ls by means
of five movable wiers or dams, flanked by artificial channels and locks
capable ot passing the larger class of Khine vessels. This scheme
seemed so plausible that the canal project was dropped and the matter
underwent another long delay. Finally, in 1883, all the adjacent states
having agreed, the work was begun and was completed within 3 years.
.1 npu'^'^i'?'.* i^",^ ^^'''"'^' opening of the improved river took place
on the 16th of October, 1886, and was fully described in a report sub-
mitted a few days later from this consulate. The canalization of the
nver was a Goveriunent work, planned and superintended by state
engineers, and cost about $l,3m,rm. The first dam and lock are situ-
ated about a mile below the city of Frankfort, the second at Uochst
an imporUnt manufacturing town on the right bank of the Muin, tiie
third at Okrittel, the fourth at Florsheim, and the last at Kosthcim
near the mouth of the river opposite Mayence. The locks are 285 feet
long 38 feet in width, with a lift of from 10 to 12 feet each, a minimum
depth of 8 J leet,and the sluices are so well adjusted that the lock can
be filled or emptied in from 4^ to 5 minutes. The dams are of wood and
iron, so constructed that they can be laid down in time of floods or run-
nmg ice, and raised into position again when the river resumes its nor-
mal condition.
The upper dam has increased by several feet the depth of water at
the quays of Irauklort, which extend along either shore for a distance of
2 miles or more, but m order to provide for all contingencies it was nec-
essary to construct a permanent harbor with sufficient capacity for win-
ter commerce, and secure against floods and ice drifts. This work was
undertaken by the city government, under the direction of Mr W H
Lindley, an accomplished English engineer, and cost, when complete!
a little more than $ 1,500,000. This harbor of refuge is an adequate and
fitting complement to the work of tlio national government in iraprovinir
the river. It is of ample depth, flanked by a massive dike of masonry
extending on the interior side into a wide quay with railway connections
and pierced at its upper end by an opening provided with lock gates
lor convenient use in ordinary stages of water.
A. spacious warehouse with sheds and railway tracks, and provided
with elevators, bydraulic cranes, and all modern appliances for handling
treight, are buuc along the landward side of the harbor, which offers
moorings and anchorage for 50 or 60 Khine boats of the largest class
Thus constructed and equipped, this admirable work has been in
useneariy 3years, and we come now to the question of its practical
utility as shown by achieved results.
What has the canalized Main done for Frankfort ? Has it fulfilled
expectations, and is it adequate to the purposes which prompted the
undertaking? *
The statistics of two complete years— 1887 and 1888— arc accessible
and from t^em may be somewhat roughly estimated the measure of its
success. Frankfort is abundantly supplitd with railroads, havino-
among others an iudej)endent line on either bank of the Main from this
o.ity to Mayence, and in order to estituatt; the full beueiit of the canali-
zation improvement it is necessary to include both the rail and water
ireights in the account.
*— -Tl .,*
ropriation of
CANALS m flERMANT.
149
Omitting goods in transit and timber cominff down tlio river as rafts
the tonnage of freiglit sent and received during each of the last 3 years
betore the improvement of tlie river was as follows:
I, a minimum
Tear.
1884,
18f6 .
1880 ,
1887
1888.
Avorugo per year.
Quantity.
Hy wator. Jiy rail.
Tons.
110, Mil.?
15(1, 80j
IfiS, 036. 8
l.W, 42.';. 2
;iBO, ()t,2
570, TM. I
Tons.
804, «05
897, 04(»
932, 000
Peroeutage,
Uy water. By rail
14.8
U. I
14..-)
K07, 712
1,0U,U28
1,231,935
14.4
20.2
20.6
85.2
8,'>.9
8,"i. 7
sHTe
73.8
70.4
From which it appears that so far from suffering a loss of traffic bv
reason of improved water transportation, tlio railroads have gained
steadily m business during the entire i»eriod. While the total trans-
port by water increased 04 per cent, in 1887 and 42 per cent in 1888
over the figures of 1880, the railway freight traffic gained 30 per cent
over the business of 1880 and 58 per cent, above that of 1887. Taking
into account the rates actually paid upon this increased business, it is
tound that the economy of freights caused by the canalized river
amounted to 1,141,502 marks in 1887 and 1,692,755 marks in 1888 and
all upon an investment for river and harbor of less than $3,000 000
Nor is this all, nor even the most important part of it. The whole
commercial and industrial life of the city has been quickened and
restored by the new and improved conditions which the canalized river
has entailed. The city has been put into fair and practical competition
with Its former rivals. *
The cheapening of coal, coke, and raw metals has had a most impor-
tant influence. Many kinds of manufticture which were previously im-
possible here by reason of the high cost of fuel, are now prosperous and
rapidly developing. Important iron mines fiirther up the vallev at
IJie en and Wertheim, which had long been abandoned since the char-
coal supp y tailed, have now been reopened by the cheap coal of the
Ilhine Valley and the Moselle. I^ot only has the commerce of Frankfort
been largely increased by this cheapening of freights, but it has been
improved in both symmetry and character. The proportion of outsyointr
and incoming merchandise has been more nearly equalized, and the
traffic ot both rail and river thereby made more economical and profit-
f „ *^o^;nerly Frankfort had nearly everything to buy and very little
to sell. The freight was nearly all incoming, and both boats and rail-
road cars went back empty. Cheap fuel and materials have now de-
yeloped local manufactures and given this commuuiiy a larger export
traffic, and the city, the railroads, and the river mutually profit bv it
Two years is, of course, too short a period to demonstrate fnllV the
effect ot this important work; but in so far as experience has yet gone
the^result has more than fulfilled the most sanguine expectations. The
trallic ot the canalized river has increased steadily from the day of its
opening, and the one fault found with it now is that its locks are too
short and its channel too shallow. The development of freiirhtiiiff
facilities has taken here the same direction as in the United States, and
notably on our western l.skes and livers ; the size of vessels has been
increased. When the Main Eiver improvements were i)l;uined, it was
thought that locks capable of passing boats 280 feet in length with 35
'I
<!■
i
1
150
CANALS IN GERMANY.
foet beam and 8 feet draft would be ajiiplo for all roqiiiroinpiita of tho
future. But already this is set'ii to Lave been an underestimate, and
plans are bein^ earnestly discuwsed in the newspapers by whicl: the
locks of the Main may be lengthened and the channel still further deep-
ened.
Frank n. Mason,
ConnulOeneral,
UNiiTn States (Consulate General,
Frank/ortoutheMain, IStptcmbcr (5, 1889.
V
EAST PRUSSIA
ItEPOIiT BY COnaULAR AQENT OADEKE, OF EffyiOSBESO.
On looking at a map of Europe one may hardly find a country or a
district which is so rich and abounding in water as eastern Prussia, and
the established communications by this element have contributed not
a little to the proHj)erity of commerce. However, it is to be regietted
that as to the construction of canals the movement in it has been so
very slack and leadenheeled that the commerce with the Rus»ian neigh-
bor has suffered more than could be anticipated with the continually
increasing productiveness of Kussia. The want of establishiiij; eoni-
mercial communications by water is a vtry old one in Prussia. About
500 years ago A^'iuide von Kniprode, the renowned masterofthi German
Order, made ajourney from his castle at Marieuburg to Angeri irg by
sailing vessel, thus making use of the communications existing Ik tweeu
the Nogat and Vistula and the lakes of eastern Prussia. At the be-
ginning of this century the floating of timber from the largo Johannis-
burg forest by the Pissek, Karew, Bug, and Vistula to Danzig, had a
great extent. Now this trade has gone asleep because of the nonreg-
nlation of the river near the Kussian frontier, and ihe principal canal
destined to unlock eastern Prussia proper between Angerburg and Al-
lenburg, doubtless the most desirable of all Prussian canals, as it would
not only bring in connection the Vistula and the Pre^al and the largo
Masurian lakes and open a series of all sorts of industrial and commer-
cial estfibiishments, but also irrigate and meliorate many squai' miles
of meadow ground and create a flourishing wood, etc., trade.
The canal for which the Prussian Parliament had granted the neces-
sary sums 16 years ago has also gone asleep ; the money was used for
the amelioration of the harbor of Pillau. This canal was expected to
have been constructed in 4 years; its length, 55 kilometres; the differ-
ence of the descent, tlie highest stand of the Mauersee and the lowest
of tho Allerver, amounted to 113.14 millimetres — 1,U!)8 millimetres =
112,072 millimetres. There were planned six incluied planes. The
breadth of the bottom of the canal was to be 10 millimetres, and the
lowest depth 1 millimetre 40 centimetres, the canal to be practicable for
vessels of 33.0 millimetres length, 4 millimetres 40 centimetres breadth,
and 1 millimetre 1 centimetre depth. Its cost was to be about 10,000,000
marks. The dimensions were taken from those of the Oberlandischer
Canal which was built in 1800, also with five inclined planes, and which
unites the Drausensee, near Elbing, with a lot of provincial seas down
to Deutich Eylau and Ostorode. It is not very difficult to prove the
prosperity of this canal by the ciphers hereafter ; in 1801 the frequency
of vessels amounted to 670 ships and rafts up and about as much down,
CaJTALS in GERMANY.
161
It must be n Miarkcd timt some of the articles shipped are at present
by far more frequent that on an average of the hist 10 years
Uri the whole, it is a grave and fatal error to confound the usefulness
and prosperity of a canal with its reutability ; at all evtnts the canal
dues, If liM>y can not be abolished altogether/must not be to« heavra
charge for the trade and the most interest . '.eople, su. as the neigh-
boring land and forest proprietors, brick.nen, manufacturers, and o her
industrials shipper and workman, and all those people becoiS morl
sffiflnail^es^'"'"^ '""'' ''''"^'"' to contrib^te^o'the income'of the
tii^al^^? Frederick tin Great ordered in eastern Prussia a ranal from
J^J^f'^i ^T'^ ^ i'' "^"' Angerapp, where the wood coi.un,e co
veyed by floating, but now th. river is much impeded by stones and the
interest for this trade is very little.
Other canals, w'hich have been built from 1764 to 1767, arethe Joban-
ofenH^""'" '^r^ T^^' ^^^"^ Nikolaiken to the TalteVsee, Taltersee
n„Jl i^^^lf ^?' ^ '"*'''^''*' *^ *^« Schimanusee, Schimannsee to the
All these canals together are about 16,800 feet long, are 48 to 52 feet
tC'; wl \i: p'""' ?'^^' ^"^ ^ 'S-"^ '' ''^^'^ •« no^'caiial combhihig
them with tire Pregel River and Konigsberg there will be not much
rted'?8Tfifni«'.Q'^''^- I» 1825 the Angerap River was again regl
i«^7 fi^ilt^ • ^t^ ^n®"^ Johannisburg Canal was built, from 1850 to
It the SchimoPker Canal, between Mauersee and Spirdiugsee, but
the chief commercial interest remained for the principal communica-
tions with Russia through the river Niemeu and the adjoininnma ler
river'onrfen?- "'' ^T^/"«"' ^"l^' ^"««' ^"«' ^"'^ ^he IchTrra, i
Jl fP^ ,?"»«'»» yersts long, combining the Oginsky Canal in Riis-
sia and the Dniejor with the Niemen. *^ J *"" -tvus
I may mention here a canal which does no belong to this system
uninngthe town of Memel with the river inge, Ind wli ch has a
length of about 5 ^er-nan miles, the Kon, Wi hehn Canal. The
traffic ot this canal built 1803 to 1873) in 1888 was 218 smacks 2
t^iX/'A ?f7?I "°'\^^ '^^^"^ *",^«' ^""'^ ^'«^8'«*1 «»^'« -metres
timlier, t. p 13,759 score beams, round wood, and sleepr -s.
Ihe canals which are the most important for the K ..igsberff trade
are the Grosse Fnedrichsgraben and the 8echeuburgor Canal Thev
form one canal, niiting at first the Gilgc anu the Deime, and by these
rivers t .. Niemca and the Pregel. The Niemc, which'gets the name
'Memei at the Prussian froutitu at Scl.raalleningken, brings the Rus
sian supplies eith.r in floats or in very fi vessels < 'led " wlttenmen "
but the regulatio. of the Russian water w. ,8 is so much neglected that,
for instance, m the above-mentioned Scharra, where the journey gen-
erul ly lasts 10 days, the rafts, etc., are often forced to remain 6 or 8
weeks in May and June for more water to allow t lem to proceed.
"Rniir °v *?^^-'^'^''^-*'5 Tilsit the Niemen g, ^s a third name, the
"Russ," which divides into tho R( ss and the Giige. This latter river
interests us he most, for it brinat* all tlie n.firohati'tifla t« i ,« h^„}.„..
burg Canal ! then to the Grosse Friedrichsgraben, with the excep-
tion ot a smai. part, which is forwarded either direct through the Gilee
orthe Nemonieii, a river crossing the Sechenburg Canal, and being en-
larged by the Timber Canal to the Curisches Half, and from thence to
li
• ti
m
Ml
;i :
152
CANALS IN GERMANY.
tlm Deiine, near tho city of Livbiiui, which river Joins near Tapian the
I'logel.
Tho t^reatest part of the flat vessels atul all the rafts can not go to
tho ('u'risches Ilaff iHicanso of their flatness, and, therefore, the men-
tioned canals which join theDeime near Lahiau are for the Konigsberg
trade of the utmost necessity. Both were built at the end of the last cen-
tury, and the Seclienburg ('anal, which at first liad a breadth of 12 me-
tres, has become a stately stream of 2o to 30 metres by the force of Gilgo
water, whereas the Grosse Friedrichsgraben, which has a more quiet
water, has a breadth of IG to 20 metres. During the last 10 years the
Prussian Government has done much for the widening of this canal by
buying many houses which peasants and flshermen had constructed on
its banks, and digging out the land ; always busy to keep a sufllcient
depth in all the canals by dredging and placing small wharfs where
necessary. Often the arrivals are very large from Russia through tlie
Grosse Friedrichsgraben and, therefore, some so-called Holz-hiifen
wood harbors are constructed in two or three places of the Grosse Fried-
richsgraben.
Tlie normal depth up to which the Government is held to keep the
canals by dredging is only 1.20 metres, but it is now in work to enhance
it to 2 metres. Larger harbors are also constructed at Schmalleninghen
and at Tilsit.
In order to show the importance of the internal navigation, I give
herewith the figures stating the traffic via Schmalleninghen, Labiau,
and Konigsberg in 1888.
VESSELS PASSING SCHM:A.LLENINQHEN (RUSSIAN FRONTIER).
Vessels up.
Vossola down.
No.
Sizu.
Cargo.
No.
Si/.o.
Cargo.
19
02
Tom.
2, 870
120, 859
Torui.
805.47
034. 21
10
1,319
2, 050
Tons
2,870
131,002
Ton».
0;i4. 21
Knilinir VRRHbln --. ..........••■->.
80, 005. 43
tJaffa ...
*7.il,080.33
VESSELS PASSING LABIAU, CURISCHES HAFF.
Stoaniors
Siiiliiif; vessoln
Rafts
203
2,290
413
23, 481
213, 120
18,154
207, 441
tl65,200
200
221
5
21,054
207, 077
17, 327
55, 009
tl.OOO
*Wood.
t Cubic metres wood.
In Konigsberg : Passed internal vessels up, 4 steamers, 466 sailing
vessels ; down, 33 steamers, 480 sailing vessels; arrived up, 463 steam-
ers, 5,011 sailing vessels, whereof 2,497 were fishing boats; down, 810
steamers, 2,764 fishing boats, of which 1,057 were potato smaks; rafts
passed down, 14, with 7,512 tons, and arrived, 357, with 169,518 tons.
At present the chief interest of the Konigsberg commerce is concen-
trated in the construction of the long-projected canal of 5.1| meters depth
through the Frische Haff, which is granted by the Prussian chamber of
deputies, and which would allow steamers to take their full cargoes to
Konigsberg to discharge here, an enormous advantage, enabling Kii-
nigsberg to compete more efficaciously with the Russian neighboring
ports.
The depth of tliePregel at Konigsbergis 6 metres and more, butin the
Frische Haft", the large bay which receives the Pregel a few miles from
Konigsberg and leads near Pillau into the Baltic, there are now only
,pian tho
lot go to
the 111 en-
iiigsberg
liiat ceu-
)f 12 ine-
of Gilgo
)re quiet
7earH the
canal by
ncted ou
»uflicient
fa where
oiigli the
lol/hiifen
ise Fried-
keep the
enhance
t)ninghen
lu, I give
, Labiau,
Cargo.
Tom.
034. 21
80, OO.'i. 43
*7.a,080.33
17, 327
55, 009
tl.OOO
a sailing
63 steaui-
lown, 810
ks; rafts
18 tons.
s concen-
ers depth
lamber of
argoes to
)ling K(5-
ighboring
but in the
liles from
now only
CANALS IN GERMANY.
153
sIhi'fstaktHn liffrs" "'"* "^ ^-'^t^^* P^^^ "^ t^ecargoes of all ves-
Am for irrigating canaKs, tho use and the benefit derived from them
wo have no experience at all in eastern Prussia, as tho buihling of
sluices and the use of such is very rare in this country an«l exists more
in the interest of industrials than of meadow owners.
CONEAD H. GADKE,
Unitkd State. Consular Agency, ^'"'"'^^' ^^'"'-
Jidniffsberg, September a, 1SS9.
WEST PRUSSIA.
JiEPORT Jir CONS PL PAT. OF STETTIN.
The canals in the provinces of Posen and West Prussia are •
ihe Bromberg Canal, which bears its name from the town of Brom-
berg, connecting the river Braho with tho Wartho, and tho main rivers
the Vistuhi with the Oder. This canal was cou'structed during the
years 1772-'74 under the reign of Frederick the Great, and had the
effect of bringing the produce of Poland to the markets of B.-riin and
other large towns The length of this canal is 27 kilometres: width,
22 metres; depth H metres. The present traffic thereon is confined to
lumber rafts and canal boats. ""ueu to
The Kraflohl Canal was constructed during tho year 1495. and con-
nects the town of Elbing with the Frische flaff (FrLh &?) The
present traffic on this canal is inconsiderable.
r.3^ Weichsel Canal was constructed in the fifteenth century, con-
necting the Fistuhi with the bay; tho dimensions and traffic thereon
are similar to the Bromberg (3aual. uiereou
In the neighborhood of Stettin there are two canals, viz, theKouigs-
fahrt (King's way) and the Kaiserfahrt (Emperor's way) ^
The former was constructed in tho year 1841, leading from tho Dam-
maiisch to the river Oder; width 50.5 metres, depth 6 metres.
Ihe latter, leading from the bay to the river Swine, was completed
Sellro^'s^^'^^^^^^^^^
M.« *'Xl''"oV'''^'?" ""^ *^^f *.'^*' ^^"^'^'' together with the dredging of
port ' ^^^^^ improved the shipping facilities of this
The effect has not been to reduce the cost of transportation, but it
has shortened the requisite time from the outport to Stettin, and facili-
rates the passage of larger vessels to this port. '
^fof^^^V^'^^f '^ '^^''^ constructed by and are under the control of the
state. No charges are levied thereon.
tl J«!l%b,Pr! tr^ "" ^T^X l"^^^'*^?^^ <^^affic since the construction of
i«!n 1 rS '-H iv^^'oTn^'^®' '?'P' arriving in Stettin during tho vear
l!?f'4,m ^ogilL'^ '"^"^'^^ '""' ' •^"^'"^ '""^ '-'^^ 1844, 3,977 with
Irrigation is not necessary in. this part of Germany.
Andrkw F. Fay,
United States Consulate, Consul
Stettin, September 3, 1889.
I
■til
■i .
«
u
■■-^^,
jyTyTr TT'iprg j iip r ii fBi i rirT .^
154
CANAL IN GREECE.
J
m "' ..
GREECE.
THE CORINTH CANAL.
[From the London Morning Tost, October, 1889, transmitted by Consul Williams, of Eouen.]
. Owiug to various causes, ouo of which was tlio additional outlay involved in alter-
ing the slope of the canal cutting, and another the late linancial crisis in Paris, French
capital being largely interested in thesclieme, the work of construction on the Corinth
ship canal was recently somewhat delayed, the consequence of which was that the
canal could not bo completed at contract time, the end of 1888. This caused some
roactiop, but those were wrong who predicted that the undertaking was therefore
doomed. So far from this being the case, it is well recognized that the canal is of far
too much importance for the shipping trade of the Mediterranean to be thus easily
abandoned. Aa a matter of fact, at present all vessels trading between the Mediter-
ranean ports of France, Spain, Italy, and Austria, and the ports of Greece, Turkey
Asia Minor, the Black Sea^ and the Lower Danube, are obliged to round CapeMat-
apan, thus going out of their coarse first 2 degrees south and then 2 degrees north
again. By making the caual through the isthmus of Corinth, the route for goods
Irom Adriatic ports will be reduced 185 naTitical miles, and from the Mediterranean by
9i) miles. The canal intersects the isthmus of Corinth in a straight line at its narrow-
est part, its total length being ju.st under 4 miles, and follows exactly the lineofNero'a
project, joining the Gulf of Corinth with the Gulf of Athens. It will reach deep
water at both ends about 220 to :530 yards from the shore. The bottom width of the
canal (72 feet) and its depth (26i feet) are the ame as those of the Suez Canal ; but
tlie proposed slope of 1 in 10 through the rocky portion of the cutting will afford a
width at the surface of the water of only 77| feet, and a cross section of 2.032 square
feet, instead of the surface width of 177 feet, and the cross section of 3,272 square feet
of the bnez Canal, This small section of the Corinth Canal will bo somewhat disadvan-
tageous for navigation, but its depth and width at bottom will enable the largest ships
to pass. At the same time the fact that the canal is perfectly straight, and that the
navigator can thus see from one end to the other, will greatly facilitate the passage
otyessels, while the current will be but small, the difference of the tide between
Isthnim (the new town founded at the eastern end of the canal) and Posidonia (at the
Avestern end) being only 4 inches. In order to disturb the surface of the water as
Jittle as possible during the passage of vessels, it is proposed to employ stationary rope
haulage. By this method of transport also vessels will be kept fairly in the middle
ot the canal, and its sides will be little liable to damage. The sides of the canal
trom the bottom to Ci feet above the surface of the water, will be lined with concrete
blocks. Ihe approach channels, or harbors, at each end of the canal, are to have a
bottom width of 328 feet, and will bo protected by rnbblestone jetties.
In the original design, as we learn from a paper by M. Armand St. Yves in the
Aniiales des Pouts et Chaussdos," the total excavation was estimated at 12 865 000
cubic yards, including about 2,400,000 cubic yards for slips or eventual enlargements,
llie nature ot th(* strata had, however, not been sufflcieutly investigated, tlie region
being volcanic. When the cuttings had reached some depth a 'arge number of faults
were encountered, and a considerable disturbance of the laversof deposit of the terti-
oaL^^'"'^!''* ^""'f revealed. The maximum depth of cutting to' the bottom of the canal is
284 J teot, and the mean depth for a length of 2.6 miles 190 feet. With this mean depth
tbe amount of actual excavation will probably not exceed one and one-half times the
quantity originally estimated. The work of excavation was commenced in April
1882, and by the close of 1834 two converging jetties 1,310 feet and 1,640 feet lonjr'
respectively, with an entrance between their extremities 265 feet in width, had been
constructed for the harbor in the Gulf of Corinth and ono jetty on the northern side
for the harbor in the Gulf of Alliens, this being sufHcient." But the excavations for
tlie canal itself effected up to the end of 1884 amonnted to only 1,700,000 cubic yards
?' lio^'''^ .It once seen that at this rate of progress the canal could not be finished
by 1888, as stipulated in the concession. M. Bazaine was then appointed chief engi-
neer, an(i work was pushed forward more rapidly, so that by the close of 1887 the
total excavation accomplished amounted to 7,978,000 cubic yards. During the opera-
tions of the 3 years, 1885 to 1887, it was found, however, that further works would
be required, and in December, 1886, M. Bazaine reported that it was necessary to
protect the sides of the canal with masonry in hvdraiilic lime or cement mort.ar for a
height of .'J3 feet along a length of from 2i to 2,^ miles to preserve them from erosion, to
i.onu a oeneh uot, lo.s.'s than 5 foot wine on each side of the caiuil (i^ feel above sea level
to enable the walling to bo carried out, and to ease the slopes at certain parts of the
cutting to insure their etability. The engineer estimatod that this necessitated
^
CANALS m RUSSIA.
155
if Honcn.]
ed in alter-
iris, French
the Corinth
as that the
auaed some
18 therefore
Dal IB of far
thus easily
tie Med i ter-
se, Turkey,
[ Cape Mat-
jrees north
) for goods
irranean by
its narrow-
ne of Nero's
reach deep
idth of the
:!anal; but
ill afford a
.032 square
square feet
t disadvan-
irgest ships
d that the
he passage
e between
uia (at the
10 water as
ouaryrope
the luiddle
the canal,
;h concrete
to have a
vos in the
12,865,000
irgeinents.
tlie region
3r of faults
f the terti-
ho canal is
lean depth
f times the
ill April,
feet long,
, had been
them side
'ations for
ibic yards,
)e finished
hief engi-
r 1887 the
the opera-
rks would
cessary to
:)rtav for a
erosion, to
I sea level,
rts of the
cessitated
sion of time asked for was grantee" an 1 th^ PrpTr ? ^''t ''^°'^°^, ^'^'^^^ ^lie extoul
additional outlay and the stpp.eml^'^i;^^^^^^^^ £600,000 for the
hy the Corinth and Athens Railwav a bridal hnSfn'^fr f *'!"', ?*°"^ '« crossed
of excavation was begun. The Se an imn fr ,»,. constructed before the work
feet, is 104 feet above^th; level of th,; cana? nm f^"!*" «*f»« "^^ of a span of 26-2
roadway for vehicular and pSenger traffic ' "*'' ^''"^'' ^^" '''*'^^*y ^rack, a
opolliZ'^tt£:^t^^^^^^ works, andthenumber
miles in length. Thetotal expenditurefor tLpanniV ^-'^^V "" '"''"^^V track ii
«or about £638,000 per mile This is v«rrh^h "^"'^ '? estimated at £2,400,000,
cost about £2b,55(f000 for k length of g/mS exEvl ""/^V^" ^"-^^ <^''^"'*'' ^^'^^^
Bitter Lakes, or £223,000 per mile Rnf ^1-. ', *'-^^M'«'^o of the portion through tlio
excavations were chiefly Fn sin knd o her H^h'f^'^nil ° iT°/'^° «»«^ C«"^l' ^^^
the work is through rock fStrons l>om^^^^^^ while for the Corinth cknal
formed as to how the Corinth Tndertakinrwill nnv i?^ involved an iuea may be
vessels from Trieste and FiumranKs 0.^^ fr^^^^^^ ^'^^^ about 300
the canal annually, whil^itTs oSlld fh«/r^ p*''^'i''" P?'*"' ^'H Pass through
This would give a total ofiyOveaseK^^^^ ships will use the canal.
As it is proposed to levy a 101^^1 franrZ ton' on vrT"'''"^ onnageof 1,500 each,
and one-half franc on all other vessels Z«irfil 1 f7 '^'^ ''"'"'"^ from the Adriatic,
estimated to yieldan aniial reveZt^l.'oo 000 f^^^^^^^ Passenger, this i^
at tirst only about ^ per cent, on the canifnl Z H.^^ (£t>0,000^ 1 his would give
further deducted thi ixpenses for cohS^ t„ni^^Arb/'""' ^hS" '^'^"'^^ ^'^^^ to be
a though the latter item%an nrbe vmy heivf cons dcrinf.''IL*''%'?*^ •'", ''P^'^'
of the construction. It remains to be sennxJwhJii*' *'"^ substantial nature
ing, as the value of the cana to ehippEs lea %d A?'r"' T^^ «'' """ *"''^«*«-
whether the heavy expenditure was justS. P'^^'®"* "" ^^''^ «»» say
RUSSIA.
nMPOnTBYCOXSULa^yEItAL OnAWFORD, OF ST. PETmSBURG.
THE BASIN OF THE VOLGA.
dustry are carrietl on TIip trihnt. .M^ri^P f L • " ' f H®'^® '^'' '^'"ds of m-
Oky,8o„ry, O^yXS'^XS^I ISIS M^^^^^^
tbo v.rgi,, forests of Siberia to tbe sborraof the Kirn^ In? h ' n""'
tb,8 grand stream stretches out lier arms lortli,. te.m ■„.*» ' "?"'
Voiyji.,
^^i^:rxsz^-±SS-J?S£'^
,. ^m
1
i !
■1
i
i
II i
'7_,..a»6a
166
CANALS IN RUSSIA.
time when the Volga became a tboronghly Russian River from its
source to the Caspian Sea.
The basin of the Volga embraces 21 provinces, occupying a territory
of 1,333,333 square miles, with 35,000,000 of inhabitants. According to
official figures this basin contains more than 7,000 factories, nearly
10,OUO,000 horses, as many horned cattle, and more than 30,000,000 of
sheep, with great numbers of other domestic animals.
The average yield of cereals obtained from this basin amounts to
nearly 1,250,000,000 bushels, and of this product not more than
800,000,000 bushels are consumed at home ; the remaining 450,000,000
bushels being largely used in the manufacture of beer and whisky,
together with immense quantities of dairy products, great numbers of
horses, cattle, and sheep, the wealth of the forests, together with the met-
allurgical manufactures, which alone amount to more than 1,080,000,000
pounds per annum, with the products of the salt lakes lying in reach
of the Volga, and finally with the output of the 7,000 factories above
mentioned, with great quantities of koustar manufactures, seek trans-
portation.
Moreover, the Volga still represents the principal means of communi-
cation and transport into lUissia from the Caucasus and Persia. On
this river are transported great quantities of merchandise from the cen-
ter of Asia and from Khans; also articles of Chinese manufacture are
floated down the Volga. Thus this river defines itself as the general
line of traflflc, uniting diiierent tribes and peoples settled in Russif, a
natural indication of its national importance.
Notwithstanding these facts the bulk of the products of the vast Volga
Basin is unable to find an exit. This elevated basin, situated in the in-
terior of Russia from the very source of the Dneiper and the Dvina to
the central flow of the Don and to the limits of southern Siberia and
even to the Hinifilaya Mountains, thus including an important portion
of Europe and nearly all of central Asia, by its geographical situation is
practically isolated. In all this vast country there are no natural water-
ways to unite the points of interior markets. The Volga flowing into
the Caspian, an inland sea; the barren lands surrounding its mouth;
the occupations of the nomads raiding in these sands, render it possible
to dispose of all this vast product in one direction only— to the north.
Navigation on the North Sea is always diflScult and is impracticable
during a considerable portion of the year; whereas to the northwest,
from the Volga to the nearest point of the Baltic, tiiere lie 300 miles of
iowland, thick set with little lakes and nuirshes, thus rendering such
an outlet inaccessible for all kinds of heavy freight. For these reasons
an enormous product, representing the labor of nearly the half of all
Russia, as well as those goods transported from the neighboring eastern
countries, can come to the Volga only to be freighted upstream, with
no favorable opportunity of reaching the interior national exchange.
CANAL TO UNITE THE VOLGA AND THE BALTIC SEA.
From these facts it could hardly be otherwise than that Russian
manufactures should suffer Therefore the wisdom of constructing
artificial water ways to furnish a means of disposing of the freight
floated on the Volga, viz, the products of a large portion of Europe and
of the western part of Eastern Asia, must be apparent. A practical
ofkinfioii of tins onestion. it is ar'>'ueds lies in the building of a, canal
from the Volga to the Baltic Sea.
The experience of Russia for more than 60 years, together with
ver from its
g a territory
According to
tories, nearly
30,000,000 of
[ amounts to
t more tlian
g 450,000,000
and whisky,
it numbers of
with the met-
1,080,000,000
ying in reach
ctories above
s, seek trans-
?of communi-
Persia. On
from the cen-
tiufacture are
s the general
I in Russif , a
lie vast Volga
ited in the in-
the Dviua to
\ Siberia and
)rtant portion
a,l situation is
latural water-
; flowing into
g its mouth ;
ler it possible
to the north,
mpracticable
he northwest,
300 miles of
ndering such
these reasons
he half of all
)oring eastern
pstream, with
lal exchange.
3 SEA.
that llussian
■ constructing
)f the freight
)f Europe and
A practical
ing of a canal
ogother with
CANALS IN KU88IA.
157
researches undertaken duriuff the nasf inn ^a„„„ ,
tlmt tbe reconsZtJion of System sbS'l." '" '''«">f°™ e"1eut
as would reuUerall traffic on the Vo^s^ and n„ tL If ^* "" T""" ! "'™
not only for the present, b„? Z/foHCiZe FuJ^^'u fl"^'"''''^,
the north, tlmrebye.4abn8SH^ ''^'"^' "ec*^«8ity toward
Arkangel! But even a rhat Sd^^^^^ commercial importance of
the W hite Sea and the NorH.Vrn J? inconvenience of traffic through
edge caused John of S'^^^^^ was recognized ; and this knoll-
regretted, unhappUy When PeZ Jh"^ r '" I'T'^'t^ ^"^•"^' '^ *« ^o be
the Swedes, set a flfm foo on the coast' of 'vl^««^?^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^'^
first thoughts was to foiHfv th.Jo^ -^^^ ^^1^^ Baltic Sea, one of his
first link founrRlt w^h'S'e W^T't^^^^^^^^^^ ?r"? l''
tSrarn^tSE^^^^^^^^^^^
force able no only to aiTnul sn.h 'l'^' *^ ^? 'l''''^''^^ ^^ ^^^^^^
fuse to supply th'eTrin'eiXitiSU S'°'^' '"' ^'^"^^^^^^ ^« -
evenLElTcaf n'of r "l^^^^^^^^ ^f^^^', ^-^^ and Olenetz
upon their neiglSring pro?fnLf for ?Zd'''''"i^^ ^^"^^^ ^o call
of exporting cereals IVomtS^ 1?^ • ®'^'^" ^^ *^at tune the thought
Economic conditions of sTiH^lm.^?'^'"''^^ "^^^' occurred to anyone,
and strategic measures if wn^n?'!''"''^ ?^'"'^"^ «^"«d for Po"tica
the new\y%rSZmJLZ^'^^^^^ ^""^ strengthen
according to the logTc of llfinl^ th Ji*^ •.* f'^'^'^^^^tive power which,
Such reqnirementXallv lP^7fn' tJf "1- ^ ""^^"^^ ^ nation demands
the Baltic Sea^ptffri^i aUcoVdiLr^^^^
with the rapid growth of the Hfr w)^^Sf ^^'^^ necessities, increasing
Eiissia and'the^pohttf cfn^ STh "gre:? Em'pirr"' ''" ''''''' ''
brSl^ieTgKd^r^^^^^ Of his sound
old MarieOanal systermde but Z^^^^^ '"'^ ^ construction, the
when, burdened ?vith aSmu iHnTnh!f P^"^ """' "' '^^^^ ^ears,
serious climatic difficuSpetS^^^ ""^ T"^ ««'-^«' iucliiding
of famine. In vieHf "uch a^^^^^^^^^^ rxeauy'to a state
and commercial adviL mgXhe n^^^^^^^^ «P^«io°»
Volga to the Baltic, thus encoXTnT?heTnln?'^'^"? ^ ?*"^^ f™"* th«
the'Vish^ivoKz^cSaT\?sle"r *^« desirability of improving
unable to accomplish ^at i:Si3:te ZSZ^^ t^^lj
«?;
if! -H
158
CANALS IN RUSSIA.
ent upon the quantity of water accumulated in the reservoirs, and
return traffic being impossible.
Later, in 17G4, it was thought possible to obtain a satisfactory connec-
tion of the Volga with the Baltic by constructing in addition to the Viush-
nivolotz Ciiiuil the Tickvinsky, although shallowness of the river threw
much doubt upon the practicability of the project, especially if snch a
connection were intended to do anything more than assist the general
traffic and handle the local freight.
Finally, when necessity demanded the building of the Mariiusky sys-
tem, the demands of Petersburg and of foreign exports in no way
equaled those of to-day. Through the sluice-way locks, built with
chambers of 15 fathoms, it was with difficulty that 800 vessels could
pass during the navigable season, carrying freight not exceeding 192,-
857 tons, scarcely more than a tritie when compared with the demands
of Petersburg at the present ti •?. In fact, at that day no inventive
genius could have attained the results desired and possible now; no
i.iiagiiiation could have foretold then that the discovery of steam would
render futile all other modes of river navigation, nor have forseen its
ettVcts on all branches of manufacture. And, moreover, at that time it
was not possible for the Government, because lacking in both money
and credit, to construct such a canal system as would be sufficient for
the present demands. Even as late as 1810 the entire income of the
Imperial Treasury was only 125,000.000 assignats, a sum representing
oulv 41,007,000 metallic rubles, or about $20,000,000.
When the Marie Canal system was coustruct'^d Petersburg numbered
but 300,000 souls and her exports amounted to about 3,000,000 tons,
wh.reas to-day the city has nearly 1,000,000 inhabitants and exports
more than 12,000,000 tons.
THE MARIE SYSTEM.
On this water way, beginning from the middle of May to the Ist of
July, depeutling upon the caravans, from 30 to 35 vessels are dis-
patched daily from Rybinsk. If the sluices and other comi)lications of
the system allowed this number to pass through from llybiusk without
delay, they would arrive at St. Petersburg in 30 to 45 days ; but as the
sluices at Rybinsk pass on an average from 25 to 30 vessels a day,
therefore every day increase, the blockade at Rybinsk. Moreover-, with
the beginning of the second half of July the rapidity of transportation
generally slackens, because of the dark nights and prevailing winds.
Takirig these facts as a basis the calculation as to the rate of the
Rybinsk caravan is as follows :
By dispatching in the month of May 300 vessels from Rybinsk, they
will reach St. Petersburg in 30 to 35 days. By dispatching the second
300 vessels it is necessary to add 5 days, and they will reach the same
destination in 35 to 40 days. The third 300 vessels require an addi-
tional 5 days and they will be 40 to 45 days on the road ; thus the first
1,000 vessels or 241,071 tons of freight will be from 30 to 45 days on the
way from Rybinsk to St. Petersburg. When the second 1,000 vessels
are dispatched it is necessary to add not 5 days, but 7 days of delay for
every 300 vessels, and the journey of these 1,000 vessels will occupy,
the first 300 vessels from 47 to 52 days; the second 300 vessels from
64 to 59, and the third 300 vessels from 01 to GO days ; so that the sec-
ond 1,000 vessels or 241,071 tons of freight require 47 to 06 days for
their journey. W heu Lue third 1,000 vessels arc uiHpatcf^eu it is nee
essary to add 10 davs delay to every 3t)0 vessels started; thus the first
300 vessel!* of this 1,000 will be from 71 to 70 days ou the road, the sec-
reservoirs, and
^factory conuec-
on to the Viush-
the river threw
jcially if snch a
sist the general
iMariiusky sys-
ort3 iu no way
cks, built with
lO vessels could
exceeding 192,-
th the demands
ay no inventive
ossible now ; no
' of steam would
have forseen its
', at that time it
iu both money
)e sufficient for
e income of the
am representing
sburg numbered
; 3,000,000 tons,
uts and exports
Fay to the Ist of
vessels are dis-
complications of
Llybinsk without
Llays ; but as the
D vessels a day,
Moreover, with
ff transportation
revailing winds,
the rate of the
in Rybinsk, they
uhing the second
reach tlje same
require an addi-
td ; thus the first
to 45 days on the
nd 1,000 vessels
days of delay for
5eis will occupy,
300 vessels from
m that the soo-
7 to 06 days for
aicficu. iv io uuo
d; thus the first
the road, the sec-
CANAL8 IN RUSSIA.
159
t^Oo'da^^^^^^^^^^ tbird 300 vessels from 91
Having approxinmteircalculatP^ tL ^^ .'J^'P. ^«»' '*« i>as8age.
tons of Icods the -earl j^ av^rS tri ^^^^^^ ^^^^ «10.714
V!*l system, require on autTt^Tl^lSro^^^^^ ^^' ^^^ Marie Ca-
i^ybinsk to St. Petersburg fn Jfti • ^? ^^^ ^^ days' journey from
32 to 37 days for ifeSarvwll^.v^? ''*'^ '"''^"''^^ ^^ *^«y«' i«u"iey and
from 10tol2Saday ^'^« ^^^''^g^ ^"Pidity of the tran^tTs
tio?ofTe^?,'bTrkTolo^^^^ «^^«teu. from theinaugura-
pood, or 36 e'uS poumls wSfs^i^oon' ?T. '^ *^ ^^ copeckf per
of transit ; thul leaving a ridTSSfl^'^'''^^'^^^^^ '« t'^« ^^al cost
under the'most favorable coSdo"8'^ ^"'''^^ ^^"^ ^^^ *'^"W>«r, even
SayVX:S^^ n.ust be added :
cost for lUBurance during the iou^Lv • .In? ' 1^ copecks the average
at Kybinsk, freighting VddicSiU^"?'4^^";^^^^ storage
per pood, so that the total cost for [hi tin. ^^ /^/^^''^"rff, li copecks
to St. Petersburg bv the nSr^ni ! ;"'^'^'"^P*^^^o<'^''fronr%W
Kybinsk, amouni i' isf Topeck e7S' n ''"^'^f ^ '""^ «^i»«»««« ^t
canalsystemrSefnit S^
]ng as it does the basin of The y^^^^^^^^ fjf ^"^ ^f the E.npira, ui.it-
but the real value of this 4nni n., f^ ^^^- P^^'* ^^ '^^f- Petersburg,
comes acquainted wthhe1m,iS= "^ '^^PP^^^cinted only when one be-
^olga at the RyS^k w£?r T rfnSnf "'" f !'''^^' ^'^"^^^^ ^o tlie
the amount of me.chanrse that was tr^^Zft'^^^/'*^ ^^^'« ^"' ^^^^
<J"ni'ff the years 1855-1882 • transported to and from Eybinsk
Yours.
Vcs- ■^^'"' ,
sols. L ■(-? FioiRht.
freight.
18n5
lKo7
1860
18G,'i
1804
1805
1860
Xo.
3, 2f,4
3,894
2, 321
2,864
2,854
2.406
2,832
Tons.
236
225
217
283
269
278
308
Tons.
771, 573
1)13.323
503, 078
811,3.^3
768,364
6.59, 009
871,377
7S6, 907
Value,
sels. 1 1 '^'e'glit. j Value.
$', 743, 500
{151,857,500
|12, 990, ,500
16,847,500
12, 283, 500
13, 070, 500
19, 090, 500
13, 840, 500
910, 469
871,714
1,220,110
998, 485
1, 006, 002
088, 223
1, 262, 234
18,610,500
19, !52e,000
22, 959, 000
21, 389, 000
21, 780, rm
21, 292, 000
23, VA, .500
',036,012
408 il, 127,500"
429 1,249,007
919,575
I, 447, 1S4
1, 169, tm
2,188
2,767
1,790
338
3:5
.?35
412
Total
freight.
Tons.
08, 721
88, 939
57, 357
43, 457
40,500
40, 532
51, 927
351
432
443
443
443
1,892
1,279
$3, 603, 000
I 5,844. '00
3, 000, oOO
1, 654, 500
1, 449. 500
I, 442, 500
1, 500, 000
Tons.
840, 294
1, 002, 202
601, 035
854, 790
809, 164
699, ,541
923, 304
21, 244, .500 1,335
24, 859, 500
23, 30.5, 500
20, 676, 000
28, 839, 000
!3, 729, 000
47, 693
55, 671
67,118
67, 118
57, 118
121, 098
121,564
880, .50.5 21. 4fi7'. r.nn
I, Ul,ti:!« :23, 49S,'0U0
1,020
902
1,055
1,113
1,258
1,107
991
1,170,991 j-l,782,"000 1,064
85, 014
81, 369
88, 727
03, 889
92, 185
92, 2;i5
84, 198
1,696,000
1,991,500
2, 037, 500
2, 037, SOO
2, 037, 500
3, 527. 000
2, 078, 000
J69, 062
930, 800
1. 277, 229
1, 277, 229
1. 277, 229
1, 099. 546
1, 399, 1?0
Total
value.
Ill, 346, .500
21, 701, 500
15,9.')1,000
17, 402, 000
13, 713, 000
14, 493, 000
20, 590, 500
121, 339 3, 252, 500 jl, 158, 698
17, 989, 500
20, 306, 500
21, 517, 500
24, 990, 500
24, 990, 500
24, 990, 500
24,819,000
26, 133, 000
80,357
2, 074, 000
2, 208, 500
2, 760, 000
2, 582, 500
2, 843, 000
•J, ;;xn, 000
.\ 990, 000
1,522,591
l,3.'i0, 3!»3
1,008,413
1, 585. 402
1.267,296
WV:;, 739
1, 195, 843
2,501,000 1,200,343
24, 4^7, 000
27, .5:14^ 000
26, 574, 000
23, 336, 000
31,222,000
20. 572. 50(!
2.3,' 7:n. boo
25, B?8, 000
26, 283,"000
! !
160
CANALS IN BUSSIA.
An examination of the above table should call especial attention to
the following facts:
First. That during the period from 1855 to 1866 the largest freightage
brought to Kybinsk was in the year 1857, and amounted to 1,002,278
tons ; during the period from 1867 tO 1876 the largest freightage was in
the year 1875, and amounted to 1,390,130 tons; and during the period
from 1876 to 1882 the largest was In the year 1879, and amounted to
1,585,462 tons.
Second. That the smallest freightage during the period 1855 to 1866
was in the year 1860, and amounted to 559,607 tons ; that the smallest
in the next period above mentioned was in the year 1868, and amounted
to 930,600 tons, and in the last period the smallest freightage was in
tho year 1881, and amounted to 968,400 tons.
Third. That the average quantity of goods shipped from Eybinsk
in the direction of St. Petersburg during these periods was as follows :
From 1855 to 1866, 828,723 tons ; from 1867 to 1875, 1,158,252 tons ; and
from 1876 to 1882, 1,266,348 tons.
In the absence of the foregoing figures it would bedifBcultto believe
that the quantity of goods transported has incrsased by 433,929 tons
during the last 28 years, and that in the last V years the transports
have been increased by 112,500 tons.
THE EYBINSK V/HARF.
The Eybinsk Wharf is the great central collecting point of the Volga
districts, where are gathered together the cereals and other agricultural
products, the varied mineral wealth of liussia, such as iron, copper,
coloring matters, naphtha, also salt, wood, bristles, wool, tallow, hides,
furs, and fish. These goods are largely forwarded to St. Petersburg
to be sent to other countries, a small proportion only of the cereals being
directed to the nonproductive provinces of the north. It is therefore
important, both to the consignor and to the consignee, that this mer-
chandise be transported as quickly and as cheap as possible.
The following tabulation will give some idea of the relative value of
the canals and the railroad in handling this freight:
Canals.
No. of
vessels.
Average
IVeifiUt
per
vessel.
Total
freight.
Trans-
sliipinents
fioni
Kybinsk.
Harie
1855-1860.
2,478
2,777
1,618
Tons.
161
93
29
Tom.
401,175
266, 255
40, 885
Per cent.
,V3
ViflhnivolofiMlc ...........................•••.■•-•-■■-••->••
35
7
Xotal
6,873
717,283
95
18C6-1876.
MtkTie
2, 703
2, 358
1,224
209
93
29
576, 370
228,166
30, 932
S5
ViflhnivolndHk.. ....................■....•...........,•■•---.
22J
2
Total
6,345
841,467
79i
1876-1882.
Harie
2,230
1,417
721
241
93
29
550, 087
141,076
22, 195
47
Viahnivolodsk
12k
Tiokhviniikv - ---
if
Totals
. nita
t, auc
712, 750
flO|
ial attention to
gest freightage
Bcl to 1,002,278
eigbtage was iu
riug the period
d amounted to
od 1855 to 18G6
lat the smallest
, and amounted
ightage was in
, from Eybinsk
was as follows :
^,252 tons ; and
Qcult to believe
by 433,929 tons
the transports
nt of the Volga
ler agricultural
,8 iron, copper,
1, tallow, hides,
St. Petersburg
le cereals being
It is therefore
, that this mer-
iible.
elative value of
Total
freight.
Tim IIS-
sliipinents
fiom
Kybiiisk.
(
)
Tong.
401,175
266, 255
49, 885
Per cent.
r,\\
35
7
717. 283
95
)
!
)
576, 370
228, 166
36, 932
55
22i
2
841,467
79i
1
1
»
550, 687
141,076
22, 195
47
712, 750
m
CANALS IN RUSSIA.
MyMnak and Bologoe Railway.
Description.
Indepenilent of canals
PeroentaRo exported
tioods nocosHarily wintered at Kvbi'nVk " " "
I'ercentaKo of total receipts. . .: ...;.■.
•tons,
'tons.
1866-1875.
145,254
14i
60, 186
6
161
1876-1882.
875, 043
32
87, 975
74
£:xportafrom Rybinsk without transshipment-lS73-m2.
Mario system
Vishnivolodslc system.'.".".*
Tiokh viusky system ....
Ey'biLf:w:;.trff„«: """"^ '"o ^""^ "' «>« l-^t period, ft„„
Via—
Marie system
Vialmivolodsk system ...'.'"
lickhvinsky system
Total
Tons.
615, 808
lEO, 075
26, 100
791, 983
No. of
vessels.
2, 594
1,572
898
5,082
Ryhinak-Bologoe Railway.
Direct from ves-iols..
From stores and c^anufactured goods".'.'
Total.
Freight.
No. of
wagons.
Tons.
375, 943
90, 129
38, 986
9,123
466, 072
48, 109
THE VISHNIVOLODSK SYSTEM.
por^Tgo^^^srS^S the trans.
to the calculations of ISoS-TsSg, ift^Xor ed iS'f^^^ . ^^"^' ^^^^^'^'"^
the period 1867-1875, it transnorfed oSf nnn . '^^/""^ ^'^^ ^*^<>ds ; for
176,78(}tons; in 1878 1879 S 18S0^& ??, *?°^' ^^^ the year 1877,
1881 the transport was 73,7^ tons aLdfn'l«\9>' *"%"''^^^ ^^^^^ ^o^
that At present the transport of goods fmm]?SlT' 7'^*^ *^°«; ««
nearly ceased, and such goods is L?pnfh!^.f '' ^^ this system has
for neighboring snpplie.s or ir oto Tvar f i ^ l^''' ''^"^^ ^^^ intended
Petersburg by^theKolas^Rarilv ' theTa?t«'^'^ "'" ^T^""' '^ ^t
ring only when Rybinsk is so emSassed il . f ^^i^^tP^jtation occur-
-"-iii
I
162
CANALS IN RUSSIA.
goods are only from 12 to 14 days on the crual, by the time they arrive
at St. Petersburg by rail the transports cost liA cents per 36 pounds.
The reasons why the direct transjjort of 8o"bd8 from Rybinsk to St.
Petersburg has been abandoned are th(^ following: The cost of trans-
port would now actually cost from 13 to 14 copecks per pound, and
adding to this the other necessary expenses calculated in the Marie
system, the real cost per 36 English pounds, by the time they arrived
at St. Petersburg would be 8^ or D cents ; again it takes even longer
than on the Marie system, the journey being from 40 to 80 days, and
even more.
THE TICKIIVINSKY SYSTEM.
Direct transport of goods on this system, from Rybinsk to St. Peters-
burg, has also almost ceased since the construction of the Kybinsk-
Bologoe Railway. Not more than 10,071 tons are transported at pres-
ent from Rybinsk and these are for local needs. The cost of transpor-
tation by this canal from Rybinsk to St. Petersburg would amount to
from 7 to 8 J cents, and with the other expenses would be from 9 to 10.^
cents per 36 English pounds. It could not transport more than 48,214
tons during the navigable season and vessels would be from 16 to 25
days on the road.
RYBINSK AND BOLOGOE RAILWAY.
Comparing the rapidity of transports by rai':, without doubt the rail-
road has the preference over the canal system. For example, if we
allow the most rapid transport by the Marie Canal from Rybinsk to St.
Petersburg, it would still take from 18 to 26 days ; whereas by rail it
would take from 4 to 6 days. It is, therefore, comprehensible that a
certain portion of goods which can permit an extra expense of l.J cents
per 36 English pounds will always apply to the railroad for transit.
The railroad also brings to St. Petersburg such goods as have been
left on account of the closing of navigation. On the other hand, how-
ever, if the railroad between Rybinsk and St. Petersburg were organ-
ized, it could never answer the purpose so well as a well -organized
caiml system. For example, it has not the means of transporting at a
giT«n time what would be required. As will be shown below, the aver-
age receipt of goods at Rybinsk for the last 7 months was 1,253,571
tons, received as follows :
Month.
! -
April
May
June
.Tilly
Augnst ...
September
October ...
Beceipts.
Per cent.
4-6
30-50
30-40
8-12
5-7
2-4
Mi
Average receipts.
Per cent.
5
40
35
10
6
3
1
100
Tnnt.
C2. 678
501,428
438, 304
125,357
75, 214
37,607
12,983
1, 253, 571
It is impossible to obtain the average monthly transports by the Ry-
binsk Eologoe Railroad for the last few years, but taking the year 1877,
when the railroad made the largest transports, namely: both ways,
781,071 tons, in wh.ch a^e included 498,214 t^ns of goods taken directly
'^.miimmm-
CANALS IN EUS8IA.
e tliey arrive
16 pounds,
ybinsk to St.
;ost of trails-
V pound, and
in the Marie
they arrived
} even longer
80 days, and
to St. Peters-
the Kybinsk-
rted at prea-
; of transpor-
Id amount to
from 9 to lOi
6 tbau 48,214
from 16 to 25
oubt tbe rail-
cample, if we
jybinsk to St.
as by rail it
nsible that a
>eof l.J cents
ir transit.
IS have been
it baud, bow-
were organ -
eli -organized
sporting at a
ow, tbe aver-
vas 1,253,571
Werage receipts.
163
er eent.
Tont.
5
C2. 678
40
501,428
3S
438, 304
10
125,357
6
76, 214
3
37,607
1
12,983
100
1, 253, 571
rts by tbe Ry-
the year 1877,
: botb ways,
:aken directly
'^^^^ «4X .^^^pr„Vtti-r'- --»
Montha.
April
May
Juno ,
•^"ly
August
Suptembor. .
October
Total.
No. of
tiaiuH.
94
395
352
420
3:il
301
24«
No. of
WBjfons.
3,268
12,907
12, 396
14, 841
11, "80
10, 239
8,230
Tons. I ''er
I cent.
31, 330
12S, 030
119, 6.33
143, 109
118,661
98, 734
79,380
2*
10
10
'I'
71
'4
67
CANAL VS. RAILWAY TBANSPORATION.
bmskattheopeningofnaviffafionnn /iLfi ?i^^^® received at Ity.
end of Octobet tberf woX sW Z rema?nl'?i\^^' ^* '^"°"' ^"^ ^^ ^^^
received at Rybinsk • thus tl « r,nn/u ?^^^ *^ ^^^^ ^^"*- ^^ the goods
biusk from te^to one hund ^^an %Ttv dnv^n ^''" ^^^'^^'^^ ^^ ^^
pounds of goods would be delaved at SinKfT '''' ""Y^'^Se, each 36
^ The cost of transportatiVj^pSbS RnWni p^ m "'^^^ ^^y«-
to the tariff, Uj checks ?er3rEng?^;h"^^^^^^^^^
added 3 copecks for freighting and un load^nr^ /o^o 7^'?^ ™"«* ^^
waste, and at least 1 copeck for L-a-fi«fT?l-^®''^f *'''' ^^'^ ^"^
tohil of 17^ copecks per sn^ngbshpoa ^ '"'^' **^"' ""^^^"^ ^
sixteeVcSTro^^ng ^^^^^^^ *^^^« «^»tic 8ea,runs through
miles with its^rib Ses of ?H. /T'"?"' ^"*^ extends over 6^6^
Petersburg, 600 SaTe covered bv?^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^'"«k and St!
main 133 to be constructed arS«Hv/f, waterway; there only re-
tant canals in the worW '^'^'^'''^"^ *^ "^^^e it one of the most impor-
The natural portions of this system are:
JeT^f^'ltcl S ItsZf^lZ:^: "^^^^^ f ? '""^ ^^'^ Sea, 266
miles theKovia,23 miles. From Rvb ,^^^1^ i^ ^\ ^^^^« Sea, 23
Vuitigree, 14 miles; the buera Lake ^^^^iV^frfe^rg: The river
miles; the Ladoga Lake 100 mnp.- th«".^ x?' *^® ^'""^"^ Svir, 100
40 miles; and furtherrthe opSI sel " ""'' ^'^" '' ^'' Petersburg,
ble?tl.irK'e'?L^nri^&^^^ occupies resem-
mand of goods waiting to brtjLsSed aXlf;,^^^ for the de-
murmur on all sides. "'insported, and there is a general stir and
seJvLSlVLtcIsp^^^^ steamers 2,000 barges, 1,100
and larger vessels of old toLstruS«n^ti?«?f'^'^-%"^.«'"''^"er boats
largest Interim flotilla in the^'^orld and Wh II ?t.^ ^- '' ^^'^'^^^ ^^^
work. For example, when an extr-o^din ,1? . "^J -^ ''^^ "o<^ ^^ the
tricts has placed 1,000,000 to 1 500 000 ton«?f-^^'^'f^ ^° *^^ ^olga dis-
%bin8k, there is a un ver4l auxiefcv IVLJ ^^"^-^^^^ '*'' ^^^ ^^^^^^^s at
tient to get their goods oTatthe bead of fi ^'''*'" exporters are impa-
goods arrives at itybinsklc^fn tH'e IsTiftay^U^^^^^^^^^^ ^of'f °^^^^ **^
^ Some shippers hasten to avail thfim.<,Ai .TI^ IVTJ^^^ «/ J"°e.
■"'"" "^ ''"^" ^'oo«*' preierring to take less profit:""
'£5 «fit «lt.l
m )Bi'-
t »
1
■'^i.
It
164 CANALS IN RUSSIA.
The reasons why everybwly hurries his goods to Rybinsk (pint from
those already stated, ai<> : First, after June lOtii to 20th the water iu
the Volga generally becomes low. Second, it is necessary to hurrv t je
dispatch of cereals from Kybinsk to St. '"ntersburg, in order thaf ley
may arrive in the mouths of Juue and July, as already in Angnsi 'i»
rates of freight and insurance are increased threelbld ovei thi'Se of
June and July. Third, American cereals of the new cropN gifi to
reach Europe in September, whereas the last Russian crops u vith
difficulty, duriug the whole navigation, scarcely arrive at the ark»*t8
for sale. Fourth, to transport the cereals from the Vol i by rail, fiT
reasous shown above, means a heavy loss to the farmer u to tUe shij)-
per.
The Marie system can transport from the Volga to St. Petorsbuig
about 642,857 tons; the dispatch of boats from Rybinsk terminates
during the month of June, and the arrivals at St. Petersburg are ap-
proximately as follows :
Tons.
June 160,714
July 192,857
Aujiust :. 160,714
September 1^8,571
The Rybiusk-Bologoe Railway transports about 401,785 tons, the ar-
rivals in St. Petersburg being about as follows:
Tons.
May S0,357
June , 112,500
July 112,500
August 64,285
September 32,148
Finally, next to the two principal roads are situated three other
canals.
The Kickhvinsky and Vishnivolodsk systems, also the Volga at Tver;
but these are not ettective. The three canals transport to St. Peters-
burg, at the utmost, 160,714 tons ; the remaining 80,357 tons brought
to Rybinsk are distributed among the neighboring towns.
It thus appears with what uitficulty the live roads can transport to
St. Petersburg the products of an ordinary year. Therefor'i it is with
universal applause that the liussian Government has decided to im-
prove the Marie system even at any expense, and to such an extent as
will enable it to transport with facility and dispatch the fruits of a
welcome harvest.
IRRIGATING C/.NALS.
On this important question but little can be said in this report, inas-
much as no reliable data can be found touching this matter. In the
study of the navigable canals, especially the Mariensky, Tickvinsky,
and the Vishnivolodsk systems, and of the arguments tending to show
why they should be improved and enlarged, I have come across here
and there many statements bearing upon this method of irrigating the
lands in different parts of Russia ; but as the bureau of statistics has
only studied this matter for a few years past, and as these studies are
very superficial as yet and meager in detail, little of value has been
learned regarding the subject.
I have heard in a general way that there is a small irrigating canal
in the Caucasus, worked by a private corporation, and which is reported
to be Qu the eve of failure. I have been inform.ed on sem.ireliable au-
thority that the irrigating canals of central Asia, situated in the cotton-
"ANALS IN RUSSIA.
165
and r regard the queSn ^ oo in ,^^^^^^^^^ ^»«»»"ff them
port in the absence of omcini flffiirfii o '** ^"^ «l'«ou88ed in this re!
expert, have been B^nthyZlt^^^^^^^^^
nere, and I am able to sav that n.«nv i "^'''^'^ "' oj)oration
^uKl^a' httr'btKnvolK^
w'ould be likely to L vSabK^^^^^^^ «" *''« n"««t'0" t at
corporate it in a aupplemenuJy'rejtt '^'''''"'"'' ^'''•'^" ^' S'^<' t« i^'
J. W. Obawpord,
St. Peteesbubg, February 15, 1890. Oonsul- General.
FINLAND.
i?SPOiJr Br VWE.OONSXJL DOmSR
Wiborg. The extent of the r.nn« ;« sr °^ J'"'an<l at the town of
lowering of the water, wh ch is 255 Uj^'^V^' ^""^^'^^ '""^s), tl^
through the medium of 28 iX all of- W.T '"V"^"'' ^« «ff««<*^l
each, a breadth of 25 feet, and a eotir of' f.T * '^^^^ ^^ ^^O feet
granite. The construction of he nan?! w?^ ? ^^^^' ^^^ *^« ^"''^ of cut
granite rocks and partiT hroulh 3^^
1845, and was flnisheil in 1857 at , ,n^^^^^ ^«8 commenced in
marks. ^^'^^' **= '* *^«^*' cost of over 12,000,000 Finnish
alsf aVenX^sr^nts^rcrS^^^^ Tl^^^ «'f« «-»-I' ^hich has
system through terSVent statio,2 a d ^^•^'»* ^anal
with those of the Sai ma Canal. ^'''' of similar construction
The cost has been 2.500 000 mnrta rpu
canals in different pa troche couutrvonnn^r' ^""l^"'^ ^^"^ «'»^»e''
traffic of all the other canals amounted to ^oon^^o ™^.'^''- ^^'^ *^otal
95,000 q, or net only 5,000 q ^""^""^^'^ *« 1^^,000 q, with an expense of
Ma^toth^^rnrddl?^^^^^^^^^ ^^,^r^^ fro- the middle of
have to a great extent assisted anTfnnrl ^^"^L^^^-V sets in. The canals
and produce of the cmSf wS co^^^^^^^^^
farm produce. ^' ""* ^'^"^^''^t ^^'^fly of timber and some
p£:riSsltfttt'^^^^^^^^^^ ^'- Saima and the
keepers. All the other can^^lsr^na^^ffi^^^^^^^
United States Consulate,
Helsing/ors, August 23, 1889.
-niJKMAN UONNER,
yice and Acting Consul.
id
ff
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)
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11.25
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2.5
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Photographic
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 87i2-4503
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'III
166 CANALS IN SWEDEN.
SWEDEN.
REPOni! BY CONSUL MAJf, OF QOTBETfBVRQ.
A glance at the map of middle and southern Sweden will suffice to
show an observer that the formation of the country is peculiarly favor-
able to the opening of canal ways, as it is dotted with lakes and trav-
ersed by small rivers. Two of those lakes, Venern and Vettern, are
extensive bodies of water, Lake Venern baing 94 miles long and 43
miles wide, and ranking as the third largest lake in Europe, while Vet-
tern is 72 miles in length by 18 in breadth.
The people of Sweden 3 or 4 centuries ago saw the advantage of cut-
ting a way between these chains of lakes and water courses, and thus
Connecting them with each other and the seacoasts.
As long ago as 1617 the first important work of this kind was begun,
while the latest undertaking was completed ia 1871.
The canals constructed during this period furnished the earbest
mediums of commnnication and traffic, and not only proved of great
convenience and profit in the early days when railroads were unknown,
but have continued their popularity and usefulness up to the present
time, when they are traversed by innumerable craft of every description,
from the humble ore and himber barge to the elegant passenger steamer.
The following is a list of the principal completed canals of Sweden:
TrollhUttan Canal and improvement of the Gota River, completed in
1800 ; rebuilt 1836-1844, at a cost of $603,000, furnished by the state.
Gota Canal: Conneofcing lake Venern with the Baltic, commenced
in 1811, finished in 1832; 54 miles in length, and costing $4,154,000.
Stromsholm Canal, connecting lakes Malaren and Barken. Com-
menced 1777, rebuilt 1840-1860. Length 68 miles, 7^ miles of it
cannal. Cost $50,920, furnished by the state.
Scdertelge Canal, connecting lake Malaren with the Baltic, built
1806-1819. Length 2 miles. Cost $214,400.
Dalsland Canal, connecting lakes Venern and Stora Lee, built 1865-
1868, at a cost of $361,800, of which $53,600 was furnished by the state.
^ Kinda (Janal, connecting lakes Eoxen, Reugen, Jernluuden and
Asunden, completed in 1871, at a cost of $482,400.
TEOLLHAITAN CANAL.
The need that furnished the impetus to the idea of constructing this,
the first Swedish canal, the inspiration to which is said to have sprung
from Swedenborg's fertile brain, was the establishing of a perfect con-
nection between the great lake Venern and the Gota River to the sea.
The Gota River was already the natural outlet of Lake Venern, but
near its source it was rendered completely unnavigable by rapids a:!d
a sharp descent of 144 feet within a distance of 1 mile.
To avoid these natural hindrances an artificial water course was
begun during the : eign of Charles XII, upon the return of that monarch
from his long adventurous sojourn in foreign countries. After his death
the work ceased for a time, but was taken up again, and eventually,
after many difficulties and i'>*:rjrruT>tions, was successfully completed in
1800, thus erowsiing the perseverance of 200 years with the final estab-
en will suffice to
peculiarly favor-
i lakes and trav-
a-ndVettern, are
lies long and 43
irope, while Vet-
Uvantage of cat-
ioarses, and thus
kind was begun,
hed the earliest
proved of great
is were unknown,
ip to the present
svery description,
issenger steamer,
mals of Sweden:
ver, completed in
led by the state.
Atic, commenced
ng $4,154,000.
I Barken. Oom-
I, 7^ miles of it
the Baltic, built
b Lee, built 1865-
ihedbythe state.
Jernlunden and
constructing this,
id to have sprung
of a perfect con-
River to the sea.
Lake Venern, but
)le by rapids a:A
i.
v^ater course was
n of that monarch
}. After his death
1, and eventually,
fully completed in
1th the final estab-
NEAA^ T--
FROM
If
3
S
If
I I
11
.,iem.mmam>
u^v^.
% % T ^
3
CANAL SCALE.
10 h'/LOMETRES.
CANALS IN SWEDEN.
NEAA^ TROLLHATTAN CANAL.
(IN ITS ENTIRE LENGTH.)
PROM VENERSBORG TO THE! GOTA RIVER.
(From Barois. )
METRES
•CANALS IN SWEDEN.
167
nlruZl tt NoThS"^ '"' ^^""^"'^ «^""'^«"- between Lake Ve-
-^^S'Sfl^Zm:^;[^^,:T^ that Gothenburg, situated
the Kingdom. ' '^®*''""® ^'^'^ '^^ding commercial city of
presented a steep des«> t /nw^^.f/^^ l"""'' '•* *^^« locality, which
ite rock, throuTh wS L^^^^^^^^ ^ """"'^ mass of red gran
constructed. ^ ^""'^^ ^''^ ^''^'^^ «''^°a' and its fifteen locks were
Of \"heTvrr:?hi:i!'t^X^^ ^^^^^-^ -^ -P-ing
00 miles. "JBeiuer win the canal, represented a stretcL of
THE GOTA CANAL.
tothrffl':'geMrsS^eri,°fe,!'r .r^"'"* ?r ^''™™ ^t""^*
the Baltie, thas uniting the wo^e»'< hv .^ ""< • ''°'''' «''"«'a'^ »«
the chain 'of ,al.estS„gI™rrhec'o™rv'^'"'^ canals as links in
n.e?c^JT„1ia7Si «;?e1i^!T^|°' '''A^*?^ «»-»'. ™ then con,.
cial and other extraiMo, fdrVwi,,,!? ' ' ''^^'"^ "«' *'th the flnan-
enterprise. «^""<">"S drawbacks experienced by the flrst canal
whTleXS^t'betwer^hrttr^^^^^^^^^ <"'"'" ,'"'"«™ «* ™K
laile^y^S^?^!""'™"''" "^^ «>« '-' ab„ve'"r Baltic, and 163 above
feet'brld.'''''"''*''" '"'"''' '^'"' •" "•"«" *« 121.36 feet long, and 22.96
ha^^'^enSorZsta,"""'"'^''^ '''^" " =" "" ™^ "o««'»gs, and it
onSISXg to t'helJeat ™L*irf S, °,"' ""•«"" "^ '-'=--' "»■
its course somewhat deviattoB"nplacer»'n;? encountered, which made
rrttrin-^&SSS™^^^^
^^^^^^t^l^^B^t is paved at the
ers, a fine and luxorionf h» If „^- T ,^^ '"'"''' ''y the passing steam-
and Gothenbnrgh everTieason ^ rvi!;'///^"'''"'^ J"'*"''""' StSSkhota
<na.,y of which Ire American t^nS'"^ ^^'^^ """"«''« "' paasengers,
ioc?sTcrt tretaTe?"JifaS^r'Js:"i'',f^-"f r''"'' -™-"y-f»-
tbe North sea. which in I'LTel ZoSTIh SSs '"^ '''""« '»
ffl
Si
II i
I ii
i i
:!
'Ii
I M
Ui^
168
CANALS IN SWF.DEN.
The otlior canals mcntionetl — Stioinsljolin, SodPitelffo, Dalalnnd, and
Kinda — are merely to connect other lakes in the interior with the water
ways opened up by the Trollhiittan and Gota Canals.
Stronisholm Canal, connecting the northern ])r()vince8 with Lake
Malaren and Stockholm, fnrnishea a water way 08 miles long, 7^ miles
of which is a canal of 7^ feet depth, with twenty- five locks, and an
elevation at its highest point of 301 feet above the sea level.
SiJdertelge Canal, joining Lake Miilaren with the Baltic, is 2 miles
long, 30 feet wide at the bottom and 00 feet at the surface, and has a
depth of 12 feet. It is cut through sandy hills, some of them 100 feet
high.
Dalsland Canal, connecting Lake Venern with a number of narrow
fjord-like lakes near the borders of Norway, possesses fotir locks and
an iron aqueduct 118 feet long and 16.40 feet broad, which conducts the
canal over a water fall, and altogether measures 3J miles in length.
The Kinda Canal, connects achain of small lakes near the souiiieastern
coast, with the Giita Canal, and is 49J miles long. It has fifteen locks
98.40 feet long, by 10.40 feet broad, and (\57 feet deep.
Most of the work on these canals was mere manual labor, without the
assistance of excavating machinery and other mechanical appliances
familiar to modern engineering, and therefore is of little value as to de-
tailed method, incalculable as the benefit of the completed structures
have beon, and are.
The two canals furnishing a water route across the kingdom have
naturally held the railroads in check, moderating excessive tendencies,
and otherwise proved invaluable to the country.
They are all owned by stock companies, and their management is
similar, consisting of a president, four directors, a chief engineer, lock
inspectors, two canal constructors, a traffic chief, and other subordinate
officers.
Sweden has no irrigating canals, no necessity for them existing here
StaUment showing, hy months, traffic and amount of toll collected oh Gota Canal durin
the year 1888.
Months.
Nuinlier
of nailing
vessels.
May 10 to 31
June..
July
AllKUBt
September
October
November
December 1 to 15
Total
391
082
724i
C8l
613
361
170
35
3,663
Number
of steam
vessels.
89
175
179
179
159
133
00
8
1,012
Aniuunt
of toll
collected.
$5, 47C. 70
10, 008. 57
10, 9U8. 21
10, 696. 42
8, 077. 78
C, 102. 47
3,155.03
229. 13
55, 249. 31
Statement showing merchandise carried hy sailing vessels on Giita Canal, during the year
1888.
Articles.
Amount.
Articles.
Amount.
Breadstaffs kilns . .
2, 929. 822
251. 742
3, 245, 883
26, 350
Ore
kilos..
,1, 768, 873
Coal and coke .....hectoliters
Ore zinc
Pittprops and wood. . .
Stone
do ..
cubic meters..
kilos..
20, 020, 985
74, 395
5,948,808
Iron anil steel kilos..
f-jWTr^".-'- ■'^-Y-r*tfe''\t
\ Dalslnnd, and
r with the water
ices with Lake
8 long, 7^ miles
e locks, and an
level.
laltic, is 2 miles
'face, and has a
»f them 100 feet
mber of narrow
four locks and
ich conducts the
Bs in length,
he souiiieastern
las flfteen locks
t)or, without the
iiical appliances
) value as to de-
leted structures
B kingdom have
sive tendencies,
management is
f engineer, lock
her subordinate
tn existing here
Gtita Canal durin
Number
Amount
of steam
of toll
vessels.
collected.
89
$5, 47C. 70
175
10, 008. 57
170
10, 9U8. 21
179
10, 696. 42
159
8, 077. 78
133
e, 102. 47
00
3,155.03
8
229. 13
1,012
55,249.31
lal, during the year
kiloH..
....do ..
c meters..
kilos..
Amount.
.1, 768, 573
20, 020, 985
74, 395
5, 948, 808
CANALS IN THE UNITED KlNODOAf.
Statement nkowinf/ traffic and
^'>^-^'>^t%toVroUcctedon Vota Canal, d„rln,j ihe
1879 to ims.
Salllns viBselH. I Steam vesaeU.
Toll.
♦17, 6J4. 60
19,914.27
18.031.09
22,358. 17
22, 670. 39
20,313.3,')
20,116.08
23,191.92
23, 556. 32
21, 6S2. OS
No.
608
906
K9H
1,0,U
1,0,')2
1,145
1, U-i
1,209
1, 025
1,012
Toll.
$2.1, 081. 71
24, 906. ;il
24, OUO. 18
34, 350, 10
36, 082. 54
36, 281. U(
38, 491. .lO
40, 174. 20
34, 720. 04
33, 503. 26
yearn
Statement showing traffic and amount of toll eollected on all the eanals in the kinnrt .
*«// the years 1884, l8Hr>, and 1886 /^"'gdom dur-
United States Consulate,
Gothenberg^ October 30, 1889.
Ernest A. Man,
Consul.
THE UNITED KINGDOM.
CANAIS COMMUNICATING WITH LEEDS.
REPORT Sr coif SDL WiaPALL.
EARLY ENGLISH CANALS.
reign of Henry I, IhC. thHeL? llV,"i?"/'''"<' »^ '»■■ back m the
ishing Htate and onjoyini an ext«?>,?i L. ^* ^^f '*''. ^^'""^ ^»« «'«« >n a very flour
of a n,ore ready ^olnZ^^^i^oi'^Zl^S.Sr'''' ""«^* '''''' ^'' '"^^ advYnfages
^^^^r7ttl2'of'u^^ ^^ -ore keenly marked,
known to-day, and toiheont^^tSa^^^^
magnificent cathedra' and other heirToom^ ^- T '^l'^? ^^ *^« P^«<=' ^''^
the Fossdike is there .till ItTs 11 mSL ^^Pf ^^^^^ greatness; but
through its course, Desn te its ohJ 3^1 ^^ ""' thereabouts and level
but bears the barges avS brTn^ to n.«' L^T^'^'' ^^^^^"^^ of senility,
coals With a surfai as si^en^e^Jlld^Sr;] S,- l^^^t/^^
170
CANALS IN THE VmTEU KINOI^OM.
disuse. f„r „„„turios. ''" ""'"" •"• '"'1«» '" lenjitl,. It |,„, ™„^,t
Witham below Lnool and /h'p'w'.f ^""« "^^^^ Peterborough to th«
tbe Trent at Torksey '^^ fhe^^^^^^^^ was joined by the To? ,fke*to
whose affluents is the Ouse /iw! n "^ «'nptiea into the Humber oi,p n?
of the Fossdike navigaS \v^^^^^ ^"fl*"^ 'engtL on 1 n Uea
link man inland course from L^h^*'' ^*^« ^^en the comnlet mf
tbe capital of Koma Britain ^jTi;:''^l'^^'ifire to York, Sh Zl
the chain to be taken up andbornebX" a • ^''' " "^"^^ la'tor late for
Ouse to Leeds and Wakefield Infin ^® ^\'^ "'"* ^^^ ^^^Wer from thi
Peunine Hills to Mancltter iirerVool"rnd''^^^^^^^ T'''' ^«-0S8 he
During the twelfth and the mi<3iS ' ' ^^^ ^^'^'^ Sea.
little attention was an nVenHl S'V"?.^^ "P to the sixteenth
traffic by water; anffieed ^^ ^^^ *''? opening of new channel" of
spread endeavor'manif^t ft^l^lft add t^th'^^^^^ T'^'^y ^^^defy
by the various creeks and rivers "" ^^^ "^^"'''^^ routes supplied
npl« o^'^fW'^''^ ^'^^ ^«^o limited, yrrie to M.^^"'P?'^*^'«» ^'^cilities
ThT^- ?f "^ 'J^'ugof waterways provi'iS
The eighteenth century had neiXl]^I!i , i^^ ^^® uatural courses,
canals received the irapet^wK {,? '^"^ ^'^^^^ ^^^e making of pro, er
England with that network of artifloS w^"?'"'^^ "' covering the face of
tlTatl'^.V"' "^''^ ^^tensfve am ' ;ar'erranl'r ^'/^^ «»PPlemen?s
tliat saw the gestation of the revo if inn f,?T? '^^ system. The years
perfecting her hold on lud aSn fT« '""''^' '^^''^'^ f^u^d England
Jer grasp the still i«ore mfghty DossfbiiT" Tf ""^ ^^^^'^^ «lip S
sions, were filled with a sn fit nf ^nn^i 1 ^'®^, ""-^ ^®^ American posses
Itself manifest in many wayi if T^^^^"'^ innovation, which^Zde
when steam as a moti/e power was stn±?"^ l^^'^ troublous tmes
application of electricity^had blen £<- i?'"^, *^^^'«<^«»«e' when the
when men's minds were shaken wi ^""H^Saely dreamed ot; a neriod
and religious precedents were suftlriP^^^^^^^^ ^"^ when Sa
alleledj it was in this time fLifhl^.^^-^"^^^ scarcely till then nar
came to a similar awakening ^^' '"^^""^' '^^'^^^^ o/the kingdZ
soug^tfo^ptf^cTth^rror^^^^^^^^ -- that which
and population centers wS^h thus f^J'hadTem v^'f the various tratle
The two plans which found mo^tSll^ '^'"'"ned so ill-provided,
tions of long and well known SholTr'? ""^'""^''^ ^«^« ^dapta-
the mines, so afterwards magSed «nrl 1 ""T ""^^ *''« tramroad of
capable of recognition in thSlwav^in"^'* as hardly now to be
changeful development of a stmnhi?' ^^^,''^^^^' «^a8 the slower and less
which nature's hind 2ad buil '' '""^'^ ^^ ^^^"^P^^^. the wa er ways
f.
I'ain Iiad tho caro
^'iKation therein,
tlmt district, the
'ue from a point
r Wjthani 3 miles
:tli. It has been
ition oftheCaer-
'<ljy as any the
> this island.
Mnents to the al-
t works intended
rborough to the
the Fossdike to
Humber, one of
'gth of Jl miles
^he completing
[>rk, which was
1 later date for
Ualder from the
nals across the
ea.
> the sixteenth,
ew channels of
tury no widely
outes supidied
public spirited
ation facilities
: of river chan-
^ral courses.
king of proper
ng the face of
' supplements
»• The years
>und England
ling slip from
rican posses-
which made
Jblous times,
ce, when the
of, a period
when moral
till then par-
he kingdom
I that which
arious trade
provided,
'^ere adapta-
tramroad of
now to be
^f^r and less
water ways
CANALS IN TIIK UNITKl) KINGDOM.
EARLY ENGLISH RAILWAYS.
171
tJno ri l'*** '" ^^^ P^«««»«'«" » I»''otoffr'iph of one of the oarlv
trains, taken from an engraving of the vejir IH1'> ...wi .?. .■ L^
Jane 24, 1812, the lly engine come to the Bird in hand and Leeds with 8 waggons
The "fly engine" presented has a large cog-wheel at one side
which, engaging ,n a row of teeth laid along the track nroMols the en
follf S'U'r f ^^*^f "«" attached to it at the rate we a e firth";
told, of " 3^ miles an hour on a level railroad." What its c imu itv fnr
speed might be on a steep grade is left to be conjectured. ^ ^ ^
ifte three score railroads existing or contemnlatfi.l ii, la"?! «r„.^ *.
f',S'„«''"^?<>'=''«'."<">'"0«™ had been turned out by SterSson
hnes and tUe OO-mile apeils wbicb barcomrafter ibl [uff Zj^
tbaii tbree-quarters of a century has passed since tbe Mi,b ,.tl, 2?
eiigine wm deemed worthy of bavms its no tAit mn^^ . „„,i 7 f
are now quite otber than they were^ TbeiJ etL shLU thi'"!™''?'
proved before they can compete withriiaA nothe^wTess rt.'tes
that the locl5s and ivater ways of canals are altogether wantSn'.r
the^KroJS^^^^^^^^^^
the divided ownership, and the absence of through roS-sZ^^^ ^
rL«T,'fi'"'"i' separately or in combination^bave sufficed to exer
pZ^blfotS^^^^^^^ «--^-« -P--t?he
THE AIRE AND CALDER NAVIGATION.
n:t "o;;e satisfactory issue has been attained in exceptional instanoe«,
One ot the most important, successful, and well-estaSSof TS an
«
172
CANALS IN TIIR UNITKD
elilk
KINGDOM.
A,r„ a„„ c.,l„„r navi;;;!^ l^^'^ ' ;;,^"" »"<; .ll«trict of u2 fe
years beforo tlio itiithiHm ^I- ^''^''s'l canals. It whs I.Pirnn «/
company; it was in fo Vont raX^^^^ ^i"''^'"'^' a^rnXtlo^
caiiai building Mas o.iteml m. /. /''■" r^^"'"*' cftnaJs wlu.„ y^^^u!.
energetic, thorouffhirabSsrv^it .%h'";'''''^'''^^^'^" '"^« «».^en vise^a
a ;« to meet 'lim<MiC aTtheraro e '^"^^^^^^^^^ "ot only willi^/b:
T..e re„.,eri„« tC Le^l^^ " " ""' '"''"' '"^« «^ ^"« ^'^^ '"'<! balder •
niOHt
of .my «nuctn.m,t for a cunal ,mti^'''l'-""""'.* •"«"«"* above C Wrs "1 ' ''^ '•*""
• iindertakinir inav I'of fJnJl ""^'K»t'0", a brief outline of f hi« TJ^/ '" ^''^ ''^t'^
The Hrst l?c"of KCu" l'"?™"'-^':'* *" "" reader'" «^'«"«'^« »"<! "sefnl
eIapStC!!«J.:;-4^^ .ore tban 70 vears
thieed a similar ^ilMnto I.T ZZ of Cn^n J^"^^ ^^^'"'^ ^'""'^^^ "'tm
1699 the act passed the UppeiT'se Id r« "•''"?' !*°^'' the next year,
may be noted here that uetifi. .«fn ?« received the Royal assent It
coming from towns as KpaJtrsTi.^^^^^^^ ''^^^ ^'» ^«'e numerous
tY«'"^?!^''^*^«' ^Wermen, aC b^fri'^r, T ^^^f'T^er, and "S
the petition from the lord mavor nnT;i, ^-»'"8t ^'e bill apneared
also the private petition of FrSis C^^ commonalty of Yi^C^ull
of the Soke Mills at Wakefield '"' ^^ ^'^«^«<^' ««q'"re, the owner
thettnrt^^Sns m^ent'reS t"^ ^f ^^^^^^ -- -"^"larly anti
nnaltruistic. The coJpomtio^of Uk s?v tr'"''^!'^ motfverequal ;"
?4»r-^'- -"«-» »>« ine...I,.oppe. .0. ,ol„, at al, to .. ,.at
"^^P^ SS!°i -ay ^^^^^^^^^^^ -t going at all, both
The conditions of the period 'irAmnrffif ,^° ^^^ -^'^^ and Calder
th^?' • ' ^''\''' a statemen to tCeffect thit^.^^ '^^ I''^ petition^ '
the principal trading towns in th« wl 7- * ^^f'^^ ^i^d Wakefield are
petitioners having no couven ence S i^/^"" ''''^.^^'" ^nd further "the
tbem, which not ?nly occasions a^?L7«^' ""^'"'t^^ ^^*J^'» 16 miles of
damage to their goods, and Hmn«t.?^!^l''l'''°^® ^"' '^lany times frreat
The clothiers of Katchda"esTth'ffh *^^ '""'^'^^ ^re impassiWe,^tc"
carriage." The clothiers of HanflV«?Jf^'?/'f^ "^'^^^ ^'^^ any Water
carnage within 30 miles and much datfct ?^* " 9^^ ^^ve no^ water
ness of the roads bv the nv^rTS "?^® ^''^PP^^n^^ through the baVl
Wakefield repeat the'sLtTm 'rraflelr^ T'^ 7''' '^'<^tMers1f
*b«'^«nited importance as cloth ir?rlfpf« * '? -^^^^^ petitioners of
send their goods 20 n.iles by land corriaS; 'fH^'^'" *''^^ ^'^^^^ ''ave to
only very chargeable, but the™ fS'.^Jf ^^P^°«e whereof is not
While the roads are Passible to^Sk^rand^^n^S,^S.r^t^hrg7^
■Miam
'■'«-v offIi(.«?e.
of Leeds, fluj
'• A <U'8cri|)-
'"iiiyporhapN
I hikI ('xpliiiri
m begaa 50
»^ navijffttloi!
'en wise and
Y willing but
construction
i»i(l Oalder :
TiiiH ouo of the
[ <w thoy were
lor to the dnto
Ive and useful
' 11, 1699. All
of Char'^H I,
^iotaiiiing the
ke navigiible,
^n 70 years
iifax intro-
next year,
assent. It
numerous,
and signed
I apiieared
York, and
the owner
ilarly anti-
es equally
^0 drained
5oke mills
his great
; all, both
d Calder.
titions.
efield are
lier " the
• miles of
>es great
ble, etc."
uy water
10 water
he bad-
hiers of
aners of
have to
of is not
inetiines
)ods re.
CANALS IN IHE UNITED KINGDOM. J 73
J^ive^conslderable damage through the badness 5f the roads by over
<i.'l-r' Ti:'J!lt.X.r^:^;^s> ^"" r- "-"««^>'« ^o t,.
outof Malham I'^tnn, u few „E " . ' of 41h.'' '''r^l^"* Vorkshf e^
««tuate.l about (iO milks vvc^st f Yo k rl '?""'«' ^^'»'"'' »"tt"r place is
-a something less than 40 ^H^t' a^.:^;^:;^;^;:^^^!;^^;^
l;;onUheju..ction, still b..iS^^^^ ^"'•''•'^^" "^ ^'"^tle'fo.!.
Ouse into which it emj)ties a sliS , i^f„ . ' ^'^ "''*''' l>''o«oe.lH to the
"hU thence, receiving he waters of t.^T^^^ fove the port of Goole;
f«»»'« tlu^ river Uu.ube,-, upon vi.ich S i'*'"^ '"^"'."^^^^'•'^t lower down
nver of the sau.e name, the irimX,.; ^ .)"'i<!tion will, the smaller
"uthority of the llrst act ext" K f^T^'K'^ f «"1I i^ situated. Thi
above its junction with the oITI^^^ ^" VVeeland, a point on the Aire
way. The subsequen 7 <S^th Si.m of'tlirir • '^^''^ "«"'^ ^'' ^^^ ^h c
;;;«tance of about U* utiles, i^^^fii^tllt C^Sff^^^^^^
3.fsf'^r;r^;;;^,^St:;i.K?trv''^ft ^^^ * '-•^^ -•» ^^ ^^^i of
ot the Aire and Calder im 'gat ion are s? S. ??'?^'' V'""'^ ^ho Avharves
and Liverpool Oanal, which iS down ^.^^^^^^^^^^^ tlie basin of the Leeds
and thus connects the two navigatior ' l>^'"ti'ito the river Aire
by ea^t'^rm if/erisrer'a,;dT; ^ """'«"' " ^«-" ^« '"il^'^ north
bor«ler,,f thecountiiof Yolk ? /"t'*''* southwest from Leeds at thJ
Hills. The«c laslwmnl^V^om^^. ririroSf'^' ?"""^' thj'l'etn.h
bone of England." In the smue fleL th«^ w ''/.f^'f?^ " ^^^^ back-
bereof, takes its rise, and flmviL i a ? m.?^'' ^f'^^'^ *^'' ^ l>'»»«b
Kibble and en.pties into the Sh Se i riy,r'^^ airectior. joins the
coming down from the high lake countrv n?vir'*''""''^ ^ '"« '"« ^^ range
nating at the Peak in Jierbyshire s^"^, S,- ^T««tmorelaud and culuTi-
«oat^, and forming a by no me uL 'in? ^J'"^'/''*' watersheds of the two
takings which, life railroar^''eSr'fre't'' ""Y'"''' '^ "".V "nd^r
tenance more or less approxim-itPh nf uf \'^t'eudent upon the main-
their lines. It is thr(,ugh a^ j S h ^^^^ gradient in the traject "f
and canals connecting fheNorr.tndH- '^" S"'^ *^''^^ ^» ''^^ 'vv ^V^
the points more delinitelv TT. l n^ r"'® ^"''" ^eas (or, to desiffuate
The Calder, risii.g"S'i?oSmSen rur^'^ ^''^'^^ ''' ^'« coSL'J ^^^
passing near Halifax and thro.Tn ' 1^"^ '" ''" easterly direction
^« junctiou with the aL at c;,tSbTf "¥, '" "^"'^^^^-^^^ ^"^ <>n «
Wakeheld, and in the 12A n,ilesT( wL f ^V.V'''7«''^'«" ^*^ffa» at
feet by four locks. The tota .mI>m. ^^^"^^^rd the level dropped 28i
to Weeland was, in l-S^l a d.VSe^^^^^^^^ ''^^ wSkefiefl
Just below Wakefield lrm<rA . ri ,, ^ nules, and the fall 62^ fepf
Ijinsaiulhalfanii'tl'j^'f^j-^
into the river Calder. Since th it t ,L h ^'i^»«'«.V ^anal locks down
acquired by the Aire and Caidt a^dth^r^n""'"^/^^"^^ ^^^ l>een
At the date of Mr. Priestley. publication,short canals and .ilroad.
174
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
the property of private ludividuals, were connected with and served as
feeders to these navigations, for trar sporting the lirae. gypsum, coal,
and so forth tno pro. uce of the various estatel Oneofthiserai roads
To'iSo /nTriSnn^r^'"^ ^^'^^ ^^ ^^'^^^ tousof coal, and another from
70,000 to 100,000 tons per annum to the river. It was on one of these.
It may also be noted, that the fly engine of 1812 was used '
lo revert to earlier days, it appears that upon the passing of the
enabling ac in 1G99 a sum of about £12,000 ($38,3£3) was advanced by
the undertakers of the Aire and Calder, and that in the course of a few
years more sundry additional sin^ll amounts were provided to the ex-
tent of come £10,000 ($77,891), which were lent and advanced. These
sums, together with the whole of the income derived from the tolls
during the first 24 years' operations, were laid out in completiu<r tlie
Y^'^Iri, '^^ inconsiderable wa8 the trade of the district that as late as
?iftc77<^"^ .J" /'■?"f'"^^ "i*' *^^' navigation was rented for £2,000
(f J,7do), the undertakers themselves agreeing to be at the risk of
keeping all damd on the rivers good against accidents. In 1771 in-
creased demands of trade led to the projection of an entirely new
canal from Leeds to Selby on the Ouse, 20 miles east of Leeds and 14
Tlrf n?" n [^"^ ^'*'^- .?^bi«ras surveyed, but being opposed by the
t^ ?i ^^^iZ ^^^'^S^tion, the plan failed. It was in consequince,
neveitheles8,of this application and of several memorials addressed to
themselves by merchants and by others interested, that the Aire and
Calder undertakers applied for and obtained a second act, which has
already been refer. <.d to and which was passed in 1774, enabling them
to make a canal from Haddlesey on the Aire navigation across the angle
separating the two rivers to Selby on the Ouse; and also to improve
the river Aire from Weeland down to the Ouse. Various betterments
wereshoitly altorwards made under this act: and on April 29 1778
the canal was opened from Haddlesey to Selby. These and other alter-
£70,OOo7$34?,655) ^^ **" ^"^*'^ * *^^^' "*''''' *^® *^^"^«^" <^^ »^o«t
Since the year 1800 very considerable sums had been expended in
adaitional ocks, in the purchase of premises, and la dock and ware-
house building and other improvement of the property.
ihe canal from Haddlesey to Selby was about 5 miles long and had
but one lock, that into the tideway of the Ouse at Selby. From Leeds
to Selby was about 30J miles by this line of canal, with 10 locks ; and
llT Ya^^^^f'^ ^"^ ^f'^y ^^* ""««' "^'^^ « locks. The old locks' were
5b to 60 teet long and 14 feet 6 inches to 15 feet wide, but the new ones
ran to a width of 18 feet. Vessels drawing 5 Teet 6 inches could pass
at the date in question, 1831, and improvements were then in execu-
ticu which would enable vessel: of 100 tons burden to navigate these
rivers. ° ^^^a^
In the years 1817 and 1818 a canal from Knottingley to the rive^
Uon, with an extension to Doncaster, was talked about: but it was
met, as the former project had been, by application successfully made
by the Aire and Calder to Parliameut for autliority to cut a canal from
Knottingley to Goole. This was obtained in the year 1820 (June 30)
and authorized the cutting of a canal as far as Goole, with two collat-
eral branches. This canal was opened in 1826, in the month of Julv
It originally began at Knottingley, but was afterwards extended to
Ferrybridge, passiirg thence through Knottingley and running to the
south of Snaith, whence its course is parallel to the river Don for
Dutch Kiver) until it reaches the tideway of the Ouse at Goole. The
*'0§t as Srst estimated for this line was £157,000 (|i»60,710.50)j but a
.
•««»s«iMM.i ii i rmmm aim
CANAF8 IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
I served as
>8uiTi, coal,
6 railroads
other from
e of these,
ing of the
vanced by
le of a few
to the ex-
id. These
I the tolls
•letiuo; the
as late as
"or £2,000
le risk of
a 1771 in-
irely new
ds and 14
ed by the
sequence,
iressed to
Aire and
ivhich has
ling them
the angle
improve
!)terments
29, 1778,
her alter-
of about
ended in
iud ware-
and had
)m Leeds
Jks; and
cks were
new ones
mid pass
n execu-
ite these
the river
t it was
Ily made
nal from
rune 30),
o collat-
of July,
mded to
ig to the
Don (or
le. The
); but a
175
far greater sam was found necessary. From Ferrybridge to Goole the
canal was about 18^ miles ; to low- water mark at Goole was a drop of
Mi leet. The width of the canal was 60 feet at top and 40 feet at bot-
tora; depth, 7 feet, and the locks 70 feet long by 19 feet wide.
When this work was commenced Goole was an obscure hamlet con-
taining only a few houses. It began at -nee to increase and it is at the
present time(1800) apoit of considerable importance for both foreign and
coasting trade. The port is situate 27 miles above Hub, in latitude 53°
40' north, and longitude Oo 52' west, and is the most inland port on the
eastern coast of England. It has now (1890) a population of about
15,500, and has dock accommodation to the extent (according to the
Shipping World Year Book, 1887) of about 23 acres, which is in process
ot being extended. These docks are connected with the Aire and Calder
navigation, and also by sidings with the Lancashire and Yorkshire and
Kortueastern Railways. Spacious sheds, warehouses, bonding stores,
cellarage, and wharfage are provided, as well as a large graving dock
ot capacity sufficient to accommodate the largest vessel using the port
A newspaper paragraph recently published gives some shipping de'
tails as to one of the lines of steamer trading between Loudon and
Goole, and is here anhexed :
[The Yorkshire Poet, January 28, 1890,]
IMPORTANT PURCHASE OF STEAMSHIP PROPERTY.
J^^A\^h^u''^'''^^^^l?A,^^''^^'^''^ Cbainbers, Abchurch Lane, London, have pnr-
chased the business of William France (limited) as from December 31 last. The lat
ereafmi'mw nf ^^ *^" ^*'f ^''"'^"^ ^?"*'«' ""^ ^'"^'' ^^''^^^' and Goo e, has for a
forkVi fr« Y .r*""' "i° Steamers regularly (incouneotion with the Lancasbire and
WwfnP*°?*'*'':?'T^'''^"*y\^e'^i''« Aire and Calder Navigation's Canal system)
K.M 9"^^^^'^ h"A",°« ^^^ fl*'^* *** t'^e Vreiient time consists of the steamS
forthtvood (dead-weiKht 810 tons), Bertha (730), Fairway f670), ParadoxCQm VeTsack
S'/p*'^'"'r ^^•^?^' ^^'•^'""'i ^^^<^)' ^'''«"''" (500), ^nd Edith (400r MessrrFeu
wick & Co who will carry on the business under the name of William France & Co
tnn«ffi?r*- ''''''P*''^ the following steamers to carrying on the traderwith fhe
hope that the increase in efficiency and carrying capacity of the fleet will iu«ure a
£^%<;n?^J'.°,P"'*'?* °/ the b„ai„oss : Metia (1,050), Bdmont (1,050), X» (T 000)
f^TS^h «'?«"»*«".'« ('«0), and Black Diamond (800 . The staff ongaged-iu c'arryl
"e on the bnsiness will be practically the same as heretofore, under the^ direct con-
trol of Mr. William West, the late company's manager.
I am advised by the Aire and Oalder Navigation as follows :
orl^f ®r™ °^}^^ companies trading regularly between Goole and London, and there
are also lines of steamers between Goole and Antwerp, Rotterdam, Ghent fireusen
Sri.'i'^'?'"^"''^"",^^'^.^^'^^^' K""*'"' Ostendr'and Boulogne. There are at
S«n^>.f hin"""^''* ''^''"* forty steamers engaged in regular service to and from
the port bes des steamers and sailing vessels which are not regular liners but wS
are constantly arriving at Goole with grain, Spanish ore, Jamaica lonrwooJ and
other produce, and return usually with coals. o>»mu,wa. io„wooa, and
.nti^^^lJ'iT ^^*/''; ,P"e8«e.y'8 writing the same cause which bad
stimulated the undertakers of the Aire and Calder to make the nreced-
Tlfn«^?i'''fSS^"*' 1^^ ^P'" f ^^"'^ 5 ^"•^ ^° ««t^ '''-^d been obtained
June 19, 1828, enabling the undertakers to make further additions and
improvements, including a shortening and betterment of the routes be-
tween Wakefaeld and Ferrybridge and betNveen Leeds and Oastleford.
ihe estimate ♦^or this work amounted to £462,420 ^$2,250,3()G 93)
allowing £135,350 ($058,680.78) for dock extension at Gool^ and Par-'
liament granted power to borrow the sum of £750,000 ($3,6i9 875 rit
was^xpected to shorten tlie - ivigation by some miles and to admit 100-
ton vcsscis 10 Leeds and to Vvakefteid.
lamiudebtedto the Aire and Oalder navigation for the annexed
i'-
■ ;
176
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
memoranda, as well as for other and vduable information and assist-
ance iu the preparation of this report.
In the year 1846 an act was passed under which the Aire and Oalder
proprietors were empowered to construct a jetty, coal tips, and railway
lines connected with their Goole property, and to extend their dock
accommodations there, and by further act passed in June, 1889, they
received authority to make a number of alterations in che streets, rail-
ways, and bridges at Goole with the, object of adding an additional dock
to provide for the increasing traffic of the port. By the same measure
power is given to construct an " incline " or " inclined plane " on the
Barnsley Branch Canal, for the transport of boats and other vessels,
with hydraulic api)liances, in order to expe'''<^e the traffic by avoiding
a flight of locks at a i)lace called Walton.
From the latest available returns it would appear that the Aire and
Oalder Trust are the proprietors of the following mileage of navigation :
Aire and Calder navigation (main line) commencing at Goole and
terminating at Gastleford, where it divides iu a westerly direction to
Wakefield, and in a northerly direction to Leeds. At Knottiugley
there is a branch to Selby, 60J miles.
Sundry lengths of old navigation, 16^ miles.
Barnsley Canal, commencing at Heath Lock, near Wakefield (junc-
tion with the above), and terminating at Barnby Basin, 15 miles.
Dewsbury Old Cut, extending from the Calder and Hebble naviga-
tion to Savile Town, Dewsbury, 1 mile.
Bradford Canal, commencing at Windhill and terminating at Brad-
ford, joint owners— one moiety— with the Leeds and Liverpool Canal
Company, 2^ miles.
The undertakers of the Aire and Calder are also the harbor authority
at Goole, and under the Ouse (lower) improvement act of 1884 the
conservancy authority of the navigation of the Kiver Ouse, between its
junction with the Trent and the railway bridge across the river above
Goole. An expenditure of about £250,000 is being incurred in improv-
ing this length of the Ouse.
The maximum size of boats using the Aire and Oalder navigation
main line is given as 120 feet long, 18 feet wide, with a draft of 7| feet.
On the Barnsley Canal the maximum size is said to bo 78 feet 6 inches
long, 14 feet 10 inches wide, and 6 feet draft.
THE PORT OF GOOLE.
The largest vessel that has entered the Goole docks is said to be the
Antonios Stathatos, which in May, 1889, arrived with a cargo of 1,926
tons of grain. '
The Engineer, of December 20, 1889, contains an article from which
I take the accompanying plan of the port of Goole, and also the princi-
pal portion of the context :
KECBNT IMPR0VBMBNT8 IN THE POKT OF GOOLB.
The port of Goole is the most central inland port on the east coast of England be-
ing situated about 47 miles from the sea and 20 miles more inland than Hull Al-
though, perhaps, not so well known as other ports, yet Goole plays an important part
in the export and import trade of the couutry. The prosperity of the port, as com-
pared with the comparative failures of Avoumouth, Portishead, Greenock, and Tilbury
to attract tra le, shows in astrikiug manner the advantage ofcanying cargoes inland
in tlie same vessels which take or bring them from abroad, and „» i.«ar to th« .vi../.p,
ol i)rod.ic(,u»ii cr manufacture as practicable, instead of attempting to shorten the
distance of water transport by carrying the port of delivery nearer to the coast. By
'~««Mi«B«|B»«f,
and assist*
and Oalder
lul railway
tiieir dock
1889, tiiey
treets, rail-
tional dock.
16 measure
le" ou the
ler vessels,
J avoiding
e Aire and
avigation :
Goole and
irection to
^nottiugley
field (June-
liles.
)le naviga-
g at Brad-
jool Canal
• authority
f 1884 the
tetween its
ver above
in improv-
javigatiou
of 7j feet,
et 6 inches
I to be the
[0 of 1,926
rom which
bhe priuci-
Injtland, be-
1 Hull. Al-
portantpart
)rt, as com-
and Tilbury
goes inland
tn fill* iila/iA
, I
aborteu the
I coast. By
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
177
=d?L;s\.e;ro%^^e?SSS„t^^^^^^ orher large
Ibo manufactures of Yorkshire and I n p^^ fit! ''"*' ^^icient system of water carriace.
of the Continent ; and fooS pro h^ce bm L ht wS"?f""""i'' ^^ ^"^^^ ^o the hem
France, and Belgium. I'™uuce brought hack to then, from Holland, Germany
. -r^i'^P^l^l^^^^^^^^ a few scattered houses;
shipping trade of 1,200,000 tons Tye^ai-i whole of thi ^^^'fa^'^l^*' ''"*''^«' '^"'^ «
the management of the " unrlortS '■ of t^e Air« «. h 'r '^ m *** *^*' «"t«rpri8e and
Bhowa the immense in.portance to this country c,f ~%1^a ^^f^""- "a.^'g^tion, and it
communication. NotwithstandinHL coSt tiEn ?n Ift'^t^^^ '*f '"'"^^^ ^"ter
way companies who had invaded theidSpi^^„f tlicir new competitors, the rail-
adapt their canals to the altered ciminstiS' llt^r f ^' *• ^'"■''.*° ""P™^^ ^nd
modat.ou was provided at Goole. LeeT a d w;^ ?"V'"?1 ^""^ «tat'«n accom-
the boats improved; steam towing was introduop^i i^i t lie locks were enlarged, and
improvement carried on that this water svNtPmnf'n^^ ^"'' ' ^ P»0S'«88ive course of
successfully with the railways, not only fn Ss l.iTf.''^^ ^'^^ ''^'« *» ««»'?«*«
The cut was made 60 feet wide at tow w Ih 4n fit i^ contractors, Joliffe and Banko.
being 72 feet long by 18 feet wide. \hfSarliIment«tl'*"' ^'^ I ^""* '^^^P' ^^^ l-^ks
£? ^'^^ ^"l^^'y exceeded. Under the ^Ts of this «^t n * v"*^ ""^^B^^'^^^' »^"t
feet, and a barge dock 900 feet bv 150 fr fit ™ L * ^l ^^^'P ^"^^ ^00 feet by 200
lock into the Oiise was laid at sufBcTeS^rh to ^f/?^^^^^ The sill of th"
2 years after the opening of the new S the nn,i?rL\ ^u*' *** ^.'^h ^'^ter. In 1828,
80 far as custom-house arrangements were Po^^lrn^^r ^PP"sed the public that
a footing of equality with Lolidon D.S and LTveVnn?lP"'*,"^,^°"^" '' P'"««d on
others m the United Kingdom " T in nJiT.V i l^.iverpool, and of superiority to all
stated "that 2 years hafSsed since th«nnf- '° *^;V^ P."^l*« announcement also
was declared a port for foreign trade and duK?lf«r ^"''^'' ^'^^ ^ •"«"*»^« «'"«e It
to any of the numerousships or vessels whioh^^fi^^ ^\T "° accident had happened
fesled the most perfect readinesrto renlat hi «,?« ^^" ^^T ' ^^^'^ shipowner nan -
trade was daily increasing." They aEnnounef^^tW "^'."^'"^ Goole, and that the
the ^«'««'''«.of 50-hor8e%ower7wjS proSd^^^^ ^°»t ««ll«d
rivers Ouse and Humber. Trade increSnf a fi.M, H. ! *f ^* *^*^ navigation of the
carrying out further improvements Kecnn'nffnif act ^vas obtained in 1828 for
in accordance with a report mldlhyllS' T^J""! 1^^^^^^
was over half a million. Between 1820 anSin ^-^^ ««|""ated cost of these works
length be ng increased to 72 feetrthe width tcffs feet Ml ^''' W° iniproved, the
Under the power of subsequent acts «f ill f-Lf i • ' ^^^ ^^*^^^^^ ^o'" vessels 7 feet.
During the last few year7( 186^1880 Uh^o^ora^J+i!''''™ have been made
^ ' improved fir the thkd time td Snr^'^'i"' *^' '?^"'° 1*"« «f "^vigal
reet.. Culverts hJ^tlir^J^^^^!^l^l-^^"-9}^of2l, Lt
tion hpvebeen impr „„.,. ,,
by 22 feet by 9 feet. Culverts iravp'wi. ,.i'„ "j'-^riT'*".".'^" ** """orm sizeof 215 feet
«g and emptying, by n,rn.:V^;h^SLL'water We'l S r'V'' 'j^'''''^'^ ^^^ S
teet m a minute. The total len<^th of rnnnir Jevel can be altered at the rate of 3
taking is as follows : ^ °^ '"°''^'' comprised m the Aire and Calder under-
withadepth on thesillathijh water tp^^^^^^^^^^
H. Ex. 46 12 ' ** The connection between
li
178
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
the two sets of clocks has been enlarged from 60 feet in width to 224 feet. A new dock,
3^ acres In exU-nt, is now in process of construction to the north of the Aldam dock,
and to the west of the parish clmrcb. When this is completed there will bo alto-
gether eight d. ! ., covering an area of about 30 acres, together with a graving dock,
Si50 feet long hy 57 feet wide. Tlie docks are well provided with warehouses for the
storage of grain and other produce. The depth of water at the present time allows
of ships drawing from 18 feet to 19 feet, to get into the docks at spring tides, and
from 14 feet to 15 feet at neaps. The largest ship that has yet entered the docks had
a cargo of a,000 tons, and drew 18 feet. The number of vessels which entered and
cleared the port last year was 4,H5.5, of 1, 192,124 tons. The principal trade is timber,
grain, seed, dye-wood, iron, coals, machinery, manufactured goods, and food. There
are reguHr Hues of steaaiors to Hamburg, Rouen, Ghent, Calais, Antwerp, Rotter-
dam, Boulogne, Bruges, Dunkirk, and London.
The export of coal forms one of the most important features of the trade of the port,
amounting to nearly three-quarters of a million of tons a year. For facilitating the
transport and shipping of this coal special appliauces have been provided. The coal
is brought down the caual from the mines in iron barges, each containing about 35
tons. These barges are made in square compartments, 20 feet long, 16 feet wide, and
7 feet 6 inches deep. Each barge is provided with butfers, and when coupled up is
free to move within a certain range, both horizontally and vertically. The boats,
to the number of thirty, can be coupled together, and made into a train, the usual
nnmber being about twelve to sixteen. A dummy boat with a stem is placed in front,
and wire ropes run along each side, and are controlled by two drums, which are self-
acting, and are under the charge of the man who is steering. By means of this
arrangement the train is easily conducted round the curves. The'train is hauled
either by a special steamer, which propels the train from behind when it is short, or
is attached in front in case of a long train. These compartments on arriving at the
docks at Goole are taken tc an hydraulic lift, and after being floated over a table,
which is sunk to a sntHcient depth in the water, and made fast, are raised up, and
when at the requisite height tilted over, the contents being sent along a chute into
t' 1 hold of the vessel. The time occupied by each compartment is usually from "a
qiiarterof an hour to twenty minutes. If the ships have self-trimming apparatus,
300 tons an hour can be put into them. In order to cope with the increasing
trade and facilitate the dispatch of the steamers, a second hoist has lately been
erected by the firm of Sir W. Armstrong & Co. The cost of this hoist amounted to
£7,500. The boats and hoists liave been designed by Mr. Bartholomew, and con-
structed under his special supervision. By this system the transport of coals is protit-
ably carried on at the rateof .119d. per ton per mile. Ibis now intended still further
to extend the system, and to place the coal mines which lie away from the canal in
direct communication with the ships in the dock. For this purpose an inclined plane
is about to be constructed at Stanley provided with rails. The incline will descend
into a basin at the side wf the canal, with a commencing slope of about 1 in 5 and
terminating with a gradient of 1 in 20. The total rise from the canal to the col-
liery is about 50 feet. A bogie, having its wheels so arranged as to have its top
nearly level, will be run down the Incline until the compartment barge can be floated
on to it. It will then be drawn up and conveyed to the mine, a distance of I J miles.
The general traffic of the canal is carried on by men owning their own barges, and
by barges and steam tugs belonging to the Undertakers. The tugs carry from 20 to
30 tons of cargo an' u haul 12 barges or 8, if fully loaded, and carry from 700 to
800 tons. For the i aveyance of manufactured goods, the tugs generally start with
their train of barges from the dock at Leeds at the end of the day, and travel during
the night. It takes 8 to 10 hours to get from Leeds or Wakefield to Goole, or from 13
to 14 to Hull. Thus goods loaded up in Leeds at the end of the day can be delivered
on board the steamers at either Goole or Hull next morning. The tugs run with
their train of barges at an average speed, including stoppages, of 4 miles an hour.
For boats towed by horses it takes about 15 hours to get from Leeds or Wakefield to
Goole, and 4 hours, if towed, from Goole to Hull. They charge for towing boats not
belonging to the company, up to 80 tons, is Us. from Leeds or Wakefield to Goole, the
distance being about 32 miles. The cost for hor.se hire for the same distance is 148.,
but the time occupied is double that of towing. The horses are provided by men who
make this their business, the canal being divided in regular stages of from 7 to 10
miles.
The ri\>er (hiae. — In order to provide for the increasing size of the steamers which
now come to Goole, Mr. Bartholomew came to the conclusion sorrie time ago that it
was necessary not only to obtain deeper water in the river, but also to effect other
improvements in the Ouse between Goole and Trent Falls, where the two rivers unite
in the Humber. The depth of water at the shallowest place along this portion of
the river used to be only frojn 2 feet to 3 feet at low water of spi'iiig tides. As
ordinary spring tides only gave another 14 feet at high water, the pilots had to run
the vessels with very little margin under their keels. The river also was very ir-
i
^:^^^m^mms^^^^^^^.
\. new dock,
uldam dock,
ill bo ulto-
ravingdock,
uses for the
time allows
; tides, and
e docks bad
entered and
deistinaber,
ood. There
erp, Rottcr-
of the port,
litating the
1. The coal
ig about 35
Bt wide, and
upled up is
The boats,
D, the usual
3ed in front,
ich are sol f-
)ans of this
n is hauled
; is short, or
ving at the
/er a table,
9ed up, and
chute into
ally from a
: apparatus,
increasing
lately been
mounted to
V, and con-
als is profit-
still further
he canal in
;liued plane
ill descend
1 1 in 5 and
to the col-
lave its top
m be floated
of I J miles,
barges, and
f from 20 to
rom 700 to
7 start with
avel during
(, or from 13
)e delivered
fs run with
es an hour.
i''ake(ield to
g boats not
o Goole, the
^nce is 148.,
)y men who
loni 7 to 10
ners which
ago that it
affect other
rivers unite
3 portion of
J tides. As
had to run
Vila very ir-
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. I79
on the accompanying pH. .,^.3 ,,, ^ cVuSTf tt^'j^v^wVJh^ tatl^fs
Vji
^b^l-trS^^^^^^^ Theimproved chan-
increased ^bout 5 feetfand the d'e ^^^n-^r^.^n* '°- ^^'^-^^y *^« depth hL been
wX""^'" *^' ^^'^•""'fe' ^^1 « are cf- ' !'4^\«„*'".jP;«a"««i«^^ and no ^oubt will be
walls are composed of slag broucbt rom u^a, ^ °^^ ?"* opened. The traininc
specially constructed for the mirnn?« 'rT Middlesbrough in steam hopper vessels
b;astK;n;^-;;^^;S^-^ei.^about^
placed in the lines of the walls the sllndnn*;. V ^^'^ ^1'"^' *^«y are moored to piles
i
I
180
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
slope is H to 1. It is estiiiiuted that 2,000,00'^ tons of slag will l»e required to com-
plete the work. Tfae accuntulatioii of silt and warp behind the walls testifies to tlie
enormous amount of detiitus transported by the river. In some places the accretion
has amounted to IG feet in the 2 years that the walls have been in progress. This
rapid leposit of material has oooasioued a great deal of trouble in keeping open the
outlets of the several drainage sluices which disoiiarge into the river, and which
have to be extended across the reclaimed portion of the river to the new ciiunnel.
In one case, near Swinefleet, the Undertokers have been obliged to divert the outfall
drain and construct a new sluice, in order to avoid extending it across a wide and
deep part of the inclosuro. The parliamentary estimate for the rivor improvemont
was £252,J)99, the interest on which is met by a charge of 1 penny a ton on the regis-
tered tonnage on all ships going to Goole, and also a penny on the goods conveyed.
The whole of the works are being carried out by Mr. Bartholomew for the Under-
takers without the aid of i: contractor. At Blachtoffc, near Trent Falls, about 8
miles below Ooole, a capacious mooring and landing stage has been erected for heavy
drafted vessels to lie at in case they are late on the tide and not able to get dowu to
sea in one tide. At this stage there is a depth of from 12 feet to 13 feet at low water.
Owing to the distance from Goole to the sea, and the shoit duration of the tide, ves-
sels have to leave the dock at from 1 to 1^ hours before high water, and it is there-
fore necessary that accommodation should be provided for their safe berthing in case
' they are not able to reach deep water or are OTeroome by fog in going either up or
down.
TOLLS.
The tolls authorized by the act of 1699 were as follows : From May
1 to October 1, any sum not exceeding 10 shillings a ton, and from Oc-
tober 1 to May 1, any sum not exceeding 16 shillings a ton for the entire
distance from Leeds, or from Wakefield to Wesland, or vice versa, and
so proportionably as to weight and distance.
The second act of Parliament materially reduced the rates of tolls
from 10 shillings in summer and 16 shillings in winter per ton on all
articles, and fixed them according to the following rates :
Scale of tolls authorized to he taken under the act of 1774.
Description of goods.
Dung or Htable manure, cualB, cinders, slacli, culm, and charcoal, any gum not
exceediuir per ton per mile.
Figoon dunjg and rape dust .«.' do...
Lime:
If carried up the rivers or outs do...
If carried down the same do...
Pack sheet or bag of wool, pelts, or spetches. not exceeding 312 pounds, includ-
ing sheet
For every quarter of wheat, rye, beans, oats, barley, and other gruiu ; malt, rape,
mustard, and linseed, of 8 bushels, Wiuclioster moasure
Apples, pears, onions, and potatoes, for every 32 pocks
Chalk, fuller's earth, pig-iron ' clp, flints, pipeclay, Calaisfaand, and other sands
(except got in the river), stm.o, bricks, whitiug, rags, and old rope, lead, plaister,
alum, slate, old iron, tiles, straw, hay, and British timber per ton..
Fir, timber, deals, battens, pipe staves, foreign oak, mahogany, and beech logs,
per ton
Flour, copperas, wood, tallow, and ashes per ton . .
Bad butter or grease ...do —
Soap .
do..
Bar'lron .^ do...
Cheese do...
I'owder sugar, currants, prunes, brass and coi)por, argol or tartar do . . .
Treacle do...
Ma<lder do...
Cloth bales, and all other goods, wares, and merchandise do . . .
Hate.
i
i
lOi
6
9
How
charged.
' M ». o a
Ill"
B "*- 5
= §-s=« .
0) k 3 .J3
o •? « Z.-5
Note from Aire and Calder Kavigation, February, 1890: The above are the maximum charges which
parliament has authorized to be taken on traihc passing over the navigation. The actual tolls now
charged (1890) are, in most cases, less than these.
It may be here remarked, in the scheme of operation of both railway
and canal undertakings at this period, that tlie controlling note was
\>
'■0^''
. ^■.■j..j^PL|^-^ijj^i-*r-'i*f*^'-*"-'mrByj\iirajW'-^tpT^ ii;iiiiiatfna*irijjiar-p
)d to com-
ifies to thn
B accretion
lesH. ThiH
g open t he
and which
w cliuunel.
the outfall
% wide and
provemoiit
I tile regis-
couveyed.
the IJnder-
Is, about 8
i for heavy
3t down to
low water,
e tide, ves-
t is tliere-
ing in case
ither up or
rom May
from Oc-
;he entire
ersa, aud
i of tolls
)u ou all
How
charged.
c h fJ O fl
111"
,5 H P ►- iS
fli k 3 .J3
t ^
liurgos which
ual tolls uow
h railway
note was
'
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. Igl
the ':^^ ^r '^'^:^r^Z^l^'V'^'''' ' ^^« ""^^^^takern of
struction ami ma ntenance Tmf elnoi f * ^°-*'«'f '"^^^'^ ^« ««»■
independent carriers who mfJhf nSt « ^ *"? '?f'^'''^ ^^'^'^ P^^ts from
ness. The increisft nf IroS^ lu^-^J^® ^^^ *° ^^'^ coui'se of their busi-
ties, soon bSt abonf fni.r'*'' ' ' attendant economical po88ib"h-
presont system of LXeVt^^co,m>an^ Thf *?' "'^''^"^^ *« *b«
permit the use of cars owned hi f ST i"^^" ?^^ radways still, indeed,
flc, but the haulageTs doTe bv t^he L^'^'P^' ^Z"" '^'^'' «'»«« o*" traf-
slower to change -and whn«L 1^ company. Canals have been much
traffic is ta e^^b,' tZ commnv IT^ ^''"''*'" ^ ^^^« proportion of the
routes the occ" pLcy orthrwaVbv n?iv\'f«'''"'-'' ^" ^" «^ *^"« ^^^^^
on some, perhaps, it^is the oilIfmefflTn'usr^^ '' ^'™^''«^' ""'^
CANAL TEAFFIO AND ROUTES.
sa^'eVs^tfe o^rrtv^e^t^g^^tt^i^^^^^^ ^" *^^ ^^^^« ^«-^ -re the
ser^v"ti?ro"?ro"s'e tVoS'" " f ^^^"^ "^^« ^^P^^^^*-^ - 1*62 con-
the five decades, isll ?o 1868 th«Toffl «'^""^«t«^», therewith. During
per annum. The natation ?n lillo^tLZ^^^^^ «^^^V^ ^^^'000 ton!
to the confluence otThe Trent On«f^^^^^^^^
was one lock at NabuJn, 7oZt b^ sW^f «?"?^®^' ,?" "^"««' There
to low water, 9 feet ^ ^®®* ^ '°''^®« ^»"; summer height
dividends. C f lount oSfre canS ^'"iV"'" ^'"^^'^ ^««'^""g
acts of incorporation? ProprSors'fnte^^^^^^^ .f'^ '' T.^ ^T^^ ^^ *^^
by the proportion borne TSend In 18^9^.'^'^ to be estimated
Aire and Calder dividend had raS nu ill I V^ ^^^^^^ *^** ^^^
($194,600) to £72,000 ($350 388) ^'""^ ^^^'^^
^^jln 1872 reconstruction of the canal for the fourth time was taking
were 6(hS1 ri'S^bl^S 6 inll'lrr ^T""' '^^ ^^« ^o«t«
locks were made 66 feet by 15 feet bv fifp^V"^^^" ^ *'* ^'^^^^^ *^^
In 1820 the Goole Canal was constrnofp^ £l?f ^^T^^^"^ *^« »y«tem.
by 7 feet, and, under the act of 182S thlri^- ^''^^•' ^^ ^®<^ ^^ 1« ^eet
to the whole navigationf S nee the ^Lr ^«?^^°''''°^^?''« «^*«°ded
had taken place previouslv to Issl li?i i ? 11®?®'^^ improvement
feet. At th'it datP iS'/ ;», u ' ^'*^ ^^^''^s 216 feet by 22 feet bv 9
being compile etVttVo^^^^^ froml^'ooT^? "'^ * ' ^^-rs? worK '
Wakefield.* The caLl , sdf ^^as t^i^n^fi w ^T^' ^°^ ^'^^'^ ^o«'e to
£600,000 ($2,9x9,000^ was said tn W. i ^®* "^"^^^ ^^^"^ ^^^'^ to 1883
and iurchlses of m Srr and J!.^'^"^ ^uP'"'^"^ in improvements
l;
is
If
182
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
branch, 12 miles (acquired in 1871); Bank Dole branch, 11 miles (Bank
Dole, IS miles from Goole to Selby).
Navigation of the river Aire to »»awclitt'e and intermediate points
not touched by the canal was also in the hands of the Aire and Calder;
so that the total length of the undertaking, reckoning canal and river
together, was called about 80 miles.
Over the Aire and Calder proper, not including the Barnsley canal, the
traffic in 1872 amounted to about 2,000,000 tons, total ; equivalent to
42,250,000 tons carried 1 mile. At the same period the rate of the
Barnsley was about 260,000 tons per annum, and that of the Calder and
Hebble 656,000 tons.
Gross tonnage of Aire and Calder is given in 1838, 1,383,971 tons;
1848, 1,335,783 tons ; 1868, 1 ,098,149 tons ; 1868, 1,747,261 tons.
The locks of the Aire and Calder are divided ; one length takes two
boats and the other length takes one boat, so as to save the water.
Three boats of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal will go through the Aire
and Calder locks at once.
A large culvert extends alongside the lock with one sluice at the
upper end of the lock 7 by 6 feet (the ordinary sluice is 2 or 3 feet square)
and at the lower extremity of the lock Is another sluice. When that
IS closed and the lock is empty the upper sluice is raised. It is self-
balanced like a throttle valve. Three oritlces open into the elongated
lock, arranged so as to divide the boats and prevent their knocking to-
gether when they are in the lock. To empty the lock the upper sluice
is closed, the lower opened and the water drawn into the culvert and
discharged at the lower end. This plan is in stead of discharging the
water at the gate. The sluices are practically self-acting ; two turns
of the sluice handle raise it, and three turns lower it. The lock is said
to be filled and emptied with much more celerity by this plan than in
the ordinary way by the gates.
By way of the Aire and Calder there are three routes from Hull and
Goole to Liverpool, viz: (1) Through Leeds, by Aire and Calder, Leeds
aud Liverpool ; (2) through Wakefield, by Aire and Calder, Calder
and Kibble, Riichdale, Bridge water, Mersey River; (3) through Wake-
field, by Aire aud Calder, Calder and Hebble, Sir John hamsdin's,
Huddersfleld, Ashton, Rochdale, Bridgewater, Mersey River.
The distances are given as follows :
Ronte.
Miles.
Roatc.
Miles.
No. I.
26
36
128
Runcorn to Liverpool
16
Hnll to Oonln
Total
Goole to Leeds
160
Leeds to Liverpool
No. 3.
HuH to Wakefleld
Totai
190
26
37
22
33
27
63
A'b. 2.
WakoHeld to (Joopi-r Brid>;o
13
JBnIl to Onnln
Cooper Bridge to Ashton
24
Goole to Wakofleld
Ashton to Rochdale Cannl at Man-
chester
4»
Wakefield to Sowerby Bridge
Manchester to Liverpool
Soweiby Bridge to Manchester
Total
Mancbester to Buncom
146i
The Aire and Calder, it has been already mentioned, had once a lease
of the Calder and Hebble the canal which meets the Aire and Calder
at Wakefield. This was for 21 years, and expired about 1886. It was
for a gross annual mUx to be paid by the lessees, based on rates which
proved to be higher than were practicable consistent with keeping the
« >i ■-3kifc. .c) ya<. rM
K^^-^^P?*??;
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
183
Milea.
16
160
13
24
4i
42
146i
on'Ss J^llis''.:!/^ ^^''"■*''> "^^o'-'Panied the lease was framed
on riie mm^ Dusw, and hence was not earr ed out. Some iniurovemeiifH
rmrcait,'" '"' '^"""' ""^ ^'^'^'^'^ ^^"""« ''« o-upancHiy trriJ:
Tim nf/.!!!n 'r'7 •'""";'•' "!"" l>»r«»'a«ed by the Aire and Calder in 187J
^e , :^r e Srin'lnn^ were subsequently lengthened Ivoln 6(i
S forr t n s VhLl V o ''"^' "'«»'^'f«"'«the viabh, tonnage from 75
tu iH roxi.) ro IS. j his took 2 years and cost about £7 500 ^«'U! 4<w 7r.^
tralHc on it. Knigtli. It liad formerly a large coal
utld'to''vnl.k'' T ','"' ^'™ *"'J ?,"''"'"• '■'■''"' """k Dale to Selby, .listrlb-
Tlie old line tUroiiKli liaddliiscy and Snaltli to the Oiise wna in msi
rout,. Tl! i^f ' ?'"■;"* H"'' » ""'" "' "=»"' """• "'"tJer to the ol 1
trjc «r.Sr?^„i;' X^^^^^^ -;. -0 a large
Si '^ *P^ company acted as carriers in addition to beinir tikov^nf
jji i{,iey, jvtigniey, bkipton Colne, Burn ey, Accrinffton Blaekbnrn
W gan, Liverpool Waterfield, Dewsbury, Barnsley ISld Hud^^^^^^^
field, Brighouse, Halifax, and Sowerbv Bricltrp Thrlli. Ih.- P"
Charged by water are ie^s 't£ "t'h'r „/'Z TlXtrlSl^S.
iiii^ipiss
acting as carriers ^''^''' """^ '"^ ^^^^^ «* c^"'^! companies
H'
■ '1 I
li
184
CANALS IN THE UNITKU KINGDOM.
or fiOinpartmontH ftro (;()ml>iiie<l in trains liico wivjfons on a railway.
Kacli boat is of 35 tons bunion, Hi by liOby 7 feot a«oi> or nearly aqnaro
in area. A steamer jjoes b<^liin<l to jmsli ; the leadinjf bout being
shaped with a bow. The steamer eouples with the rear boat by a
knuckle joint fitted into a hollow stern post free to move vertically' or
laterally. A wire rojie on ea(5h side gives steerage to the train. A
saving of the crews of the several boats results, the crew of the tug
alone conducting the train. The cost was reckoned in 1872 at one-
twelfth of a penny (seventeen one hundredths of a cent) per ton per
mile as the whole expense of carriage, minuH the capital involved in the
carrying compartments, bub including maintenance of the steam power,
t. e., the tug, and the crew in charge of the train. No incionvenience
was suftered from wave, which diminished in proportion to the number
of boats put on. This was on a canal 6G feet at the surface and 8 feet
to 8 feet 6 inches deep. At Goole was a large hydraulic hoist. There
the train was broken up, the boats lifted singly and the contents of
each tipped in turn into the sea-going vessel. A second powerful hy-
draulic hoist has since been provided. The cost of haulage at this time
was stated to be one-tenth of a i)enny (two-fifths of a cent) per ton per
niUe in GO to 80 ton boats where locsks are not closer than 3 miles apart ;
with a greater distance between locks haulage comes to one-twelfth
of a penny (seventeen one-hundredtbs of a cent) per ton per mile. The
distinction here made as regards cost between the haulage by ordinary
boats and the mrriage by boat trains does not come oiit very clearly
in the evidence, since the capital involved in the carrying compartments
IS excluded from the calculation in the last case as being a capital expen-
diture.
About half the navigation of the Aire and Oalder then (1872) was
done by steam. Tugs employed were from 50 horse-power to 150 horse-
power.
In 1883, Mr. Bartholomew, the manager of the Aire and Oalder, in
testifynig before the select committee on canals, stated th.?,tfor a large
canal like his own, there was no question but that as compared with
horse-power, steam haulage was the cheaper. It had succeeded much
beyond his expectations on the Aire and Caldor. They had tried all
kinds of experiments. He began himself in 1852, and had been exper-
imenting ever since. The results achieved were stated by him as fol-
lows, for three classes of haulage: (1) Merchandise traiiic towed by
tugs carrying cargo, also themselves; (2) merchandise traffic towed by
tugs not carrying cargo, also themselves ; (3) merchandise traffic towed
by horses, on the Aire and Oalder proper, on the improved system of
navigation.
XT. .^'.^^^^^,^^7'°^ cargo and tugging cargo 4,000,000 ton-miles, one-
thirty-fourth of a penny (six one-hundredths of a cent) per ton per mile,
allowing 10 per cent, for depreciation of capital and all the repairs.
2. Tugs not carrying cargo, but tugging only, one-seventh of a penny
(twenty-nine one-hundredths of a cent) per ton per mile on a ton mileaee
of 2,250,000, in round figures.
3. Horse haulage, one-fifth of a penny (forty one hundredths of a cent)
per ton per mile on 650,000 ton-miles.
These figures were actual cost in 1882, and in the previous year it was
about the same. It had varied very little for some years past.
For merchandise traffic they had a special class of tug constructed by
themselves. They made their own engines and boilers, and did all their
own repairs, in tbeiro« a workshops. With a larger mileage it could be
done for less. The steam merchandise traffic speed is called ^ to 6
I
^ ,4g?g i ^tiy^M ' i^4l^ ' jg.^j», i »i i j,jMy
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
r
/
185
mil:: ^H orf-uSiu^s: 'If r r'^ *'t r' '^^ ^'««^'»«o ^o»
, four onelnuulreclt Ks ot .( rr ,3 «"f ' ""'*>'-*.\<lth8 of a pmiuy (twenty
e-npties. liy ordhmry Kt S v^f^ of taking back the
«mi»tie8,itoo8to,,olnnS'aiX W^^^^^ f'.'^ ""* returning
ton per mile. ""»«*•«" o,na llfteon one-thousandths of a penny per
nmnbeS not^':f^g'nns"»r '£ '' *^" oompart.nents, up to 30 In
train. With so i inv "^ • 'h T^'' '"'"'" ,»f«"erally 11 or 12 made the
can be pushed T eTo ks of mSt?^^ '/'" V^^'"' "« "mnyls 1?
ments ; with more boats th«^^^i"-" '^ ^' " ' ""'^ ^^ con.part-
partnie'nts loa.led <Iraw fro ,' 6 ?eet to"i fLV".' i ^''. ^'■"'^^^•- ^'"^^ «»'"■
tons has been loaded on one train • too J ^- ^ 'n^'H*'^- ^'"^ Imndred
train. The hy,lra„lic hoK ?il'l« h .i"""' " ''f'.^'^ " ^«''^^' convenient
raisi,jg coals and within feca^e^craSe iTfvldt.h '^f "T^' ^"^« ^«''
?n order to be raised and tin its oonfmil 'j.Vf '''/ ^^^ ^'*'**^ >« secured
into the vessel. In lower mr LI Vhl "**" '-J^'T^ '''"«'» *'e»vers
water in one of the cTlInders is flrP«d^^^^
There are two lifti,.ffcvlnderr.n.ifhi ^''?^ 'l'^"* ^^^ accumulator,
and boat forces half ?he wSh„ ^^^ "^^^^''^ ^^ ^^« descending cage
advantage of push J is LI l L h^ • '^f!''" i"^^. ^^^ accumulator. The
water taSk forCd for reg„Pttin^ l/ol «^^ f ""T^i J^^ «^^''»'"«r has a
loaded train and ra sed fori Hirh oip ' ^Thl f *^ '^'^^^^ depressed for a
a pulley direct to a cylinde? oVe oZ;.h i^^Sf.**? h"^/^»*" ^'^'^^^ abound
tUrougU guides attachedTo' TcircompartrnV '^^1*^^*
and of not more than 10 boats oan Ha «vLri?\ , ^ ^^'^'''^ loaded
The train can go to any c ifrve bv tlf^ItT^ ^^ ^"''""^ ^" '"'^ ^e^ther.
thesametimeLetoriLSlv^ .Vnlir t^^^ '"'^*"^« ^"^» i« »*
together as a train by means of wTrlrn i^' • ^''^ compartments are held
compartment is provfded witlfbE/ £ '/" ''' f ^f ^. °^ ^*^"«'«»^- ^ach
ir.to place when they are Sven Sde e^ ! e°/h v ^"'f *^" ^^"'-^^^ ^^^^
wire rope from the steerW ^fl^i fv . ^^ ^'"^^ ^^' water. The
boats and holl the train "Lather wl n« '^,T''r'''' ^»^"^«"'^ ^^e
ward. The comDartmm7f« S „? u S^\^'^^ng it as it pushes it for-
carriage ot mrc a fdZ ^Th^e fi^^Z^^^^T'* *' ^^^^P^ ^^'"^ *« the
a hatchway and tarpauL co^Ts.'" S'crtr^t^^ T^"'^^
[-^'^^-treolZ'll^^^^^^ Of tugs carry-
Leeds and Liverpool sSmTjliLt^H^ TU"*" ^^^ "^'^e, on the
the proportion of six one humSs ofVo^f;^°/ ^^ ^ P^^^^' «^ '"
Mr. Bartholomew thiXs ordinnrl L ,^",^***,*J"''*y°°el^"n'lredth8.
introducing such stc^ m i^u S^ «liould be improved before
uses. The%08t of one tSv fom h oV .'''' ^' ^^"^ ^''^ ""^^ balder
merchandise traffic tu-eSvin^i of a penny per ton per mile o>
boats at the speed oh* to 6 r^ne/n.^^^^^^ ''• T" ^' bugging the oti
pany of hauli njr the Imdpr? i^o. V® V'^.V''' '» the actual cost to the cc
inoln.^•„„ " i f ^^r.iP'*^®^. boats, including the cost of f,h« tn.r k1 «...
spondi;;g%;tng^;"i,.^er onfraK' ft^je haulage onhem,c;rt^
goes from Gooll or S to Livorl iS^;.f * "^ *.k'^"^^ ''"^^^ ^^' ^ater
ui xiuii to l^iverpool; not more than 2,000 or 3,000 tons
1i
180
CANALS IN THE UNITKD KINGDOM.
per aimiim. The great liattlc in tlie intoriiuMliate. At Leeds poods nro
traiiNMliipped from -Aire and Calder into Leeds and Liverpool boats.
From (foole to Liveri»ool tlie Lcetlw and Liver[)ool bouts niJKht be em-
ployed ; but tliey woul<l bo too light for the tideway between Hull and
Goole. Of local trafllc something like .'1U(),()()() tolis is exchanged be-
tween the Aire and Calder and the Leeds and Liverpool ; that is to say,
it goes from one to the other line ; actual transshipment would not
amount to above l(),(M)(l tons a year.
Coal and trattle originating below Leeds goes over the Leeds and
Liverpool system till it meets the Lancashire Coal at about Skipton,
some 30 miles from Leeds. Koad and paving n>ateriuls <!omo from
points on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to Leeds and are there loaded
into sloops for London.
There was considerable traflic from the Aire and ('alder over the
Rochdale by way of the Calder and Ribble in 1883. The locks of the
Calder and Ribble were 03 feet by 14 feet inches by 5 feet, taking a
vessel 57 feet 8 inches long, 14 feet 2 inches wide and 5 feet draft,
50 tons burden. On the Rochdale Canal locks are 81 feet long, admit-
ting the same width of vessel (14 feet 2 inches), but 70 feet long, and
■with a less draft of water viz, 3 feet 10 inches, giving GO tons burden
by reason of the longer lock despite the shallower depth. The Roch-
dale had been in the hands of railway companies, the lease expir-
ing about 1875. The traffic from east to west is generally carried in
one bottom. The Aire and Calder, however, does not carry as a carrier
beyond Sowerby. From that point private carriers do the work, and
the goods are generally transshipped at Sowerby. Sometimes on small
boats it goes through. The long boats are cheaper. Grain, tor exanjple,
is brought from the west in long boats to Sowerby, and there transferred
to the short boats, while the short boats load with stone to the west
and naturally load back. Stone traffic, like flags, will not pay for trans-
shipment; it commands too low a freight. Grain, on the other hand,
will allow transshipuient and it is more convenient to do so.
There was a through toll charged by the canal companies which
would be included in any rate agreed upon with a i)rivate carrier.
The through carrier received freight at Goole ; the Aire an<l Calder,
if the carrier had no boats going through, would take it for him as far
as Sowerby over their own canal and the Calder and Ribble to the
Rochdale at Sowerby. The through carrier was the responsible party.
He might carry through himself, or only partly so, as described. A
large portion of the goods going from Goole to Manchester direct
were taken through by the carrier, but for broken ]>arcels, that is to
say, 10 and 12 ton loads, the Aire and Calder would take the goods for
him and deliver to him at Sowerby, whence he would take th-Ji for-'
ward. The carrier in such cases received the total freight auu prfid
the Aire and Calder for their share of the work. 33 e made a oov.i Va-.t
with the shipper from Goole to the point of destination and a oulcon-
tract with the Aire and Calder to Sowerby. At Sowerby the Aire and
Calder as carriers were bound to deliver on the quay; but instead of
this they delivered it to the boat, and the through carrier's crew received
it on the boat without its going on the quay. Of the through rate
charged by the cucnov the Aire and Calder got a mileage proportion,
deducting in the Syyt place f't cartage.
Sir John Rams('^;j
Calder and Hebb!>
si
imi \4 miles long) had the same locks as the
From Huddersfield towards Manchester the Hud-
oeks only 7 feet wide. Very iittie traffic was ex-
changed with the Aire and Calder on that system except to Hudders-
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
187
8lonfi« -^f«""'^'^''ler ,8 partly dwarf walled, and partly has pitched
hoff^r^ rt^ 1^ . ' ."* ^^^ ordinary nav gat on the dwarf wall m
«n o ^ !\,^^",^' ^,^'^^ ^® describes as reaching to a distance ofTLll
bV extent rSpir 1 ^,^®^ *''^.^f ^ *** ^^ employed to a consideva-
In „?Jl 4. f ^^^*' development between Hull and Liveruool iml
to give great advantage for steam haulage. Their use goes Sow. rd.
ing to eoifal cost nf ioif ff'f^lV ^^Z' H°^^ reckons 20 Jears sav-
almolf l!?if orf.? -^"5 that the dwarf wall is more economical bv
edTy the best ''''''' ''' ^^''P"'" altogether; is sufficient anS decid^
fr:jr;;\Sa^i-X to li iraeiiCtT^v^^^^
188
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
Mr. Abernethy iu 1883 8ays iu large canals no more detriment occurs
to walls from steam haulage than from that by horses. At speed ot 4
to U miles per hour wash would do no injury at all to canal.
In the year 1761 the Duke of Bridgewater's canal was opened from
his coal mines at Worsley to Manchester, having been executed under
authority of an act of Parliament passed in 1759, in furtherance ot a
previous authority from Parliament in the year 1737, warranting the
making navigable of the Worsley Brook from Worsley Mill to the river
Irwell, which last named act, however, had been until then neglected.
The success of this undertaking gave a spur to a scheme which had
been long in contemplation for a navigation between the North and
the Irish Seas, by way of the rivers Aire and Eibble. The atter rwer,
the Eibble, it may be remembered, is the one with which the West
Culder, starting from near the source of the Oalder River, unites and
runs into the Irish Sea. The course indicated, therefore, with reference
to the Pennine Hills, was that of the natural watershed, namely, con-
forming generally to the valleys of the two rivers mentioned above,
and crossing the Pennine range in the neighborhood of their common
source. As carried out the route did not follow the Eibble line except
approximately. ^ , ,, t i *.u
Upon the establishment of the Bridgewater Canal Mr. Longbotham,
a native of Halifax, after an investigation of the Bridgewater woris,
conceived the project for a similar canal between Leeds and Liverpool.
With this in view he made an actual survey of the route, with a plan
and estimato which were shown at meetings held among landowners ot
the country who were interested in the undertakiag. In order to more
fully ascertain the practicability of the route a resurvey of the line laid
down by Mr. Longbotham was obtained from Mr. Bnndley, the engi-
neer of the Bridgewater, assisted by Mr. Whitworth. The report ot
the resurvey was made to two meetings, held respectively at Bradford
and at Liverpool in December, 1768, with the statement that the scheme
wns feasible and might be carried out for the sum ot £3c9,<77
. 264,224.77), for which details were given. According to this esti-
mate the canal was to be 108| miles long, 42 feet wide at the top, 27
feet at the bottom, and 5 feet deep. It was the most extensive canal
undertaking at the time in Great Britain.
The act under which the Leeds and Liverpool Canal was made re- .
ceived the royal assent May 19, 1770. The Douglas Eiver navigation,
from the river Eibble to Wigan, had been authorized in the year 17JU,
and this navigation was purchased in large and controlling part by the
Leeds and Liverpool Canal in 1772. In 1780 the entire Douglas Eiver
property passed into possession of the canal company, which extended
the canal and abandoned the river navigation, except for a short dis-
tance in the tideway. In 1788 the navigation was incorporated with
the canal. It was estimated, including all the improvements, to have
cost about £74,000 ($360,121). ,,. , • ^ t , x, a^.
The route of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is from Leeds Bridge,
where it joins the Aire and Oalder, 27 chains in the river Aire to the
first lock on the canal where the warehouses, docks, and basins are sit-
uated. Thence it takes a northwesterly course by Kirkstall Abbey and
Shipley, where (Bradford 3 miles distant) the Bradford Canal branches
off", 155 feet 7 inches above the surface of the Aire at the initiai lock at
Leeds. At New Mill the canal crosses the Aire by an aqueduct and
|.nT,a nnrfhwesfes'ly to Binfflev. where an ascent by locks of 88 feet 8
inches takes place' to an 18-miie level without a further lock. At this
time (1830) the great lock at Bingley consisted of five lifts in one range
Jilt occurs
ipeecl of 4
ened from
ted under
ranee of a
mting the
the river
neglected,
which had
S^orth and
itter river,
the West
mites and
1 reference
mely, con-
tied above,
ir common
line except
ngbotham,
ter wor'is,
Liverpool,
^ith a plan
downers of
ler to more
tie line laid
, the engi-
> report of
t Bradford
the scheme
f £359,777
3 this eati-
the top, 27
isive canal
s made re- ^
navigation,
) year 1720,
part by the
iglas River
h extended
1 short dis-
orated with
its, to have
eds Bridge,
Aire to the
sins are sit-
Abbey and
al branches
itial lock at
[ueduct and
of 88 feet 8
!k. At this
Q one range
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. Igg
Bingley Great Lck the c^n^roes ne^K^ n' ^''^\'' ^^'^«'- ^^^ ""^
where it attains an elevaS o?l72i t J F^'^^^.u"^ «° *« ^kipton,
Above Gargrave it aS crosses th«^ Ilrl f^°''^ ^^^ ^'^^ ^^ ^^^^ds
bends southwesterly aKeaSs the «u^, mi. f T aqueduct. It then
elevation of 411 feet 4 inches IbovetiA IT. ?'']' ''^^l^^^reenborfielu, an
of 41 miles. At Foulridge bLtis th It >t ? ""^ ^^^^«' ^^^ ^ distance
wide, and 1,C40 yards lo^^'^The watfr?n Z'tl^^ ^'"'^-'^^'^ ^^ ''^'
depression, is 60 feet below the surS of th«f """*''' ^* '*« greatest
ervoirs near the tunnel, coverinriolacres of !n'^' ^'''""^- ^'^« "««■
b^yLl ^^*- '^ ^'^ --'' o^' ^?cV^S "^^^c^^r^J^ ?a^
ac^trc^o^^^^^^^ an aqueduct takes it
which it passes, and where is an Pmhanif !7' J"""""^ *'^^ee sides of
feet high, with aqueduc?^ove^thTri^f.l R *^' ^'^^,^ l""''^'^ ^^«"t 60
highway. Auothcrtunnel659vards?n?pL? '?'''' ^"^ ^'^^^'^^ ^"d the
the canal goes by Haptoro to Srch y^^^^^^^^
by an aqueduct, past Eushton to the town of R^f ?f *^® "''^^ Hepburn
for Its cotton mills, and near vvlnoWhl «^P/ackbnrn, now celebrated
fall of 54 feet 3 inches Thence over ?Ww«^ '7^^ ?'T ^'^ ''^ ^^ck, a
andRadillesworth Water bv another it^n.r''* ^l^^^^' ^^ ^^"^ aqueduct
Valley the canal locks do4 64 f^eVfiSrY^^^''^^- ^t^ophurst
head level of the Lancaster Canal a^Tnhn„^'' "^Mf ^^° '««'^«' "'to the
caster canal intervenes fbr 11 mlp«nn ''''I' ^Z"^?''- Here the Lan-
Liverpool begins aga?n n^ar KirTlees at thVS J^'" '^^ ^f'"^' ^"d
three locks, which bring the ™1 domi 214 w f- ^ ?°^^ «^ ^^^^nty-
at Wigan. From Wigan to NewburTh clittffuL thfrf *^ *^rf ^^«*«
Hals'^lT, St ,'fver1L"i^%?rve?^«J'H^ level passing Burscough,
and Liverpool c^ual basin ^t th?C« LLl^.^rl''n'' '' '^^ ^'^^^
distance from Leeds Bridge tn fh^TUrl VJ' • .'^' ^^ Liverpool. The
with a lockage ors^fS TA^noJ^es r^'V^^'^V' ^5 '"*'«« ^^ chains!
rise of 411 feet 4i inches ami Wf?' ' ' ^^"^"^ ^^^^s to the summit a
a fall of 433 feel sTn^Ch^L^^^^^ *".V'^ ^'-^^^^ ^' ^'^''^^o^l
LeSr:^^?^^r;^&?iES -
tideway at tbe i. il of Setou r„f ,^f navigation locks into tbo
struction. "^^ allowed 5 per cent, interest during con-
tofn&T^^^^^^ and amounted
superintend the work, it was i iverto TVf/ ?!: ^" .^e being unable to
years (from 1770) completed the cana^ f^ln. r "^Z'*'.^''^' ^^« ^^thin 7
Gargrave, 33* miles, a^acosto^^g 000%^^^^^^^ »«^'r
pool to Newb.;rgh, 28 miles a? n. IK? t^?£',!i?-f )^^"d from Liver-
i^iverpooi end was opened in 1775 «"n.i7i.r'T ^' , ^^^"^^^^-50). The
works and the purch^ase oll^I^^^^:t:tZ YoTiave^T
r
■ J
II
In
190 CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
snmed all the money authorized to be rai««<l- .^^^J^S;,^?,^^^^^^^ ^t
obtaiue.1 in 1790, under which a further credit of £200,000 ($973,300)
was authorized on niortfiage of the tolls and preferring the interest.
In this year (1790), Mr. Whitworth, being the engineer, resumed con-
struction at Holmbridge. A resurvey showed an estimate of nearly
£170,000 (1827,305) as needed to complete the line. He also recom-
mended some improvements, the most important being a tunnel at the
summit level near Foulridge, by which a head level ot above 6 miles
was substituted for one of 1 mile. This part he also made 3 feet deeper
to serve as a reservoir in dry seasons. The work from Holmbridge to
Wanlass Banks, 14 miles, with 208 feet of lockage, cost £210,000
($1,021,905) including £40,000 ($194,660) for the tunnel at Foulridge.
In order to accommodate the increasing manufactures of Lancashire
the proprietors abandoned the id a of the shortest line and had a sur-
vev made through the coal and mill districts. In 1794, ac^'ordingly, the
company applied to Parliament for new powers and obta.ned another
act."^ They were authorized to borrow or raise among themseve^^^^^^^^
admission of new subscribers the further sum oi £280,000 ($l,3bJ,b JO),
£101 394 ($493,433.90) of which was to go to repaying that sum bor-
rowed under the preceding act and the remainder to finishing the
^^In May, 1796, the canal was opened to Burnley, 8 miles farther, with
a lockage of 70 feet. Again in 1801 9 miles 37 chains were added, mak-
ing in the 17^ miles from Foulridge to Henfield the most ^'xpensive as
well as the most difficult work on the route. This stretch cost £1|0,000
($.583,960), including £40,000 ($194,660) for Foulridge tunnel, £9,000
$43,798.50) for reservoirs there, £22,000 ($107,003) tor embankment at
BurAley, and £10,000 ($48,665) for another tunnel near Burnley. The
construction proceeded slowly, but in 1810 another stretch of 8 miles
was opened from Henfield to Blackburn. This last and the remainder
of the canal from Blackburn to Wigan wasdoiie under direction of Mr.
Y. Fletcher. The canal was finally completed and opened for through
trade from Leeds to Liverpool in October, 1816. ,^ ,
It may be observed that the company left their own line at Cophurst
and locked down 60 feet 6 inches into the head level of the Lancaster
Canal, which consequently, for 11 miles, from Cophurst to Kirklees,
forms part of the Leeds and Liverpool. An agreement to this effect
was made and confirmed by Parliament in 1819. The Leeds and Liv-
e'^pool Canal was 46 years it building, and up to 1830 had cost
£1,200,000 ($5,839,800), £400,000 ($1,946,600) and more of which was
borrowed.
TOLLS.
The tolls were estimated on the original scheme drawn up by Mr.
Brindley, but had not been increased. The act of 1770 fixed them as
follows :
Tonnage rates.
Clay, brick, or stones per ton per mile., i
Coal or lime .- •• •:;.-- X"" U
Timber, goods, wares, merchandise, or other commodities ao.... .»
Soap, ashes, salt, salt bcrow, foul salt, and grey salt, pife^eon dnng, rape or cole
seed; dust, rags, or tanner's bark to be used for manuring lands ot any person
whose lands shall be cut through, lying in the township through which the
canal passes per ton permile.. i
. .« 11 _.„i-i.;~-u „„„*« ««-fvv"" -ftYim nnorrina ornvftl. JlTld Hand em-
Ali SmilU iUUUiSU, Waste cttriico Jt!^j.. -j — 7 = _.,-—-
ployed for repairing roads, not being turnpike, if not carried more than
5 miles ; also all dung, soil, marl, ashes of coal, and turf for the improve-
ment of lands belonging to persons through whose lauds the canal
CANALS IN THE UNITIiD KmODOM. I91
« gW; and the' tou oTSS and | S o'n«l^^^^^ '" '"' '''"=""'<' 1 «»"
weight of 112 pounds each "mestone to be tweuty-two hundred
«p^nte5;^■;:s^b:^1t>u"ofe7eSe'd"i^^''^l°<^^^^
g.ven by company, then thre^^^ry'ljUt'Sec^ t^r ^ ""^'^ "»"-
Wharfage rates.
sSi.?Sor£;rt'ci7,av,-. P=..™..f.
Fr^tir?? ri^rs ife ts;^:/: ^t f ■r'^- ''^»""« °>^»--
quarters of a ton, and of a qua? er as a o^ni^'/"''^™^ °'' " '»» "» »«
Wh^lfl^^tlrsB/''"'"""^^"^^ livery vessel passing
wares, and mercLaudise Dassino mf^'^ ^^^^' ^*^°6«' ^""her, goods
no more than if the tmHad Verca'SHLI;' t^" ^« «^^4'd
Leeds and Liverpool Canal. ®^ *^® '^^® distance on the
The act for the branch to Leiffh rei>Palp,i ti.^ i
on passing loclis for burthen of Hnf ,*^® '''^"^^ imposing charge
sbouldpuy o shillings at the fi St ?oS^^ ^^^ ^'"Pty bou!s
ii^ain line in 1816 wShecomllrf "^^f'"^^ ^"^^ finishing their
having gotten au'tSVfrorSCer?nV''?'^^^^°«^««t«r ; a^^^^^
communicating at Leigh with th« «r?^ ^l ^ i""^ ^0^^ near Wigau
Chester the wSrk waTun^rUen ^nd fn TS^ f ^'"^^ ^^«,^^"^ *« ^an-'
nearly 7 miles in length with a ll to ■ "^ ^""^^ completed. It was
locks. The cost of this branch w«« T ''''''A^^ ^^ ^^^^ 2 inches by I -
for paving and building! Stone L road ff'w^ {$243,325). ston^
and important coal supplieHre amo?^^ t iff ^""^^ ^P"" ^"""'^^ into lime,
J8 facilitated by the canal luadSn ?Z^^^^^
of commodities between the man fi?f?J ^"^fw^ ^^^^^ ^^^ interchange
Yorkshire: and Anally iraSdsco^^^^^^^^
Hull, Leeds, and Liverpool. <'ommunication by water between
LEEDS AND LIVERPOOL CANAL.
to^L^rSi^r^cXt,^^^^^^^^ was leased
percentages of liability the rXlvs mfrl fi ^,"' ^^^^- <^^ certain
chandise traflQc, leaving the mSl S/«nH '/^^ ^ ^'^^^^ ■"^- ^^^ '"er-
canal with the canal company Seth^f?rm-^K'"'""^"^"«^ «f the
cording to Mr. Bartholomew^'; ev^?len.-eli lSi'ff'°" *'^^'?^ ^^^««' ^«-
these facts, through rates for the Ai?e ind rfu' '""!, '\^'''^ ^ ^^'^^^
Liverpool had been arranged. Arfasonabi «n?f'*'°^ ^^« I^««^« «nd
SeSer ^"^ ^« *^« ^--^ incrretf^ fS7^S^
sin'vh^e'tX become carriers
largely. ' '"" "'^^ ^"^^^^^^^ merchandise traffic themselves
111
I
u
I- i
4 4
'n
L\
I
192 CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
During the tenure by the railway companies tlie toll for merchandise
was very heavy: l^d. (Scents) per ton per mile maximum was actu-
ally charged, making a through toll of lOs. ($3.89) from Liverpool to
Leeds, 12S miles. The railway rate for the same article was 15». ($3.05);
while the canal toll upon coal which was under control of the canal com-
pany was one-third of a penny ($0.0067) per ton per mile. Now (1883)
the merchandise toll was reduced to three-fourths of a penny (a cent
and a half) for the san.e service, a reduction of 50 per cent.; and there
was a fair amount of traffic and the canal paid 21 per cent, dividend.
The railway rates also underwent a reduction.
As to dividend, Mr. Powell, in 1883, says that the figures of 10 per
cent, and 20 per cent, for the Leeds and Liverpool are illusory, and that
the £100 sliare ($486.65) is only a book entry; that in its construction
and maintenance costs of ordinary repairs and capital were all mixed
up together in respect of expenditure, and that the sum which stands
as a £100 share really represents a very much larger capital, ])robably
several hundred pounds. It may be noted in this connection that two
shares of the company were sold at Bradford in December, 1889, at
£430 ($2,092.60) per share.
Six months before the expiration of the railway lease referred to
above the Aire and Calder Company made an arrangement for a reduc-
tion of rates, under which the Leeds and Liverpool were obliged to
recoup the railway Interest for their loss thereby.
The tonnage of the Leeds and Liverpool in 1874 is given as 1,779,208,
the details, as stated, making a slightly larger total, as follows:
Pn„i tons.. 1,149,842
Bnck8:;to":::::::::::::::::: ^o... 293,320
Maniiro '}o--- .,fJl'i\[.
General merchanilise uo... .i/il,7»y
Total 1,823,208
In 1880 the same authority gives 2,215,688 tons with details here :
Coal t«"«- 1.30J'105
Bricks, etc 'jo--- ^'i'^'kl^
Manure do... 127,986
General merchiiiulise do... 4bi,4.)y
Total 2,215,686
The gross tonnage was 1,436,160 tons in 1828 ; 2,001,577 tons in 1848;
2,141,161 tons in 1868 ; tlius seeming to have reached its highest at or
about a time coiu(!ident with the great railway development of the later
forties.
The lockage of the canal in 1883 comprised 91 locks ; 42 from Leeds
to the summit ; 49 thence to Liverpool. Atone point, Wigan, there were
said to be 23 locks in 3 miles.
The dimensions are given variously within certain limits ; the most
trustworthy figures would seem to be about as follows for the locks
in 1883 :
IF 'i
Yoiksliiro side;
Sum 111 or
WiiitpT
Laucasliiro !>Ulo;
Summer
Winter
Leiigtb.
Feet.
1 60
Width.
Ft. In.
15 2
15 ?
Depth.
Ft. In.
•■•i 8
\S 10
t3 8
>3 10
Depth.
10
8
10
CANALS X^ PHE UNITED KINGDOM.
A recent newsnan^r ""^ -^^^-^^om, jgg
^eZ:^:^^i£^^^^:^Zr st ^' *^« ---t ex.
a"d reckoi s thfi /n/^,^ Present date, that is fn ^"'^'^'''"'"^"cement of
the greaten',ipYiM:e2!S ."* .^^'^^^0 (iV^gTs^^^ 'V' *« "^^^f
of revenue. ^"^"^^^ ^o have been contSbufeTfrnl''^^".^ ^^ ^^^^
Under the schemA nf ^"^ savings out
yearly meetinToA^ ^ reorganization which v... ^
• «o'npany anil to apply to S^^^^ ^^ «^«,.Ste «^M «^ September
ordinary stock fnr *? l^arijament for dowop *« ®^" shares of the
^^600,000, e ?her ordina'rvP'"'""* ^^arehoC^*^ «^f V^ ^1,500,000 of
that sum of £9 iSnn,?^^'^^ preference sroTir^^^ * farther sum of
to a depth of 5 feet 6 n«h "'"^^ ^^^^ deepening of 1 o*. m
length. This Wn, n?*"^®^' ''^"^ the AaS Jm ?u ""l^^^ <^f the canal
to Liverpool and 23, mM^^".^'J»«J«des SO^Llrh ?«^^ 72 feet in
Provement wm admi? i ^'/'-^ branches. It is LfiS i'°^ ^^^^^^ I^eeds
being nearly doubl?h«?f'''^'"y'"g cargo of a^d^^^^^^^ ^^^^ this im
^orks is set at ^fsS O0oT«t?]f.^''°'^- The total estt^f* ^^ «« tons,
voirs, boat coustructior^i'f ^^'^^^^- OtheSideZh '^ ^^'* ^^ these
making a total sum of £S'?^*nn'n''''r ««t.mated at S'"""'"''-?^''^'^'-
the canal is said to hnx^fi '^^^ (« 4,053, 794 5m rf^^^'^^O additional,
For mnumion of "^"^ '"^^ "^viaATios.
S effe°?A 1!'"**'°" °^ tl»« tidal floViM^°'*^'^'"«° wo^ Id be u^«!f "r'*-"**'""" ^ould
at a pStYE"^ "^^^^g'^^'e dTl>^5r/„,"f J^y agouti hourra ' wS '^^■"^*«
-T^-:rTr-:: ^'«- Belo^thewelr the depth wouMtj. J?"1<1 »>« the
been withdrawn C^p^? '^""en7thrbiinr^r7~-T^--^^ "»•«-
-r-(
194
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
s
"■'I
'S u ■
rr---i
't-
1-1
When the majority of «al°'«" B« "f ^f,® "^/jd^^bets £u^^ the flHhery board,
and kept down throuKhout the dnvation of the treshets. f^no^ a salmon
purposes. The basiu "V^^^^.tS.v.fstTeatlTc^f 6,000,000 cubic feet per day,
wonhl give a supply say dining tliodiyost wear, icr 01 o,uuv,,
whereas the quantity used in passing one vessel would be about ^''^^"^'^" j^^ j^
ryri"uvteLthe^holeofthene..ss^
the dredging might not be finished.
The notice of intended application to Parliament is as follows:
WHARFK RIVER NAVIGATION.
[In Parliament— Session 1890.1
the Ouse navigation and the town of Tadcij^ter. ^ ^^^^.^ ^^^ following
nv'e'ri^^i^otint.^t^i^^^^^^^^^^^ and exercise the following powers,
Ss1hSeV^iro^f»
SfSiiS^fi!^^^^^^^^^^
^''(^Vto construct and maintain a weir and lock in and ac^^^^^^^^
or near the ferry at the southern «»^d «f the v Uge of UUoskell to oe ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^
bed and on the banks of the river, and on adJ0"""g ami i tne ro i ^^ [
and parish of Kirkby Wharfe l'«l«"K'Vf, *° ^i^^/,^' fl'e^^^^^^ of BoltU,
tion of Joseph Beau, and in the township ot Bolton f «;«/•" ^ff^fjj j^],^ Uptou!
belonging to Sir Fredk. George M.lner, Bart., a,nd '' *' ^ ""^^"P^i'/Tia^^^ and conve-
(1^%afQr^n^ Iny down, maintain, and use with all proper laii Pia™»„ »"" ,^„„ j„
le retain-
ent to the
SM a Hiip-
ed owing
the weir
in a few
1 the butl
? quicker
(leaalinon
06 a day,
leap for a
; freshets,
lowered,
9ry board,
, a salmon
the exist-
18 will not
wo aid be
; it wonld
1 dredging
I the head
or lockage
les, which
t per day,
jubio feet,
ccnpiod in
the river
I, although
ws:
fe for Navi-
ver Wiiarfe
rartcaster —
'urchase of
laws, etc. —
endiuent of
ment in the
) company),
; the River
to the river
' powers for
,ft8 between
le following
ing powers,
fil, or water-
laintain the
repairs, and
f Tadcaster,
:by Wharfe,
m, Acaster-
;he county of
er Wharfe at
uated in the
ofUUeskelf,
1 the occupa.
ih of Bolton,
John Upton,
s and conve-
le of them in
ty:
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
(10) To autKz?tt%^nr.S tJ e^""'^^^ «^ the compan'/'^''^''^"^ '''''' *« ««y
charges on bartfeV^mrl nfi,^^™'^'*"?^ *" demand and recovfir fnii ^«<.
Ml
I
196
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
(14) To authorizo the company to anpropriale, aud use or sell, and disDose of the
materia 8 dredged or removed from tlie bed banks aud fore shore ot^heS river
an<l to deposit the same if they think fit upon any other portions of the saiKuk/o;
foreshores or upon any lands by auroenlent with the owners thereof irirsnoh
'Z) To* mnowePr"?h^«'"'*y think proper or as may be pres^rirdty thelnLdedaot
witer andfirfW«!^t„"'''"l'''"y**'P''"y °° *'>« busfnoss of carriers by laud and
Ca^'b^rLHVmfo?^!?*''^ *"* '""^"^.' ««°«*'-»«t. "^opair. 1°* «n hire or license tug-
uoar.8, uargos, and other vesae. *, and to construct wharves, warelionses and of h«r
m) To anTnSrtr "'^'1'"''''^ "i ««""««"»" with the ojera^on offi compa" J
poiir Jor nennauenl'lv TX7- \'' '^'^"'i*' *'*"'"' °" «t»^«'^wi8e interfere with, teml
SS cnlvS ««w«r^Xll^ ^*"'*' ,Pa««aK««. footpaths, watercourses,
th^'PrpeTo?lS?:'ndedTcr ""'^ °'^''' '''''''' ^° '"' '^ '^''^ >"' '"'''^'^'y ^"^
tonffdt"opK7r2f i''^ "ompii'iy to deviate in the construction of the several in-
tended works hereinbefore described from the lines aud levels dolinertted on thA
plans and sections to be .leposited as hereinafter mentioned Irsuoh an extent as wHl
le defined on the said plans or provided by the intended act *' """
naviritil*" '^? 9^ company to use for the purposes of traffic to and from their
navigation any existing cuts, channels, locks, wharves, towing paths and other
works and conveniences thereon or connected therewith. * ^ '
of trayc°ftSpnnfrni*^? compauy to make by-laws and regulations for the regulating
«Lwi x"""*"^?^ "^ vessels aud boats in the River Wharfe and for sunervis on
into theMven"" °' ^''^"*'^ ^^""'«' ""'^^^ *° '^'''^^ «^ rubbish'LJotff mSr
(20) To authorize agreements between the company and the Ouse Nftvitratinn
in.?»n/Sl'll°'l??j '' '.'"■'^ ?'"• .8'™" "il" »■" 1' before the 30»h day of Novembof
£h n^nni^i^'f *f^^ '^^!?^ *^^««'•l ^"-"l^^ a^« i«t«"ded to bl3e or will b^e sUuate
^S nf uE°^ * ■ t "?*,i?® published as aforesaid will be deposited with the Ssh
Bkomkt, Taylor «& Bromet,
Tadcaater, Solicitors.
„- ^ W. «fe W. M. Bell,
27, Great George Street, Westminster, Parliamentary AgenU.
PROPOSED GOVERNMENT PURCHASE OF ENGLISH CANALS.
It is said that papers have been forwarded from the board of trade
to the various canal companies and trusts requesting information of a
very complete character, and looking, as it is suggested, to legislation
in the next (now current) session of pirliament for the acquisitSy the
Government of the entire canal system of the country. The rumor nro-
n!;?;l^^ the effect that leading men of all parties, recognizing the diffi-
culty of dealing eflectually with the question of railway freights under
the present system of what is called virtual monopolies, have ii ven theS
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. 197
CANALS VS. RAILWAYS.
Of pjai's^rr ^JVoS^^^^^^^^^^ "^r" or .»,, oo„„ece.d p.a„
the touch ofthat vital spirit of or,,n„? ',?"'•'''" «»«">» "> have miS
the other hand the raiI^CcameSost'?H °'''' "''<«<' '"Ine^ron
hasruItt^iPThfexiSoUlnfr ^ "-n witnessed which
con8olirtfd?oSi':d%rdS[^^^ ^^«"* that in opposition to.
to wS t^d^rnT^h^aT^a^rtV^^^^^^^^ f ^ -^« -^^ «ttle reference
were regarded as considerable n Ja^' ^T^^^^ ""^ 1^ and 20 mUea
of ^ridges^rXTrn^ln^^^^^^^^^^^ '-^T f ^^- ^f ^-^J^^, --^s heights
impossible intercommunica ion ^P^^*^^ ^h^ch facilitate or else render
W, the notion of cooSaion Sit Zfl """^''^^*^" «f connecting
of the constructors, would annear in ntl f ^^^ suggested to the mindf
expressly negatived. ^^^*' '^ i>early every instance to have been
^^P'^P'^^^^^^ f the plans adopted for the
rise to much discussion, anrabo„;S^''®'^™ has g'ven
been expressed, but which woSdnTf^i"? "^'^f^ ^^^^^^^ opinio? Jaa
interpretation. Since all rrcorded^ tim^ ^""^'^ ^'^^'^ *« J^^^tify but onl
trated by fable, and nroven nn ?i?? "'^' suggested in proverb illn«
stance tending 'to theyoflt of'Jhe ^K hf '''T^^ '' i^riT^clrinm:
rhe English railwav i.o" u'^- ^. *^ ^® >" the power of th^ «fr-"~
play the lamb. The consflnntL!! "'''' "^"^ ^'"^^ ^e^t it to the canalTo
par.ian.entaryco„n.1tCXr;/^ers';:!;r„?^:'SSS^
198
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
it-
h*,-
of Kj)irit" and even of "creeping pjiralysia " on the part of the canal
Hysteni ; w'lich seoujs to have hirg«ly arrived at the state in which
neitlior self-help is likely uor aid from without desired.
While this discouraging view is warranted in a general examination of
the present development of the English canals, there still remain
some, and some very striking, exceptions. Not to refer to that bold and
vigorous manifestation of what commercial enterprise can undertake
and engineering skill fulfill, the ship-canal now in course of construc-
tion from Manchester to Liverpool, there are some English canals
wliich may be profitably studied, though they are not laid out on such
a scale or intended to cope with such demands of trattic as tli one just
named.
THE OALDER AND HEliBLB NAVIGAiiON.
Perhaps the most conspicuous among this last mentioned class is one
whose organization, and operation srre entirely or almost entirely within
the limit of the Leeds consular district. It is the project whose pro-
gress has been previously described at some length, which was organ-
ized originally and which is still in part operated as a river navigation,
but whose development as a canal forms its more interesting and talu-
able aspect for the purposes of this inquiry.
The Calder and llebble Navigation connects the A.ire and Calder
Niivigation with the Eochdale Canal, joining the former at Falling
Lock, a quarter of a mile below Wakefield Bridge, and the latter at
Sowerby Wharf, about 2 miles from Halifax. The Hebble Kiver unites
with the Calder below Salterpebble not far from the terminus of the
navigation. The course of the Calder and Hebble navigation, from
the beginning at Sowerby Wharf, is in an easterly direction by Elland,
Coo .er Bridge, near where Sir John Kamsden's Canal branches from it
to Huddersfield, and on by Dewsbury and Horbury Bridge to Wake-
field, where it unites with the Aire and Calder navigation, as already
stated. From Sowerby Wharf the Eochdale Canal goes by way of
flebden Bridge and Kochdale to Manchester.
The Calder and Hebble navigation was originally undertaken by-
authority of an act of June 9, 1758. It was surveyed by Mr. Smeaton
in 1757, and executed with his superintendence by commissioners under
the act. Authority was given to raise money on' the tolls at 6 per cent.
The toll rates were : Stones, slate, flags, lime, limestone and coal, Is.
l^d. per ton for the whole distance; all other goods, merchandise and
commodities, 8.9. per ton for the whole distance, and so in proportion for
any shorter distance.
The exemptions from toll are : Stones, timber, gravel, sand, or other
materials, for the use of the mills within the limits of this line of nav-
igation ; soapers' waste, dung, and all sorts of manure, except lime or
limestone.
Coal, under this act, is prohibited from being carried down the stream
towards Wakefield (except for the use of the vessels navigating the
same) under the penalty of £50 ($243.33), one-half to the King, the
other moiety to the person who sues for the same.
Great damage having been suffered Ixom a flood in 1767, application
to Parliament was made by the parties who had supplied the funds for
construction and an act was obtained in 1769 for strengthening the
undertaking and securing the flrst investors. A corporation was formed
with unlimited iiowers tn mjap monpv ainopf +li'»f»>q^li'pa n"«i .^,^n,f^^;*-^
to borrow on the tolls the sum of £20,000 ($97,330). This legislation
arf«Kawr'
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINQDOM.
199
whole distance; all 011X^0 f3'p'"^T' V--''' ^^^^ *«» ^'or ".e
1>«. per ton for the whoL fli£o« nf/i "'*'''<''"""l'«e, and noinmoditie«,
distance or weight '"^tnuce, and ho m proportion for any less
^nTT^ZSr^;:}^!:!,^^^ -^>-- o^-y Of the .ills on
except lime and So,?e'mov2^^ of manure
locks at the tim«S miter h.flnwin"''' "'^1?'"" P^«« ""o"*?!' the
Boats under 15 tons no to ass ^itlZlT '*''^' J^^ ''^^'" «^' «"«»' J')ck«.
charge 3d. per ton for an V "rtlTe wSi ^^' ^""'-'^"f "*" ^•'"'•^«« '"ay
if more, a hTdfpenny per lyt Irdditlon ""^ ''^"""' ^'^« "'^" « *^^>'''';
ceu^irstll b^'^Si in'any^irett^nll"'''^'"^^^^^^ "^^ *'-' 1^> ^>-
the navigation, then the rates shSiwL^ ""'i'*^"^ «"•"« expended on
Millers were Vequ red trstoi'^^^^^ "A^''^ ^'oar following.
18 inches below the crown oi^'Jl.e dam ' "" '"' ^^' water was reduced
Iockfth';'l"?s^"s4,1^'V;r^^^^^^ 1«-.^ wharf to Fan I„g
Navigatior^is22m^il(:sTle gth w^^^^^^ ^T T^ ^^'^^«^
A considerable portion of h.» n,.!. • , ^^^^ ^ "'^^^^s ^^y 28 locks.
river The remSe" is com osed'of'cuts' to ''?'T^ T''' '' ^^'
avoid obstacles. With the T/re ami r.?/^ ^"^ ?''°.'^®'» distance and
and their connections it formf.nfnM '''?*'''. ^"'^ "'« Kochdale Canal
coast. TheopeSfn^of th^rchda eam^^^^^^^^^^ *'^, Y/^,^ ^« ^'^^ ^^^«^
a great increase of" revenue and as mnl «? 1^''"''^*'^^ ^''"^'^ «''^"««<l
as dividend. Previous to tl, a rw!? '""^'^.^s l"* Pcr cent, was declared
. advantages weTrcWeS^from tl^^^^ ?" I?"^'^^^ «:^«t«™ ^'reat
penetrated, particuSvMn fSlSaJir /£ ^r" ^^ ^^'^ ^•'""^ry which it
ing stone, lime, coal, aud iron ore " transport of flag and build-
(oiVlf mSeT J,^' humhl'H^ 'T ?'^^"^^'»e»t to extend to Halifax
and sixty dSars was tu?hor^pS"?n T^^l'^T' *^«»«^"*1 «i^ ^"S
$48,(i65 i waHt loan"or'S new ^ha^^^^^^^^ fem^elve, and
promissory notes or pledging the tollr'^ ^^ the option of issuing
rater J/teX^reldts'^ T ^ ^"'^ ^^^ ^--^^
and coal 2s. 2d. per ton for tZwilii ,^ ! '^*®' ^''F' '''"^ or limestone,
merchandise, and commodRies4TuS ^'f ?««' ^» other goods, wares
and in proportion for aiy less welS.^^^^^^^ ^""'^ K^^^ ^'^«^« distance
as for a qu'arter of a'mifetras fbr a%tSr ^'f a^t^ """ '' '^ ^^'«"
long to a pit from whTcS it is railed r\?if'"''^ ^^' ^ ^''^^ ^'^^^ y^^^^^
-^;:i.?s^?Sr Jtss^i^!;?^^.^-^ ^^^^, com,
dersfleld\; a j^nS with tHS^^^^^^ "V^^^ ^^ ^^"^ siui-
Ashton to Manchester ,'"1 ^^V-^^h?- " ^^'"''-^'"'''' leading from
Bukeof Bridgewater's Can^irtn T^m 1^^ "^' ""II ''^ ^^"^ ^^ochdale aud the
to Liverpool. ^^ ^ Euncorn and thence by the river Mersey
it
t I
tl
1''
|-
•i'
Lfi lii
200 CANALS IN TUB UNITED KINQDOM.
ft.,^''" John iiamsdeti'a Oanal Is about 3!{ miles in length with a rfso of
93 feet, ll.oug 1 so short it is of importance aa one of the links in the
chain between the two seas and as a means of communication with the
prominent miinuiactnring center, IIudderHfield. The act allows U M
per ton on a goods. It may be noted that the owner of the canal
owned also the entire town of IJuddersfield, one lot or so excepted
J,w V I "^^ «*tf/^y«r«l8 (about J84r>-'40) purchased by the London
and Northwestern Kailway Company.
The Huddersfleld Canal vyas suKgcsted by the evident convenience
to be derived from connecting Huddersfleld and Ashton-under-Lyne.
from which points other canal and navigation undertakings previously
entered on gave the possibility of another and the shortest through
line of waterways from Hull to Liverpool. This course included the
Uumber and the Cu.e Kivers from Hull to the Aire and Ca der navi
ga ion and on to WakeHeld; thence by the Calder and Ilebble toTir
John Kamsden's Canal, and thereby to Huddersfleld, where the new
project would begin and take the traffic as far as Ashton, where iM^
would reach the canal, then, in 1793. in a great state of forwardness and
designed to enter Manchester, where a short cut, (afterwards obviated
fhl tI^'^''"'/']!'^-',''" ''V^^ Kochdale Canalgave communication with
the Duke of Bndgewater's Canal) Euncorn, and Liveipool. In 1794
of£fooSJi«rr?N^''*'''wI' J'^«««^^' i?ri°ff authority to raise inshares
£00 •??.?« iSc^'r?^'^' H'?!^'" of £184,000 ($895,430), and ifuecessary
£JO,000 ($437,985) m addition amongst themselves, or by new shares
or jy mortgage. The act established the following:
Tonnage rates.
A 11 Hn^^' ™''°"™» °|»y' sand, ana gravel not passing a lock.... per ton per mile \
Aldiingmanu/e, clay, sand, and gravel passiug a lock do U ^
All lime, stone, coal, cannel or othorminerals not passing a lock do"' 1
A lime, stone, coal, cannel, or other minerals passingii lock.. do"" 2
per Torpefmno ^''^'"'' '"""''""'I's*'' ^"d other articles not before m^ntioi^d,
For all stone, lime, coal, cannel, timber, minerals, goo'tVs, wares' mer-
chandise, and all other articles passing along or through the tunnel on
the summit level, or any part thereof, in addition to the above rates
the further sum ot Is. 6d. per ton.
Fractions of a mile to be taken as a mile; of a ton as the quarters of
a ton contained therein ; and of a quarter as a quarter.
Wharfage rates to be demanded by the company or others having
wharves on the line of the canal shall not exceed 3 pence per ton for
the space of 10 days, after which time an additional charge mav be
made for every succeeding day of one halfpenny per ton per day.
Vessels of less than 10 tons are not to pass a lock when the water does
not run over the weir, nor of 15 tons when it does, without leave of the
company's agent, to be given in writing.
on^T^V^i"^ T *^.^® made by the company to contain not less than
20,000 locks of water, each lock being 180 cubic yards; none of this
water (except in time of flood) to be taken from the rivers on the line.
Sir John Eamsden is guarantied against any loss on his canal arisinff
from the new project. ^
Provisions are made against detriment to the mills in the vicinace
and diminution through the tunnel of certain waters is to be made uw
to the neighborhoods aftected. Further extension easterly, if made to
the prejudice of the Ramsden, Aire and Calder, or Calder and Hebble
.., „vvvLni7rtutcu. (jjrrupiiiiitiuu f,o parties suUenutr
damage, who are to receive all rates and tolls in due proportion.
*•
d.
.. 1
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. 201
from atftlybridge waH aTm v^ " Stu ^ l,r„|^M^ A further purt
of thettmnel ami failure to ffctnm^^ 7'"^' ^" "'^^ ^'^^^^ «*P«"«o
Blow vrnanm. Tl e compa.^v S^^^^^^^^^^^ "'« ''""'^' »""«e
again to l^irliameut and otS^ *''*" '"?"''^ they applied
tliey were empowered to mkoiLlI« \T ^ '"'T"* '].^** f^"«l«r this
share in the whole a d to raia/hv n« '. ®'^''®''''"'« ^^<^ (*»7.:W) per
promissory notes 'a,?; necesTZ s^'^,' '"I'' «•;.'"'■"",«'' '«"^' *«'•«
original limit of £27(oorfll'f33 42?\T^ exceeding altogether the
be 80 much beyond tl Ha culations t'Lf ^ ''''^' ''"^^^«'' ^''^^''^'^ 'o
Parliament, and a third act obt" ined i fsoaiT® l''^ "*^^*" '""^^^^ ^o
successfnlly completed *"'^"'"^'* '" ^^OO before the canal could be
This canal was constrncted for *»raff 7 ft^^* • ,
navigating upon -the StifJbrdshire aX.uSn ^u 1""'V'"'^ ^' T.'
of passing boats with 24 tons burden From m i i « /.'^ '^**^ capable
southwesterly past Slaithwaife rrnrai,. IT f^"^der8tteld its course is
ducts, and by an asS o743oSr i^^/\'^!'\*'^ ^^'"^^ ^'"'^^ on aq»e.
length of 7 Jniles it cles near mI U ,? Jo^'^^ among 42 locks ami a
wasatthetimoofcousSZtlw^hSi^^ ^"'""'•<^ '«^e'» wl"ch
feet above the sea By a trnS 6 46^ v^^^^^^^ T^ ^^.'^" '^"'^*^^'"' «3«
Pemrine liange and to the imZhhnltl / /w °V-^ '* '''^^^^^ «"der the
of summit lefel of 4 mitr ft± kI^^,T''^''^ ^*i'> ^ ^^^^^ »«°gth
the Ashton junction is 84 milp^wf T I^ol>cro88 and Stalybridgo to
locks, crossing the I iverkmeliruinH^ ^?^» feet through 3?
of canal of l^ miles. Betweei the s"' -^^^ marking a total length
were towing paths minutes. At Scout and at Ashton there
-^^''^^^oT^t^^^^^^^^^^ Aire andCalder
the OalderandHebbfnnd Sir Jo^ n T?n?n?? ^V^ ^}Y^^P^ol from Leeds,
and Ashton-under-LyL l"om WakefioM '?^^^ ^^^ Huddersfleld
OalderandHebblea/dtheCSfe boH:.'^^^^ also from Wakefield the
at the end of the ESaTline at M^^^^^^
Bridgewatei-'sCanal tekes UD the?L^or/'^i^^ ""^^"^^ the DSke of
The line over the HuSfieldrnnnilf n^^il^'^^"'^ ^^"^ ^^e Mersey.
It passes through a InseiyponSr^^^^^^^ nfa'^f f '^^'"'f^^^ ^ miles,
valuable stone, but otherwL s?h^.pr?n "Z^?""''^ ^*«t"ct full of
The original e^tCZTJ^'^fsIm^^^^ %T f ^?^ ^^«^"«*«-
I^o^h^^M^^^^ With the London and
He?bIeS[h^"lThSSV^^^ ^^*be Calder and
portion under act of Arliament o7T794'^"" ^' ''^^^^' '^^ «««^<1^'«
xfeuuenBriUge to Todmorden. naooi^;,'^ "i" ^"^^^ "^ i-uo v;aiaer by
#",
h±\
202
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
' i
U' I
L^rfoT T southerly direction, with a brauoh to the .neighborhood of
Eochdale, to near Failaworth, whence turning a little mort to the west,
ward ,t locks into the Duke of Bridgewater's Canal at Oas«efleld
Manchester, having received the Ashton-under-Tyne Canal at pS
dilly wharf about a mile from the junction at Castlefleld.
According to the levels of Mr. Renuie, the engineer to this work, the
Travis' Miirwa^27^ VT' ^' rT'''^ *^^ «""^""* ^«^«1 *« beginf'near
fh^uol <5?H'.^^^^^/^^^'? * distance of about llj miles, and the fall
thence to the Duke of Bridgewater's Canal 438i feet
ofm ^^J^ *^<^ Y^F^"^ had already cost £328,900 (|l. 600,591.85), but were
still unfinished though the canal was partially op. nel. One hundred
t'h^st'nlit m-^^^^ ""^ Tl P^4"'« ($6^,152.83) w^s saiS to Se
Jl K lu ^^'^"l^ed for the completion of the whole, which was provided
for by the act in that year (1800.) ^
The Barnsley Can.l, 16J miles in length, was incorporated in 1793
the proprietors being one hundred and thirteen in number and con-
Trll'llil^rm'^^^^^^^ They were empowered
/LK^N I -^r^^'^?^^ ^"°°S themselves, in 720 shares of £100
{^480.b5) each, with further power up to £20,000 ($97,330), for which
last they might pledge the rates. ^-^ > ;. ^^^ wmcn
fi,!.^ '''^"f '"^^i"^ ^f ?^, ^*^®^ ^^^"^^^ (^i^e and Calder Navigation),
three-quarters of a mile below Wakefield :^ridge and about three eighths
of a mile below the junction, at Fall Ing Lock of the Calder and Hebble
Navigation with the Aire and Calder. It risesfrom the Calder 117 feet
by fifteen locks in the distance of 2* miles; thence on a level to the
crossing by an aqueduct of the river bearne, at the south side of which
10 miles from its commencement at the Calder, it forms a junction with
the Dearne and Dove Canal. From the aqueduct the Bainsley Canal,
still on a level, turns westward parallel with the Eiver Dearne, passes
near Barnsley, and on to the neighborhood of Barugh Mill, whe?e the
long level terminates, 11 miles in length. From this plaTe to the
tnl'l^nlT^hf^t' ^^^^°' ^'^^^ ---Of ^^feet V ^^loil
The rates of tonnage allowed under the incorporating act of 1793 were
Wheat (shelling), beans, pease, vetches and lentils, rape, line, cole, and mnstard *
Barley ^.^r.'.!.?"'.! ""^ ^"*''*°'' ^'' ^"^^^^"^ ^^'^^^ X°e iTngS' 6
Oats and inait ""'."".!."."! f^-- 5
^"length .!^!!! .?!.r.!^' '^"'^ P^^'' "«^'«P«t«^««."p'er 312;Voi;ndV "for" th'e who'lo *
^^uh^nt:.^^^'"^^^ 1
Stone, ironstone, flag, paVVngstony.andsYate" .'.'.'!"!!'" J""" ,*
Pigoroldiron ^
Cast metal go-ids and bar'iVon.'!."" --..ao... 1^
English oak, timber, and planks " i^\\\"^\ 06^40 VubTcaVfeet'TiVrmn;" 7i
i!M^a:s»t:is^er '- ^« ^^ ^- - T"
All other things not before ;nnmVrVtVdV;;;;;";;;;;;;;;;;;;;peV ton Jer msie:: J*
That 10 superficial yards of flag paving stone, from 1 inch to 23 inches
m thickness, or 16 cubical feet ot stone, to be deemed a ^n * ^
Jt S^.'^I'LtdT^'- this company, made under the authority
v..vr-^aeaa<3i, uao x^ luuuamiuugcu, running from Barnby
a.
6
5
4
6
1
*
1
1*
2
H
U
H
U
2
J
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. 203
Serir™'' °' *"* """"" *» ^'"^«'« Bridge, near the Silkstone
60 feet. '^"' "' "" ■"""" ""» « *«'■ "W"' »f 'ocka 16 feet, and ...gth
When the call of $291.99 per share of £inn ^<Ji.taft an\
(ler the second act maav shareholder. Hn (**^^;?^ ^'t^ made un-
erSef rn' S~ SS^^^^^^
b^=„reKoXinXr.„r-'"'^^^^
EXTENT OF BRITISH CANALS.
IHL^Io^S^X^^Jrn^^^'^"^^'^.^/'^^ companies occurred from
iSways The resul? wit T'^- ^'\^^},^''^^ "'to combination with th^
At Kle this ?St^™e neTt^^^^^^ '^"^T "-^ *^^ '^'"^<^«'»-
country been developed n or TnltLnl *^^. transportation trade of the
onstrated. ASer^itness savs tL S'*^ ""^ *^ '^J^^'^ ^^^'^ ^^«°^-
(canals with railTOUook nS t fS^^^Vlu^^' ^^ consolidations
full force for obtainhl fromSian Pnfnia l"" -^^ movement then in
strucfcion the new i udertaki2rwft ! 1 ^T^.^"^ authority for con-
companies. Theorcomeof th^^ ^^ l^^ ^^'«*'°^' «a»al
ments entered intrbrThera^tavrwfr A" *^^ subsequent arrange-
wl-3h, by meansof ffuara,i?ffi Xi7 ^ ^^^ ^'^"''^ companies, under
others by ou TJht Sin so the nl.^^^^ '" T^ instances, and in
neutralize.l. AnothS wi^^^^^^^^^^^ opposition was overcome or
.angecan_als,wiTc!il'^^!;e:tSll^^^^^^^^^^^^
routes . uetdmental, quite 700 niiles in EnglanrwCrun7er rXI?
The total mileage of railway-inaueuced ganals is variously stated.
m
» '-
^1
If'
204
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
fig^res?'"''''^''^''"'^^^'''''''^'**'*'*^^'" ^^^'^ bamled in the following
England.
Scotland.
Ireland.
Total.
^Pm'os*'.'.?""'''''' *'"' • ""^"*'^ or controlled by railway com-
Leugtli oif canals, ct3., owuoiV by other tiiaii railway coinpanios ]
1,259 J
l,42Si
85
92
m
1, 430|
* 1,592 J
Total
2,688
85
250
3,029
• Theao Ifln fifth B arn Av/ilnalTru ,^e^^.^ -: „ .. nti ™
—
E^S!. W?.V/?)r;.f^;'«i^^^^^^^^ ^ye Uu,nber, Wea. and TynT^^
ancT other navigations in Ireland. t-aieuonlan Ship Canal In Scotland, and the Shannon
n.^w.^\ff l^^'^'' ?^®^ *^^ ^"^"^^^^^s^^^^^ement Of the canals, etc., own
or controlled by -^ailway companies on December 31, 188^ bv dS of
the special acts of authority: ' ' ^ °*
^
Ik 1
!• r?'.
[: i«
Under acts of—
1845. , ,
184A
^0^1 ■'••••.••••■
1848
1852
1862
1864
1865
1866
1867
1870
1872
1882
England.
Miles.
78J
7744
96|
20}
86J
3i
74
Hi
m
56"
17
9i
Scotland,
Mimt.
32
1, 269J
63
...
Ireland.
Total.
MUes.
02
85
92
Miles.
170i
774i
06i
52}
86i
3i
74
34
15J
53
60
17
9i
1, 4361
Another gives canals and inland river navigation under control of railways in-
England ^''«8'
Scotland ...
Wales
Total
l,062f
106
70
Against not under such control in-
England
Scotland ."*[[
Wales
Total
l,238f
l,260i
84i
58i
1, 40.'}
Rivers in England under railrt^ay control ~~ „„„
Against same uncoutrolled ... . 209^
Canals and navigations abandoned"orcVnvertedVnto raiiwaVs.'." 3
Whitaker's Almanac for 1890, a usually reliable authoritv" states
S« nl''/"'^^'- ''i*^^ ^ ?'^y "^'^^ exactitude what is the total fen ffh of
the canal and inland river navigation of the United Kingdom Th«
The Board of Trade.
United Kingdom, exeliiding certain rivers and a ship canal, as named .. ..
Miles,
3,029
id.
Total.
92
64
5tt
1, 430|
*l,5U2i
3,029
d.
Total.
Mileg.
2
170
774
06
52;
86
3;;
74
34
16J
53
60
17
8|
2
1, 436i
8 in—
Milos.
. l,062f
. 106
70
209i
932f
250'
CANALS l: THE UNITED KINGDOM.
Anothir authority.
iSsS^^S,.;;;::;;::;:
Scotland '^"^'''"^^'Jd Wales...
Ireland
Nonnavig^bi^Vi;^^^^.— ■- "--"•■^'":.:'::^
•"■■• •••• •...
4, 3:i3
354
755
1,875
205
4,050
4,033
^ Wh.ake., Ataaoao Use.f Si™, a taMe ahowing f„nho w.„„ Ki„,.
&)re'tr-r^;&t"r4rff;i': Ts.
Total,... 1.421
""**""■■""••""••"•••.... — — ^.—
Of Which, sofarasindicafprl «,n. • V ^'^^^
and 92 railway coutrotd al^^^^^^^^^^^ ^'f^^'^ ^^^ '"iles independent
Independent canals .... «uuiaces—
Ownersbip not known
Converted into rail ways'."
Total
CS! ii ^ ''^^^ ^^^J^ed manner. !« annmtj ^."-'^^ «uPPort the com-
and fn^^""" °^ "'formation at al , I have Eo^^^'^'f ' nevertheless, are
and to give a general idea where nar?^ f °<^eavored to embody results
tamable. One of the ^tnersefbefol f h "" e^'-^ectness might beTnat-'
of the canals that I have given ?m^ "TheSh
from literary sources alone ^ tLIJ^ ^^^ ''/e^ ^^^^en, as yon mav sav
ance with the actual Sme o?f? ''^'''^7 ^^'' "^^^e thorough a^oS^
nni '^"J "rged that t2e GovernSe„f ll"^ operations has been ^so per
Sl*^'^^"«**^^«^kfromthewKi^^^^^^ in an effort to
with a view, as the report ffoeV ^ niL-i^^^ ^^ canals in the Kinffdom
assuming control of the s'S' TM« r^""?^ *^" ^dvisabilitfiJfS
In the testimony before tC««i-/ ^''''^ '^' Perhajis, questionawi
once an expression like t^.f'SnLT'"'*^^^ one finds more ?h an
tS Thar '"• ''^'^^ «^«'ructions " '""'^^ ^"^^ ^'^"«^ ^^^h creeping par"!
t\^TfT'^^^-^^^^^^^ thatfoirr^"^^^^ ^^*b« r-'-ays,
in the early davs of t.ha.v ^""„L;!'_!?^nolIowing upon the flonn.v^^fj^^
intercepting liriks of 'canafrmifrf?" '*^ *,^« railways oflhort'aTd
railways themselves was ?rpnn"i'^^'";^^*'"^^erf"l t^ev^lopmeiifc of t «
part Of the canals, ^^S"^^^::^^^^/^^^ '^''-
\M
growth and
vigor, so
1
\1 i i
206
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
s. i-
marked as to in some sort demand explanation. Tins explanation is m
laree degree aiforded by the attitude attributed by many witnesses to
the railway companies in tbeir dealings with their own acquired canal
interests and with those of the canal companies whose lines traversed
the same districts. , „ ^, , i i„„,i „«„ir
Mr. Llovd, in his evidence, as a remedy for the acknowledged weak-
ness of the canals, recommends unity of administration between centi-al
points. In this position it may be said generally that he is supported
bv all the testimony oftered on behalf of the canals. As a preliminary
to better things entire alienation from railway control is desired by tbe
more thoroughgoing opinion; and indeed it seems diCicult for an ob-
server to understand how the present conditions could have been deemed
avoidable, or how any decided and permanent betterment could be
anticipated, with vital portions of the main through canal routes ot the
Kingdom in the hands of those whose business was identical with, ana
whose methods so diametrically diverse from, those of the canal com-
panies. Sir H. Bartle Frere, Bart., testifying in 1S83, says that rail-
ways had a feeling that canals were a delusion, and that it was their
proper function in life to supersede them entirely by railways. Many
connected with railways still preserved that feeling. A certain weight
of the evidence favored this so-much desired uniformity being ob-
tained bv means of government authority acting directly. Otherwise
private management was regarded sufficient for effective operation.
The need of information, however, was distinctly indicated m the course
of the investigation. This of course could scarcely be acquired in the
^av and to the extent wished for without government intervention ;
and, as already stated, the Government is now taking action looking
The need for improved water transportation seems peculiarly to be
felt with reference to the important centers of production and distribu-
tion in the interior: points ranging in distance from the sea from dO or
40 miles upwards. Where sea freights intervened the railway rates
were said to be kept down ; but with many of the most important places
railways supplemented by canals are the sole reliance.
COST OF CANAL AND RAILWAY MAINTENANCE.
During the Inquiry conducted in 1883, a number of estimates of cost
were brought to the notice of the commUtoe. A brief conspectus may
^n a report dated 1882, Mr. Cornier, a distinguished engineer, whose
recent death has caused such regret in his profession, gives a table ot
comparative cost between railway and canal as follows :
Out of every £200 ($973.30) paid for an equal tonnage transported
ah equal distance the detailed costs are :
Maintenatico of way
MftintfiiiancB of works
Kcpairs of rolling stock
Traction
Traffic oxpoDBCS
General cliargos
Interest ou capital
Total ,...,,,,,, • ■••
Showing an economy of G4.7 per cent, by canal.
By rail- iBy canal,
way. , ■'
Per cent.
13
7
19
16
30
15
100
Per ctnt.
0.0
2.3
6.0
8.0
6.0
15.0
33.3
200 I
70.6
ion 18 m
esses to
ad canal
•aversed
id weak-
i central
ipported
lirainary
[I by the
•r an ob-
deeined
could be
B8 of the
rith, and
lal coin-
hat rail-
^aa their
. Many
ti weight
eing ob-
therwise
peration.
le course
3d in the
vention ;
1 looking
rly to be
distribu-
■om 30 or
v&y rates
nt places
BS of cost
ctus may
Br, whose
i table of
msported
il-
iBy caual.
nt.
Per cent.
13
0.0
7
2.3
1»
6.0
Ifi
8.0
30
6.0
15
15.0
LOO
33.3
200 I
70.6
CANALS IH THE UNITED KINOUOM. 207
thmutfr^It^;,^™;^;^™""^ as follows: On con
of caual takes 11,^1011° ,n>i,i of 5*'; ""° ">"' ""<> feiRhto: Ow,°er
Cost y transp ort for nm navigation.
0. 08833
0. 08712
0. 05076
0.40428
Equivalents of tolls-
EqnivalflntBof freights' •'
Boati'""*'" *''"'^» *38 6».)
IStnptieg. .'
^ ^ Total
Deducting interest and" ■mimp'tion:;:::::;-
Leaves for haulage, boat,, and maintenance
co»^^^^^^
ot interest and maintenlnce (the eoS"?^
of receipts to capital. M. Krantz h hVp^ oL ^ •^'^"'^ depends on ratio
on two minimum amounts STraffiowMnh ''^^^^'^"^ cost of maintenance
profitable on canals on 600 oSm?,^!i ^''^ reckoned sufficient to be
-^!!l^!!!^!l^!!^^^ centers:
teian "cS^' ^«°"'''' "-i»-tion, Galatz to ^
Louvain and Itnpel" CankU .'.'.■■.■
Alsace and Lorraine Canal
Saaroriick Canal..
ciiioagotoNews-ork;;;::: .■.'.■
*104. 16
130. 25
83.30
154. 16
101.25
41.30
A- cent.
0.24098 ==0.51
0.31260 = 0.63
0. 19992 = 0. 40
0.36998 = 0.79
0.243 =0.49
0.09912 = 0.20
fi"el"„d"I^X«iL';rbrt? a'n^??„S "' <=-*«« <>» »>■« French canals
OnBngiisFranar^ri'Z"' '" ""I'Posed to be sunk. ' "° ''"'^™"''-
Interest
Miiintonance.
Traction.
«"at8 ■.■.■;::
Eiiintieij ,
100,000 ton
Per
niilea.
ton per
mile.
Cent.
«42. 375
0.21
9.450
0.04
3fi. 2.50
0. 18
3). 250
0.15
..-.
31.250
0.15
m »■
i if)
' W
'Ai
i
itJ
if I
%
. \t
208
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
Oil Fortli and Clyde Oiuial Mr. Condor gives £33,3 (O.IG cont per ton
per mile) tor liorse towufje only; ,£1)5,8 (O.t? cent per ton per mile) in-
clnding nil coHts; Gloucester and Berkeley Canal £37.5 (0.18 cent per
ton per mile) steam towinpr; Kivei Lea £138.8 (0.07 cent per ton pw
mile) covering; all eontH ; liiver Thames (no maintenance, etc.) £41.0 (0.20
cent per ton per mile), tufjffing alone by steam tugs.
On a cost of corsstrnction per milo of railway, which Mr. Condor
reckons for those of England and Wales £10,800, and for the United
Kingdom £ 10,000, ho estimates, on a tratllc of 600,000 tons net load,
that cost of interest would be per mile for the last-named 0.68 penny, and
for working expenses 0.C3 penny, making total cost per ton per mile 1.21
pence.
COST OF FRKiailT BY CANAL .*nd RAUVr'^Y.
In a tabulated statement submitted by u ; ' 383, to the select com-
mittee, he gives figures from which the folio ■ g are e.\tracted ; show-
ing comparative cost of tralllc 600,000 tons net per annum. Interest 4^
l)er cont. on cai)ital.
United Kingdom;
All niilwit.VH
KiigliHli ritilwiiys
EiikIiihIi cniinlR
EuKli'th canals (ox intorost).
KiiKliah oauals (miuimuiu)..
Franco :
Kaihvays
Canals
nolgiiim :
Kailways
CanalH (rpiloemed)
TJnilod States :
Kailways
Cauats (ininiinuni)
By 8oa :
Coaatin$; steam coUiors
Lowest sea froigltt (Kx. 12 $,
6d. per ton)
Miles.
17, 000
4, 3;)2
4, »;)2
4,332
16,177
7,009
l.lOfl
1,254
84, 225
Cost per
luilu.
£.
40. 000
40, 800
6,560
2S, 780
e, 220
20, 403
11,629
Intorost.
d.
0. (ig
0.7H
0.11
0.44
0.10
0.45
0.15
0.038
Work-
ing ex-
penses.
Cost per
ton per
miln.
rf.
0.53
G. S3
0. 'Jti
0.12
0.05
0.42
0.23
0.49
0.20
0.27
0.10
0.116
(I.
1.21
1.31
0.37
0.12
0. 05
0.86
0.33
0.04
0.20
0.42
0.10
0.155
'6." 65"
Co.st
100,000
units.
£.
604.
687.6
154.0
50.0
20.8
818.0
137.0
392.0
88.3
166.0
41.0
04.5
"26.'8'
Per ton
per milo.
Oentf.
2.45
2.05
0.75
0.24
0.10
1.74
0.07
1.00
0.41
0.85
0.20
0.31
o'.ii)
It may be added that in transcribing the above details some evident
tyi>ographical errors have been corrected, and that some discrepancies
still remain as taken from the table. The right-hand column has been
added, giving federal values for the sterling cost per ton per mile ap-
proximated to two decimals.
The following is an estimate (submitted by Mr. J. S. Watson in 1883)
of what could be done on an improved canal route :
Statement ofoost of canal transport between London and Liverpool if effected with 3 boats
(84 by 12 feet by G feet 3 inches draft) carrying 120 tons each, and towed by similar
sized steam barges carrying 90 tons (450 torn in all) exclusive of canal toils.
[Time for Journey 6 days, with 2 days to load, 2 days to nnload, and 1 spate day, say 10 dayi. Tlio
time for journey might be reduced if the boats worliod all night, without increasing the cost.]
Total cost of new 120-ton bargea, £(520 each.
£ 8. d.
niro of barges, tbo owners doing repairs, £100 per annum (6s. 8d. per clay
for eaob barge for 300 days) ; 4 bargos, 10 days 13
Wages (9a. per day for each barge), 4 barges, 10 days 18
First oostof machiuery (new), £600.
■
ih ,
fii:
Pur ton
per milo.
Oentg.
2.46
2. OS
0.75
0.24
0.10
1.71
0.07
1.00
0.41
0. 85
0.20
0.31
6."i6
£ 8. d.
CANALS IN THK UNITED KINGDOM. £09
Haulage, 18 horHo-powc, nominal, fitted la steam bargo-
te^SS^^ i 'o '6
Co«l8,on8,otc.(5day8';tea;uing)T;.l.";;^^^^ f' « »
Kxpouees, incidental (aay U per day), lo days. 4 Z^ ^~ VZ
Profit S^^tSl^*^:^:^- -ier ^^'^^ ^^^ - '« ^'r all his'^i^ni^^vf^
co«t«) l-Kfercivl ^aiH? be reoiouJd atb;:(-73 '' '' '
Total cost ofnowsn-ton boats £130
Br?„'k r;:r"' -'""^ -=""««» ™ -»«„.* fro,„ L„„.,„„ ^ rrosto,.
GrRiidJiinclion
OxfonlCaunl....
Cj.vcntiyCiinal ....'
BlrmiiiKliam Canal
Covoiitry Canal...
North Staflord Uanal/or -Tront & Mowoy
Histanco.
Miles.
96
24
22i
54
5jr
07
Rate
por ton.
d.
8
8
Si
I'orton
niilo.
Oentii,
0. 4055
0. 0759
0. 5009
2. (1277
0. 6769
0. 0759
♦$1.26.
aadedj .18 also thi averages^ ^'^^ "delivrerod elsewhere" are
H. Ex. 15 14
'.^< f
1.*
I'
210
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
Comparison of rales for limber and dealt where there ia railway and canal compelition,
baaed on the nearest rail route.
Per rail, station testation,
and delivered on canal.
Per ton per
mile do-
livero<I,
railway sta-
tion or on
canal.
Per (on per
mile
delivered
clsewliore.
Per canal to Ulr-
niinKliam.
Miles.
Rate.
Celiverod
olsoTliere
than on
canal or at
station.
Knto.
Per ton por
mile.
To nirnilncliam, from—
Oloiici^stor
64
01
107
». d.
5 10
7 «
8
«, d.
7
8 6
10 10
d.
1.20
1.01
1.08
d.
1.56
1.12
1.21
«. d.
,5
7 6
8 4
d.
1.11
.08
.03
UriRtol
Cardiff
Avorftpos .,
84
65
7
4
8 n
7 C
1.13
I.IC
1.30
1.38
6 11
5 6
1.01
1.01
To Wolvcrlianipton, from —
loiicoBter ...... .i......
Averages ... ......
70
70
7 4J
$1.70
8 Hi
$2.0G
1. 13i
$0. 023
1.32
$0. 027
7
$1.00
1.01
$0.02
Averages U. S. money
Bates per rail oti timber and deals to places where there is no canal competition, based on
the nearest rail routes.
:f .1
If
From—
Gloucester.
Cbettenliam ,
Total
Averages
Averages U. S. money.
To—
Uoss
Ldoniin.ster
Hereford...
Liidlnw
Heading
liirmiiiglinm
Wolverhampton .
Miles.
18
42§
30
5;!1
78
47
60
320
47
47
Rate.
£ ».
4
8
6
8
10
6 8
8 4
2 10 10
7 3
$1.76
Per ton
pur mile.
d.
2.77
2. :!5
2. 00
1.88
l.iiS
1.70
1.C6
13.87
1.08
$0. Ot
In 1883 Mr. Bartholomew, speaking for the Aire and Oakler, says
that there are certain railway rates, and the Aire and Calder carry at
a certain rate differential from these rates as being lower. Tor exam-
ple, a 5s. ($1.21) rate by railway would answer to a 4«. Id. ($1.11) rate
by the canal, a 10s. ($2.43) railway to a 9s. 2d. ($2.23) by canal, or jnst
about a penny (2 cents) in the shilling (24 cents), or about 8^ per cent,
less than the railway. There were also the private carriers on the
canal who compete with the canal company, and sometimes make
lower rates than the company.
Working expenses of an average c nal, including maintenance but
not including interest on first cost of construction, Mr. Abernethy, in
1883, thought should not exceed 35 per ceut. of the gross receipts. He
considered the cost of maintaining canal walls no more than those of
docks.
Mr. Conder states that on the Suez Canal in 1882 maintenance and
repairs cost 7.2 per cent, of the gross revenue. He says also that on an
English canal 31 per cent, of gross receipts should pay all expenses,
and regards that indeed as rather too high an estimate.
Mr. Conder in 1883 takes the position that mineral trafBo on railways
is of doubtful value to them as a general thing, and estimates an in-
crease in the railway dividends of £7,000,000 per annum as likely to
arise from throwing the heavy traffic on canals. He reckons the cost
of conveying coal to be 0.838 iieuuy (1.099 cents) per ton per mile on a
l.tl
.08
.U3
1.U1
1.01
1.01
$0.02
d.
2.77
2. :!5
2. 00
1.88
]..')3
1.70
1.C6
13. H7
1.98
$0.01
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. 211
o.|e1onstructod fb orSr^S po efaS^^ ^'"'^ ^'""'^ ^*"'
mil .^ral traffic, for which t was V.nf- 1? i^T"'^' 'V «xtraoidiuary
ins.ancos the GrearWtXriri^^^^^^^^ ^t. He
£78,722.()()() ($383,100 613) nn 1 fnk&i "i*^ '.?**« ^''« ^^'I^^tal at
(833,430,410.88) from t e irosl inn. no i.^ i''".'".?'"^ *'^ £6,8(5{),409
^«I7 UK i7r: «Q\ 1 , : . «'^"»s inccjie he deducts the cost £V^.ir» .loo
« 17,108,17.5.88) and obtains a net income of £] Sfism n?nr7N ' '•,
The company were then spndinn- i mnnLvV ^''.''"'^''•^^)l'C''"''>e'
(915,000inl877)Sriel20r Lf J ^Tof ^^'"^^ *« ^^^'x'""
meaning per ton peTmile m" ( w.l^ f 1V^ ^l^^ ^^"^^' I'resun.al.ly
£155,000 $754,307 50) a^d esHnntes H.Jm.' "'^ T «" *^"« ^'''^^^^ ^t
ut a saving, of £311,400 or $1,515 428 10 ^ '* "^"'^^ ^" "^^^"^^ ^^^ ^^"^'•^^
pef ton'^peV' m^?;3 'y^::!::^'tSn^'/''^ *^««'« '^* «•* P-"y
you have 0.9 penny to ch^^Jeo^^^^^^^ f ""^^i' ^-^^ "^"«<^' that
shareholders' pockets something else or to take out of the
wo^'lTL^t^dSS^^^rnii;^^^
traffic they are best adLS tn^ ^/^ T®""^^^' ^^''':^ ^^^
trarisport, that wherever the co^,;, !it u'^T^'J'^^' ''^""'^ *« ^^^ter
is owing in the mS o hnnerfS oni nT ^^'''' *^^* ^^'^^'^ ^^"^^'^^'s it
in some of its uarts oifl 1 fn h,I^" " "'^ carrying machine itse f or
in those oftheCS^or perh.is if f ^^'•' "^""^ '''^ ^^^^s or
itself. General EaiVdayconZ es " On tf^'o i^SfT* "*" ^'^^'^^"^^
proved like the Aireand Calder has bee thero^fnf^" """ '^"^'' ""-
of being reduced to an astonishinilv w «!• ^^^'f^f carriage is capable
liolders » He adds thai Sfari"^^^^ h Jw/"T, ""'^5 ^'^^'^ ^« ^^^ share-
and canals in their respec^^^^^^
tween two machines XchexisnuwiLji^'^'?"'-^'^ comparisons ''be-
In 1874, as stated also bv Mr r T ^Z^ ^J^ssimilar circumstances."
(which runs from London to YorksSf "' *^^ ?'^^^ Northern Railway
traffic 18.6 per cenToT the%^?:f S^"'^^^^^^^^^^
carrying minerals occuni^d ti.o u,.^ i qT i ' ^* '^ trains, 33 tra ns
cent, of the eSe day ^ ^^"'' "^"^ ^^ ^-^ ^°"^«' «^ ^^ P^r
4j™s.Tji:;7o^"tSc^^^^^^^^^^
only £829, showing a deficiencv o" V ^^r ^'' *^^ ?"^"^"^^ ^^^^^ P^id
traffic £341, comparing gross Svemie^l^^^^^ ^^ t'^^ "^^n^ral
revenue required to my IfLr npnt ""T ")!"f^^'« P^r mile with net
used ; 56 per cent, of" tbe etSng camoRv nW'^•''^ ^'"^ ""'^ ^^ ^^^^
l^-VVr".? ''-' P- -nt^ol^gSr^Venu^^ ^"" ^'^^''"^ ^^«" ^<^<^-
on a ca^iS for ra^^aLriah won d'aff fr ^'* '''7''''^ ""' ^^^ «^' ^00 tons
manufactory than a ?Sv couh? Mr /^^^ter accommodation to a
consulting engineer to hrnrZctl'^ Mo I^^T^'S^ ^^^^ ''^t that time
dieted that if ie Sam, lestrSaf b^f £fn '■ ^^"^' ^'"''f- "« I^^^"
would spring up all over the kh.gdom ^''''' "''"'' ^'^"'P-'^nies
Sta?iS%Si:t!;:£Sdl"'£"r.^^ ^He Manchester
v,pf- oy.^ .r?/^*' V^XJIIUtl, V/. rj., gives the followinn- /l«f..;i.. „f fl -
«ot anu «.uss earnings of an average n.ile of Englishraflway :
F
212 CANALS IN TIIK tJNlTKl) KINGDOM.
From pnHsongors ,.• mn
>;rom K„.,.i„ .: :::;::::::::::::::; ^lii
FroniiiiinoralH .'..*.'.'.*.",".' 7(m '
Total n~AM
Working olmrges I'l?? ro a
" *" 1. 1^05=531% percent.
UndiNtributod notoamingH 1 rn— ana "
FrolRlit
per not
ion nor
milo.
FMsenser ..
Goods
Miuerala...,
Total .
d.
10. e
1.1
0.6
UroRB re-
coipta
pornillo.
Tare.
Pound*.
1,500
1,220
768
06
06
6«
Not tons
(ratio).
round$.
fl,50U I
1 10. fld. S
I 1, 220 i
\ 1.14.5
f 708 1
( .5i.)
Not tons
per milo.
21, 818
206, 181
868, 640
QroflRtnns
per mile.
656, 030
545,450
760, 620
837, 818
2,143,707
12,113,797 grosB tons per mile, costing for working charges £1,855, cives nor
_ gross ton per milo for cost of workinKexiHUisos... , feives per
-.= ..„ '^ - ig expenses 207f5/i
n'^nw^'"*"" *""" P.®"" '"*'*' paBSongers, yielding gross receipts £1,500, givM
groSfVorperrile^f-.T ^™'* '^'^'^^" Working expenses per
""•■• •••••• •«•>•• •■•■■• •*•■•■ U» (^U ID
7rn ro?®* ®»rning8 passenger traffic per gross ton per mile (68i per cent.). .. 4524
760,529 gross tons per mile goods yielding gross receipts £1,220 gives 0. &
— - miir *'°° ^^' ""'^^ ^°'" ^™^* receipts. Working" expenses per gross Yon
per
0. 2076
oo^ Qii^ earnings goods traffic per gross ton per mile (46 per cent.) 1776
837,81S gross tons per mile minerals, yielding gross receipts £768, gives 0.22<?.
per gross ton per mile for gross receipts. Working expenses per gross ton
^^^ ™"® 0.2076
Net earnings mineral traffic per gross ton per mile (5.3-5 per cent.).. . 0. 0124.
The tare was obtained as set forth below, and represents proportion
dead weight to paying load, and is noted as a percentage of the gross
Passenger fare.— Royal Commission on Eailway Accidents, 1877, re-
port, averaging weights and number of seats in a London and North-
western, a Great Northern and a Midland train as reported, and allow-
ing one seat in 4 to be occupied (the known French proportion) Fives
passenger tare 96 per cent, of gross load.
Merchandise fare.— The mean merchandise tare of railways cited in
lable 2 (Indian, French, England, etc.), in each of which this is defi-
nitely ascertained.
*ilfinem?fam— Weights and capacities of best types of mineral
^'T^??,?" .^^^^^ ^^^ Northwestern ; Northeastern: Great Northern
and Midland Railways, mean of the.«e wagons, if full, contains 1 ton 12
cwt. 3 qrs. of coal to 1 ton of tare, which return of empty waffons in-
creases to 2 tons of tare J or 66 tare to 44 net=56 per cent, of gross
Mr. Morton , o f Fellows, Morto n & Co., railway and canal carriers, of
• This proportion more accurately stated is 55 tare, 45 net.
i
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. ' 213
Wolvorhampton, in 1883 testified that his (Ir.ri owned ralhviv waLm,.-
ply to such distJincea as are found in thn TTnif«*i Mf«f!! i Y .! }, *l^*
Jbow Ijow crowded traOlo au^tt coteS Klay^^^^ 1," ,1 lit' ,mw
ej;!f;rtS.t"e'd''a1';7raX"''MrBtJnXI^^^^^^^^^
bisopluiou tliatwith proper depth ami suprv of water .'niaf^^^^^^^^^
ceulduudoubtedly compete withVailroads'^K'ors.alX^e^^^^^^
?h'rctrciVdrerf r^^fiti^^^^^^
rlTaj-t^?— S=r-a^^^^^
were two weeks behind. Goods, said Mr Cth'olo mew TcetecMf^
Arie and Oalder at 6 p. m. at Leeds, were delivered in Hull at 11 a m
f^ '}^li n«^^'°?^'i"^""^ ^«for« t»ie railway. ^ ^ "*• "*
in 188d Mr. E. J. Lloyd stated that no uniform princinle in valnafinn
of canals for taxation obtained in England; soniewTre valued at van^
of adjacent laud, area of water being taken'like a simiLr area of a^^^^^^
lERIOATING CANALS.
s'lkTih^rSl*'' *^® nso of irrigating canals, in this district it may be
said that there are none in existence here: and, moreover that f Lr«
towlfftnr" ^T ^^"^'l ^'^Ploynent. The' tenclency ot^Jte cHmate S
towards too much moisture, rather than too little. t^"uiaie is
CONOLUDINa EEMAEKS.
There seems to have been little or no thought on the part ortheS
designers of the possibility, still less of the neeessitv nf ninLfi
Wnation and coalition. H^lice the eLrmous varfa& t a Se deS
o dimensions, direction, and general construction and tL resulS
hands. "^ '' ''"'"'^ "'""^ ^^"" development de'manld it at &
Then came the glamour of steam railways. The imaffination of thn
r«Z "!"^^ "^f ^^^^^"*^ 5 '^"^1 *^^<^ ^J^ic»» stimulated tWogress of the
which nH?'!'^ ^?^'5^ *^ ^'"^^^ ""'^^^^^^^ ^^^ narcotized ?he energies
which until then had shown such force in the establishmentTrf cSJ
practically indeed having done previouslv to tii^ «!nT"ulSfc
been done at all. ' — "" "^^^"""3
The succeeding partial entry of the railway companies upon the canal
214
CANALS IN TlfK UNITED KINGDOM.
domnin ami Dm av.qiurvmmt by tho8o co.npiinies of tho owt.oral.in nr
co„tn)l of short lincH „f canals, detm-hcxl an I intervoninLHinks oT L«r
routes, was toOwed by a natural oniiNPniwu,.... iV.;i '^ . ■ ^"*^
tiou, Which neither ^e^ltucnUHy luuir^r ^kicX^S.^; veJ^
foiL"' wrf " '•'^'' 'J '""V' -t'-onunon r.Ju^ with tL S , « U
loi Its own hand, nor does itsouuil unlikely when witnesses t.stifvM.uJ
pani:;i;s;.trvi^';!;!;^';:^i o?'fciSm*" "'^^' '"^ '^^'-'"^
1 rom this state of thiuffs has <!onio about " a decreasing' loir " as wn«
clmrKud against the honest Falst.tr in his dec^m Tveurs fi^u u-^lo
tnat, as a whole, tho canal system of Great Hrii-iin imu r^f , 'r'*"*^'**
been in a rather lamentable keeping ' " ^'''* ""^ '"^" ^ ^'"''«
li J^"*Ti?o1 *'P"'V'^'"" •> * uecessary one tho facts do not seem to estab-
gent e. erJy will s^T''"h"""' '^'''''^''} "'^naffement, and JLTot" iS !
fctnc energy will suUlciently account for the nresonf Hfin,a rn,, ■
point to a change, and a chLge largely and' dSd'^ tbr t.fe be'lfer'
F. U. WiGFALL,
United States Oonsttlate, Consul.
Leeds, February 14, 1890.
^
He I,
■i
FALMOUTH.
REPORT liY OONSUL FOX.
United States Consuls "'is,
Falmouth, September 3, 1889.
Howard Fox,
Consul.
i
LIVERPOOL.
REPORT liY CONSUL HIIERMAN.
THE LIVERPOOL CANALS.
. -i- ouip v..u{ai, lunuerlj mc bnuge water (Jaual.
'ii
4
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
215
Thi S . ; • " o«k gat«8 aro of cltii, oak, or teak wood.
h«»if Shropshire Uuion Canals am.rd the Hhortest an.l best canal route
between the Mersey and Soutli StartordHhireaud BirnnnKhan ron (is
Uicts, and the only water route between that river and Shro oshir .iml
C.u.a at Middlewich, and thus provide water co.nniunication between
the Shropshire Union system an.l North and South Staflbidsh re an I
/«^ rf"'!'*'''?!' '^"^ Manchester districts; (See ,nap atei'ed 1'.
fl) Chester Canal, between the river iJee at Chester and Nantwich
a^amtance of 20 u.iles, the statutory authority for winch was giveuiu
{b) The Ellesmero Canal, from Carreghofa in Montgomeryshire where
it joins the Montgomeryshire Ca.ial, t.» Uurleston in C Ere whereat
joins the Chester Canal, with a branch Iron, the Dee at 01 es eT to the
in 1?93 ?Ki!J ^^^T''^ ^Y^ ^J'^ a«t of Parliament Sg granted
m 179.3, the distance traversed covers 80 miles.
(c) The Birmingham and Liverpool Canal, from Autherlv n, nni„f «f
rfZ:''}' "f ^^'^?"*? ""' W;>rchoster(3anrnot;;Wol^^;^.i^^
to Nantwich where it loius the Chester Canal, with a branch to tl e
eiveirhnHi^T* f ?'"''^"''-^ -^"V'^'""- ^"t^«"ty for conduct ia
^ S m ^^^^ ' ^'*^ distance covered being 53 miles.
(d) The Montgomeryshire Canals, from Correghofa {where the Elles-
The ;rhoHt'v7nV?K "^'"^"-"^ '^""^^^
25 miJes. ^ ' '"''' ^'''^" '" ^^'•^*- "^^'^ ^^^^ance covered is
(e) The Shrewsbury Canal, from Wombridgeto Shrewsbury in Shroo-
belng22 mUes "^ "'^'"'' """^ ^'""'"^ '"'^'' ' ^'^^ ^Sce covered
Comp\fytthiye'^:i846-'^'' "^'^ '^^"'^ ^"'^ ^^'^ ^^^^^^^^^^^ ^-'^n
is ISoutToe'S. "' *'' "'"'"' '"""^' '"""^"« ^^^ ^^'^P^^y'^ «y«tem
The canal from Nantwich to EUesmere Port (its terminus), where it
frr4o'tn?o^^''''^'''\*'^"''^"''« 1^^«« "«'^^«r« and flats^IrryTng
from 40 to CO tons, and such craft are constantly employed upon it
carrv flo^n iTtn-m ^^'^ system narrow boats 7 feet wide Le useS"which
carry from 18 to 30 tons, according to the depth of water. The denth
of water varies from 3 feet to 4 feet 6 inches. ^
The locks on the canal from Chester up to Nantwich are broau and
THE TRAFFIC.
The canal between Chester and Nantwich was intended for the con-
veyance of coals and general merchandise to what was at that ti7ne ti^e
commifiH«.'T'4'^" i" Cheshire, and for bringing down sSidothe?
commodities to Chester lor shipment on the rivAr Dp« Tho^^ ic „*.-ii
a connection with the river Dee, but the traflic between these points 'is'
'¥ iJ
ri _
*.f
216
,1 -
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
The imported tvaZVm^ZoTfitZ^^-^^^^^
merchandise foi inland SuLtion'flLT^^''' ^*'°'.a"d general
ore and pig-iron brought into SlerePn^^^^ quantities of iron
clay and flints from the wes? rS- T?nSt i ^ 57 coasting vessels, and
tare of earthenwar^ in the pottertes^ ''''^ ^'*""" ^^^ <^^« ^^^'^f^
tertei'SSif rcXrl'i^""" *^^ ^^^'^ Staffordshire pot-
by the compan^Tsikel^rnt E^^^^ being proviS^d
Longton, and Tunstall wIibpb mSJ?. „„ 'i '"^J Burslem, Longport,
factureri aj they arf S5 «^5'^,'„r^5"f^^ ^7,^ '""" '"« "»">''
until it i8 deliveST„ogaWe8h?oi, r^'r'-'' '"«'!l«d to ttei? team,
miles fmmSpo'C^"ere thOT £ ha™ ^"''r"* ^<"-' '«'»»'« »
commodation, fitted i'r ^ith allihe mnil .^L^'^ '"T ""ekouae ac-
EI&?&?„Tri;SL-tr 5~^ »'«' -^ ->et.eea
additioo to towing t^,rZTto^ffS.', fXl^Totr """^ "*'«»' '»
horses belong to the company °*"'*' ''"' ">« ^"Ik of the
and timber. This ha« been inteSd wM hv^h. ° '■',""'' '"'"''' ^'""^
^JerKS'*'' »"«'", ■"""yPltrraTal^^nJside''''™^' ""'"" •""
the trafflc conveyed by local traders StoAordshire, in addition to
paS''"U^.?eSt'to1hirt^7^UT;le'°«^^^^ -^ *-^-. -"^o
ififtnf, «;..«« *t.!n. X. ° _ ", ^"" ^'*''*^^ "xea by the various anta «f t>„„ij„
Se-greaterpoSn'rtirrtSTnV^I^rSbJSr'^
>
z
m
s
CD
>
Z
m
z
H
o
z
PI
n
m
-<
>
z
m
s
CD
>
Z
m
z
o
z
I
n
m
-<
m
%
f^
t-;
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
GENEBAL MANAGEMENT.
217
eagf^rX^^^^^^^ intrusted tea paid
staff of bank-teuders Ckmen 'and^ 1^^^^^^^ '"spectors, and a Urge
?: tS^aSf nzztea 'c: ^^^^ ^.^- ^"^-s.
•mch town of importance the companv h^« «" ^f ^^«*^f «f officers. In
see that a share of the.traffic^7the^nrhbo?S ' ^ -" ^"*^^' '' *«
company to see to the loading SruiCdinl "l f °^*^'°^^ ^'^^^ ^he
goods, collection of accounts etc '^^^oaaiug of boats, delivery of
greater iaXSfinftan?e'^fe„ifJT^^^i^««^ must be aa mwnh
andafterwardspoteotedbyrraTeloreaTth a?«^^ and bottom puddle bein^p^t in
.Where there la extra embfnkmin'^fi^i'k^f.^!^"^" ^y the transverse sectZ^Vn o""
>^ert°rr.reX*,Lrnar^^^^
««diB -tentiveof watern^hHCLrartoTLlTll uiTtU^b'o^^^ ''f .*^« -*«-i
•*y put lu either bottom and side puddles,
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CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
ol^ps^llXTZ^^^^^^^ -y '^-g "P vertical side puddles
tbSK;iroVr{rwi:i*Sh^^ »-* ?« sloped up from
last S:rcr*itd orthe'to w S'lt'at'h^sldV btlt i bencffA f/ T ^'j '""«* ^'^ «^«P«'^ ^^^
the level of top bank on the off side of t) « n«n!?^ ^/^t*^"®* '^•"'^ "'»«* »^« made at
puddle as sho^n as by tIoZ^.:itrse ictioS ' 6 "''" *" *-"' '" ^'^^ «''^« ^'°'"S «-
mS\ttltrd*L?c^:^^ earth below
f LYefolt ? ^JTra^e^ rho-riVtrF^^^^^^ "it^^pri^^^^^^
then^tobecarrie^dnTtrtJ^^^^^
be^l^roughTwVrled TZ'rse^iXZatlT "i''''' T' S^^^' *'"^ "'-*
finished, perfectly water-iight exceeding 6 mches each, so as to be, when
separately from the rest of the eTthwork ^^ working of the puddles
stated! thTioeSt"SL*roSSe^a\t'^^^^^^^ '' '^f^'^'^on are not separately
^v.Sa'dtnnir'^^^^^^^
the^£T?f Th«*;r^*^''T,^^.^*"« ^^« «ft«" constructed to protect
?n caL. ^' '''''' "'" constructed with their ?ops flush wTtS top wtter
Let-offs --In order that the water may be drained from anv narf ^f
llu^Xf ^r ,^«Pf ^\«r cleansing let-oft^ or sluice- valveHhTch cai be
opened and closed when required are provided at short inrervais
TOWING PATH,
cinders, etc. " •■ *"ra( (iimeotoucucbns), tuiiiaco
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CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOil.
219
and
i
LOCKS.
The loots are constructed of brickwork nr maa«r,^^ t
upper id lower L^Tof tbe t^^l 7JS%Z% 'to St ''^"'"■' ""'
LOCK GATES.
gates have been constructed of cast-iron ^ ^^ *^® ^^"^^
boats descending draw up the eiZtv lEa' tv.^ -^^^ '^^'^ ^°'^'**^^1
CONSTRUCTION.
1772, and the canal was completed in 1776 ■ ^ ^ " ^»
^»mtnfif/mw an<i ieWj^oor Ca«aZ.^CommeLed iriU« I'n i
pleted in 1834 or 1835 '^ommencea in 18J8 and com-
nifinoHd in 181 n :?,?... J!'^Jt/^?°^ .^.^I^hmyl to Newtown, was com-
220
CANiLS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
A abort length of this canal, between Trench and Dormin.rf^« ^ •
existence prior to the above dates ■^'*'"*'" *«<* uormington, was m
Mmiewich Branch.-The canal" from the Ellesmere Danai «f «
bridge nearNantwich to the Trent and Merl^ev fWl «? m- i n ^.*^'
was cornmencedu, 1827 and compTeteS aboutlS^s? "^^ ^' Muldlewich
MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS.
al":' ""'*'°"' ■■'"*' "' '»" '" ^ <="»'««» »" a^ed by the various
acta h1ve"b^Er*WnS t't'lferrt"a^Tf .'?f ^ "1" "™ ^-''^i"'
gaHou and also for thrconstrlcK of^»L'^f^„r'^^^
tS^ S™" P?"' '? **'-^ '■"«' ^l'"™ the ordnance datnm
caS^^='orere^T4:nXunnS5*atf''?"««^^
Place the tolls so high a. prac«cry"rdri.e'alUrt i t'^TCSs"""
CANALS VS. RAIL\^AYS.
r^^'i?fzz:rzi%7^^^^^^ -ruction of
perform quicker deliveries SSha?!!^. *^^ railways being able to
time allows of as quS deliverv as r^^^ ^''t''^^ ^' ^^^^^
be conveyed is sufficient to mv«r«f,Jn^7.^^' ^"'i ^J'*"" *^« *^afflc to
maintainfng two' modefof'c'on'v^yrnl^^^^^^^^^
formidable competitor to them ^tTh fo'i.^ ^u • ^^? ^^^^ ^^ ^^t as a
cost of tran«nnrh!"'n ^^ *^^°'' ^°^ ^^"^^ ^^^'^ P^rt m cheapening the
There is no doubt that canals have exercised a powerful influence not
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CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. 221
is quite impo88iblerhoweve? to ifv«^^^^ '^^^'^ routes. It
V^p:^::ilTr:^;:X''^^^^^^ the'Spod Post, news.
LiJ^erpool an/Znchester °«^ ^^ ««»r8e of construction between
United States Consulate,
Liverjaool, February 25, 1890.
Thos. H. Sheeman,
Consul.
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[First article. I
/
MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL.
reals tlTrawUn>^^^^^^^^^^^^^ iV"'^"^- ^« of -teres* to onr
that a« the year wears^ou&urtherJrowtUofThl^i^^^^^ Ship CanJl, "
tion nearest to Liverpool, aud therefor« oT fT.^ . ^°I^ '"''^ ^« marked. The sec-
eection, extending almost fn a tS line ftom tfa^ntrV"^^^ '« *'^« E'^^'h'™
the Inoe section begins. Jn one sense thn Fp.t^„ l-^ ''.°® *." EUosmere Port, where
?? • «°«''^T*«°'' «« J^«™ a^e the great loekJdiite.^'hi'""" '? ^^^ ""«* important of
1 18 hoped by the promoters the sE will enW 3 nil*"*"/' ^''?'°.*,'^« "^e^' '"^hence
locks here are larger than anywhere eTJe on tL. P^^^^ up to Manchester. The
gether with the building of Kuvertasla^el^^^^ ^^t obstruction, to-
as they are one of the most expSe bit^ nf 'w-l^.f ««' T *•>« "»«* interest ng,
amount of material employed isCShin^stnnrH J ^^^"^Shont the system, The
vastness can be convoyed bvmor7f^nrl^^ stupeudous, and no idea of the canal's
where the locks are inZiJs^e of erecf on is over WolT,' '^ ""^ '^^ *.^** *he cuttrng
deep, a very bald idea is oonveyedY an idea howevJr w^^T'' *"u* °«^'^y ^0 feet
conveyed by the statement that there are nrohlfJnAf^'"^ """^.^^ "'"''e strongly
kingdom w&o could throw a ball from bankt^S/b^o^K ^Tx® "^ cricketers in the
cubic yards of clay and soft materiaUnd 7^0^. n^-, ^he statement that 3,000,000
vated is very iraposinsr b.Tin«< o= 'i'.*^"'^'° ^^''^^s of rock have been eica
6,000,000 tons'^of maSl havi altot^tC ?'°^ *" '' **»« ^"'^^^^ statement that
Ellesmere Port. But proieriVto i pSiate thT ^IT"^'^ .^f .'^^^"^ ^»«tl>*" «nd
seen, with the laborers crawlin."«i,nnf »T^ the greatness of the work it must be
Jt^r^°^^1'^'°« ^-^^ *-"Ssaf ateTarthl earth tt^K" °^ ^^' '^''^'' *•>« ^t««™
graBien 8, the cranes noisily hauling great bl2i^;,fr!J°''Tt'^^' P"®°S »P steep
aUseemingly at a level far Llowth^e Ordinary surfac^^^^^ sandstone to mid-air, and
THB NEW EASTHAM.
tbXXtdTaT*o?t£^^^^^^^^ been run along in a line witb
been poshed seaward as the bauRas g7own Sfl tf« rf' '^"^ *r.r« ""^'^^'^ ^^
croachedon that cement-laden flats and ftC sm uf L i '^*''' '^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^i so en-
s,de and discharge their cargo at the artmcialTanl Th'' ^"^ f""^ *^^« *» ^»" alo°g-
Sally " and archery have given nlace to Vh« L. . " P? one-time glories of "Aunt
once whirled the "three stacks a X^'^^eftbSkf^^^^^ of engineering. Whe?e
twang of the bow-string is supJS bv^the rnHi„ V^ ^^*°'*® ''"^ ^«P08«- and the
locomotive. Beyond Elstham, thrione Jrassv nli^l ZT^ *"*..**^« «'^"«k of the
neers were wont to hold their annual camDnnl^«M ^^«''«on the Cheshire engi-
mentof workmen, a double row orwhosSTooZSl? "''™ jPermanent encamp-
The houses, generally speaking, areTSTtS kenf «„ J"''^- 11'^^ * ^^"S*'^^ street,
evidences of the most careful tidiness LatfttW',.*^'' °«*^^'" «^®° displaying
bell.shing the windows. Many of the houses hiv« nn^t^'°'V ^TT.^ *°^ plants em-
thegoodman or eoodwife nrnhahit^»o ,.® ^"^'te a stock of fowls, from whioh
road down to theST Lff ^KorVXhel'^^^^^^^^^^ '''°°^*' . f ■""^ *b« Easthlm
Who has the entire Charge and contri'a:rk%f thi SLTsSn ^f^^^^^^
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CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
fni^alSliSrdlaJeV;^^^ to, forn-non. the hotter oIa,« hnild
ball club has been forined, und a cm^Sl t,,S m"'*''': l''*''""™ '""^ robustly, rf"ot
ue Bitnnted altnost wh«ie the nreseiif nofi,r..r i.- i y'*'^*'^. Tho outer bank hero will
?e±' T.^"'.""::' «<'»«'''*1 '•"bl^e S,o7 n bvtf;'"'''*"'" """'^ '« '•'"'^" by a Ih.Tof
lipiiisiiPisii
learii from Mr. Lawsoii, foremanVSe ',;?"»'''"«• »"'' "■» "s »»( enrpriae.l to
,*?„^ P';««?"/« '« «trongo8t. the ..peLtZ, ^ffii°**?,'":"^J'>« gat«: At the bottom, wheJe
botter class bnild-
aboiit 400 poisons;
• by tlio niannj[orH,
II beinifof theiu.m
B robustly, a foot-
the groniul beinir
It a woll-beliavod
iine of it. Turn-
iiiliar with tho old
lof'. the longlovel
8'..ge, being c«r-
i forces had inain-
, gradnally sloites
Sana), the distance
or bank hero will
ho WD by a lino of
this it will be un-
ftud at its mouth
iggest lock of the
rand the farthest
to the distance of
sandstone upon a
irfaco calculated
dashed upon it
equate for the re-
le lock gates ont
this channel silt-
Ity dredgers will
'i'lg is furnished
the level of the
of the canal, we
1 ontermost por-
our attention to
ee locks, the en-
r.
lot surprised to
'le sawyers and
m are engaged
mirs o ■ gates—
ther pair. The
?ates open sea-
[■ds, they being
resisting power
used once in a
on of the inner
isary to repair
IS alFaira, each
» total for the
I greenheart, a
nonshrlnking
of the texture
•f the material
;e8, it must be
, and tho four
Ls tho 80-foot
Every leaf is
18 running the
)ottora, where
ite rises it is
•eing boarded
he miter post
I that a curve
ig, the width
me thickness
come in each
iches square:
h, space of 13
inches, space
] nches. nrt^;^.'^
1 firmly iaoi>
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CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
^ 223
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steel, and will work upon a8teoT«ivoVwPn«. * f *"^''^",*^: ^'^'^ '"^«^ *« «l"«» with
in which a steel collar w 11 euerrde^f' tS, h««? ^'*"t'^ """ ^^ ^'"'"^ '" "'« .nasonry,
each being a Holi.l beam of 6 to ,8 5 c wt ^^if« t .f' •? ^""^ ponderous pieces of wood
and the section posts-^ach of Xcrc3\mTii of w 1^^' P"",*? ^eigh 6 tons 15 cwt.
each 10 tons 15 cwt. From the ton of ?h« hi?! ? * ^!?™^ ^^^ '"•''^«» square- weigh
is a steel strap, sTnches w df by U inc ,es Sk^ r. n ^ ^"''* of themiter postthire
and this may be adjusted £ vSoLTetTonstcTn'^'?.!^ '^Zl^^ «^^« ^V^^r*"^,'
servo to equal ze the weieht to somn nvtmli- if ifi^ ° tne gate firmly, and it also will
strain, the continnancrof which rrainfnl'nh ^'"^ •"* "'^ ,*°^'« "^ *he greatest
the warping of the whole slrnctureTle ^«to« tiln'''"' ^ork nVight easily result in
the outside posts running Sn rme^al rl^« wn Jo^''t'^°''''?f> hydraulic pressure,
wheel 1 foot 11 inches l^roJLt^nth«Lf„f7v^^ ^ ^r*ill.'^"^?''' ^^^^^ ^^''"S » steel
something similar to the ha 1 ^earin^rs "?^^^^^^^^ ^"',V ^^'^ "^^^^^ ''»« ''«"«'■ bearings
wheel being substituted fo?Llls and wh^^^^^^^ *»»« length of the
inside the wheel, b do not com; af faT Sh?« M'^l'i^''^'' ^'♦f«''«°«« that the rollers are
je..font^heberg^s\rt,^\?tLl^
po2.iWrcl'ti^I'git\"Vit'to3^^ ?(*''« e^*«« was sufficient for all
down the frontOTuhe outer eaten ro?B"?or'\r^'^^^ sure, vertical fenders are run
12 inches by 9 inches, and ?ortKo-foota.S 4 f P',* *l^'"« greenheart beams
inches. The entire strucLre is bo ted toZ, L tin'' . " beams of 12 inches by 6
and li inches in diameter. The KS an^d 30 fo^/ «\7rl'*''^^^''^'' ^"'*« "^ 1* *»«he8
same height as those already described hltlflZ, ™ "5"* i"T^^ ^ates are of the
are 10 feet 9 inches lessTn height the waer In fu.7T ?°^ "^*1'^J«'='^« »" *he gates
while the genera] depth of tbrcana? X™ fi ^ locks being 36 feet 9 inches deep,
smaller gates can be made to serve In Slln^ ?'Hfn 1? ""'^ ^^ ^««*. ^^d therefore
30.foot gates are 2 feeT2?inches Across the°ton„ftt^T* ^'***'' ^^'^ ^ ^««*' ''"'^ th«
be constructed for the convenience of thos?LX.^^ lower gates a footway will
In the gate-honse mucrprogres" Ls be^Tmadf w?^ ^^J' "*°*^ ^* theioint.
gates being finished, also one pair of tS wt.T ^^^ work, one pair of SO-foot
rapidly approaching completioT When read vCr*" ^^'' "{."'« ^?-^°«* g*t«« «"•«
to be afterwards taken apart °n secHons S *i^«gat«»arepnt together in the shed,
Along the sides of the she^a trolley way about 12 fi«f T'"" Pf^™^«*'°t positions!
erected, upon which runs the lanre oran J'„««^ L! ^ • ^"""lu *''® ground, has been
and after dark the place is lighted by electricitv Zr^fS' weighty logs about,
shows splendid grain, and is of a rich dark 3; ^ome of the wood being worked
mental woods. The chips ft-om the shed «,J 1^1' ?«««•" Wi eg olive and other orua-
logs are roughed out are utiS for laviL on fS, r^"^^^ ^'Ti^^ «''^P'*« ^^ere the
better and cteaner road than fny other^^Kr m^^^^^^^^ ^""^ '""'^ «™ «*'^ *« ^'^^^ »
[Second article.)
PROGUESS OP THE CANAL.
the Eastham section, and are indeed one of Hmnlfn;- i ^^'^ the main works on
being larger, stronger, and deeSerS^^^^^
leaving Eastham are those at Latchford XrSaw w nn7^ ^'''^^ ^''/^^^ "^*«'^
ft necessity that from Eastham to LatchfoVd t o W^^^^ "f ''"•""•' '* ^"""*« »«
an advantage of having so lon<r a sePHnn „vV L f7 "^ *^^ ^''^•''" '« »* «»« height,
M>ay be ntilT/.edto "iZ up for%vater Z i" wtS.5^ ^T^ *aV*^*.^" ^'^^^ ««^
at spring tides the outer and in^r uates i. v Wl il Lf ""Y' J^l"* '" *" ^a^' *''at
Mersey will tlow in raisins th,,lAviinff^ ^ i "^^ "P^ned and the waters of the
n.aki„i. it in a Llall degS a tiia i vl^^^'^d t LfrJurd'^"^^ *" Latchford, thus
servici* fnr »""r" +:.>.- M - ! ** ""f n vor. anci tills Will doubtless prove of lu, IjhIa
vastquantiiy of w;t;;i8 ttoi^H^^^^^^^^^^ fT ^"T^'"^' '^ vessel into therivVr a
orthe^gener/uystem!"^£"aJ^"Sl^e^^S,*o7Srtt^
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CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
X
ir
^^^^B ^ J
^tjl
tnte the ent.'re breadth of tbf en? K that 'pSfnl Fil^tW *.^ ^^^ """^^^ ««°«t^
ward side an arm of the canal run K down th« «i«i« «f +1^',*^*''®," °° ^^^ land-
hand and the groat embanffent of th^caZ on ZothL*^^^^ .°° *^« »»«
by a dam very slightly above the ordinarrievel of tl,« wnf'»^^ ?"•"u*^ i'®^"» ^«f™ed
has been constructed in accordaLe w.Tthe demLds o^ * - ^^^^ ''^^ - ^*''"
required that none of the tidal water shon Id h«^«f^„n^- *^«™«y anthorities, who
method adopted of leaving this dam to act L- an ovlTw i?l the canal, and by the
certain height ships may be paLed in or oiit l*f V«T ^ 7*1®" ^^^. ^**«'' "aches a
may also be passed out when the ttde hi re^^^^^^^ «f the tide. Thev
the proper level is reached. If there wwe no overflow III i^T '^ ^i" continue tifl
closed just before the turn of the tide nn^^iZtu^ the locks would be affected if
little time in workinrthy^vesseTs in aid oat Th«*^^^^^^^ ^^ experienced for some
wide ; then comes thi wall or p attbrm dSinI if "^^'^Ao^ raceway or arm is 59 teet
this platform being 35 feet 9 inffis On 7hf- o! * ^1^°" **^'' ^"""^^ ^°°'^' ^^^ ^idth of
ringLts and othef applia„Ls neces8a?y i^^^^^^^ '^^'^ ^»1 be .
of course there wrll be the small housed «oi^Sl.*T^ ? making fast a vessel, and
ng of the locks, the motive p^werS hydrau kP RevS'?,^- ^^r"/"'' the Work-
lock, 80 feet; then the second Xtform^30 feet" th^ Si^'iVH'^ PJe?^?^" comes the
aet; small lock, 30 feet: and thVo.S'embSVn«nf 99f "J lock; third platform, 30
inner wall of th'e canal 'to the out^r edge ^^htr^v^^^^^ ^ J S ^^^ fr""" *he
smaller locks will be used whenever nof«ihl« t, nl^L * 336 feet 9 inches. The
as much as practicable ui throircKtenljeT ^'' *° '"°°°"''^ ^^^ '°^ «^ ^»t«'
pejfc\*i;irr^4:uT.i°a^^ l% » dimcmt matter,
At the upper end and outsido of thi i-!„i,^ ii *® , .® ^^^^^^ understood,
verts or ]a?|e drats runrfinding opening Ls^^^^^^^^^ ^l°" ""^^'^ °»1-
similar systim exists, thesluice LeSinSo the riv«r an^^A ^"^** *^® ^»^«'' «»»'i »
insid« the platforms dividing th^locks^ For the «n\Mn *^««"^e^t8 being formed
that the captain of avessel cSgdownfhe caiial wfs^es/^ «"PP°««
paratively low state of tide, the water in th« rit J i of *"* "^c^^the river at a com-
depth than the canal. TheVessel having ent' red ?heloof ff/^^P' " *?*'^°™ '««« »"
and then the slniceat the lower end is of ened whin^ V.} **»«"??«' gates are shut,
the sluice mouth being lifted nj The lode watlr r,?«h«AT '^^ * «»ding door over
ng, along the culverts and out at the sluice «nri in If through the cnlvert open-
leve with the river, the sluicrdoor is droi an^ ^b« 1«T ^T^^^ *^^ ^°''^ '« ^^ »
reaches the river w thout any perturbation of f h« Jf,.£**^ ^T^ ^P*'"^'^ ^^^ teasel
Mersey. For vessels enterin^^nf ^n„^pf l^ *''® surface either of the lock or the
higher^han the cTnal level X^^^^ and if the river be
In the large locks are immense holes fcher« hAin^'^f t ^^^!^1 ^°*«™- ^he culvert*
as they might be cuMed?"fe^ThiS bv 4XtSd TA^""^ ^'""^ ^^"^^^ doorways,
huge drain Ifi feet high bre feft St both tol 1°? ,*^^^^^ open into a culvert or
amount of water which can nass tlirmi^^'«„<,i, „ ? and bottom being arched. The
pendens and even thfgreaf lock 'r^e lower^dferrirfeetl^f: '' '"T.^-'^^"^ «*°- '
measured by seconds. The progress madft in f h« ?«« =♦ *^* " *« ^?*"® °^ *™e to be
very satisfactory, the greate?Vmrunt^fworVw?nS^*''°''*'°°. °^ .*,h« ^«°1^ J^as been
which all the foundationraro iSd and arthJ l7f>.^ 'iT P"*,^° ^^^ 80-foot lock, of
to the height of about 21 feet Tile unn«r „n/?«l^ *" n?^® "^^"^ h*^« ''een built up
have been laid, the culverts are partiaH v buUt Ind hoS«, ^^^'^ *^ ^^*«« «™ ^^^
are completed. Looking at the hS,,^H ^„i ' ^^^ ^^ ?i"'*'^ ^"'^ ''"'^"* openings
ume of water rushing ou^t to lower the leteTlr/ol^^^^ '1-'' °*° ''M^*^ "^ t^e vol-
There is a solid foundation of excrete on Im.i? i/ f *^'?.f ^« ^"^ ^^ necessary,
culvert, consisting of two courZ of har^hSi^^i?'^^ *^? ''°**°™ arch of tfie
up of similar material.Tnd therthe nlnf f nrml L.*^ ^TJ'^ T^^ ^alls will be built
concrete. As may be 'seen from the fflustra^fo J ofTjf«° ^^Vr'^" ^'",^ ^"^d in with
built up of granite, of which also tiA«ni^?!l° ^^*'^® exit sluices, all the arches are
built, t^he inirmed'iateTj^i beTnl of br ck and'«l°^ ^}'\b^ P'**''°™« »™
tion the arch of the culvert may be seen in tL miHHiT*?- ^° **"! «^^°»'i iliustra-
the foreground the bottom of the culvert wSh ^ts ittt it'^r^' *?** '^ *^« '"'°*«^ «f
pictures being taken from the great lick In fh„ f,n f^^.TH'^fu'^ 'h"^°' ^''^^ t^e
and the cnlvtrt ways are irprogress Siile n^prw f?i ♦if""^ *^^ «***« «"'« are laid
have been now laid, and the wallf&re'w^ll fn^^ *"-?« foundations of the lock
worked at so much K the ^fls have beJn^af J 3" ^^" ^.''l*^"* ^""'^ ^^as not been
continue unci] half na«f « Y-H-bt \ f. ' although m the various sheds the men
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[Third article.]
225
Passing from the looks aud
PKOGHK88 OF THK CANAL.
Kates, which we have ^
which has heen ma.le with he exVavS^ P"!^-*^? T^^^^ 'V'^'^'"'^ '''«' ^"""t ProgreS
boon entirely cleared away, nor wi t betill tl « S"^^»"t«'•. « t''o loclshai not yet
vat.ons have been extended much L.i*uL^„^if t' P" '"^''' '"""•' '"'^ ^''^ "^^^a-
yet to be broken down before the rivAr !^L. I . f,' '''•^v'"« " massive wall of cl.iv
too is another work which w?ll e imJuJT.f *'•? P*"^- '^'''« ""t«ide ch ,m X
JS that if it were carried on mnc^fbefor; fhe j^ai^w ""'*"?' ^**'"*'"' P'-"l"il'ility
rai.idly be choked by silting sand of which th^^v^rL^ 'T^'^ "'« •^'"*"»«' would
clear when the canal is in wljrki,; order Vvas?^?,?^^ '^''^*'' '''^^ keep it
niovet , an will also sev.ral great bloc ks of rorkMnli'^-T*'* '°'^ ^"' '^''^'^ *« l^e re-
near the locks (o facilitate the wor Idnt i?/„,?i';;' 'l"".'l'linKs, which have been left
the riverside there is also a jrnn. Tip . "1 cpmection with the sluices and srates A^
<liffieult or costly nature The si o^t IT'"'''",^ *° ^^ •''^"''' I"" '^ i« "ot work of a
canal, i,„t it was uporr^^he o pos te ,» luk ^ ^'^Ik along the
iioMce that the san.lsfonedressinrw.s ^^ to i>^ 1"?'^'' <'*r^^«''e much surprised to
overdow to a pomt abovethe o .^^t^rocks thl'l^ ^"'' f'^'' I'^uk 'from the
the surface by talcing off all the oose cl.ay and seein. Ll tf '"^ 'i"'"'^' '^ trimming of
While engaged looking at the niany iKeVwortin ""^ '*"!' V^ ^'"' '^"<' «"lid.
canal, inunerous dull reports remind us Hr^t^^^^^^^ *^" '^""om of the
and we make a move in that dire^V 0, ^'^^ further up there is .^Iso work goin- on
which eerves to drain the cutting Sv/ot'k'^h'L'tlT^t' f "' "V/'*^ g-!t'p"iunp
hour has arrived, aud at once the men roin« 1 ?,. ^'"^ '*^ proclaims that the dinner
ment to get their midday me^r^S^^ J^J^^'"^' ^»o;vn the lines on the embank-
the side, and soon we notice them c imbin^Yn H.^^rZ/ ^ ''!'*',"l« "'"ke a move for
a long hue of men following e.ach oL7n"roni^h,ri^'^"'''.H''" *'*"*'^ "P >' >^rick,
steps A little further on a grourof ,nm.^Lf>, * serviceable wooden flights o f
which glimmers and sends upTfeehle smok«^Sv ,"'"°1 ""P^ "^ *^« P'"t"'^le «res
and tlrere they eat their <linneriSe y "n^, f'ell™ ^'■'^•" ^'^°. ^'"' ''««•« J"v«l
the elder men staidly devote themsZe^ a fent vZ tL h'""' '" ''''^'''""^ ^'^vs, while
have in hand-and mouth. Still Sher from E.Sh*.n*'''' '"'P"''^!^"* •'"«iness tl.ey
them down on the couni; - p1,„;... 1^ i^-astham some of the men h^vn s.vf
that coinfortalde p,^" o , they s^, enm[v di Jn 'r^'"?^'?' ""' '''' «» the fine and in
in the hollow a «tLam dig.'er lies .X th^l^nV^ I'alf-hour at their disposal Do\vn
teeth, being supported on a trnlVba ^^ -^^*' ""''"''*' ^^■"'^^ ^^^''^" steel
great artifi^i.al n'.a'vvy looldng Stogetl er mS^t}," om*^„'f''"""*'' '^^IF- '"«'*«*'' -'">«'«
the many truck lines, so observant are w^oftHnl ^- ''''• ^^'king along one of
snnultaueous shout of the laborer and Z wh stle of^«'' " °" ^•°''". ^''"'^ "''^* *'^«
clear the line of our presence ere threnSnerat£n,.f.i '""'';*' ''^ ""^l'^ «"'»ce to
much of Mr. P.aucks, the collector On a ^ev.li^h 1' ^' ^''V' ™"'i"«l"'? one very
th.aton which we 8t.;nd, another euLrhiisCi J' '«*l^ei' lower than, but ascending (o
;».<! after a few prelinmUr shrLKe are nurnH^^^^^ ^^o 'tf'", ?f ''''••^*'" ^'"'"^^ «"'"''^«'C
locomotive haul the heavy trucks up the s eX f.! r *'"1^ *^'*' '°«'S»i'icant-lookiug
o her engines Join in now, and fS some minStwi? '""^ *'' S'^'^* "P'^'^^. Several
direction, till, all reaching the one Tv«l M "! ^ *^" ^^^'T ""l" 8'i»"tcd about in every
After g,>tting ri,. of the^tr ns wo ear a -'th.k tfnT'"'' fi *° Ellesmere. '^
is.on, and soon come upon a suLTborwlio st indM^^^I ""^ ^'^^ ^i"*^^ '^'•**'='«« i° <^<>^-
.lerking up aud down a wire, to which isTn.,nW "^'^"^ ^»« of t»ie r,iilway points,
another iron article causes the robust 'ttik"^"'' "•"" *^''"'- ""^ this beating on
3s good enongh to inform ns hat Let worWn^ the^^fn "''^""'^ '^-^ "'"^'^ Pointsman
the thing, as the air is quite clear Al.nnt v.^ ^^, signals, just for the fun of
across the shore, and the o,? er watl of tSe en^nn'.Tt «"."^'^"kment has been rim
called Pool Bay, which now showrfirm and l«v« ,*'\''^' •" * P*?"^'"" "f ^^'^ «liore,
pearancewheratherockand iThas W tln.i "^'^^ *^^ ""'""P "P"
aqneduct carrying out to the ri7er the ovmJow from J^'^'X ^"'^''' *""' '"""'* ** ""'-I'l
fell into the river at this point! At nres7nt?iT«?r *''''?'^ "^'■^'?'" ^^'""^ formerly
diverted into several ponds wl ich se?v« ,« ri ^^'^^'V^ dammed and the wat*>r is
to the st.itionarv oiiginoa alon l the w ''^f^'^''^"!,''" f';""! where water is pumped
little wooden aqueduct wh t^ fo is an te\''\?r«r \- ^^^'''- *'«' ^'-^ ""''"'« '^f the
little inland fro,,; here is Pool Hall o ,0 of tL P*^*!' ••^\ ^'^^tnr.^ .1, the landscape. A
and full ..f value to the .anthurfrin' "')^. f t^f "'o?*'"*"'"'*'"- houses in Cheshire;
is separated frcm the canal y one field on vl'n?i 1'."'' '"■""* {^' ^'"'" """ton Station
of Its fall l.er,^!,,,.,,, ,":"y ,^ "7." "'I'y. and there w unfortini3.t«Iv => nns-' ilifv-
hall, which Is, o;^oceu%d'LT."Se\er"'^' is complete. The fronl lS"of 'tS
that Pe--t t^ SetnStt^r&rS S^S^^ClS-f
226
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
H
*tf
tnry, and one of the gables isa fino spocinuMi of Norman anhitcctnro Insido the
houHe IK a inaKnilicent ohl oak staircase, and throi.Kliont tho r o.ns theo are umv
interost.n^.rel.cs. It will indeed, be a pity if the ol.l hall has to he .uHed wu
for th-, modem needs of the district, and its demolition will ho mnch rcLre red
«n. ./"V'^ *" *'■''' •'"'V'^ ""^.^ '? «»»tinnanceof onr walk, tlie first bnildiu.' to catch
our attention is a most comical one. At the foot of a signal post sods stick, an
clay have been built up to the height of little more than a van, and the s.n has
caked , all together in the form and firmness of a little Hij;i,1, nd bothy As., nil
dra.n.p.pe js the chimney and at the cheerful little fire inside a coup e of lads are
warmins themselves evidently pleased with their small but cosy shelter The cut
tmg about here is not nearly so deep as it is nearer Kastham. and it is evident fj at
much work will yet have to be expended upon it before anything ike co.npletion ts
approache. A great quantity of solid rock has to be got thrmig and Ttm near
Ellesmere Port the ground c].anges to clay, so that both materials have yet to he
faced; but they will doubtlcRs be overcome in as easy and rapid a manner as hev
have bZZiir'.n/.* t'^.f""^'"^'" '''^- NearElhimere pJrt a nnnrrof sS
liave been bmlt and here tho men are working away at the carpentry and other
nidustries, all aiding towards the general scheme. Just above the sll,ro stacks of
solid tunber are built np, and these, we learn, are for forming tLbLk which takes
m a part of the Mersey for the canal. The piie-driving macirineL ,Z .at wo k and
under Its steady "dump dump," the fonn.lations of" the bank Vre b. ing ranid v
for ned. The piles are in four rows, aud the breadth of tho bank at the baL w 11 Im
60 feet the sides sloping in till at the top-a height of 2<i feet-the . ea Ithwill e
about '20ie,t, This is a very substantial wall, and calculated trr have a bi reserve
margin of resistance, much beyond the actual requirements. The bank ni, s alioss a
cons.derab e embaymeut, and the furthermost half belongs to the Ii ce sect on wlHch
begnis at this point, and with which we at present have uothin- to do '
th^F.'«flvfJ'rf'i''^' """ ;"'"'F ^''^^ referen, e to tho various machines employed on
the Lastham section, and wo learn that twenty-nine steam cranes aud ten steani di?r
gers have been m use on the section, but nearly all the di-n ers -ire at n..^Mf.Mf nV'
mav t.rir?'"/r";'" '1 -" '^^S-:-a-.e. which when not m^^-l^d for nl^^ Tp n oses
may be brought into valued ■: ^ vice as a 10-ton crane. Then come derricks of loT
and 2i tons, half a score of portable steam-engines, a great Co •niHrnumD to 1^^^^
dUio, ?;1n*;f ""1i^ '"'""'•' ' "r *'«»^rifugal p7,mps and otlnua la^^ .'^ £ ai-
dition to all those there is enough turning plant in the engineering shoos to stock a
small establishment, for every bit of work that can be done on the pie ses is there
earned out everything, indee.l, except casting and forging. But to fu y am ed^
the ainount and variety of these things they shoul.l be seeTi a. d LamSed bare cat
aloguing being a very bald way of enumerating them examineu, bare cat-
LONDON.
REPORT OF OONSVLOENFUA L NEW.
TnW^Tq«o''a ^''"''' ^"^ f kVowledge receipt of canal circular dated 31st
July, 1889, and in reply thereto have to 8tate that in the district of
p.L'';"'n^*^f n'''^' ^ ^":^ *^^^''« ""'^ fo"^ «^»'^l companies, viz: The
Eegent .; Canal Company, The Grand Junction Canal Company, The
Surrey Canal Company, and The Lee Conservancy. '
regent's canal.
Rp^LS"r ^"'^1 i ^'- f ^•^r-^"' ^^« engineer and manager of the
Regent's Canal, I am informed that under the authority of tbe British
Parliament the canal ^as commenced in the year 1812 and occu ed
about 8 years m construction, being opened for traffic in the year 18'>0
It was construe ed in the ordinary manner, but differs from .Hher canals
by havniff two locks at encli vnHofinn of level sid,^ h ^^ ir. -\ '^"'"^
mize consumption of water. ' "^^ ^"^ "^^^' ^^ ^"""^*
I
■
T
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
227
The traffic consists J.ri nci pal v o f co ,1 S r ^''^^'''.^'^l^ l^^^^ fl"ousli.
cement, and stone, a sc JS ?,.?* i.?;l\. r/''^'"^ ".aterial, vi.: Urick,
siderable quantity otlceTirivPrlrV'^^^ ^"'"^*"''' ^'"^ '' «on-'
1,()0(),(M)0 tins anmmlly ^'''^^ *^"' *^« ^'''^^ •' y^^rs exceeds
a,.rtKS iJn^^S^r iS^^hl^' '''''"^^^^^ andslaff of officers,
irrigatiou is bardly em- reiliS ^ ^'"'^'"''' ' '" ^'^*'^' '" ^'"'« ^:"""tr;
GRAND JUNCTION CANAL.
l.a..v has power to char^^^ td for ^ t ...l."'^'?' mivigated. This com-
im- I'ef ton, but in point of fict fhp t' f? ^^ ;il>o''t 100 miles of IG.9.
Gd. a ton over thntseS t, ntsl.nwi T ''''" ""'^^' '^'''^^ ^ t«» of 2s.
been effected on r e^.^ctanrstZ '^^^^ ''"'""''*^" ^''^^^ '^''^■'' "o^
strnction. e-xptctcint sources of revenue at the time of con-
and Bulbourne, and is "ot^n^cru;^:?^^;!^^^;-^^!-' «ade,
THE SURREY CANAL.
|rsSi^;^rv^;;r'S^s^-
Battersea, which is about 3 n i es fron Lom/^^^^ ^"*^Se, to
was not carried out in its entiretv ,m H.. w"'^"''^''' *'"^ '^•'^ P^'in
well and Peckha,n, suburbs of Lm'^t,? *''a^?J"^^^ ^^'"""^tes at Camber-
the clnss of bar«es'ordinari v ua Wga i. ^W^""' constructed for
slieeted for nearly its entire lenrffrnii- If ^ "J*^'^'"^''^' *"'•' iscamp-
Th3 traffic consists eath^lv^of Cip^^^ available,
wharves a,,(l premises on tl^^M,?is JK ^''^^^^d 'n supplying the
ter the company's docks at Rotilerhi the ''"''^ "^'"' ^'''^' ''^''^^' ^^■
<^^^^^Z^Z,^^^:'^:r:^^^^^ ^^ tardistmenes,
from the canal is (lerive'<l fro uXdm L ni'7^ I-""'} «^ ^^^ ^^^^'^""^
the canal to the South Metro,^ u r ^^^^ ""^"^"^ '^""^ ^^^""g^t "P
a water frontage on the camJ "'iC canaHs IS ^'^^^^
pany's dock system. "* ^ " ^"'^"> P'^^t of this corn-
Length of canal
Width at snrlace '.""■. miles
Width at bottom feet
Number of lod>-3 ;;■ do....'
Lift of locks
Length of locks feet
Average load do
Maximumdraft of bu.its tons""
Maximum width of bMuis ....!!!!]!"..'.' *'t'<t..'
" ' ilo
4
58
52
1
•ih
120
80
4*
I7f
r-r
I
228
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINODOM.
THE LEE CONSERVAISCY.
The river Leo is a natural stream and was known as far hack as the
time o Henry VI I and does not compete in regard to transi>oVt>it m
ot goods, nor can it be said to be used for irrlRat^.n purposes "''■""*"
1 inclose copy of a report which has been furnisliHl to me bv the cour-
tesy ot Mr. (ieorge Oorble, clerk to the Lee Oonservan(Tv and Xh
return was originally prepared lor the Enslish Board of Tra<le. The
information therein supplied contains all the detail I am able to obtain.*
CANALS VS. RAILROADS.
♦i.?^ll^''?"^ 'T''^''' '•""'" !'' ^^'^ t^xpansion of the railway system, had
the ettect of cheapening the prices of transportation, etc., by tiai sfer-
ring trathc from the road to water, but tiie present network of railroads
in this country, particularly in and around this consuhir district, has
diverted the transportation of goods by canals to a very large extent
and where goods are transported by canals, it has been fo.ind nccessai v
by those controlling canals to considerably reduce their <!hai ges as ormi-
nally fixed, the competition being keen. ^"^{,1
Jno. C. New,
UNITED STATES Consulate.(Jenebal, Consul-acncral.
London, October 25, 1889.
'7
fliiclosnro in Consul-Genorivl Now's report.]
kegent's canal and limehouhk dock.
The Liinol.oiiHo dock lias a water area of 10 acnw, aii.l oxtensivo nnavace with a
sh.j) ontranco of :m foot long, 60 feet wi.lo, and sills laid 28 foot bdori i7.?tv 1 uh
Zf.ulT'^i' ?^'",?.".''!'"^'"!'^« '■«^" ^''"'^'•^ ''J ^'^^^ 1""«. 14 f««r, (J inches wide, and sUls
laid 22 icct lielow Trinity hi>j;li-water niaik. '
fV.JI'r''.,''''i'"'*'?"'^"''''lr' V tl'o clock are provided with hydraulic and other cranes
lor traissi ippins and loadin- coals and otlier floods up to 15 tons wci-ht
MitnuL ^. ' A''V'''l^''i 'T^ ^''•'^^' "^' f'"M""'f' of London, is n.os" conveniontly
8 tuate on tlie north bank o tlio river Tiuimes, abonta half-mile below the 81 ad veU
eutrauceto the London docks, U miles below London Hridge, and one-third of imlo
above the L.mohonse entrance to the West India docks, ami is close to 1 e Ste,' ey
station o the London and Blackwall Kail way, which is reached bv trains rm
KMichurch street station in 8 minutes; an<i trains run to and from this' station t a
stations on the Groat Eastern Railway, and the London Till.urv an.l S. , th end
fhames Haven and London, Woodfonl and On«ar branches thereof,' an.l also , co !
station " "'"*""' "'^ ^^"'"'"" ^''''^''"^y Company passing Jiow
Screw steam vessels to and from Liverpool, calling i>,t Falmouth, Plvmouth, and
HpiTr' l'^"^^V\-'"'^»«i"v« at the dock weekly. Lc.don agents, Messrs. J. D
street Leadenhall street, and Messrs. .John Allen & Co., 150 Leadeiihall
The jetties in thedock are capable of transshipping and weighing with great rapid-
ity and small breakage coal from screw steamers and other vessels into craft for the
river I hames and other inland navigations. The Regent's Canal communicates with
the Hock and river Ihaines, and is navigable for barges of 100 tons burthen, and
passes through Stepney Mile End, Bethnal Green, Hackney, Shoreditch, St. Luke's
Islington, St. Pancras, Marylebone, and Paddington, in which last-named parish it
communicates with the Grand Junction Canal. * ^
Large warehouse accommodation iind extensive wharf areaforstoringtimber. stone
and other goods are provided within the dock premises.
I he company are permitted under a sufterance license (class B), received from the
* Not considered necessary for publicationu
:'.<^^u.i££^^4^»i^b,.
m.^-^-^.J^^':tMf^s,i*Ji£mi^i^SeiaKmiilS4<-^^--S^i^
CANALS IN THK UNITED KINGDOM.
lioiiornlilo board of ouHtoii
229
triiiiashi|)iii(<)(iii(t Coi
to lioiid iiitic.los).
™r;r:;;;,;'--:ii^^,-,,t-.,E,,-.'-;,;
SHEFFIELD AND SOUTH YORKSHIRE.
Ii£I'OJ{T JSY oomVL FOLSOM, OF SnFFFlELD.
niOMOTION OF CANAL TRAFFIC.
pai.y, l,i,„i«.,l. Tlie ol>iwt» bi w i, th ^'"■'"l"™ tl»"al Com.
ii'c.rF.oration of nA2"" !' v. !'^!.'S.« "" ''^''^ of Parliament for the
- - ■•",,.., x.„„io wi w.iier, and works as nv
s;^:;^'iio!:;,;::;^t^s ana Lin^o];;;:[.i;.e
andTinsIoy (Janal, tl.e l)un NaviSn^ t^^^^^^^ The Sheffield
Canal, an.l the Dearne and Dove olinaJ ^^^^'''^^"^ ^^"^l ^^eadby
age and construct Jarger locks tlmeoii • ^'^ "*'^I** *''° '^'''^^ f«>»' «t«ai» liaul-
tho HillH) from tl.o oxist"in/nav 3iM iVt I. V t '' '•';^*^'' "'^ ^" '"'^''f' «*" «"^«'- «^er
Sl..-Hiol,l, whore a largo dock oi^^u /Jit! wh^." " " "^'"' *** ^'''''"" •'**''^'«t «<*«*.
constructed ; ° "*^**'" ^ " "" ^^ "ai'veH, cranes, etc. ) is proposed to bo
caster, tlio Soutii Yorksiiiro coallield tl o 1 . n V i , ^^'"l"' ''f,'"' ^^'irnsley, and Don-
•listricts. coaiiiLKi, tlio Don Valley, aud the adjacent industrial
The proposed iinptovenient and enlaroemoni- r.f ^■^,^
wa,. „,.e »U«w„ upou the map wl.LS'ac^S^'lSL^tulrrepS."^ "'"*'
TRAFl'IC.
tiiL! pru{)ert\- of the Manch«»>*t«ir s^i.offi-j-i --^/%-.— •■'••w- nic^ became
co,„pa,„. ..\ue ,„,. iS''X'.f.'r5r:t„tin:'-!:i'VL%'s
ft'
Sir'
if i.
230
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
lif
IM
i;
H1
lK»iit8iin.l Lar-tfoH trading betwoon aiM-mol.l and flu- rivtM'Tim.t to a car
iym« cainu'it v ot about SO Ions each Tiin use or Kt^.... ..L .. n-
povv^r is probibitcd, an.l tl. le.lgti. o^ tir^^ to^ rEw^lIi;
fel..nickl and tHl« water averages about a week The locks are sma
n!.l ".";r'**"^> "'r' ''':^'" "'«''""^'' into the Trent on C boa liu be
passed throuf,'!. a a t .ne, giving a total of only about twenty boats at
So Im ;;\'' ^"A'!'^ ""^l^'' unfavorable condition, howcv J,, ot less than
6()(M)00 tons of through tratlic pass the lock at Keadby iu^Le course of
The canals beingintho poss.s.iH u of at allway company which reaches
the same points between Sh.ftleld and the coast, ther is co senmm it
noco,npet.ti(.u in rates or trafiic between the twr AT he m Iw tv
amo!;.Tt's'?<>Tlor;?o ^'V^" ''""!"^ ^^ ^^"" *"^«'" «<"'th Yo'tS
tin e and (SI f:/^ T^^^ P^' '^^"' '"' ''""^''« <^'«^^ ^'^^^ charge.l by
I . /. n- • '1 ' ^^•1"''^ '''''"' ^" *^^"'^1 distance from the West York-
Hhire (ollier.es to ( oole. The Aire and Oalder (Jarml is L dmibt out
ot the best 1 lustrations in England of successful miaud na ^. a on ad
lias, greatly benefited all that part of Yorkshire which ii serves? '
CANAL VS. RAILWAY TlilFFlV.
^^^Vf}T''"\^. S® ^•^^^ct committee of the House of Lords on the
Sl.ef .eld Canal bill, its advocate (Mr. I>e,nber, Q. C.), aftei u ev.i, o to
of'si^ni'l f/'"S f'^'^'T' ''''''^'^^ ^-orksof Messr;. "am nel '& fco
iH-nvy tnulo of SI.Hliel.l at raSs wI.Ll V re * o , nos^i^ll:'^ T '^^ ^/'iP «« of the
to tliems<^l vos, li is ouite Dossil.In f l,nt f h, V . !'"**«' '>le to traders and sati.sfactory
tnrers also know nrcomliriZontVS.^^^^^^^
perfectly well that they must have rat sS render L • 'h f *.'"'? "''"^ '"?*J^
and to jict them thev ninst Ip.v.. «•.,+„, ♦;,'. leulei their life as traders possib e,
solve. Hirn,in.han. isals<. sayintthe sarne thing * ' "'' ^^'^ '''""" '" ^^'' ''■
assol!i^;^^'^KSi^:^.l:;;r;^;;;S;-^--l/^^ '>y Binnin,han. and I hope to be
the Severn a..,l the Thames Mane es er l s ^ Hv'""- 1 ''^^ '*'"/'' '^7^'"'' '^«*^^««'^
emphasis. The truth is no ^an. ma„ now hinks .^^es^tah Is.li*., T^ ''"'^ ** '"''^ ''""«
of which tlie Drodnet isanvthino- 1 La n L! i ; 1 T**;'^',' '*'""" ** "®^' "Janufactnre
center of E nj,lan They an iT lotkinibi? ;<?,"' ' ■^?'-'''''^'' *^^*^'^P *^'"'"^"^ '° *J^«
years to in.prov ■, d% l,pL7d foster th^?rw..tf^ *'''" '" "*' ^''^''^ ""'"•'" o"- ^'"'^^^y
do when they r^left aIonr>lh It is' I*" '.I""'* ^ '^''f •* ^^f-'' '« ^° ^'^'^ ^^^^t fl'«y
a railway co^pany.'^f^!^^!!;^ !i^^^^i^e'^l^\S;^S:i^:Sr:^^^ "'*^
^on .h.cl,^you ---i^«^^n, the t.p of the n.a;.^;X'^a\i^S>^Kf
Calder Navigation C rpan^^ £ 50%^ /^^"o.M^ '''''^"^ ''f *^« ^'^« '"'d
lately certaiS, I onght t J have saTd "no iJ>re ' S " SSXl }^7^^ ^ ", ^'' ''^''°;
happen to know that there are certain persons vl?o fi.T„i; T ^* '•^•'"^! ^'^"anse I
dJ^^sV"" ' ""' ""'"" '" "^'"' *' •!■= -"p.™^^^^^^^ high jo'ss spin's
"
i
"ft
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINODOM.
231
(»1>,7:U,000). Their uet i'^u-Sl t ;" l/ ;' 2^£^Si^ oio 'S\-n ^'m *""^ of £2,000,000
out of tins income to Hpi-.u! £[W (HK fSU^ g/r^ nnn.? f^.ifV •' "^ *"*' '^ '" '"f«n'l««l
total uiiioaKe is Home 8(» in 1*^ Th, ?, t in!' ^. '".rV •"■""I'.''°\«"'""frti"- Their
gan was 3 foot G inch..; it is now i f «, t .' ' t;l'l < '^"P'"'»t «» ^vhon thoy be-
where (10 foet, if you rmemher stl..lh?if ' "^ "''«^'"K «'tl««. 10 feut every-
that they have brouclit fit J .J ' "* " "''"'''. ''" '"^«""» *" «»'"«•«" oum), so
«!ifeot wide. We propose to „Sf L.m J ifM ^ they are now215 feet long by
21f. feet. ' °"'* •* ''"'" ^""K*"". D»'»«Iy, a^O feet insteacl of
boutH. Then., compun.ment bo it« ro « , .^II, . ^ ^y the name of com,.ttr( .,nt
nients InHl.ie then, whh are m.ovable' . d m 1 f?r"'" ""?' ''"^" I'l""'" «»"'l."-'-
I am told; ea.h of tlumo carry irSn'-iV^ t'^'P'TMuents thenmelves Lat,
wrought iron And just lo? me throw U.lh iVt ft "/ ''"'*,^' ''"'* ^^^ "'« "'»'»« "f
will see from ii,o ime tl.aV L i. adi ot"?^, , . i V i ' *H"^ '"?''^"' "« ^'^'^ «««•". »« you
yearn npon the AiTand CaUleSavigarion''''^ ^""" ''""' '" "«^ ^°^ *'»' '"«^ '"""'tLn
Goole, which iH their port .rZ well s. ""'' . "1« ^''.^''•' compartM.entsat
make my own for the m r pose I 1^,1 irmn U^ ^ ^"' ••*"»'' "'"^
by Mr. li,, , tholon.ow i.th Blue Bool of In^ltif , i ^.i*'"" "•"'«• ^^ ^''^^ described
syB. .-m of CO,, veviince si 1 n etfec Mr IwV . '^ ' ^^ *'"." """"'.""•'^ on c-inals. This
that comn.ittoe/l « bcc L ph ved m. m t Ai^"""'',';'',";" «'^'"« evidence before
years; and th... he sav iS.vi'V'":;^!'?."''^^ »''''•'• *'-'^'."^l "^''ont fourteen
caKororraimn. oals, and within tlilHcn-o tli.ne is a crad 1, ,. vJl,' .^T ' '"^^ "joinery
IS sccnred, and vhen the comn-irtnienf r.« i,,.,.n '^ *!• '^'^'a'" in which the compartment
of the Hhooo n turns oTeiSSa^^^^^^^^^^
into the ship; the b it and, aXaro iluM llZl.Tt^ * ' '""i^ '""^^^ *'"^* •"«*n8
after whi.h the ca«c an I b. i Vre lower: 7^^ »o r,.umetlu.iroriginal position,
one of the lifting cynn.hrsisT.rcedbu.rin^^^^ ,'". '•'^^^;,'; "K *'"' water ia
iiif.' •ynndera,a.Hliuloweri.V rwei:rb^flV« ' '"•""''*'"^- Tbere are two lift.
bah . he wat r back a«ai" h\%' the^S^VccitiV^;:';" ""^ ^'"' "^^'^'^^^ ^--»
ixow, Tiicreloii •
ness; that .s^ho w^; , v dc^ eVe^v -v't.M • . "' ^'W',"'' '" ^''^ ''''y ^° '1« ^usi-
position to wliich evlVy w- tP,\v ; t r ^^SV ought to be treated, and that is the
Contrast this wf, ?1h ^ ^ U . ? " "n lo r:',"*? '^'^^T' ''"«''^ *" ^« '"""g''
Shcmeld navi.ratioM th.To s , o ^ .o „ t^; „ . ' '^ n"l way action. Upon tl
was forn.erlv,S,ecause I (i fd i /an o Id r ■ f 't ''*' i/-" '^"'•,**''1'1«"- although the,
tradic was bVonght to a cJ'i'lainVoln;^! d t u^';^.:. ^^. a description of how tho
taki iVth n Vto ^; Cr/r do";;'' even .nailer. I am fold tluVt as-ccnVp^lreirwi'tyx
go from si" ftl 1 o Mexbor n.4 a <!«;; ;:.%'n°f 1^ '" ^""^*'' '* *''*'^"^-^ ^^ '>«"rs to
''^S:^ Si. ' ^:^^:;^^^^^^^^ ''' "^"" ^'^'''^^
Shefl^ld ^o tl.. H . b''Tt?aTcf / v'cVi 'rf '" '-''^'V^J'-'^t for a boat to get from
Humber is, from SI ei . 1 I to KeV, 1 v a, ??""'*'• ?)'*" *^'^^='"ce fro.o Shetll.,ld to the
only ati mi es I wil t ere ,,X Iv' \ '^'' ""'^ 'l'"" ^^''"^^'y ^'^ '''« ^en to Hull
to ilkborough, ihi JhVs t u net o of'the 'n^iT^ ' H *'"i '^^^'T*' '«/■•""' -" "
the contrast? You have M.^'.Kwth/r^ Humber. Now there yo have
mechanical arranonnen^s b^ „ S^^^^^
telephones and alT tbe nL' of" " f v f 1 ave^'l^^ist'Z/of ".'l '"•} ^'"'^ ^^« ^^»"''
from 7 10 !» hours a-a st a ko.h.w .t i;,..,. .. r ♦ "'8tai«V of .U miles performei in
over, the Shel/iel, C- mn .nrrbo ow, "^ '^'"^^''''t'' ^''^'V^ ^ ''''^^ '"^ '»«r«- More-
n by steam ; but that has now
«diili:tion against the use of
TUe locks, I believe, areonlv
.1 f ^^1^1 4-1. .. i- ' . . y
s
1
)i
232
CANALS IN THE UNITKD KINGDOM.
"--'^••- --- ;-^— -SK f^rnii^'i::' rn^ -^'^;
tllO COIIllldlition of no IcS.S tllllll llv.. r.iil.i..., "■■"■' l'"-" " i'^l i;«^^lll. Ill niiiiu Ol
tee. tl.e LH...»shir, » V "kn i 1 e NoiS''!'''"""/.*'" ^H ",T''''"° '^'""« ^'""""it-
two tbat „mk« up tlu, LMu J.S L liel^nm,^^^^^^^^^ *''!' *"^''""'. '""> ♦!'« other
Manchester. Hh.tLui, n L "..fu lire S*":;^^ ^'T ''''"n ^"'^''^•'" "»'' t^"
betw,,eii AI.mchoHter and Livern o«"l All Vl.ii^^^^^ U'mnsolvc., who are all trading
n.nch hian.o the railway ownerT ail I hL 1 "'''•! f"'" "', """"'''• ^ ''<» "««- «'»
thiugH which arim,H o/.t oahrHtaSafinn' M, 'Z"^'' '^'""'/" '!"^^»' f'»' "'''«*'"« «tat« of
the unnatural ownershi," "^"K""*'"" that comes of what I will venture to call
T ^^'^®'' 1'?'"'"^'. tl»« lepreseiitativo of tlie Manchester SheHiPl.l nn.i
mutPt] nt -ll^niit- Aunii'-i'jr Viri V*^ ' ^"^ UlUlcrtilkl llf 18 OBti-
CANAL TOLLS.
Navigation.
''!:n1iDSv";.;'i*!'Jj^.^^'L""""^«'^'^^^^'«'"'ffi«w
Slitftield aud Keatlbv
1^0 f.
]>o
Do ;
Do
Do :;;;;■;
Do
uo ;;
Do ;.;
KeiKlliy and Eotheriiani . .'.
Do
Do
Do
Do ""•
Do ;;
Delia by and Koadb v .
Kiliib'iist and Keailby
lioiind wood aud Kcadby
Aldwurk Main Tin«lo,v, Manver'« Main," ElsecaV
AVprsboro and Barsloy, and Keadby ^•»'"''«r,
Cbesterfield, botwciMi— ■*
Stockwith and Worksop
Stock witli and Kiveton Park '
block witb and Sfavoloy
Stockwith and Ohesterflcld i
Stockwith and Stay eley, and Ciiesferiieid '.'.
sh.ro^ovo „.,.! Stockwith...
Description of traffic.
Shireoaks and i
Iron (class A)
Iron (class H)
I'iR and spiejial, fbrt-i).
limber aud deals...
Giain
China clay ',[[
White HAnd ',
Kiversand
Manure (stable) and ii
Iron, nndani;ig<'abKi
Wheels and axles
Grain
White sand ......
Ifivcrsand '.'.
Timber and deals .....
Coal
..do
...do "■■■
...do ■■"■
n imported.
iKlit-soil
Treutsand
...do
...do
do ;:;.;;
Potatoes, carrots, turnips^ ninn'solds!
Coal .
Kate
per
ion.
Centa.
73
07
07
85
86
91
42
.'to
2t
7.)
05
77
30
2*
77
24
27
27
27
36
36
36
30
73
24
07
07
85
86
91
42
:io
7;i
or.
77
;io
2i
77
24
27
27
27
36
36
36
30
73
24
i
233
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINOUOM.
T»i,n.iKe cov.,.v..,l ovr, 1 1... (;iu.Hl..rli.;i;i Canul, Htt.n.; pV.'loa «^7. ■.''■.4
T,.... «-'."llJ
ToUl tuiiiiiiKu .
Hnited Statkh Consulate,
tihcffiehl, November ({, 188!).
080,270
Hkn.iamin Folnom,
CohhhL
IRELAND.
JlEl'OItT liT CONSUL KEID, OF DUULIN.
INLAND NAVIGATION IN IRELAND.
i^::^: '"' '"'"'"^ ^--^mlon enterprise, in Irehuul .re of three
partly clonal an<V I ."Jiv ! '^r "J:,' i I!; '^tV^"" ^ p"'**^' Navi<,ation,
iniIe^<;oinf.l«.t(Hli, 1S(»0 iMVo.r ' I' ^''''•"" ''<'.>"<', all river, (J
canal and r v >• 5 . i .' s l^f "^ ' '7/''^' "'■''^' -'' '""^''^ ? tl'«' Newiy,
Canal, the Koy tlC , a Crmv^^^^^^^^^^ ^'r"' ""l"r/'^'"^^N tlie GranU
will be considtMed s. Ir?f ilv^.^M^^ ^^"-"''» Navi-atiou
in the torn,8 of loans onmbri.m'M^^^^^^^
■special taxes. S.^e ot l/,^se ou i mJV.^ ^"^^ ^'''V'^' ^''''''' ^'^'"'''''il «••
The.e is no co,,si,le v. ie tnilH ' u on^^^^^^^^^^ ^T^ ^""^ '^"'"^ ^•^'"'*"ed.
derived therefrom are small ' ^^^ ''''"'''" "«^^' '"'^^ the profits
o«?rim;San;;;;dr' "4t::^T^'' ^^^ ^'^^^ Oovemmentand n.aintained
Tl. Low^ 4ne t.al'^ ^ rC" I^^Em;^ '^o lullowin, ,i„^1
wnkvs, improved in 1751- flu. vm..'/ ""it's , tlie Mai^ue, all nver, 8
Tyrone, all rim-, 4 m es^ ^ Userc'.n'ir^ 'T^' ^^^ "'''«« 5 ^he
ment or eonstruetion of hVse eh me Is ' "^^ '"'''''• . ^'''^^^ ""l>^ove.
plished by .lirect grants tL 3 f^^^ T'^ "'"«' ^'''' "''^'^ 'ic<^0'»-
local assessment. S 1 tc^rr<^orf^ n.^ ''''^'''^'^ '''•<^"'
"mler whose n.anageme are th'ese se^ rii'r ' ^ •'' i''*'' •'^>"""i««ioners,
that the total annual rec^e ts iunonnrfo £( '/^^^^ yavioation, show
bui^ement for expenses n.r l^^i^^^ ^ 1^^'^^ "^j .^/J "III'"''! <li«-
tliiit the receipts ( CriviMl imm \;;,L i,.n. .'''■'-, '■ '.""'" "'H l>e seen
tlMii »elr.s„st liniNir O r fl li , ' • ' "".■■' "'"'"' ""■'" " «"«« more
and the Ulste,- oSl are tt n inrZT'' Th ''■'""""'" N"viKati„u
ierx„;ris;:,,ii;' -•"- "'■ -«-:-"^i;;;rtuet^,zr.i":f^V'f ,•,!■t"
I
I
254
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
to Ism. T he ffS as i^^n .' i^ "^ •''"',''' *''',V»^''^'<' '^ 1>''''"«1 iroru 1845
taiuing. With tlu!exc(M ion o^t li t' '''/'^ ''^ !"'" '""^'^ ^^^" ««'**«"«■
BI.o^vthat the total mmnre^^^^^^ ''^^«f: ^^^^^^
mei.ts are £2,553. A sstatPd SL^v/^^^^ '""* ^'''^' '"^'^' disburse.
tee«, repreeentiug th rprope V^^ ".ar.aocd by local trus-
several lines. I,, case of Tdpfi ,wt fi ^ «'''^ contiguous to the
means of local t xa£ In .■«.« nf 5' ^''? ^'ft^^'-'ce is made up by
- by that anu)unt ^T esVstm orma«aS« "f '• 'I? ^''''^ ^'^^'^^'*«" ^« '«««
applies to public higlnniys «»auagen.ent is the same as that which
THE GRAND OANAL.
thence westward to B ,■ irn^wS. \l <''V^^"!""?" ^^'^'*'''-. '»"<! from
town, I5h.ckwood reservo ; Mo S.,^ ; !^ ^^""^^ ^^"^'^^<^«-
Mountmellick, K.len lern vnd ^^^^^^^ -^'""'^^^ ^^'•^"' ^tliy»
above sea lev^i; wh h \>o int s ' ^f S * ^^f "^''^l^V^ ^^^^'•^'' *« ^70 feet
npon this canal'are fie len^ . ^l'^'^ ''^- /^,"^^^'"- ^*^''« ^^^^s
lift. Although stea is use son. l,n^ i^'^ '" '"*^^^'' 'V''* '''^^'« ^' ^^^^
the power for moving he b^tJ Th tr rnl/r//'^"^ principally as
to (J00,000 tons annually Ti.o i^r.!, ' n ^ ''" *'"''' *""'''^' a'»ounts
holders £1 356^ H Vh^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^".?' "ow earns for the share-
of the Grand Ca a v. /J^m mu e^^ construction
completed in about 180)! T I o we oVih '. S,"* '^'' T'' "»^ ^''^«
branches were opened in 18 /( tL!.^?L tlic blannou Kiver and the
£2,000,im. A coi si UM'iWelrti n oh ''"'"'' "''^'"'^^' *"' ^"^^^^•» ^^
pants from special or geieralTaxos^ ^^'^^'^ '"'^^'^ "P by
has been pai<i to M.e Govern me t a"^ ^ ^-^ r^' •""^' •' ^'^^ "*' "''''"''
ted. The piesent canit ili/.r/nn I.V + ^ * ^^ '''""'' '"»^^ ^^eu remit-
« iucscrn, capiiaiuatiou ot the company is £105 000.
THE ROYAL OANAL.
uel bein^. 90 mile^ Its summit evd J-l'U L ^ /^''^' '^'"^^'^ «^" «»»^»»-
fed from Loufjh Owel, n^r M, M.ir H i ''^'''•*' "'''' ''^^'*^'- ^^ ''^
jue 70 teet in length, 1^ fS in wl^^'i^tl/i ft.eUr"S ?W^f /"'1
Company was organized in 1784 T .p fiV f ir . • A, , ^'^' ^'''^"''^
completed in 1813. The rea'ainder < 'Vh . l , ^''"' ^^ ^'''^ '''''""'^^ ^''^''^
It received large assisLnc Z u t 1 rl^'? ^/^'^ *'"'"I>leted in 1822.
Union after that was es ablisheT it toKl cost If h""' ''T^ ^^'"'" ^"^
thing over £1 'J0(» 0(»0 Fn i ^i -i h> / • , ^^^ "^^ ^'"' ^^'^^'^ "'-^s some-
the charter w,y^Seiteda^^^^
.
1
ai»4ilSikMi,^iliii>,fiiMsSiiAf^JI^
I
1
CANALS m THE UNITED KINGDOM.
THE BAIJllOW NAVIGA'J'ION.
235
ti<l il m? of fi?I"''^' " » "^^''y ^,^'"*^"«^ «*■ *be Grand Canal with the
c ontmEaHo"^^ iinnow below St. Mullins, and aitords wate?
3 ri • ^"^ <-ailow, I'tMghlm Bridge, Bagnal8town,Gore8brida-e
and W S:r"at"ir"^« ^^ tidalWtof Barrow^o S SS
is/i TTo K :" , ^^^^^"^ ^^^'^ commenced in 1759 and up to 1790 oo^t
£80,769, about one-half of which was derived from pubU^sources Ifc
al SHhl7'T.''"''' grants after the Union, but the S amount '; not
ava lable. There m considerable tralHc upon this route but 1 Ir va Hpa,.
THE LAGAN.
earnings to the shareholders are reasonably liberal ^ ''"'^ ^^^^ '^^
TOLLS.
u^;p --S = -ir- - rt2o'^-x^^: -;-
varies from 7 »l,illi„Ks to 12 shillinKs'per o„ tor 1°?0 Xs "j're^S
«i i/^Tl'""' ° "'""" '" AiuLrioar, monev would KconteS
dissofftSr' '"""''"'"^ the ,„.rtio„lar rite is deterratoedby'Se
CANAL VS. RAILWAY CHARGES.
rat^pfnfTr w ""^'"i"'!-'^ iiavioation in Ireland has been and is to keen tbe
rates of transportation at a minimum ligure at all points tr hi, nrvfo
these lines. As an illustration of tl.is point I h vroX to snv Ln
rn'me'-'of ;'v'™h"'' ''"" """'™'' "'" i"t."'iurto,;„"Sw "r , z
Ce me revaK.:;;:;f " l""™'i»l/'"<l per.nane„treB„ ,ai g
TRAFFIC.
The shipments upon the inlnud lines of navigation in Ireland eon^i^f
s'l^rt!;;:T;:ir;Sd^t' ''«™"'"'™' ''™''"«-.-"^^^^
ooS8ram,',l,.d''t,';r'''''' '!'''"'"',"' •"»iR»«o" fixnlities, thore is, of
Of the co™.r. agric„!t„r!;,,,:\;;er;; ;;ei;;ri»r,^irr,^S;^^^^^^^^
::i
236
CANALS IN TUK UNITKI) KI
NODOM.
tho smportH. A furfl ..
UT
«"iis(>ii is I hilt, ii„.,.„ \n .,, \.,,,.y li,„i(,,,]
IX <l<>ii(> III tiut interior of th
.'IIIKMIIlf
comiiry. ii rniiddl
lilt iiiConiicd ||iii,t ii, |,],|,
mwof.s|,i|„nrnLslH..i.o(|iu,s Nviiiitin«-. I
o.-.tio.^.^ ,i..,t' i'..!;.;r;;!; u:;;r;;:;;';r;ii;:;';;; i-;^;;:'^''''-' '" '"^^
lUKIOATION OANALS.
COST AND KXT1;nT.
.■n:^n::i";xr';;rt ;;,:;*;;;' ;:^„s'' ^^■'- >^"-" '- ••
miles. Tlio total (^osf, <»i
tlic ('onstMK-tioii niui iinprovtMiuMit of theses ..|i>,.,m i . , •
lows: x:m,:UU tmn, ,., Mti(s €•! 10 ''''"• ""'*^*^ "'» '^"^ ^<»'-
Ii.- polo- the lar.,:.",;;:^^;;.*;;;^;.:;::';;,!;^^
soi^SnlS.;';;;:;;:^, i;!,.;;;: ;;; s;;;;;;. i^;;:;; -r — ji-^
r;;,;xr"^ '*"^'-^'"' -'> -•■■•*".« -;.nira"t^^^.3;'i;:f[|;;:
mcnts in t^LrdnitcIl Sats! '' t"«<''tso.n many sin.ilann.prove-
Unitkd Statks Consui.atk,
JhihUn, Septvmlur I'O, ISS!).
Alex. J. Khid,
Consul.
BELFAST.
RKi'oiiT ity voysvL iivnr.
1.0M to the woJt I'oLt ^Irolami: '' '^ ^-onfMnous line Iron. luL
THK LAGAN CANAL.
com
c^xpense beino' detn e r^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ nav.oatn.n in Irela,,,!, ti.e
by au act of IT^l-J. * "" '•^'^"•' ^^'^S '"'*l «l»ints ...posed
1
t
t
1
4
J
■.;^a^"i^i.'4»i-!«"fc4cS^.'
'«! .'iMiomif
> ii Iriiitriil
it ill l<]iij>-.
() orMirct'
IhmI to tlui
nH(Ml for
I liei'ci lit)
i<^ (^iiiiiiKs
il liir^cly
soctioMs
iiiiinil by
iM'-nM.soii.
ivo heoii
I <M)sf, of
l>y H'ood
1) JIH fol-
•<>s; jind
d Mt!it(vs
>C(^ of (ho
I of pill).
low (Iki
<liiiff Mio
t Tor tlu^
(ii'Oiisod
111 prove-
until .
vo\\ by
lai tlwH
a wtno
id, tlio
•iiosod
\
CANAJ.S \N TIIK UNITKn KlNOi)OM.
Ill 1771 proH(M',iilioriof works wiiH luuuh'd to lo<5ai ,-,u,i
misod money on the m^iMirilics of (Jm, tolls. Af|,orwurd
mnv coiiMlif iKrd :,, ro.npiiiiy by a(!t of I'm-liaiiuMif. Tl
ttoin {{.'IfuMt to "lioiifrl. NmKh," loiijrii, 'ja ,„iie,s, ,
ol piisHMiH- Wk^iUh'h 02 lo«t by 14 feot <i ii.chon witb
237
<!omiiii.ssionort), who
M tIn'Hc creditors
HI canal cxtcndH
cs, Willi li({ locks ciipabhi
a ma.vitniim draft of
/> f'cct () inciu'H.
The tralllc is about InO.OOO tons per aniinin, consistiiii; of coal Indi-m
con., miber, slates, b.ieks, elc, and retnrn cargoes .Von. Lo ^ Ne «
ol sand lor biiildin^f purposes. ^ i^^ij.ij,!!
The company is nianaj-ed by a I'.elfast board of direcjtors, with sec
rctary and inaiijiKCM- of works. '''^oifi, witn sec-
The (!on.paiiy are not (sirric^rH. Tho lifjhters trading an; owned bv
liHeient indivHlnals. VVIie.«.ver the eanal touches railway rs am
l)n)ii;4htdown to eanal rates. Kon^rhiy, M,(, ,.(re(!r, in ehe in^^^^^^^
porlatum^onld probably be aboii^ nin. in i. 2n ;;r^:,7^:;{:::;,
'i'llK UI.STKR (;ANAL.
The works on this eanal weiv, (lonuneneed by the Ulster Oannl Corn
puny n.nb.r an act of IS'j;;. Loans (o the extent of ^I^K (» w Z ,nad"
1».\ (he eominiss.oners of pni.lie works in Ireland. In lK(i5 th ea a
was traiisterred to (he eon.inissioners in ,l.scliarf,^e of thedebt M re
money was expende.l on the canal, bnt under the comii issi ) lers it S
M'cn kep ,11 sn.rh want of repair and want of water that lero U Id
he no tralhe. |{^y an actof Parliament, passed in I.SSS, it w s tSlferre
o?. !;in "I'J" N'^^'f-'''"'"!' !'«""Pn.ny as a «ift, with .C;j,r>(H» toSs cm
<> icpan-s tin. con.paiiy benij,' Dbli^ed (o kee,, it in order for the pull e
ehar}.inK <«'«« re^ulalcd by act of I'arliainent ' '
It IS now beiiij.- pnt in order. The canal extends from " Loi.L^h
Nea«li" t.) "Lou, I, lOrne." Len;;th, 44 miles, wiM. went- six o4s
;;?^'^;';tii:;M:;;;^.li;r'-^ '' '-' '>' " '"^-^ --^ withama^imLls
THE <!()AL ISLAND OANAf. WORKS
Co.nnien.-ed in 17; W by the (Commissioners of In,land, and navi.-itioi.
... I.elamI eonlinne.l in their chai-e.nntil 1787, wh mM i w rks 'w^^^^^^^
J.i -SOU (he navigation can,,, into the hands of the (lirectors genera of
l.clan.,an,l between ISOO and IH.Jl a sum of JCL';,L'40 was SxZ ed
•PO" t H, works. In IS.JI, on (he absolntion of the . i rector^ SS of
Jrelan.l mty.«ation, (he niana^M-ment was trai.st-,TnMl toti e'^Ssl^^^
o( ,L.»,! <7 has been expended by them
Under an act of ]«.SS if has"b,.en (ransferred as a {jift to tho LaL^'iu
Nav.fjatmn (Company, wi(h (.bli^^ation (o keep it in order fo the p^X
.«., ehar^in,j^ to Is re-nlated by act of J>arliament. The canal x
owrir(;or^:"'r"r''7r'']\'^
..)wn oi i.oai Ishind. J;en«(h, 4A miles, w dth 7 locks cid- bio r.f
passing- l,« Iters (52 feet by 14 feet"(J inches, wit a m ximun S^ nf
4 leet !) inches. Trallic, about ir,,(M)(. tons p'er annum.
(!ANAL V.S. ({AILWAV RATKS.
ITn!S'^4t' i^^ l-'^tes are hiffher here than in the
« JMf.M ?5tateb. l.anal competition is more eliectiial in reducing rates
! m
1
238
CANAJ.8 IN TriK UNITKI)
KINODOM.
mZhl ^''" '"''""" ^'"'*^ ""visation dom not dos,, d.niufr tho winter
Unitkd Statkh (^onsulatk,
livl/hsf, Auyiisf I!), 1889.
Samukl G. Jtunv,
r ' i
ht I
fin
SCOTLAND.
MKfoh'T nv ooxsi'L niinci:, of r.nini.
TIIK UNION OANAL.
Tho only syshMn of inlju.d Miivi-udOn witl.in tlio limifs of f1.i« nm.
The construction of tl.o Union (Janal was undertaken in the veur
a onj,^ peruMl «euerally calle.l tlH> KdinluTr^i au. \ las 1 / (V, , ,' ^'''
^<^mS!?T!Z:i':r'r"'''''\.'"'-r"'' ""-in. ii«ir.,",'.i.:;
,,,";' ""'"•"<'l.\. HI ISW, till' I.IJIOII ();lliii Wiis ;imill"iininll'cl Willi n,,
completinj; escTOio,! Ilmt ,m„„„,( by «l i,",Vo,„i "' ""'' "' """>'"»•' ■'"<'
CANAL.S IN TIIK UNITMI) KIN(il)()^f.
239
tho winter
ITHV,
Cons III.
r fills con-
Kiiiitj Iroiu
i>l>'iiyh to
tJ I • liirf,'o
county of
tlie year
«:mit fnil-
and ini\s-
.—proved
Iio 7 years
I'Ntiniated
I was not
i>vifi;ati(m
vn banks,
it was for
iiial.
piiit, and
I'ir eiiter-
ondition ;
t^'brnary
an inde-
wo cities.
success,
witli the
s in LSOo
iiy. Tlie
is quite
riyinally
iiuf,' anil
n stocks
>ut G per
it Edin-
0, is .'iU
yater ;J7
3f water
1 iKM-e are eleven locks VJT, feet wide. Depth of water on sill of locks
5 feet, i) in<!li('M. Tolal rise oi fall of hxiks !(► feet '.i incla^,:.
Three aqueducts, n'Kpcctiveiy, SIO feet, <iOO feet, 400 feet. Width of
nipu'ducts 12 feet (> inches. II eij^ht of these, respectively, 05 feet, 76
feet, and SO feet.
One tunnel in the neifjhborhood of Falkirk wiXhin a short distance of
the western terminus at lock 10 is 0!»0 yurds in leiif-th, 15 feet hiL'h
above water level. Width of water line l.'J f.ct, in tunnel.
The reservoir which supplies the cinal with wau^- has a (sapacitv of
about l»0,('OO,0OO(!ubi(! feet.
The boats in us(i are 00 feet from stem to atern, their width 11 feet S
incihes, all <lri!wn by horses.
The total tonnage in the year ISHH wns lti!>,411 tons. Dnriiif; snnie
year the total revenue was i:?(;,300 ami total expenditure $1 1,,S10.
The tnidic consists entirely in conveyance of coals, stone, bricks, and
other minerals, and nninure.
Th(^ present owners are merely ioll-takers, not carriers. Other people
put on the bi(r{;(^sor boats.
The niiiniif>('Mient of this cianal is entirely in the hands of the North
British llailroad (Jompiiiiy.
TIIK FORTH AND Of.VDK OANAL.
^ The TTnion Canal at its western extremity terminates in the Forth and
C'lyde ('anal, an artilliMid navigable line of communi(!ation between tho
Firth-of-Forfh and the Firth-of-Olyde.
From the I'\)rtli at the port of (;ranf,'e?noutli the navij,'ation into the
canal runs about a mile up the river (Jarron from low-water mark in
the Firth to liie (irst lock, where there are extensive harbor accommoda-
tions. I'assinji southwesterly throii^di (Jrahatnstown and the (jarron
Iron Works the canal proceeds to(Jainelon and reaches Lock 10, where
it attains an eh'vaticm o!' lUS feet al)ovetiie lev«4 of tide mark at (Jraiif,".!-
mouth. At liock Hi is the lar^^e basin called Port Downie, from which
the canal sends oil' on its east side the Union (Jana'l navifj^ation toEdin-
l)ur},rh, above mentioned. At Windford Lock, near Castleeary, it attain;?
its hifjhest elevation, and continues to preserve thesarne onwards past
Port Diindas at (ilasf>-ow, on the one hand, to the Junction of tin; Moidc-
land Canal and onward on the other till near tin; a<pieduct across Kel-
vin water. Thence^ it continues to tho western terminus in t\w river
Clyde at IJowliuH' I*>ii.V, "car the villaj,a> of Howlin,!,' in Dumbartonshire
on the road from Dumbarton to Ghisj^ow.
The work of excavati<Mi was bej,'un in the year 1708, but, on account
of unforseen dilliimlties, by reason of inexperisuicc! of its projectors in
such schemes, the canal was not completed till 17!)0.
Up to the month of January succeeding the date of its completion
tho total cost of the (!anal was Sl,Or>(),()<H).
The Forth and Clyde Canal was incorporated with the Monkland
Canal in the year J840. The total costof the two canals was $."'),451,»()0.
Tho extent m t!-^ Forth and Clyde Canal in all its parts is m'} miles.
The navijjation dnect from the Forth to the Clyde is 35 miles; the side
branch to Port Dundas 2,f nulesj the continuation to Monkland Canal
1 mile.
The number of locks on the eastern part of the canal is 20 and on
the western 19, the ditterenee being occasioned by the higher level of
water in the* Clyd.e !i,t Bowlin*'" Ihiv than in (Trimirebum or the Carrou a*"
kw.
^'^'mmmmn
'I.-
240
L I
I
CANALS IN THE UNITKD KINGDOM.
c;™'r';ir;:;-,s tf ""■■" ■» » '«■' "-« -o ^" f-t ..„,.„, ,„„. „,„.
June, 17.S7, and nnislu. A ^^^ Tll'^^f ^ "'■^■^•*"' ^^^^'"" i»
arches. Ks 83 feet lii«l,, spans uvihv 4^^ s n.ctnie conNists of 4
to Port Du.Hlas, .U UhL (J);} oonf., Jv^,. iV • ^l^'"'" ^■'''i"«t^'"outh
^ (48 cen(s). Sul.s(.,,,u. t v o n'.., i^ ^''»\''^ I'ort JJnndas,
"Iff the rate not „,ore l.an U J v f ' ' IV, ^^*''^« '*;"{'>• reduced, niak-
to be ren.uneiative ^ (oi 3 cents) per mile, but they continued
paratively ^reat hc.i,ht of'i;< 5,4 ;^^ ^^ .,^ ' ,f^;;';"V'««^' t'> <!.« con,-
'i;^;e '";;;' i';rf^=^"f -'s'^,i^:.,!:;'[^i^- ^ -- ^-- later
Ca^ec^!;^a^;i^.ii:;.V^ :;„-,--;;; 1--<1 into the |;osses«ion of the
the entire management of'bo^'^'jl XS;:;in. ^t^^ ''-'
THE MONKLAND TANAL.
Tin's
IS an
Glasgow and the t c ^^o ui- m' ? ? '^ /'''^"r" ^''^ «'^^' of
nieneing in the northern subris , 1 VJ J^^^^^^^ "/'m"^'' V^ f^^"""J- Com-
mas brought into junction h the l.'^ ''<>it Bnndas, where it
Cl.v<le Canal, it priUedL iast «on hen^^^ [^^^^^^ ?f" '^'' ^^^^'^^h and
Menkland to th,. river North Cah er ¥he • n s.mM ' * l^!. '""j'^'' «*' Oh\
one about a mile in length to Calder hm. w V ' "'* ^**"'' l>iancheH,
parish of New Monklaiul Zo^ ! L ? i '•''"> "*'"'' ^^'''''"^N "' the
Iron Works, one about urn- of "'u"^^^^^^^^^ h"?'\ ^^ «"'-t«''«^rrie
W.>rks, an.l one also ubo , q, ar eV f V , i '^'^'i ^" ^ '"'^l-Wan Iron
Iron Works, all in the ])arish o^f Old Monk^;';,t '" '"'^''^ '" ^^'"^^'^'-^^
inhii:iSronfSl?;vr<,c!nS:;;r'^,:i^"^ n>r«ecuri„gto the
corporation of the city ad<)pS ]!> l '' .'i'' T"'^" •' ^*" "^'^'- ^he
celebrafHl .lames Watt to make s r n . n ' ti ' '"''',"- ^'"P'oye'l the
of Parliament for carryinV t tlie dS'.,? H ^''?""*'' '^I'tained an act
shares to the sto.-k. ^ ' '''"^"' ''^"^ subscribed a number of
The nndertakino- ^^s begun in the vp-h- ivfti i .,
continued until about 10 nril ' o /Iw.I ut.'l''^ the operations were
of those miles, extending fronrthe b' i L ? TT^' '^^''^' ^''^^ ^''^
are upon the level of tlnT u, per ^u h rtl . V "^ n''^^*"" "' '''"cklnU,
the other ,S mih-s, e<)n..,HMicini t th.\ ^ ^''^^' '""' < ''.v'*^ <^"aiial
iovel of JX; tWt high' r Ken 1 os Tn-; i ";;' ^•'"*''^''i''/are upon a
at that primitive period ^^rLa^^l^yl^^/!:;: S!:^^:;^^
,^-tmtijmB'VSi-^: -W^ :#
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
Which tho coals wore lowered down
241
i^i!>trXSi;^r':l?:!:\l---y
iu boxes and restarted on the lower
concern in t.,oj..arm/'''' ""' ^""■•" ""d Ciydi Oanal beoamo one
wayOr;;aT,°ttnr„r„'iSrr'' "^ "■« ^^-^'onian «.„.
that company in tLe year 1867 «°" ''"""S """"i '"'o i.o88e»mo„ of
THE CALEDONIAN CANAL
Li8uiore,dividinirthR..n„n/voVr ..<^^0'»'^rtj, onward to tl.p rip!*. „1-
H. Ex. 46-...16"" ""^^ of Iuveruee« and the Highlands" genmaliy^
242
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
m
into two nearly equal parts, while it connects the German Ocean and
tbe Atlantic at those points.
The northeast end of the canal is occupied by about 23 miles of the
narrow or upper portion of the Moray Frith ; the southeast end is occu-
pied to the extent of 32 miles by the sea-lochs Loch Eil and Loch
Linnhe, and the intermediate portion has a total length of GU^ miles, of
which 37 J consist of the four natural sheets of water named Loch Doch-
lour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich, and Loch Lochy. This intermediate por-
tion is the region of the Caledonian Canal, which comprises works at
its extremities and 23 miles of dry cutting.
One of the principal objects in constructing this canal was to prevent
the delay of vessels going through the Peutland Firth and around Cape
Wrath during westerly winds.
The necessity for constructing the Caledonian Canal was brought
under notice ot the British Government during the latter part of last
century, and a sHrvey of the line was made by the celebrated James
Watt about the year 1773, but from many causes the work was delayed,
and Mr. Watt's report was not acted on. Subsequently, however, the
project of forming the canal was again pressed on the attention of the
government, and in the years 1803 and 1804 a body of parliamentary
commissioners caused a resurvey of the line to be made. The sur-
veyor in hid report calculated that a uniform depth of 20 feet of water
would be required, and locks measuring 170 feet in length by 40 feet
wide, and his original estimate of the outlay necessary for such an under-
taking was £350,000 ($1,703,275).
The work of excavation was not begun till the year 1805. Many
causes operated in delaying the work thereafter, among which may be
mentioned the rapid rise in wages and in the prices ot many articles dur-
ing the periud onwards to the years 1812 and 1813, the advance in many
cases being as much as 50, 70, and even 100 per cent., other unforeseen
difficulties in the conveyance of materials required in dredging opera-
tions, etc.
Ultimately the commissioners were led to open the canal in the year
1822, when it was^only partially finished. Numerous accidents resulted
from this premature opening, certain portions of the undertaking being
failures, the repairing of which was a source of continual expense and
frequently caused the navigation to be interrupted.
Up to the time of the canal bieiug opene<l its total cost was £905,258
($4,525,438.05); to the 1st of May, 1827 £973,271 ($4,736,423.31), and
to the Ist of May, 1844, £1,070,173 ($5,207,996.90).
Notwithstanding the outlay, it was found necessary to supplement the
work already done by making extensive additions and repairs, and, after
being closed for a time the canal was reopem^d in April, 1847.
From time of commencement till the oth of May, 1849, the total ex-
penditure on account of the canal was £1,311,270 38. 2cL ($6,381,296.22).
From the published reports it appears that there are very great diffi-
culties and that there has been much expense incurred in maintaining the
up- keep and effective working of the navigation through the Great
Glen, while che receipts have not been increasing in same ratio.
The reports show that the receipts have been of late as follows :
For year ending April 30 — £ s d
18S7 7,229 13 5=135,183.19
1888 (i,748 4=32,gl9.22
1889 7,236 6 3= 35, ^15. ."iX
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
They show the expenditure in same years, thus-
243
*'*"■ [g^g^^r ending April :jO-
itt«y..
jC
7,(i(l'J 14
10,507 9
10. 407 4
8 rf
«^- <'>l,i:{4.6fi
7= iJ0,»J4B.77
It appears that, bv reason nf h.I a. ,"""." ' ^"* """^ ^ '= *"**' ♦^^•^- ^7
on in many l>art8 oKhe orlgina strtS/''^^ ''"'• ^^"" r«Pif»y going
and otherwise improved ■ tf^Lt '"^'^ '""^'' «* it ^'as to be renewed
ance the GoverZent of brea BrSri'"' '^ ''*" '^l»P'i«^^tion for aS
(«24,332.60) as acoutribiSowar?^^^^^^ the sum of So
by the commissioners oYu^e CalX f-i^^L '^^^^^ t.^' ^'.^«^^^' >»««'^'e2
Parliament will approve of fiirfhil o. , °'^'' ""^* ^''^tit is hoped thaf
Account of vessels mvigating the Caledonian Canal durino Ik .
li«88-'89 '"^ ''*' ""^ ^/''ars 1887-'88 and
Sailing vessels.
N^uiiibtT of passages
through canai.
Total for year end i
18«9 ^*"'' "^ "= -^P'" 30-
1888 .'!'.'.■■■
Kast to
West Sea,
W.stto
ilastSea.
N'uniber
of
l)asHages
oil parts
of canal.
Jfiinibor
of
Paw.-;'OB
b.v
steamers.
To'al
niiiiibor
of
passages.
Amount
of
tonnage
dues.
THE CBINAN CANAL
was u'pwTrd's'S^^^^^^^ iSs!^ ^Th,f f f. ^^^f *^«'^ "1>«" ^he work
insufficient for carrvine- mittuJ^ 'i .^ amount proved to be onifA
of the intersectbn of tlie^f * t J'''^ ^^^"O'npletion/mainly by reason
this eanal being deem ^oHatfonal'S?^^^^^^ T' P-tmls,Tnd
subsequently by the British Government ufd«"''^%f ''?°^ ^^^^ '"ade
tu the extent of about £75,000^$3Ks7 - f ' ^"thonty of Parliament
sum the canal was transferred oSS"?: ,/" r^""' *^ «««"'■« this
m Scoth^nd, Whose functions ^u,^S:^S!:^:Z^{^^Z
-^^l^::^S!^'^:^t^:^:yr'''' •-^"•^ theactofPania.
pended under the control am s^tnl; f Pi'ovision that it should be ex
the Caledonian C-^mh^hT^^^^^^ ^'^^ commissioners of
the Crinan Canal after 0x1^ n ^^0. -^''^"'^ *^^ management of
fore remain«.i «uer o:,' ' ,A";""t "^; of said advajice. and it 1,.^ thlZ
ci „u.ce Under meu- mauagemeut. ' ^'
- nij. m"hf"n \ f m^ ^ ' m m^' k ";i ^ h w<p j » »hi^» p '*' vm'
244
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
The Crinan Canal is about 9 miles louff and contains 15 looks, 13 of
which are 9G feet long, 24 feet wide, and 12 feet deep, and 2 locks are
108 feet looff and 27 feet wide.
• Eight of the looks occur in the extent from Lock Gilp or Ardrishaig
at the east end, and 7 in descending to Crinan at the west end.
The canal is chietly used by small coasting ai.d tisiiing vessels, and
by the steamboats which ply h(»t\veeu Inverness and the Clyde.
It is navigable by vessels of 200 tons burden. The small passage
steamers do the distance from one terminus to the other, including the
locks, in about 2 houi's.
It is expected that the Isthmus of Cantire at no distant date will be
cut off from the mainland by the formation of a ship canal connecting
East and West Locks Tarbert. The cost of such an undertaking has
been estimated at i:UO,OUO ($081,310).
The eighty-third and eighty-fourth reports of the commissioners of
the Caledonian Canal controlling and managing the Crinan Canal show
the business of the latter done during past 3 years to be as follows:
lieceipts during year oiided April :{0 — £ ,. (j,
1887. 4,854 t) 0=|2:{,<i4'^. 18
1H88 4,814 10 :^= !i:{,421).80
18."'9 5,1'il) 7 r)= 24, 11(52. 08
Expend it II res during year ending April 30 —
1*^87 7,343 16 5= 35,738.78
1888. r 4,610 8 4=22,436.72
1889 4,954 17 8= 24,112.93
Although the Crinan Canal appears to be in a better condition finan-
cially than the Caledonian, some renewals and re])airshave to be made~
which must involve considerable outlay, and it seems that sometime
in the fut;ire the commissioners will have to provide for the expense of
lowering the summit level of the Crinan Canal, which is much desired
for several iraportaut reasons.
The following statement sets foi'th the amount of traffic on the Cri-
nan Canal during the past 2 years, and the increase thereon :
Comparative statement of the number of bonis and amount of canal dues of Crinan Canal
for Hears 1807-38, and 188:;-89.
Tear ending April 30—
18K9
1888
IncreoMo
Num-
ber of
stcam-
erd.
2G2
258
I
Num- ; Kiim-
ber of i ber of
vesaeU. buats.
Num-
ber (if
pas-
sages.
Dues on
HteaTiiei's.
J, ,135
1,288
350
254
47
06
1,947 $1,281.37
],8U0 I 1,27.'). 48
147
5.89
Dues on
vessels
aiul boats.
$12, 822. 51
I?, 175. 73
646.78
Tr.nisit
duty.
$3. 383. 60
2, 638. 73
744. 87
Total.
$17,487.48
10, 08y.fl4
1, 397. r. I
From the foregoing description of the various lines of inland navi-
gation at present in use in Scotland it will be noted that the three first
mentionefl, namely, the Union, the Forth and Clyde, and the Monk-
land, are all connected and worked as one system of water carriage
managed and controlled entirely by railway conij)anies.
The Caledonian Canal and the Crinan are each quite independent of
railways, but both are controlled and subsidized by the Government of
Great Britain.
Therefore, in the first instance there is no competition as to rate of
cargo and the latter independent systems have no competing lines of
transit.
X will further add that there are no irrigating canals in Scotland,
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
PROPOSED RIIIP CANAL.
245
not Of the „ea/ft,tu I I li ? To' t^S'Tr'"^ I'^obably
• rthtoM.eOlvd... aCeJetuor,.^^^^ steamers from the Firth of
'••^ i' out L.Mff, joi.iinff t e Fortli L rW ? ""e^om'n^"*'"'! : One in volvimr
niond ami Loch Lonfc^,,^,8,u7I<in^^^^^^^ Forth wil Locl .o-
west of (Jlaego ■ , Tl -. r.th !{IZXS. J^. ^>^^"^'« »* ^'^^'^ ">"««
Jan. r.te .e.. .. th. ^^^^^^l^i^^lZ^^^^-^^
po^atio!?" i:;.r^hi;;s^^r J;r^;rL!:,fl"' ?ri^ '^"^^ -«^ ^--
tlieriiore uiated to the sni l«f ^ f'^otluiid to the other, and is
that n.„ch of the l!,^;^' torn norTn/Fn"""' ^' '"v^^'- «'«^'»ed
Antwerp, etc., Mould ihoofe tS route to ,'"'^^'!' T^'^^'^ Hamburg,
boisterous English Channel and the VtUl «fn ""> '^'"" ^^'^^^'^g the
seasons via the north of Scotiaml 7,® J^ill stormier route in certain
the port of Leith, a dirr sh n Irr , .,r"'' • ^''? *"'"'^'» J^^<linbnrgh, it
without reshipment at 'gow ^ »n.uunication to the United States
v4:i sirr^ro^Er^t^? th ^ '''' ^h -"- - «**" a
probability. ^ "ocdinea even the uncertain recognition of
United States Consulate,
Wallace I3kucb,
Consul.
I^eith, February 27, 1890.
GLASGOW.
'•'g lakes,, mi „,i,™, a„„ ^ev^riiriLt^orlTo^ref/e'lSL"^^ """'""■
THE CRTNAN CANAL.
some freightiig. ^"^'^'^^^ely used by passenger boats and al^o for
THE CALEDONIAN CANAL.
connects Oben Z'the wLff wi^Wn^l® '"'*''* ™Portant canal in Scotland
a con(len««H .I.e.,.,,:. H lye^t with Inverness on the ea^t ^^oof ^,Vr^''*. "»
. "■" * --uiptiuu from <.ho anthority quoted'abovei"^' ^''^
!
M
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)
<,
^^i^..
1.0
I.I
1^
1^
« mil 2.0
l'-25 111111.4
ill 1.6
niuujgidpiuC
Sciences
Corpordtion
33 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 873-4503
m,^
\
iV
'V^
"^
"^"^"^ "^^^
■0
^
J -■
246
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
The Caledonian Canal was constructed in order to shorten the passage
from the east coast of Scotland to the west coast and to the north of
Ireland, and also to enable vessels to avoid the dangerous navigation
round the north coast of Scotland. It runs from the Moray Firth, east
coast, to Loch Eil, an arm of the sea on the west, passing through Loch
Ness, Loch Oich, and Loch Lochy. The canal proper therefore only
occupies about 22 miles, but to this may be added over 4 miles of Loch
Ness, which had to be deepened by dredging. It has 27 locks including
the tide locks, one of them 170 but most if not all the others 180 feet
long, and all 40 feet wide, thus opening a ship navigation through the
country, rising at the summit level 94 feet above the tidewater of the
eastern coast and 96J feet above that of the western.
At Fort Augustus, where it leaves Lock Ness, the canal is cut through
the glaces of the fortification. From Lock Ness, passing in a west-
wardly direction of the canal to Loch Oich, If miles, the land is 20 feet
above the water line, which, with the depth of water ?n the canal, makes
an excavation the distance of 40 feet in depth, with a bottom of 40 feet
in breadth. To save rock-cutting in descending in the westwardly di-
rection, as before, from Loch Oic^ to Loch Lochy, the natural difference
of the surfaces of the two lakes being 22 feet, the whole area of Loch
Lochy, which is 10 miles in leuf'th and one in breadth, is raised 12 feet.
In the last 2 miles, before the canal in its westerly direction enters Loch
Eil, there is a descent of 64 feet, which is passed by eight connected
locks, each 180 feet lon^ by 40 in breadth. These locks are founded on
inverted arches, exhibiting a solid and continuous mass of masonry 500
yards in length and 20 yards wide, ^he gates are of cast iron. In the
distance of 8 miles from Loch Lochy to tide water in Loch Eil, the ca-
nal in passing along the northwesterly bank of the river liocby crosses,
,by aqueduct bridges, three large streams and twenty-three smaller
ones. The canal was constructed under the direction of Thomas Telford,
and cost about $6,500,000. It has not been a profitable speculation at
any period of its use.
Vessels of 500 to 600 tons can pass through it with a full load. The
act for its construction received the royal assent July 27, 1803, and
work commenced the same year, but not completed till October 30,
1822. The distance between western ports of Great Britain and also
of inland to the North and Baltic Seas is shortened several hundred
miles. Notwithstanding these facts, the canal is said to be used but
little for the transit of merchandise and has no perceptible effect as to
rates upon the railways.
The canal from Fortli to Clyde is much older, ha'nng been commenced
in 1768 and completed in 1790. It, too, has largely gone into disuse
to a very great extent, except for v)leasure boats loaded with tourists.
At the early period of its use large traiflc is said to have been carried
upon it.
The Crinan having been referred to as omitted by Auuandale from
the list of important canals, was commenced in 1793 and completed in
1801. The traffic upon this canal is said to be, comparatively speaking,
quite extensive. *
MISCELLANEOUS.
The canals of Scotland do not now and perhaps never did pay ex-
cept in convenience to the people before railways were as numerous as
now. The canals are ov/ned by the government, tolls upon the vessels
according to tonnage, freight carried and passengers, being collected
for their use.
"
CANALS fK THE ONITED KIH8D0M. 247
Tbere aze n.LigT,^^^ eSnX ^ricotUT'^ "' tmL»port^ti„„, ete.
Levi w. Bbown,
United States Consulate, CowiuU
Glasgow, February 20, 1889.
WALES.
^^^OBliiT CONSUL JO^ES. OP OAHmFr.
CANAL OONSTETICTION.
^^Thj.e methods Ua™ hitherto been Observed in the cc.tructloo of
wi^srtr.^X'rthaTrhettTom'o/'rhe''"''^ T '"-'-"oping to-
■■<''',«■• than the to'p of the canal ""• """" « "ery much nar-
th^fi ^IreL"^ ""«"■ "-■* "ave cou.,CZn. built „p the whole of
are7ri*fsvrtra°2?„\txi?3'sc'^ ^-y
U feet wide at the bottom, with iepenS»; ll'tf' ^J*"* "'' "■« '"rfaoe,
and inclined sloiws on eithi" side Thu .l^f '"^ °!'""" ' f™' t" « ftet
constant silting, inconvenience, aid expeuYe "Th"/r7'""°«''»' <»'°««i
nal and its branches, the lareit and mlf ■ ™» '^'""'•'•franshireCa-
Wales, were bnilt on the y„Un pa?H '""T""" ""'°"' »y«'»n' in
tamed m 1790, and the con straSn wS^Tiif' '' ""r™ ''»" "b-
oS^anW.'airg'i.^ittrBZf-F'^^^^^^^^^
wo* and ooa, niines o^f trffl.;j';:S;rKlZto"n.^?^^
^ The length of the Glamorganshire rannl i« 9n± •,
aocommodate boats 60 feet lonff bv 9 fp^ThL ^* ™'^^«- ^t« 'ocks can
20 tons. The lower U milU ^fVhJ ®,^ ^®*"' carrying on an averaffA
300.t<>nsbarden.^%itSaro 'tCS^^^^^^
during 1888 amounted to 660 Sol ton«^ ?L ^'^ /^^ Aberdare branch,
sistmg of coal, iron, timber corn fnnr'n^® merchandise handled con
t.al.. to the bottom of the^cJn'atstS Zri^f^iZ:: Aj:;
P itSr t^'tKtTtS^^^^^^^^ "-.0. >— ' »' tbe
ot the silling up which otherw.'se occurs ""^ " P™™""' ■"'«=''
str^nS„^rtTirSipr'r?hrs'^„Vt^^ "-' «'- -•
the wear and tear of the canal whileTt'.»„ > " " * ^reat saving in
strain haulage, if the wallingTs'wdl don\ ^™'"*' fecilitiesV
248
CANAL3 IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
CANAL LOOKS.
The sizes of the locks regulate the (limenslons of the barges which
can navigate a water way ; but whereas the deepei.ing of a navigation
by dredging may generally be effected at a moderate cost, the enlarge-
ment of locks, necessitating in most cases their reconstruction, forms a
very important item in the expenditure on the improvement of a water
ay. Ihe enlargement of the smaller locks for securing uniformitv of
gauge, and the lowering of the sills of the wider locks, as well as 'the
deepening and widening of the water way to a uniform section through-
out, would form an essential portion of any scheme for opening ud
through canal routes. *^
EXTENT AND CAPACITY.
Lengths — The following table shows the lengths of the canals of
Wales not under the control of railway companies and under the con-
trol of railway companies :
Cauals.
CiinRla under 4 miles in length
Brecun nnd Abergavenny
GlamorguuBliiro nnd AlitTdaro
Mounioiitli8hiro KailwAy und Ciiuala.
Neath Canal .'
SwauseaCaual ■."''"
Total.
ITot under
control of
railway
companies.
Miles.
121
32J
"ii"
5Hi
Under
control of
railway
companies.
Miles.
83
'26
70
By the following table it will be seen that the canal mileage of En<'.
land, Scotland, and Wales amounts to 2,641 miles, the Welsh canals
measuring 128 miles:
Canals.
Canals in England
Cannlsin Scotland
Cauals i n ' Valca . . ,
Total
Not under
control of
railway
companies.
Miles.
],260i
84i
58i
1,403
TTndor
control of
railway
companies.
Miles.
1, 0621
106
70
1.
ADVANTAGES OP CANAL CAKEIAaE.
Canal carriage is not only superior in the item of cheapness, but it
also has the following advantages :
(1) It admits of any class of goods being carried in the manner and
at the speed which proves to be most economical and suitable for it,
without the slightest interference with any other class.
(2) The landing or shipment of cargo is not necessarily confined to
certain fixed stations as is the case on railways ; but boats can stop any-
where on their journey to load and unload.
(3) The boat itself often serves as a warehouse in which an owner
may keep his cargo till sold.
y
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
MiU».
33
'20
"xh
70
Milet.
1, 062J
106
70
l,238f
249
railway truck weighs nearly -is mn.ho if "/ I'^lway. The ordinary
loO feet long by 20 feefc hrnari j.. „ ^"^'^^,»*e properly des gned. A \ook
single boat« of 300 tons burd^. ?°^/ ''''"' ^ ^'"^^^"^ «f « feet wiU pass
;ictual operation which Lnb^erat'ed In T ^' ?^^*^°«^ and aK
Jour, the caj ibility of k siuirle ]nXZw^ 11 ,^ 'o^kfuls of 300 tons per
24^72,000 tons p.-day oTolr 25^ OOo/'" ^^ **'« ^''^^^^f lOxloOx
traflac required ti be ai^om^nocLtSliJwr^. n''f P«r«°""n>. If a larger
«P;,f, at which the locks werTworked "'"^ ^^ increasing the
thlt'°eS;fTet^,*^^:he'rri: n^oMSleT^ ^f^^'«' ^^^ ^^ed by
STn^^K^ expensiye appVraSs or es abl!s£.5'". 'maintaining an enor^
would, be carried on by senarate ,tSn? T."^' ^« »" that can, and
avoiding a 'f geexpeSi ffifn thfS'o^^^ capital, 'tluls
nance of rolling stock. '^'^ ^^^*' ^"^1 subsequent mainte-
m order to reap the fullest adv«nto,? i» canal transportation. But
necessary, just as it is n an undeSlnl '"•'**."" ?"'^''^^^' '^ ^^ill be
most perfect instrument possiC/ i»,\ o ^!' """^ """'^ to construct the
carefully ai.d wisely managed afiSrwarS'' '" '"''' '^'' '^'^' '' ^« '"««'
CANAX REQUIREMENTS
Jhe f„„„wi„, are among tbe points re,„i.i„g attention i„ eana. ™.
1. Improvement in construction.
3 rm,^rT*'^" of administration.
3. Controlling supervision.
tioVto sTel^^l^Ss'*"'"^^^^^^ ^*' --'« -°d locks, and their adapta-
or industrial center. A,lmin?stratioZS ?n T""^ i^^Portant market
and cooperation on the nart of tt^ ? ^"* *^ ^•^ exercised by concert
tariffs, dues, etc., ought to be rp^n?. "?,^^'^'"^°* °^" «^"als. The toHs
ard, and oug'ht n^t to^>e flxe^lbyi^Stt^^^^ 'T' ?-^^"'^^ ^"^^ ^^ «tan^
the particular companies and tL amon , f,f '"''''r ? "^ ^« *^^« influence of
.*"''• . -^"'^ «*'sn«ig canal system in th,^ rj 1 J t^" ' "'^ P*''^sua(iec
inasmuch as it is divided into so manv L^Tm ^'^ Kingdom is faulty,
S^SiSS^- -« --' -^of^^i^^pSX^^
ai r^S S^r^^i:^^- Sfc^^^^^^' ^^ ^^^^^^-ic
age power, with a uniformity of tolls * ^^^ ^°^^'' ^^^^ ^^aul-
CANAL vs. RAILWAY TRAFFIC,
Canals are advantao-enne .i7wi ^4-
wharf-to.wharf traffic C raw ml tSn:''"iT^ '''\'^' ^'' ^''^''^^''^f?
ance of goods where saving of SC is, ^^^f^^^^^^^^ «"'» 'or the conve^^
products as buildin- stone cSa!tt.!!^.S*'!.*V^«r«!""Portance. Such
' i-uaik, ...„„,, ^.-icks, urain pipes, timber,
' f'SSSSSSfSS
-«mi l ua«l |<B6a
MB
250
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
Kiain, pig-iroii, coal, patent fuel, etc., arc the most suitable for caual
conveyance. It would bean advantage to railway companies if tliev
were relieved of some of their heavy traffic, such as raw material, which
tlie canals could carry at much lower rates. Traders, as a rule, make
little use ot canals because of the delays and uncertainties which char-
acterize the canal system.
The railways are the great carrying power of the country, but if the
canal system should be imi)roved it might profitably carry a much larger
amount ot traffic than at present. Railways can not be made to deal
satisfactorily with all the mineral and other heavy traffic as well as an
evergrowing passenger trade, and new lines of canal would be better
adapted for the cheap conveyance of heavy goods not in a hurry. The
main causes which render transport by canal cheaper than transport bv
railway r.re the following: "^
(a) In canal transport there is no item of cost corresponding to the
wear and tear of rails, sleepers, and fittings, or to the replacement and
maintenance of permanent way. These items form 13 per cent, of the
working expenditure of the railways of the United Kingdom.
(b) A corresponding saving is made in respect of repairs of vehicles
and locomotives of railways, due to the damage caused by the reaction
of the rigid way.
(c) The maintenance of the works on a cana! is, on the average, much
less costly than the corresponding outlay on a railway, not only from
the absence of vibration but from the much smaller magnitude of the
works themselves. ' The average cost of th'3 railways of England and
Wales is £46,000 a mile ; that of the canals, as far as it has been ascer-
tained, 18 not more than £3,500 per mile. The average cost of eighteen
of the principal English canals was under £10,000 a mile : that of the
Birmingham Canal, of which in 1865 the original £1,000 shares were
each worth more than £30,000 in the market, was £15,000 a mile. The
cost of the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire, and of the Lanca-
shire and Yorkshire Kailways, which offer the best parallel to the
Birmingham Canal, averaged £66,700 per mile. Thus for equal vol-
umes of traffic, the cost of the maintenance of works on a canal will be
less than one-fourth of that on a railway. The cost of this item on the
railways of the United Kingdom is 7 per cent, of the working expen-
diture.
(d) The resistance to traction on a leeti railway at the speed of 30
miles an hour, is exactly ten times the resistance to traction on a canal
at a speed of 2^ miles an hour. The force that will draw a ioad si a
canal at 4 miles an hour is just half that required to draw an eqna. load
on a railway at 35 miles an hour. The economy of tractive force is
thus in inverse proportion to the speed of transport. Traction, on the
railways of the United Kingdom, costs 16 per cent, of the expenditure.
Traction on canals costs half that figure. Out of £200 paid for equal
distance the detailed costs are :
f
Items.
Maiutennnce of way
Maintennnceof woi'kH .
KepniM of rolling stock
Traction
Trattic expenses
General chiir;;e8
Interest on capital
Total
By rail-
way.
I'er cent.
13
7
10
16
30
IS
100
By canal.
Per cent.
2.3
e
8
6
IS
33.
200
70.6
Per cent.
2.3
8
6
IS
33.
70.6
t
CANALS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
strong competitor in the iulZrca^?;i J.'f*' ^.on^omtiom recog £ed «
■But the period of indifl'prpiu.., ;J . ^"'?^"ti water traffic." ^
way monopoly over the wate^ wa^'^The crtry.*'^ ^^"^^« ''^^^■
Evan B. Jones,
United States Consulate,
Uardif, September 17, 1889.
7
Consul,
I
■appananinai
^'isl
PART IT.
THRIGATION.
2^3
f.l
[•■^■^■■•p
I'l
(t
I •(• -ijaes4';'
1
l^■^
SH
Scale, jTooi
000 000-
£0 -fo 60 ao 100 JCilnrrt.
I — I — I — 1— f— I — I — I-— (— I — I
RRIGATION IN EGYPT,
GENERAL MAP OF EGYPT.
Reproduced in Major Miller's translation, published by the U. S. Government.
(From Barois.)
r
Ji
CONTINENT OF AFRICA.
EGYPT.
HEPOHTSr COmULOEtfmAL SOnUYLKn,
practiced in Egypt fcho faoKin Liof"^?^ ^^ ^^^ systema of irriffatiou
Barois, secretary-general of fl7« plf »/• 5^® excelleut work of Mr. J
aud faller booV EgypLu IrrSo^'bv'T^^'.r^ f'«« ^^ ^^« ^
irrigatioQ in Egyot? "^'gation, by W. Willcocks, iuspector of
of^:?^r^:^ J-^- S^^^^ by the Irrigation Reports
secretary of state for the ministrroTpubH; wWJl;^-' ?' ^•- ^- ^^« »°«^er
tiou derived from officials and o'Ur nersmw r h' *""* '*"^^^« "'forma-
engineering and other technical det^rw^^^
the works just mentioned, and have SAm^.fi ^P^^'^^'^^^s ca» And in
«)uut of Egyptian irrigatiorwhl^hlhforTn^^^^ simply to give an ac
without too much trouble. The mp«,nr«« . ^'^ ""^^^^"^ «*» understand
quotations) been transpo^sedTntToL^Z^trn tlTrSiSel;: "^^
THE NILE.
tames, no records exist of tbeinHonf.„, '™"' ""* «»rliest knowu
» fe<^ old temples and tharonae is ejfr, '=''"'''?' J'" kilometers in
.tself or ., t„e ^^^^^^^^ZTS^^^^:-^^
teu.lmg in agenera' directio north nS tjie^ile, properly socalled, ex
tnde 240 north to 30oTorTh!L7ro^^"^^^^^^^^ fromiaJ-
Oairo-«,s scarcely wider in any lE fhfn i ri *^, ''^ t^^milos north of
draws close to the liver br.' o n ! ^^,* ™''®«' and once or twice
Jauies. This is ...iiJi TT.L^'_'!.''ii '^n average breadth of from 71 '!: o.^
-' -i^^'- ^«>Pf, and contains ^hoxxt 2,mm^ acrS
255
256
IRRIGATIOIJ IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
by canals. A ti^.^gf of^^it 'able S.H iS,,?;? "".'"I' '^r»'""«'
fectUi,,„l,e,ai,,y™ti,eI?.vrf„,-,,rJr ?,'''•' '"'"' »' Assouan is 308
ACCOrdincr to rhft n^nana rwf 1UQO j-u- i, , ,
Arf.nrrlinrrT^ f ^ '"^"^^ 'ti'uve me mediterranean.
Egypt
mated to be%zxT:z:'e7fTe:::^ aunof n^' ^^^ f ^«*'-
Upper Egypt and '0.079 u'cU^rd^y IT^f^'^Sl Iht P?^^^^^,?^^
inches as the evaporation for 1 veir in TlLit^ f ' this giving 71.9
the evaporation fir 1 yZ% ij::^^?,^ ^''''' ^"^* '' ^"^'^^^ ^«
mountains of l^yssIS Prom tS nn^n^ .*^?k''^.?T «^ *^« "^^thern
tance of about 1,687 nifes the Nil r! ^ • ^ ^'^ *^® Mediterranean, a dis-
The bed of the Ni e s : trlS T^'T "^ "^^^^^ *"^°^ ^^^''^r sources,
brought dol for so ma„v years Son'^.H ' '''f ^ "^ '""^ ^'^^^^ ^^ ^^^
quite straight, at otherf however T?f'^ ^ '^^^
£Kiireai;;£^
shSv'cufb^t'raS'sh^arofs'd^'J^" T^^^ it runs between
into Various elm nel^ Its level It^.^^^^^ •"";'' ^"^J« ^^^^^ ^"^i^^^d
32 feet 10 inches below the surface of fh«r-/' *'^'".^^ ^"'^ ^ "'«^«« *«
16 feet 5 inches to IQW^ ^ IS i , ^, *^® ^^'^ "®*^ Assouan, and from
After inid water the H^^^^^^ f- Point of 'the Delta"
from a third of a lui i to U mile. S J *^ '^^ bauks, varying in width
by islands sonieti,rssevemlSs^ even separated into branches
where its width is re.lucecUo a Z^^^^ Iti« narrowest opposite Cairo,
during a pr,.n> r.«e :".!:!::, i-_-',,'*^^ "'®^- ^^^ high water, especiallv
^ „-.„. r...(, ., „„„,,. ^^..^.j, the entile valley were the land not
\
-'?K)mu-:^m^!.; r-jr^^irsj
18 an
^ IRRIGATION IN AFBICA— EGYPT. 257
f^^"^^^^^^^ ban.« Of the river,
same irregularities as the main stream *' ^^""^ ""^'^ «*««»» the
conSelZnc^eS^l^:^'^^^^^^ «* ^^e end of June and
ter falls rapidly at firsthand therlwlfuSf^Voii^^'^^n^^^ *^« ^^«
phenomenon is reproduced ever/vrr w?th Ima ?" • "I^"^ J"»«- This
of low water and flood and in tifn h„ } ^^^^ variation n the levels
%ypt there is no ?eSon to fear JhoT^^^^^ minimum la
or freshets, which cause so m'lcu^i'a'^^^^e^^^^^ unforeseen flooJs
The regularity of this annual rise Ts due fnfh?? !1? America,
fed slowly by periodical tropici Ss and fLf ff • "^t^^^ '»
the accidental rains which occurin nJhar «^ ,■ '* ^^n^^^ disturbed by
ml hikes begin to senHhe Sow Xp??1T''. ^?^ ^'^^^ ^^^^^o.
the Bahr el Gebel in April? Se rain, ?h-^^^^ *^ *^^ ^'"'^ through
two other great rivers, Sobat and bZ 'l rLi'n'' northward and flU
"«« produced by the Bahr el Gebel ^^''^^^'' ^^^^'' '^^^P "P the
aglin^^ar^the'^^d ori^LTl^l^l'^^ >-ning of April and
the river until SeptemC^" T^e torCfn" fn^'l""""^ ^"^ «"«t^'°«
June, about 40 days after the rise afpr?!?/ ^"^ ^m"^'^ ^^ Assouan in
the Atbara, which brinrdoVn ?he mu^ST* • ^ ^'"' ^"^ ^"^
only reach their maximum Tn Tug^sf aXh,^« Sl^-"*'^ f f ^^'«"^"i^'
September. The creat swamn^pi^n^ ii. "® ^"^^^ at Assouan in
the valleys and rivines beK ihaftonm ?.? • ^^ '^' ^^*^« ^"« ^"^
and prevent a sadden influx of^watfJ a « ^f *^ ' • ^ Y-^-^^ ^« regulators
^ss great every year in the rise of ?h« Ifh^^'^;' a difference more or
White Nile, there are vartt'ons whic^^^^^^^^ \t ^/rr ""j^^' ^"^ *^«
flood water more or less diffinnif &t a render the utilization of the
ginning of Egypt-the ifmUri^'thit wtShT--*^^* ^' ?« '^^^ the be
occur are as follows • ^^'^"^ *^^«^ ^^^"al changes can
Oc^bt f ' "^"'^""^^ ^^^^ '« "«^rly always between August 15 and
Second. During the 10 years from 1872 in is«i ^i. i ,
est water varied between 276 feet 5 inches ?o2lV?«\^T-^ ^f ^^^ ^«^-
the Mediterranean, eivinff an «vfra.«i • f- ^^ /®®* ^ '^ches above
feet 10 inches. ' ^ ^ ^"^ *'''^'®'"® variation of lowest water of 8
aoJf^e? UiSraVdlol^ret U ^-^^« ^--^ between
9 feet one-half inch. * ^' showing an extreme difference of
lomeTer^on^Kann^^^^^^^^ the rise by the ni-
.^t .own by ^^^^^^::^^^-^ ^£^^S
inlll '^T^^^l^TZZ::^!^^^^^^^^ Egypt
trb^eSLroTrfl^o^od^^^^^^^^^^
to Assouan, it was Possible to & « ^^5-?°^ *^ ^^ f^^"» Khartoum
readiness. At pTesentS fir«f n?^^.*^? '^'''^^ and canals in perfect
treme southern Cntk" ^ ''''^'°'*'' '« ^^ ^^^^ ^^1^^, on the ex-
lisSifthetsrcenfur/of^hl HetrTf ^ ^^'^ ^^^-' -« -^ab-
column nh,n^^ ^p „ u "^"^ ^^..^^ne Hogira, and consists of an nn<.Qrr«»„v
is of masonry aI th^^^U^^ '"'il^^''' f ^ ^«"' ^^e bottom of wliich
258
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
was carefully studied by the French expedition, and on several occa-
810U8 since tbo Nvel has been pumped dry and he various nmrks for
measurement on f he column and on the sides of the well have been
careiuUy noted. I'he i^ero of the scale is at the height of 28 feet GA
inches above the mean altitude of the surface of the water of the Med *
When the water has risen to the sixteenth ell mark (which is reallv
the seventeenth because the first ell is not marked) the too/a is pro
claimed, tbat is, the rise necessary to irrigate the whole country Tv
ar old custom, which has been observed by public measures from father
> son since the ninth century of the Hegint, from this pofnt uTitd the
,1 of the twenty-second pic the old measurement is not used, but onlv
( 'f ot It, t. c, 0.27 metre (10.6,i8 inches); from the beginning of the
^^enty-third pic onward the old pic of 0.5i04 (21.29 inches) fs again
The niloraeter at Assouan was established in 1870, and the invari-
abe measurement of the pic of 0.54 metre is used. Mahmoud Pasha
Falaki carefully measured the antique nilometers on the island of Ele
puant.ne, and in the eastern corridor of the teu.ple at Edfou, and found
the pioor ell marked on them both to be exactly 0.53, and not 525 as
had been previously supposed. With the assistance of Mr. Brugsch he
also carefully measured those parts of the Temple of Edfou thrme-ir
urements of which were given in the old textsVandlound^he Sc or
^^^''^^^r^^ment to be exactly the same, 0.53 metres. ^
Mr. WiUcocks says :
The following observations abont the course of the Nile are interesfina- t aVo
«b.Mc6 of rum, and the chaunel ooiiuwlioB tlUs UkewUhtie^"i,t^M,l.MS}j^i^
the Bonth of it wa. not navigable. The Wliite Nile I™, I .iS 5ii „,^ K%J?
impts'!SK'';r ii " """ ''°""'"' '» •»"'» '""» •"• "» '■' .tean.e,rb:!f atotSfe
ti S'5Mr-- tSa^"^rt'.^^
rr?;e/J:rat.^ur„ra'c7vrrSnt,tii;re^^^^^^^^^
o«:;ssKi;rs;",-;--s^i^£^3»Bx9^
The catchment basin of the Sobat is about 57 915 nnnnro, milAo Tf= , *
WhTt« n1? wk\T^;''* 'l?^? *'■''"' Abyssinia by the Blue Nile. The waters of the
Eb'our™ "'" "^' """ """ """ '"■""'if""? «tor,Uk.e tlios^ofthoBlaoNUeorth;
1 rjKs-^awiJSiScr-EFW iVairarfTaifrii??;^* tt^ ^^ -v^
er.al occiv
marks for
have been
}8 feet G^
the Medi-
oineter is
» is really
'u is pro-
utry. By
om father
until the
, but only
Qg of the
Is agaia
le invari-
ud Pasha
id of Ele-
md found
; 0.525, as
rugsch he
the meas-
ihe pic or
ug. Lake
than Lake
IbraUimia
Murchisoa
lar to that
;he stifling
be that the
a. complete
38 lying to
at3,187i
to which,
absolutely
3lle River,
egetation.
a natural
e., during
surred the
lough the
1.8 a feeble
i from the
lal to that
'ing up of
8 at Cairo
raters are
ch causes
North of
and sup-
•ich dark-
irs of the
I junction
d. Fro;n
perpetual
ile or the
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
winter and sn.nmer but iVrin^ flood i / (V ^^'\l^'}^ i« con.paratively clear dnrin^r
it is of a deep redd'^l.towV/c^olor" tavii y'Zr^^/w^^ ''^T ^° '^' 4'' "'" O^t^ber:
B^r.^:'^!^^^^^^^^^ «*■ *^« ^»e at iSZ'd at the
Locality.
Channel.
Cairo
Do...
Bo...
Barrages .
Bo ...
Main Nile
...do
Season.
Discharge in cubic feet per 24 hours.
Maximum,
Miniiiiuni,
^V'""""- 2,180,840,000
do " w? ? 36,450,240,000
Rosetiibmnch-.::: -ffi^' 19'^^^'Z'i'nT
Da,nietubrauoh....!...X;::::::::l«;«^^%«to;?Sg
883, 000, 000
10, 42;t, 8«0, 000
3, 1 78, 800, 000
9, rae, 4oo, ooo
5, 298, 000, 000
Mean.
1, 200, 880, 000
24,017,600,000
4. 591, 00(1, 000
18,421,600,000
8, 476, 800, 000
been estim-Wpfi hi/ .li^v; * ^® mean annual discharge has
3f8T4,5toW0O c^ul^tr' ^'^'^"^ '''^^^" 3,284,7GO,000:0(fo and
tha t'rtlsllEu^ to'^drfw^anv^'actr^i'^ "^T -^^^"^^ ^ considerably
analysis made in Paris in^ST^^ accurate conclusion from them. The
niadrbv^hf French savants aM'^^^^^^ ^ *^^'
made by Dr. Leth by ZuThf ll^l^TlZ^ ^fr -'^^T.''!'^- ^l^at
he unfortunately experimentPd m.^v.. ^?'f-^^ '» still difierent, but
high Nile, whieh^ S n?tTs ric^as usuT^ TKn'i'"^'!, ^^ ^ ^^^^
Mr. Willcocks says, on whether-- analysis depends, as
I'w^rotarrtLXS^^^^^ a high or
river. Nile mud, however alwi vs rnn+fiJ^ I " ^^^^^ '« °«ar to or far from the
and magnesia, oiides Til-o'n'Tnd cTrtn'di8"£STr"°\°'''«^'^«°«*««^^^^^^^
organic matter, and a considerable amonr,f'»f t^i ^ ^?^ existence of decomposed
plateau of Abyssinia, where Lake lCnTea^toT?^t^^ thevoS?
hke an ancient crater, that Egypt owe^th^mainn«^f'^^•?''■'?^*^^ ^'»« Nile, looks
the great swamp regions of the WhiTe Nile it s h.debfP.ff^^r''^ '^^^'^^'^' '''^'^^ *<>
to the basm of the Sobat River, probabirfor /ts Hnf« n ? '*'' Z^^''''' °"»**er, and ■
uents form a so. difficult to su^pLs by ^'"^^l^^i^^^^S:^^:^
through the layers^f all^imn down to^t^^^^^^^^^^ ^^'T '^'^ ^»'^'
ent rely different from that Xh^Nne nlull ini n^*!"""' V^-^ ^^^^^ '»
IS shown by the whitish f iflorLcen^p .^ui 1. ^^?^^«"y brackish. This
salt, which render cultivSon ?m%1^ibl ? ««"'«^""«« ^^ real deposits of
I^il^^l^^^dsarel^^^
anVfS£''^A"mS^NlloL''wtVtL"t^^^^
is when argillaceous mattS 7s pTomfnS. " ""''*'"^ '^'^ ''''''' °^«^"'' ' aTmaioNuS
260
IBKIGATION IN APBICA— EGYPT.
e^ilsrc^n^^L'Vao^^^^^^^^^^ -o^pamed by salt
needs very careful drainaire ami ?rinl„fi^il;!^^^^^^^ m^excess, and the land
. ^x^.v^n <* xu-iuuii conionr salt is ever
needs very careful drainage and frequent washings
has practically still to be reclaimed. *^««"'"g8-
Ueiow a 5-foot contour the land
Hence the Statement of Sir Colin Scott MonfHftff fbaf «+»,^rk^i^
needs rather to be drained than to be krigated." ^^ ^^*^*
SYSTEMS OP IRRIGATION.
f'rom the earliest times two different systems of imVafinn ho.rr^ Kn««
practiced in Egypt; the basin snbmersioTor innSroXs^em anS
ttt ^^^Tl? ™''?°^ ""^ ^'^'S'^^^«" by ™ea'^« of canals a/ddUches
But up to the early years of this century the latter was the excenHon*
and the basin system was the usual and common method SeS
Ah began to suppress the basins in the Delta and d"g canals so a« to
let on the fields the water of the Nile when low, "n ordl S ra' se sorin?
Sjir^T «^?P«'^°d this example was follUeriy hVsTcceS
chiefly with a view to the cultivation of cotton THa Vbl-iltff r ^i'
partly introduced the ditch systemTnto Upper eI^p' ^otlt STi
prasent time nundation basins cover less ti an a tS' of the cuUivat
ble land in the country. But, as the ITile at low wSer has little In«*
pended fort, hzing matter, competent hydraulic eSueer« claim that
ft Kr"Y *"* t'^^«o"°try demands a return to the Sn system i^
the Delta under restrictions and regulations. system m
THE BASIN OR FLOOD SYSTEM.
^ The basin system of submersion could not be applied to all rivers Tf
IS successful on the Nile, because the alluvium brought downTafwavs
gradually raising its bed, and causes a gradual slope from th«LnLT
the desert hills. Its essential elements here are- ' *"*
I ^IK *"r "^°"^ *^^ ^^^^ of ^^^ Nile high enough to oroffiot thA
and from direct inundation during the flood.^ This d?ke sefvTslo ra* se
the waters m the basin to a level higher than that of the riZ- at thA
thfm. '"""^^ ^^""^^ *^ ^" ^^^ b^«^"«' ^"d ^"other below to empty
By^te7B''^ThJ'^nt/Zf'T.^^^^ ^"^* «f<^«° connect with other
SnaM«;« ihe entrance of the Nile water into the canal and from the
T^A ilTn hitj ^f '? ?f roijulated by gates protected by strong masonry
The plan hitherto followed has been to let the water into thefirst ha Jn'
tZ n'lin '' ^^' ^^i'*^'^ ^ ^"^^^^•^'^^ height, to opei the re^^^^^
the next basin, and so on. From the last basin the water is returned to
the river. In case of a sudden flush it is sometimes necmary iu add?
^on o opening the gates, to make temporary breaches in the Nile dike
which have to be repaired before the next rise of the river '
baVint *^^^f J''^"<^a8,« of this way of working the basins is, that the upper
basins get an undue share of the fertilizing mud suspended in thA
water. There was a striking example of thil S ISsT S Lshi o?
Kosheisha, in the province of Beni-Souef, had usually received its water
after the mud had been well exhausted in basins above it and the cron«
rtZC^t"^ T?^ '^ '^^' ^^« ^"« dike broke whenCrverw^^^
at Its height, and the red tvater (the most fertilizing kind) covered the
<M»
fin led by salt
knd the land
tour the land
' the Delta
have been
ostein, and
d ditches,
exception,
Mehemet
s, 80 as to
ilse spring
uccessors,
ive Ismail
tat at the
d cultivat-
little 8U8-
laim that
system in
ivers. It
is always
> banks to
otect the
JS to raise
er at the
> prevent
from the
to empty
ith other
from the
nasonry.
st basin,
lators of
urned to
in addi-
lie dike,
le upper
1 in the
basin of
ts water
he crops
ver was
ired the
lURIGATlON IN AFRICA. — EGYPT.
261
dispatch No. 30, dated December 4, 1889 ' ""^''^^'^ '" ™^
remaia on the iLi for sixty or Lve^tfda ■ °fp„srtWe" '""*' """""^
proSerly responsible fo^it ''°' ^"^ *^^ Government can be
a ^e"rv S S ''tI^' ^^'f '^'^""^ '« ^^^^ it prevents damage from
"ftm
262
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
CANAL IRRIGATION.
The canal irrigation system, although it exists to some extent In
Upper Egypt, especially through the Ibrahimieh Caual ami the I^^^^^^
Yussef, 18 chierty confined to the Delta. Even the I>elta u. fn th«
ea^ y part of this century had the basin system also, bi^tilthemetAi
see ng the great advantages which would accruefrom the cultivrion of
cotton and other crops during summer, dug what ar^cX summer
lo^.t"t '%^r^ "i"^ '^r' ^'^ ^"'^ ^y ^"^ ^^'«'" «f the Nile even at its
limS m^chinTry" '' ''""^^ ""^' '^ ^^'«^^ '' *^« "«'^>« ^^ I>«"'P« ^^d
The basins existing up to that time had been filled not oulv bv the
two branches of the Nile and some secondary arms, but brbroad cSmIs
These were utilized and made deeper in order to bring the low water"
being m some cases 27 feet 10.9 inches below the surfa^ of thelTl but
Iwrr/l'"? 1^^ '^'" ^f'V' ^«'->' P"^^""?, Uecauseras iH pper'
EgjVpt, the land slopes gradually from the river to the desert: so in the
Del a It slopes both from the banks of rivers and from the banks if the
canals towards the interior of the country or what might be called H.a
rhttscdbeT: "' ' """'" '' independent syVten^s^hich'may lie
(I) A feeding canal, coming from the Nile, divided into several mill
^^^::;j::^!i^:^^ *^^^-^ ofWchief bran:s:^ih'^;L^
to^bi 'ereveSurg l^rwill'^^" ''^ ^'"'^^"^^« «"«^«^^^^^^ ^-P
Jfl^%Z!!'''''''^r^-''^'^^^^ "''*, ^"^ ^*«P' ^'"«h receive only the flood
Snals. beginning to disappear and to be replaced by deep
Flood panals are now made parallel to the main summer ones the
latter not being tilled in flood, to avoid silt. »"'"rat'r ones, tue
(4) A draining canal, which is proi)erly the lower termination of the
feeding canal, ending in the lakes and swamps in the north of the Delta
Generally It recc ves the overflow of the feeding canal, for the drainage
of the, lands has been greatly neglected and must be mproved befo?e
such lands can produce to their full value. These canals have gener
ally slopes of from 0.21 to 0.26 inch per mile. ^
WATEIi LIFTING.
r„.^.V^?°^'^ fv.*''xT-r® 9^ flood that it is possible to irrigate land di-
rectly from the Nile without resorting to water-lifting appliances.
These are tor the most part rude and simple, especially in Upper Egvpt.
When the lift is less than 40 inches and 'where, owing to the fluctu-
ating supply, flush flood is frequent, the usual apparatuses the "nattal "
This IS a closely wo ve.i palm- leaf basket with two ropes at each sid^,
nun nf.f?'^ '"''" Standing on the water's edge or sometimes half seated
o a platform on the lower bank. They swing this in s.ich a way as to
fill It w th water and throw it into the mouth of a small ditch, which
carries It over the fields. By this process two men can raise tVom 140
to 17o cubic feet of water per hour. This has the advantage of beins
easy, inexpensive, and applicable anywhere in proper condiMons.
When It IS necessary to raise the water more than 40 inches this
becomes fatiguing, and the "shadoof" is resorted to. This is per!
haps one ot the oldest methods of raising water, being found not only
iu ixrmiii and mrougnout Asia, but even in America, where it is called
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EaVPT.
263
the old well-sweep of New England. The bucket, or In this case the
oasket, 18 attached to a pole, the lower or farther end of which is
heavily weighted by clay.
The machinery rests on a mud platform built in the bank, for the
i't dries very solidly^"" '' '"^ ^^"'"' ^''^'^ '^ *"''"' ^"'^ ^■^™' "'*« ^'''^l*
The water is taken not only from the Nile itself, but from a small well
or basin dug into the bank into which the Nile water flows. It is often
necessary to have two three, and even feni' stories of » sliadoofs," one
above the other, though not directly so, for the water thrown up bv the
first empties into a little ditch which leads to the second basin. From
i«r^; \S2^^''l? into a third and then into the canal, irrigating the
fields. While the apparatus is very cheap the work is slow. A man
averages only about 10 baskets or 22 gallons a minnte, that is 211 90
cubic feet per hour. The relays of men are changed every 2 hours. It
18 estimated that when the bank is su fticiently low to allow of « shadoofs »
two men will water an acre and a quarter per day. Numerous inter-
esting observations were made as regards "shadoofs" by the French
expedition under Bonaparte, and it was estimated that the work done
by one man with the "shadoof" was on an average 330 kilogram!
metres a minute, while the dynamic action of a man of ordinary force
working with a cord and pulley, by which he raises a bucket full and
lets It down emptied is only 213 kilogram metres.
th« u?l!lf f ''"^if '^.^ °^ ^'f^*^^]^ *'Z V-'^'^'^'"^ ^'^ter the most common is
the "sakieh"or Persian wheel. This consists simply of a vertical
whee, carrying an endless chain of small earthen pots placed at about
a foot from each other, which descends into a rude well on the bank of
the Nile, thus bringmg up the water and pouring it out into a trouffh
^fl'hLr'^ a canal. This vertical wheel isturned by another hS
tal wheel applied to It by a rude system of uneven cogs, itself turned
by a cow or a buffalo harnessed to the end of a long liver. The "sa-
^^^f f^ffv.'- '"^*?°?'' "'"^'^i" '"^"' "^ ^^'^ ™i^'"« of fields, where such ex-
ist, and their existence is known at a long distance by the ffroaninsr
15^3 luC^rs . Lr '"' »-"' ™"""^"» '' '« ---"to -
fi.^ u*'*'''?-"f»u*!v®''''-f'"''"^°*^^^*^® French expedition, each jar of
the "sakieh" holding 1.41 quarts and weighing 2.2046 pounds the
amount of water delivered by the " sakieh " would varyS 925 to
1,200 gallons of water an hour, according to the height of deliverv
sometimes as much as 36 feet; but its delivery is verv uncertain both
on account of the coarseness of the mechanisnf and thl he ght at S
the water 18 delivered. A good horseworking a " sakieh " at a Lei-ht
of 10 metres (32f feet) produced only 718 kilSgrammetres per minute
7^1^teSSTA^ai^l''''''''l'' ''orseharness'edtothe ma^chin™ i° es!
timated at 2,430 kilogram metres per minute. Therefore, although the
wn?pr'n ^' ''"7 ^"e^pensive it is uneconomical as a means of r^Mng
water, and can be used only on account of cheapness of labor. In thf
districts of the Delta between the branches of Damietta and Eosetta the
land IS estimated at 1,236,500 acres, and there are 12,^^'^ ehs «
which would give about 28,«»00 for the whole of the Delta '""''^^^'
In the northern part of the Delta, where the water is "to be raised
more than 10 feet, wheels called " taboots," are used, which are deep
let it out thro^gli'sYde^openings;^"^ '"^ ^^" "^ '^^ ^^^^^ ^^'^^^'^^^
u
'tr
264
IRRIGATION IN APUICA — EGYPT.
In the Fayoum, where some of the canals have considerable slope,
thus making a fall, it has been found possible to use somethiuff in the
nature of an ordinary undershot water-wheel carrying earthen iars
attached to its periphery.
It is curious that althongh either the north or the south wind blows
almost constantly in Egypt windmills are not used as a means of pump-
ing water, it being thought that the velocity is insufficient. On the
contrary, steam pumps have been introduced in various places.
The engines are generally portable and the pumps are centrifugal,
owing to their great convenience and power to resist wear and tear.
Xhey are generally S-horse power engines and their fuel is ordinarily
coal, which has to be imported, though cotton stalks are sometimes
used, while in Upper Egypt, where coal is too dear, wheat straw and
bean straw are used as fuel. A discharge of 16,953 cubic feet per nomi-
nal horse power per 12 hours is the mean in Egypt. This is very
small, but many of the engines are completely buried under water dur-
ing every flood, while the pumps are very badly treated and scarcely
ever repaired, except when almost too late. It Is a wonder that thev
have not long ago yielded to the competition of the cheaper "sakieh »
The number of such portable engines and pumps throughout the coun-
try 18 estimated by Mr. Willcocks at 2,200, without counting abofit 400
fixed pumps tolerably well looked after and in good order.
The regulations for the installation of pumps worked by steam or
waterfalls are very rigid, as also are the rules for cutting dikes for
letting water into one's fields. But these regulations have apparently
been made to be disobeyed, and very few of the steam pumps of the
country have been put up with the proper authorization of the Gov-
ernment. O V.UV
EXISTING IRRIGATION WORKS.
{1) The Nile dt*;e«— The Nile throughout its whole course is kept in
by dikes high enough to stand the greatest floods. These have been
made out ot the alluvium, and therefore have f» ditch or canal running
alongside of them from which the earth was taken. Their distance
from the river is variable, and therefore there sometimes are very large
tracts of cultivable land between them and the river. It is difficult now
to understand the local reasons which may have caused the dikes to be
built m this way, but we must believe that they followed what was the
greater bed oi the Nile many centuries back.
The type of the dike is neariy always the same. The crest is about
Id feet wide at the top, the height about 3J feet above the highest flood,
and the profile 1 foot high and 3 feet wide. Permissions are given to
make cuttings in the dikes for watering certain lands, and although
this might be considered hazardous it is seldom that any real danger
arises from it, as the attention of the population is always called to these
points. The danger of the dikes generally comes from the current
which strikes them at an angle, or from whiripools and backwater.
It was formerly the custom to strengthen tho dikes during theinun-
dation at the threatened points by throwing in heaps of stones; but in
this way much material was wasted without great result. At present
small spurs or jetties of stone are built out above the menaced points
and the portion below is filled in to some extent with branches and logs
and other matter, so as to provoke the deposit of alluvium, and thus a
greater fixedness has been given to the bed.
It is estimated that about 3,532,000 cubic feet of stone are used an-
nually for protecting the bed of the Nile.
^^.^r.
I W I I» i iM>. «. taM i w» . « .^ .i.'ife.^.
ble slope,
iug in the
then jars
ind blows
of pump-
On the
J.
atrifugal,
and tear.
>rdinarily
ometinies
traw and
per nomi-
» is very
ater dur-
scarcely
hat they
' sakieh."
the coun-
bboot 400
steam or
iikes for
patently
)8 of the
the Gov-
i kept in
ave been
running
distance
3ry large
cult now
sea to be
was the
is about
ist flood,
given to
tl though
danger
1 to these
current
iter.
heinun-
; but in
present
i points
irud logs
1 thus a
w
iSed an-
RRIGATION IN EGYf
REFERENCE.
— Cninih, Waiir ninirm's.
BASIN SYSTEM OF UPPE
SOHAO TO SIOUT.
(From Barols. )
/tikis.
<* Ili'nirritirH.
^RIGATION IN EGYPT.
^STEM OF UPPER EGYPT.
SOHAG TO SIOUT.
(From Barols.)
DESERT,
%tiw;'//i;ffejp,i;. .j^i"
'""'\.
otnDtuh:
)^Pra^
v£em Sn
«
j4ho
uHgV}
'%
r«?^i^
m
\U!li
^^■> .■ .^*. i"i 11,,/,
R -4
^ I
F
Scct.7e
T^'nu'jTi
J
=1=
'O Kilotttetres.
^^<
*fr
T
REFERENCE.
~~ < 'mulls, Wdti-r f'liiirKi's.
'^ lii'srrriiirs.
^
■- 111"!
'. \'"ii/i.
■^r-
>>'"
J)
r-
i
"^S?!
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
265
foSf^"*-'** ""^ ^Pl^^ f!9ypt.-0i these ther*- are about twentvoue clif-
coX says'f ' '"''" ^^ ""^^"^ ^^' ^' "^^"y ^' twenty-oue basins Vr?w!ll
of'??74 090*^*"^^*^'/''^ ''^f'"^ "° *^^« l«f^ l^antin Upper Egypt, covering an area
A fair example of these systems is the Sohagieh system on the canal
thi« nf r°T^' ""5*"^ ^^« twenty-one basin!, covLSeUG? acres
three of them being from 38,000 to 48,000 acres each. The canaHs 93
?;'ifi'nT.^*^'\°^r.y^^«^'^'^^*n^ J^ea^l with twentVS open
ings, 10 feet wide each, bu t in 1873. As far as tho RAni ^li.nia k?!-
Is sufflH^n?r'.t^*'5^> ^"^' ^"^ ^^« infiltrlt^oVwltfrTn th Turn S
8 sufficient for the hft irrigation of the sugar-cane fields ; beyon "t^ls
It simply runs through its basins without any bank. Neai the head
the bed width of the canal is 230 feet, the level of the bed 158A fepf
1 'l2 sSo'ootSc'Tt''"'^'^^^ V' "^^^ ^ rnaximum discbSifof
1 059 eoo'ooo onhiof^T ^n"^ ^^^ ^?^ ^° ^'^^'^^^^ ™«'^" discharge of
i,uoj,ouu,uuo cubic feet. This canal never silts. The whole sv*»fAm ,<.
discharged into the Nile by the cut in the longitudinal bankof the
bank n^tL T^"^ u ^^^^^^^ ^nd by two escapes in the longltudinat
ban k of the Zenaar basin south of Assiout. The villages aro ^pnpri m
constructed within the basin, and in order to avoidSlSfs S
on mounds connecting with the bank by a narrow dike.
ihese three provinces of Upper Egypt, Esneh, Keueh and ftircrAi.
m 7?«*^ '^^^S^ion is chiefly the hJul system, have a sur^acfol'
785,778 acres cultivated. The amount of earth moved, up to the recent
changes made by theEnglish engineers, was annually 'l25,386 000 cub^
SooSn Lr^^''^'' all 289,614,000 c'ubic feet, whih cost'anCny
Jo69,000, being an annual movement of over 30,422 cubic fee'. r^lTorl
at an expense of 72 cents per acre. ^ ^^^^'
(3) Ibrahimieh Canal and its branches.— This canal, of which th« main
rst^rXVo'ftt'^^f ^'.':r'^^ "^^««^«"^ and !wfgat"t'hfren?
western Dank ot the Nile and the provinces of Minieh Benisonpf nnH
Fayoum, in all 1,062,530 acres. Of this amount aCt 693 OoTacre^^^^^^
inundation basins on the branch called the Bahr IwS in order
to favor the better siMated lands where sugar-caneTs grown no sum
mer irrigation is allowed there. It was comoleted ,, 1S7? ' JV . ?
ifmnfv r *b«/i!f -ithout any regu™ woTk^ the mud banks Sni
simply incased with masonry for about two-thirds of a mile ^
The original bed width of 115 feet being quite insufficTent for a denfh
a TZiJf ^fV'i^^ 1"°^' ^"^ '^^'^ being no lerula^n^^
fl!« hVnT *^ ?-^^ ^^ ""l^^^' ^^^ «®^«^« 8«o«r has yearly brought down
the banks and increased the bed width to 197 feet. The matfrial thT,«
coT??lbou7il2?oorP the bed which has tote clSi^^Sb?, at a
rnn?n/aSf tfe' S'nri '^ 'l^ ''^ necessary to protect the rii'lway
™^°f J'??,? A^? J'.^'^'^ fro"" ^emg eaten away by the water. Th«
........,„.^ „i J3..^^ ,^„ ^J^^ j^mjg ciearea away averages over 24 7^»0 I9n o„uin
oraucaes-tlie SaheUea Canal, runniug for about 23 miles between the
11
266 IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
Jbabiinieh Canal and the Nile, irrigating the liighlands; the Beirut
canal, about 73^ niiles long, wbich irrigates the western side, and the
Bahr Yuset, which wdl be spoken of presently. This canal discharges
at Deirut as follows : *
Ibraliimioh above Deinit : Cubic feet per
Siiininnr second.
iuTZod 183.604,000
Whiter 3,108,160,000
Ibrahiiniehb^iowDeYruV: 529,800,000
Suuiraer iir r-r nnn
Flood 11"' •^'^^' ^^^
Winter 388,520,000
Bahr Yusef Canal: " 1<8,3'14,000
Summer jr; oifl nnn
Maximum possible in flood .".-.":::;:::;::::::: 1 130 240 ooS
Oj^hnary maximum in flood :::":":'' iSlt^^S
^'"'^'^ 105,960;000
per second hi fl^^T^ discharges as a i aiximum 1,200,880,000 cubic feet
Besides JJeirut there are three other escapes.
Mr. WiUcocks says with regard to the effect of the Ibrahimieh Canal :
In the Miiiieh and Beni-Souef provinces the Ibrahimieh Canal irricrates not nnlv
on JlS uaf ba.?k *w%?*^?' ^"* '^^i'^ '''P '' ^^"^ tak Jn from"tt ball '' The"^'^
longitudinal bank, with its deep pits and stagnant water, is a runniuL' sore thiono-h
the length of the tract, doing inlinite harm, "it will be noticed tl^at the water s£
face m snnimer is nearly as high as in flood at the regulators LlowDerrut- this fs
tnl^^ ''•*^ l'''^"* * ^'^^ ^^^ l*"*! traversed by the canal is Lgrelt part light a,^^^
tS^'k'nd"ls"n!v*eV*.:aTer " '^^'^^ *'^ ^'^•^' '''' *'^'^* ^'^'^^ *« *^« '^'^' aCenSo'frl^^ J
bv^t^he canaT*" Sl'lSfflnri''^*'" *^^™ '^'^^ combining to destroy the conntry irrigated
overrnnnS^ll i!f?^r"^^^^ very greatly on the increase; coarse grasses are
overrnnnuig the ground in many places; beginning at the P^nl-Souef Drovinre
sugarcane is being abandoned for cotton, 'which is not ruined by salt" toTe same
extent as sugar-cane is ; the winter crop does not yield half what it did some 15 vTrs
ago; while some 10,000 acres of the best land in Egvpt have been thrownut of cnl
T.tl7377^T"nVil',fV'%f "??* plain a^Jpartly into a nTrsh" " AI th
since 137^5, I.e., in 15 years. The liberties which are taken with nature in Lower
Egypt, and which bring their punishment slowly, briu- spLt'vretributTon in T Inner
Egypt, whore the summer heat is excessive, a' eyste^uiTf eftens ve SnhiS
washing in winter may do something, but the only real remedy is riowerTngo^f the
TrXZlntH^^il ^""^"^ one-fourth of the iand every fo'urth yeaMn"fo?It?o'u
rJJ\l fhX^^''^^J^^''^ originally a natural water course which took its
rise in the Nile at Deirut, where its old bed is crossed now by the Ibra-
SnHntnSt" T. • ^ '' ^'^m^^d to take the name from the Joseph of the
Scriptures. It is very tortuous in its course, but according to its gen-
SL r-""*'?" \\ ''■ '''^?'*^ ^^'^ '^'^'"^ ^«"^"i as the lorahimieh Canal
below Deirut. During low water it discharges about 600 cubic feet a
«?ZJ ^0 n£» n^?i?- '7^""" ^^^ ^""^T ^'^ ^^"'^ emptied, it discharges
at least 30,022 cubic feet per second. At that time it is used for filling
thl -^n"!, tT ''^"'^- ^'^ T. Its course, the last of which discharges into
the Nile. These series of basins are too long, so that the lower ones
receive water without much fertilizing mud, and it is necessary to ma^e
some improvements The last dike binding the lower basin dS
from all others m Egypt, not being constructed simplv of mud, but .
being faced on both sides very solidly with masonry. ' '
After a course of 197 miles the Bahr Yusef leaves the bed of the
Nile and goes through a depression in the Libyan Hills at Lahoun,
about 3^ mi es wide, through a very ancient bank of irreat height nS
S' o'. J'^'f .r'''T'''''''"^'i ^''^^' masonry in 1885. This bank separates
the Oasis of the Fayoum from the Nile Valley. A course of 13^ mi es
1
^^^^u^ji
'wmmt"^-
els ; the Beirut
n side, and the
iiial discharges
Cubic feet per
second.
... 183,604,000
... 3,108,160,000
... 5^9,800,000
... 116,550,000
- . . 388, 520, 000
... 1*8, 344, 000
45,916,000
... 1,130,240,000
... 053,640,000
... 105,960,000
,000 cubic feet
iimieh Canal :
rrigates not only
)a8iu8. Tho new
ing sore tbiough
It the water sur-
V Beirut ; this is
it part light and
il absence of rain
oiintry irrigated
arse grasses are
Souef province,
lalts to the same
lid some 15 years
rown out of cnl-
niarsh. All this
lature, in Lower
bution in Upper
ve draining and
lowering of the
year in rotation
rhich took its
r by the Ibra-
Joseph of the
ng to its gen-
[lirnieh Canal
cubic feet a
it discharges
sed for filling
soharges into
le lower ones
sary to make
basin differs
of mud, but
J bed of the
at Lahoun,
b height and
nk separates
of 13^ miles
'iTu'''^/lUt If,,
-^ N
IRRIGATION IN EC
REGION OF THE IBRAHl
(From Barols.)
rf JJ E
j^ J B Y A N
'A\\V
REFERENCE,
— (JiDKiU (iinl Wafer foumfB.
— nikcu.
* yA l{<;n<'l'riiirx.
Settle, iddiddO.
10 S
I uu I nil I
10
£0
—4—
30
-\ —
40
IRRIGATION IN EGYPT.
DF THE IBRAHIMIEH CANAL.
(From Barois.)
^^m^
ScaZc, iddiddo.
10
£0 30 40 Kiloytv.
I I 1
1
^
i:
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA—EGYPT. 267
brings tliis canal to the town of Medinpf- p1 Fov«„.» n • .
me, where it is divided into fomfp! ?.?«? ^ " "'^'? «"cielit Arsi-
Whitehouse, wouhl allow i^oXTl ^'''^'^ ^^'* ^^ M^' ^>e
butagreat ncreaseTcuU hue Lfd^ t/ T'^V'K''! ^^*«^ ^^^^-^ge
much below that of tl e Nilo'tM 't is nns^ihilT'-''*^^''f ^^^'^""^ "« ««
means of undershot wattM- whee s oarr^'lf',^^.^^/,"'«"/e the fields by
^n^ and fifty fiour n.il.s ^JS'S'SSlliiTS/^I^-^- ^
the surplus of water as to svv.rr. u^^' J'V '" «o"8f Queuce of
Through theetrorttofthe^SLSreLlhe ■: r'?T'']'^ ^*"^-
been greatly reduced. ^^"^I'sn engineers the level ot the lake has
4. The iHmaiiieh or Siveet Water dnnnl t« t ^^ t^ . ,
or Sweet Water Canal (feserveTsSiT/o ,V^^^
recent times all at once and it is Ew. ^^ h^i^Am^ it wa. .ug in
of the others. It wariVJm^^^^^^^ "^^''^ regular tlj^n fuiy
and Ismailieh, and parti for thJnurfns« T^'«f .^^'^^t water to Suez
On accordance with^an ign^rnen^Tdewm V^^^^^Wo canal
Suez Canal Con)panv) to Lake T m«?h .vi^^^^-/ ^^ ^^»^^V^ and the
It is 100 miles long the bnitch to w "'' 'i^.^'^^^ *^« «"^'^ ^«"al.
lows in general te lines of the iJZ.f ^'^"'f ^^« °^*'^« "^^^e, and fol-
w.th the I^ile. It starN from Cn^r^^ canals connecting the Ked Sea
the bridge, a^tho, <'h il S^dp??« n.^'^'^V ^^'"f' ^''^ ^^^"^ the Nile at
lock at «houbraZ^i^%e'Tutrbs of Cai^o""'' ''^"' ^^^'" ^^ ^ ^^^^
uJi"7rt^^:a;!;:irsSe7i^i?sx i;^^^ - -^^^o.
ToL.nilat its inflltrat ons h^vi nr-w ,ii\1 f ? ^'^?"^^ *« ^he Wady
land in that vallA. Since tbfE S^^ the cultivable
have taken place ^4ich W re ulei'^ ' be Is3l'iT'r'''f " '""r'^'^
irrigation, and by locks at Z,,r'r,-^ 11 ^^^mailieh Canal usefu for
ca,.al system of he earte^n !tTtf ^ niT"" ""T^^^' ^^^^ ^^^ regular
of the Ismailieh Can!u dmU f^ood fnd ft'.'^'*'"- ^"'^ '^""^°^ ^^'^^^^^
newly constructed Menu ivar Cnnn'i h ^^fi'^'".^ '* "*'^^'' ^•^^^eis by the
aucedfroml2,3o5oooto^^^^^^^ clearances have been re-
of about $40,000.' Dui^ng S^^^^^^^ ^^'"^'-^ saving
Ismailieh Canal, with its Lav^clrS 's reversed and the
and probably doubles the irri Atinl nn^.rf'n'^T' ^'^'^' '"''^"^ others,
In this way silt clearances havfhpSn^«T 7^^ ^^'''^ ^^'^ ""^ the country
nals. The Suez br nTlv^ ^V'f 'T''^ "^ the smaller ca-
about 17,000,000 S c feet of waterTrl ""''^ ^ !'"' ^" ""''^^^ ^o utilize
Belta east of the JDan etta b inch of w"*^ -^^ ^^^ '""^'^'^«" ^^ tl^«
from the Nile between Ciiro am tL 1 ^ ^'^^\ ^""^^ ^*' ^^'^se start
points on the Damietta taifc ^^^'f'^^^^^ the others at various
been assisted by temped; uy stone' d'ui ,^ ^ /?'' }^'^^ ^^^tter have
in April or May and lartlv ^nJf^:!^1^J^% ^''^'^ "?0"ths, built
other reasons there is nt'J::''^-^ 1:,^^^^^^^^
268
IRKIGATION IN AFRICA— EGYPT
munication through it frZ Tairn i. n„ ^?. ""'" ,^® ^'^^ct water com-
torn width is about 85 feet at ?h« h.^^ ?^^^^ ^.?^ ^""'^ ^^'^' Thebot.
20 feet. The calcuIaterdiscbarL 'f .Ct S(lo ^ ^' '''' *«
day in low Kilo aud about 60oS 000 PnfSn ^^^'",^0' '«» «ublc feet per
the caual has only just beeu Sed nn^^ ?""°^ ^'^^' ^"«- -^«
its actual working. ^^"^'^ ""* ^^P<^^<= ^'as yet been made on
is M24:3t'r;r'nrac^^^^^^^^^^^ ^-^ ?f «»« P-^ -^ ^he Delta
tiou of about 4.35lmjC J^er Lin H^''®'"T^^^^ *« a»ow irnga-
discharge of 4,4^5 cubic feefa second W ^ '^'"J^* ^'^^ ^ ««°«""^1
counts in the year 1880, there were o°iv fJS'i'T- "^Z"^.*^ ^^^^^^ a«-
ing low water. In ISsi, onlv 2 8fil InFJtl ^'^^jc/eet furnished dur-
the Arabi iii8urrectio„ron?y'2f33f cubic^ ^ Xi^' ^'^ '^ ^^^^ ^^
an irrigation system goes to the Mrl nnifoo ?f 5' "^'"^ ^'^^^^ ^^^ easily
. I may say here in prnfhesfs that itthe vear ^^^^^^ '^P* "P*
visit the province of Kuldia nrnnAri J ni • ^^^^^^P I^ad occasion to
porarily occupied by EussatnSSu^«,?«n?f^^^^ ^"^ then tern-
new retroceded to China It w«\Tfr f ^I'^^^f "'»' troubles, although
had been oncefertile owi.g toirrfp-.H. 7"' ^^ ""^.'V^ ^^^ ^^^^ which
steppe through the faZe?f watef In ifil.^"''"^^''r " «^^"' ^ ^are
water course one could eaX trice the tr«nrr"^J^^^"'^^^ ^^^^^^^^
to desert. One may now spa tZllt *^^?«'t?"n f'om cultivated land
about Ismailieh T/sueJ where unfir/hrT° '^f- TJi'^^'^^^ vegetation
the desert had for cSies been witerL^^^^^ ^"« ?"'«''«d
cultivated land of the Delta m«vn«.Ii,\,t ^'^'^^ ^^Pe that the
under the Plmraohs andtru^SVS:^^^^^^ '^"^^ "^^^^ '' ^^^
Of 'e"ar\\TartneT:4^^^^^^^^^^^ ?11'«20,000 cubic feet
peracre. This has been dimSp^TJ ""V'^' ^^^"<^ ^^^'^^ «"bic feet
the annual cost S keej^^ng ud ?Sfclna^ ^* *^^ «^™« «°^«
thf LfriSsTftSTl^^^^^^^^^ I---- Of the Delta-
branches, that of MfnSufie??vW tTuTJtl^^T^^^ ^"^ ^«««"a
340,000 acres, every one of w£ i^cnfftr.J''^^^?'-.^^^ ^° '^^^^^ of
nearly 1.9 to the acre irent rdv en^alpd 5 7n!f ^' ^u^ '*' Population of
are small and the cultivSn ever/on^ ?^ JS^^^^^^^
way from Alexandria to Cairo msL«n S" » t? ^® superb. The rail-
ince and all the traveled are struor^^^ the center of this prov-
is utilized. ^t™^'' ^'*'^ *^^ way lu which the ground
<^^t^^^Zuyo!,&^^^^^^^ acres under
water. The main irrigating call t ?h! mJ*'''^ \^' """^ ^^^'^^O under
the point of the Delta between ?hpVwn f enoufieh, which starts from
miles it is divided into thlBah? S?fh,- ^ l^arrages. After running 23
west of Damie ta Lnd the Bahr lai ,r hT^h °^ ?°*^ ^^^ Mediterrafean
Two large canals'are fed with wafeKvhpT?^'?^;,"^^ t^'^^ ^^"'o«-
Barilos, and eleven by th^BahT ShibhT l^f of it-'i?^"'^ ^^ ^^^ ^^'^r
.egnUitors and many^ot tLmwitl'esSp'ei '^ ""'' ^'^ ^"PP"«^ ^^^^
The chiei work done by the English' engineers in these provinces
*..
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
269
since 1884 has been the reduction of silt clearances, chiefly by means
of subsidiary canals running in flood only and creating a current, one
regulator being closed while another is used. The saving has been
very great. The Sahii and Nagar canals, for instance, formerly cost
the one *76,(»()() annually for corvee labor, giving a summer discharge of
2« ^3^°*'*^"^ ^"^^^ feet for the twenty-four hours, while the latter cost
f 90,000 and discharged only 3,532,000 cubic feet. " Pumping engines »
Mr. Willcocks says, " placed at 13 feet IJ inches higher level would
have delivered 88,300,000 cubic feet for the twenty-four hours for the
same sum of money."
On these two systems of canals the corv6e cleared in 1883 46,244 920
cubic feet, costing $257,000, while in 1887 the necessary clearance was
reduced to only V71,9«0 cubic feet, costing $10,600.' Among other
advantages of the reduction of silt clearance are that the rich Nile mud
IS carried out to the fiolds at a proper time, instead of being deposited
in the canal ; that all the canal beds are sufficiently low to take in water
for irrigation during winter before the annual clearance, which takes
place between February and April ; and that these canals are open to
navigation during winter at the time when the regulators mav all be
open. ''
(7) The Behera systems.—The province of Behera, which lies to the
west of the Rosetta branch and is very difficult to irrigate, contains
900,000 acres of land, of which less than half, 390,000, are cultivated :
260,000 more might be reclaimed and the remainder is under water.
This province is irrigated by three main canals, all connected, the
Behera, which starts above the Rosetta Barrage; the Khatatbeh, which
starts 28 miles lower down and joins the Behera; and the Mahmoudieh
Canal, which starts from the Rosetta branch near Atfeh, flows into the
harbor of Alexandria, and supplies that city with drinking water. Be-
tween the barrage and Khatatbeh the desert comes so near the Nile
that the Behera Canal has to pass through over 14 miles of pure sand.
Here it is very difficult to keep up the canal, not owing to any consid-
erable amount of sand blown from the desert, but owing to the changes
of the bottom consequent on the change of the water level. The Egyp-
tian engineers met this difficulty by keeping Behera as a summer canal,
shutting us head by an earthen dam in flood, while they used the
Khatatbeh as a flood canal; but, although the water-level was constant
the level above the barrage was so low that the discharge was consid-
ered insufHcient, and the insufficiency led to the erection of a pumping
station at Khatatbeh to lift water in summer.
Mr. Willcocks says:
The Mahmoudieh Canal was dug by Mehemet Ali in 1819-'20, with the ohieot of
opening a direct water way between Cairo and Alexandria, Hupnlying the latter town
with waterand providing for auinraer irrigation. This canal was fed in a novel way.
An area of 60,000 acres to the south of Atfeh was surrounded by a dike lillod with
water in flood, and turned into a reservoir for supplying summer water to the Mah-
moudieh. In 1849 It was considered cheaper to lift the water from the Nile and cul-
tivate the basin ; consequently pumps were erected at Atfeh. * * * At Khatatbeh
A^^ ^xu®"^ '^ ^'^'.^^^ ^^ ^^® ^"Se centrifugal pumps with vertical shafts, while at
Atteh there are six scoop-wheels.
The discharge at Khatatbeh is 83,300,000 cubic feet per twenty-four hours and at
Atfeh about 70,640,000, the lift in the former case being about 8 feet 8i inches as a
maximum and 6Keet as a mean ; the lift at Atfeh isfij feet as a maximum and 4 feet
as a mean. The pumps at Khatatbeh are well constructed and excellently managed
and yet they are showing signs of deterioration, owino- to fanltv de«!"nin"- A]! ti)»
rubbiug s'lrfaces or these enormously heavy nuichines' are vertical, which" makes "it
exceedingly difficult to keep them oiled, and this means wear and tear.
It renewals are ever necessary they will be very costly indeed. Their one chance
ot lile lies m the splendid management and unceasing supervision. Machines like
270
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
I
t:^
]
}
J
i
c
tbern will never again bo orected in Kgypt. A niinibor of easily, nianaKeable 48-inoh
aud r>t-iiicb (Jwyiiiio pmii[m, with a HopiiriitH chiiimel for oiicli Rroui) of tlir«e or four,
would have beuii hotter. If the origiiml wnuvs at Klnittttlmli had had diameters of
7 foot instead of 10 feet, and lieou conitrnctud on the Haine principios m tlie screws at
Sherhin, they would have been working today.*
The Irrigation company have a contract with the (Jovernmont which lasts till t'J2l,
to lift aunuiilly iu snnnuer up to 88,:«)0,00() cubic feet per tweuty-fonr hours at Khat-
Atbeh, and 88,30(),()0() cubic feet per twenty-four hours at Atfeli, for an annual indem-
nity of $l-i8,07H, and #2(»l.:»7 [>or :Vi,\]20,0{)0 cubic feet per twenty-four hours at Khat-
atl)eh, rtntl paG.y.'i per :».'j,:ttO,()()J cubic feet pisr twenty-four hours at Atfeh. In 18«6
the company received $J49,;W<J, and pumped 150,110,000 cubic feet per twenty. four
u(«urs throughout the summer.
As there has been a chronic deflcieiicy of water in thf» Behera prov-
lace during suiumor arul winter, the Government in 18h and 1886 was
tempted to use the Behera Oanal in tiood. But as the groynes with
which it had been provided wore insutTlciei the canal silted up com-
pletely aud had to be dug out again. In spite of large sums paid for
pumping— from $200,(100 to $250,000— annually, dredging these three
canals is always necessary on account of navigation, water supply in
winter, and tne fear of allowing silt to accumulate. The expense of
this system and the fear of being obliged to multiply Khatatbeh pumps
throughout Lower Egypt led Sir Colin 8cotfrMoncrieff to take to work-
ing the barrages, and so far this has been a great saving. A very
complete project for remodeling the three canals just mentioned has
■ been made and has already begun work. The Govehimeut in connec-
tion with a private company has also dug a nt w canal called the Nu-
barieh in order to reclaim some of the desert land west of the Nile ; and
another company is endeavoring to reclaim the Aboukir Lake which
has evaporated only since 1882.
(8) The barrages of the Nile.— ThesG constitutethe most imposing irri-
gation work iu Egypt and may prove to be one of the most important.
At the beginning of the century Napoleon, who saw everything and
who from his life on the Rhone must have understood something about
irrigation, spoke of the necessity of damming the Nile at the apex of
the Delta, so as to send the whole supply first down one branch and
then down the other, and thus double the irrigating power.
In 1833 Mehemet Ali, findingit exceedingly difficult to clear the summer
canals to a sufficient depth to receive the low-water supply, began clos-
ing the Eosetta branch with a huge stone dam, so as to send all the
water down the Damietta branch, from which the chief canals were to
be fed. Monsieur Lioant, afterwards Linant Pasha, persuaded Mehemet
Ali to stop this, and proposed the building of two dams, one on each
branch, about 8 miles below the bifurcation. He intended to build them
on the dry land, then turn the Nile through them, and stop up the old
beds with earthen dams. This plan was approved, and Mehemet Ali
even ordered the Pyramids to be taken down and the stones to be trans-
ported to the spot. But when the methods of demolition and transport
came to be considered, Linant Pasha dissuaded Mehemet Ali from this
idea by explaining to him that, as the Pyramids were built from tha
bottom to the top it would be necessary to begin to demolish them from
the top, and that this proceeding will be more costly than quarrying
fresh stone. The work had been well begun, the foundations were being
excavated, material had been collected and workshops built, when the
viceroy suddenly changed his mind, stopped the work, dug the summer
canals deeper by the aid of the corvee, and nothing more was heard of
4-Ur. 1
17
* Very large machines seem not to answer in localities where repairs are difficult
and costly, and generally postponed till it is too late.
lAKoable 48-inoh
of tlir«e or four,
iiad dimiietors of
»n the acrews at
;li liiHtstiin'J2l,
L- lioiirn at Khat-
ti nununl Jiideiii-
y hours nt Khat-
Atfch. In 18«6
[)er twenty, four
Behera prov-
aud 1886 was
groynes with
ilkul up com-
iums paid for
g these three
tor supply in
le expense of
atbeh pumps
take to work-
ing. A very
lentioned has
nt in connec-
alled the Nu-
bhe Nile ; and
: Lake which
imposing irri-
st important,
erything and
lething about
; the apex of
3 branch and
r.
sr the summer
Y, began clos-
send all the
anals were to
ded Mehemet
one on each
to build them
»p up the old
Mehemet Ali
!S to be trans-
md transport
Ali from this
uilt from tha
sh them from
m quarrying
js were being
ilt, when the
» the summer
was heard of
lira are difficult
ti
BLOCJv PLAN
THE BARRAGES.
^°^J«= 50.000-.
i
REFERENCES.
^> li, (\, n, E, F, Protective Spurs.
J, K, P, Training Spurs.
^. H, I. I; M, .y, 0, Traininrj Permease*
Tniiniiig Works bc(/un in 188t. By 188
Sand Ikink formed opposite Spurs F, E, I
and tlw Sand Shoal X eaten away. V;
Chamtcl Y increased in size sixfold.
MAXIMUM FLOOD DISCHARGE
Main Nile, - - . 1,032,000,000 c'metr,
Kosetta Branch, nft:^,000.Q00 "
Damietta Branch, 405,000,000 "
Btcb width/
.."O.Vihcjt
B*d/w%dttv
'JoMcirti
BLOCJC PLAJS'
or
THE BARRAGES.
Scale :
1
50,000.
REFERENCES.
A, I), C, D, E, F, Protective Spurs.
J, A'j P, Troining Spurs.
0, ir, I, I., M, N, 0, Training Permeable Spurs
Tmbiuuj Wurksheym in 1884. By 1887
Sand Bank funned opposite Spurs F, E, D,
and the Sand Shoal X eaten away, i,.,,-
Channel Y increased in .size sixfold.
MAXIMUM FLOOD DISCHARGES.
Main Nile, 1,032,000,000 c'tnetres per day.
Tiosetla Brunch, 562,000,000 " •' "
Damietta Branch, 40S, 000,000 " " "
Roratain
>
33
>
o
m
I
m
'^"- "■ ~. '^^a^fl- ' *^- ■ [jj
' '"" " ■" umimmmmmmam'mm
m
I' ■■^.
■MMMawMxtiBiii
.'^iaia'^:y!'8SSfife#^*rt^8*^8^ iT :.y.^M
:t
o
<
g:
<
CO
I
o
CO
<
LU
O
cc
a:
<
z
<
LEFTLO
ChJ-;--( ^j:.- ■
BIGHT liOCK
DEi'P CHAHNEL
or
RIVER,
■«*#-*!s»8
'^^M!^SSS^mSS::u. .,
i
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
271
.
In 1842 Mougel Bey came to Egypt and recommended the establish-
ment of the dams on the present system together with a series of fortitt-
catious that conld defend Cairo. The idea of fortiflcations pleased
Mehemet Ali, who took the idea of making the site of the Barrages the
military cai)ital of Egypt. The works were immediately begun, but
Meheuict Ali died in 184S, and In 185;}, after 10 years, the" works of the
Barrages were not sutticiently advanced to please Abbas Pasha, so that
Mougel Bey was dismissed and a new man ordercu to finish the work
on his plans. The works were finished in 1801, tl)« cost, exclusive of
the oorvi^e, being $9,400,000. Counting the eorv4e, the canal heads, the
fortifications, and everything, the barrages are estimated to have cost
over $20,000,000. The barrage of the Kosetta branch was closed for
the first time in 18G3, and had to be reopened immediately, owing to
the settling of part of the work. Some repairs were made and the
iiosetta barrage was used to some extent up to 18G7, when the bulging
of part of the bridgeway caused fears for the safety of the work, and it
was entirely abandoned until 1884, when it was taken charge of by
English engineers.
The object of this work is to form a reservoir for low water and to
give a sufficient head of water to increase the flow through the irriga-
tion canals in tiie Delta. It consists practicaby of an open dam over
each arm of the river, that over the Eosetta branch being about 1,527
feet long, and that over the Damietta 1,740 feet long, built upon stone
and concrete platforms flush with the river bed and therefore about 29
feet above mean sea level, connected by a revetment wall about 3,283
feet in length. Just above the Damietta barrage there has been
opened the new Tewflkieh Canal already spoken of, which will feed
nearly all the canals on the east of the Damietta branch ; midway
between the two barrages is the Menoufieh Canal, which will now feed
all the canals of the central provinces between the two branches; and
to the left or westward of the Kosetta barrage is the opening of the
Behera Canal, which is now being remodeled in the hope that it will
prove of greater service than hitherto.
In the barrage on the Rosetta branch there are sixty-one arched
openings, which daring the low Nile are closed by curved iron gates
let down by means of crabs traveling upon rails upon the bridge. The
barrage on the Damietta branch has ten openings more, or seventy-one
in all, which are closed in the same way. The barrages having been
pronounced valueless except to regulate the flow of water in the two
branches ot the Nile, it had been resolved to adopt an extensive system,
of pumping to supply the water to the cotton crops of the Delta. ' This
pumping was to have cost $1,440,000 a year.
Not satisfied with this conclusion. Sir Colin Scott Moncrieff resolved
to see what he could do with the barrages. Everything was in a bad
state, especij lly the timber and machinery. The barrage on the Dam-
ietta branch had never been closed, and the openings had no gates.
Attempts were made to remedy these defects, and the arches, first of
one and then of the other of the barrages were closed, so that ulti-
mately, in June, 1884, 7 feet 2 inches of water were held up on the Ro-
setta barrage, and 3 feet 1 inch on the Damietta barrage. Even this
small amount conveyed a much larger quantity of water through the
Central Menoufieh Canal and delivered it at a higher level, so that
many pumps stood idle that year. All tins was done at a cost of about
$128,055. In 1885 the barrage bore a head of 9 feet 10 inches, and tlie
canals starting above it had 4 inches greater depth of water than in
1884,
:w<lffri«»,».iMMIf,.
272
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA— EGYPT.
n.^Wr^^^ ca.e the
vrhile keepiug the barrage of the Eosetta Iw^Im^ ?"'''''/A""^^* ^^'^^^
instead of completii.g the Da.niettrbarJage to /n J?^ be cheaper,
few miles north of Beuha THa «iL 1 ^ ' ^^.'V^i^e a second we r a
tailed estimates vvere S^red but ? ;^«^•n.f '/? 'I'l^^^*^^'^^! «n<l *!«
cost at least $1,420,00?, ^rthat it wis "fveL up ^ ' A stt, ^''^J^^^ ^'^"^^
for a new weir across the Rosetta branch o Fhn.f'vT^''^ suggestion
old barrage found favor bnt thT 11^ i' ^^^^^^ distance below the
Therepair^s of tSe barrage "ver^^^^^^^^^^^ ll,620^00o!
" coupled," as Colonel wf stern the Kn^lilh ! ^«^''"''^ted at $1,000 000,
doubts as to the possibility orexecut^on^"^ °^'"'''' remarked, '^ith
^^'nllZll^ot^^^^^^^ Will probably
neersin the result of their work has bee.f int- *^°^'V^H''^ ^*" ^^^ «"g^-
omitted the technicaldetai^ aL willremfrk onlfthot^'^^' ?l\^P°^^^-^
culties encountered has been thp n nl!ln V ^'^'^^ ^"® of the diffi-
floor of the barrage and tSgh tK?mn '.^.''^P"^ ''^^h In the
These have been generallv cufed bv fh.^ ^^".^^^"cted in front of it.
sprinp have eithef been "LSedL'h'ave^^^^^^^^^^^^^ '^^"^ *^«
harmless. The springs of the Nile wnf^r II fi ^"^ ^^"^^^ ^"^ »» *<> be
been a curious appearance during Z l^^.^'f T'"*' ^"'^ ^^'^^^ bas
springs of 8ulphu?water of anmienflv tSL"^ ,"'^ P^^««°<= ^^ar of
the sulphur bS:th8 ot HelouarXu" I'i'miirno^h"^^^^^^ ^'"^^^^ ^^
thing else attempL by^t'EnS%'4'ii^^^^^^^
the whole their most successful achieA^ueT ^ ^ bas been on
bunJ ^'^^^C^t^Z^'StS^lJ'^ r-^es had been
they were therefore unwilling that EiS^^ condemned by them;
even attempt to make it sucSnl^iiJ^f^-^^E"'^^ *^^« ^<= "P '-^"f
tunately found Mougef Bey sSl al vi' and waf n^bi?^ ^^"'"^^^ f^^'
go to the barrages, and to exDliin hf« .TS ^'®i^ Persuade him to
construction, and the defects so for nl hl^'°^^ \t^'' ^'^ "^^^bod of
therefore accused Sir CmnicZ Zrlr^^S' ^^"^ ^^^^'^'^ The French
brains to his own advantage But owinifL • ^'"'^'"^ ^^"^^^^^ ^ey's
been a rivalry betweer£gel Ly an^i^Lnan^p'^?"'"' *^^^« ^^^
latter had got the advantage and Mn^,LT^^;*''*''* '"^ ^^^ch the
friendless. ^In all the tS^rthX sm're^^^^^^ ^.''"««t
had done nothing for him. SirCoin wIm*^ the French engineers
information he received^y procurii^ ?nr Mn!''"?"^ ^''^'^ ^^" ^^^ tbe
pension. ^ procuring for Mougel Bey a well-deserved
WORK OF ENGLISH ENGINEERS.
On this subject Mr. Willcocks says:
y^^StX^r^^:^^^: ?-e attempted to carry out during their five
wit^Ji;;erS;^TZ^rr^^ - to msure a constant high-
ami contract" work for "the cSS?' '" " '"^'^«S«''»We amount, to substitute dredging
t
•^,'rm'rT
■pilBBpiMH
!iP''*98IBffil^l§^IJiJ!!l^^^.^ 'V'*i»^^'-rfi««tw^
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
273
rJ 'Th^rl'l'"'!-"*^ ofilood Hupplios an early as possible into the floo.l oanals
In all tins they have been emiuently successful, though it is true that
tht;' wo'L!""' '"'"''' ^'"'^ "' '^^^' ''^ ^-^"^^ ^^'-^^ '^ ^-^ ^^rd to make
DRAINAGE AND RECLAMATION.
Drainap is in the upper part of the delta natural, and owinff to the
slope of the ground is disposed of by subsoil flovr, but in the b/er Jrt
where the canals are at a high level during most'of the year and the
valleys not much above sea level, the .ubsoil springs Lm [ho Unne?
^.1 In? T ,^" ^^'' '"'^'^'' ^"^^ ^^""'^^^l artlttcial dra^iage uts These
cuts would be necessary even if there were only drv crops -with iS
tracts under rice and basin irrigation, the necessity fir (Linage S
IS imperative. Canals running^north and south do Se Cm to the
drainage, as they follow the natural slope of the co iitrv but ?hose
running eiist and west, especially those following thSe7of ra Iwavs
tul ThX7'^JlluTv7' ^^i^'T^' allowing it to stagilte and K
ing tiie land tor some distance on both sides.
Ihe natural di;ainage lines are well marked in Egypt and are gener-
ally provided with some kind of cut in the deepest part which are
cleared annually and are becoming fair drainage SJl^irdeLw
a neglected drainage line it is better to complete he lower reache!
before the upper part is touched, even at an expense of Ce! dred'iug
well mto the lakes; and in making clearances it is better to throw iH
the earth on one bank for a certain length and then on the other bin k
"m^' ^iSsX^^^f "'"" ''''' ''''''^'''' '''''''' '' a7a^^a^'"^''
waterings of about Sicholtn '"nth U.o? " l'''^'l,«»'iy receive as many as twenty
per a„nn.n wbich'is tuowc;;? to l^i 'or'th; soi? Sfabo't mo St'? '"'^''f
the soil, and then be evaporated Sinrc Hie NilVi vtnfa^ i ■ ^, ■ *" ^° ^'^^''^^ i"*"
in excess, these salts accm 1 te a «.« SI ^ an^^^
crops soon appear as a white e lloreHo.. p., w h?!,, ?i °' *"^,*''" ^9"^'^ ^^ suitable
attraction can not brinr«P the sflt" s "ri, J wLe«r f T'"° ^""^^ '^^"^ capillary
spring level is high the^sa water comes to th« J.rf^i^- T^'"''"'' '*"* ^^^'^ *^«
tends to further destroy tho soil ^ "^^''®' '^ ^^^''*' evaporated, and
thoro^hiy wiSitfr L^r^itrL!;;" ^zz:^^z "rv", "-"-f ^°'^' --^-^ -- *^"«
and capable of dissolving the saltsT^otrrsryVbeir tt ZTel 1^ S^.^Lt^
It 18 possible to reclaim lands which are grown bad either bv the onl
In'XZninZTV''' '' ^^ ^f ^" ^^^'^''^«^» 5 but summer rie needs
irrigation in May, Juno, and July, and there is not enou-h water in
^!"'5"^J,*.VM'>'''"p^^*' ^''' '^"'^^ '^ ^^•^ "^^^thern part of' tirnJli'^
V\^ kiioyv tuai, lu rtolermiic and Roman times the whole of the "lauds
were cultivated ; but what was then the "choice land " is Lw w fder
ness, a mere barren plain with vestiges of canals aiVrkes and
±1. hx. 45 18 '
274
IBUIOATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
mouuda strewn with bricks Jind pottery. The lakes must have beea
kept at a higher level and must have hud more frequent connectionB
with the sea than they have now.
As baain irrigation «iec,reased the discharge passing through the lakes
decreased and the openings gradually disiippeared. Only one is now
left to eacli lake. Therefore during the inundation the levels of tiio
lakes rise and the brackish water blights all the land it covers. An
example of this is the Borillos Lakeand the Bahr 8aTdi, which duringthe
flood discharges about 700,332,000 cubic feet per day into tlie lake.
Had this natural branch of the Kosetta Nile always existed it wouhl
have kept the sea opening to the lake from silting up, but it has been
gradually increasing and cutting a deep channel during the whole of
this century until stopped in 1880, when the lake in flood rose only 20
instead of 40 inches. Even this could be stopped hy clearing the silted
opeying of the lake before flood.
There is among scientittc agriculturists, as well as among the Eng-
lish engineers, in view of the gradual deterioration of the land, a strong
opinion in favor of at least a partial return to the old system of basin
irrigation in the Delta. This was practiced 40 years ago and may be
thus briefly described : The lauds were divided into basins of about
1,000 acres each, provided with canals for tilling, basins for retaining
water, and drains for discharging it. If the drainage cut was near the
canal the basins were easily drained into it. If the drainage cutting
was too ftir olf, one system of basins, those next to the canal, would
drain back into it while a second system was fed by a series of small
cross canals and drained into the drainage cut. Mr. Willcocks says :
The introduction of cotton cultivation into the Blrrftja on wholesale principles
caused the basin system to be abandoned, while the cottou crop and the basins in
rotation might have continued together, both to the advantage of the cotton and to
the preservation of the land. This, however, was not done. All the fields wore
planted with cotton, and produced fairly well ; gradually the lower fields fell out of
cultivation owing to salt efflorescence and lack of drainage. As the higher field.;
were now called on to produce a double share of an exhaustive crop, while they re-
ceived no manure or Nile deposit, they had to be planted with cotton and rice alter-
nately, to prevent their complete deterioration. The drainage water of the rice
fields was run onto the lower lauds and completed their ruin. New canals dug with-
out levels or alignment, and the conversion of all the drainage cut-^ into irrigation
canals, was all that was needed to destroy the higher lands. This soon followed.
In many places now the tops of the old banks and the bods of the old canals are the
only places which yield a crop at all. The only remedy for all this is a return to the
basin system. The State Domains administration clearly sees this and is trying to
reintroduce basin irrigation on a large scale. It seems ridiculous that during the
summer months, when the water has no fertiiizingproperty, and tliero is very little of
it, it should be utilized in irrigating a few fields here and there, scattered over all the
basins, and that owing to the presence of these crops the whole series of basins should
be deprived of the rich muddy fertilizing water of the flood. If the summer crops
were conflued to a few basins in rotation the rest might be flooded with the muddy
water and rendered .as fertile as they were when the ruined mounds which fill the
horizon were populated towns and villages.
WATER STORAGE.
In order to guard against the consequences of an insufficient Nile
flood, as well as for summer irrigation and even for reclaiming land,
various plans have been proposed for water storage, the most import-
ant of which are the following :
(1) The Wady Rayan project.-— The Wady Bayan is a depression in
the Libyan desert shaped like a clover leaf, discovered by Mr. Cope
Whitehouse in 1880, at the southwest of the Fayoum and separated
from the cultivable land by a range of low hills about 3f miles wide and
fck "^ .^-
^— ?»■*■ h:''^J¥*^~*^^
3t bavo boon
connections
igh the hikes
y one is now
levels of tlio
covers. An
ih (luriii}i:tbe
to the lake.
;ed it wonhl
it has been
he whole of
rose only 20
iig the silted
ng the Eng-
nd, a strong
)in of basin
and may be
ns of about
)r retaining
ras near the
age cutting
saual, would
ies of small
cocks says :
lale principles
the basin H ia
cotton and to
le Holds wore
jkls foil ont of
I higher field;;
fvhiTe they re-
xnd rice alter-
ir of the rice
lals dug witli-
uto irrigation
ri followed,
canals are tho
I return to tho
d is trying to
at during the
8 very little of
3d over all the
basins should
Bumnier crops
h the muddy
which fill the
SBcient Nile
imiug land,
lost import-
jpression in
y Mr. Cope
I separated
es wide and
I
t
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT 275
..in^/'oY!"'*'^'''"'® ""''^ ^^'^^" many facilities by the Government offl
During the time when the reservoir was in use it r-onhi o-f « « i-
The estimated cost of the work is iS7 01^; aim if ^ i.i • •
tUorougbly. The canal wonl,uSko 3 «.;Tttr,A,f,r „%'''"'*? " """^
l.«lj- employed, au.l the reservoir w„?,!d take 3 ^i.moflT'""""'--^ '"
Prime cost
Interest at 5 per coiVt'for'e years' |7,!).15,000
5i,H8:J,r300
Total cost, including interest
wouh, .e <;apah,e of irJ^L^/yi^^atrrsHu-^L ^^^^Ft
refund, being nuwiUifg to ai!ow\t ^e" Kig J«o'n*'3r 'K
^•n-MnnmimMl
27G
IKRIOATION IN AFUICA — EOVPT.
i^:'
teifoml with l.y pnvato (Mimpanies. It will ho seen later what « com-
l.amtiv<,lyK,„all H,„o..„t of n.„.,ev, consi,lori„« the w,„k I , , m "
cm. be ex,K,i.,icMl l.y tl.o im-ati..n depa.t.nei.t, hanMH-ml as t is bv S
li....latioi..s of the laws an.l the jealousies ..f foroi-n/nolvi;!, '^ "* ^^ ^''"
With regard to this [iroject Mr. VVillcocks says:
Tho iiiulort,.ikin« Inho viwt, and tlio <linic.ilt.v„ni.sinin« u nitiirn no »riv,a tl„it no
oenuMi l.oNvovor tho co,»,,loti„u of this r.,s.<rvoir would permit ('..mw^ -ov hi"
wiwto land which woul< i,, tlio .,.,.1 l.avo a nurUo, olloct, on thn rov "Mof tm
400 000 aerosol land n. tl.o IJirri.va wonld n.ud acapilal ot^«l:^^>o 00 . iTu," nn r
taking' worn Huom-Hslnl a not, protlf, of 15 p.ir c.nil nih'hl !>!< , l.t , ., i i!..* .i
pany wonld ahvayn he at tin, morcy of th' ILC.'rmnent. "'"•"»"''• *"'* t''" •="•"-
(2) TkfiKom 0>iibi}HHi'he>ne.— S.ynM\\iiv project of a similar sort is that
STr\^''' "^T't '^^^'*''" '■'"• """^'"" « reservoir in the plane of
Jvoin Ombos For Ins, however, it wonl.l be necessary to bail I a ,lam
across the Nile at Gebel «ilsileh, .W mil.s below A«sonan. C lond
Ross assisted by several oHier enj-ineers, has studied this project di r
ing the last winter au.l finds it entirely impracticable. Apa.t'^^^o^^^^^^^^^^^
enormous cost, and the fact that the depression at Kom Ombos is mn h
H^i?" 1''h r'" .^"l'l><>f' 1. it wonld be extremely dangerous to dam
the Nde at that point. One extreme Hood would carry away the dm
and practically destroy the whole of 10-ypt.
LAND TENTFRE.
In Egypt irrigation is intimately connected with the question of land
tenure Private i.roperty in laud existed in tlu, earliest tinaJ The
Z'fi^.'lin.r''''"'' "'r "'' "'• '1^''=«""^ ^''^l^' ^'"t if we may judge
Jiom the Bible we must suppose that there was individual iiropertv in
and, and trom u pulitieal point of view we must admire the skillful
way in which Josei.h, during tlu'time of the famines, got possession of
the land of the who e of Egypt for the (lovernment (henesis, clmr*!
verses 53 to 57; and chap. 47, verses 13 to 20). TheWgimee'st she
b3' Joseph by which the whole land became the actnalpropeitvof the
exSgallda^pl^^ri;^^"^^^^^ '^^ ^^"'^^^ ^^«^' ^"-^ this system
According to Arab law at that time, land was divided into two
classes : (1) llshtin or hfhe lands, which paid as tax a tenth part of the
harvest, which were lands fertilized and irrigated by a river o/ahiS
which included a great partof Mesopotamia) or lands . atere.l by rain,
that being a gift of God anu therefore Arabian; (2) Mamdji ovMbu.
tary lands, wh ch were watered neither by rain nor by an Irabian
nver, and on which a tax could be imi)osed at the will of the concnieror
When Egypt was concpiered the question arose whether (1) to divide
the lauds among the conquerors, (2) to leave them to the inhabitants
as tributary lands, or (3) to dispossess all the inhabitants and coloS
^uuZll^'l'-^ Mussulmans, although in this case the laud would
still be kharadji or tribntarv.
The Arabs being moved "^ partly by military and i)artly by fiscal rea-
sons decnled to accept the second solution, and made the greater part
of the lamls kharadji, leaving the taxes as they had been fixed by the
preyiouf^x^yzantine rulers. Only the few lands which were then contis-
cated as belonging to special owners, those reclaimed from the desert,
. ^ j.ajL-u„, .^•^^^^x—mMSsai^ut. .
IRRrOATION IN AFRICA — EOYPT
277
Sills''" HuT'iil'llirr «"!>««*l"«"V^'/'""«-^<''^to,I, boou.no ...slM.ri cr Mthe
luiK s. Hiif, in all cuhoh it was uduntted that th« r«al nronrietor <.f .iP
iVw t^ " ^'*'""- . ^^''^ P<>««t'HHio.i (,(• nuilk, that in, freel ohl lands
as heon «t very recent .late, nearly all in the present century A ^rd!
K to MuHHtdnum law tithe landH could never he, made r bu arv U mis
but the reverse may happen at the wdl of the ruler. '"""^'"^ '*""'"'
J he result naturally came about, that if lands were left for a certain
number ot years uncultivated, either through tluMr abin m, uent Iv
RtlV''T''''ZY' ^'"■""*^"' ^^"'"^« "*■ i'-rig^ition, the> . vS to the
State ami coidd be Rranted out ajfain. 'ivmui to luo
^i." ^'*l-f ^^ ^^'^^ unknowable anti(iuity of irrigation of Ecvnt tli^re
were untd very recent time no laws with regard t< its man Sm. o?
to the reparti ion of water among the lands. As the St o f t Im
laud really belongs to the state and the managen.ent < 1 e inigat
d ess'fi'1? hoipV'r'''",;'"^^^^' "'""'^ "-» only the n!;?r^
from tm^^^^ T. 1 .^ "^' con d not be cultivated they were exempt
lands SuL fhn ^ *""'■'"''' ^" '"'"''•^ naturally on the ushuri or tithe
aZitCd f H n Li" ""'V'T'-y '' '"""^^'^^ **^'^' *""1 '^ ^^'^« gradually
According to the existing laws remission of revenue is granted on
^rrieiirr '''•'"' 'T\ r'*'' ""' winter crops although fliri c ops
n J: •. ^ \ ''? ^'^I'rf ted to pay the full taxes, but no provision is
h. ui ; e^'^T .o'/'"^'*^ ^'' «««^^'V^"ri"ff the inundations, or by dm gl J
in summer. There is great need of a deftnite law on the sil.i.wf h«
smnf ?ir fxn?o!r '"'' '''''' '^^^« '« ^'^«"*^ of wat;Tw7iei?rhrX^^ aS
Ni o off V «. S • ' '!"'■" ^'' ^""'"''^^^ '^"^^ «« the summer supply of the
„n 1 ? ^ Ju^'''''' **''■ *'^«"t one-third of the area in lower Eov ot in M-x,
now deehled'bv 'T ''''.■ ""^" '"*^"^^« «*" ^'^^^««t. All sS a "sT^^
of c'emi artkisb/VI r ''^"/'^ ^"*V'\" '"'^^^^^ *"^^""^'« "" the basis
WiSX s^^s . ''^ ^'' ^"^ ""'''' ^"'^ ^^'"^ insuflicient. Mr.
strong oC.S to &KvrNnf^^^^^^^ Cbri.tiaus, while the ntatc ^wa«
ble ttThelp tiie poor """ tribunals dominate the state, and are uua-
EXPENDITURE.
wnrbT''wr-,"\F^^P* .^^ ""^^'^ the Charge of the ministry of public
works. While the minister is an Egyptiaif, the under secretary as well
ZSS"U'"C^j ^V.17„^.?,^.«",»^« the English occupation have been
r«,ii^ '*u "' .•-•'*^"''\'^''»ii'^-i'f3, Uiusc of whom have seen serviee in
mnii
■ i
■I I
, I
278
IRRIGATION TN AFRICA — EGYPT.
The estimates of tbe budget for 1890 give for tlie expenses of tlm
Sosi ^"''""»«t»'^tioa $J.6(),1>70, aud of the techuicar adm'nfstrltSn
$84,986. By no means all of this is properly to be set down to irrSat on
The first circle of irrigation includes the provinces of GaloubiAl,
Sharkieh and Dakahlieb. The salaries and general expenses a?ennf
£?r?in^ ^'t'-^^^J "^^ ^^^^•^«' ""^^O'^SOj keeping up and Tn repafrs
$51,340; making a total of $21(),830. i fe i ""u in repairs,
Aii« *«^,^*'^'*i'i ^'V^^® o^ irrigation, which includes the provinces of
at ^?o no? ^°^ ^^'^'?^^ I!^*^ «^^^^'«« ^"d g^"e^^^l expenses are pit down
at $50,00o; new works, $20,850; keeping up and in repairs $107 ?S
making a total of $178,380. i s i* ""« i" le^Mirs, fiu/,aj5;
In the third circle of irrigation, including the provinces of Rphor^
n^w works '$73 So "l'e?°' ^^-^^-P-sef are^^tTw?af$6''o 6^^^^^
"nJwater $*w2 .'^^t^'"^ "P f"^ in repairs, $65,500; for furnish!
T *K ^' ^•^^"j^OO ; making a total of $449,680,
in the fourth circle of irrigation, including the proviucesof Benisonpf
Minieh, Assiout, and Girgbeh, the salaries and generalexmfnsr^^^^^
put down at $09,240; new woks, $10^,125; keepfnrup and L repa^^^^^
$75,125 ; making a total of $253,490. i « p ctuu m repairs,
the frm,Hpf ^1??^'? °- >"'^ -,"'''^' including the provinces of Ko,neh and
tne trontier, the salaries a. id general expenses are put down at $28 rSi> •
keeping up and in repairs, $15,000; making a totaVof SsO ' '
fh J wn f '^"''!/''',^^^ ^^y^'^"^ ^^« P»* do^n at $37,100, and those for
^1 oris ""'' *^. ^^"".^^ ^* ^^^'285. This would make a total of
$1,234,445 apart from the central and technical administrations not
all of which strictly belong to the irrigation service ' *
Ihe work of dredging the canals, as well as of maintaiuinff the dikes
on the banks of the canals, was folmerly done by the syS of forced
labor; the whole male population being uominallyliable to this service
Owing to the efforts of Sir Colin Scott Moncrieff, the corv4e s^tem
was gradually suppressed and finally put an end to by the Khedi IS
decree dated December 19, 1889. ^ ^^ v^ uie ii^neuiviai
Nevertheless, while the corvde has been abolished in the ordinirv
sense ot tnat term, the forced labor of the population stiH continues 'fS
«.e general supervision of the bank of th^e Nile during rhiZflood
This however is a question of supervision rather thai ?f forml labor
forall the rural population feels that the maintenance of tCdikes dur'
ng higli floods is not a question of property on the par^ of nrmStnrr
but one of life and death for themsel vei and their fiSie. P'^^"*^*'^^^'
A grant of $1,250,000 yearly was made for the partial suppression of
as th^stm' o?V75 000 "v^ heinclaaea in the irrig'ation buTg^et! aTwel
as ine sum of f 75,000 a year to be raised by taxation for the total sun
pression of the corvee. The total ordinary-^expenses of the rriiat?on
$"2,!f^,S00.''"'^ '''''''''' '^P-^' down fir th^e present year atTbou?
alltwed%Too<.7nn7n'h^^'^ extraordinary expenses. In 1885 a decree
worL 0%Kw«h!^'Pi^°*^^' ^'l^ "nprovement of the irrigation .
ZlTo'i'inrrr riu ^?,?,ljeen spent on December 31, 1888, the sum
fLftff?f^J^\J^^^^ ^'11^'' ''^"""^•^ ^^«'" a new loan now being neg^
tiated the further sum of $4,550,000 for the same purpose. ^
Eugene Schuyler,
TTT(rrTT?Tk "^ . ... — .^ , _ Consul- General.
UKIIED ojii\.ii!;H OuwSULATE-liENEKAL,
Cairo, Juno 11, 1890.
ises of tbe
linistratiou
3 irrigation
lepartment
Galoubieh,
ses are pat
in repairs,
ovinces of
3 put down
$107,525;
of Beliera
it $60,680 ;
)r furnisb-
Beuisouef,
jenses are
in repairs,
L«)neh and
t $28,680:
0.
those for
1 total of
tious, not
tbe dikes
of forced
s service,
ie system
ibedivial
ordinary
;iuues for
gb flood,
ed labor,
ikes dur-
)prietors,
ession of
;, as well
otal sup-
rrigation
at about
1 decree
ligation ,
tbe sum
ig nego-
B,
metal.
f
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT. 279
EEGULATING THE NILE FLOOD.
BEFORT BT CONSVL-QSNEBAL SOH UTLEB, OF OA £B0,
The rise of the Nile during tbe present year has been what is called
very good, measuring at Assouan 17^ pics, and thus supplying a sufifi-
cient quantity of water for irrigating the whole country. About a foo'u
more would have overflowed the dikes and would have probably ear-
ned away many of them, producing great damage and devastation.
As It was, measures were so promptly taken that very little loss has
.occurred through the destruction of dikes and walls; what breaches
were made were promptly repaired.
The consequences to this year's agriculture of the low Nile of 1888
were not so disastrous as were at first anticipated.
After the low Nile of 1877 an acre of 947,471 area remained unculti-
vated, causing a loss of revenue of $5,559,400. About 300,000 acres of
land were not covered by ^he water of 1888, making the loss of revenue
about $1,730,000.
This called tbe attention of the Government to seek some remedy for
the future. Lieutenant-Colonel Boss, inspector-general of irrigation,
has prepared a scheme, which, when properly carried out, will prevent
in Upper Egypt the disastrous effects of alow Nile, and will keep many
thousand acres in good cultivation.
To keep up tbe fertility of the lands in Upper Egypt, two things are
necessary: (1) tbe overflow of the red, muddy water on the laud ; (2)
the retention there of tbe water for a certain length of time.
On the lands under basin or submersion irrigation in this country no
account need be taken of manure, plowing, etc. But as tbe millet
crop {Holcus sorghum), or sorgho, gives from 66 to 82^ bushels of grain
per acre, and as one man can water a quar ter of an acre from a roughly
niade well, and thus after tbe labor of four months have 1,000 pounds
ot grain on hand, the temptation to raise sorgho is very great. The
sorgho crop very rapidly exhausts the land unless the red water remains
on It for at least twenty days in the year. The red water is best dnr-
ing August; owing to tbe sorgho crop, it is seldom laid on the land be-
fore the middle of August.
There are three distinct pulsations in the rise of the Nile, called
flushes, the first of which occurs in the last week of August, and with
this the best red water is furnished. It is, therefore, desirable that tbe
lands be covered with water during this period. The flush marked at
Assouan on August 24, 1888, was rco,orded at Cairo on August 30.
showing that the velocity was 97| miles per day.
The second flush is during tbe first twelve days of September, and
then the regulators are generally closed in order to force the water on
the high lands; tbe water, however, is not so good as that of August :
It is to the eye distinctly less chocolate colored and is said to contain
only 6b per cent, of the organic and alluvial matter in suspension
brought down in August.
The last flush is in the last ten days of September after the river has
waned, and its level is considerably less than that of the other two,
which are about the same. '
SYSTEM OF IRRIGATION.
The system ofirrigation pursued in Upper Egypt is that known as the
Dasm or submersion system, by which water can be allowed to stand,
Xfl
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
and, in fact, must stand, on the land for a determined period of time, as
distingaished from the canal system, where the water is brought upon
the land by ditches at the will of the cultivator. Two factors govern
the formation of the basins :
(1) The slope of the Nile Valley as well as of the Nile bed.
(2) The gradual slope from the Nile banks to the desert, for, owing
to the alluvium brought down, the Nile bed gradually rises.
WATER DISTRIBUTION.
The present system of distribution consists of directly irrigating
canals distributing small quantities of water throughout their course at
a very low level, combined with canals running in the hillside hollow
which have in some cases been passed on to the next system, but which
in many cases flow into the end basin and cause it to rise slowly. Their
middle and upper reaches are not irrigated till September and then only
by the damming of regulators.
The first basin is therefore generally full before the water begins to
run into the second, and so on, and there is always a temptation on the
part of cultivators to dam the water in the canals and use it for irri-
gating purposes before the basins are full, and the result is large silt
deposits.
The new system, suggested by Lieutenant-Colonel Ross and adopted
by the Government, is not to allow the water to traverse the basins
longitudinally except where there is a special canal for the low lands.
It is proposed to institute a series of high level canals which will not
begin to distribute water into the basins until the Nile hfis reached a
certain altitude, and will thus be able to irrigate the whole country
even at times of low Nile. By this system the necessity of silt clear-
ance will be much reduced. But besides digging canals it is necessary
to regulate the exit of water so as to prevent damage during high Nile,
and for this purpose much masonry work will be required.
It was estimated last year that in order to carry out this system
within 5 years it would be necessary to spend $4,250,000. The financial
administration, being hard pressed for money, has found this sum too
great, forgetting that it is only an investment, which in the course of a
few years will be repaid by the increase of land tax collected and the
ease with which it can be done. The sum actually spent during this
year has been about $135,000. There will be allowed for 1890 about
$625,000, a sum which is considered too small by the department of
public works, which demands at least $1,250,000 for the works of the
coming winter.
Eugene Schuyler,
Consul- General.
United States Consulate General,
CairOf December 4, 1889.
period of time, as
r is brought upon
ro factors govern
ile bed.
desert, for, owing
J rises.
irectly irrigating
ut their course at
he hillside hollow
system, but which
ise slowly. Their
ber and then only
e water begins to
temptation on the
d use it for irri-
jsult is large silt
Ross and adopted
iverse the basiijs
or the low lands.
Is which will not
le hfis reached a
le whole country
sity of silt clear-
ills it is necessary
during high Nile,
ired.
out this system
}0. The financial
und this sum too
in the course of a
iollected and the
spent during this
Bd for 1890 about
le department of
the works of the
lOHUYLER,
Consul- Oeneral.
r
«0
fi
Q
•<*.
AEQVPTIACUM
CUmai OOOAEMI
P«dioputu -s*^*
SAaPIHENA^
^^ 1^1 SEPTIMUS-PABAL ELLUg
a PAHALELLU8 PER ALEXAN DRUM
OlFFERT-tB-EOUINOCT
i HABENS-MAXIUUM'DIEI
30| CLIMA-TERTIUM 1
OIFFERr-»B-E0UINOOTIALI-M0H18-»
HABENS-MAxiMUM-OIEM-MOR*nuM-l»
OlFFERr-»B-EOUINOCIIALI-MORA 1 (^ f^
HABENS HAXiyuM OIEU HORARV. U }, !t
Ttl > PARALELLU S-PERjYENEM
DIFFERT-AB- EQUINOCTtAUMIORiru
MA8ENS MAXIMUM DiEM MORARuM
'i'i
CLIMA SECUNDUM
1
ANCIENT EGYP.T
Drawn from the map in the Ptolemy of 1508.
S^'i.MSSjUHWi'™
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA— EGYPT.
281
f
ALEXANDRIAM
lALI-MOHtS-J
r-MORAflUM-l*
ELLU8
CTtALI-HORA 1 ^ J^
lEU NORARV. 13 h H
l2PER;SYENEM
IINOCTlALl-HORA «
M DiEM HORARUH '
i
EGFl'TIAN SUPPLEMENT.
THIS ItAIYAN MOEBIS*
BY COPE WHITKHOUSK.
ancient hi8^o^iau8 is complete The soleSlln.^ integrity and intelli|ence of the
dazzle the eye and stimulate the imLiStimi of «^nr"''® works of remote antiqnity
the .nd phuns of the Western ^^^^'o.'SZ^'VtZZZ'Cot^^^^^^
^i^^V^^o^^^^^^ be saw during his Visit to
down m length from the city 40 miles Its n.lr.fi^L"'*^ ^""^ ''"* ^O"" » ^^Ite, brought
and the magnitude of the work i^cJedible Tuf^^ ^'''%T.''''^^'^ "^ ^'^ admiration
miles and in many places it is 300 feet in denth Whn*i "J *^V''*^ '« ^^^^^ *« ^e 450
'that considers the greatness of ths undertaking S^5 .ln« ' *^/«f«Fe'" he exclaims,
How many thousands of workmen werremnlovLanr "'** ^^^' impelled to ask
in completing it ? ' Yet, considering the beneflTi «,w^T "^J^^ ^^""'^ ^«™ spent
this great work, none ever could sufflcientlv e^tnl J^ advantage brought to Egypt by
the hmg deserves. For inasmuch as he NHe neve K'^'°^ *'' 7^^* ^^^^ t^"th of
height in Its inundation, and the fruitfuhiess of Z n f ^ V"" a ''®''^'^*° ^^^^ constant
iorm and regular supply this lake was Smprt+ni ^jnu try depended upon its uni-
ous. that it might neither immSerSyoTerLrtheTnr"^ *« wassuperflu-
stagnant ponds, nor, by flowiug too Utfle nr«h,H.Va h^°''' '^"^ ^"^ <=*'i«« marshes and
cord.ngiy the king dug a canaTfrom the NiK t rhlln 'iT %' ^^"^ °^ ^^''^^- Ac-
feet ui breadth. Into this the water was alio wl!lL^' l^mxli,^ in length, and 300
other t""e8 it was diverted and turnecTover the o,^?fv.^^^^^^ at stated times, and at
*ThVTh1e?Sfg^t%^^^^^^^^^ '''''''-' *" ""^ «-"
confirmed by StraL andWnv.'''5rwt th^s^hafthePS^ 1^^ ^^^•"^"^"^ ^°d ^e'-e
Herodotus m reality involved the whX Sent worWP^ i"^"" *''^ credibility of
books must be hold responsible for thA r?a.l!. ^ , ■ , headers and purchasers of
and Cicero, as well as Plato and AStoti! JT1a\ ^'^'^^ "''«''*«'« the sufply. cTsar
'°TS,S\°r ^tI^^ nl'Pt'-r^^'l^X *'^ -"'^--ti«n,^althTuS:
^'^'T..^^^^^^ supposed that the ob-
everywhere stated that the posi?fon of the ffie hi bInM*r^^^'^r°"'"- ^^ ^««
m this sensn, by M. Linant de BeJIefonds The 7nnn ZZ «'^t'«'^»«t»rily determined,
M.\ta'it"ro'ntSd"aa?it"ti^o?w€J;P"^^^r *^«* t'^e --•- of
eon identified with widespread geoLS^^^^^ knowtt''''., '''''"1^°'' of Rawlinf
with Herodotus, and the currentfeiaXes record,^^ fe * t'^^'^PUKh acquaintance
SSl.;^^--* *« «^o- t^at -su^Sn^oSof o'/Sa^rl>,SrSS e'^
Bnf;,d^r5l^prero;^^at?*r^^^^^^^^ which have re.
series of experts. Carto^r«X T>^"!t- hi /- "f^***? observations made hv n.
^yei^hrank^^^^ are repr t^^
ff
282
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
Map of the
Fayoum, HhowinK the Ei-J^et-el-Keroun a^d the artificial Lalce M»Hh (from Kawliuson'8
3H
-fS^if.,«.-fe^^iiiSAfo£3S6,i, ™> fi^-OHJ!^^ -. ASUfcbr*^ B--**** ».1»i!t . -StJKt
lERIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
283
(rty"2i/?»
Ivuwljuson's
Britain, docnments have been issnod sliowing that the snggestions, embodieil in little
iiiore than a pregnant phrase, are deemed to have a bearing upon the welfare of Egypt,
the tuture of Africa, and the imperial interests of more than one great power. "Beside
Lake Moeris," said Herodotup, '< lies the Labyrinth. I visited this place and found it
to surpass description." Beside the Fayoum and Raiyan basins in their physical con-
ditions as developed by the engineer lies an edifice which has some of the romantic
elements of the palace of Aladdin. The lamp which traces its walls reflects a thou-
sand hgures weird, and yet with many a familiar feature. In its twelve halls are
throned twelve patriarchs. The history of one, at least, who dwelt on the banks of
the Nile, 18 a household tale on the slopes of the Himalayas and the prairies of the
nru®* o ,^"'® V'**?® 8inno«8 passages and recondite researches we may not now enter.
The Rabbi Benjamin, of Tudela, points to this "laud of the West" (Pi-Tum), and
says: Here is Pithora. Hero are the remains of the buildings erected by our fore-
fathers. Jablonski could write, but dared not publish that the Fayaum was the land
ot Goshen vainly sought by the modern scholar in the pestilential marshes of Men-
zaleh, or the scant strip traversed by the Ismailich Canal. The only questions we are
authorized to discuss are those purely geographical points which were outlined by
the president of this society in the remarks in which he summarized the issues raised
m tbe former paper on Lake Moeris. He assumed that the geographical features set
lortu with such detail and minuteness were accurate and trustworthy. Further evi-
dence on this point will be duly marshaled and original authorities cited. An exami-
nation had been made of all the cartographical evidence from the time of Claudius
rtolemy. The facsimile of the map of Egypt from the edition printed in Rome in
15Ua, and similar to several of those manuscripts which abound in the Vatican and
otner iiuropean libraries, can now be compared with an official map, stamped with
the approval of the International Jury at the Paris Exposition.
Ibe undoubted existence of comprehensive and stupendous works, still used for
their original purpose after the lapse of 4,000 years, shows what estimate should be
formed of the capacity of the rulers of Egypt to design and its inhabitants to accom-
plish. It has an important bearing upon current philosophy and the strangely rash
and incoherent assertions of rate of progress and development.
The wish of your president has been fulfilled. The condition of things in Egypt
has brought about a survey of this neglected region, not merely with a view to gratify
curiosity in respect of its past condition, but to point out the means of guarding
against calamitous results from the action of the Nile. These investigations art
apparently on the eve of being turned to practical account, and a part of the surplus
of the in\mdation diverted into the Wadi Raiyan. The lesson has already been taken
to heart in the New World. The Mississippi and the Rio Grande will yet be treated
as the Nile. The engineers who trace back their technical education in geometry to
the engineering schools m the University of Memphis are scanning with interest the
tradition that makes the patriarch Joseph the founder of their profession, and study-
ing with profit the mighty works that were done of old and still endure.
Curiosity has, nnfortunately, also been directed to the archreological treasures of
this region. Savage attacks have been made upon its monuments, and thousands of
tombs rifled with hideous disregard of decency. It tempts one to deplore that so
much had to be said, and to guard with jealousy the secrets still undisclosed. It is
lor the members of this society to use their moral influence to secure to E"vpt the
undisturbed possession of the treasures accumulated in the past, as well as to aid
Its industrious peasants to obtain such further benefits from the Nile as will put the
Government once more in a position to devote its surplus earnings to the advance-
Central Afri^ca ^*''®'^*'^^^*^i° ^*8 borders, and extend humanizing influences through
The accompanying map-reduced from the large map l:50,000-prepared in the
department of public works in Cairo, succeeds and replaces several smaller maiis,
S&airiK'''"^'' """^^ by me or by engineers put at my disposal by the
Colonel Ardagh, c. B., B. e., then chief of staff to the British army of occupation,
but now holding the high and responsible position of secretary to the viceroy of India
was the farst English ofecer to visit the Wadi Raiyan. At the meeting of the British
Association in 1887 before the London Chamber Qf Commerce in 1^8, and in the
proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society in 1889, he has enforced the impor-
tance of the Raiyan depression. It was largely due to his support that the irrigation
department consented to further an official examination of this area. The scientific
r."^iK°T^iH"" *'"? addition to the large debt which it acknowledges for his topo-
graphical labors elsewhere, and his map of the neighborhood of Tel el Kebir.
Captain Snrtees, for several years on the staff of the Egyptian army, whose mili-
tary services had been fully appreciated, after his return from the mission to Cen-
tral Arabia, on which 1 accompanied him, w.-is detailed in 1887 to exafflitie the
l-ayoum in the strategic aspect which had been outlined to Gen. Sir Evelyn Wood,
and to join me in an expedition to settle the western limits of the two depressions!
mm
IRKIOATION IN AFRICA— EGYPT.
^
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA— EGYPT.
285
various countiiea of the world fhntth«„«t.r„ v f^V*>rtH, who represented the
The remainder was fmin^u a co"nTrv hm iTn^ "^ ^^'"'«)-
announced in a volume offered hvVvnfnS England, and the fact
of Orientalists in VennTCpwf?f I >1*' '" P'- Leen.aus. At the Congress
Raiyan basin in Lrrappi,bfiHheToA the S '*'" ^''^ to en.body" the
tico a papyrus in the Dossession of Hr !??«; i r. *^»rope, brought to my no-
fragmont stolen fnfm tCrZnifaMir.Hn^ J was readily identified as the
whSse probable des™uctio""had long boeamented""' ''''''''' ^" cartography, and
wJuYrh^reTeiraiSSrir tl'e^v!;r£ ^- «-"-^r.^"^'^^- '-« -1- «>-
-f ^s^iri-e sS ss^SSSSS-^ -'^
contessedy— intended to niiniim^A tii« ^i!,uo+- 7- •^°."'^"''' utliciel a year since, wore
actual execution of the prSt T^^^^^^ ^rF'^f^"^ ""^ *^« ^"''^>' '" the
mated cost, but must beSwered as^the wnrV n ' h ^""f ".* "^ ^^ P"" ''^"*- °" *^'« ^'^ti"
He treated'the death rate of cS-as 7 p^l 000 n"? .1^'"^^ not of the engineer.
Sncn?^!i-^£if^-^~
obtained from the execution of the scheme ''^''^"^''^ >° *^° estimate of profit to be
knowledge of consructtn Lve*teu pS^ f *"'*^ ^"f I'-^T' "«^
many minor works. If his e8tin.nT«« V.f ^.w ' "^"^'^^'y **'^ t^^e barrage, but also in
area of 3,000,000 of acres to be SetUo F^iTr"/ ^''^Se,.>iud even the enorn.ous
voir capable of increase his InvalulblereSai^^^^^^^^ *H« ^^^^^ «««''•-
examination of the region and further f .nts l,«ll to.ue criticised. His personal
Ml^tlT^lfntl'l^eZC^^^^ has, like Sir C. C. Scott-
opinion. Hismapof'theFaTonramf^^ P"-'*'°° "' *'^<' expression, of
items of great interest especriv tn Ihof f n^.^ P'*'"""!'' \' constantly receiving new
vable land was fo3bv mrand brom^ f toV/,'™ T"* V\T J^ ^"'^^ '"«^ «f c.ilti-
Governments at a time ^hcKe tf^^^^^^^^
^riK'tTyetrwhiJh^r^t;„ieiE^^^^
countle. s. gges'ti^r^^^ -^.bit in Paris; as well as
striking in its contrasts that it Sunletelv^S •"'f,'"^ ^ Photographs, was so
it, the fatal error, so univSly entK^rt'"^^^^^^^ ""1"'"°* all who studied
is a sandy plain. The ditftreuce of «^> ,i«l. tl' ^* *\? '^''^''''^' t^versed by the Nile
deceptiveSlian thoL map 7u flaV4l ^f 'l^TcrsSli^^^^^^^^ and . therefore far less
a natural appearance to the mountains'and valleys "'«^Pe"enccd eye to give
of VhV Nirtl,;;;'.',! SiVta tTtl tto''™r!^X,°n S«<>S':«l'5i«al expert, al»rs» ,.a,,
I - '
I I
i
286
JEBIOATION IN AFBICA— EOYPT.
Otttor'8 u.a,ranTth; Cfr'^V ^^*'' '^«««/, aL
iniiiiediiite
e associates in the goveTnS of ^P^^i^'^^'S''^^^^. th« Khedive ,„d
'"Pply of ««eA» or " W Nn«" £^«yP*' *!»« necessity of proy Ul^n' l',?
aSafdLTt'feTlsii;T'7L';;°^ ^»«" ^«~*«5^rhin78eirp7erfed w^tr^^'"^."^" «''-
a We stream is ™k„own "^ W'l^* •'"'^''^^"e «» «toragrreKirbv aC'* '"''
ao in Jepth, and 18 in h«i„i.f J,^ »8 » octangular buildin/ab;„; 7nf '^•^'*,^^ '^"'^
antiquity, etroa B. C 2000 t*^''^ *^® structure, in all nrol.ni.nT+;; ; ^^'l»'ez.
' j^i'^i^^^i^-^'i^j.mii^uL^ .
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
ortht EftHtorn
■aversed by the
eriooked t'lmso
mod when the
puHl thin work
hisiftctif The
•»• de Lion—
the island aud
oniied on Mer-
photo<jra,)h8,
id the lecture
followed this
to show that
9 from a large
tiaditiou, au-
n. The pho-
' so often en-
om the gov-
iplished and
live, iind his
iding an ad-
* project for
I dftni across
B some sup-
Je la Motte.
that it Lad
serious dan-
. Mubarekh
isticsound-
eral of the
es, and tliis
tion of this
Father, jiro-
guisduties
zeal which
". Schwein-
n, and Fa-
leraon and
hat it was
> existence
was indi-
engiueer,
lent to re-
ling with-
. visit and
isited and
in length,
. Chipiez,
f extreme
lituated 5
hun, and
lust have
e been a
1 lakes or
eep sides
u island,
a tomb,
letached
nburned
d-escape
sist auy
ef He-
hepyra-
iburued
287
brick. . The island pyramids may have been of the same material. In any event the
stones at Uiahinu ought never again to appear in any argument as in any way iden-
tilied with these pyraiiiidH or with the statntH as in situ. It is an elementary rule of
evidence, which is constantly ignored by untrained minds, that vou can not disoredlt
your own witneHH. I he only knowledge of these structures is derived from the writ-
ten statements of Herodotus, Diodorus, aud Plinv. The whole story may be rejected,
but It is puerile to admit their existence and then to identify pyramicfs and statuei
with extant remains on the upper terrace of the cultivated land, when the only im-
portant fact was the indication which the island furnished of the great depth of the
♦' excavated " or "eroded " depression.
The contours ol-^ the Kayouni have not yet been completed. It was urgently im-
pressed upon Sir C. C. Scott-Moncrieft; in 1886, that hues should be run wlfich would
determine the entire area of the alluvial deposit of the Nile, from Assuau to the Med-
iterranean. It might have been done without appreciable cost to the Egyptian Gov-
ornmeut had mv oflers been accepted. Unless, liowever, an engineer had been lent
to me who would be responsible to the Government for any error, neglect, or dis-
oliedieuce of orders, the public works department would not have accepted the work
as final. Some such survey wi' , it is believed, be undertaken at no distant date.
The contour of hiKh Nile, quitting the Nile Valley at el-Labun, passes to the south
of Gharag, enters the Wadi Uafyan, encircles the Wadis Lulu and Safir, reenters the
Wadi Rahran, crosses the entrances of the Oases of Muellah and Khoreif, aud returns
into the Fayouin after girdling an area of 250 square miles. This same contour, of
K. L. -fdO, would continue round the west of Gharaq towards the north and east, and
then passing westward to the south of Qasr Qertin, turn to the north, and, sweeping out
into the desert behind Dimeh to the ancient temple, curve towards the east, an^ re-
J ™iilf*T"i fl^ H'/7Hl^/ "f ^^'^ ^'^® *'°"« *^" foot of the hiils which overlook
tiio ancient bed of the Bahr Wardan.
It may be said Uiat tliis line when it had reached el-Lahun and the cultivated land
!,'2rlf'>i*?ri!f «^,l^«"'f«ef would especially if the minor sinuosities were meas-
ured, attain a length of 450 miles. The entire basin, thus encircled, would apparently
cover over 1 30f square miles, a- 1 a large part of it would be much below the level
ot the Mediterranean.
This was the immense natural hack-water of the Nile, which, according to Semitic
tradition was divided between the fertile province to the north, when el-Hun or
i^hiom (the Sea) became el-iayoum (All-iom, the land of a thousand days), and the
Kaiyau Moens, or reservoir to the south.
If the Arab tradition is correct. King Raiyan invested Joseph with the insignia of
prime minister as a reward for about 400,000 acres of land, perennially irrigated.
Manetho says th^t this region was abandoned in the religious wars which broke out
at the time elsewhere fixed as the birth of Moses. The Birket el-Qerun rose, if uot
then, subsequently The Lake of the Horns submerged once more the district of
VJenin (Heroon-poiis) to the upper plateau, where repeated use of the word Sen points
to Ha Sen (Gesen Goshen), Asenath, the wife of Joseph, and Arsinoe, its Ptolemaic
name. Ihose united depressions formed the Moeris of Herodotus.
rheregion mightwellbedescribed. In the fifth century l)eforeour era, asa vast reser-
voir and back-water from the Nile, with a maximum level above low Nile at Mem-
phis, 50 miles southwest of th it city, about 50 fathoms deep, longer than its width
extending from north to south, surrounded by the Libvan desert, with an indented
coast as long as the smootli sand banks which form the Mediterranean i,hore of Egypt
blue, full ot hsh of twenty-two species, with Hood gates at the double mouth of' the
canal, whose embankments and clearance from silt annually cost $50,000 (£10 OOO")
I'^i"^* '", .1*^'' engineers relieved Egypt from a dangerous flood, or stored up and disl
tnbuted the water which entered or issued from the canal. A multitude of fishermen
on Its borders were engaged in catching and curing the fish which bred and multi-
pned in the lake, while th(( royalty on the fisheries averaged $250,000 (£50.000). Its
waters escaped along the hill above Memphis. About the middle of the deepest part
was an island. On it were two pyramids aud a tomb. Against the structures were
depth^oTthe hike "^'''° *^rones. The height of the pyramids equaled the maximum
The Laom Meridia of the Ptolemaic maps— the Raiyau Moeris— is confined to the
Kaiyan depression, with an extension into the narrow valley of Muellah. The term
Kaiyan retains the name of the monarch honored by Islam, associated locally with
the spring in the southernmost bay of the depression, aud closely connected L • deri-
Ir?h'«\'l;,'<^fi y^^,"^^^ of irrigation. Moeris, of course, is, like the Latin word mar«,
or the English " mere," the exact equivalent of lake.
THE aAlYAN PROJECT.
+i,Bf ^^^^^ subject of Egyptian irrigation hus been treated with conspicuous
thoroughness and ability by Mr. W. WiUcocks, of the Indian public works depart-
i
288
! 1
1
I
IRRIOATION IN APRICA-EOYPT.
inent, and one of tliM t
»i .i.v,,l" °.i'r.'"'"::".' i" w,„i,';„r '"r"ev,'"">;"i i-r ii.
The
fo
fori.. I.y a practical oi Jin,''!'', ""<«-"»rche8 io.l„,;,„i o' . ' i"! "^ftWiiitiou. ti,«v
ms however, exnlai„e 1 f af h ''/' '"" ' '«' *» the loiur S '. '' ^'"'^' '"'■^''•' 'rriiu^
by those poriodiculZn !• * '.'«"l>Joct8 to pereiHii,;! ,, if • ' "'*"'" Productive W»
tected l.y Uriti8h bayonets foj«/"^''' ''^ *^« ^^'^ter il r'ach'^ ''''f'^o mouths of the
railways, or delay it forS'hnf,? ^'.^"T'^^'Mou out of ,t8 u .1 .V ./''u ^^'^''t^i^rs, nr«!
tollH whose chnrLterKeen Htated*wf;;'«°' <'"• *''« " '>re ^"1^,'!^"'^°*" *''«
ot Sir H. Drniuniond Wolff n,,!} ?.*"*«« with entire ft uiknoss in fh « '*. '^""ect on of
Ji'clnde improved inter, ml wafer •^- ^^^^w^^ou. The beSiti of /,'"'?]'*.' """rauces
^ CoOnel If 088 ,rivo8 an r,?. I •'^'""."'""'cation. """elits of the liaiyun schoino
deve oped project of the VV^tfe-P^th^ "f'^Pter wh.Vi. .
- ■••■ iiiipiuveu internal wnfm. n^riavu. m© benetifa /.p +i "T."'.' "^.'".■"uces
^ CoOnel If 088 lmvo8 an nT,?.!-'^'""."' ""'nation. """elits of the Ifaiyun scheme
costs
furnish thr^ater1n^ex..f.a? "*^'^'''' ^'therbrrorrow ""'"'''''; -PPlV- Tte pi
toitionate demands Kumvr/-^ *? "'," fantastic, and „ ml /^? '"formation J had
in months spent in t;rde8eft%h\'h^'''' ^"'^ P^'^atLSo^Se" Ir., '''' 'T' '""»«'
form in which it would ,,,<• **''*''' euffiueers, or in Zttf 'lo'"f? their work
smooth their nath \ !!v '","»ence the scientific nfi;/- P'^'nff my kuowled-re i ,, '
exec„tionoftSf^;,4" ;;[';^ to efface m^seKnliP; 'j ^^'^ : »"d ^-'uncial woPid and
coS 'rT^'^'^^^^^'^V^^^^ °^ *''" n?e •ffc.*'^'" uutrammeled in the
ti^C!^s::.d:^^ ^^ wasto ho
^.th picturesque aceideuts'^^e most? r^- ^^" ''^P^rience a rl 'fm .' ^f""'' /"'•'« ^<
'^^c:;i2^il:';y-j^SeJIi!r^^ ""^^
a the g,ft to Egypt ,,^, incon.piete unless the
i'^j '^mifctfii-.i«M
IRRIOATION IN AFRICA — EOYPT.
"'• «ir IJ. c. H,.ott.
"*iit-ColonH Hon-
'uk, aii.l FienoU i-
'^nnati,,,, ,olI«,,,e,i
Hi« works curriod
K'">L.niI, in sii.tfu.
""y library, fho
loiitwl by tl.ow to
po'^kH provi.|„H (I
"l»'Ilt MIICOOMH for
'With a<lvinUa-'o
I warder. "
'book, iH devoted
Hon niul will be
'iiimtioii 8(!lic,„„,
« ""ill this book
Koiatioi). They
«" "11(1 o(.licreut
"'t b.) iiitniNtod
ir" the inter.^Ht
A'r. WilicockH
>«i basin irriua.
To'luctive. He
'inacooiiipanied
""0 (loposit tho
'K«table matter
'orial Africa,
fy of <lraiiiinir
:'' • «'•, in oMier
^bo N/le Hood
""»to solution
<"iai Las been
(•"ntiiiraisiii.r
'"'Ps; tbeirri'l
<lor tlie direc-
navigation of
months of the
Uiiriciers, pro-
uols onto tho
uoJlection of
"■l nttorancos
aiyun scheme
♦he recently
ister depres-
Tne princi-
. company to
it now costs
us) of water
niillion and
fij'y (capac-
,n00) a year
v 'be neces-
t Ijy bini an
ion I had
uel and ex-
'x'ir work,
'•'<l^'e in a
world and
led in tiie
was to ho
le forte ei
to invest
lau lot or
289
canfti itself wan fliilahnd without risk or cost to the bondholders or the taxpayers, and
a net Hiirnlus paid into the Knyptlan treasury, it Ht>«mod agaiu that this was no funo-
tiou of mine, orueoessary part of my work. Thescieutifio uxauiinatioa of tho Moeris
problem required but a siuKle visit to ^he untroddeu summit of the Ilaram Medhfiret
H-Berhl, wliilo any engineer could be invited and paid to spend 30 days in rnnolng
lines of level through the Haret el-Gehenna, whoHo name is well deserved. 8o also
the great powers have furnished their ward with a tinancial statf. whoso experience
ranges from St. Petersburg to Calcutta. It was no business of mine to obtain the
opinion of Lord Uothsohild, the council of foreign bondholders, the Imperial Otto-
man Hank, or Sir J. Lul)bock.
Two offers were nevertheless submitted. Tho first left to that bureau in the de-
partment of works specially created and charged with the expomliture of a million
of pounds, guarantied by tho great powers, all the engineering work. My confidenoe
and that of the Egyptian Government in the skill and energy of Colonel Western and
his staff was so complete that there was little dilUculty in obtaining authority from
capitalists to provide the Government with funds as tho work advanced, secured npon
the works themselves with such participation in the bonolltsas might be determined.
A scale was suggested.
The second otter simply accepted tho estimates of tho Egyptian Government and
contracted to complete the work on their terms. We would agree to deliver tho
Rfti.yan Canal and tlood gates, according to specitioations, for an annual payment not
exceeding £50,000 ($-250,000), purclmsable for a lump sum of £1,000,000 ($5,000,000).
Tho annual rent was in no case to exceed 70 per cent, of tho net profits obtained by
the Government. These otters have not so much been rejected as their final consid-
eration postponed. They have been repeated and defined in the " Note on tho Raiyan
Project," submitted to the <lepartment of public works in April, IHW. There is very
little doubt, however, that tho Egyptian Government, having expeuded another year
In striving to find some other way of accomplishing tho result, will borrow the money,
guaranty tho interest, and itself do the work.
Considering its importance and the acknowledged benefits which will bo immedi-
ately conferred unon Egypt, and through the valley of the Nile on the equatorial
provinces, which have been transferred to tho Mahdists, since the British occupation,
as the result of the military and civil operations conducted by Hicks, Gordon, Wolso-
ley, and Stanley, advised by Sir E, Baring, no personal interest should be allowed to
intervene. What, in comparison with such results, is the naked assertion of tho ab-
stract right to bring to maturity a project, although the inception is admittedly the
ottspring of one's brain and heart, whose infancy required sedulous care, and the in-
fant, destined to be Hercules, was cradled in a shield and defended by tho sword f
There are four possible channels by which tho Kaiyan Basin can be put in com-
munication with the river. Two only are considered by Mr. Willcocks. The Abu-
Hamed route involves a contoured canal in the desert along tho southern edge of tho
Fayoum. It was regarded by Colonel Western as in all respects feasible at a mod-
erate cost. Whether a shorter lino throuj^h the limestone hill would, on tho whole,
be preferable is not for tho moment essential. Tho former lino fixes a maximum cost
which can bo used in working out tho other elements of the project.
The only alternative scheme for tho impouuding of tho surplus flood is that asso-
ciated with tho name of M. de la Motte. He proposes to build a dam across the Nile
at Gebol Silsileh, H5 kilometers (50 miles) below Assfiau (the first cataract) and make
a reservoir in the desert plain of Koin Umbos. " This scheme is in a very embryo
stage and needs very much more working up to bring it to tho complete and perfect
state of the Wady Raiyan project, but it is roughly calculated to cost £4,000,000
($20,090,000) " (p. 322). Its great weakness lies in the dam 60 feet high, founded on
a not very homogeneous sandstone. Other objections include the detention and de-
posit of silt, with the cousequent raising of the bed of the reservoir and annual
diminution of its capacity.
The summary of the Raiyan project, as given by Mr. Willcocks, is substantially in
tho following words ; the parentheses are mine :
The cultivated area of Egypt is 4,955,000 acres, and the land capable of reclama-
tion in Lower Egypt (exclusive of over 1,000,000 acres contained in the areas now
abandoned to the Mediterranean and forming the brackish lakes bordering upon it
together with at least 500,000 acres elsewhere) is 1,260,000. If one-third of tho cul'
tivated land and the whole of tho land to bo reclaimed were to be irrigated in sum-
mer, there would be required a summer supply of
/4955000
V
a
1 \
-X 26J-f.( 12C0000 X40)=93, 000,000
niess the
cubic metres per day, of which the lands to be reclaimed would alone require
00,000,000 cubic metres per day. The mean summer discnarge of the N ile is 42,000,000
onbic metres per day (10,800 cubic feet per second) at Assuan, while there are years
H. Ex. 45 19
290
!; -I
!^ f
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA— EGYPT.
the 8TtionVf*fi°caS'f«*!f„P,T'°'^ * *'®'^^*'" quantity of water into tl,„ i •
mg appreciably ?he waler level of the Nile ^^dfJ^' '^'"^^ ^'" «l«o K'oruse hTrld. ''
t_. ...,. _ ^i,, ,^ ,^„^ ^^^^^^^^^^ and-'thrSs co"ve?elTy%hTS?atto"u':
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
291
tonre have been measured by a plaaimeter. The followiug table (abridged) contains
this information
in respect to the
he water may be
Area and ciibio contents of the liaiijan reservoir.
Beduced level of contour.
30 ,, ..
25 ......
20 ......
10
Sen level
10
20
30
40
Area in
square metres.
686, 600, 000
018, 300, 000
65(), 000, 000
307, 904, 000
301, 100, 000
231,800,000
103, 075, 000
55, 562, 500
22,037,500
Area in
£K.YPtian
acres.
163, 476
147, 214
130, 952
94,739
71,690
55,190
38, 127
13, 229
6, 247
Contents of res-
ervoir in cubic
metroa, below
the contour.
20,559,
17, 297,
14, 376,
0,637,
6, 142,
3,477,
1,503,
410,
22,
640,000
390,000
640,000
120, 000
100,000
600, 000
225, 000
037,500
037, 500
The maximum flood level of the Nile at the (proposed) take-off of the reservoir
caual IS reduced level +31.8 meters (about 100 feet above the Mediterranean), the
ordinary high Hood level is reduced level +3C.3, the low flood level is 29.0 metres,
and the summer level is about 22.0 metres above mean sea. The levels are referred
to the Barrnge zero, or mean Red Sef^, .60 metre above mean Mediterranean Sea.
Colonel Western thus describes the VVadi Raiyan : " This valley, a denresdon in
the Libyan Desert, discovered by Mr. Cope Whitehonse in 1886 (this date being taken
as tne ftrst offlcial conmiunication to the department of works of a survey verified bv
lines of levels, as distinguished from aneroid observati is), lies immediately to the
southwest of the iayouni province, but separated from it by a range of low hills
?',^^'"*einff some 6 kih)metres (3i miles) in width, and with heights of about 60 metres
( 196 feet) above sea level. Two passes, however, leading from the Garak (the Rharaq
ot bchweinfiirth, the Gharaq of the anther's maps) basin of the Fayonm, with levels
ot about +26 metres, have been found in this dividing range, and', except for these
two passes or entrances, the Wady is everywhere bounded by hills of at least +36
metres above mean sea. ^
" The soil of the Wady is for the most part composed of desert sand and pebbles
overlying m places a yellow clay, bnt this desert sand is for about one-sixth of the
area hidden by drifted sand-hills, or ridges rising some 5 to 10 metres above the een-
eral plain, lo wards iae north of the Wady there are two fresb-water springs (but
no inhabitants) and near there a few date trees and some brushwood grow? The
deepest level of the Wady Raiyan reaches 40 metres below sea-level (about 220 feet
below high Nile). To the south of the Wady and connected with it at a level of +55
nietres is the Wady Muellah, a valley about 1^ kilometres width and 7 length Its
lowest depression is +25 metres (about 35 feet below mean high Nile near Behnesa
opposite Its southern extremity). In the Wady Muellah there arc ruins of ancient
buildings (with fragments of a Grjeco-Roman period, further identifying the spot as
the Dionysias of the Ptolemaic text and map). There is a fair amount of coarse veee-
tation near them. *
"Two other small depressions have been found connected with the Wady Raiyan
at Its northeastern extremity at a contour lower than the level of the flood Nile
Ihey he to the south of the Gharaq basin of the Fayoum province and are separated
from It by a ridge with a level of +35 metres, I kilometre in width. The easterly
depression (the Wadi Lulu, or Valley of the Pearl, a modem name given t- c bv
the author of this paper) is abont 10 kilometres in length by 4 kilometres mean
width and has a bottom at about +15 metres."
(^y J^fTfff^'oir canal.—" Reierrmg to the plan," says Mr. Willcocks, "it will be
?co"i •, * ^'^^ '? *^® P*''"^' chosen for the takeoff of the caual from the Nile. It is
163 kilometres above the Barrage along the deep channel of the Nile (85 miles south
or Cairo by rail). Of course, any other point near it may be chosen, bnt considerine
the he of the basins and their feeders it will be difficult to choose a better place. On
tne plan there are two lines given for th^ canal ; one is called the ' Proposed Reservoir
canal and has been (repeatedly) leveled and -surveyed (examined by Colonel West-
ern m person, and pits sunk to test the character of the material to be excavated).
Ihe other IS cr.lled the 'Alternative line.' All calculations have been made on the
aV^IV J\the surveyors can find a fairly good line along the latter, it will be decid-
edly tne better line, as it makes straight for the reservoir and avoids the hankiu" un
m tne I'ayotim Valley necessary on the former line." ° ^
Neither line presents the smallest engineering difticulty, or would be above the ca-
jpacity ot a native provincial chief engineer. The direct line involves a tunnel about
o miles in length through horizontal limestone. With a bod width of 80 motroa and
i ^
" $,
(.
292
IBBIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
^
If
'^''Hf^^'^
PROPOSED WADI RYAN ^•SfKI
RESERVOIR . '"^^ ^^^^*
r«>o, EByptwo iTHgihon. by W. WiUcockj. .889.
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
293
a height of 10 metres, it would be more convenient to drift a scries of opcningH. Un-
doubtedly thiH would bethechannel selected iC the irrigation department was directed
as in the dayfl of Raiyfin ibn cl-Walid, t!ie Hykoos monarch, who, according to Semitic
tradition, proposed to Jusuf ibu-Jacoub the problem of regulating the Nile, or when
Ipsambtil and the Sphinx wore carved in the living rock, and the hills opposite Mem-
phis emptied of incalculable masses of stone.
The splendid effect of the facade with the stream, 250 feet in width, gushing olear
and blue from the white portal, between colossi carved with the least expenditure
of labor, but the most ingenious adaptation of natural conditions in the stratified
rock, would not now have the slightest weight with the department of public works
and their financial masters. The passage itself, its forest of columns, the cathedral-
mosque of Cordova extending miles in length, the vast air-shafts, 200 feet in height,
corbelled out in moldings decorated with sentences from the Quriin, telling in words
that history of Jusuf written in water, fruits, flowers, fields and houses, temples and
mosqnes along the river of Joseph and in " the land of a thousand days " will not be
attempted. Such considerations are absolutely alien to the actual administration as
controlled by foreign influences.
It would be otherwise if the viceroy, whose devotion to art and science has been
tangibly exhibited, were free to apply the surplus of enlarged revenues according to
his better judgment.
" The (total) length of the proposed canal is 46 kilometres (27 miles) from Biba to
the point A in the reservoir. The length of the alternative line is about 30 kilome-
tres (18 miles). The slope of the canal will be one twenty-thousandth the ordinary
canal slope in Egypt. This slope, with a hydraulic mean depth of between 6 and 7
metres (20 feet) will give a mean velocity of about 1 metre per second (2^ miles an
hour), a velocity which allows neither silt deposit nor scour in the Nile Valloy."
(3) Flood and summer levels of the Nile at Biha.— As a rule there is such a heavy
demand for water during the mouth of August, that in any bu:; a very exceptional
year no water (in Mr. Willcocks' opinion) can be taken from the river, and this month
must be left out of the calculations.
Discharge of the Kile at Cairo.
Month.
^Tean dis-
cliaige in cubic
metres per
24 honrs.
Feet per
second.
Month.
Mean dis-
charge in cubic
metres per
21 honrs.
Feet per
second.
January
151, OflO, 000
110,000,000
70, 000, 000
45, 000, 000
34, 000, 000
84, 000, 000
60, 400
44, 000
28, 000
18, 000
13, 600
13, 000
July
August -
70, 000, 000
52B, 000, 000
676, 000, 000
676, 000, 000
400, 000, UOO
260, 000, 000
28, 000
210 (inn
Febniary
March
SeDteni tier
270, 000
270, 000
180, 000
104, 000
April
Ootohnr
May
Juno M
December
The maximum flood of 1874 discharged 1,032 million cubic metres in a single day ;
the minimum flood of 1877 discharged 465 million cuoic metres, or less than one-half
that amount.
Mr. Willcocks put the entire discharge of the Nile during the year at 93,000,000,000
cubic metres. If 3,000,000,000 cubic metres are required for the basins of Upper
Kgypt and 50,000,000 cubic metres were furnished for daily consumption, there could
never be a year in which 50,000,000,000 cubic metres, or double the contents of the
Eaiyan Reservoir, would not pass into tlie Mediterranean without contributing in the
least degree to the fertility of Egypt. The regulation of the Nile at the Barrage in
July and part of August would put a certain volume of water at the disposal of the
government for the Raiyan basin. The summer, or low Nile, level at Biba may be
taken as 22 metres.
(4) Levels at which the Nile vmst be maintained for flood irngation.— In September a
gauge of 16.3 metres should be generally maintained at the Biirrage, though alternate
week gauges of 16.3 metres and 15. H metres (above z^ro) would sufflcefor the irrigation
until the 10th October. From the 10th to the 20th October a gauge of 17 metres is
needed at the Barrage to allow all the highlands to be irrigated for the winter crop.
After the 20th October the canal might take as much as it liked from the Nile, or
from the basins above if, except in extraordinarily low years like 1888,
In an average year, from the Ist of September there is available a discharge of
57,500,000 cubic juetres per day, increasing to over 100,000,000 on the 15th September.
Betwfini tli« lOt.Vi nnH QOth OptnV.uf ri" onnt^ltT to a^T,>;iolo<> no n,^ Ar;!^ i.««„,„ i,„,.« *_
^ ; , - ~'i"ri — r —" — ^' -1-. ...tj..^.i^ ...... .*...^.....^ ...^ jt .... 1..., ,,,^ ttt^Y^ ^Q
be irrigated, while after the 20th October the canal can take as much as it can carry.
It is better (in Mr. Willcocks's opinion) to depend on an alternate week supply in low
! , J
■ ! I
294
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA— EGYPT,
years than on anv rf!miin<ion of fi>„ t»
uiier nicctN Uio rcniiiremontH of 1 nn.V, l' "" """ "" luoseof l^owor
Jhi'.*""^*"A(''''*°"" *^« «al«"^at on(of thrs ze of ??« "^ l»i«b-liood relief an the molt
the bed of the canal at 82 metrea at the t!L off tl ^ proposed canal) and the lev7l of
cubic metres per day with a denH, nftl* M®^''"*^''''"''!^! rtischarire 100 000 f)nn
of 80 metres fco feltrand «& lo^^^^^^^^ , A canal witK bed Sh
The followxog is a rough longitrafslctlo'^ ortTe^l^.^iS IZlt
"wi Qao
Btd,lertl
szeo >
u
ZZKiZa:.
-1
*..#Ait-i!r.... «iriio».4..ajEto*X:
: 6 b C i
; 46 Ktljometrea
ROUGH SECTION OF CA»»AL.
LONGITUDINAL SECTION OK CANAL.
cnbic metre". ' 'll^f^i^Soil^l^Z'X^^^^ ^■'r'"'"'- ^''"^''"ts, ]2,370 000
E to D.-Length, 4,000 metres • mein dnnnf-^ T'°« ^^"^ ^^^"^ J'"'«»f in piaces
8tonecntting(to the ciepthof abont a metre^reMin!;''*'^'- "^'^'^ ««"«"" ^^ « soft Time-
nated with salt, and dissolving with Sr^motS^^"? Y*''^ ''°"*P««* "'^y. i^P^g-
C^^^'^T^ !'"''*'■««• '^«'«^«''"n"ndeXS •'^'Kl).and here the bed
becomes 1.S.3 metres. The bed widf h hpra^,.; i Western, and the depth of water
Kivesnch .i slight afflux that it^villnorh«fi^*'-^t^"*'"*l t" 40 metres" whiclTwm
ba«iuo?•tIe^^;^^?JAi^XTlS^
ean follow any contour decided nmn(m,\thl I ^^ ^° + ^^ "'«*''*'«) «nd the canal
by a deeper excavation or a h S ,inlc om th r'"""'^ ■'I"'""" thus obtained efther
as may l)e considered exped ent an 1 .1 ^® ^?.'^^'' sule-the only one renuired!!
chosen (and the bank given top wli^fo^/r'"^ {^' ^ ««"t«"r of + ^4 me res il
bankment of 200 square metres wUcovrfll^nr*'"'^ ^- '^'^*'«»''^' ^^'^^ for the L.
2 ^•.^'^ "litres, or over a mile) will m^k« »3 reaching in some places a width
The^tn^aSlo^t TwoVtrs :' ''^*'' ' ""'''''' ' ^'^^O^OO c«bic metres.
Section D oC- t'm'ooo ^ lb.'" '""^"'' •"** •'" 0^"«-
Section C to B- 2 S onn . i^'" ""'*'■''«' ^''^ -"4 C-^Oc.)
Section B to A- 1 500 22S cn£ "'^*'■'''• ''* "l" •'^0«-
A i, .ju», uuo cubic n. 'tres, at .04 (20c.)
.. £494,800=(|i2,474,000)
- • . 448, 400=( 2, 242, 000)
.. 88,000=( 440 000)
.. 235,200=( 1,176,000)
60,000=( 300 000)
•M
* IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYYT.
295
meets the require-
er Egypt, while the
if s'lpply in the Nile
m high years this
years, when it is
hjch this system of
irrying 100,000,000
use. A difference
between 18 and 19
I relief as the most
al) and the level of
jchargo 100,000,000
with a bed width
iult.
aal.
itonts, ]2,370,000
isiif in places,
in is a soft lime-
act clay, impreg-
mrt here the bed
3 depth of water
tres, which will
es of the head.
I of the Gharaq
and the canal
obtained either
one required—
+ ^4 metres is
ea for the §m-
adth of section
places a width
material to be
metres, since
ttd, and clay) ;
ires.
=(|i2, 47 1,000)
=( 2,242,000)
=( 44y. 000)
=( 1,176,000)
=( 300, 000)
=( 6,632,000)
Fifth and sixth. Masonry works. — The masonry works are needed fo regnlation Ani.
for the accommodation of existing works.
1. The Bahr Jusuf Crossing and Reservoir Regulator. Thi? can be built on the lime-
atone rook with a 40-metre- wide platform and a 2.5 metre depth of masonry; the
levels of the canals will allow of a level crossing.
40 openings, at £1,500 £60, 000=|300, 000
Wing-walls 10,000= 50,000
2, 000 square metres regulating gates, at £9 18, 000= 90, 000
Total 88,000= 440,000
2. The Sugar Railway will be diverted to the government railway bridge, at a cost
of £20,000 ($100,000).
3. The Ibrahimia Canal will be siphoned under the reservoir canal. The discharge
to be passed is 3,000,000 cubic metres per day, and allowing a head and velocity of 2
metres per second, 8 pipes of 1.5 metres diameter will take the water across.
Estimate 8 pipes at £3,000=£24,000 ($120,000), 300 tons + masonry.
4. The government railway, 4 feet 8i-iuch gauge, 80 metres wide canal. Tons of
iron, 1,500, at £25 ; £37,000 ($185,000). With the work can be combined the regulat-
ing head of the reservoir canal, eighteen openings of 5 metres at £2,500 ($12,500)=
£45,000 ($225,000).
Railway bridge £37, 500=$187, 000
Regulator 45,000=. 225,000
Total 82,500= 412,500
The masonry works therefore will amount to —
Bahr Jusuf crossing and regulator £88,000= (M40,000
Sugar railway diversion 20,000=: 100,000
Ibrahimieh Canal syphon 24,000= 120,000
Head regulator and railway bridge 82,500= 412,500
Total ; 214,500= 1,072,590
The whole of the earthwork and masonry works will therefore (according to Mr.
Willcocks) amount to —
Earthwork £1,326,500=$6,632,500
Masonry 214,500= 1,072,500
Land, l,600acre8, at £30 ($150) 48,000= 240,000
Total 1.589,000= 7,945,000
It will be a matter of interest to all those concerned in irrigation works to study
these estimates, but no American engineer would, for a m-^ment, admit that they
furnish a basis upon which contracts could be let to the a vantage of the Govern-
ment. The difference between the method of constrncting American and Indian rail-
ways is exhibited in the excessive allowances for work which could never be required.
Mr. Willcocks is not only an engineer of great ability and indefatigable energy,
but deservedly enjoys the reputation of a readiness to adapt his plans to circum-
stances, in a manner characteristic rather of the United States than of Great Britain.
His field work would be very different from his plans on paper. Availing himself of
the tremendous velocity obtainable through the Lulu and Safir basins and the rapid
slope of over 1.50 feet into the Raiyan depression much of the excavation would be
accomplished by natural forces.
The Raiyan works proper commence at the Bahr Jusnf and the western (desert)
edge of the Nile Valley. Former estimates of £500,000 ($2,500,000) would not be ex-
ceeded. The great canal across the Nile Valley from Biba would in reality be a broad
shallow basin cultivable once ayear throughout its entire area. The masonry works
may be taken as reasonable, but a part of the money would be otherwise expended.
The total cost, therefore, of the Raiyan project should be estimated thus:
Raiyan Canal of escape and supply $2,500,000
Works in the Nile Valley 1,500,000
Total (£800,000) 4,000,000
(7) QuanHty of water capable of being utilised (wilhotit pumping). Time of filling reser-
voir.— It appears (from Mr. Willcocks's tables) that for 40 days each flood a depth of
water of 8 metres (25 feet) may be taken into t,li(! o-inul, for 20 dnvH tlin bjisinsahovft
the canal may be discharged into the canal through the Ba.hr .Jusuf, for the 30 days of
November a depth of 6 metres of water may be counted on, for December a mean depth
•Jl
i'J
91
*\
(
1
i
I
1 ■ r
'
! : 1 I
■
r ' u
' ; i i-
. ! ■
i ' i
^i
1
!
1 '
: - 1
■: !
it
i ■
; C
' 1
i
i1
2^^ IRRIGATION IN AFRICA— EGYPT -
8 metres depth r. i .
6 metres dejth C"blo metres.
4.5 metres depth 67,000,000
3 metres deptJ,.: .' t^'^^^^*-'
2 metres depth : ?^'^>0<>0
T,. , ^ 13,000,000
Therefore the s„pp,y obtained per annum would be" '' """'"^
Septenilw and October.. ^ ,.
November 60x07 OflO onn — A />'!,.,>'"*"■♦'■•
fS^. ••■•"•"••"■""•":::::::::::::::::•■■■ i!;B5r=':»:~;!S
V«K>.;„ •'•^X-in, 000, 000 = 75') nnrt nnrt
rebruarv ;tf)vn nrw» nnn /•J'.WW.OOO
March, fUBkhVjasuf :::::;:::: • • ixI'SZ^ SSZ
Perannum V" ''^ ^.O00.«00=JKo^
«3^*"''"? *" ^^^ *al>'e of contents oVthl »"•' '-" ^' ^^*'' ^00, 000
A.'.'hiis3:fjSsji^!r'- : ' --l?^ •>*»"'•-
Atth.,.d„w!;.%'gxs" ■••-"•"^■•"■•■+i7=ilS!r'r
and coul(f W filled to l9«*'^ /""'"''^ ^^^'^ the lake woald £ iTn ^* ,'=°«'«' g've
April 1 to July 31 7*? +! '^^^^^''- Allowing 1 nieS as In J k ^"" forking order
(without pumiinVdtheA^'fin •*'"•"**«>' *l»«^«trin thepese'ofr^^^^ ^''^'n
of water of 1,263 920 000 r ■ "^^'"Pty). to the depth of 2 m?fir"^'^ ^^ "*'''^ed
day (about 3,000 million „'' m' "l'"*'^ «"■ » discharge of I'/fiSn'' *J ?-» stratum
A .Lallow late wMid C K^F^t'' °il,""' '»PS "f Ss imk andi^JS"' 5" '.'"' ^'i'^
It contains all the salt whi^tf"''- ^^ Bi'ket el^JetQ„Xt iil ? «"l.«l its (iell,.
ptehistorio DeVS a„L^ .'',''?' P""""! 'oto the PivonnTf™ !? ''°"» brackish.
tiils lake ha«
evidenced by
4;
y of 2 metres. With
Cubic metres.
67,000,000
• 4ii, 000,000
25,000,000
13,000,000
6,000,000
,000 = 4,020,000,000
.000 = 1,260, 000, 000
' 000 = 75-1. 000, 000
390, 000, 000
180,000.000
150,000,000
,000 =
000 =
000 =
6.750,000,000
I allowing for evap.
icl rise to—
Metres Contents
Jovesea. cnbio metres.
;^= 6,750,000,000
7= 12, 8y8, 100, 000
"=1«, 566, 760, 000
res (above sea), or
ear It could give
tull working order
evaporation from
r could be utilized
■es, t. 0., a stratum
w cubic metres per
ilfl flow back into
ere are years when
e river level -j-28
ailable porlion of
;lo more than one-
literranoau ou its
B level of the sea
niids, connecting
res without arti-
of the NUe.~Ur
?ivial Geograph-'
ully discussed,
iquired whether
aur, engiueer-in-
t was definitely
and solid strata
iittle below the
tke might lose a
said that as the
5 uo inttitration
possibility.
I interstices and
lesired to know
tehouse replied
»ou8 conclusion
ihief engineers,
^liJ the Baiyau
ofU'f its fields,
juite brackish.
is ages, from a
»to a compara-
this lake haa
evidenced by
IRRiaATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT. 297
the remains of Hhell-fish. Even now the upper stratum can be used to drink ; ho ha.l
often so uKed it for several days at a time. The bed of the Raivilii basin contains iu
certain places small saline deposits. The pools formed in tlio lowest parts would lie
^T^th f " ^^ "of/ ^"t^ attainfi'l » certain depth. When the lake ha(i been filled to
a Of Pth of, say. 20 metres, the water would be quite fresh. The large quantity added
««rZ?''*^''''ru**'?yTr"'*^"'«" *«"*» to change the whole volume, while any
LTofj^i f "If"'* "^■"'^^f'l won d be inliuitoHimal. aud of no possible importance in
relation to either agriculture or its uho in drinking. i •-» i.o
Dr. Schweinfnrth was inclined to think that the Raiyan depression could be morn
advantageous y treated like the Fayoum. and used as L addFtional cSatefl a ea!
He repeated the fear that the water might become salt.
Mr. Cope Whitehouse said, in reply, that the difference between 80,000 (EKVDtiau)
?Snn i'I"/n i^^T ^ ^*"''' *V* Ir* '°"« *'V'") 2.300,000 acres of «e> (8u\n...O c u -
Jf f«, « .!« T ^^^^^ '•'Tm why the reservoir scheme must be consi.tered preferable,
if feasible. In any eveut there is no risk incurred. Long before any part of the
ZT^Z^lt '"^. "'*° P''\";^/' '"*•' *V K'^'y'^" »''«*° «°"''l »5« discharged again into
^rnJ!^ I,!«^. P/"'''*'" Tf "''^ '"^r '*'^^.'7'"* ■» practical and final solution If the water
proved unfit for use, the canal would nevertheless have paid for itself as a flood
escape and as an irrigation canal for the Raiyan district. He might also say that if
nf Qte„°„^r° ^'^ '**• ^^^^ **•?«"« ""^ *''« Ptolemaic maps, we have the experience
of 2,000 years to put against a conjectured possibility. He would, however, ask the
inspector-general of irrigation for his opinion, ' ""'*"""'' "^"^ ^"®
+w*^''iT"'."-®"!f""°*'*"''"?^^^ Ross-who was received with warm applause-said
plated Kars'arieS^!'^"^""'' '° ""'^"'^ '"^ ''' P""*^ «^ «'« -' *«- -^ -"
He wished to add, in respect to the amount of land which could be cultivated bv
on%>n*nnn'°'^*^"* ^''- ^"^^ Whitehouse had confined himself to the Delta If
20,000,000 cubic metres of war t per diem could be added to the summer supply, it
would enable the department of public works to increase the amount now allotted to
the cultivation of jjpper Egypt. There is also a large area in the plain near Kom
Ombos, which, by the scheme recommended by Mr. de la Motte, would bo converted
into a storage reservoir. It is excellent land, and can be easily irrigated. Sefi, culti-
yation might be largely extended in the provinces of Minieh and Beni-Suef. Cultiva-
tion in the 1- ayoum could also bo increased. The Government would not be obliired
to economize its water supply in Upper Egynt, because the D-jlta would obtain a
?n ySin nn^ ""l"™*' *! ^"""i"*. '^•'I additional Kupply from the Raiyan reservoir. Another
10.000,000 cubic metres of daily supply woufcfalso go far to put a stop to corruption
in the Delta. The stram upon the honesty of the local ofBcials, when oflered a bribe
lor a few hours' more water, is very great and sometimes irresistible.
Mr. Lienrnur confirmed what had been said by Major Ross in regard to salt In
accordance with his instructions he had sunk exp'erimental wells all over the basin
and had not found salt except in insignificant quantity. The bottom of the basin is
rock covered with clay and drifted sand-hills.
On this point it may be added that it is much to be regretted that Dr. Schweinfnrth
should have given oxi)re8sion to a doubt on this subject. The question was subse-
quently examined by Osrnan Bey Ghalib aud Dr. Seckenberger. and they agree wiTh
Colonel Ross and all otlier experts. No project has probably ever met with such
universal fav3r as this Kaiyau scheme. Thousandsof engineers, American, EEVPtian
English, I<rench, and German, have had an opportunity of studying it. Tbe most
eminent men have urged its immediate executfon. Objections of a somewhat similar
character, transmitted through Sir E. Baring, British agent aud consul-general to
the foreign office, have contributed materially to delay the actual completion of the
work. "The purpose ot the Government," says Herodotus, "in constructinc this
reservoir was to supply (good) Nile water to the inhabitants of the towns not Ivin^
upon the mam branches of the river; for previously they had been obliged after
the subsidence of the flood (as at present) to drink a brackish water which thev
obtained from the wells." '
(10) Passage of the Rah/cln water through the canals of Lower Egi/pt— The canals takinir
oft from above the Barrage will be capable of utilizing the following discharges at
river level 14 metres on the Barrage, which is the maximum gauge to which water
IS to be held up in summer: vn naioi
Tj t-A / J X Cubic metres.
Beh6ra, (per day) » nnn nnn
MenoufiehandGhrtrbieh(perday) innnn'nno
Dakalia, Sharkia, and Kalubia IVM\\'."""V^'.[[\\ 2M00 WO
'^°*'^^ .,= = = = =. 44,000,000
Since the mean summer discharge of the Nile at Cairo is 34,000,000 cubic metres per
i! i-[.yti
im
IBBIGATION IN AFRICA— EGYPT.
^f liteKtSnffi- ''-' '^'^''^^ P- '^'^y in s.„„.„er, the exlst.n,
drllii Ault^LftZ'T^^^^ -'» "-e to be provided with cnnals and
Prime'cost
Interest at 5 per"c'e"nt."forVii"yearV: £1,^89, 000 = «7. 045, 000
rp . , ^ . , ,. 476, 000 = ia, 383, 000
. Total cost, including interest —
2,065,000 = 10,328,000
t^rorlZfetT^^^^^^^ cost for the three years in which
wh^c^^SrSP;,^^^^^^^^^ -te of excavation and earthwork
single year. It would immediatelv Si .^"""^^y ,*? open the canal of escane Tn »
Deration for this part of itni„ty^Tirf'l*°,fY" **'«/r«r""* ««^««d upon as remn*
also available for storage, and a^crop^rown L ?h"' * '" ^"'"^ Reservoir, would be
Th:!rory7*?jit%tt€^^^^^^^^^^ ''- ^'"^^"« "^ *^« ^^'^'^^ *-
canal had bee'n rJr%7eTalf ^^ Z'Zt']^^'' "l? ^^ird year after the escape
after the escape had been worked oZial ««f ^.P*''^'*'"^ to undertake them unUl
opposite calculations to those which hS! ®?*'"^a*«« ^« influenced by preciselv the
tigures of an ordinary prSctThrirffV^^V''P'**''«* *"««•'» ^0 per S^
Egyptian debt, without guaranteeing «Uh'^ Government desires to increase th«
posed to use the Raiyan proiect to in^ *''^'" P^nc'Pal or interest. It has been r r„
row a large sum wo.fld bKnvenient^" mhe w T"' P''"'^^^- The'hbert/^o C"
"^mT *w-[f ^?"'^ ^' «° "^"ol^ ^o'e to the crUfc o/tr"-" -^^"^^'^ ^«^ ^alf the esti
Mr. Willcocks concedes that, by Sunt i? J?*" '"',?"*'°" department,
econom.zmg in the hill slopes, the totaSt of ti'*'°S the site of the canal and
duced to £1,800,000 ($9,000,000) The nnn.i? • ^^ """'Pleted works) might be m
per cent £90,000 per annukNothtirsaSaWr^^^^ ^^fS" would then be! at 5
SumleTak^' *'''" *°° insigniSr'^*'^""'^ n^amtenanee charges, pro'bably
aoSelSK a^^^^^ the dimculty of insuring a return
could easily pay ten shilling. (SvJ.Sofper acre ^"^jl^'r*'''", '° «"n.mer assu "uand
sympathizer in my efforts, the project S relVplnt? "'*" ^^^tes, himself a warm
^N?c^^L^fst%TS*sT^di^^^^^^
WillcocL. The monerr[.qTS for L^h Z77 '•" '"^^ ^"^^ contemplated by Mr
fromlocalenterprise. V,ln.arantv w'".?^
un_a.iog .0 allow water to flow in and oiort^ant ^^e^TaTsi^^^^^^^^
! -i:
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — EGYPT.
299
nraer, the existing
d with canals and
reclaimed niunt be
10 water supply in
so in some of the
mates the cost at
ill, he thinks, take
eservoir will take
>, 000 = 87. 045, 000
.000 = 12,383,000
,000 = 10,328,000
Be years In which
>£10,000,'andthe
atect material re-
1 and earthwork
1 of escape in a
d upon as remn-
Jrvoir, would be
> Raiyan depres-
after the escape
take them until
by precisely the
ler cent, to the
to increase the
tt has been pro-
> liberty to bor-
or half the esti-
partment.
the canal and
8) might be re-
i then be, at 5
arges, probably
nring a return
aertakeit. "As
this reservoir
t, and give an
have a marked
er ass u"j(l land
etresin width
juaranteed for
per annum is
=ond). Twelve
■ 400,000 acres
e necessary to
'mpany, there-
') acres of laud
($13,000,000).
obtained, but
»f the Kaiyan
g that ho cou-
Jen of marked
the opinion of
iiself a warm
'e expectation
'lated by Mr.
d be obtained
Qipent except
tain stages of
the river, and to pay, at fixed rate per million oabic metres, for the benoRts thus con*
ferrod.
Sir C. C. Scott-Moncrioff is in this dilemma : If he advises the Egyptian Oiovern-
mont to sdrlicit from the great powers the right to increase the indebtedness of Egypt,
he pledges his position and reputation to the absolute certainty ot the enterprise.
He knows that every penny wrung from the peasant is a hardship, and that the power
of Egypt to borrow at between 4 and 5 per cent, would be seriously strained by the
nnprutitable use of any such sum of money as £2,000,900. Taking only the absurdly
small estimate of £0,000,000 ($:50,000,000) as the total cash value of the Raiyan res-
ervoir, Mr, Willcocks estimates my gift to Egypt at £4,000,000 ($20,000,000) ; the
actual value, of course, with skillful management, would approach £100,000,000
($500,000,000).
If, on the other hand, there is any risk, what is itt What is its value in terms of
enhanced interest or prospective profits oU'ered to the capitalists f Let Sir C. C.
Scott-Moncricff draw up the terms of a concession, or modify those already submitted.
They embraced the alternative of lending the Government the necessary funds, with-
out a guaranty, on participation in net earnings, or of completing the works in one-
half the time, and at one-half the cost, on which Mr. Willcocks would earn 15 per
cent., and Sir C. C. Scott-Moncrieff concedes 10 per cent. It may be observed that
no allowance is ever made for any remuneration to the discoverer, inventor, or advo-
cate of the Kaiyan project.
Vastness is no attribute of the engineering works detailed by Mr. Willcocks. The
original scheme, including the conversion of the Fayonm into a fertile province,
with its borders and approaches crowned with pyramids and a pyramid hill where it
was deepest, a canal — a river, not a stagnant ditch — from Assiilt to Alexandria, fit
channel for Indo-Meditorraneau commerce, passing at the foot of Memphis, a throne
of empire, was vast in every sense of the term. Some elements of the sublime might
be thought to attach to the pursuit of the true, the beautiful, and the good — the de-
fense of the dead from aspersion, and of the living from pestilence and famine. The
removal of some millions of baskets of earth is literally child's work.
" In spite of much ridicule and some opposition," writes Mr. Moberly Boll, " Mr.
Cope Whitehouse has held to his project with all the tenacity of an euthusiast, and
has now the well-earned reward of seeing his scheme regarded as practicable aud
profitable by men whose judgments can not lie under the suspicion of being influ-
enced by the poetical enthusiasm of the student who originated them. It is proba-
ble that if he bad appeared in Egypt as the mercenary would-be promoter of a sim-
ple commercial enterprise his views would from the first have receivod more serious
consideration. It is, however, at least equally probable that they would not have
achieved the same success. He may now be fairly congratulated on having proved
the practicability of a scheme which was by many regarded as the dream of the vis-
ionary enthusiast."
Sir Edgar Vincent, as financial adviser to the Khedive, in his memorandum on the
subject (1888) said: "If, after the Barrage h.as been working for 3 or 4 years, it is
found that an increased 8up]»ly of water is required and can be dealt with, the scheme
of Mr. Cope Whitehouse will become a valuable instrument for the agricultural de-
velopment of Egypt. If it were possible to mn se the scheme entirely self-supporting
by granting Mr. Cope Whitehouse, for a term cf years, certain barren lands which his
reservoir would render cultivable, such a proposal would have ray hearty support."
He added with generous courtesy: "I can not conclude this memorandum without
expressing my high sense of the intelligence and perseverance with which Mr. Cope
Whitehouse has pursued the realization of his object."
Sir Julian Pauncefort, as permanent under secretary of state for foreign affairs, on
January 12, 1889, wrote: "With reference to my letter of the 13th of August last,
and to previous correspondence respecting your scheme for the creation of a largo res-
ervoir in the Raiyan basin for the storage of Nile water for irrigation purposes, I am
directed by the Marquis of Salisbury to inform you that Her Majesty's agent and con-
sul-general at Cairo (Sir Evelyn Baring) has received a note from the Egyptian min-
ister for foreign aflfairs (Zulfikar Pasha) statiug that the project has beoh carefully
examined by the Egyptian Government, but that after full consideration they have
come to the conclusion that they can not adopt your proposals, while the benefits
which might accrue from their adoption are fully acknowledged. I am to add that
Her Majesty's agent and consul-general, while regretting that Egypt is not able to
profit by the execution of the project which you have prepared with so much care
and skill, states that he has satisfied himself that the project has been considered
with the greatest care and attention by Sir C. C. ScottMoncriefF and Colonel Ross,
who, as you are aware, are the responsible advisers of the Khedivial Government in
such matters."
The Khedive, as befits the ruler of Egypt, ilisplays thfit disposition to further its
execution which his judgment, tact, and practical acquaintance with the needs of
his people approve. The native officials and the inhabitants cooperate. The British
ii
'. *J
ill
300
! .Mill
IBRIOATION IN AVRIOA w.
AFRICA— -MADAGASCAR.
irma nil Ai. -
rSnn!^XuZT':il' J'" -''i"»->'imv for the de.n ,
^^is^ r^r-ii'ir :: : ::r '='•-'■ — ■» -
»8 tending to
erations. .^g^pc vvitlioufc reirard t,i'« " '"rmer tho profeol
mMmmmmm
MADAGASCAR
Tbere is „„ ,!T'" ""'^ ""™^^^' — —
The sources of w«f -Mauritius,
they conduct itln the mif;^^?*^' ^or the flooSmfof fl*'^ ^^""^'•:^'
constructed from grasran/""^ ^^^ °^^»'«er thrS shalM "^^^^^^
at hand. ^"^^^^ ^"^^ mud, or any other materi«i 1 '''''.''^^""els
Water is used w.^hn f material they find dose
IJNITF,D StATP^j r^xrc,, -^^-Jii-JiELL,
— cw/arflte^ acptember 9, ia89.
4-i^i.,-:..,
SCAB.
";k the attitnde on the
I i''^>^ mihoThM ire to
>>'<iiy as Heems to me de-
;'"'ther from recondite
«« for Bome time been
thrice sought occasion
'«deH of the House of
e been giv„n that this
8t, expressed in terms
ll^^urther the project
•rely political consld-
ober, 1889, ev.y river
,""o»ry,..tb, /ohen*
the great r ,ervoir
Lower Egypt, would
'■ch had bridled th!
vice of mankind." A
of Africa It wonld
those who thought
^„f*««ttheBpleu^or
»ns hand of nature
lleyoftheNile
'^"SofthTii^^^
ignlarorpracti-
xportation, aud
"tlia rubber aud
The chief ex-
a to Maaritius,
and streams,
the country,
the ricefields
[low channels
ney find close
use as much
• The water
ns is temper-
ter.
commenced
po expenses
he rice crop.
BELL,
Consul
IfiBIQATION IN AFRICA— MADEIBA. 301
MADEIRA.
RMPOBT BY C0N8VL JONES, OF i UJiOBAL.
AREA IBUIGATED.
The area of Madeira is about 240 square miles. About one-half of the
island ,8 in cultivation The whole of the seaboard is more or less cult^
yated by irrigation. Where water is plen iful, such crops as sweet pota-
f Sf d®*." V^^^^^'' ^^H-' *'"^ ^'^^^^^ «« ^'e^ «« ''^^^^^'' ft'et elevation above
the sea, but maiz.^ is seldom grown above 800 to 1,000 feet, owing to the
short summer seaHoa on the hills. The area which is under cu m vat on
by irrigation with «ugar cane, potatoes, onions, mai/e, etc., and almost
at all seasons, and where therefore the population is co, centrate , vSs
between 500 aud 1,500 fee, .ibove sea level, and ma be estimated a?
«* ^i".'® "2F® ^*'**" one-third of the whole area of the island.
It 18 difficult to estimate the quantity of the crops grown as the ex
CiJt^n f f '^ w«U limited tosngar, wiiie, onions, poVoesrand bananas
Sweet potatoes, which is probably the largest crop growL, beans, cab
bages, etc., are consumed in the home market. '
Almost all the cereals and food plants are growu in Mmleira.
The wheat 18 otflM, bearded kind, with a hard semi-transpaivnt grain
and commands a h. ter price than the imported. A large part ^the
vegetable subsistence is derived from the pumpkin tribe
thA SLIw m '^ ?f '" "'® ^""^^ P*y'"^ ^''■^P^- ^t in confined below
the 600 leet hue. Oranges grow at an elevation f 1,500 feet.
WATER SUPPLY.
The water supply is derived from perennial springs, and from the
many gorges, which carry off the water from the hills to the sea during
^^ITl ''''""\ t^^""' ^^•^' *^««« ««^^« «t'-«a«'« are quite drylong
SSnt levadas ' ''^' ''"'" "^"'"^ ^^"'"^ ^««" ^^^^" ^^ ^y thf
The north sidy of the island, being more precipitous and well wooded
supplies Its different levadas. as well as several of those on thTsouth •
There are ho reservoirs or catchment basins. Chey would be ex-
pensive to make, owing to the precipitous nature < thl hills, and it fs
doubtful whether the broken and rock hillsides w. Jd hold the wat^?
unless the whole bottom were concreted,
IRRIGATION WORKS.
The character o th w. rks used for distribution of irrigation water
are levad^.s or open cu) .rts. Th.se are constructe<i of maT 7v or
cut in solid rock at high levels. They pass i lirough tunnels ovei
bridges, and along the sides of precipitois m untains, carSff the
water to the cultivated lands below. ' carrying the
andTmL^fong.*'''^'^''' *'^ * ^^"' ""^' '° ^^°^^^' ""^'^^ ^^^^^« ^^^ ^0
^yj^f.. .^y«*?™ <*.*! ^?^^ distribution is governed bv custom, and thA
^u^v IS xacea oy rue iiour. Some levadas deliver their wholo, contents
^"K^ ^OHr,T r' " ^'" I'-'^P-^tors of the water may be en 'S
to have It. Others deliver, say, one quartei '^ their contents at a time.
,||
"^Sjl^^K;
302
"'"■OAnoN ,N AF«CA_MADE,RA.
pvietov of omf f. ^ '"'»«i'tai)ce. ft no vt ail ""'"*'" ^'"^'n th« orin^
fell SO l-or <« in .1,,, ^,"'' 7"" <"*'"« tbe ric« of „„ ,
to Its li„ur» or ,„o of th,*'""" ""* 'tistiicr; of « civ™ 1. ^..Ti ■
WHtei- is turned ON ,J,, '"™""- For 8 or ,m„, ,h i"'? '" ""titled
til" (liv season ™'i°,"l'' I'^i'-iotors a, tZvmZlu"- "'■""' •™'"- the
oeon,.ii.l i" ZC' h'e'"LT"';';r >""*' it'l " K^. ^"r,'^';. ■ ;. "-t «l.en
Ironi 15 to 60 dava ,.„„ f- '"^ "* "le wliole disfrinr'^k' ?''"™ "' time
WATER DISTRIBUTION.
One of the princiDal dim ,.■ '"""«er than for any.
SKr 'f -£ f ^»^"' --"'»n:^c^^^^^^^^^^ o' toe
from the 8am« ™m "' •'etneen two levad»« T^?* '^'''es of their
thau 4«Voars! ™""^ "«'"«»■>«' - '»»^»?wh"^h'S:'i'a^st'i','':f„,r.??'y
!--:itf;
■ud^
:iRA.
at a time which will
? .'^O"™ of wafer, to
re Hwo from tho oriff.
' '>'i.V« for each prS-
' receives it iustead
(liiH a rifrht of water
""i"'a{,'eineiit for the
i If vailu, for repairs,
[ an hour of water
i« to $3. '
» levmla is eiititJed
OS ot the .vear the
esiroit; but when
.or space of time
which gyre varies
strict.
e(l official, paid by
' «5 cents per hour
B on rented water.
i undertaken the
^n« paid back in
fe constructed by
in their velocity
priceofanhoui^s
iide of the island
Jtructed levadas
p8 on the north
le. These waters
il cost.
eaves the hands
2aJ, It gradually
have to be sub-
me is generally
, there is more
sland. It is a
38. More peo-
thau for any-
rement of the
odies of their
their supply
ted noMT ...„__
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA— MADKIUA. •
303
Within the hiHt few years a law lias been passwl onablintr th« rnm
nuttees to incorporate themselves, with power to a<. i?o Ziu rtv Zi
otherwise protect and improve their levadas. Tla'v can Sa«e Ihe
Srer'''''''''"''»"'"^"^''"^^«^^ '""^ *«^««t *^-» the'ireeralon^
clrcUsere"^ "^^"^«' '''''' ''' -^ '^^ -- - ^ht tS oWsugar--
Under any system it is hard for the poor. Their supply is scant and
they must receive it when their time iomes, seasonab e or uuseaso^ a^
Si-iKt"^''' '"^ "•'''"' '^"'^^ "^^^ «^^" "«* car^or'orTrore^
CLIMATE AND SOIL.
The annual rainfall in Funchal is about 28 iuches, butthehilkwhinh
supply the springs are almost always covered with clouds and w*J
mist the water contents of which can not be estimlted.
ara^/aZiL^L^o^rnir^"^^^
ww",?,"" *"•*'' adapted to the vine is a decomposed red tufa, esneciallv
stiff elayeysoir"""'""™ "'»""'« """ "" l'"" ""1 regtonsTave I
ANTIQUITY OV lEEIGATION.
There are levadas here probably 300 years old, but several nf fh«Bo
mg the interregnum between the Spanish and Portuguese occupation.
NEW GOVERNMENT lEEIGATION WOEKS.
fhJ=! ^""^^^ of this new levada is at the height of 4,700 feet abovA
«rfa,TtSE ?"r'"» piuto,>at:?ta»s„'SSe,:t to" Sg^kve ac.s o,
fhat as 'required. " """ "'"'' '"'' '"">» ">=""'»»■ ""d be used from
Hi
f A
304
IBEIGATION IN APfilCA-MADERIA.
act! v'orkinir of th^ll\^^ ^^ ^^^^ more to do wifh f ho « . P^°
_ Thomas. O. Jones
United States Consulate, oUeul.
Jfunchal, Septmber 3, 1889.
! I
fruclosuie in Consul Jones', report.]
BEQULATI0N8 FOB THw rwir.^ *
PAUTl.-neZemrfa*.
the superintendeSof f »?^"/ *''** government levadas in tJ,-. ,i- ^ ■ .
and the regulations WtheShlfrV-^^'^''^/ Published on the lOf h at/ *H*™»«"'-«''
January, Ig^n. „i„,, "„ ^"""uistration of the nnh'iV r,vt' .'^ November, 184Q
'"''""™ ""•"•• for «».l.I.v.,la„,„
-^«^«<^« rfo icabafal.
^ruSSK*' * ^^'^^^ «^ '' P- cent, on the revenues of the . ,
TwolevadeirosrorwA;. C ''''*'°"^« "^ the levada, cal-
T.oc.r..«a'?«J4tSK;„"'S,r'" •■■"•"•••■.■;::;;:;;:::;
Total ,
Zevada Fajaa dos Vinhaticos.
Tof,al..
••-•
1156.67
48.00
175. 20
379r87
84;j. 00
32.00
4a. 80
118.80
8IA.
goveniuieut of the
a It attached to this
Jtainable.
ild our government
». ®'«-f are kept there
ions that I can find.
""^,aud water pro-
tn the construction
more of an expert,
m tor this report.
3. C. Jones,
Consul.
IN THB DISTRICT OF
R REVENUES.
trictof Funchaland
^ance of the treasurer
utii November, 1849,
ubli8hedonthe28tll
ptember, i860.
1 district are the fol-
os. Jn the parish of
GO,
two brancbfs, one
seres and Fajau da
ided into two parts,
branches, one that
lastaffofraen, io
»r each levada wiJl
«^ada, cal-
$156.67
48.00
175.20
379787
*a «4;j.OO
32.00
4a.80
118.80
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA— MADEIRA. - 305
Levada luncal and Furado.
?wVll;;Sor*aVsr6':r''' ^" ''^"*- ''" "'« — « «^^«-«^» m. 16
One caretaker, at 12 cents per diiv ^2.00
•^ - 43.80
Total —
119.96
thfpTo;.Ssa! SlSt^ptrS^^cSi^^'"^'^ ""' *'« dflegateoVtLSs'r/i'nder
proSal oVlh^%'re:Su'vV.'?r:rr^^ '^ *'^ '•'^^«"*« ^' *^« *-«--^ -der the
to\he"a;i;.Sator S^a^^rraSltlo'^hT/^^ar ^V^r*^' «*^- ^* ^'^^ -^«
may appeal to the departmLToTrovtnme?.t*works ''''' '' *'^'''' "'^ '''"'«««« he
our-rh"eXt' or's'^J/rhe'iSf aS a!.:;^^^^^^ £ -- *«^-,-•e .properly carried
*'^l--"-r'^/^*^"'ie«r«\rrrr^^^^^^^ ' keep.ng.and also of
botruo^e'ilve'trcht'^^^^^ Theyare
I iTiVodote^Ke t^a^r^'^^'"" "" P""""^"*' *»'l -« ^ ^«"«- =
pa||n;SSt:;^~^^i-r^*^ in proper re-
iJ,'--f» ';«»I' «'; 't* "ups of tL« l.vBd. o|»„ who" It rluis
Vm -t"o Tnim! nn\f„°'* ^""P'^S of the trees close to the levada.
bonnd to watch the bre/t aL bnshes of hTs di^tnl.' '''*^ *? •^°'''* '^^''P^''^' '^"'^ a^«
when visitors stay hefe on tLiJ wavTo si fh^t^l\ '^"'^ V, '^'''^P/^^ ^«"««« «1«*^
the good keepin/of the fnn it, re of whfnl, h« t. * "' ?"'*^ ''*' '" '''*'" '*«' ' '^''^'^le ^r
administrator, of which t ere s a conv «1^ II T n" '"^^ntory given l,im by the
district, and one given to KrrotaKnhL^ 'lepartn.ent o\ the
to live in conditionallv that he Icpmm +ii V if, 1 ,' ■ tl'rector can have a house
those of the publi" works ^ *'"'^" belonging to the levada and also
Part II.— To lease the tvaters.
clay")%rihlt eSi t^elSn'r tlL'Tr^LTirn* iZV 2',?" (*^^* .? "* ^«**"«" ^^
water he bargained for or bonght '"'S**'°" ««»«»" shall receive the quantity of
4B:;:K;;i;^^iS;*LSr ^.S'tii^i^f ::/^tey^ ^t^^<^ -ery le
flays or ;{84 hours in <-ich hini.^ v .. A ^"^'^''-J^o'/a.lfia dos Vinhaticos every 16
L-afes Santa CrnV 1 o ''g ri" 'i'di oi ;i;)0 [.o^^ ° ^^"^^1 """'^ Z'"'""^'" *^"^* '"'-
that irrigates Porto da Cruz t',; '^ L" „ T-^'V^r-- -Vh *J'^''""'' "*" "•'"'"' ^^^'^''^
^^1
306
I mi
U
IRRIGATION IN AFBICA->MADEIRA.
. ""*• A", ror tne said
ansb.a„d at the cLutVrVS,^?,"^^^
^rds shall h« «„n* *. .V. . *^ ^° "^ *^® ^«-
Abt. sa. The „„t,„ „„, ,.i, „ - ''°'" *"■ "y of 111" prewding
isr '» - --r -^ae ca faiSS '^-.! ate
Art. 25. The original of th« .h ^ auionnts of money written on
Art. ai. Ths ,Uj „„ ^^ '°« *'"' """""to lave been made
^^^-^ni.-To collect the renfB.
:»ffiHE^ '"•*' *-«p>- '"A„g„..
ShicrK^'ets'S^'-'-'-^s^^^^
The list must be made onf «» v instructions pub-
AKT. di. The sums rerpivp/if^„ •''"*'' *ccoramg to prac-
Pakt IV.-2)i^„.^^ dispositions.
xLJi.T TO Tim 1 * - — ■■«•
he has" towards" otW IS- ^''"i^^^ *^« «ame duties to f„lf5n
tbe •;»»»?y:iLa^X'Sr *f .-if °^ *« P»".iT„7i SertJ-S" <■"."■• '« »f the
■Ml
)EIRA.
arly in the month of March
otthe notary of thecVowu,
' h'ra are to be present to
S^«!f«d,^y the admin,
atmg the "giro" of the le-
lERIGATION IN AFRICA— SOUTH AFRICA.
307
> only be altered by the
n. and the delegate of the
'd by Government accord-
'alL*A^^™**^«*^"'nber
a Just and equitable die-
hose that in former yeara
I'e quantity demanded is
for any of the preceding
bay water, the quantity
11 signing a document in
18 demanded.
„7*5« Nevada, and two
nts of money written on
the archives of the Gov-
nounts have been made
takes place in August
paid the tax collector
«t eight days before if
e to be collected: r2^
"oney; (3)th3dayon
Jas to pay 3 per cent,
^mount comes to $14.
of instructions pub-
otioned, and must be
kr, according to prac-
Jked as "revenues of
he levadas."
ards the levadas, as
the services of the
It*
1 for the aid of the
rm the delegate of
oave the necessary
'^y by the adminis-
•ifling '. xpenses st-
are m^de,
thfllV^'a ™pffi,*annSTav1h 'e's7r?t^o'hf "f ^ *V '''f ''''''' ''«"" ^^t^eudin.
by'thfadmirtJat^f" '^ ^'''''' "'"«* ^« -companied by the directo'Xuchers signed
e^S. £nh^Id:=!^i"|«:^*'^ ^T^^*^!," -*^l.-l^n the "giro" can not
o— ' ■... meie- ■ bfialt<»pprf hnr+irro^ ••.«-"'''"" ^**^'^ " not all sold, the ''ffiro"
t^«»^^K"S";ffl{FEE!S
delegate of
^ -ne to fulfill
''t^^]^{t^?^^^^^^^^^^^^^^y^ ""''^ bytheadminis-
«ou^sii',*s^nt^ir dis;t^X^:^Tn i;^i^;;iS;?.''r;r r" •t'^'^* -^ p-
acquaint the delegate of the treLury^Tthe person he proposes "" *""' ^^ "'""'
ART. TRANSITORY.
SattTo^rt •.*« branchT.;,tn1snn r=tai"eh;^6^0 ct^t^fin^l^e^
wator ^oTfrrStioS^o;?xlmplr^thUl^'-^^ "^^^ ""* ^t «"«"'«"* quantity of
be united by the mUual Snt of both I~ the two branches are to
hourofwater, that the lessee receives '«' sees, the pnce then will he $1.40 each
wSr^^f.X^rafcrrhrptfirdoSle^'^""*'"'^^^"""^ -^- *^«- - <i-rthof
thSa'surT''"'"* "' *'' '"^"'^' ''^ '^"'^^^'^'' 2^*^ ^^-«^' 1862- The delegato of
Francisco Xavier de Soitsa.
firfell?/ ^'''^' department of the district of Funchal. 7th April, 1884. The
Francisco Joaquin Pkstana.
SOUTH AFRICA.
nEPORT BY CONSUL nOLLIS, OF OAPE TOWN.
year, while daring the vain/sern'bi K; ha .rK^
ter a,,d the traveler must perforce halt at theXer baTks m<1 wT?„.
308
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA— SOUTH AFRICA.
I J
!. I
tice, and a report is sent to the irovZvunrJ.!^ If ^' .^^^r due uo-
gation purposes ^^ *^ conservatiou of water for irri-
within theareawhich is irrl-/ft?nr o T^^.R^''. ^^^^ "^ »" 'and
vided thatuolaorSl betSfh«H« n^^^^^ irrigated, pro-
by means coote?upSd by the ict' ""'"''' '™^^''^ "^ ""P^«^«^
Jn z;i: ,tred^!;Tfrf;;^e^Tu^r^Hf ^^"^^ ^-^ p^^^'« ^-^- or
may loan to the extenfof ouSf of thi voi^ latler case the governor
mates, and specifloations of prXsS^ wrS fn h !^"<^«' P'f°«i esti-
Provision is .nade fw Sntion ^L L! J'"' '.""^ ''Sf'"™"' of deeds.
«o„s, a.a penaities >^^^^SS:;^:i:^^^rt^^^t^:;
•|1 II I Ihlll
i..A»-. -,.. — .. ,i , n mj
/_tfiwjj^,,»A^^*a**efc. Ajfcjtww
lEBIGATlON in' AFRICA— SOimi AFRICA. 309
c£e3!'"""'""« "' '""""""« "«' «'"' 0' -"to' ''ithiu the area pro-
lor repayment of the loan according to the following schedulesV
Schedule A.
"l°r^e'St"(pt1"n?„LTSar ''■'--'>'"»"« or „„„ ,ea„, .he rent
S'" year 106
Iwoyears 54 11
Three years 37 g
Four years " ' «J8 17
Five years [['/ 23 15
Sixyears 20 7
Seven yaars 17 19
Eightyears .'" jg 2
Nine years 14 14
^'?n years ;: 13 12
Jbilevon years 12 14
Twelve years n 19
Thirteen years n
Fourteen years.
Fifteen veara...
£ 8.
fteen years jo
Sixteen years 9
Seventeen years 9
Eighteen years ." 9
Nineteen years .". 8
Twenty years g
Twenty-one years g
Twenty-two years 8
Twenty-three years g
10 15
6
18
11
5
19
14
10
6
3
d.
6
6
6
6
6
Schedule B.
The present valuo of every £1 per annum rent-charge shall Le-
£,. £ 8, d.
Sixyears 4 ig 4
Seven years 5 11 8
Eightyears ". 6 4 3
Nineyears 6 16 1
Ten years 7 7 3
Eleveuyears .""" 7 17 9
Twelve years \\ 8 7 9
Thirteen years \ g 17 i
Fourteen years ,,'. 9 511
Fifteen years 9
Sixteen years 10
Seventeen years 10
Eighteen years ..'. 10
Nineteen years \i
Twenty years '.'.'.'.. 11
Twenty-one years '. n
Twenty-two years 12
Twenty-three years ! ." 12
a.
d.
14
3
£
2
9
7
16
7
3
2
9
5
15
4
10
6
1
ma
tLT'^l ^^peceraber, 1881, no less than sixty applications had been
hvH^i? *^' ^listricts desiring to avail themselves of the terms offered
i^cal tef omf ;n ^7^°^ 'S '}^ r«""^^ ^^^^^•'^^r of the topograph ,
icai teature^ of the country and the fact that most of the rivers of Sonrt.
Africa are dry in the summer and flooded during the VainvseTson J v«^f
necessary to make th- ^oru^.tionof water boards comnnlsorv so fh«f f h«aA
antying the stock ra.ser against loss by drought. From the lament^bS
lumiau mio wmcei, isiiuuid judge
sirun. VI
310
IRRIGATION IN AFRICA — SOUTH AFRICA.
!i . !
a great impetus will be given to this ciuestion. Many farmers have re-
ported a loss of from 10 to 50 per cent, of their stock, which would not
have occurred had the districts been secured against drought by storage
basins. Some idea of the enhanced value of irrigated land may be seen
m the report made by one owner who stated that his increased rentals
would repay the loan in 4 years.
The most complete storage work completed in this colony, and the
most important, is that at Van Wycks Vley. The rainfall in this sec-
tion IS very irregular, the average for 11 years having been 10 inches
and m some years falling to 3 and 4 inches. The reservoir has depended
on the catchment area of, say, 240 square miles. This has been found
to be insufficient for a full supply and a furrow is now nearly completed
through which the water of a neighboring river will be brought in, by
which It 18 estimated that the water covered area will be increased to
19 square miles with a depth of 27 leet. The land under irrigation is
hew by the Government and is leased at a miQimura price of 10 shill-
ings per acre. The bailiff in charge has the sole control of the flow of
water and uses his discretion in its supply, some land within the area
requiring more water than other portions. Owing to many causes, the
chiet of which was ignorance of the character of the land, fostered by the
report 6t interested persons who declared that the water would prove to
be too salt for agricultural purposes, and who desired the work should
tan and be abandoned, rrjving them a chance to acquire it, the poorest
tenants, mostly assisted by the Government supplying seeds, were alone
secured. Their success has, however, been so marvelous that the lands
will soon be eagerly soughi after. It is estimated that last year 1,300
acres were irrigated at an expenditure of an inch of water per month
from the surface. The rainfall over the whole colony is so irregular
that 1 have taken the subdivisions of the colony for the purpose of
comparison and have summarized the reports from an average of six
stations m each di-^rict. The rainfall for these districts for the year
isoa was as follows, in inches :
No
1. Cape Peninsula 53, 84
No. 2.— South west 3'/ 95
No. 3.— West Coast 15.18
No. 4.— South Coast 33. 60
No. 5.— Southern Karroo 17. 59
No. 6.— West Central Karroo 14. 12
No. 7.— East Central Karroo 16. 15
No. 8.— Northern Karroo 11. 43
No. 9.— Northern Border 8. 84
No. 10.— Southeast 28. 17
No. 11.— Northeast 20.39
No. 12.— Transkei 25.00
The topographical features of South Africa are so peculiar that the
system answering for one district is not applicable to others, while the
ram tail varies greatly as one leaves the coast and ascends to the various
table- ands. In general it may be said that the land being almost
entirely denuded of trees and bush, the rain is not drank up by the soil,
but runs rapidly over the. surface, seeking its natural outlet to the sea
wmie the evaporation is very great, estimated at 6 feet at Van Wycks
Vley, necessitating deep storage basins.
Streams which are alive the whole year are very few.
Boring for water has not been attempted on a large scale, but the
experiments made in certain sections have given very encouraging
United States Consulate,
Cape Town, JSeptember 20, 1889.
Geo. F. Hollis,
Consul.
« I
I' ■ "to
CONTINENT OF AMERICA.
%
ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.
XEPOBT BT aONSXJL BAKER, OF BVENOS A YRE8.
ANTIQUITY OF IRRIGATION IN SOUTH AMEBIOA.
In regard to antiquity, I have to say that the artificial watering of
the earth to increase its fraitfulness is of so remote an origin in South
America that its history is quite unknown. It has been generally as-
sumed that the practice had its beginning in the Orient, and we know
that in the days of the patriarchs various contrivances for flooding the
fields and meadows were in general use. It was nof,, however, until
the end of the seventeenth century that water meadows were con-
structed in Europe upon anything like a scientific system, and only
towards the end of the eighteenth century that any great improvements
took place in this bianch of agriculture.
In South America, on the contrary, it is evident that a scientific sys-
tem of flooding, which consisted in spreading a sheet of water over
cultivated fields in such i manner thao it could be readily withdrawn,
was not only practiced by the aborigines of the country from the most
remote period, but that it was done with an amount of precision and
knowledge which even to this day are matters of wonder to those who
inspect the reo^ains of tneir works. It seems hardly possible that the
natives of Peru and Bolivia and of the eastern slopes of the Andes,
which now constitute a part of the Argentine Republic, could have
acquired their skill from the nations of auti ^nity beyood the Atla,ntic ;
and hence we are at a loss to understand how such a people, without a
long previous civili/,ation, far in advance of their condition when their
Spanish conquerors arrived, could not merely have solved the problem
of the artificial watering of the land to increase its productiveness, but
constructed aqueducts and reservoirs to that end, on such an immense
scale and in such an enduring manner that they have defied the changes
and vicissitudes of unnumbered centuries. When they were built we
do not know ; but their .-emains abundantly prove that the inhabitants,
from an unknown date, were well versed in many of the ways and means
of civilized life ; that \ hey pursued husbandry and practiced agricul-
ture on scientific principles, and that, in defiance of the general absence
of rain, they rjucceeded in producing bountiful harvests even on the
precipitous sides of the s^terile Sierras. The historian of the conquest
of th3 country refers to the knowledge of agriculture possessed by the
primitive inhabitants and the v/onderful works of irrigation constructed
by them in such a manner as to prompt me to make a quotation from
his ~ ^^'
•y
1
i^r.gco. nu Huyis:
311
312
l!
If
IRRIGATION IN AMERICA— THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.
ANCIKNT WORK8 OK TIIK AZTECS.
.i^^^ " tbo coi ntry anrtered lor want, of water, U8 littlo or no rain fell and the few
fltreamB.n their short ana hurried conrse from the n.ountaiuH oxertSoJv a ve.^
limited influence on the wide extent of territorv. The soil it is tn.n wl <• l^i I
parteandy and sterile; but.many places weTe'cJpableofliyrVclKr^^^^
needed only to be properly irrigated to be susceptible of oxLordinary prod c lion
To these spots water was conveyed by means of canals and HubterraueoL^anSnctH'
executed on a noble scale. They consisted of largo slabs of freJtornicTlv fitted
together without cement, and discharged a volume of water sufficient, by means of
il«»H '^"«*' "^ 'h'^*'' *° ™°j'^" ^^^ ^'^"•^« ^° tl'^i-- J«^^«r level, through which thev
passed Some of these aqueducts were of great length. Ou^ that traversed the
t^Jff Condesuyos measured between 400 and r.OO n.Tles. They were K-ht from
vX i^^?K°' '}**""^ reservoir n the heart of the mountains, and wore fed at inte"
2lll^f "*'"''' basins which lay in their route along the slopt^sof the Sierra In tlefr
descent a passage was sometimes opened through rocks, and this without the aid of
iron tools; impracticable mountains were to be turned, rivers and marshes to be
thermi'gh"y roai*.''' '""' ''''""'''' '"''' '"^ bo encountered as in the^rsTrtVon of
Most of these beneficent works of the Incas were suffered to go to decav bv their
Spanish conquerors. In some spots the waters are still left to Sow in their silent
subterraneous channels, whose windings and whose sources have been aUke unex
plored. Others, though partially dilapidated and closed up with n^bbisl and th^
rank vegetation of the soil, still betray their course by occasiLIl patches of Cilitv
Such are the remains in the valley of Nasca, a fruitful spot iKSbetweerio/;
Zt&^oLV^Zi'itZ'^Z' °' '^^'^ ^'"'"^^ "^ —"^^-l inasoifr^are c^
The greatest care was taken that every occupant of the land through which these
fach TarZscrltd bv'S"/ ?n AT^* "V^^"" '^^^ 1"'^^"*^' "' SteraUotted to
!^^ =ri +r?^. y luT',,^"*^ *^® ^°y^^ overseers superintended the distribution
Conq^tfelToh^r/; f3^e? *° *'*^ irrigation^f the ground.-rpSt%
Patches of these prehistoric works are also still to be found in the
proviiKjes of Mendoza San Juan, and the upper Andine provinces of ihe
Argentine Republic, though the ravages of time and the reckless indiffer
,.
IRRIGATION AFTER THE CONQUEST.
If, however, the early Spanish colonists werp more intent in their
search for gold that in that for the riches which agriculture produces
Ji7.. rr*^*"?^ m those far Andine prx>viuces slowly awakened to the
fact that the only return they would ^ver be able to get for their labor
would be from the cultivation of the soil. While throughout the pam-
pas, consisting of the provinces of Buenos Ayres, Santo Fe, and Eutre
Eios, the people loUowed the lazy but lucrative employment of breed
ing cattle, to the entire neglect or abandonment of agriculture, which
exacted more hard labor and patience than they were inclined to give
vaiZ tho '"^^"''' provinces, where, owing to the lack of seasonlble
rains, there was a general absence of pasturage and cattle were unable to
leed themselves, the colonists were compelled from necessity to direct
themselves to agriculture; but they did it in such a way that, com-
pared with the science displayed by the aborigines, the cultivation of
the 801 actually retrograded. Mr. Nap, in hi/work on the Argentine
xsepublic, says : h •/ uo
While the country was a Spanish colony agriculture wm neglented to the sreatest
Indeed, the conquiatadoren of the Argentine Republic found there an indicenons nonn
lation. more numerous than themselves, which if it was not .^iTtrso/Sr^.XaaTn
iIC.
and the few
)iily a very
for the most
ind, indeed,
production,
nquedncts,
icely fitted
•y means of
which they
.versed the
onght from
id at inter-
i. In their
t tlie aid of
rslies to be
itruction of
!vy by their
;heir silent
dike unex-
sh and the
3f fertility,
ween long
4 or 5 feet
y, are con-
hich these
allotted to
stribntion,
[Prescott's
(1 in the
esof the
I indiffer-
instance
in their
reduces,
jd to the
}ir labor
he pani-
d Eutre
f breed -
J, which
to give
sonable
liable to
o direct
»t, com-
ation of
■gentine
> greatest
cupatioQ
ms popn-
anced in
i»
IRRIGATION IN AMERICA—THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 313
agriculture as tho ancient inhabitants of Pern, ha<l ad(.j)tcd many of their ways and
hSl " Thf ^^ *'! "•"«'*!'«'.' '"Vl :Y'":« oHpecialiy expelience.l in tJu, cnltivXn of
.!«*« fl«. .1 **••""?!'"'«'. '»"''"« "' tlicirsearch for gold, were compelled to accommo-
date themselves to tlie circumstances which surrounded them, 'fhus theradonted
the customs and habits of life of the natives and partially undertook Sic. Sre ■
Th ?s°S«n th^V'"'' ^ig^ronsly exploited, yet it became of a certain import ice '
T.rn5/in' J ^® *°''-'J'' increased and a proater consumption was recinired, the pamna
E'„ ft ^^i-^ .I^v.ded with cereals from the provinces of the interior. I-W ex*
tott-AHl^fln"^''*?* province of San Juan, as late as the year im, stil sent flour
to the Atlantic coast, and notwithstanding the high cost of the transportation by land
But owing to droughts and the constant want of timely rains it was absolTitX
na d to h^^rnn^l'^^ H'^ "'''V'"^ i» Home of those provinces so little Mention was
111 *^ *^1 P'^^P^'^ systems of irrigation that these means for watering the fields
• tZ conquest^ ''°"' ^^"'"^ *'''"'°^''" *''"" ^^^^ ^"''^ ^«*"«'« the period of
Since the organization of the Argentine Eepublic an an independent
government, ^vhlle agriculture was scarcely thought of in the pampa
provinces until recent years, the cultivation of the soil has continued
to be the principal occupation of the inhabitants of the interior prov-
inces. And it is only in those of Mendoza, San Juan, Oatam area, San-
tiago del Estero, Tucuman, Salta, and Jnjuy that any attention is at
all paid to the subject of irrigation. Indeed, but for such artificial
means, owing to the lack of rains, it would be impossible to raise crops
at all m any of them. ^
CLIMATE AND RAINFALL OF THE INTERIOR.
In regard to the character of the climate, it will be borne in mind
that the Argentine Itepublic extends from 56© to 20o south latitude, and
consequently, in such a wide zone, is subject to a verv great variety of
climatic conditions. While the tar northern provinces have quite a
tropical temperature, and the Cuyo provinces have a temperate climate,
those portions ot the country which extend towards the Straits of Ma-
gellan have about six months of quite severe winter. I may also add
that the mountain ranges, gradually rising on the west to the regions of
perpetual snow, have great effects upon the temperature, even in regions
ot the same latitude. On this account, in compliance with the instruc-
tions df your circular, I shall have to give the character of the climate
and the quantity of rainfall for the different interior provinces sena-
rately, beginning with Mendoza. '
Province of Atendoza.—This province is bounded on the west by the
,««®^lT^'°^ ^^'l^ ^^^^^ ^^^ Argentine Republic, and contains about
155,745 square kilometres. A large portion of it is without population.
Ihe cultivated portions are mostly in the neighborhood of Mendoza, its
^ only city, which is in latitude 32° 55' and longitude 08° 49', and stands
at an altitude of 799 metres above the sea. It is situated in the foot-
hills or the Andes. The. meteorological office reports for the year 1886
the mean monthly temperature (centigrade thermometer) as follows •
_ Degrees.
January 23.21
February 22.88
March 20 02
April ■■.■." 15.18
May 10.5.5
June 7.63
- , Degrees.
J'Jly 7.85
August 9.79
September 12.87
October 17. 04
November ; 20.99
December '. 23.65
The mean temperature was 150.99. The lowest temperature was 7° 5
?olu^l^^' ^^^^^ ^^^' of August, and the highest 4Io.5 above, on the
Ai/tji Oi i/ceehiOCr, a Variation of 49^,
!(
I
314 IRHIOATION IN AMERICA— THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.
1«J!I 'Zr/Ul ^''«/iV"'"''" ''^ '"'^** '^*"^"« «^* ^^^ y*^«r« ^«77, 1878,
io7y, and I. *j80, a.s follows: ' '
Months.
January . .
Fobruarj- .
March
April
May
June
July
AoKuat ...
September
October...
November
I)ec«mber.
1877.
Mm.
19.0
6.0
0.4
18.0
0.3
"o.'i
"67." o'
1878. 1870.
Mm,
11.0
7.0
2.0
ao
'i8.'(V
U.0
15.0
3.0
10.0
Mm.
0.S
3.8
07.0
6.0
"l4.'6
"io.'o
2.0
6S.5
ao
7.6
1880.
Mm.
0.0
0.0
2a 2
7.5
0.0
'i7."6
21.0
0,4
41.0
The director of the meteorological office says :
From these fignres will be »nder«tood the extreme aritlitv of the climate contiir.
U0U8 to the toothilsof the AudeH, and that the eutire agricutural richness o°^^^^^^
Andine provinces dependH directly iipon the meltin- of the Tows on the elevated
Trfn^the w^te w' "''""•'• 'l T^l'^' !J^''"' «""^ '« accuVom.. t^faU frequently
(luring the winter, but to no great depth. And yet, owine to the extensive svstem of
irrigation, the greatest part of the lauds in the Lighborhooil of tl^e r^vrrrhas b^en
mafelK vfuT' '""*-' '''"*"' principally to\ho oultivati.,„ oV Sa' whe'a't^
Province of San Juan.-The province of San Juan lies to the north
ot that of Mendoza, and its western boundary separates it also from
uniii. Its mountainous features, however, are more pronounced than
those of Mendoza, the sierras there rising one behind the other in longi-
tudinai chains which form the system of the Andes. The city of San
Juan lies in latitude 31o 32' and longitude 68o 35', and it is 652 metres
t^^I\l^ ^^""^^ ^^ i¥ ^^•''- '^^^^^^^ y«''r« <>f observations complete
gives the mean monthly temperature of the city as follows:
Degrees.
January 26.43
February 25,40
March i3 41
^Pril 17.74
May 13.43
Jflne .^ 9 6g
Degrees.
•J»Jy 10.17
^»KU8t. 13.30
isci.teniber 16.25
October '.""..".'."!.' 20.00
November 23, 64
December \\\ 26.12
The mean temperature is I80.8O. The place is subject to very sudden
change of temperature, the variation in the summer months beinff
sometimee as great as 25° in a few hours. ^
l^/Zl ^«*"i''?f complete of the rainfall for-the years 1881, 1882, 1883,
ana I800, as follows : 7 7 »
Months.
1881.
1882.
1883.
1888.
January
Mm.
36.0
55.0
■""i.'o
15.5
"'eao'
14.0
Mm.
3.0
12.0
'" '6."6
4.0
""•r'.o
Mm,
39.0
12.0
1.0
"i.o"
"■"i.'o
'"'a'o
""'23.'6'
Mm.
February
40.6
March
April
May
Jnne
Jni.y
Angust
September
October
KToTember
December
16.0
ao
6."2
ao
2.0
ie.o
mtmm
_i'_i;,«u, ,^ — ^-^^ -,.jf™*vv-i' i-fTT^n'SSe^
0.
1880.
n.
Mm.
.3
0.6
.8
0.0
.0
28.2
.0
.0
7.8
9.0
.0
.0
i7.6
.5
21.0
.0
0.4
5
41.0
Degrees.
.. 10.17
. 13. JO
. 16.25
. 20.00
. 23.64
. 26.12
1888.
Mm.
40.5
10.0
8.0
0.2
8.0
2.0
16.0
i
IKRIGATK IN AMERICA— THK ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 315
It will be seeu lu the. Ugn ea that the «^.liuiuto is e.v ts.sively dry
Ihecl arness fi atmosphcn liowever,i8 phono U; hI ul though
in butuiiier tbo undday ht.tt , very severoly felt, lie i.iL'hts ;.r« re-
frenhed bv '-ool bree/o »rom the south. The '' Zoiidu," as the nort wt
1, is the b .occo of South Atnerica, and prevails during
a ,, , . ^ . -A-agust, and September, generally begiuning about
»oclA«k m the mornmg and continuing until sundown, duit.ig v i,k?h
tune »« beat is almost iffoca; - and the air is a cloud of dust. T le
"Zoii " ' '- ' ....
cause
pheric equilibrium
In referen«;e to the climat
says
wind iw
the mom
of Jul
," however, is always followed by a south wind, which at ou<'e
vsrdden fall of lie t Mii>eri' -^^and reestablishes the atraoa-
le ua'
.ector of the meteorological ofiftce
nff an T,i*y • ^ '^•".''•' ^"^'i^ '* entirely inadeqnuto to the requirements of
li^'n / 1 -.r ouislung thiit great tracts of country (t raveHiaa) are found
Blmost entire y with.. .getation. unless the roq.iirod .noistnre is supplied hy irrl-
§f.;n«"« 1 ; JT "; "'IV'^'^ irrigation, however, these <leserts are transJormed into
?r«w iSv fr^»nH"^'.^^h*''' contrast seem, as it were, like islands of paradise, where
f^^Z l''^"rlantly all the products of a temperate zone. The few rainstorms which
occur are accompanied by violent winds and great electrical discharges, and hail fre-
Su^^tlTe crops "^ of October and November, causing at times great destruc-
Province of Gatamarca.—Th( ovince ol Catamarca is bounded on
the west by Chili and on the orth by Bolivia and the province of
Satta. Its superficial extent is placed at 242.3^^ square kilometres
Its great industry is mining, though consideni hie attention is also given
to agriculture and the dairy. The city of Catai. .area is in latitude 28° 28'
and longitudeG5o55',and its altitude is 545 metres above the sea level!
It is situated in a small valley which on the south opens into a level'
and plain. The climate is very similar to that of San Juan, very hot in
summer and temperate in winter. The " Zoiida " here is very frequent
and sometimes blows for 48 hours, in its progress frequently parching
and blasting all vegetation. Indeed, the climate is so dry that the
droughts sometimes continue for 8 or 9 months of the year Only on
such spots as are moistered by irrigation is any abundant vegetation to
be tound. The mean temperature for each month is given as follows •
Degrees.
Janrary 28.27
February 26. (iO
March 25. 18
April 18.77
May is.ho
Juue 10.72
Deerees.
J"^y 11.78
August 16.03
September 19,53
October 23.70
November 25.76
December 27. 64
The temperature frequently rises above 40° and scarcely ever known
to fall to freezing point.
I am not able to give the rainfall, but it is much less than that of
San Juan.
Province of Tucuman.— The province of Tucuman is to the southeast
ot Catamarca, but m climate presents a very notable contrast to it, on
account of its great humidity and consequently the tropical character
ot the vegetation. Indeed, owing to its innumerable farms and rich
vegetation it is called the "garden" of the Republic. Its superficial
arta is about 70,000 square kilometres, a large portion of which is rela-
o7^ .^«.^?" cultivated. The capital city of the same name is in latitude
26° 50', longitude 65° 12', and its altitude is 4G4 metres above the sea.
1 have the mean monthly temperature of Tucuman for 16 years, and
there is but little variation in the readings. I give that for 188.5.
I
,1
■f VH
A.
'iu
*5^
.16*^.
A
%
V^^.o.
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-S)
/>
fe
<r.
if,
"^^Z V^'^*
*' *.^
y c^x
/.
1.0
I.I
m ill
1^
If 1^ 112.0
\h25 ill 1.4
1.6
7]
w
:'> >
/^
%
PhninrmQT^nin
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 872-4503
^\^
V
"q
r\>
N>
%
"l^"',.^'/^
Mi
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.%
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^
316 IRRIGATION IN AMERICA— THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.
DeKfees.
January 5?5.
February ^>^. 1
March - ai.O
April 17.4
May l«.f)
Jane 11.9
Degteea.
July 11.3
August 15.1
September 19. iJ
October . 20.1
November 24. 5
December 24. 5
The highest temperature recorded was December 25, 1862, when it
went to 40*3, and on three occasions it went down to 0o.9.
The rainfall for the years 1886, 1887, and 1888 was as follows :
Month.
iTanaary ...
Febtoery ,
March .
April
May
Jnne
July
AoKiiBt ....
September .
October....
Kovember .
December .
IPSO.
1887.
Mm.
Mm.
307. «
328,0
241.2
06.1
201.1
119.0
26.6
30.3
8.0
5. .5
21.1
4.9
0.0
31.8
2.3
2.0
6.6
14.2
40.5
100.4
93.1
97.8
115.2
106.0
1888.
Mm.
85.9
48.7
211.0
44.4
12.1
29.2
4.6
1.5
65.5
83.0
168.3
221.4
The mean monthly rainfall by seasons for the last 15 years was as
follows: Spring, 205.3 ; summer, 488.2; autumn, 233.C ; winter, 31.1.
Province of Cordoba. — The province of Cordoba is partly pampa and
partly mountainous, and exhibiting tjreat diversity in the quality of
the soil, is admirably adapted for agricultural pursuits and grazing,
. ^ the only drawback being a tendency to droughts during the summer
months. The city of Cordoba is situated on the banks of the Rio Pri-
mero, just on the edge of the giaat plain which extends to the Atlantic
Ocean, the Sierras rising on the west to a height of 2,500 feet. I have
the mean monthly temperature for the last 15 years, and there is a re-
markable uniformity in the figures. I give the following for the year
1887: • •
Degrees. Degrees.
January 23.4 July 10.5
. Febrnnry 22.4 A'Jgust 16.0
March 21. September 15.5
April 16.3 October 17.7
May 12.7 November 19,7
June 12.7 December 21.6
The rainfall likewise shows a remarkable uniformity. I have the
returns for the last 15 years, and the largest amount in any one year
was 988.7 millimetres in 1878, and the smallest amount was 528.7 in
1887. For the years 18d7 and 1888 it was as follows:
Month.
January . . .
February . .
March
Anril
May
June
July
Auf^ust ..
Septnmber.
October
November . ,
December .
1887. 1888.
Mm.
01.4
47.8
30.4
68.4
10.5
7.0
3.0
49.0
136.3
84.9
Mm,
16.3
66.5
130.1
67.0
2.3
9.5
31.6
119.5
161.9
'* .4^^^^g|#ffi|«^f
LTC.
Degteea.
11.3
15.1
19.3
20.1
24.5
24.5
2, when it
ws:
1887.
1888.
Mm.
Mm.
328.0
85.9
95.1
48.7
119.0
211.0
30.3
44.4
5. .5
12.1
4.9
29.2
31.8
4.6
2.0
1.6
14.2
65.6
100.4
83. e
97.8
16S.3
106.0
221.4
a>rs was as
:er, 31.1.
ainpa aud
quality of
d grazing,
le sumtner
le Rio Pri-
e Atlantic
t. I have
te is a re-
r the year
Degrees.
10.5
, 16.0
15.5
17.7
19.7
21,6
; have the
r one year
18 528.7 in
1887.
1888.
Mm.
Ut.4
47.8
30.4
68.4
10.5
Mm.
16.3
66.5
130.1
'" 67."6
2.3
3.0
49.0
136.3
84.9
9.5
31.6
119.5
161.9
IRRIGATION IN AMERICA — THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 317
The mean monthly rainfall by seasons for the last 8 years was as fol-
lows i Spring, 194.3; summer, 310.6; autumn, 144.3; winter, 16.1.
I might extend these meteorological returns, but they are quite snflQ-
cient to show the character of the climate in the irrigated regions and
the annual amounts of rainfall. From an examinatioii of them it will
readily be understood that without some artificial means of watering the
.sou there would not be moisture sufficient for the production of crops
with any certainty, unless, perhaps, in Tucuman and Cordoba.
SOURCES OF THE WATER SUPPLY.
The water supply in all these provinces for the purposes of irrigation.
IS almost exclusively from rivers, streams, springs, and small water
courses coming down from the mountains. The great trouble, however
with those rivers which have their sources in the Cordilleras of the Andes
18 their unequal volume of water. With the melting of the snows, or
during the rainy season, they are generally full to overflowing, but they
soon run out, and at the very times when their waters are most needed.
Indeed, with the exception of the system of rivers which flow to the
Rio de la Plata, and which includes the Uruguay, the Parana, the
Paraguay, the Pilcomayo, the Vermijo, and the Salado, theie is not a
single river in the entire republic, until we come to the rivers south of
the province of Buenos Ayres, which has any outlet. Those of the
central system, most of which cross the province of Cordoba, after a
dreary course to the eastward, are swallowed up in the sands before
they reach the Parana. Those which compose the system of the Cor-
dilleras are all lost in quagmires and marshy lagunes before they reach
the ocean. With their shallow beds running down very slight inclines,
and their great evaporation from the high temperature of summer,
many of them quite dry up during 4 or 5 months of the year, and these
streams are all in those belts of country which have the greatest need
of moisture.
CHARACTER OP THE IRRIGATION WORKS.
In regard to the character of the works used for the storage and dis-
tribution of the water, as a general thing, it may be said that they ire
of the most primitive kind. In most cases they consist merely in hold-
ing the waters by means of dams built at intervals along the courses of
the streams, and from the higher levels thus obtained making canals or
aqueducts through which the water is allowed to pass by a gradual de-
scent as it is needed to the lands which are to be irrigated. From these
canals the water is distributed by means of sluices and gateways along
a system of drains, trenches, or conduits to the fields and meadows which
compose the irrigation district. Where the surtace is level or flat it is
frequently necessary to form artificial slopes for the water to pass over.
The whole of the ground is then laid in broad undulating beds the
upper part of which is quite level from end to end where the supply
channel is cut. All the supply furro>7S are fed by a main channel at
right angles to the beds and somewhat above them. When the flood
gates are opened the water flows into all the upper channels very regu-
larly and evenly till it fills them to overflowing in their entire length. In
the case of those streams which come down from the heights of the Andes,
aud course through the valleys or canons of the Sierras, there is no diffi-
culty in holding the water at a higher level than the lands to beirrigated,
but where the sluggish rivers meander across an almost level plain there
/
318
IBRIGATION ™ A„BB,CA-T,.B AKOKNriNK BEPUBLIO.
river, from which level it is alii wp.^ fill ^i^'"" ^^''''' ^^« •''^"ks of the
terveniu« district in Vein "^art' <// X'rn^^"^'^ "'"^ "''''^^^^ ^^'^ i^'
wh:ch serve as reservoirs for retaining t f « .^^ Provinces the works
. and large sums of money have beei\itnr/*'^Ti ''•'^ ^* ««"*^ '"^sonry
oM.er provinces the works are meXwoSVh..^-^'" ««"«tr"«tion. iJ
incuts, which sometimes in sudden frlS! "^""'^ ^'^^^^'^^ embank-
damage, thus leaving, the pt'o^ le of tlflulf • f «^'«i>t «^ay ".vith great
without the means of irr'gSl tt ^hnd« t ""^" \^'7 ^'^ ^«P*^»«'^
sources of the water supply ^ '^''''^- ^ ^'^^ l>elow the various
which making a semiiircle through tt.n?,Mi^^^ ''''?/' ^''*" J^^aacisco
ties into the Eio Vermeio Whi Ip i7 ,! n ^^*'""'«"» ^«"eys finally emp-
the province, theie arefiarge number of L7^ LT'V^'^-^''^^.^^ «^»'^^'" >»
which channels also have befn dSg ami wCcS IT";? ^^'^ ?"*''"'^*^^ *^*>"i
sities of agriculture. ^ ^^^"'" greatly assist the neces-
f^^^^!:^& z ^: t:: t^?'' r ^"^^"^^ -^^^ -ter
mento the San Francisco, LTtirVermelo^^.T^' T^''^ *'^« J"^^-
SS p.f;S ^^'^^^^ - ^'^-^^rffir^'n^^^SedTr^^^^^^^
loSSi^^?^S-ii:^:^|,J-^^^^^^ Which run
ikewise is quite well supplied w.t wSr ?nr 13"^"""^" ^^'^ P'<>^i"ce
the south the streams f?im thT hei^h s (>f H^F^'^" purposes. On
the river San Francisco, and on the eai tif Hva.t^''"'^^'" ^*"S« ^^"^^
the Dulce. These two ri vers toe^ethpr w^fl ^- ^^^'' ^^^erwards called
mountain rivulets, furnish a„S"fW«n/" ^""T^^^^'« number of
poses, and nearly all thelH.mi 3"^^««e of water for irrigation pur-
.:iSZSa;e:S^;;,J^SSr ' '^""^^« '^' ^«^-« ^^^^ pnn. >
afterwards called Solado/ whffitw^?S*i^ ^^ ^^t^^' Juramento,
Wders. AsfarasSepultu^astKvfi^iiwSn^^"°J*^^"^ ^'^fl eastern
covered A.ith fine fams a^d su^^r nifn iJL^^^^^^^
which they receive from the strS p. odm n.J ^^^ '^^^''''^ ^^t«"°&
lands which otherwise would be per fectlvbar^^^ ^^arvelous fertility in
however, ^t spreads out into marshes nr .til ^^^eyoud that point,
the province) over a couutry wSh is nn?/fr ^u-^
considerable water course is the r vJ - >n I ^ cultivation. Another
man, flows diagonallv through tl.o i ■'^' '''^'''^''' ^^^^^ ^^^viug Tacu-
Santiago. In tLt vidnrtyTis weS C"f ' ^f,'^*^^ ^^ ^^^ city of
of canals furnishes an abundance of w? K S ^^'"'^•"^ ^^ ^ «*^^'««
farms on each side AffPrnror.7io ^ • ^^ ^he estaucias and su^ar
the Salinas or Great ialTZeri wZe'U wt^T^'^^^^' '' ^^^s
yond this its several channejT .tni^I o • ^^gotatiou can exist. Be-
Saladillo. Along ihis s'ream are ?o be"Jbund ^"'"1 ^^"' *« «^"«<^ «'«
desert," which have been redeemed bv moin^ if *? ""^ >'^^^ ^" "'e .
thence coursing over a birrp,, ,;i.j, *T-^ "^"^ ^^ irrigating canals •
;epublic.
evols. lu some
iut than that to
at of the bed of
lie banks of the
li irrigate the in.
noes the works
f solid masonry
nstruction. In
oarth ern bank-
way with great
>y are repaired,
ovv the various
ers on Bolivia,
San Fraacisco,
78 finally emp.
able stream in
I rivulets from
sist the neces-
ed with water
ers, the Jura-
rge number of
lized for agri-
ins which run
this province
urj)08e8. On
a range form
rwards called
>le number of
rigation pur-
'hus supplied
tero the prin-
I' Juramento,
and eastern
loth sides are
!ial watering
IS fertility in
I that point,
the name of
D. Another
aviug Tacu-
the city of
s of a series
8 and sugar
) it reaches
exist. Be-
8 called the
)ase8 in the
ng canals;
itself in an
8 no large
h of which
IRRIQATION IN AMERICA — THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 319
the principal are the Santa Maria, the Piolen, and the Piedra Blanca
the two last named forming the Rio del Valle, on which the dtv of
Catemarca is located. These streams and their affluents and indLd
tam torrent, are utilized ere they are swallowed up in the sands for the
purposes of irrigation. But even then the water supply ^so fna e
quate that there are throughout the province immense UstrctrwUhoufc
tTa^rsSK^^^^^^ '""' ^'^'^^ "^"^^ continrrrm"ti?s
K.wJfjf t Kioja—Thj, only riverof any importance in the province of
liioja 18 the Vermejo, and this waters only a very small portion of its sur-
face. This river, .oming down from the eternal snows KZit Bonetf
TorTomth^'vli^ H '"•^^"''"^h'?' ^« l»--sedby the ttrelwSh
come trom the Valle-Hermoao, and turning its course to the south to re-
ceive the surplus waters of the valley of Jacal, flnally in latitude 32o
loses Itself in the sand before reaching the lagunas of Guaj^^^^^^^
Throughout its course it affords excellent facilities by means of sUiS
for irrigation, but the volume of water is wholly insufficient to meet thf
requirements of the people, and during the summer iShs for wan?
of moisture, thereare but few places which escape ZwidZ^^^^^^^
Wherever there is a thread of water, however, coming down from the
Sierras, It has been utilized for irrigation; and in tl^ last few years
w 27T'^^''^ ^^' 5'^" ^^""S" ^••*««'^» ^^«"« i" the hope of obtain
mg a better supply of water, but thus far with very little success
Provrnee of San Luis.-The province of San Luis ras po,X sun-
phed with water as Rioja. The only river of any importance s he Z
Quinto. which comes down from the mou-I ns in a series of c-.scades
and after a southeast course is flnally lost in the pamna, n l?ati'ide 34o'
n an immense salt marsh called Juncal. There a^e several sma streams
whose waters are alsD, by means of dams and canals, utilised fbr the
KTtlfn^^T"^'''*'"",' ^"^' '^^ «^'«^^ ^^»* '" ^1^'« province s more wat^r;
for although in good season there is rainfall enough for the crops vet
IhoJZT \^ ^Th"^^^ *'°' ^"^ ^° ^'^«^"^t« ^'^'^^'^ i« only ceSn ?u
those parts where they have streams for irrigation.
Frovmceof San Juan.~The province of San Juan is in the midst
of the rivers which compose the water system of the Oordil eras
The most northwardly of these is the Colorado, which L wTsevS
affluents froin the far western sierras. The second is the Verme o Shico
which also IS formed by several affluents in the snow-covere d neiks
«fi?^;^^'H' u ""^^T ^:^^ ^^" ^ «^"«« of magnificent farmTngdsr'cts!
all watered by canals from these mountain streams. This rrver! after
wards turning to the south, as I have said, makes its way towa^ls the
Laguna Guanacache, but is lost before it gets there. The third and
most important of the group is the river San Juan, Thich has itssource
m the summits of the Oordilleras in two affluents, end flowing to the
east down the valley of Pismento cuts through he mouSL and
after passing by the city of San Juan turns to the south and emVt^^^^^^
into Lake Guanacache. Formerly on the breaking up of tlfe snowrthe
floods which came down this river caused most destructive inundations
n the vicinity ot the city, and sometimes devastated leagues upon
leagues of the most cultivated parts of the valley. To guard aSst this
ZCrT '^'l' *'? ^^^'^ constructed, whicii acts^s a refeivo r fo?
holding the water during the summer months. From this reservoir
alonVSZf l'^^^^^^^ distributing canals and condiXaU
them i^ Lffif"^' "^ '^"".''^1 ^'"' ^"^ ^'^^*'' '« "0^ so abundant that
^here is su&cieut ior steady streams along the gutters of the city.
SSKSH
320
IRRIGATION IN AMERICA-THE ARGENTINE KEPUBLIO.
■ r
dlitiesfoHrH^^^^^ ^?.rr' ^^«^« ""^rvelous fa-
Lake GnanacS Us alti ul s o. li 600 m^^^^^^^^ '°?'^^«' ^^"^ »*
. 200 ,netre« in a distance of not over iS mZa^S'^SrSt fZ"%U '"" "^
however, 8 woiiderfullv crookfl<l nn.i .«• i ?^ i '"®- Ihenver,
number of canals and c^nXts for fe^^^^^^^ ^1' ^" UDli.nite<i
Besides this all the small stielms anl^ iS" whic^'-^Str""*'^'
down from the mountains are utilized for watednL tl.« Jh^'',''"^
pt;^Ssr — ^-^-^ ^^^y are enti J.roZ^a t SCa!
portance. The most considerah I «? Jh? ^^ter courses a peculiar im-
is formed by two rortTran Jhes in fh« !^ 'f ^^^ ^*^ Mendo/a, which
the northern co^flue^t descenSiL from Mom,'^^''^^'' °^*^" ^''^^^^
name of Rio Las Ouevas whX the wh^rn ^^^^^ag^aa »a<ler the
Los.Horcones receives zts waters'frU the nea^ 'a ?'«
the junction the river runs to f h a «mvJh f S P^^ks of Tupuugrato. After
Cordilleras and thlsieiTa Usnmata an 1 ir^h^ the valley between the
Lujan shortly afterwSs douWes t^C^^^^ ^T^ P^^*" "«a^
iug at the Lake Guanacache, fnto wMch 1,C^^^^^
finally disappears. Throughout nearlv ifl inft J San Juan, ifc
the waters for an immenselZunf nnrn;!.- ^'"^^ u^'^T '* burnishes
network of channeTsTn thnmmedif/ f f "^ ' V'll!' *^^ ^O'aplicated
e'aborate ramifications, is one ^ the ^rll'".i /-^^ ""H^ ^'^^ *^*^'^
Heretofore the water brought down fnS .v. "'^^*^''*u°'' ^^ ^^^ Pla«e-
trenches was used indl8cSn\^td7X:t dS^^^^ ^P^^^
poses; but two years ago, when the cLlero vLi Jal ??• ''°*''^ P"^'
epidemic was peculiarly malignant in that n^f^n^^^^ *^'^ ^'r"^^^' ^'^^
proved, to the bad coSon of the w^?^r Tn^fV^'"^' i*"* ^^^ analysis
IKEIaATION WOEKS OF PEOVINOE OF OOEDOBA.
of the province, as are also a number S^fni.^ ^'^'^^^^
•f Dr J„a.« CofJa™™! Ct"i,?„"v nl^TwT^^itrt *if%'h"rr"'"'
KEPUBLIO.
IB3I0ATI0N IN AMERICA-THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 321
inquiries to this oiul were made bv corns nf aniif...
first of tboso works, under the name o7?h« u S'"^"i. ^"g'neera. The
heights of Cordoba" (Obralde rTao de / . nu'^^^T 7?''^' «^ <^^«
tended the distribution of ho waiers of t .« 1?/^ i •' ^^''^o^'^) corapre-
through the city of Cordoba Thp Irrl ^ Pr"uoro, wliich passes
and itisjustnoVcomiXted aiTd w^h Llf f'"'"««ced 2 years ago
entire cost was 13,800 'ooo'l? is dTiiLd^^^^^^ '"«"'*«• ^he
1. The dike of San £me Thi^ I . ^"^ ^^"f P^^^^' **« foll«>W8:
of the river. It XS'i^ a Lrrnw'*'-'^*''" ^1' folding the water
tains on each side! at a s oJ? dt«H^fl f ""^'T ^'^\ Precii.itous moun-
San Roque and C^squ^n! wJch to "S ^'^'^^s
61 metres in height an b^SesfrnmH *" /^'^^'^ Primero. It is
of the wall is 61 metres at tZ hL« i -^i^ • ^'^^^"^ ''"^- ^^''^ thickness
water line and 6 met'^s «t t letoD 'lt« i^ h"".'1'^ f' "^^'^'^^ ^^ '^^
bank to bank, is 30 metres -and ^at It ^e°&th »t the base, being from
60,000 cubic metres rSury It hoU''2Gj OOoToo''' k'* ^?'^"'«
water, and converts the vallev i.fn o loii "^^Yu'^^? cubic metres of
It contains two flood gates a «h)e ofS.''"^ beautiful artificial lake,
removing the accumulftW of S TTnnni'"'^-' «"? contrivances for
voir, the water flowsXwS the channYl^o? t'h J'^-^ this immense reser-
spot called Mai Paso, a short di<5nn^« fJ ^.^^ "^^ »"t'l it reaches a
dike has been built ' distance from La Colera, where a second
of\f wf ter.S'^h?^ ^re' il'lO Vet?e« ^ T^\T ''' *^« ^^«^"»>"tion
length, from bank to' 'bLk^ 'LHrsisfs o^fs^OOO ^o f ' "^''r ^"
tion is at a height of 37 95 n,ff°t „k *?- V ^^e point of distribu-
than that of the Northern Canal Th«Z '^- '".u P'^°^ ^^^^'^ ^^'^tier
kilometres of secondary canals the al^^K *^' '^•"^- ^' ^^« ^9
siSfw'mto llLTKV'uJdo'r^^^^^^ ,";? proved for
metres of water, and teisato 60 00? w/'" ''?''l 350,000,000 cabic
»4,600,000 ; also for "orSontl,«RT'ri"'^ u' '"""l "' » «<»« "f
be 42 metres high anrco,ita?„ asfi^im^T""' *''"'"' Pn^^Pal dite will
of $3,860,000; fiso tor works f n ff S^ ""n"" r"'. "' "»""• "' » «»»'
are to be constructed earb ^fi .,1 " ■""?''?'/»"■ which two dikes
32,000,000 cnbtoS^f 'of wLi anT aZ ItIoo' ,''^'"'' "'J', "»"'
The«,ttac<«^^tUe works con,p,eted and the works projected is
322
IRRIGATION IN AMERICA— THE ARGENTINE REPUJJLIC.
r if
i u
?oo??Sw^ °«%>?«« th^^n $15,280,000, with a capacity to irrigate
1,2(9,250 hectares of land, which is equivul.'ut to $73 per hectare If
all these works are ever completed, the territory of Cor S which
now m some parts, owing to the want of rain, is a dese^ w U take a
new departure as an agricultural province. '
FAILURE TO OBTAIN DETAILS.
I regret that I have not been able to be mor»^ explicit or tro into
greaer detail ,n regard to the character of the w,,rk8 of rr gat.o^^ii aH
the dilierent provinces; but I have found it almost in.i.ossiblfto obtain
any authentic information whatever. Upon the receiptof tirciicular of
the Department 1 at once applied to the interiordepartu eut oQhe Argen
tme Government in the hope that it could furnish lue with prin tS rm orts
surveys, or statist os in regard to the more important irrigSn or stSrt^e
systems employed n the interior provinces, but I was fnfomed thaf it
S5?r fn ".f ^^ "'^ ^''''^ ^^ '^' command. I then immediatel^ddressed
letters to the governors, stating the object I had in view and asS
for such data on the subject as I supposed of course th^woiX ife ablf
to send me; but, although over a month has elapsed I have not v^^
received a word from any of them, and it is hardly worS; w ?le for me to
delay my report any longer in the hope of obtaining them Xder
these circumstance*. Ihave had to depend solely on such SutsSe infon a
tion as I have been able to procure ; and, except in the case of the works
n the province of Cordoba, to speak only in a general way. In regard to
the latter I have had access to a book descriptive of the provK bv
Seuor Santiago J. Albanacin, and which devotes ^ few paglsto'the
subject of irrigation. In regard to the other province! however the
modes of irrigation employed are generally so primitive and so stniDle
being in most cases mere trenches with sloping sides, that I doubt if it
DISTRIBUTION OP THE WATER.
In regard to the rules or laws which govern the distribution of the
water, of course it all depends upon the tenure of owneiSii" 7n Ln V
ot the proyiuces, if not indeed in all of them, there are numious canals
cut for irrigating purposes, which are the property of thrmn?e,l olthe
land through or over which the canals are niade. The province Im^
had nothing to do with their construction, and, of course, collects no
rental or tax for the water used. Where' the works have been con
n^nfTL^f *^' provincial government a tax is paid by thoTe who make
use of the water, and this varies in the different nrovinces accordi uff to
the expense or cost of the works. I regret that only in a ?ew casSs I
been ib/e^f 'y' '^' '^If f ^^^^d Jor the use of public wato?, not having
been ^istructed."'^ '^""^ "'^^'^ ''^''^ '^^ ^^"^^^^"^S ^^^^^^^ ^^^^
In the province of Santiago del Estero it is provided that all atrri
cu tural establ shments and gardens which use the water of t ,e pubUc
irrigating canals shall pay a tax of $1.60 per hour; and manufacturing
establishments shall pay $2 each time they request the water not to
exceed 4 hours each time ; for a single hour, 50 ieuts each time Sub
scribers for the use of the water foF irrigation have the rS' to S
times per mouth during the year; and in case they do not"! ceive this
be used ^^'^''''' ^"^ ^^""^^ ''^'''^ '^"^°""^ ^*' ^*t«^ shall
(im
MMn
IBRIQATION IN AMEBICA— THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 323
In the province of Meudoza the annual tax is $30 per sauaro ^ahnnf
6 acres , the water to l,e used not oftener than on^ilayTn the weik fhe
tax to be pmd quarterly. For each house situated on the canals wi.«m
there IS a service of water, a tux of 25 cents per month ?8charZl
Those who make use of the wafer surreptitiously or who use^t out of
their turns must pay a fine of $20 for each oftense. ^^
.ni i" ?'*" i;rovince of Tucunian the water of the " Western Canal " i«
sold for the purpose of irrigation at the rate of $3 per mark nor 24
hours, and for brickmaking at 30 cents per 1,000 bricks ^
froi^lire"iraa',i;tbrmrtS/; «^^^^^^^ *"«^^^« --^' ^^e water
out^of their term or withV\%;"mtiora^e lilb^to^Xr^f^reT
WATER RIGHTS BY PRESCRIPTION.
, These water rates, however, it will be borne in mind are onl v Pniianf^,!
in cases where the provinces are the proprietors oTthe works In ma^v
the Ind ans to the condition of slaves and requiring them to cKatf
hinds which were their own. These lands were heldfn vaS estates and
with the organization of the governments it was found tSall the arable
places were in the possession of comparatively a few persons X either
onmnpiS^H*'"^ ^^^^^'^ ^^^eady constructed^ upo^ the Sdror who
compelled the enslaved Indians to dig them Thus all thA««iL!5n,?
estates have had from the beginning a right o the use f nrtlZnn
trol, of the streams along which Hjey are located Ami' 1 ^m .k^"'
crease of population these estates hLegrS% btenkSf^^^^^
smaller properties and sold, a certain amount of tC w^ter for kr^^^aMn^
lirposes has been sold with them. Thus the quantity of water which the
different properties are entitled to is in most casesVxeTby their tSe
AREAS OP LAND UNDER IRRIGATION.
In regard to the areas of land under irrigation, compared with sunh
as are cultivated without irrigation, together with the nuantitv and
quality of the crops grown, it is not'possible to s^eak wi^rexactaess
As no census o the country has beeS taken for the last 20 vears it fs
usual to base all calculations on estimated flguresrand that ?s S tha?
PresWenVSf%ireRin„?r; f^^^^^^^^ I Andfn^Srmeslagel'Jhe
il
If'f
824 .BBmATION IN AMEHICA-THE AROENTINE BEPUBLIO.
Pro«<»oM wA<oA depand <>„ irrigation.
ProvluciJi.
^"•^.ob*
I"/""
J?"?)*
0»t*ra»ro«.
SantUito del Bstero
TaouiuMi
?^,t* .■.■.::
J^Juy
Areii Id
onltivatiou
Total.
Iftelaru.
\iU. 305
to, HUO
70, oao
22. 217
44, 618
IL'O, 40U
38,048
38, r.25
18,094
Total area.
llectaret,
17, 478, 700
7,901,700
I«, 081,300
0, 7iS«, 800
", 003, 000
0. 064, 4U0
10, 235, 500
2,410,000
12, 820, (100
4. 828, 000
703,077 98,878,200
being scarcely .07 i«r Mnt<rf\fc'u.7™^f „''%?'' \',"'''"' ""'Wvatioii,
ProMno«8 wAioA Aaoe wo irrigation.
Provinces.
BuoDoa Ayrea
Santa F6
BntreRios
Corrientes
Total.
Area in
oiiltlvatlou.
llectaret.
808, 058
580, 537
130, 151
46, 031
Total
area.
1, 037, 977
Sectareg.
31, lis, 700
13, 158, 200
7, ."M.i, 700
«, 114, 800
S9, 042, 400
tereVo'TanMhe^^^^^^^^^ ''''' T^ of 69,942,400 hec
2.5 per cent, of the ^6 area '' "°^'' cultivation, being about
pe??en^ge ot lakd" utdrS t'lT^f'"" '' ^^«.<lifference in the
interior provinces/and says "S 8how« "!«""« Provinces and in the
easy means of communicltfonai.dfhr u^ 7-^^*'''? '^®^« ^« between
is no doubt that thHS the for, fer hivlw'i ^^ *^^ ^^'\F ^^^^e
them some advantage but th« VrTl/i . to the seaboard does give
sists in their betteJdlmateand^ their fn?^^ 7?'°^ they possess con-
from fertilizing mins 1 la?ge percen^a^« nJ'f^ ^ "!P^-^ ^^ '"^'«^'^^«
provinces, owing to the Hmited 8unn?v nTw./ *^f '*°i^ "* *^« *"te"or
immediate bankiof their wTtercoS mnTfin^'^^^ 5^'^ ^^^^"^ 'ho
ip. an unproductive ar^ oFdesLt uSsT nT.*'""^ ^° ^'' ^"^^<= ^* "«^
made up by the sinkine- of flrfl«ian iS n ®*^®^?®"^y «»" soine time be
tine Monal (^^^^nmenfc h^^^^^^^^^^ ^ ^'^^^'™ ^^^«*» the Argen
far. however, SuTany grlfsVcrsl*^ *f "^ '^ «^^^«' *^"«
ever, be finally reached in snffi^Ln^ \-.^^""^ artesian water, how-
ofa^riculturefaTttl"erZ^^^^^^^^^^^
but wast, places, would reoeiv? a nr sV^uttrd'^hrvr^r^^^^^^^^
punnc.
It iu
atiou
aru.
I. .109
), HOO
<, MU
», 030
I. 217
1,618
I, <0U
>, M8
:, C^'ii
,994
,077
Total area.
lleetarei,
17, 478, 700
7,801,700
I«.0« 1,300
0, 7*), 600
**, 003, 000
0, Ufl4, 4U0
10, i.'35, noo
2.410,000
12, 820, mo
*, 528, 000
08, 878, 200
in tliese inte-
r cultivation,
iidily be seen
re is any irri-
>8, do not re-
ug:
n
oil.
Total
area.
Uectareg.
31, lis, 700
13, 15«, 200
7, r>4n, 700
«, 114, 800
S9, 042, 400
>42,400 hec-
Jeiug about
ence iu the
and In the
is between
d." There
i does give
ossess con-
'f moisture
he interior
>eyond the
I'hat it now
ne time be
he Argen-
lolve, thus
ater, how-
uirements
s are now
uore pros-
IRRIOATrON IN AMKRICA— BRAZIL.
825
the more favo'^ed poKs^ot- £ Kep^.^f^^^^^^^^^^ tCP'^'^'^^^n'^
B. L. Baker,
Dnitkd Statks CoNauLATE Consul.
BuenoH Ay res, September 12, 188}).
BRAZIL.
ItEPORT liY CONSUL JfUI/KE, OF HAniA.
ti„„ In this co„™iar S"er „t "o„'S o, ,' ^ OvTSl* "T i"'*""
han not vet interfered in anrr ^/o -i^: ^^'* 'v by nature: that man
irrigation' and he "reclamation ^h?^«K'*^"*•^V';'^ *''^^^' ^«^ Promoting
to prohibit nature from tTkw"ts oon^^^^ th"^ '*"'^« " °^ '" attemptini
coffee plantations are mostW on ?he banks i? ^l'^*"'' *?' «*'*«' *°^ thi
where of course the soil has a ffrAnl.^i. >^rge streams or rivers,
uplands in the dry season and wwl Jho^^'^^ of moisture than on the
the rivers or st^eamsZ swollen by heavrshL'^ ^^'^^^^ ^^«"«^"
rain. I have heard of no steps bein^taS .^ZT ^i ^9n«con«naed
tem of irrigation. ^ ^ **'^®'^ towards devising any sys-
United States Consulate,
Bahittf October 7, 1889.
David N. Bubke,
Consul,
PARA.
JJ.BP07er sr consul olatton.
lands, and in reply beir to state tlmf «« p« • the reclamation of arid
belt of the tropici irifgationt^S^ remS^^mwfr^^^^ ^" *^«^^i"
snch a nature are unknown here. ^^*1"'^®"' »Q*' therefore works of
EoRT. T. Clayton,
United States Consulate. Consul-
Para, July 20, 1889.
Ill
826
IKBIOATION IN AMERICA — BRITISH GUIANA.
BRITISH GUIANA.
KEVOIIT HY t'OSHlTL WAr.TllALh.
No systematic irrigation exiHts in tliia colony. The need oi' it is felt
when tlie dry seasons arc protrtujltMl l)eyond tlieir ordinary limits, bnt
in such cases the only metbods employed to water the crops are of the
simplest and most primitive description, by manual labor, without the
aid of machinery of any port. The system of drainage, however, and of
the employment of artiflcinl water ways for the transportation of pro-
dnce and plantation supplies is elaborate, costly, and extensive. Al-
though net strictly pertinent to the information sought by the Depart-
ment, the subject is somewhat akin, and a brief account of it may not
be irrelevant.
In order to understand the conditions it must be borne in mind that
the rich agricultural i (»gjoii of the colony consists in general of the low-
lands adjacent to tlie seacoast and the tidal parts of the larger rivers.
These lands are several feet below the level of the highest tides, for
which reason it is necessary to protect them from overflow by a contin-
uous lino of embankments, or "sea dams," as they are termed.
This cultivable region extends back from the beach and the banks of
the lower rivers to a distance varying (by a rough estimate) from 2 to
6 or 6 miles, when it meets what is termed in the language of the
colony, perhaps very correctly, " the oavanna," or " bush " lands. This
is a belt of country between the rich coast lands and the hills and forests
of the interior, slightly more elevated than the former, but lower than
the latter, partly open and partly covered with trees, vines, and shrubs,
but every where abounding in swamps, ponds, and creeks of fresh water.
These estates of the colony are laid off on the plan adopted by the
original Dutch settlers, and still existing in its main features. They
are divided by parallel lines, approximately perpendicular to the line
of waste, and forming long, narrow, and somewhat irregular quadrilat-
erals, which would be parallelograms but for the sinuosities and irregu-
larities of the coast line. The unit of measurement of distance is the
Ehynland rood, still in habitual use, of 12 feet 4 inches. The original
width of each grant was 100 roods, or nearly a quarter of a mile, and
the length, or dei)th from the sea dam, 750 roods, or abont 1^ miles.
Such is at this time actually the extent inland of the only lands owned
in fee simple, though many of the estates have been extended toward
the " savanna," or including parts of it, by grants of possession and
occupancy at the pleasure of the Crown, supposed to be practically
equivalent to ownership. Many of the original estates have also been
united, and some of them divided, though the regular parallelism of
their side boundaries is still maintained.
In order to protect these estates from overflow in the rainy seasons
by the waters of the swamps, ponds, and streams of the " Savanna,"
back dams are erected in the rear of the cultivated area. On the lines of
division between the estates canals or trenches are dug for drainage,
the earth thrown out from these constituting material for embankment,
known as " sideline dams," which also serve as roadbeds for walking
or ridmg. Smaller cross drains connect with these side-line trenches.
Besides the trenches for drainage another system of trenches or canals
18 employed for the internal navigation of the estate. For this purpose
a canal is generally dug through the estate, the excavated earth form-
ing alongside of it an embankment known as the "middle walk," trans-
versely from this toward the boundaries of the estate but stopping short
IRRIOATION IN AMERICA — nRITIRH OITIANA.
827
d oi' It in felt
y limits, but
p8 are of the
, without the
eever, and of
ition of pro-
lonsire. Al-
' the Depart-
f it may not
in mind that
il of the low-
arger rivers,
sat tides, for
' by a con tin- •
ned.
the banks of
te) from 2 to
:uage of the
lands. This
8 and forests
t lower than
, and shrubs,
fresh water,
•pted by the
lures. They
[• to the line
ir quadrilat-
i and irregu-
)tance is the
The original
F a mile, and
nt 1^ miles,
lands owned
ided toward
jsession and
B practically
ve also been
arallelisai of
of them, so as not to comnuinicrtte with the Hide line for «lrainftge trenches
—the teriniims of the navigation cross canal forming a sort of '<cul-de.
sac. These canals are uwd for the transportation bv flat-bottomed
barges or •• punts," of t'-o crops, fertilizers, etc., in one direction or the
These canals are supplied with fresh water from the swamps, creeks,
ponds, and in some cases artificial reservoirs of the " Savanna." the
water being admitte«l and the supply regulate<l bv means of water
gates, or •• kokers," as they are termed, in the back dams.
Stronger and more elaborate kokers are employed in the sea dams,
which are opened at low tide to permit the discharge of the drainage
and other fresh water, and closed at high tide to hinder the influx of
the sea water.
The coast lands of the colony consist of a stiff clay, interspersed with
veins of sand, and covered with a superficial layer of vegetable mold,
or pigass." The clay being impervious to the percolation of water is
very favorable to rapid drainage from the surface.
The chief staple is sugar, though there are some cocoannt planta-
tions, and in certain parts of the colony large estates, or cattle farms,
are devoted to pasturage. '
1 have spoken of artificial reservoirs. The advantages of these in rec-
mating the varying supply of fresh water during the wet and the drv
seasons are obvious. Besides those already existing, others are pro-
jected on a still larger scale.
The cost of the works required for drainage and the supply of water
to the towns, villages, and estates, is assessed on the proprietors
and others interested, though they are controlled and regulated bvthe
fA??v."'®"^ ^^^ l'?^"*'^ '^ frequently advanced by the government,
7^iJ f understanding that it is to be repaid by taxes on the property
for the benefit of which it is expended. This, of course, does not apply
to the works undertaken by proprietors for the special benefit of in-
dividual estates. In some cases, also, participation in the burdens and
benefits of public or corporate enterprises is to some extent optional
with the individuals interested. ^
The climate of the colony is torrid, but remarkably uniform, the ex-
tremes of temperature being about 73o and 90° Fahrenheit. The
average is about 81°. The annual rainfall is estimated at about 10(»
lUCuGS*
United States Consulate,
Demerara, August 2, 1889.
W. T. Walthall,
Consul.
wny seasons
" Savanna,"
a the lines of
or drainage,
mbankment,
for walking
e trenches,
les or canals
this purpose
earth foT-m-
i^alk," trans-
pping short
COEREOTING THE FOREGOING REPORT.
In his report on canals dated November 8, 1889, Consul Walthall
corrects the foregoing report as follows :
This report, covering ground closely related to that of the 2d of Anjrnst laat on
"Irrigation and Drainage, 'muat be taken in connection therewith,^ supplement"
ing or explaining some of ts statements, and also as affording an oppoVtunity for the
correction of a few minor inaccuracies. >'i'"iiumi,y lor me
Inn^lfnTthTt^Z^^f l^'^ report referred to may have been liable to misconception,
in 8.iying that " no systematic irrigation exists in this colony," the term '« irrigation >'
was employed m the restricted sense in which it is popularly usedNosicnifv the di-
rect application of water to crops nnder cultiv^ation for the purpose oWoiuoMng
their growth. In its larger sense, of the introduction of water for driuking^wSng^
328
IRRIGATION IN AMERICA — PANAMA.
and other uses of man or beast, and in this colony nure especially for the iranHporta-
tion of crops when gathered, that report itself may have shovn how extensive' v it
18 employed. •'
Again, opportunities since enjoyed for personal observation have shown me tha mis-
take of confounding the terms " bush" and " savanna," as employed in this colouv.
JL hey are not at all interchangeable. The former is applied only to wooded eronnd
forest or thicket, dry or swampy; the latter only to open marsh or dry pra.rie, the
vabt" savannas" immediately in rear of the cultivated plantatio-s beinjr covered
with water during the rainy season, without trees, while the open spaces of dry
ground, farther inland, to which the same term is applied, are interspersed with
occasions clnmps or strips of trees or copse wc^d.
The plan of a Demerara sugar estate, herewith inclosed, should more properly have
accompanied the previous report, but had not then boen obtained. It has been drawn
by an experienced land surveyor, not as an exact representation of any particular
estate, but as a model, showing the principals on which they are usually laid out. It
requires little explanation beyond what has already been given in the previous report
and those furnished on the face of the map itself or by the notes and references in the
margin.
It will be observed in this plan that the main navigation trench, or canal, is double
consisting, in fact, of two canals, i, i, with a middle walk, n, between. This is the
approved and better usage, though in many estates economy is consulted by having
only a single canal on oue side of the middle walk. In that case the crots canals, or
punt trenches. *, *, on oue side of the plantation, necesSa-ilv pass through or under
the middle walk, which is biidged where where they cross it. These navigation
canals or trenches are supposed to have a depth of about 5 feet.
The plan shows the ingenious system by which the navigation and draining trenches
both permeate the whole plantation without sommuuicating with each other the
transverse trenches of each system communicating, the one with the main navigation
canal, t, the others with th« K le line drains, h, h. The punt trenches, Ic, fc, divide the
cane fields; the main drains, o, o, bi8ec+ them longitudinally, or transversely to the
configuration of the whole estate. In one of the fields the draughtsman shows the
manner in wh.oh the beds of cane, m, m, are laid oflf, divided by minor drains » n
leading on each side into the main drain, o. '
On the right is shown, also, an occasional, though not invariable, feature in the
topography of the colony. This is the company dam, or company path. A, which
occupies a strip between two estates, reserved by the town for the use of the public
or more especially of the proprietors of the adjoining lands, in common.
I
JL
REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA.
PANAMA.
REPOUT BY OOXSULQENEBAL ADAMSON.
There is no artificial irrigation of lands in the district of this consu-
late-general.
All the lands are abundantly water-id by the rains, which are frequent
during the greater part of the year.
Herj there is no system of cultivating lands that could with any
propriety be dignified by the name of agriculture, and therefore there
are no crops to speak of.
Probably not more than 1 acre of each 10,C00 acres in the department
of Panama is under cultivation, and that only with maize, yucca, and
other food crops.
There would be no profit in producing surplus crops which could not
be marketed, and there are no roads for wheeled vehicles in this de-
partment excepting in the near suburbs of Panama.
Thomas a damson.
Consul- General.
United States Consulate-General,
Panama, July 12, 1889.
he < rannporta-
extensivcly ifc
vi\ me tha mis-
in this colouy.
ooded proniid,
ry prairie, the
being covered
spaces of dry
rspersed with
properly have
as been drawn
my particular
ly laid out. It
revious report
erences in the
Dal, is double,
.. Thie is the
;ed by having
roLs canals, or
)ugh or under
se navigation
ning trenches
ich other, the
in navigation
', fc, divide the
tersely to the
lan shows the
r drains, p, p,
feature in the
ith, A, which
)f the public,
I
this censu-
re frequent
L with any
ifore there
epartraent
yucca, and
could not
in this de-
30N,
Oeneral.
AFTER THE li£ CONCESSION 7J0 Roods. CROWN lANU
A^o^nas SAVANNAH.
fCiXker
NOTE
a fframin^Siuicea
i Shifipint/ SluicescrHoken
C Afd.nu/dCtory
d Bu tlrlinys ii/v/icfr
C Ca,ne Fields
/ Ba.vkDa.ms
ff SideLinelhms
h DraintnyTrffches
I Afatn HaYiyatianlreneh
k funt Trenches
I Dock for CknePunli
m Ca-neSowt
n MiildleWaVtorDam
't fool or main Drain
p Drains (smtlt)
<f Front Dam
^ CJiHnnel
S Koker (Fresh Water
t Freah Water Trench
A Company Jfam
B CoroudiBush.fralectina
C Crown Land ""'"'"^
DRAIN/f/G
SHIPPING POLDER-
ING. NAVIGATION,
^BUILDING arrange
menls on a DEMERARA
suffcii- ESTATE
rggg
Iw. .11
-ii^
i
i
.(
ii -I
ill
111
f H
ii !■
lEKIGATfON IN AMERICA— CHILE. 329
CHILE.
COQUIMBO.
REPORT BT OOmVL ORIERSON.
AREA lERIGATED.
This province is in a very backward ami primitive state as regards cnl-
tivatiou and irrigation on account of the country beinTvery Kn S
mountainous, the only cultivation being along tL valllys r JnSdown
Sfl^rr ^^^^"^^'^V^ "«; which convey the fnow water from the Oor
dilleras. Hay and barley are the principal productions, thrformer
when green being eaten on the ground by cattle. "''^'*'"^' ^^® *'^''™®'
WATER SUPPLY.
froY^i^^ '• ^"PP"®^^ *>y canals or large ditches cut at different ulaces
from the rivers of snow water as mentioned above. EaT canal from
ts leaving the river until it reaches the sea belongs trtLownflrrS
land along the upper part of which the canal flows.
MODES OF IBEIGATION.
No works arc made for storage of water. When the river is full the
WATER DISTRIBUTION.
Each canal has a president and committee elected from the owners
who superintend repairs, allowance of water, etc. The valZof «
farm depends on the number of inches belonging to it Each nro
Ki'l'f ?^?^'^^.^"y.^' ««" ^"y «r ^» ^^^ ^«^bS of inches of 8lu[ce
S? Son \"^''- *^ draw from the canal j each inch being worth about
$3,000, Amencan gold, and is the same as tangible propfrty
A
54Z/7:
^
OPEN
ft/rSi^ A ^^"- ^^ ^" ^.^, '^°^^® "^^^^^ * goo*i f^J^m worth about $3,000 to
$4,000 American gold yearly. <pu,wv to
CLIMAT.:;, icAlKPALL, ETC.
The climate is good and very mild up the valleys. Grapes, oranees
j^rom 1672 to 1880 our rainfall was only 34^ inches per vear Lattorlv
with intermissions, it has been about 7 inches yearly^ ^^^^erly,
^W^^-^^^™^**^^!^^!^^?^
330
IRRIGATION IN AMERICA — ECUADOR.
ANTIQUITY OF IRRIGATION.
The rivers are, of course, under Government, but the canals are pri-
vate property, and from time immemorial have beeu superintended and
kept in order by their owners. Every town, however, is entitled to a
proper proportion of water.
J. Grierson,
Consul.
United States Consulate,
Coquimbo, September 1, 1889.
ECUADOR.
ItEPOBT BY aONSVIj-QENEUAL WiiARR, OF OUATAQUIL.
AREA IRRIGATED. '
A very small quantity of land is under irrigation in Ecuador — not the
thousandth part of the cultivable land. No gr.ain crops are grown on
irrigated land, which is used only for pasturage and for raising alfalfa
in small quantities. An infinitesimal part of the arid region, which is
extensive in northern Ecuador, is under irrigation.
WATER SUPPLY.
Small rivers, mountain streams, and springs are the sources of the
water supply. There are no basins, reservoirs, or tanks used.
MODE OF IRRIGATION.
There are no works constructed for the storage of water. Its distri-
bution is by ditches. No reports on the subject have been published in
this country.
WATER DISTRIBUTION.
The system of water distribution is governed by custom, except in
the few instances where water is carried over the land of adjoining
proprietors. In such cases the law regulates and defines the rights and
duties of the owner ^»f the easement and of the servient estate. I have
no means of ascertamiug the amount of water used per acre or per sea-
son. It is not measured and it is not rented. The water used for pur-
poses of irrigation belongs to the individual land owner using it. There
is no national, municipal, or community ownership.
CLIMATE.
The climate is that of the interandean region, with an average maxi-
mum temperature in the shade of 62° to 68°, the average minimum
being about 64°. In some localities the soil is a sandy loam, and in
others a dark, heavy clay and very deep. The rains are ordinarily con-
fined to the months between the middle of December aud the first of
June, and are quite copious in most seasons. I can not state the annual
rainfall.
^
« N
poals are pri-
utended and
entitled to a
RSON,
Consul.
dor — not the
xe grown on
bisiug alfalfa
ion, which is
urces of the
sed.
. Its distri-
published in
n, except in
of adjoining
e rights and
ate. I have
3 or per sea-
ised for pur-
agit. There
'^erage rnaxi-
^e minimum
oam, and in
iinarily con-
the first of
3 the annual
IRRIGATION IN AMERICA — VENEZUELA.
ANTIQUITY OF IRRIGATION.
331
Under the Spanish rule there was something of an irrigation system,
regulated by laws, and at the time of the conquest there was a better
and more extensive system than has existed since. That now in use is
maintained entirely at private expense.
Owen MoGare,
TT„ o ^ Consul Oeneral.
UNITED States Oonsulate-Gbneral,
Guayaquil, August 21, 1889.
DUTCH GUIANA.
REPORT BY CONSUL BROWNE, OF PARAMARIBO.
In this colony irrigation is not necessary, owing to the heavy rain-
tails, which continue for at least 6 months of the year.
The quantity of rainfall for the year 1888 has been 2,270 millimetres,
equal to 87.5 inches, and the average annual rainfall for the previous
10 years was 2,214 millimetres, equal to 87 inches.
Thomas Browne,
TT r^ „ Consul.
United States Consulate,
Paramaribo, September 4, 1889.
VENEZUELA.
REPORT Br CONSUL BIRD, OF LA OUATRA.
The subject of irrigation, to which the attention of consular officers
It ?P^f?o - .'^^''*"*^*^ instruction from the Department of State dated
May 2, 1889, is one upon which very meager information can be fur-
nished from Venezuela; for although in a crude way irrigation is
practiced to some extent, yet there are no available statistics to offer in
reference to the areas of land under irrigation and no means of com-
paring these with the nonirrigable and cultivable lands. Of the small
area of cultivated lands in this consular district, exclusive of those
planted m coffee, perhaps the greatest part is devoted to sugar cane;
and, from personal observation, it would appear that the crop generallv
needs more cultivation and irrigation than is usually given it.
The small streams coming down from the mountains form the only
supply of water for the purposes of irrigation, and, in a tropical climate
like this, the volume of wi:ter is so often reduced during the long and
hot summer season that the supply proves inadequate, and consequently
the crops suffer to a greater or less extent. The present season has
proved quite disastrous in this respect, so much so that crude sugar,
usually sold at 10 cents per pound, is now worth 25 cents per pound.
The importation of cane products being prohibited by law, it seems that
the use of sugar and its compounds, so general in this climate, must be
greatly curtailed and, to many of the poorer classes, entirely cut off.
The character of the works used for the storage and distribution of
332
IRRIGATION IN AMERICA — NICARAGUA.
water are of the simplest description and consist of ordinary dams and
trenches. There are no irrigation and storage works of any importance,
every process of this nature being conducted upon the most inexpensive
and antiquated plan. It is no doubt true that even the Chinese are in
this respect far in advance of these people in the various appliances and
processes for irrigation, and it is equally true that if a more careful and
l)rovidcnt system were adopted much of the water that now goes to
waste might be utilized for the reclamation of arid unproductive lands.
Th«< system of water distribution is governed, according to the best
obtainable information, by custom only, although there are some
statutes in reference to it that, by common consent, have fallen into
disuse. The unwritten law is that each person shall Lave the right to
water on a stated day for a certain length of time, when he must close
his flood gate and again await his turn. Under such an arrangement,
therefore, it is evident that the amount of water used per acre and per
season and the tenure of ownership, etc., can not be intelligently stated.
Everything connected with the subject of irrigation in Venezuela is
of such primitive character that it can be of no special interest in the
elucidation of plana and processes for use in the United States. :N^o
maps nor publications with any reference to it can be obtained or even
heard of; and it appears that the subject has never received the slight-
est degree of the attention that its importance to the agricultural inter-
eats of the country se seriously demands.
WiNFiELD S. Bird,
TT .. ^ Consul.
United States Consulate,
La Qnayra, October 8, 1889.
NICARAGUA.
BEPOET BY CONSUL WILLS, OF MANAOWA.
Eeferring to your inquiries contained in a communication from the
Department of State, dated Washi igton, May 2, 1889, requesting a re-
port on the subject of irrigation as practiced in Nicaragua, I have to
inform you that there is not, nor has ever been, as far as I can learn,
any system whatever of irrigation.
Near Nandaime, a small Indian town in the department of Eivas,
three cacao (chocolate) estates are partially flooded in a primitive way
by their owners from small rivers or streams being dammed to cause
the water to flow over the plantations, which are below the streams
No system is practiced.
Chas. H. Wills,
United States Consulate,
Managua, August 16, 1889,
iry (laiiiH and
7 importance,
t inexpensive
hinese are in
)plianc('8 and
e careful and
now goes to
uctive lands,
g to the best
re are some
7Q fallen into
» the right to
le must close
urangement,
acre and per
ently stated.
Venezuela is
;erest in the
States. ISo
lined or even
5d the slight-
iltnral inter-
Bird,
Consul.
)n from the
Testing a re-
a, I have to
I can learn,
it of Bivas,
imitive way
3d to cause
he streams.
ILLS,
Consul.
IBEIGATION IN AMKUICA— CUBA. , 383
SALVADOR.
ItBrORT BY CONSUL TUN8TALL, OF SA^T SALVADOR.
in'S: KeS^^^S^S"'"" '^ '''''''''' ^" *^'« consular district or
hm^rs' from abo-Zhri^if"* f 1?^^" ^^^ ^"^ frequently twice in the 24
noiirs, irom about the Ist of November none s needed. Then thn «lrv
?h«'?«r'f m"*"'^"';^' ''. '^ ^'««ig"ated here, sets fn and con nues m
^nffltf ""^ ^^^ T ^'^ ^* '^""«' ^^"""g ^»"«h time the in tensneTfalls
ammnt o/moistZX H^ '"^^'^ all vegetation with the nec^slary
tr;e^^s^^o^"er;fy%S;Vt3^f1^^^^^^^^^^^ --^'-- ^enc^
T. T. TUNSTALL,
tlNiTED States Consulate, ' Comul
San Salvador, July 21, 1889.
CUBA.
SANTIAGO DE CUBA.
REPORT Hi CONSUL RElilER.
™.^,?lT ^°?,\®^^°g the questions propounded in circular of Mav 2 it
would be well to enumerate in brief the reasons which render artifioill
irrigation m this consular district almost uuneces™ Tsay " a mos
unnecessary " because all the crops, such as sugar, cacao, coffee X^
tains, and other crops of minor importance, are dipeudent on the changes
of rainy and dry seasons in this tropical climate. cuanges
This consular district is well watered by rivers and small streams
which irrigate the rich and deep alluvial soil under cultivation The
largest river, the Cauto, finds its source in the Sierra ^1^ mount
fZ TnlS!^, *^-^ """'/'^f.^ ^^ *^>« «^^y' ^^^ after a tortuous ann" -
ing course, during which it receives various tributaries, empties into the
sea 14 miles north of the town of Manzaillo. This river, ihokVd m> at
Its mou h by driftwood and sandbars, is about 180 miles loig, of wl ie 60
With a view of forming a plan to make the mouth of the river navigable
thus opening a water course which traverses some of the most fertle
districts of this province. The Cauto, with its tributaries, constitutes
the water system of the south coast of this province ' "^""^^'^''^^^
nnlt^T^"/^'® '''*,?^'! ^^^'^' a"'' ^r°^ t'^e coast line is very mountain-
H,n of I ?!J '"^^^l '^'^T' ^"^^ *^^'^' ^ay t« tJie «ea. The north coast
m full of largerand smaller rivers, which find their wav into the numer-
f^L^f ^'f^^ ^^yf' "^^^^'y th« ^ay^"' Naranjo, ^etc. 80 artm^al
Xf nni" ^^'^'•^'^t"^'^'^'"^^"^^ ^ necessity excepting, to my knowl
edge, only in one instance. Bussers, Brooks & Co., an English firm, hw-e
owning a sugar estate on the Bay of Guantanamo and calleT'' Los
Cantos," have been compelled, owing to the curious fact that although
sufficient rain falls near and around the estate, very little falls on fts
territory to introduce an artificial system of irrigation. This system
of opei. ditches irrigates about 10 cabalknas (333J acres) of cane fie ds!
and as it 18 just commenced I can not give you the results
334
IRRIGATION IN AMERICA — MEXICO.
The water for this system is procured from the Guantanamo River,
which is (lammed above the area irrigated and the water distributed by
a system of canals. The system was instituted after the necessary per-
mission was obtained from the Spauisli Government, is a private enter-
prise, and pays neither rental nor taxes. The amount of water used
per acre depends on the rainfalls of the rainy season, and can not be
estimated, as the work has just commenced. The character of the
climate is tropical, and the annual rainfall, in the absence of all scientific
observations, I would estimate at 45 inches.
Otto E. Reimer,
Consul.
United States Consulate,
Santiago de Cuba, August 7, 1889.
MEXICO.
BEPOUT UY OONSVL-aENERAL MORE.
INTRODUCTION.
The system of irrigation has become very generally practiced in va-
rious portions of this Republic, having been in vogue, more or less, ever
since the days of the conquest of the country by the Spaniards, in 1521.
It may be stated, as a general proposition, that the natural supply of
water in Mexico is very limited, as compared with that of other countries.
The traveler in this Republic notices the great scarcity of rivers, running
streams, lakes, and springs. In the mountains of the country many small
streams take their rise, but soon after reaching the plains they become
absorbed in the sandy soil and sink into the ground. Again, in Mexico
during the rainy season there is a groat abundance of water (said rainy
season may be stated, in a general way, as extending from June 1 to the
Ist of October) but for the remainder of the year i,he rainfall is very scant ;
water becomes very scarce and the whole country becomes very dry,
except in the regions along the seaboard (the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf
of Oiilifornia, the Gulf of Mexico, etc.), in which localities the dews are
very heavy and refreshing showers much more frequent than in the
upland regions.
I will now take up the six points ot interrogatory mentioned in your
circular, and incorporate in my replies the information obtained from
the Department of Public Works and from other sources.
AREA IRRIGATED.
There are no statistics upon which to estimate the area of the land
irrigated. The principal crops grown here with the assistance of irri-
gation are sugar, coffee, corn, wheat, oats, barley, beans, cotton, and
tobacco ; also, oranges, bananas, and other fruits. Without irrigation,
except near the coast, the yield would be very meager ; with irrigation
said crops are excellent, and will compare favorably with those of other
countries, especially when consideration is had of the primitive agricul-
tural implements used and the ineliicieut cultivation as contrasted with
that practiced iu the United States, England, France, and Germany.
anio River,
tnbuted l»y
cHSiiry per-
vate euter-
water used
can not be
jter of the
illscientifio
HER,
Consul.
ticed in va-
ir less, ever
ds, in 1521.
^l supply of
r countries,
rs, running
nauy small
loy become
I, in Mexico
(said rainy
me 1 to the
very scant;
9 very drj%
n, the Gulf
le dews are
than in the
led in your
lined from
of the land
mce of irri-
cottou, and
; irrigation,
1 irrigation
3se of other
ive agricul-
rasted with
lermany.
IBBIGATION IN AMERICA— MEXICO.
WATEB SUPPLY.
335
The water supply for irrigating purposes is drawn principally from
rivers streams, and natural lakes. In some instances bo id sprinZ
gush from theearth and furnish a constant, never- varying supply Xr the
the State of Morelos, a large, beautiful hacienda or plantation, at one
stm beTonfinr/ 7^'T^ ^'^ ^""''''^ ^''« «i'^"'«^' conqueror aJ^
stm belonging to his descendants, or the hacienda of "(Joahuistla »
one o the flnest sugar plantations in Mexico, near the citv of Cauthi
Sometimes also large dams of solid masonry are constructed at c eat
expense, which, however, form large reservoirs of water durtul the
rainy season, and which during the remainder of the year (null the
necessary supply for irrigation. Artesian wells supply some of e
m^ktl .t^ {^^1 ""gatuig cana s by means of windmill pumps, an
or trse powe^^^^^ '^^''' chains" which are kept in motion by mule
MODES OF IREIGATION.
The works used for .storage and distribution of water consist of dams
constructed so as to elevate the level of the water in streams and riCs'
where they can not be tapped by the aqueducts and irriga io canals
at sufiicient elevation to reach the destined fields of cultivation Zo
«bfv nr''""'-" ^"f ^^'"^*^*^' ""' ''^^^^^ «t^t*^d, through the h strtlmen
l^uL\V^-'''\u^'^^.' generally of stone masonryT the water being
collected during the rainy season and held for use when needed.
WATER DISTRIBUTIOM.
As a part answer to the fourth interrogatory, the department of
ttTameitrEnglis'h^"" *^ inclose, accompanied by a translation of
Each State of the Republic. has its separate laws and reirulations
regarding the distribution of water. The duty of w iter pe? acre and
the amount used per season per acre, vary according to^theq'airtv
. of the soil, climate, and plants under cultivation. Moreover, the cos^
of water ,8 generally included in the rental paid for the lands whTch
varies exceedingly in different places, according to the peculiar circum
stances attending each locality. peuuudi cucum-
ih^\lHa^^I!^F''^^^.^ ''^^''■}^ ^^^^ P"^"« *"d private, but generally
vaU 4 C land'^it ^ff PrT'^'^"'' ^''"^- ««««'der«d of'quite as much
7.o„r ^t Ju -i 't«®^^' ^*^®' '" '"''^oy instances, been transferred or
transmitted by inheritance along with the title to the laud.
Department of Public Works, Colonization,
m, D • , X , , ^ Industry, and Commerce, Third Section.
P^rfiri^n n f°* "^ ^}^ Repablic has thought fit to direct to me the following decree-
Porfario Diaz, constitutional President of the United States of Mexico to ifs in'
ISicleT The'^rriali J"""' tl^.«/-Sress of the Union hafdecreed t\L'fJnowing;
article 1. There shall be considered as general i)ublic highways besides the i,.
IhefoSiig:''"'"^'' '''" *° the effects of 'section k, articlf 72 o^the cottiStio"'
strTiotedTinfin^t^*"' niarshes, and lagoons situated on the seacoast; canals col
structed by the Government or by means of public money ; interior lakes an.1 riv«rfl
Jwe«n'S p ' ^^^'''^^"^r; ^^^""^ '^"^ "^«^« «'*"''t«d and s^e^ving as biundan" inTb^
tween the Eepublic and foreign nation or between two States. """""''^^ ""ca oe-
r I
336
IBBIOATION IN AMERICA — MEXICO.
ArticM 8. The Federal executive has the power and rljjht to look after the afore-
uaiiK'tl general pulilio roadways and to regulate tho private and public uho thereof,
aooordiiiK to the following hiiHiit:
(1) The towns situated uii tho soa shore or banks of a river shall have the gratui-
tous use of tho water nocossary for all donieHti(5 purposes of its inhabitants.
(8) There shall be respected and conllrnied the riylits of private individuals rolat-
iuK to the use and profit of rivers, lakes, iintl ciuhiIh, providing that said rights con-
sist in lawful titles or civil proscription exeeedinj; ton years.
(3) Tho concession or attestotiou of ilghth or titles to private parties on the lakes,
rivers, and canals relating to the present law can only l)e made by the department of
public works, excepting the case when said concession shall change or threaten to
change the course of the rivers or canals aforenamed or should deprive of tlie use
of their waters the inhabitants living down the stream.
(4J The rights of fishing and pearl diving on the territorial seas and the uses and
profits of marsbes and lagoons situated on tho sea shore or national vacant lands
shall bo regulated specially by tho eitecutive power.
Aktici-e 3. All transgressions of law comprised In the common Jurisdiction com-
mitted on interior lakes, canals, or rivers, os well as tho controversies that may arise
between private individuals relative to obeying tho statutes issued bv the depart-
ment of public worka, shall be submitted to the competent local Jurisdiction,
MiauKL Castbi.lanos Sanchez,
Senator I'reiident.
Luis C. Cahiei., Deputy I'renident.
QuiLi.KUMo OB Landa y Kscandon,
Sendior Secretary .
A. liiUA Y ECHKVBRKIA, Dirputy Secretary.
Mexico, May 28, 1888.
Therefore, I order it shall be printed, published, and circulated, and that duo com-
pliance shall be given it.
Signed in the palace of the executive power of the Union, in the city of Mexico,
on this Sth day of June, 1888.
PoBFinio Diaz.
Gen. Carlos Pacheco,
Secretary of State and the Department of Public Works.
Colonization, Industry, and Commerce.
I communicate it to yon for your knowledge and corresponding effects.
[Liberty and constitution.]
Mexico, June 5, 1888.
Pacheco.
Climate, soil, etc.
The climate of the irrigated region in this country corresponds to the
climate of the different States of the Republic, as in all of them there
exist irrigated lands, with this general statement, however, that on
and near the seacoast the climate is much warmer and the rainfall
much greater than on the table land and in the mountain districts.
The nature of the soil embraces every variety known to tb on-itry,
from the light, sandy soil of the table lands to the rich, dark m., si <it
tho valleys and the fertile black loam of "the tierras GaV.mteh/' tb«i
" hot countries."
ANTIQUITY OF IREIGATION.
The antiquit;y tf the various systems of irrigation in Mexico varies
with the differen' i* c. -ities, they having been constructed and putinto
operation not si ncil ^naonk .ly, but at different epochs, as the different
sections becan)i in.,r.>Ui less cultivated by intelligent labor and the
necessity of irr.(^it:c^l became apparent. As a general proposition,
however, it may be stated that the said systems date all the way from
I
IBBIOATION IN AMERICA COAHUILA.
837
the early part of the sixteeiitli century, when the SpanliinlH took poa-
aession of the country, introducing iheir splendid Hysteni of irrigation
aa rapidly aa they began the cultivation of the various locniitlea.
The department of public works further aHsurea me that none of said
Irrigation works are maintained by public funds.
United States Consui vte-Gbnebal,
Mexico (Jity, August 31, 1889.
0. 0. MOEE,
Consul- General.
Pachbco.
COAHUILA.
REPORT ST aONSUL WOESaNBB.
ifour circular of May 2, 1889, directed to mo, relating to irrigation,
h .ids rae to contribute a few pointa of interest for all manufacturers of
iron tubes and well-boring implements in the United States.
A part of this section of this large and rich State is irrigated from
aprings, which generally rise in the mountains. The water ia carried in
many cases and often many miles from these springs to level, fertile
laud by means of narrow ditches. In other parts of this State the lands
can not now be irrigated on account of no water and the total absence
of the necessary implements for boring and the proper practical labor
to accomi)lish the required result. When there are springs the water
should be carried through iron tubes. Further away from here, where
there are no springs, but haciendas of importance, the artesian well, it
seems to me, is what is needed.
I would advise manufacturers in the United States who desire to build
up a trade of this kind to do so with a direct represeutacive who speaks
the language, establishing an office centrally located in the Republic,
where attention may be given to the wants and demands of such a
trade.
Water ia worth a great deal more than land in this country, and the
right to use it ia fixed by laws. A great deal of good hind ia not used
because of lack of water, and to depend on rain in some parts is too
much of a risk. With a good water supply much of the rich soil of
this State would produce abundantly of nearly all kinds of products,
which at present are not enough to aupport the population.
There are very few windmills used at present in this State, though I
think they might be successfully used, for the reason that good winds
blow nearly all the year. There ia conaiderable water power unused,
which according to law can be acquired by denouncement. If a spring
of water rises in the property of any one, the owner of the property also
owns the spring. Rivers are owned and controlled by the State through
which they pass. Rights and privileges to public waters are sold by
the Statv^. The system of water distribution ia aa followa, and ia gen-
erally acquired by purchase :
A atream of permanent water is called thirty days of water, and the
owners may sell the right to any one to uae thia water for any length
of time, aay, for example, one day in every month, which ia called one
day of water, worth very often as high as $1,000 per day. It is an un-
derstood right between all landowners that parties owning any right or
privilege in the water can pass same to their lauds through the lands of
adjacent owners by means of narrow ditches.
H. Ex. 45 22
/ ■
338 IRRIGATION IN AMERICA— LOWER CALIFORNIA
United States Oonsutate,
Saltillo, Mexico, July 13, 1889.
John Woessner,
Consul,
■! i i
!-!)
Ill
LOWER CALIFORNIA.
REVORT BY COXSVL VIOSCA
O" gulf water's edge. S comnon«i^ nf ff f^ ''^*'*'° ''^^^ *^^ ^^^
beyond potibiU?; trjakf an esSZ'^f f;!""- .'''""?• *'"'^*'°"'''
in cultivation and of the ouirtitv nSf tte.nnmber of areas non-
land existing, nrremlar snrT^vi L™ n»i"msaWo and oultivaWe
either at large o^sectfon^lSltri!*™ ever beou ,„„je of this country,
granting iSsfon of MivwImUand'/^^^^^^^^ surveys ,„ade in'
c"nrir'is^TJt«{SS"^^^^^
the entire place, tr^sforinhli f ?l^T /TT'^ '''''"'«^'^'* *^e ^'^^e of
this country Ve?eSSov^^^^^^^ finest grazing spots in
a farm ]no»L^ ^";-H^"r,^^5^?^«^y,'n^<le '^ Coring for well water at
depth of 70"feet 'from S'«m"fL^ «'^J?'^«"'*"'^'"' stream, rnnning at the
people of thL < isS to the bel ef "that"'.;!'"-'' '''1i 7''^'^ ^^^^« "'«
made successful. *^^ urtesiau-well boring could be
MM
IRRIGATION IN AMERICA — SONORA.
339
The crops raised out of the baids under cultivation are hardly suffi-
cient m providing for the local consumption of sugar, panocba, corn,
and beans, the gulf border States have to provide here for the defi-
ciency almost yearly.
Water supply to the cultivated lands is from mountain streams and
also seveml springs of permanent durafion, by law still under the old
regime. This country's system of wat distribution among planters is
regulated through the municipal town council and is allowed free of
taxation, thus being governed by the old rules and reguUiMons of the
laws of Spain, the Mexican Government has not yet enacted laws reir-
ulating the using of water.
Sooner or later it will be discovered that a great deal of the land in
this territory, at present considered barren and almost useless, is and
can be made subject to cultivation by the use of modern appliances and
improvements for irrigation and their future development, besides being
as they are just now, of great utility for sheep and cattle breeding, and
as for the beneht of mankind, it has the great inducement of having a
delicious and healthy climate.
Jas. Viosoa,
Consul.
United States Consulate,
La Paz, Mexico, /September 20, 1889.
SONORA.
BEPORI BY CONSUL WILLAllD, OF OUATMAS.
Up to the present time the lands cultivated in Sonora (this consular
district) are confined to the bottom or valley lands on the small streams
and rivers.
For the purpose of irrigating said lands, dams of simple construction
ot stone and earth, or brush and earth, are erected ol the Hides or in
the streams, and ditches are dug to convey the water to the lands cul-
tivated. These dams, as a rule, require repairs and some reconstruction
each year.
The ditches require cleaning and repairing yearly, but are not ex-
pensive to maintain.
United States Consulate,
Quaymas, Mexico, August 14, 1889.
A. WiLLARD.
CONTINENT OF ASIA.
ASIATIC TURKEY.
ASIA MINOR.
SMYRNA.
REPORT ST CONSUL EMMET.
AREA IRRIGATED.
There is no irrigation practiced in this or any other district of Asia
Minor, except in kitchen and fruit gardens in the neighborhood of large
towns.
Water supply. — In these cases the supply of water is from wells on the
premises and the machinery used is a large wheel bucket pump, worked
by a horse. These wells are of various depths and the supply of water
utterly fails in some, during long-continued droughts.
Modes of irrigating. — No waterworks or artificial lakes are to be found
anywhere, altliough there are numerous rivers, streams, and lakes which
could be adapted to over come the effects of the diy season, which
usually lasts from five to six months.
Water distribution. — These water sources belong mainly to the Govern-
ment, in some instances to religious communities (n^osques), but the
right to use the same can be obtained at moderate cost.
Crops. — In this section the yield of crops depends on a merciful Provi-
dence in withholding rains during t^e growing and thrashing seasons ;
the jr \'enuity or industry of mankind takes but an insignificant part in
producing large crops.
Tithes. — Although the largest revenue to the Government is derived
from tithes on agricultural products, the overtaxed peasantry labor
under great difficulties and receive no encouragement or assistance from
the Goverunient.
Rainfall and soil. — The amount of rainfall rarely exceeds 26 inches
per square foot ; in fact that is considered an ample supply.
The soil is mainly a sandy loam.
W. O. Emmet,
Consul.
United States Consulate,
. Smyrna, August 2, 1889.
341
Mi^
i !
!iH
! it
842
IRRIGATION IN ASIA — PALESTINE.
SIVAS.
REPORT BT aONSVL JEWETT.
In reply to your circular of May 2, 1889 ronlvrfiPAiVA,! hviaof «««f\
asking for a report on irrigation a^s pVacticinnXTount^y I L'^.e to
say that there is no special system of irrigation used in this mrt of
Asia Minor, the character of the soil and thS amount of rainfall mSn J
^^aTT!^^^' ^^^as.'O'ially a farmer cou<lucts Tb^ook through hi!
field, but the practice is limited and unimportant in exTnt ^
Minn, fv, """^^ ""^ ^^^ Euphrates, and in some parts of southern Asia
LaH^ i«Tn fff T^T ^^ ^^"S^tion, but I am unable to prSe any
details as to its character or extent, or the methods used. ^
H. M. Jewett,
United States Consulate, Gonml.
Sivas, Turkey, July 23, 1889.
PALESTINE.
REPORT BY CONSUL QILLMAN, OF JERXTSALEM.
r^7!3 *5^,^?««P'*»° Of Jaffa and its immediate neighborhood there is
no part of this consular district in which any extension and svstemaffn
attempt at irrigation according to modern methods is made. '^'^^""^^'^
THE JORDAN VALLEY.
for irrigation several successive crops may bVprodred annual^ nnfv
the most feeble and primitive methods of condiiifW JhT ^i^' ^'"^
water to the few and ill-cultivat..d fields are fo^^^^^^ Thfs unS
valley, capab e, with proper agricultural treatment! of sustalnhiJ^an
immense populoaon, has no settlement worthy of the name The wiW
?ance"o°f thf TiSh ^^^«»g»^«"t ^ts length'^and breadX anTlln^de
nance ot the Turkish Government, wh ch have in vain attpmnfAH +«
drive them out, come and go at their own free will. ^"^°^Pt«d to
valdt^l^.^^^^^^^
SfsCt"oVo?if/ -^7^"«^y still smaller ch'aS,'ttwS
which men lor 18 made in the Bible : " Where thou sowedit thv seed^^^^^^^
wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs." TDeut xiioi
ex?b Ln'tVrowr" 'l\V\?' ""'' «"^""^^«^^' ^"^ ^^^^ ^^« o/'speiially
SnS in^ r.?r- ^A^$l"l^^."^ ancient Shechem or Sychar, similar
-.—I j,,....r... „rc xuiiuwou. xhe comparatively few fields and
■iilf!
■aMHi
IRRIGATION IN ASIA — PALESTINE.
343
gardens are well watered from the abundant streams which have their
rise in the Mounts Gerizim and Ebal, making' it a spot of beauty in.
the midst of wild and unreclaimed surroundings. In one or two in-
stances here tliere have been made some elibrts at a more enlightened
system of irrigation, tlie water from the clear and copious springs be-
ing conducted by an aqueduct of stone masonry and more satisfactorily
supplied. The result is the luxuriant gardens in which most of the
various kiiuls of fruits and vegetables suitable to the climate are found,
testifies as to what might be accomplished were nu)re intelligent, sys-
tematic, and thorough measures adopted.
Throughout Palestine very little water produces a wonderful re-
sult. The soil, naturally fertile, immediately responds to the effect of
the periodic rains. The bursting of the land into bloom after the first
heavy showers of the rainy season is a sight never to be forgotten.
The hillsides and valleya, that through the dry season had lain burned
up and barren, like a calcined bone, are suddenly, as if by miracle, turned
into a garden of the most brilliant blossoms, the scarlet ranunculus
and anemone, pomegranate, and many other flowers and shrubs only
known to us in cultivation, " making the wilderness and solitary place
rejoice and blossom as the rose."
THE king's GARDEN, JERUSALEM.
In the valley of the Kedron, on the southerly side of Jerusalem, is
the King's Garden, which dates back to the time of Hezekiah, if not
to that of Solomon. It is mentioned in Nehemiah (2, 15), where it
speaks of '' Siloah, by the King's Garden."
The few acres which are at present uiuler cultivation here are irri-
gated in the usual simple manner. The source of the water supply is
the celebrated Pool of Siloah, or Saloam, a reservoir 53 feet long, 18
feet wide, and 19 feet deep, which is fed through a subterranean conduit
by the overflow of the Pool of the Virgin, an intermittent spring about
one-quarter of a mile to the northward. The water is conducted from
the former pool partly by underground drains, regulated by the most
primitive of sluices, into smaller channels in the direction required,
where still finer ramifications, or branches, distribute it to the drills, or
rows, in which the crop is planted, much as hi the other instances men-
tioned and with as little regularity or system.
In those garden plats all the ordinary vegetables and many kinds of
fruit are produced in good quantity and of fair quality.
And up the terraced slopes, even to the very walls of Jerusalem, some
of the largest cauliflowers come to perfection, and are in the market in
the months of February and March. This vegetable sells at the rate of
3 heads for 12 cents.
There is no special regulation as to the use of the water, other than
that of the most patriarchal kind, the owners of the adjacent land hav-
ing free access to the pool for all requisite purposes, including house-
hold uses and the watering of their flocjks and herds. Much of the
water is also brought into Jerusalem for sale in goatskins.
KING SOLOMON'S POOLS AND GARDENS.
About 8 miles to the southwest of Jerusalem are the wonderful
Pnnlrt nf Solomnn. wliile below tliem. iu the narrow valley of TTrtas, lie
the renowned gardens of the wise King, except the Garden of Eden I
344
rRRIQATION IN ASIA—PALESTINE.
suppose the oldest recorded gardens in the world,
mentioned in Ecclesiastes (2, 4-6), as follows
These works are
of water, t.„atortheVo,,l,h{l,:rotr;i,"'.T,i:"elutrt,ItS''' ' '"'"'° "'° *°°^'
JosepLus atao 8,lak8 of tU °Xce 'tcTn,L;™ n f i^ 'f'"' °"'«."""-
and abomulmg in rivulets of waer,»?„,r?eT«,tL^^^^^^^^^^
long toir sprinS wui, goK.8t ^^"''" '""■l"« '"«• '" «".or, tboir
west enr/J&';"S'epTafwVXi,,''St^^ "* "''' ""'' '^ ''-'' =>«
60 feet; having'suSnTcauac itv n. ?ir tV^'''^ ^'^^P**' ^^ ^''^^^ «"d of
the largest malof-wa;lri^'rr1^;,rgS thS^e^n ^ Xh 'nlo," '""'
flows successively, by reeulated ilnivSJ inf^ f? ^ J^ach pool over-
order here given tCwrnni^mLf^ ' ".*"* ^''^ ''^^^ ^^^^^ i^, in the
the valley! ' ^ ^ emptying its superabundant water into
'*^ii*e%:rort"^^^^^^^
Saracenic aqStbeirnufcf^^^^^ ^^""'^^^ ^^ss ancient
6-...U .aou, o. tae valley are also largely watered from a 'separate
' '^'^'Qmvwmm
IRRIGATION IN ASIA — PALESTINE.
345
ese works are
copions spring, which has its rise in the wide of tho monntains and at
the foot of the village of Urtas. Tho soil is a red clay, exceedingly'
fertile, and to this day the finest fruits and vegetables in the Jersua-
leni market come from those gardens.
Of the fruits produced may be mentioned apricots, peaches, necta-
rines, apples, prunes, plums, citrons, lemons, pomegranates, mulberries,
tigs, and grapes. The vegetables include pease, beans, beets, okra
egg plant, onions, leeks, garlic, potatoes, turnips, cabbage, canlidower
carrots, cucumbers, pumpkins, vegetable marrow, tomatoes, and rad-
ishes. '
About two-fifths of the land belong to three Europeans, and the re-
mainder 18 owned by the native Syrian fellahin peasants.
The distribution of the water is regulated by the old custom or sys-
tem of " fassels," a night and a day forming a " fasscl." Each family
owning land there know, from time immemorial, its respective rights
and share in the "fassel" of water. Some have an entire "fassel,"
and again the same is divided among the different members of a family
to irrigate their respective shares of laud. The water is carried from
one plat to another by drains in the usu^l simple manner alreadv de-
scribed. The Europeans who own land there have made, howe,v.r, a
cemented conduit to convey their share of water into their ground. No
statistics are obtainable, none ever having been kept, as to the dutv of
water per acre.
No special rent or fee is paid for the water used, nor are there any
charges on the land in connection therewith, the only payments made
being the usual government taxes—the "werke" (land taxes) and
" ushur " (titles).
Solomon's Pools, the Sealed Fountain, and the aqueduct are public
property, and are under the control of the Turkish Government.
JAFFA AND ITS ORANGE GROVES.
The town of Jaffa, looking down from its pleasant elevation on the
one side on the deep blue Mediterranean, and on the other on its multi-
tudinous palms and odorous orange groves, may well be considered en-
titled to its name, which, softened in the Arabic pronunciation to Jaffa,
means " beautiful."
The orange groves and gardens and their system of irrigation, though
they have been greatly extended within comparatively recent times
have unquestionably an origin of quite respectable antiquity.
The area of land under irrigation at Jaffa would exactly 'include the
space occupied by its orange groves, being nearly one-third of the cul-
tivable ground belonging to the community ; that is, of 9,000 acres of
cultivable lauds, about 3,000 acres are under irrigation.
The orange and the lemon are the chief crops ; but other fruits, such
as citrous, limes, peaches, apricots, grapes, pomegranates, and melons,
and all the ordinary garden vegetables, are also produced in abundance
and of fine quality. The vine especially is of late receiving much atten-
tion, and within the last few years extensive vineyards have been
planted. Neither the vine nor the olive, of the latter of which there
are many groves, requires any water other than the usual rainfall.
The superiority of the Jaffa orange is world renowned, whether its
size, juiciness, or Havor is considered.
In an average season, oranges and lemons, together with other fruits
and vegetables, to the amount of $335,000 have been exported from
346
IRRIGATION IN ASIA— PALESTINE.
'If
I ; H
is^iTo'reM)^!'^*^''' *^'^ ^^ ^^^ iuimenso homo consumption, of which there
The engine in nso for raising the water is in every case, without e\-
ception, the so-called -bajara" or - Dayara," a wooden nmchinc of tlfe
most simple construction, driven by horse or mule. Its principal par s
are a whim beam or ca,.stHn with horizontal wheel attac ,e,l, moving a
vertical wheel connected by shaft with a third wheel which carries at
Its circumference a chain pendent reversible buckets.
wfM.ff i"^^''?'* '" ^••® '^'"'" ^'^'"" '^' fastened to the horse or mule,
with the monotonous circuit of which animal the whole is set in motion •
the wheel with buckets revolving in the well, dipping upthe wa er W
Z^S^ '^ T"" ^''' "^"''"'^ ""' ^'"'^- The tlinkV are nsuaUy ose o
the wells, and are cemented basins built of stone. They are filled dur"
ing the day, the water being distributed from them, tlu'ouglUhe va^^^^^^^^^
^^.^'s:^:^:^:'' ""'''' '''' ''^ ^^^^ '^ evaUtio.rr;
There are about 700 of these bajaras at work at Jaffii.
Ihe system of water distribution, being entirely under private con
trol, 18 governed by neither law nor regulation. ^
161 dav^«"1« 9^4nV^;f *^' "T"^ ^'''' """'"^ '^"^'"^ *^« «•'''*«*>» <>f 23 weeks, or
161 days, 8 2,300 cubic metres, at a cost of from 20 to 25 cents per diem
Thus, for instance, the average expense for irrigating an orang^fgS^
vn .u nf^r ^^^ ««fes would be, for 160 days, at 20 cents, $160^ The
value of the crop might be estimated at from $500 to $700
Owing to the peculiarity of tjie climate, the orange groves are obliged
to be watered during the summer months, or rather during the dry
Tl«?o'''f'n""M^"' *^"^'5 "''^^ *« f^"'" ^f^V till October or November
The raintall in the winter months, or, say, from November till Mav
varies from 17 to 30 inches. The average temperature is in the dav'
tmie, from 70o to 71° F. ; during the night, from 65o to 66° F. ^ ^'
Ihe soil in the orange groves is of mixed clay and sand, with rather
more of the latter than of the former. It is exceedingly ferSe a is
particularly well suited to the orange. '
nf^f.^uKo^ antiquity of the system of irrigation, the close resemblance
otthe "bajara' to the Spanish "noria" has induced many persons to
imagine Its being introduced here at some early period fror Spain
But as the lamily likeness of these wheels to the ancient Persia^woo en
water-wheel is equa ly great, and as the Crusaders, in the eleventrce,
tury,aro reported to have found the orange tree (C\7r«s a wSS)
oS^llv t^lr'"'"' *'^' ^^^^^'-^l «y«tem of irrigation iiay as weU beiri
CLIMATE.
est^in*^^fidd"th.%nlw''*' ^^'^•'''V' ^'Tf^' respecting the climate of Pal-
estine, J add the fol owing remarks: It is evident from the statements of
thi. cSIlntr -^ fu7'^ ^"^^ '^''^^^'"^^' ''^^ ^^" ^« f''^'^ «"ier testhno y, tJiat
this country, in former ages, was not only under a more ffeneral and
t*brt"Si'"'' 1* ««'ti vation as regards its agricultural SrS, but a^
that It possessed extensive tracts of forest which have long disappeared
Consequently its rainfall was more favorably regnlatedXi ^more
equable m its distribution. The result would naturally' be ft on y
. , 'i~~7'^l ..i.,,i^^,., [lie ini|)iuvca f;r(nviiig- crops, but th« t»n-
richmeut of the soil and the permanent benefit of the land: At pres-
ata
IRRIGATION IN ASIA — SYRIA.
347
private con-
ent seasons of almost tropical rain are followed by the long, drj' period
in which not a drop of rain falls, and nearly every green herb perishes
and burns up for lack of moisture. Swept by the resiHtless torrent of
the rainy season, the higher lands are stripped of their soil, and entire
districts are seen in which the barren ridges of rock crop out like the
bones in the skeleton of some gigantic animal.
The phenomenon of the " air cushion " is seen here to perfection. Be-
fore a rain sets in it generally takes several days of incubatory prepara-
tion before the result comes. (Ireat clouds roll up, and cover" the entire
heavens with their dense masses ; but in vain they attenipt to di.s(;liarge
their contents, or if they succeed in dissolving, the thirsty atmosphere
drinks up the moisture before it ever reaches the earth. And this must
continue till the intervening strata composing the "air cushion" are
sufficiently saturated to permit the rain to fall through, which then oc-
curs in a violent and often injurious downpour. I)ei>rived of the gen-
tle mediation of the growing crops, and especially of the forests, which
would have established the proper relations and a Just equilibrium,
through their continual evaporation, the parched ground languishes for
the rain that is denied it, or that, when given, comes in almost an un-
welcome shape.
During the serious drought of 1887 and 1888 this phenomenon was
seen in an extreme degree ; weeks and even montiis passing without
adequate rain, though the greater part of the time the heavens were
dark with clouds.
The intervening unsaturated <» air cushion" drank up the contents of
the clouds, as already described, so that little or no rain could pass
through it.
It is thought that the agricultural colonies establishing here within
recent years have already begun to produce a perceptibly beneiicial
effect in this direction. But probably it is too soon yet to look for any
decided change.
Henry Gillman,
Comul,
United Statks Consulate,
Jerusalem, Au>jmt'2,\S^\^^'Q.
SYRIA.
REPORT liY OONSXrL HISSINOER, OF liEIRVT.
AREAS IRRIGATED.
As there are no statistics kept in Syria it is not i)08Hil)le to state, with
any degree of positiveness, the exact areas of land under irrigation,
and the different authorities competent to speak on so important a sub-
ject differ somewhat in their various estimates. A high Government
official in Damascus who has devoted much study and attention to the
matter gives the approximate area of cultivated land in the vilayet or
province of Syria as 30,000 feddans = 336,000,000 square feet. (A fed-
dan in Syria is understood to comprise that extent of land which can
be plowed and prepared for seed by a pair of oxen in one day.)
An equally reliable and competent authority in Beirut, from his own
observation and knowledge of the country, estimates that only about 5
per cent, of the cultivated lands are irrigated in the province known as
348
IRRIGATION IN ASIA — SYRIA.
Monnt Lebanon, and probably not over 2 per cent, in all Syria, while
tbo proportion of irrigable aa compared with nonirrignble areas is
calculated by the former authority as equal to about 3 parts out of 24,
or 12^ per cent.
CROPS.
The total quantity of crops grown is not ascertainable, not even ap-
proximately, and any attempt to arrive at exact figures would be use-
less and a mere waste of time.
The quality of the crops varies according to climate, soil, and locality;
they comprise nearly all the cereals grown in the United State^ besides
"durah" or maize, both yellow and white, aesarae,hemp, cotton, etc., also
bananas, pomegranates, figs, dates, oranges, lemons, mulberries, olive
and other fruits, and all kinds of vegetables and otii. r garden products.
Orchards well watered, as those for instance at Sidon, Tripoli, and
other places in Syria, are reputed to be very remunerative in a pecu-
niary point of view, yielding, it is said, as high as 10 per cent, on the
capital invested clear of all expenses.
WATER SUPPLY.
The sources of water supply are lakes, rivers, streams, and other
water courses, springs, ponds, wells, and cisterns or tanks. The waters
Oi lakes for irrigation purposes are only utilized in a few instances, such
as Homs, Tiberias, etc., as will be seen later on, and reservoirs on a
large scale do not exist at all in Syria.
■l;l
MODES OF IRRIGATION.
I ublished reports of irrigation and storage works do not exist ; a
wood cut of a huge Persian water-wheel, in use at Hamath, with an
accompanying description in print published from notes furnished by
a competent authority here, is annexed to this report, designated as
annex "A."
Generally speaking the character of the irrigation works is of the
most primitive kind. From rivers the conveyance of water is usuitily
by means of canals or rough ditches badly leveled and aligned, often
without masonry except at intake, the retaining weirs for the obtain-
ing necessary head being remade every season of bowlder, stones, and
brushwood, rarely over 3 feet high.
Irrigation from springs is generally much the same as from the rivers,
though necessarily on a smaller scale.
From wells the system universally employed is that of the " Na'hura."
The "Na'hura "is of the simplest construction, cheap, quickly made
and repaired and easily worked, while it raises a comparatively large
quantity of water. Its construction consists of a clumsy cog-wheel
fitted to an upright post and made to revolve horizontally by a donkey,
mule, or horse attached to the sweep ; this turns a similar one perpen-
dicularly placed at the end of a heavy beam which has a large wide
drum built into it, directly over the mimth of the well.
Over this drum revolve two rough hawsers or thick ropes, often made
of myrtle twigs and branches twisted together, and upon them are
fastened small earthen jars or wooden buckets. One side descends
Ttrhila fl»Q rifhor T<iaaa OQrrwinof fV»a apiall Knnlrpf.H wit.Vi fhAlll ? thnHA
"""•• '-•'"-• ••' 7 -""-j-'-n •■■■'• ••' '- — 7
descending are empty, while the ascending ones are full, and as they
pass over the top, they discharge into a trough which conveys the
■ .'■- ".j**ft.'-ii'.-, ^-4 .
IRRIOATION IN ASIA — SYRIA.
849
rom the rivers,
water to the cistern. The length of the hawsers and number of buckets
depend upon the profundity of the well, for the buckets are fastened to
the hawsciH about 2 feet apart. The wells are of different depths, but
generally average from 10 to 15 feet. It is claimed that with good ani-
mal power a bucket containing about 2 gallons of water can be raised
every second. (See table in "Acca Haifa " report.)
The " Shaduf, " so conspicuous on the Nile, is not used in Syria ; but
on the shores of Lake Tiberias an apparatus much like it has been seen
at work, and the well sweep and bucket is also met with iu manv
places. ''
Another method (very common in the land of Philistia) may be ob-
served on the plains of Central Syria. It is a large buffalo skin, so
attached to cords that when let down into the well it opens and is
mstantly filled, and being drawn up, closes up so .is to retain the water
The rope by which it is hoisted to the top works over a wheel and is
drawn by donkeys, mules, oxen, or camels that walk directly from the
well to the length of the rope and then return, only to repiat the
process until asufflcient quantity of water is raised; this is also a very
successful mode of drawing water.
The wheel and bucket of different sorts and sizes is much used where
the water is near the surface, and also along rapid rivers. For shallow
wells merely a wh6el is used, whose diameter equals the desired eleva-
tion of the water. The rim of this wheel is large, hollow, and divided
into compartments answering the place of buckets. A hole near the
top of each bucket allows it to fill, as that part of the rim, in revolving
dips under the water. This, of course, will be discharged into the
trough when the bucket begins to descend, and thus a constant succes-
sion of streams falls into the cistern. The wheel itself may be turned
by donkeys, mules, oxen, or camels.
Small water wheels are sometimes turned by feet, but the process is
tedious, toilsome, and not productive of much result.
At " Homs," in the Tripoli district, there is a lake or artificial basin
of about 4,000 acres in extent, formed by draining the '• Orontes " River
It is very shallow in summer, probably not over 10 or 15 feet at the
deepest part, but will reach a depth estimated at from 30 to 40 feet in
the winter. The lake was made for the double purpose of regulating
the summer flow of the " Orontes " and for obtaining sulflcient head of
water to irrigate the extensive gardens of Homs. This hike is the onlv
artificial system of irrigation on a large scale in the country, but it is
not kept in very good rei)air.
The Pools of Solomon at Tyre may also be mentioned ; they are nat-
ural artesian wells of great volume, irrigating some 1,500 acres of gar-
den land by artificially raised conduits.
WATER DISTRIBUTION.
In regard to this, Ottoman law literally says :
The coutestations relaf ve to water courses for drinking or irrf ffatinff purnosos.
the customs and usages existing "a6 antiquo" only are to be talio7i int^ consider-
Htion.
These usages and established rules vary somewhat in different locali-
ties, but it is the almost universal custom that the water belongs to
the f.omnnmitv mul fn fho lan<1<a it<f|«T»ff./i K" '«-• *■'»-> "li/^^-f-^i i 1.0.:..
■ e ~\ '"' ""' "" " ""' ■»t6"vt.t ijj jt, tiic aiiOi.Lcd qiillllLii/les
ot water can not be altered or alienated without the permission of all
the proprietors unanimously, nor can the lauds be sold without the
water, nor the water without the lands.
I
350
IRRIQATION IN ASIA — SYRIA.
The amount of water used ])er acre ia estimated by a reliable authority
as vur.viiiK from 23 tons in the plain for garden products to 4 tons r)er
acre in the high lands for mulberry trees.
The actual or precise (piantity of water used per acre or season can
not, however, be accurately stated ; it varies greatly according to the
soil and its products. Mulberry trees, for instance, need only to be
well watered three or four times during the dry season, but the water
should penetrate the ground at least 3 feet; this would require the land
to be inundated to a depth of at least 8 to 10 inches. Vegetables,
cereals, etc., should be watered more frequently, at least once or twice
a week. Where there is scarcity of water judicious manuring would do
much towards assuring good crops, but this practice, outside of the
vicinity ot Beirut and other large cities, is either wholly unknown in
Syria or only resorted to in very isolated cases.
The Turkish regulations and laws in regard to the tenure of owner-
ship of water, etc., are very comprehensive and precise on the subject,
and tor a fuller understanding of the same a translation of the most
l)artiuent paragraphs is appended herewith :
OTTOMAN WATER BKQULATION8 AND PROPRIKTAUY RIGHTS.
Water, herbs, aud lire, are tbiiiga ex commeroium; all men enjoy them in common.
Water running uuclw ground is the property of no one in particular.
Wells not sunk »)y any one in particular, and which are used by the public in com-
Dion, are ftc commeroium.
Sedsaud great lalies are things ex commerciiim.
Streams of the public domains, that is to say, those which do notspeoially belong
to any one, are tliose whose bed is not the property of a number of persons; such
Bt^ams are ex commem«w, as for example, the Nile, the Euphrates, the Danube, etc.
Private streams Arabic : Euharmemlonk^) i. e., those whose be^s traverse the lands
the property of private persons, are of two kinds :
1. Those waters are subdivided among coproprietors, but which do not empty or
exhaust themselves completely into the lands of the latter, and which run afterwards
into public rivers ; such water courses are also designated public because part of them
IS public domain ; the right of preemption is not applicable to these water courses
4. Private water courses (n^hrihass), which run within the limits of the property
ot a given number ot persons, and whose water is exhausted and disappears upon
such property without reappearing to form another confluent ; preemption rights are
only applicable to such water courses. » ™ oio
Alluvium deposited by a stream on the land of a private individual becomes that
person's property ; no one else can lay claim to proprietary rights thereto.
Herbs of natural (wild) growth upon lands the property of no one in particular
are ex commerctitm, the same with herbs that grow upon private property unknown
to the owner ; but if the latter waters his land or incloses it with a view to prepare it
for cultivation then the herbs growing tbereou become his property ; no one else
can appropriate them, aud he who gathers them is held responsible therefor
JJy herbs are meant such plants as are not artificially watered; mushrooms, for in-
stance, are included therein, but trees are not. . ^ *"
Trees of natural (wild) growth upon mountains, which have no owners (diibali
monbaha) are ex commerciiim. ^ ''
Trees of natural (wild) growth upon the prooerty of any one belong to the owner
ot such property; nobody can cut them down without his authorization. He who
gratts a tree becomes the proprietor of the shoots and fruit thereof.
If anybody occupies a thing ex commereium he becomes the exclusive proprietor
Examples: The water which a person draws from a stream with a receptacle be-
comes his undisputed property, and if a third person consumes it without the own-
er s permission he is held liable therefor. The occupation of a thing must show
intent; consequently he who has placed a receptacle with the intention of collectine
rain water becomes the owner of such water. The same with water accumulated in
a basm or cistern ; but the rain water found in a receptacle not expressly placed for
such a purpose is not the property of the owner of the recfititjinlfi and "i^w "<>r<.«nq
may appropriate such water. ^ '" "" — x— -r., .
It is necessary in the occupation of water that it does not run continually ; so for
instance, well water, which filters through, is ex commeroium. He who consumes the
lyiL
IRRIGATION IN ASIA — SYRIA.
351
nors (djibali
/6 proprietor
water thus obtained by infiltration, even without the propriator's congcnt, is not held
liable for damages. Atjaui water Ih not consiilored an having been appropriated
Where as much enterw a banin on one Bide an eHcape» on the other.
Kvoryouo may enjoy a thing ex commeroitfm on condition that such enjoyment causcH
Injury to no one. "" ''
One can nrevent a person from occupyitiff or appropriating a thing ex commervium.
±.vorybo(ly can utilize the waters of publio streams for his lands, and may for this
purpose or for the puq^ose of constructing a mill, dig canals and ditches or trenches,
on condition, however, of doing no injury to anyone. Works which cause an inun-
dation, those which completely exhaust a stream, or which prevent boats (bai'ses)
from iloating, are to bo interdicted. v » y
Man and beast may drink of the waters not the individual property of any one.
The right of ehirb" (the right to use water for irrigation and for the coifsump-
tionot animals) of water courses not public property belongs to the owners of th.iso
streams (oonrses); any other person, however, may drink therefrom. Thus no other
person than the owner can serve himself of the waters belonging to a community or
ot a duch, trench, or well, for irrigating purposes, but he may drink therefiom and
even water his animals, i>rovided the number of these be not so large as to dniiiaue
the water oourse, the canal, ditch, trench, or conduit; he can likewise draw water
therefrom with a pitcher or nail and carry it to his house or garden.
Those who possess a brook, stream, basin, or well upon ♦' oir lands whose waters
are renewed by nature may prevent anyone who wants tu drink therefrom irom
entering their property ; but if there exists no other water ex oommeroium in Ihe neiirh-
borhood the owners are obliged to either offer the use of their water or allow their
lands to be penetrated ; and in case tliey fail to offer their water those who wisii to
drink may enter the property, provided uo harm is done thereto by damagiuif. for
example, the edge of the wells or the water conduits.
One of the coproprietors of a common water course can not. wit'iout the jiermis-
sion of the others, cut a channel, ditch, trench, or gutter. He can • ot change his
turn or share of the enjoyment of the water established ab antiauo, un cede such
right to a landed proprietor who has no right to the waters of such a tivcr for irri-
gating his field or watering his cattle.
The authorization to perform these acts given by the other coproprietors could be
revoked by these latter or by their heirs.
lu all contestations touching drinking water or water for irrigating 'jurposos the
rules, regulations, and usages established ab antujuo are to be enforced. '
The waters of rivers, streams, springs, and other water courses pass-
ing through the lands of a village or a city are the property of the
community, and must be distributed, as has been the practice ab antiqxio
in such a manner as to secure a supply to each landed proprietor dur-
ing certain hours, either weekly or fortnightly.
Every owner of land knows the exact time and quantity of water to
which he is entitled, and in almost every village there is a civil officer
who 18 charged with the duty of looking after the proper allotment and
distribution of the water among all the inhabitants.
As clocks and watches are not commonly in use among the peasantry
the time is measured by various devices, such as hourglasses, etc.
IRRIGATION WORKS.
Besides the Beirut waterworks noticed under the head of <« Gen-
eral remarks," there exist in Syria no irrigation works which supplv
water against payment, and the Turkish Government has no other
interest, nor claims any other right to rivers, streams, springs, and
other water courses than to place an increased valuation upon the
lands irrigated therefrom, and to levy a comparatively heavier land
tax.
CLIMATE AND SOIL.
The climate of the coast region is warm and damp. ThprmnrppfAr
ranges Irom about 40*^ to 90° F. (in the Lebanon and other mountains
the range is from 10° to 20° less in the winter and from 5° to 15° in
the summer). The climate in the interior is generally dry, but with
352
IKBIQATION IN ASIA— SYBIA.
! i
period of U yea ™ "* '™™S° ''^'"'"'S' '" Beirut during »
^«r«<, /rom 1879 to 1889. - ^
January ...
February . .
March
April
May
June
July
August
September .
October
November
60.92
65.24
62.83
69.26
73.38
81.35
85.75
84, 20
81', 05
74.96
67.65
Ti„- u '''•»5
December bo. 53
o
52.20
58.60
57.81
85.70
70.30
79.50
82.88
84.40
81.20
77.90
71.80
59.50
61.70
58.00
61.70
67.40
71.70
77.40
82.80
85.60
82.90
76. 50
67.49
60.80
56.70
53.20
62.30
66.00
69.60
76.10
81.40
82.60
81.70
74.64
68.16
61.00
56. 20
56.60
64.40
05.60
70.78
7a 65
81.90
83.47
81.55
76.90
67.30
60.60
54.60
55.30
60.10
66.40
71.16
71.90
80.35
82.00
76.30
74.20
66.82
63.80
0. 60
■'<0. 30
62.40
65.80
74.60
78.40
82. m
83.30
80.90
70.80
68.90
62.40
55. 54
57. 52
61.10
67.64
72.36
78.04
82. B6
83. 97
81.00
79.77
70.84
62.60
55.30
59.60
64.50
66.50
70.80
76.60
83. 75
83.00
81.60
78.52
66.22
58.33
67.10
60.64
63.16
65.84
71.06
78.12
82.87
No 8tati8tio,8 for the interi^T^ known exist,
causing it to crack • iu RaiW ar^.i' ^.^v. ^. ^ ,"?' "^^^'^^^^ very hard,
using sand to 'ipro^e thJShas LTsI^^^^^ '}' experiment ol
sive scale and upon large traof« ?hi^"- - 1- ^namore exteu-
practicable or feasible ^ P"^""^^"^ '''^"^^ P^^^^ps not prove
Jin tt^n^ntainsTtte iaSKl^^^^^^^ "^ '^' P'^-' ^"^bet-
salubrious 5 the nonirri JSed di.fni^^T course the most
cus) are co^isidered byShe best next com! ^T^"^ ^"^^^ «*' ^^^'^'-
then the Baalbec district the X-n« nf th^R ,^^^ ''^^'''^^ *° *^« north ;
the districts of Hasbaya and S^^^^^^^ Th« f ^"^ ^' ^^'^^ ®^"^'" '^»d
all irrigated and the soH fs vefy ferSe. ''''""^ Damascus is
ANNUAL RAIN-FALL OE OTHER PRECIPITATION
astSs^ttTttrtST^^^^^^^
as low as 15 inches, while another makes it from 1 ?K^ ^f"^^^'' '^
average of 32J inches. The rainfaP for llairnfT ^ ^^ ,'"^^®S' ^^ »»
and 6 months is herewith annexed.' ' ^ P"''^** ^^ ^^ ^^^'^
B^m inenes, at Beirut fro. ^^70tom9,o,s^ea ,y tUe Syrian Protestant CoUeye
January
jFebniary,
Macrh
April
May
June
July
August...
September
October . . .
November.
December .
Total 183.685
Annual average dnring iryearBrsO^MO inches
IRRIGATION IN ASIA— SYRIA.
353
^ and 950 F. The
1 Beirut during a
Protestant College at
886.
1887. 1888.
1889.
D.20
55. 54 55. SO
67.10
J. 60
57. 52
59.60
60.64
J. VU
81.10
64.50
63. 16
t.'jU
67.64
66.50
65.84
). 70
72.36
70.80
71.06
i.t'O
78.04
76.60
78.12
.'10
82. H6
83. 75
82.87
.05
83.97
83.00
.30
81.00
81.60
.40
79.77
78.52
.00
70.84 66.22
.60
62.60 58.33
ria IS of a heavy,
comes very hard,
lie experiment of
: on a more exten-
erhaps not prove
e plains, but bet-
course the most
(east of Damas-
ons to tha north ;
cool Syria," and
md Damascus is
riON.
i-Hges about 30 to
rity estimates it
50 inches, or an
iod of 10 years
n Protestant College
1887. 1888.
1880.
8.91
2.68
1. 685
0.35
0.875
6.065
6. 625
2.745
6.158
0.17
.905
6.93
2.885
2.69
.84
.100
.28
0.14
'3.065'
10. IV
.045
1. 330
7.22
7.885
27.255 38.148
1
No Statistics are kept of the amount of the annual rainfal' in Mi«
PRECIPITATIONS.
^I'^t-S'T?^"""^ *^e summer and the fall more or less plentiful Verv
plentiful m sprinfr, sometimes sufficient to ripen the gVain when rains
cease early I„ February, March, and AprU hail stSrms Tre not . m
common. If they occur late they are apt to destroy the 3 berry leaves
and the vine. Snow falls on the mountains and in the interior but no
statistics are kept of the quantity. iui-enor, ouc no
Generally the country is at least 5 months without anv rain at all
and a month after the last rainfall the laud is dried up to he depth
of the roots of the trees, causing a total cessation of all Vegetable bfe
?als'hnJ';gf '""•'' 'T''''^ '^- ^^y '' *^« 1^«* '"^"th in whth rain
begtuurng of Ap^rr' ^^^"^^"'"^ '^^"^ ««^«« ^^^h the end of March or
ANTIQUITY OP IRRIGATION.
All the existing irrigation works are of considerable antiquity; some
date from time immemorial. On the right buuks of the Dog RivS-
about 5 miles north of Beirut, there still exists an old aqueduct, buflt
ZTr^ff^T P^r^'yc'it through the solid rock, running alo ig the
river side, which is said to date back to the time of the Ro£an ocf upa
tion ; Its present use is to convey water for the irrigj^tion of a vast tract
of land and to furnish the domestic .upply for the village of Junl6 etc
Ihe rums of another aqueduct, where the water was conducted over
IVZ^T^ dale, are still to be seen in the valley of the Beirut Eiver,
about 8 miles above its mouth. '
The waterworks and conduits of Damascus, Tripoli, Horns, and Ha-
math are also of great antiquity, and the water is conducted by means
ot canals of masonry, or, where this was impracticable, through earthen
pipes and sometimes also through stones scooped out for this purpose
Ihe ancient canals in the plains of Mesopotamia, between the Eu-
phrates and Tigris, are still extant, but they are choked up with the
accumulated rubbish of centuries, which with a little energy and hard
work could easily be removed.
No maps or publications bearing upon the subject of irrigation, etc
exist in the province of Syria. "'b^uuu, etc.,
GENERAL REMARKS.
Underirrigation works are usually placed on lands lying along the
toot of a mountain, from which rivers, streams, springs, or other water
Su^Zy'^'V ^ • "^ "^^'l- ^ ^^ ''^'*'''" ^^ ^^^'"^ senile slope adapt themselves
admirably for irrigating purposes.
In Beirut the area under irrigation extends about 5 miles in one di-
SS w H to 9 in another, and the necessary supply of water is fur-
nishe<l by the Beirut River Conducted through five canals. Another
strip varying width and about 12 miles in length runs along the Med-
iterranean Sea, and is irrigated by the waters of the Dog River, the
powerful spring of Antelias, and other springs of minor capacity.
«,.,iK,.„ ""*" ;. ;: '/■ f."-°'^ aiscnuis are piautuu principally wicu
gardSutt?^ industry, besides all kinds of vegetables and
p. Ex. 45 23
354
IRRIGATION IN ASIA— SYRIA.
-^
i!
H
MMWMmM
" duraS " or Zzf I?" """"^,7' ^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^ '« ^rtiQoial watering,
.ura^SS^fn^rt?;^^^^^^^^^^^ to .0 auite rt
precision, but it S asserted h^ «n l ^f "" ^^.f ^'^ *« ascertain witb
these fields woiklLmn^^^^^^^ TJ^ ^'*?««« .^t^t the best looking of
e.p?e' sT/S fonhtC^': aZV'^ */ "^-f »'■ ->""^ or ditches
the water dof, uot run o?toelT X oLl""'' '*'''" "'r"'''' '"■'""''■"
are not kept h. very raoV renalr Tl?^ i'™ ll'"'''^'^ very old, but
into cisterns or tankl built o/ZZ;,-, u '^'^ °' '?""«« ""■» <»""«1
emptied each d^- I ,r!o re^lv? *' ""««i""nt«', which are usually
maxim amm°^ho,;ative?iuTrceT"?Nt."'''^''°.'''' '" '^*'"* »"«"'"
where the wal ,■ rn runaided bv ,Z •' ,tU" '" "l"*" PfoAtable
and conseqneutly McuSrv outKl"*"' ' *'*' '* *" """' "'«'''' "ouduits
were appa^ntlySZroutnni, 1-1^ ?,?, ''"""?'''*^''? ' "'«'■• ™costors
left by'tL^m scSjitrdcTtTve'r^ff i''? i™"" "'« ■'-»'^™»« ""'"s
tem"?'Ahey1ffr pr^tr^f Z'euI'iI ^ri""'-''^*' take
furnishes 'Beirut wXau Slent alm£f ,'""1'^ company, which
rate, . well as a needfu. ^^t^Sil^^:::^^^:^^^^
»pSurov:p'?;^/sTtuSaS sss^.tiz:^" T*^^'" "
inuu cipalitv of Hoins -^ xra^Z^Z^ Qines Uibtant, into the city, and the
of waterworks ; brthe pro ecf ?a^ed S?;^.''T^l''*^ *^^ introduction
city of flamath whicnDS?AL«H ^ '^''"^'' ^^^ opposition of the
water for its Wn sup'V ^ ^^^''^^^^^ ^"^ even a scarcity of
mUTaio es'tSst^f^^busiret in^?" ^^ "^^"^ ^^^ enterprising
States, to intrXelchanicTandst«.l'"^^^ ^ ^•"''° ^^ ^^« ^"'ted
of artificial irrigation ^"^ ^^^^^ ^'^ ''' profitable means
an?lSh^l^radS^t?iL^^^^^ ^ regionlying between Tripoli
there was not sufficient ?anrSrj:f:? "il^f'^ Y^'^^' ?«l>ecially as
the irrigation works iu Egypt 'conce/v«d H.^'?,! ^"^''V"' '^^" •"'"' ^*^^"
practically to his lauds ^i.uiieirruSsrct'lS/e'S&rS
orange groves, about
tl of water, of wbich,
I down from Mount
Qt supply 5 sufficient
m Tripoli northward
and the mountains,
i in length, irrigated
e their source there,
hey are annually ex-
i artifloial watering,
lid to bo quite re-
ahr "Jabir" (River
)r year planted with
le to ascertain with
the best looking of
lie corn fields in Illi-
produce much more
s.
i6T Orontea there is
course of centuries,
iduits can uo longer
sted.
►f canals or ditches
ialy exist, or where
ually very old, but
springs are carried
, which are usually
in Syria and the
X is only profitable
iy, where conduits
y; their ancestors
le numerous works
waterworks take
f company, which
iug water at fixed
>ses at reasonable
ly the waters of a
the city, and the
1 the introduction
opposition of the
even a scarcity of
and enterprising
n of the United
profitable means
r between Tripoli
f rivulets, whose
o longer be made
3rs, especially as
b, who had seen
' applying them
meutioued, aud
IKKIGATION IN ASIA — SYRIA.
355
weiit so fiiT as to ordor a machine of 5 horse-power. The pumn was
elevaSr;f4r/ 'so f'"^ P'^f' '-''''' '^« ''^''''^'^ ^ be rai^ecHo an
nr ufrS In ^ ^^ ^^^^- ^>® P"™P ^a« guarantied to lift 750 litres
or 106| gallons per minute ; it worked for 40 days, fulfilled all its e?
pecta^ons, and would have been capable of irrigating an area of at
least 80 acres in extent, but it appears that the f^el proved too ex
pensivo-wood being scarce and coil very dear-so that the Ixperimeut
has been for the present, at least, abandoned. experiment
A second attempt was made in the snrinir of thi<* vAnr in rT.^^^^^\ •
t?betf^Sr;;;li;;3Ste^ ^"^ t¥t^'^^^ ^^ ".e^stjs
ZTll^u? ^y^ri "«^1 PJ^!°P worked by a%team motor ofThor^^ powef
and then forced through iron pipes along a hill to the height of 120 feet
nto a basin holding about 90 cubic metres (3,543 cubic inches) of waS
for irrigating purposes; the basin can be filled in aboit 6 or 7 h^urs
and the capacity per hour, therefore, is about 14 cubic metres or 551
cubic inches. The investment seems to have proven aB?utfre?v sat
isfactory one in every respect. euwreiy sat-
nrrt ff.VJ'^'''^^ ^1"'^ '"^*^'" ^^^ ^^"^ ^^^^ ^^ Operation near Beirut for
satTsfttS^.' '^ "^'''' ""^'"^ '^ ^ considerable height and works
In general, irrigation as practiced in Syria, does not entail anv
greater or other expense than the cost of maintaining the canals con
duits, etc., in good repair, but this, it must be repeatfd, rnol alway^^
j!'iifZ\fy YV^'T^^ ^^^" «^«^»' '« regulated entirely by usage
and well-established rules, and every parcel of land has a rkrht- tntul
use of water for certain well fixed length of time for instan ef 1 1%
proprietor near Beirut has 5acres of land^ve^VFridly ^fcan take.i
u "f !^:f '^^ Vl"rmg 6 hours as he may need to thorougMy saturate hi«
land; if he fails to take advantage of his privilege he simply forfeits it
without being indemnified therefor. Where water is scaZ asTn nVli
places in the mountains, it is often divided into hours \nd' Tvll Sal
tions of hours, and good care is taken that no one lecefves or take^
more than his allotted share. The sole owner of a spring a ra?e occur
rence however, may of course use the water thereof at his%wn pleasure
It is worthy of remark that in Mount Lebanon the waters otvtfirv
spnng, no matter how limited its capacity, is caught upTnto cisterns Sf
good solid masonry and is utilized fot irrigating and domestL purp^^
and no matter how steep the mountain sidesf or how poor th^soKe
smallest available and tillable space is planted with oCL vetetoble
'PPe^l!!^ yt^' "^' '''''' ^'^^ ^^'"^^-- -- ^-r c^X^
The lands in Mount Lebanon ar-e exceptionally well kent and thn
r\ .'^mJ'n' P^^^^P'"^"^ ««°^P'?«ed of Christians (Maroni es aQ Greet
etc.), and Druses, who are quite prosperous, and whose dest uiea ar«
presided ever by a Christian governor-general aestimes are
nor .,no/Tn%°il"^ "''^''^ '^*'- """^ ?^"*'"'* "^»«^ ^^ practical value or im-
portaiice for the purposes intended, they may at least serve to imDart
some interesting, if not useful, information i^arding the peooleTth^
oldest country, an.l of their ancestors the Ph(Bnicians, whTch mav not
be generally known in the United States. ' ^
Eehabd Bissingeb,
United States Consulate, Consul,
Beirut, Auymt 24, 1889,
356
IRRIGATrON IN ASIA — SYRIA.
THE WATKR WHEELS OF HAMATH.
[Inolo8iire 1, in Consul Bissiiiger's report.]
point tbey are empt^d intoan Anii^i.-t nn^ ^il j ■ *^ *'"'y ^'^^ • certa m
inadeoutofbrauEonhemvSrbatlfmSfjJffh^S*-'- '>?»'»P« i« often
wa king round and ronnd in a SS 7?.™ •» longh thai It doe« not slip. Acamel
worka fho cndlMrtorrftteVnotet, S^" T;"X,'. 'P'"" fe."!""" "S rnde B.arinR
raised. Bnttbe cljatacterUtie rteelif the ' tjS 1?^"%'^°^??'*'™ ''««'^
™nrr'>iS"'n'i'd«Ttr"'»^^^^^
5.s^:ss,^7edToVe°a;n°.d°\r."'.TnrdSrf^^^^ """ J"" ■"-
l?^an^°raSa'?o£»HSF»r^^^^
s^rin"*a';i'.j^i-S'^1^™r^^^^^^
a photograph of the d ty of Ha^ia Jh *' '"^ *^' eDgravmg one of the larffest, from
wal Thi'trJemiir Vhfjhll'r'^*^*" ^« .thc«e dSnttone side into the
aqueduct through whiZwrt^erflowISrotteitr "^'' "^'^ "° ''"'^''^
Mo^i:Z%irrnV.nf£7^^^^^^ ^SllriV^' ^^--'^"-t-s are
these wheels for its water sixm^v ThLltt^' ■^'"'IP?** population depends upon
aors^n-r,^^SS3~=S5ES
are not available. AeVoSnon of ii^«?n .'^^PP^y °* f««l- H«nce steam pumps
culture, and coSd use a?7quS ty of war I[ 3^^^%^ 1^- ^f7^''^ *° *«""
a field for enterprise migh'i ttS t llTof ourhydVa fli et^n^^ ^''^'"''''^
>mm
northerly direction,
8 of Lebanon. Near
lirongh the valley of
10 island of Cyprus.
Hundreds of water
y anitaal power, are
its agricultural pios-
I'l less rope carrying
ther into and out of
they reach a certain
i^. The rope is often
38 not slip, A camel
ich by rude gearing
jf water can be thus
idiflFerent from this.
8 turned by the cur-
math many are eni-
ese cities are quite
n its relation to the
the " entrance into,
ich as that just de-
B others are of vast
important advance
old-fashioned well
is weighted at one
lan draws down the
up. He then enip-
inough, it is dipped
it. In some cases a
less rope or revolv-
iied. The wheel is
f the largest, from
3S north of Damris-
ith water by about
Each wheel and
i^ater wheels. The
; the necessary dif-
A portion of this
ne is thus formed,
tes.
n one side into the
on the other side
I into an elevated
three-quarters are
ttion depends upon
ze, of quite prim-
entirely of wood,
tem is necessarily
> railroads for the
ence steam pumps
' devoted to agri-
in this great plain
ne3r8.
ater has had the
f Horns — the an-
rds quantity and
iftzner, who had
QH alike are com-
ital as this makes
l--^>^^- ^"r^:
«=s»%S
"^
The Great Water Wheel of Hamatk.
IRKIOATION IN ASIA — SYRIA.
357
H f««f „f wrJ^J^i' It """'»*«'' an "nn»8takable want, lly tlie dams a head of about
« feet of water in the river at the city is secured. There would appear to be bat
little troubl< in causing this to work improved water wheels, turbines, or undwshot
TvaiiabTe. ''^ ™«'*® *« '^"^« P"'"P8 : or some system of hydraulic rams might bo
^n?rj ''°wifr°r^",* believes that such improvements could be advantageously intro-
f^l :u T^'^"" ^""^'^^^ *"'* •*" dependencies are very poor, it is under such condi-
tions that economy is imperatively necessary. Improved machinery always effects
an ultimate saving, though its lirst cost may beem ^.eat.
ACCA AND HAIFA DISTBICTg.*
[Inolosnre 2, In Consul Bisslnger's report.J
.„^® A*'*'?-^a'fa,?'8*"ct and the region of the Hauran probably oflfer little in the
way of irrigation that will prove of much value or interest, for the purpose of the
f i i largrscaTe °' *^^'*' *'' "^^ *" ''°"'' information of a practical chamcte?
AREAS UNDER IRRIGATION.
,vP®rP'"*°*i''''"y.l'*'i?^,*^'«* '° Galilee, in Nablus, or in the Jordan Valley any
irrigation works in the ful sense of the word, as understood in the United States^
and land under irrigation in those districts is almost nil, forming but an iutiS-
mal, probably not more than the two-hundredth part, of the wholl arable land
of th« T i^/ff^J^y*"*"^ "'? *^-^ ^P'^,!?.*" "^ Merom), north of the Bat6ha and south
of the Lake of Tiberias, also in the WAd el-'Arab and Wad et-Tanjibe, the Bedouins
irrigate small parcels of about 10 to 60 acres, upon which " durah" (maize) is erown
t^oiaHimiirS T and even three crops. This result is due in ^art to Uetxc^Jl
Jb« rlh ^il. • ^ ^''•l •^"'■^^'J Valley, wit^ its tropical heat (a perifect hothouse), to
S the ^«irif^ '^'^ ^^^H*^ down from the basalt mountains, and perhaps chefly
M«^al•f^ 1?^"°^^.°"®!-.*'^ '^'**^'' '" ^^^ J«""^"" """i Hieromkx (Arab, Slieri'at el
JJ™ si' r^^""^**^ *^® i'-'S'^^'" ^^Sions of Palest ina and the littoral of the Mediter-
to irr,>ft« tt«i.*'?"^*^**"'®^y *°" P"*'^ '° ^**®' supplies to enable their inhabitants
10 irrigate tneir lands to any great extent.
rWani«r^'*T''''liP^*'°T '" *'^ ^^^^^ districts is of the simplest and most primitive
««min?,<i„ u*I? *^* T'y '""ining or shortly before sunset, young Bedouins, in a
^rvdam^^ntetr^'if "^^^onghly constructing from stones an§ earth a tempo-
wYth hrna^h ^"*f-^.!,'^5^f'^?°^ ? «*^*«'" °^ wAdi (Valley ), while others, provided
t^h«SihTA'*'«^'5l^^^'*''''f'*^'**HS^^^*'''» they lead the overflowiii waters
lnurJi^^LJ\*^^ over the parcels it is intended to irrigate, allowing the wlter free
iinlr w„w ^°'?'if'" ^y»"e.J*H*^«. *li"« inundating, or rather completely setting them
Xrwr«S. J^T "lan'Pn'ationf are of daily repetition ; thedamsliave to be reg-
1:^1/ ^?'^"V*. ^^r the pressure of the water causes their daily destruction, and it is
inrnl'"^*''^***'''!'*''''^**''''^^"'*^'*"'^ perseverance these Bedouins are oon-
SSattentiLn*^ renewing the little ditches or canals, which need their unre-
thSX'I*'!^^' ^^*'°*' ^^n'^^' «*«•' do, "ot exist, and the systems in practice here will
tries ^*'*'^''®'y commend themselves to the inhabitants of more progressive coun-
wn^k«®nrA*^®^t "^^^^ T*^®.^®'* ^^ Tiberias remains of ancient Roman irrigation
Tf f t«i^nJi T*' ^'i^ ' J^"* *^7 "® '° """^ ^ deplorable state of dilapidation that
ot their original construction only a catchment basin remains near the head of the
«rfiVfii K " PO'^'on of a conduit (in masonry) in affair state of preservation. The
original character, or the practical application of these ancient works, can, howeve-
b^f «l\?.wJ'/.^'**^\''^^***"Vt??S."'^^'^' ^"'" ^^^ ^'■»'^» »ot only made no ns^ of thei^:
of^hl ™,^''*'"^*^°S.*'l£*' '"^"^ ^^'^^y ^"'^ "■"*"' Prefering the antediluvian ways
of their own ancestors to the innovations of the Roman intruders.
la+i^^*'^^**™*?^ water distribution, etc., depends wholly upon local custom, as regn-
ated among the difterent communities themselves. If several inhabitants of a vH-
Si^*"^- f P"7"??of irrigation, desire to utilize a spring in common, they will
l\„n!5K^?.*"^°**•*•''^''"*fv' t.J^^'^eofin conformity with local tradition, a/sanc-
v.\«^-f^^®T"''''P4u*"*^°"*'*«' «"*''' »* ^««8*J8 the custom or practice in this
\ic.nity. In all cases, the proprietary rights of a village spring remain vested with
the community, and the spring itself can never be soldf *««'" witu
I J'n **" ^,®P°f' was prepared by Consul Bissinger, of Beirut, from material supplied
by Consular Agent Schumacher and Civil Engineer Schumacher, of Acoa and Haifa.
358
IRRIGATION IN ASIA — SYRIA.
colony, is aniioxe.1 herewith ^"'''n' »« >» "«« by the Hmfa German-Amerioau
Place of observation.
Haifa
Do
Gaza (Palestine)
Sea of Heroin ..
Depth of
well.
Feet.
25
30
14(1
15
Amount of water ralsert per hour.
lAtret. Oallt.
6,200 = 1, U4 J.
4, 000 r^ 889.
2, 600 ===5.55*.
6,500 = 1,4441.
4J liters =1 gallon.
'?f,ri""*' «>? oniDloyment of steam would greatly increase these fienres
These quantities will vary accordinff to the workinir canacitv of tfo nfffar-.^* •
?• hnri: ?^'''' '^"'^ '!{«,'''"'•' H''''' ^'«^« attaiueKy^we^C ^*^ist( th£'"Jsti^^^^^
1 hour after every 3 hours of consecutive work The nrinrin^l hnlin i *'
^'7«nS''''.'*'"^fT « ^"^l^^"'''; '* i« constructed of raSytTw:if cem-
ented, and ordinarily has 20 feet in length, 18 feet in width and 7 tn fi f««f T„ i .k
The main ba«in empties it.,elf into afmallor one 4 Vret q'uare Jy 2 fel leL t C;
which the water IS conducted directly into the main irriffati no- V-r .nl V^Allr^'
and situated in the most elevated nart of the and wlHH ffel t ho ,^^^
ditches that distribute the water over the gLnloiroVl^X to I e w^^e™ IT.' \'"'^
ani is of great durability and seldom needs repairs csSallv f the v.t^ Jt I'''"'"
LtiSSVr«on:* '''' ''-'''-' constru^ctio:;.^d^-;!YeXuEf V;r JiS
MERSINE DISTRICT.
[Inclosnre 3 in Consul Bissingor's report-Note by Consnl Bissinger.]
In olden times the vast plains of the vilayet of Adana. Syria were enfirAW Jr.,-
gated by the rivers that pass through them. The Romans ™ in H,„ if„i V 7^ "'
ming out the required qua^ntity fronf the waters i^fttT^^ihounSd^^^^^^^^^^^
and conduct It to the foot of the mountains from a hi^h leve' on bo h Ses if the
^«kV„^ fn"?.^?"' '"^'"'' °( the ground, accumulating earU. on both sides oflts bankr
^f tte^^ *''•'' """-^ * ^l'>^' ^}^^' *'*"■'''' extending from the mountains on both sWes
of the rivera in various directions to the sea. The farmers had thus the water wfthfn
their reach and could easily, and at little expense, by means of LESv calls
conduct any portion ofit to irrigate their lands. ■ '" "' ^'^"-'n'ary cajals,
««„ r^^ii ^"^ 1°*^ ancient canaYs, extending from the foot of the mountains to th«
sea in all directions, are still extant, and need but to be freed from the rubbish tha?
centuries have accumulated to be again serviceable ruuDisu that
J
lio amble Iftnrls
iM, en(j«ii(l«rii(g
heat of the diiy
[lea change ami
parts, and aa a
e iniaMina.
inj{ a period of
per year ; laat
takou to bo 26
ho most practi-
The lianani, a
'inan-Anierioaa
primitive con-
ided), and can
> in proportion
nimal of either
!« deptli of the
Its observed.
aisert per hour.
ires.
s different ani-
iiinials; resting
asin is gener-
md well cem-
feet in depth.
3et deep, from
ide of n)as()i:ry
inierons little
id. The han-
er is free from
I by the most
entirely irri-
liabit of dam-
, and Cyduus,
I sides of the
of its banks,
on both sides
water within
liiary cajala,
ntains to the
rubbish that
H
i
'^Sn^
i '
f^*
H
. i
iHL
.- -tiri
IRRIGATION IN ASIA — CEYLON.
[Note by ConRolar Agent Dawson, of Mersine.]
359
In the vilayet of Adana, Syria, there are about 4,740,000 acres of land cnltivable. but
no irrigation workH. '
In the plain between Meraine and Adana there are about 4OO,0CO acres irrieable. and
between Adaua and Missis about 360,000acre8, through which three rivers, the Cydnus.
the Saras, and the Pyrarnus flow, but np to the present there are no irrigation works
the consequence 18 that for the last 4 years part of the crops kave been completely
destroyed and what has succeeded could not be produced at prices to compete against
the American and Russian markets in Europe. c»s».uoi,
The Turkish Government, on the pressing demands of the agriculturist, has re-
cently taken the matter of irrigation in hand, and the Vali 8irri1>acha asked me to
assist him in making the. necessary surveys and plans, and I have just handed him
the plans to irrigate a portion of the plain from Tarsus, towards Adana, for a dis-
tance of about 15 miles, which can be done at a very small cost. The other parts of
J!fnHnn\ '»<?'^?''«r' towards Adana and between this latter and Missis will cost about
£400,000 to UTigate properly, and although this sum would be comparatively nothinir
compared with the results, the Government hesitates about the investment, but unle™
they are carried out by a competent company I am afraid it will be a failure
The principal crops grown are cotton of very short texture, about 16,000 tons-
K ^l^^nlH^^'^y "*. *?^°°^ quality, about SS.OOO tons ; sesame seed of first quality
about 4,000 tons; raisins of x ^ry inferior quality, about 4,000 tons.
The soil 18 partly red and partly sandy. RwniLall averages 22 inches per annum.
Ihe antique irrigations simply consist of the cultivators in the immediate neighbor-
hood ot the rivers and mill streams taking advantage of the water passing their
•^ >|
CEYLON.
ANCIENT IRRiaATION IN CEYLON.
[From the report of the Central Irrigation Board for 1888.]
Impenetrable mystery shrouds the origin, and to a great extent the histcy. of the
vast network of tanks and canals with which Cej Ion was at one time covered. There
isno part of the island, except the central mountain districts, in which the remains of
canals and tank bunds are not found ; but whether the whole island from Point
Pedro to Dondra Head, and from Colombo to Batticaloa, was ever at any one time
under cultivation as some suppose, or whether the population, abandoning or driven
Irom ancient centers of habitation, gradually migrated from one district to another
erecting new works where they settled, and allowing the old ones to decay, is a dis-
puted question. The fact, however, that almost all irrigation works are fonnd on
investigation to form but parts of large connected systems, affecting great stretches
ot country, would appear somewhat to favor the former supposition. The system of
?P, vl"",- ? Canal extends from the Laggala hills, near Mjltal^, to Trincomalee.
The Y6di-^la of KaWwewa, itself 54 miles long, is only one link in a connected chain
ot tanks and elas, reaching far north into the Manner district and westward into
Knrun^gala, and, as recent discoveries se >m to show, having its origin at least as
far south as Nalanda. Another system, as yet only partially explored, but which be-
comes more intelligible as the country becomes better known, and of which the river
Walawe and the great tank at Pandikulam were the principal features, extended
Irom the loot of the central mountains to the sea on the south coast, while the remains
^i ancient cities, which are frequent in the Bintonna of Uva, show that the country
ot the Mahaw^h-gagga was also once highly cultivated by the agency of canals, the
remains of which are often crossed when traversing the forest.
■njt nl*'pa*® oVJ®*'* ^^ "11 tl»«se works was to supply the village fields with water.
Where springs exist, where a running stream is available, or where the rainfall of
the district is not only abundant but regular, or, better still, pretty evenly distribu-
ted throughout the year, it might be sufficient for this purpose simply to build a bund
by which to impound the springs, to intercept the stream, or to store up the supply
ot rain or spring water ; and this was no doubt the origin of tanks. Bat it must have
been soon perceived that in many cases this was not enough to insure more than a
precarious supply of water, and that to render the irri-'atinTi jind r.v. Hi ""*'«" -.f ^=1-'-
perfectly securo, other measures were necessary, fhereplenishment oflban^
lore, was provided for, either by conducting any surplus water that might aocumu-
Jate m one tank into another below it, or by supplementing the supply by means of
360
IRRIGATION IN ASIA-CEYLON.
'St!
I
beoom^exbatSofteS„?J "«*'' T *''« t^n^rSrwh ^tZv^'" *'"'. ^«*
thus constructed were of ^n^ i "lu'Pf'^i'- I* was also fonn^ Vir.f T coniin.inicate
•ncieift c».iU Lv° wrS™ 1°°"" » ""k i » ?K °oreh.c,°.S°l',''' ?"«« "f ">«
part of CsvloD will „rE! .P? ■""> preserved witli lem ,1?.^ ?■ LP""""""; »■ ier»
).l»nd. "^ ''°' "'" 8'™ "•■' irewml idea of Sl,r"rra„~S°,»'S° " "'>' """"
The general onstom.. .■ . """' """"e'menta thronghoiit the
thej«intlaborofall^„ '*",** «"<^«'«° and unforeseen tnoi^IT'" ''^Pair of a cer-
person waseSled 'o wat^if'r "'",'**"'' ^^ '" tTe c° ^ of t^^^r/h 'fP'*'!*''^ "^^
or channel, and no new^rn![ H^ neglected to contribute h. tL J^ ' **'® ^"°<'- No
fields. The fields aHi °^ ^""^'^ ''e e»l«vated to th« j^^f • ® ^P*'" of the dam
^^arde in regnlai^oMeV^'ud^i? fH 'I"' <"^annel were plowed first" *„ °/ J^" «^'«**«"
?on they lost theirVigh't to JrlntV"^ K plowed at fh«''" ™'* "I^"
irrigated bv rnfa+,-A^ P"""*y of water. Dnrinn- fi... j ^t the proper sea-
(orLarest^thTbund'asr'°'''°^ ^'^'^ *hose alth" fo^menL'^^? *^ ^''^''^ ^«*e
stream was insufficient for f), ''■'^- '"'S*"* »>«)• Whence vol. ?r°*."^ *^« <''>a°"el
divided into porSons of «n«^ '"'Ration of all the lands den^i^T^ "'^ ^^^ supplying
and these porSsTcefved .V''*!"*/^ "^""'^ admit of each befn^* ""^ '^' *^«y '^^^
in rotation. The channll 1- ® "^^"'^ ''°'""'« of tho water dnrtn^ Properly irrigated
out of its uroner r«f f? .Y** inspected daily and if nn^« I'"^ succeeding seasons
lation of%trrSnlat"onM^ wP'°P'''^*°^^a«L^^^^^ f«"nd frriga?ed •
royal prison was at hand wT^^ promptly punislfed by whiD„^ n^^ Anyvio-
Mutatis mutandfl Bimkvl^FT?^^^ »'««• ^^'PF'^S or fine, and if a
ofthose already 63"°]^""'*^"° """^ great works were „„h*^"i'^^ "°*"
wantonly destroyed by foJe In in "^''P*''"' ^f these mluTare said 'T','"'*^ 'V^^y
gether during the conftiSfnH^^'i'^''''^' ^^i'« otiierswere eTtLr oi *^''a^e »>een
Tamil conquerers or slntTf"'* ^'"^"^s w^iich attended the ^'f^^^^ /''"ndoned .alfo-
population to secure tW,^*" 7"" '" ««°««q"ence of tZ inaK,f^^«'''^pPr«f''ess of the
the commuuicaSs of tnnt >f "Z"?"' ^» the g?eat can i^s h^ *''*' diminished
inostof the spills soon Jerfi« JV*^*""^ were cut off ftL inin- "^'"?. ''''"'^^d up;
themselves when des Jt«H . *" *^« destruction byflood8ofavrt«"'V* dimensions of
or less isoIaTed. and detJnZi'"'^*'^ "'«» ^s remffl ^Srer^^^T ,"^ *"*' *'^"'^«
regarded these, the customs w* "^i"" Precarious supplfes a Ion! *'*'m ^^""V^ "'«•■«
the Tamilfand o^ccMeWthrm ""^ ^%'l.''««" ^rSed'ttteXtT '\''^t
been given to irrieation • £,^ • *V®^®" *^'8 measure of care do^« r,^."^'®"® ^^ ^l^e
wliioh the rainfall of
no wing in the wet
I they comniiinicate
at where the canals
ised as direct agents
the country where
itter means of sup-
er storage, and al-
of making use of
Jneral resemblance
iposite page of the
"province, where
» than in any other
Its throughout the
"1 channel in Uva
ft it appears that
he repairs of the
r repair of a cer-
were repaired by
K, the bund. No
'pairs of the dam
t of the existing
and the rest up-
it the proper sea-
»u the fields were
it of the channel
of any supplying
on it, they were
>roperly irrigated
icceeding seasons
found irrigated -
water. Any vio-
or fine, and if a
ht modiBcations
>ar to have been
although small
akeu, and many
1 to have been
tbandoned alto-
progress of the
the (liminished
Me choked up ;
dimensions of
>r of the tanks
u became more
evertheless, as
listricts in the
other, when a
done to repair
ihalese by the
appear to" have
Jese there was
1 was given by
9f the customs
outbern prov-
lemselves, but
derthe period
etriots under
H'rina (spUlj
%
Wfe^(7' ^iheJank')
r^ppTO .'{in"'i'(i'i"!''|irpfr
•5
The \.vni\ oponcil
in iuMition to the
abovp two rana;os is
ciillod Kiitta Ka-
diiwii or Alut
AswcdJuniii.
The fields next
the tank are called
Puriimpota, or Aful-
1
1'
1
HunULLA PALUIV^ r?
%^
1
IHALA ILAPATA j
pK
/
HANWASAM*
jiulii, or Ujiaydpota.
2
ILAPAT PAHCUWA
3
PANCU tvA
4-
i
G
7
8
.1
9
\?
Id
^
1
1
P A N U W A /.
a
\i
3
<^
,/.
5
r
C
7
11
f w
i>
M
PAHALA CLAPATA ',
H U ff U LL A PALUWA i
KunuLLA pAlUKA ' '
/
IHALA CLAPATA \
1 PANGUWA 1
3
*
i ■■ !l
6
'1
7 ■< 1
The next range is
S
.g
lO •■ \
po(a or Pemlaputtt.
■1
PA NC U tVJI y-- .
2 '■
% ■ '
*
fl
6
7
P,
f)
III
PAH/ILA CLAPATA
MUPULLA PALUWA
ft URiJLLA pa L UWA
I hA L A E. L A P*-^ fl
PANSUWA
PAMAtfl ELAPATA
((H flk'i- J- . ^ .. ° Ai!. i'*^'-^
■'t
IRRIGATION IN ASIA — CHINA.
361
CHINA.
CANTON.
REPORT BT OONSVL SETMOUIi.
AREA IRRIGATED.
Irrigation of land is so general in southern China that a comparison
between irrigated and non irrigated lands is impossible.
Hice is the chief crop on which cultivators rely for support; but near
Canton and other large towns and cities a great diversity of produc-
tions may be found, as vegetables of all kinds are cultivated ; and the
lands being so subsidized as to be devoted, in small parcels and under
the management of small owners, to many kinds of crops, with a view
to early supplies for immediate city consumption.
The yield of an acre of good land, which has been properly fertilized
and irrigated, supports a family of live persons, who will each con-
sume 2 pounds of rice, and other things in moderate variety and sup-
ply. Two crops of rice and one of vegetables are produced annually
where the land is well tilled. A ton and three-quarters of rice per
acre each year is a fair crop. In tilling the small pieces of land about
Canton, with a generous use of fertilizers, the utmost vigilance is given
to irrigation.
SOURCES OF WATER SUPPLY.
The sources of water supply are the small tributaries of the larger
branches of great streams ; and in many places, where these are inac-
cessible, pools of water are held in reserve by hardening the bottoms
and sides of pits and hollows, and depressed or sunken lands. Keturn
rows of growing vegetables, trenches filled with water obtained from
the creeks, brooks, or pools, are kept ; and once or twice a day the
■water is scooped from these trenches upon the raised ground, in which
the roots have great depth of loose and moisc soil to promote growth.
When these trendies of water are not available, owing to scarcity of
water, or to porous land, the men and women carry, suspended from
a yoke across their shoulders, two large buckets with loug spouts, and
sprinkle the rows of vegetables copiously. Sometimes the water for
this purpose is carried in buckets a considerable distance.
For the irrigation of rice lauds which have to be submerged, the laiids
are divided into small patches at different levees, so that the appear-
ance is that of a beautiful system of terraces, near a bountiful supply
of water, which is raised to the upper level of chain-pump and thread-
mill prcess with cooly power.
From the uj)per to lower levees the water descends so gradually as
to avoid washing away the substance or fertility of upper to lower
lands.
WATER DISTRIBUTION.
The system of water distribution is generally conducted and used on
the mutual or cooperative plan, which prevails in China in so many
branches of industry and business as to lead one to believe cooperation
is reduced to a perfect system ou the basis of equity.
362
IRRIGATION IN ASIA—CHINA.
CLIMATE AND SOIL.
Tir?owIrtX™!!;rot:c!^,;" '-'"^ '■"■°""™ -•' "•"'• »"« warm.
Tlie rainy seasX Soh »^!i a 'I' "•'.','""' '" *»"' ^To or 3So p
ersnpto tbeenclof iSt ",u, XfhL?.^! 'If' ",'"' "'-"""tani'l sliow.
...ort „ee<.e.l for ti.e flrTa'mi'S,:,? ^Se ? o^s ''^"""""' "■•"""■ """»
.ea?or£;^XT,r/r;:;rV::Lrai"a?.y„r' """-• ^-'"^ "■« ^'-^
ANTIQUITY OF IRRIGATION.
pmro?3£^j s:zf :srss '^^"'"^ ^^ ^i^^"«'-^^- This
ural deposits of water for the temnn f;. ""'■ '''''^.^\^'^"- '""^ "^t-
besides abundance of Lt^^nt SeiS r^'""' ^^ ^.^«»Sl^t; so that,
turaland horticultural oSons' He p^^^^^^^ available for agricul-
for irrigation of land fovShe nroiuoHon^i^^^ '"P"'^' ^* water required
any land is capable of yielding. ^^'^ ^'"'^*'*'*^ ^''*^1>« ^^ ^»^i«b
Chaeles Seymour,
United States Consulate Consul.
Canton, China, August I2' 1889.
r
NEW CHWANG.
REPOltTBY YIOE-OONSVL liANDINEL.
£f^^tz ^c,l^:.=f K,;a- --~
arofrequently'miDed by d^M which mSr^^ Z •^'' ''"■'"« "■■""■■'
raairitaiDed at the private ejoe ,,e of th« L ''^ ' "'""' '" " "• '"
witboat interference fr'm tlKcal oJ State oSl" P™"""""-''. ""1
J. J. FeeD'k BaNi.INEL,
TJkited States Consulate, Vm-Vomul.
Xew aimang, Febrmi'n 10, 1890.
■"'?««jP«1
IRRIGATION IN ASIA — CHINA.
363
NINGPO.
nSPOliT JiT OONSVL PETTUS.
AREA IRRIGATED.
iiring the raiuy
It IS impossible to ascertain tlie areas of lands under irrio-ation or
cultivation, owing to the difficulty in getting at the records kept in the
tax office and the absence of published returns of laud taxes. The
district 18 well cultivated, and every strip of land available is under
cultivation.
WATER SUPPLY.
The supply of water for bottom land is from canals. The supply
oauals are run from the river to the hills, dug from 50 to 80 feet wide.
At the foot of hills all running water from springs is emptied into the
canals, so as to form a never-failing supply of fresh water. The canals
are not allowed to connect with the river, as the water in the latter is
salt or brackish. At the foot (or end) of the canal an embankment of
stone IS made to a height above the tides of the river. This is covered
with moistened slippery clay, so that boats entering or leaving the
canal are hauled over. A hawser of twisted split bamboo is fastened
either to the stern of the boat or a strong beam crossing it at the bows.
The hauling is usually done by capstans, sometimes by oxen.
These canals have no locks. The supply canals are from 2 to 4 miles
apart ; minor canals are dug at right angles, and supplied with water
from the main arteries, about 200 to 400 feet apart, from 10 to 30 feet
wide; thus every farm and garden is supplied with free water.
MODES OP IRRIGATION.
The farmers, when compelled to irrigate their land, use a wooden
chain pump, which is as long as required, placed so as to draw water
from the canals, worked by cog-wheels, the ox performing the labor;
so a stream of water some 10 inches wide constantly flows. A field of
2 or 3 acres of rice is soon overflowed.
For gardens and small plots of ground a hand pump of the same kind
is used, generally worked by 2 men.
The hill lands are terraced and are irrigated by springs, water being
conveyed by small ditches or by pipes made of bamboo.
WATER DISTRIBUTION.
There are no laws or rules governing the water system. The canals
are free, and there are no expenses to the user beyoiid those of drawing
the water from the canals.
u
CLIMATE.
Climate damp and warm from April to July ; July, August, and Sep-
tember hot and dry; ^^ovember and December dry and pleasant; Jan-
uary, February, and March damp and disagreeable.
i
3G4
IRRIGATION IN ASIA — CHINA.
ANT I (.U IT Y OF IRRIGATfON.
n]I V "^^ 9^ irrigation, according to Chinese, m over 1 000 veirs
old. Tue soil 18 alluvial. Rainfall tbr 1888 was 68.31 inches' ^
Tnos. F. Pettus,
United States Consulate, Consul.
Ningpo^ August 20, 1889.
*li';
M
ji ';■
111'
llJii:
PROVINCE OF FO KIEN.
REVOltT III- aoNSUL CAMPBELL. OF FOOOUOW.
RIOE cultivation.
As the rainfall is equably distributed throughout the vear in fl,w
proymce Fo-K.en) there is no land dependent aC^onfrriStio" bu?
he tiSa? "o./™n •;' "'"• "^"^'^ '^ ^«"^-">^ undSSo' be
and s a subiPof whf.i 1 ^^?' "'riffation is at times indispensable
ana is a suDject which deeply concerns the ftiriner in this connfrv
The nee crop cannot be made without a great deal ot" water and itim
seasons of drought its absence is sorely felt. "'^
or du un'and^lSln'r'^P'T ^^" ^'^""'^ '« ^"^^^''^ fertilized, plowed
i.nS^ t^ L H * *^ "^ ^?'''^ order very much as cabbage beds are i)re-
pared, then the rice seeds are sown after which the water is turne. m,
and the bed kept submerged with about a halt^f aSof water u„?
the plants are sufficiently large to be transplanted to ?he fle^ s And
orXTr"ihr;>faTs'Vu\r^^ ^^^"^'^ isplow^d'and'putin
wS about o^^^e^^lfnfo/^^^^^^ ^^^^« ""^^ covered with
The nltn?. «1 tw *'^'^f*?ot deep and the soil is worked into mud.
iiie plant^ are then set into the mud and water in rows Water ia
kept standing on the land until the plants are well aloul Irriration
18 therefore essential to rice growing. ^* ^^^'^'^"O"
WATER SUPPLY.
This country is well situated for the construction of reservoirs on n
large scale Dams could be easily built across the gulSuddepn
canons ,n the mountains and reservoirs could be made slerein ii^ineS
qiian titles of water could be stored, and whe^red^d for i r S^^^^
S ihis'ic er.r "" '^' ?''^^ "* '"^^ ^^"^y« ^'^^^^ the forego gravity
their^Sn f ^i.lZl' ^'° '*'^'' "'^^^ ^>' "'« ^^^^'^^^ if it ever entere^d
tueir minds Small ponds are made adjacent to the delds and the w^fPr
MODES OF irrigation.
nni^i® V*^^ used for irrigation is drawn up from the ponds and water
co'.rses by an endless chain or rather an endless rope pump wlJch is
worked by one man or sometimes two men by treaXirupon a vvheel
u o nirs axfs""A l'' '■' 'f^"^ T"^ which'causes th^e wC to turn
^Z^:\nJt^^^^^''^ -^-e the shaft is made
log the Wheel. "'o^^^^^^^^^^^S^^^:^
^^
IRRIGATION IN ASIA — CHINA.
365
buckets is placed in the water iit an ungle of abont 45 degrees with the
pond, river, or canal from whence the water is drawn into the field.
The box is open at both ends and is made strong and light. The whole
apparatus is easily carried by one man on his shoulders. The faster the
man treads the wheel the more water is pumped, and the machine is
kept going night and day when water is needed for irrigation. The
pump is run very much on the principle of the treadmill so far as the
motor power goes, aiul the water is carried up with the buckets some-
thing like wheat is raised in an elevator.
In this province neither horse nor steam power has ever been thought
of, and the manner of pumping water it is believed has not changed for
many centuries. Water is conducted into the fields which are usually
marked ofif into small compartments according to the number of pro-
prietors by earth embankments, the water filling one after another
until all are covered. Horses are never used in this province by the
farmers, and in fact are rarely seen here. Everything is carried by
human beings on their backs. The vegetable garden flowers and small
plants are watered by water carried on the backs of the laboring people —
men, women, and children.
IRRIGATION APPLIANCES.
None of the modern appliances for conducting water over the land
have ijs yet found their way into China. No greater nor stronger power
than human hands is ever called into requisition, nor is there any like-
lihood of any innovation to tiie long-established custom being permit-
ted in this land where farms are so small and labor so cheap.
No farmer will expend money in experiments for irrigation when he
can hire a laborer at from $10 to $112 per year to keep the time-hon-
ored pump in motion. The working classes themselves would strongly
oppose the introduction of labor-saving inventions that would take
work from them and tend to cut oft' their emi)loyment. The farms are
small, less than 1 acre in many cases, but they have been tilled for
perhaps thousands of years and by the skdlful use of fertilizers and by
care and attention to each plant crops are raised that would astonish
the owners of rich soil.
THE RIVER MIN.
The River Min runs diagonally through this province, and a few miles
above this city it divides into several branches, which, after pursuing
separate courses for 15 miles, unite a little above the pagoda anchorage
and empty into the Pacific Ocean, 2 miles below. Along the river are
numerous small valleys which can be easily irrigated from the river,
but the mode of irrigation is rude and simi>le. The pump is used for
the larger fields, and small plants and garden vegetables are watered by
water carried on the backs of the laboring people. The everlasting pole
on the shoulders of the bearer, with buckets suspended from each end,
is rai'ely out of view. The water is carried in this way in many places
a long distance, but no complaint is heard in any quarter.
When the rains cease, water must be supplied to keep alive the
growing vegetation so essential to the existence of the i)eople. Dur-
ing a dry season men, women, and children are engaged in carrying
water, which is carefully sprinkled over the vegetation and the great-
est patience and care are shown in keeping moisture about the plants.
In this part of China the rainfall is fairly distributed throughout the
a
3G6
IKHIQATION IN ASIA-CIIINA.
ABKAS IBBIOATKD.
■" »'."o»t an the aSr S,1'; S,^;! ''"'"'• «^'«- nferE,;-
UNr.K. SXA.KS CONS...,,, ^^"^c^U,
^^^■^^'«"', ^l«-y«*-^ 15, 1880.
PROVINCE OF KIANGSU.
reived Lfti;"7t 'z:TfV:i ";';'^''"'"' ''SMa-'Y'i' t "•";"'•
•« I can lean, tlier-t^vcV £ 1 ,'" '""""■ '" '"'<>■■ j'o . t '>;"" T
WATEB SUP1>LY
tlje Empire. Tlil • in-! f ' '"'*' '" JJerliaps the bes/t.,? 'f "^'iicc of
the Yellow lit^, ^^ndnT^'''^ iu«n,Jation Su«cuf bv t^ ''^"'"" '"
MODES OF IBBIGATION.
mi
IRRIGATION IN ASIA — CHINA.
367
fed time the water
loceasury water for
'•I'xl grown in rice.
"«'<!es8itates irrimi,.
^^nuanti. of Jan.I
wliolo face of the
immiifr .streams, in
f cometeries. Tlio
ary times. Tliere
* or tlje provinces
"» rules in tiii,s as
Jampbell,
Consul.
pipes, to the fleUls. Sometimes tiie water is supplied from these strtvuu-
lots by tlie moHt primitive arrangement of a water wlieel worked by
treading witli tlie feet.
These are the methods in vogue since the earliest days in this dis-
trict, and no im|)rovemeiits on them have ever l)een attempted. In
other districts 1 have seen tlio water wlmel worked by bnrtaloes.
The rainfall is very uncertain. Usually in May and "part of June three
are heavy rains, but last year a long-continued drought almost destroyed
the whole rice crop of the «listrict.
In reading of the astutenestj of the Chinese, and of their reputation
generally as to shrewdness and safiaeity, one natuially would expect
other things of them, but my observation of the working class and the
farmers leads me to the conclusion that while they are hard-working
and patient, they are a shiftless aud handlo mouth people.
A. (J. Jones,
Conml.
United Wtates Consulate,
Chin Kiang, August 17, 1889.
\oi the Depart-
-. l'^-SJ>, and re-
^■0" that «o far
^'ernmeiital k.ys-
pt the country,
he province of
tered ^section in
he overdow of
"0 suhmerg-ed
rtihcial mea?i8
''luires in the
sr.
crops in g-en-
ed by no laws
A he farms, so
'd by ditches
ig Ntock. To
Jlub together
• Jt is then,
turaistream-
I; or bamboo
SHANGHAI.
REVOKT Jiy CONSL'LUENJiHAL KENXUDT.
Kiceflelds h.o usually tloc ied from rivers, streams, aud canals.
There is no system of storage of water for iriigation.
All irrigatiou thioughout this section of China (if flooding ricefields
may be called irrigation) is carried on by individuals. No further in-
formation under this heading obtainable.
The present means of pumping water fro»n streams into fields has
been practiced in China from tinui immemorial.
From Mr. G. James Morrison, an English civil engineer, who had
much experience in China, I learji that from observation made during
extensive journeys in the interior of this country he has seen no other
ujearis of irrigation than the system of pumping from streams directly
into the fields, save the more laborious method he saw in the northern
sections of China of lifting water in buckets aud throwing it over the
bank by hand.
On the island of Formosa he saw a more extensive system of irriga-
tiou, the water being conducted dowu the hills for some distance. From
Mr. John Fryer, a distinguished sinologuo, to whom I applied for assist-
ance in making this report, and who obtained his information from Chi-
nese sources, I learn that in northern Shan-si an arid tract of land has
been reclaimed by iirigation. The information is so meager that I merely
mention it. In many sections of China there is at the pre.-eut day ex-
tensive tracts of arid land aud no attempts are made to reclaim them.
J. D. Kennedy,
Couaul- (Jencral.
United States Consulate-General,
iSkanghai, July L*0, 1889.
1!
m
308
lUUlQATION IN ASIA — TIIK PlIlLll'l'INE ISLANDS.
1 1
i\
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.
REPORT in- OONSCL WEUll, OF 3IAMLLA.
Owinpr to tlio iimneronH Streams that rise in the mountainous districts
and tlow throMfih the lowlai.ds to the sea, as well as to the copious
rains, which will ayeraRe 100 inches during' the jear, irrigation is sel-
dom necessary in the IM.ilippim, aichipelaKo. When it is resorted to,
the most primitive melliods are foHowed. If the rainy season com!
mcnces later than usual, the rice hinds are sometimes irriirated by
damminfj the mountain streams and turning? the water over the paddv-
flehls hroujjh small channels and in some cases the very old-fashioned
Cham-bucket windlass is used. This is a simple contrivance, (composed
ot a number of small water.ti-ht boxes, lormed into an endless chain
by means ol stout rope or leather bands, which run over a roller anchored
in a nver or creek, and a windlass on the bank turned by Land or cattle
powei. This IS also used in some cases during the dry season on the
lands where zacate" or swamp grass, which is fed to horses and cattle
instead ot hay, is raised.
„ ,V"!1'^.'°^''''"'*'^ "*^j^^ **'® *'°"^*' ^^''6^0 the river and creeks rise and
tall with the ocean tide, sluice ways and pites are sometimes used to
tlood the zacate lands during the dry season. These fields are seldom
more than an acre or two in extent, and a comparatively small quantity
of water IS needed to tlood them. The sluice way is ■usually about 1
loot or 18 inches square, and when the tide rises the gate is left open
until the required amount of water has entered, when it is closed, ami
remains so until more water is needed.
On an estate belonsiuff to the Dominican Fathers, between Calamba
and Bman, and on another owned by the Auoustiniau Fathers, near
San lyancisco de Malabon, both situated on this island (Luzon), some
irrigation is done during the dry season by turning aside the mountain
strt^ims on the vacate land, and near Carite, about 27 miles northwest
of Manilla, a small stream is conducted through au iron pipe for about
101) yards for the purpose of irrigating the paddy and zacate fields when
water is ueeded. As a rule, however, the only irrigation received by the
ricehelds IS from the rainfall. The rice is planted about the commeuce
ment ot the rainy season and is harvested shortly after the opening of
tlie dry season, which seldom continues more than three months. The
atmosphere is always moist at night, and heavy dews keep the earth
damp and prevent the vegetation from drying up.
There is no portion of the archipelago where irrigation is conducted
on an extensive scale, and no means are known here by which the total
area irrigated can be ascertained. All the irrigation'is done on small
patches of land and at private expense.
There are no storage works nor any general system of water distri-
button for irrigation. The Spanish water laws are in force for the gov-
ernment ot the water suj^ply used for household and street-sprinkbuff
purposes in Manilla; but among the general laws there are none upon
the subject of irrigation. ^
Alex. E. Webb,
United States Consulate. Vonsul,
Manilla, Philijypine Islands, August 21, 1889.
1' j»Li.ii« MnnuM
IRRIGATION IN ASIA— SUM.
369
SIAM.
UICI'ORT BY OOHSULQESBHAL CHILD. OF HANQKOK.
Area irrigated.-Ahoxxt onchulf of Uie (iountry is udcUt cultivation
Mode oj trrif/ation — Tlie water is coiiducted infn fii« fi..ij. » •.
are no published works upon irrigation '^ ^""' •^^^'^''^
h.Pfl'^''^^?*""•'^, ^'*' '""'t *'' t^« expense of the general Governmont
average annual rainfall is 07.04 inches ^ stason. Ihe
Antiquity of irrigation.—The system of irrigation has Iipph i.. „«o
Jacob T. Child,
U. S. Consulate.General, GotmU-Qcncral.
Banf/koh; Aitgmt, 1889.
U. Ex. 45 24
Ill
AUSTRALASIA.
NEW SOUTH WALES.
FIRST UEPOBT BY CONSUL ORIFFIN, OF SYDNEY.
INTRODUCTORY.
There is perhaps no questioa that has attracted so much ffoneral at
it t W S'°"^'^?"* ^'^ ^r^^ W^'«« ^"d ^^^ other AuXalifn colonfes
as that ot irrigation and the reclamation thereby of arid lauds EovS
S nTn f •''°' ^ • ^^ •''""" appointed in the colonies for the puTose of con
sSion ofwS'" T^^^'^ V^^ ^^''. '"^^"^ f«^ distribution and coS-
servation ot water. The peculiar physical for» atiou of this ereat island
continent, as shown in the absence of lofty snow-clad rangfs of mouu
?fTh?comSonr ' '" ""'"'^ ^^ ^^^^^ '* ^^^'^-^^^ toThe iuqSs
StateTn l'ls7 't ll^l^^^ " ?^r^'^ti«°'" transmitted to the Department of
W«il wo? '^°'^^^^''''®^ ^"^ summarize the results of the New South
Wales water commission inquiry. My report was republished hvth«
government of this colony in bo^k form, aid a co^v wmbe found alouff
with the publications 1 send herewith, under separate cover a detaUed
ist ot which will oe found at the end of this report. sTnce that date
nnlS^i"^ ''''''' ^•'''"^??v^"*''^P°^'^*^***««"«iderableportionis taken
?!?« w.. ^'«5»f ^on of the various plans proposed for the utilization of
the waters of the rivers Murray and Darling. The lollowinff are the
TeL^tSus"' ^^^'^ *^' «0">missionarrived%stheresrKefri^'
'^'^rn^^^^'°^^^^^^^'^^ »W, and pa«.„„,„„ ,.
fi ' TJ,7f "TL"V:Ji^'<.' ■"" " '"'■"'"V ""^"^nt to tne coloiii- iil lame.
m
t
i'F
! M
^
372 IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA — NEW SOUTH WALES.
The severe droughts in Australia, recurriug periodically, constitute
the most serious difficulty against which the people have to contend.
AREAS IRRIGATED.
Irrigation works in New South Wales have only been carried out on
a very small scale by private enterprise — by the squatter, a term ap-
plied to the occupier of laud in Australia — to provide fodderfor work-
ing aud stud stock, and by the culturist for orchards, . iieries, and
gardens. I am informed by Mr. A. Pepys Wood, C.E., that no attempt
has been made to irrigate agricultural holdings as such. The efforts,
however, that have been made, limited as is their scope, have been
found valuable, not only to the parties directly concerned, but to the
public, as showing the wonderful results to be obtained from the soil
and climate of the western districts especially when a certain supply of
water is available for watering. Where this supply has been constant,
the results are said to have amply repaid the owners and to prove the
large profits to be derived from such worksif carried out judiciously on
a large scale.
The area of irrigated land in New South Wales is at present so small
as to be scarcely worth taking into consideration. It is true enough
that a few individuals have irrigated portions of their land at their own
expense, but the absence of any well-defined laws on riparian rights goes
far to prevent the people from utilizing the surplus waters of the various
rivers and creeks. ^Jttie main dependence of the Australians thus far
lor their water supplj has been ou dams, tanks, aud wells.
In the LacLlan district a number of farmers have practiced irriga-
tion on a small scale. Mr. T. Towser erected a pump about a mile from
Forbes, where there is a bend in the Lachlau Itiver. The plant cost
about £600 ($2,920). The plant consists of a six horse-power engine, a
5-inch centrifugal pump, and 76 feet of piping. The pump lifts the
water to a height of 38 feet and has power to bring up 2,500 gallons
of water per hour. Mr. Towser, during the drought of 1888, irrigated
12 acres of vines aud fruit trees. He flooded the land four times. To
water half an acre of land necessitated the use of the pump 9 hours,
and he estimated that the 12 acres absorbed 2,600,000 gallons of water.
Mr. Towser, si)eaking of his experiment, said :
I could hardly get props enough to keop my trees from breaking down under the
very heavy load of fruit, while other orchards, not irrigated, in the district, yielded
a very small quantity of fruit.
The Lachlan soil, with the help of irrigation, will grow the finest
fruit in the southern hemisphere. The fruits produced are numerous
and include many varieties of oranges, lemons, citrons, pears, peaches,
apricots, nectarines, quinces, figs, loquots, grapes, and strawberries.
The fruit, which had to be sent a long distance to market, is described
as unsurpassed in quality, and notwithstanding the high cost of freigiit
and poor facilities for handling it, realized a good profit.
It is proposed to reduce the cost of irrigation on this property by
using a lOinch instead of a 7-inch pump. Irrigation is used in the
same district by the Messrs. Eadles & Co., who have a 9 inch pump for
irrigating about 800 acres of grass land suitable for high-class stock,
also a 7inch pump is used for a smaller tract. Both pieces of land have
carried eight to ten sheep to the acre, while other stock farms not irri-
gated were literally ruined by the drought, it may be well to mention
that Forbes is a town on the river Lachlan, 250 miles west of Sydney.
It has a population of about 3,000 inhabitants, aud it is rapidly becom-
ent so small
IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA— NEW SOUTH WALES. 373
ing a center for the trade of a lar^^o section of the country around
The town IS supplied with water filtered from the LacbL^, laid on in
pipes at a considerable cost. Tbedistrict contains abou S^^^^
P S' ^In IvITr^T'''^ sheep 10,000 horses, 5,000 catt^id 2,000
bushels ' ^''''^^ ^^""^ planted in wheat and produced 100,519
of l';.<?''ih° V' ^^''^^- ?^,°^i'e8 from Forbes, irrigated, in 1888, 90 acres
of laud which was laid down under grass, lucerne, maize, and orcS
He used a 6 inch pump, and he estimates the cost' of irr gain at ^2
($9 73) per acre. Mr. Gatenby stated that with a larger punto he
could reduce the cost to about 10.s. ($2.43) per acre He fm„u thnf
luce.^e only required half the quantit^of 4?er\Ssar%r onL'ary
fnirua a ^ ^\T ^^"'l' "^ "«'' '^^« ^^^cred oncc a month, carried 8 sheep
to the acre and his raaizeland producodlOO bushels to the acre ^
.Jt,!2 J'^'"'^}^'^ ^^''^'^ ^°^ ^°^1 report of the royal commission on the
vieldeTsoTonf T,*"' *" ^'^^ ^""'^ ^^^'«« "'^^ ^t Windbar 7 acres
£•? f u nX^ ^L f ^"T'" ^""^ P'.' "°°""'' ""^^«^ irrigation, at a cost of
f^inqcj'wi^f ton during a drought when chatt' delivered cost £23
{fnn nn <-h?f ^*'"* ^^ was estimated that the experiment with irr^a-
tion on th s property resulted in a saving of £1,000 ($4,806) in the vetr
Again, it IS stated, that at Tapio 18 sheep to the acie were ma ntaS
in splendid condition on a patch of 22 acres of irrigated land, w fie on
the surrounding country, 13 acres barely sufficed to keerone sheen
tZ^kf''^^ •f"''*^"''' ^^'' ^' ^""^^'^'^ «*' Albemarle, stated ^that on an
area of 3 mi es square, irrigated by the flow of flood waters over low
ymg land, he kept 8,000 sheep in the middleof summerand had a ffocTd
h'?e'r^ConlvdS"l/-'"''i"^^'^ "^^ irrigated, did'n'otcarr;?,^?
sneep. ihe only difficulties which seemed to present themselves were
in regard to maintaining a permanent supply in the river to make 'rH?a!
t on possible during the time most needed-a prolonged (Wth-and
U^SSil'T'"' "'r^'^'^S' '9 «-Ploy the^metho^ls ofTrHfation
It wil be well enough to mention here that the farmers who have
tried irrigation are highly gratified with the results, and in nTost casis
their profits have doubled and trebbled, more part cularlv There the
ISi^iiretaTdXtr^^'^^^^ ^~ ^' '^« coun^?nrw?th^
ng a total of 60,000 acres. In the colony of Vic oriarhowever verv
large areas are being rapidly placed under irrigation. ' ^
WATER SUPPLY.
The sources of siii^ply of water for irrigation are from rivers creeks
tanks, and wells. The shortage of water supplv extends ov^r such vast
areas of country as to be a source of astonishment that no well directed
ettort has been made to conserve, at least, a portion of the supnh faH
ing during the tropical rains, especially in the northern territory^ 'WtL
reference to the works situated on the ri ver8,the requisite supplv of water
has been obtained by pumping. For this ;ork the centrif gS pumpis
generally ushI, though in some cases, such as for orcluird and gZen
irrigation, direct acting pumps or the » Blake" or "special" tvie are
;!f,rLii,t'r-?r'''* "'•"" ''. the western rivers, exc^ the ffira^!
c«n ^c xehed un for irrigating large areas, unless works be constructed
^SrH:^ '-''' T^^'l^ '"PI^'-^.' «^^rtainly with soinerivers, sucl as h^
fhesm'. L'ri'^'^''-" '^g-r'^tinued dry seasons is even inadequate for
the small areas being dealt with at the present time.
M
i . I
374 IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA — NEW SOUTH WALES.
The discoveries of subterranean fresh water north of the Darling
Biver, and the immense supply being obtained from some of the arte-
sian bores, point to a near development of irrigation on a more or less
extended basins in that region. In the country south of the Darling,
the water in nearly all the wells that have been sunk is said to be brack-
ish, which together with the mineral matter contained in it, is unsuita-
ble for irrigation ; were this not the case, the depth (averaging 100
feet) would preclude its use for this purpose, except when drawn by
windmills, as fuel for motive power, in most places where these wells
are, is reported to be scarce and expensive. It remains to be proved
by boring whether at a greater depth an artesian supply of fresh water
can be obtained, but as the geological formation is entirely distinct from
that north of the Darling, it is said to be very doubtful if the same
results will follow deep boring.
I have visited a property on Oxly Creek, Queensland, where water
strongly impregnated with salt was used for irrigating the soil for
growing luceru. The owner of the land was gratified with the bene-
fits of such irrigation, and he held the opinion that many of the salt
lakes in Australia would not be looked upon as a misfortune in the
future. It was, however, pointed out to him that a continuation of the
use of saline water must sooner or later result in the destruction of his
lucern crop. The apparent benefit from the use of salt water was ap-
parent for the reason that lucern, to a very large degree, neutralizes
salt in the soil. This has often been remarked in the alfalfa (lucern)
fields of California, and farmers account for the fine crops of alfalfa in
southern California to the alkaline (c'.l there. It is possible that on
the high, dry banks of a river where the soil is deep and good and
with abundant natural drainage that saline water might be pumped on
lucern fields for a number of seasons without materially injuring the
soil. Of course, natural conditions would have to be taken into consid-
eration ; as, for instance, in the case of the land to which I have lately
referred, where the subsoil is thoroughly washed over by the heavy
tropical rains.
Mr. H. C. Russell, Government astronomer, who has since his arrival
in the colony, in 1870, devoted great attention to water supply, is very
decided in the opinion that there is an abundant supply of underground
water in the western districts of New South Wales. Many theories are
advanced as to its origin. Some attribute it to a flow of water from the
lofty mountains of Kew Guinea. When Mr. Kussell pointed out, about 10
years ago, the remarkable relations existing between rainfall and the
rivers of the West, he was told that his statements could not be true.
No rain that fell would wet the ground 18 inches deep, much less afford
water for underground supplies. With equal confidence it was asserted
that the water which did penetrate into the ground was all dried out of
it by evaporation ; and further, that the greater part of the Darling
Kiver basin was so flat that the water would not flow, and the rain,
therefore, did not and could not find its way into the river. Mr. Rus-
sell determined to await the results of several years of patient investi-
gation before speaking again. With regard to the first objection, he has
affirmed that in heavy rains water reached the Darling from the flat
country. Evidence as to this fact was found in the rain storm during
1885. In regard to the water fr^ ni the mountains of New Guinea, he
said thai, even admitting the theory, the area was insufiieient. He did
not think the water which flows into the Darling passed into the ground,
although it was in evidence before the royal commission that parts of
IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA— NEW SOUTH WALES. 375
the Darling Eiver basin were exceedingly porous, and allowed the water
to sink down freely.
It is the opinion that irrigation iu most parts of this colony from
tanks is practically impossible, as water conserved in excavated reser-
voirs would cost about 6 shillings ($1.46) per 1,000 gallons, a price
practically prohibitive. The future of irrigation seems to be largely
dependent on the storage of some portion of the flood waters now
running to waste, and this can not be effected by expensive works con-
fining such storage waters to the river channels, which under the most
favorable conditions would only provide for watering a narrow belt on
either side of the river channels, but must be effected by diverting and
storing the water in the basins or lakes that nature has formed and
into artificial basins or reservoirs constructed, as in America and other
countries, among the hills, from whence it could be distributed by grav-
itation.
MODES OF IRRIGATION.
As already stated, irrigation in New South Wales has hitherto been
confined to lands bordering on or adjacent to one or other of the rivers,
and no works have been undertaken to increase or regulate the supply.
Where the country is suitable the distribution is effected by channels
or ditches laid out so as to conform to the features ot the ground and
of sizes proportionate to the duty they may be required to perform.
Pumping water for irrigation is effected by Taugee centrifugal pumps,
sometimes by windmills. The water is pumped up into storage tanks
of iron or brick and then run off by gravity onto the laud to be irri-
gated, in pipes. This method is, I think, peculiar to Australia ; 1 have
never observed it in California, or, indeed, in any other part of the
United States with which I am acquainted. In portions of the country
where the rainfall is tropical and the soil becomes so dry that every
drop of water is precious, tanks and pumps appear to work well, as
tliere is no waste from soakage, evaporation, or capillary attraction.
The expense attendant on the above method renders its adoption on a
large scale too costly. Orchards and the paddock around many home-
steads are, however, irrigated in this manner.
On the Torrence River, iu South Australia, one of the farmers uses
a pump with a 4horse-power engine, and the water is pumped to a
hight of 35 feet into a square brick tank 10 feet long, 5 feet wide, and
2^ feet deep. More than half the tank is below the surface of the ground.
The water when needed is distributed through 2-inch pipes sunk under
ground and laid in different directions. At intervals of from 40 to 50
feet standpipes communicate with the surface, and being furnished
with stopcocks, the water is turned on or oft' at pleasure. From the
standpii)es canvas hose can be adjusted and laid onto the particular
spots where the water is required. To facilitate the operation shallow
trenches are scooped out near the trees requiring to be watered, and
the water is led from one depression to another when the lengths of
hose are insutlicient. At Emu Plains an extensive orangery is supplied
with water in a somewhat similar manner, but here the water is re-
ceived out of a well about 30 feet deep. The Tangye pump is placed
20 feet above the water and forces it into a number of 400-gallon iron
tanks arranged on trestle work. One thousand gallons of water are
drawn from this well per hour. Un the ISepean Itiver a farmer has an
irrigation plant which is worked by G-horse-power Tangye engine, and
the lift of water is 23 feet, from thence it is forced a distance of 850
feet to the storage tanks. The cost of the engine was £110 ($535) and
rjl
;; 1
N
376 IRRIQATION IN AUSTRALASIA — NEW SOUTH WALKS.
the piping £50 ($243.) The water flows from the tanks by gravity,
open furrows are nsed. In tlie Kiverine district, about Deniliqnin
481 miles southwest of Sydney, where the summer winds are very hot,
fruit trees are kept in full bearing by mulching, t. c, spreading litter,
whether leaves or other matter, around the butts of the trees. Trenches
4 or 5 inches deep are opened in the soil about 5 or 6 feet from the trees ;
water is let into the trenches when required. It is said to pay to a»lopt
these means even when the water has to be carted a considerable
distance. The average rainfall in this district is only about 16 inches
per annum, but nevereheless fruit is very profitably grown.
The success attending artesian well-boring in various parts of Aus-
traha led to an investigaton of the subject bv Mr, W. Anderson, ffeo-
logical surveyor of New South Wales, and 1 learn from his report
that the Lower Cretaceous formation in which artesian water is known
to occur extends over a vast area in the eastern half of the Australian
continent, occupying the greater part of the interior of Queensland, a
large portion of central and south Australia, and the northwestern
plains of New South Wales. The southern extension of the cretacis-
tertiary formation occupies a considerable area to the north of the Kiver
Darling m the neighborhood of Bourke. Mr. Anderson says it is aston-
ishing that, while this formation has been known for many years, pas-
torahsts on the northern plains did not until recently realize the fact
that they have beneath iuera an invaluable supply of water. He does
not recommend boring for water where Silurian slates occur, for the
reason that all the Silurian rooks of the district have a general strike of
Jbi. 20° N., and stand nearly v.-itical, therefore they can not possibly
hold water m any abundance, and where Silurian formations occur there
js always a thinning of the Cretaceous beds. The principles which gov-
ern the location of water in the deep-seated beds of the formation, such as
the Cretaceous, and its subsequent rising to the surface as artesian water
when tapped, are gravitation and the fact that a confined and continu-
ous flow of -water must rise to the level of its hydraulic grade. Mr
Anderson directs attention to five positions in which water may be
found in the flat western country.
(1) In the Cretaceous formation itself;
(2) Between the Cretaceous formation and the Silurian bed-rock on
which It rests ;
(.i) In the silted up Pleistocene river channels;
(4) In the immediate neighborhood of the present water courses-
Co) In the superficial portions of granite, as at Byrock.
A geological map prepared by Mr. C. 8. Wilkinson, f. g. s., in charge
ot the geological survey of tbis colony, shows the portions of New South
Wales where water may be looked for with success.
The water in most of the wells that have recently been sunk is in
quantity suflacient to indicate a permanent ^ow. Such water is used
lor irrigation by gravity at very little cost.
WATER DISTRIBUTION.
All irrigation works in New South Wales have hitherto been car-
ried out by private enterprise; each owner appears to be a law unto
liimselt, and so long as he does not interfere with his neighbors water
rights are subject to neither rules, regulations, or customs. In Victoria
there is an irrigation act, and the necessity for passiii"- a av=-naj, ,^q^
in this colony is urged very strougly both by press and peoi/ier
It would be very difficult to form anything like a just estim;(i'.> of the
quantity of water used per acre in New South Wales. The <^ousanQp.
rts of Aus-
IRRTQATION IN AUSTRALASIA — ^NEW SOUTH WALES. 377
tion of water on the river Murray, which is tho boniiflary between the
colonies of New South Wales and Victoria for farms in Victorian ter-
ntory, and which cover a hirge area, is, however, verv consi(leral)le.
.The pecnhar river system of Australia has been explained in my pub-
lished report on irrigntion, and I will not now refer to it further than
to say that the Murray is the most important river in Australia, and
tojfether with its tributaries drains an area of 27,000 square miles. The
Murray is navigable for boats of light draft for a distance of 1,700 miles
Irom Its mouth. In making its way towards the ocean it passes through
a considerable portion of the colonies of Victoria and South Australia.
^ew South Wales, although by her constitution received from Great
Jiritain entitled to the control of the river, has taken no effective steps
to uti ize Its waters for the purposes of irrigation. Both the other col-
onies have practically taken possession of the watercourse, and I learn
form a report just submitted to the New South Wales parliament by
Mr. J. L. F. Ooyle, o. e., who has investigated the condition of the
Murray, its navigation, and uses of water for irrigation, that out of
14ii steamers engaged in the river trade, 67 are owned in Victoria, 55
In South Australia, and only 21 in New South Wales. Mr. Coyle states
that the other two colonies have ignored New South Wales not only in
regard to the trade on the river, but as to the use of the water for vari-
ous irrigation schemes.
A number of wharves have been erected on the Victorian side by the
government there, together with sheds, plants of machinery, and other
works which Mr. Coyle considers inconsistent with the ownership of
the Murray by the colony of New South Wales. Since 188*5, when the
Victorian act authorizing the construction of works on the Murray for
irrigation was passed into law, as many as 03 different water interests
have come into torce for irrigation purposes, and the quantity of water
^'I^T^ "T ^^^" ^''^'" ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ exciting alarm among the people
ot New South Wales. These Victorian consumers take from the river
in summer 102,000 gallons and in winter 01,800 gallons per twenty-four
hours; also 46,579 cubic feet in summer and 161,618 cubic feet per min-
ute in winter.
The Victorian government has employed steamers in cloaring the
river from snags and other impediments. The government of New
South Wales of course does not object to that, and it is scarcely prob-
able that she would claim,in spite of her constitutional rights, a supreme
control over all the advantages to be derived from the liver; but she
will undoubtedly object very seriously to any other colony doing so.
ilie Victorians, however, contend that they are simply using the water
that otherwise would be wasted,and besides that they have never been
granted the right to use it for an indeflnite period, for their government
m licensing irrigation works have expressly provided that water can be
taken from the Murray only so far as it is in the power of the ffovern-
nieut to permit. ^
Sir Henry Parkes, premier of New South Wales, in a powerful speech
delivered in parliament lately, pointed out what he deemed an aggres-
sion on the part of the Victorian government upon the constitutional
rights of New South Wales, and very earnestly urged further legisla-
tion upon the subject. The truth is, the question of right to control the
waters of the Murray can not be settled by one colony alone, and will
probably have to be dealt with at an intercolonial coiiference.at which
each of t!M^cnloT!io,s interested can take part, and an agreement reached
by which the benelits of their principal water-way tribute may be shared
378 IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA — NEW SOUTH WALES.
CLIMATE, RAINFALL, ETO.
The colony of Now South Wales extends through 11 defrrees of lati-
tude, it being entered ou the parallels 28° 1(V and .'ijo 3.S' south lati-
tudes, and between the meridians 141° and 153° liT east longitude The
ySfnm^lwuf'''''^ "^'^m." ^*??^® ^'"''^^ contains 310,938 square niiJes, or
iyu,O00,00() acres. The climate, extending tiirough so many degrees of
latitude, very naturally permits almost any variety, from hot to cold.
Ihe northern part of the colony resembles that of the south of Italy,
Spain, and Greece, while the southern portion is not wholly unliiie that
ot northern California.
At Kiandra frost and snow prevail for a considerable part of the year,
but on the plains of the interior the tiiermometer rises to 130° above
zero, and sometimes there is no rain for 8 months in the year.
The average annual rainfall, according to a recent return supplied bv
the government astronomer, Mr. H. C. Kussell, was 23.08 inches for a
period ot 15 years, from J 874 to 1888 ; the lowest average being for 1888
when It was 13.40 inches, and the highest in 1887, when it reached 34 49
inches. Mr. Russell has prepared the following table to show the av-
erage rainfall in Now South Wales for each year from 1874 to 1888 •
Year.
1874
1876
1876
1877
1878
1879
1880.
1881
1883.
Avernee
rainfall.
Tnehet.
3;). 40
29.38
27.66
20.48
25.05
80.75
10.93
20.73
20.11
Year.
1883
1884
1885
1886
1887
1888
15 years' mean
Avorace
ruiufall.
Inches.
17.00
15.86
10.48
26.04
34.99
13.40
23.68
Mr. Russell states that the drought in 1888 was the most severe ever
experienced, but during November and December rain fell and broke
up the terribly dry weather.
During December, 3 inches of rain fell at upwards of 200 recording
stations, chiefly along the coast line, while the great western plains,
which needed^he rain most, remained to the end of the year in a p*ate
of drought.
Not once during the year did rain enough fall on these plains to make
water run on the surface of the ground. On the Maranoa River the
tciu- months of winter passed with only .03 inches rain. Even the na-
tive trees died for want of water, in some places. In Sydney, the aver-
age rainfall for a month is about 4 inches, but «yer large aVeas in the
west, therainfidl for the whole of 1888 was under that amount. At
"Louth on the Darling, it was 2.47 inches ; at Meuindie, 2.82 inclies.
Mr. Kussell remarks that living in a moist climate near the sea, it is
dithcult to realize what such a record means in a dry, windy, hot place,
ihe wonder is that plant or animal can live through it. Then, taking
the mean of fifty j,laces, the rainfall for the whole colony was 43 per
cent, below the average, and it is noteworthy that the rainfall of 1887
exceeded the average by 42.7 per cent. ; so the wettest and driest years
on record are side by side showing a difference in rainfall amountiiiff to
85.7 per cent, of the average.
When forwarding some valuable publications, Mr. Russell remarks
in his letter to me of 28th September, that, knowing what important
.ES.
roes of lati-
' south lati-
itude. The
re miles, or
■ degrees of
lot to cold.
;h of Italy,
unlike that
[)f the year,
130° above
r.
lupplied by
iiches for a
ng for 18.S8,
iched 34.49
low the av-
to 1888 :
Avorage
raiufall.
Inches.
17.90
15.86
10.48
26. 04
34.09
13.40
23.68
evere ever
and broke
recording
QTii plains,
■ in a p*ate
IS to make
lliver the
on the na-
, the aver-
eas in the
ount. At
S2 inches.
B sea, it is
hot place.
3n, taking
pas 43 per
-11 of 1887
■iest years
mnting to
I remarks
important
IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA— NEW SOUTH WALES. 379
questions could only bo answered by statistics about rain, rivers, and
evaporation, he began to collect them and to educate the people to keen
rain records. In 1870 he found five meteorological stations at work.
Now they number nearly 1,000. Itecords of the heights of the western
rivers were begun in 1862 by Government officers, but they were not
kept up. In the Annual Rain Reports are to be found every known
rainlall record for this colony. Mr. Russell has the control of the rain-
tall records and he states they are fairly complete for a young country,
but the work of carefully gauging the output of the rivers has not yet
been commenced by the Government; the records which he gives of
the western rivers are the daily levels of the water at each place; the
water velocities are not measured because competent officers for that
work have not yet been stationed on the rivers. The velocities ho has
used were determined years since, and are assumed to hold good for
the same height of flood for each year. Since 1887, however, officers
irom Victoria have boon systematically measuring the discharge of the
river Murray and have, so far, confirmed the results which Mr. Russell
had obtained in the way indicated.
ANTIQUITY OF TRRiaATION.
The remarks I have made in this report show that the various modes
of irrigation practiced in New South Wales are wholly of recent date.
Ihe maps and publications which the Department of State direct me
to obtain for the Select Committee of the Senate ou the subject of irri-
gation are enumerated in the following list :
List of printed documents and maps relating to irrigation and reclamation of arid
lands ; sources of watei-sitppli/ ; systems of water distribution; character of climate,
etc., so far as relates to the colony of New South Wales.
1. Royal oominissiou-couservancy of water. First report of the commisaioners.
2. Maps diagrams, and plaus referred to in the above report, 1855.
^*7„^J^coni.ui88ion-con8ervatiou of water. Second report of the comniissiouers,
18S5-'86. (Maps and plans are attached.)
4. Royal commission— conservation of water, Third and final report of the com-
missioners, 1887.
Maps, plans, and diagrams to accompany the above report, 1887
Koyal coninussion-conservation of water. First report of tlie commissioners,
abridged edition, 1886. '
Royal commission-conservation of water. Third and final report of the com-
missioners, abridged edition, 1887.
New Sontli Wales. Her commerce and resonrces. By Consul Griffin. Report on
irrigation, pages 13 to 21, 1888. i- "
Climate of New Smith Wales. Description, historical, and tabnlar. BvH.C.
itiisseii, «. A.l'. K. A. S., Government astronomer of New South Wales, 1877.
'pf^^T?-"" rT V ^' P^ys'^al geography and climate. By H. C. Russell, 1«84.
1879 ^'" ^ ^°^" ^^^ ^•'^*'"^ ^^'^''^ should pass through it. By H, C. Russell,
Some facts bearing upon irrigation. By H. C. Russell, 1883.
Notes upon the history of fioods in tlie River Darling. By H. C. Russell. 1886
Notes upon floods in Lake George. By H. C. Rus.sell, 18(56.
1889"''*^'' '^^ underground water in the western districts. By H. C.Russell,
Notes on the experience of other countries in the administration of their water
supply. By H.G. McKiuuev,C. E., 1887.
Rivers of New South Wales. By H. G. McKinney, C. E., 1888.
Water supply m the interior of New South Wales. By W. E. Abbott 1884
Poro-st destruction in New .South Wales and its effects on the flow of water iu
water courses and on the rainfall. By W, E. Abbott, 1888
On wells in Liverpool plains. By T. K. Abbott, P. M., 1880.
Metropolitan water supply. By Mr. James Manning, 1875.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
n.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
380 IRUTGATION IN AUSTRALASIA — NEW SOUTH WALES.
22. Comparison between tho Prospoot and Konny Hill HclioniPR, proposing a liigh-
picHHiiro watorHiipplyfor Siiliitiy. By F. B. Oil»pH, C. K., IHHO.
23. Imporlanwi of a conijiielieuHivd nchfino of water Htoraj;o and canalization tor tlio
future wolfaro of Now Sonih VValtH.lHHl. , , , i. i. * t>
24. Tanks and wella of New South WuIoh. Water supply and irrigation. By A. l .
Wood, 1H83. , . XT CM «r 1
25. UoHultHof rain, river, and evaporatiin olmervations made in New bmith Wales,
lrt7lt to 1H88. Hy II. C. Uimscll, F. K. S., Goveruuieut aatrouomer ol Now Soutli
WaleM, isrit (.. 188i.
Ten parts, '^r>-\6TJ to '25-1888.
Additioniil information, (lablif^ations, maps, and plans, liavo been
proniiHed nio in time for ti'anKiui>;.,ii)u by next mail. I liave reiison to
believe that the whole will form the most complete collection of litera-
tnre on irrigation and water conservancy ever broiif^ht t«)gether relat-
ing to New Sonth Walea.
^ G. W. GRtFFlN,
U. S. Consul.
Consulate United Stat^^s,
Sydney, October 2, 1889.
DEVELOPMENT OF IRRIGATION IN NEW SOUTH WALES.
liEVOST BY CONSUL OHIFFIX, OP SYDNEY.
In May, 18S1, a roval commission was appointed by tlio govern-
ment of Now South vVales to investigate the whole question of the
conservation of water throughout the colony, atid particularly in the
western districts. When that commission entered on its labors I am
informed that scarcely anything had been done by the government in
this matter, and although a largo nui'^ber of dams and tanks had been
made by individuals, the progress of private enterprise in this direc-
tion was far from what might be expected in a country with such cli-
matic conditions. It is only fair to state that this backward condition
of the colony seems to have been due mainly to the unsatisfactory
tenure under which the public lands were held. The land act of 1884
liad an important effect in removing ill feeling between difterent sec-
tions of the community in the country districts and in giving greater
security to all parties. A general hope is expressed that the land act
■which was passed during the last session of the colonial parliament,
and which will come into operation on the 1st of December, 1889, wi 1
prove an important step in stimulating settlement throughout the col-
ony and in encouraging enterprise in the improvement of the land.
I observe that there is special reason to expect extensive develop-
ment of the resources of the western part of the colony, as important
concessions there are made to any crown tenant who successfully bores
for artesian water. ,• i.-
The forty-fifth section of the new act provides that upon application
for the protection of artesian wells and a deposit of £10 ($48.07), an
area of 10,240 acres in one block on a " resumed area" in the western
division may be set apart, of which the lessee or licensee shall become
entitled to a lease for a terra to be fixed, on approval b> the governor,
after the discovery of water. The term not to exceed the unexpired
term of pastoral lease of leasehold area, and the rent to be at the rate
payable for an " occupation license." it is provided that not more than
one HP.ch area shall be leased under this section in each 04,000 acres,
and in no case more than three areas in one and the same " occupation
license."
ALES.
lalization for the
ation. By A, P.
nv South WiilcB,
lorolNovv Suttth
IS, have been
lave reiiNoii to
ution of litera-
together relat-
RFFFIN,
7. 8. Conaul.
[ WAIES.
ly tlio {jovprn-
uestion of the
icularly in the
8 hibors I am
government in
anks had been
) in this direc-
with such cli-
ward condition
unsatisfactory
cd act of 1884
n difterent sec-
giving greater
at the hind act
lifil parliament,
nber, 1889, will
ighout the col-
)f the land,
ensive develop-
7, jia important
ecessfully bores
pon application
£10 ($48.07), an
' in the western
ee shall become
} the governor,
the unexpired
o be at the rate
,t not more than
3h 04,000 acres,
ne " occupation
IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA— NEW SOUTH WALKS. 381
The full text of the section is as follows :
45. Upou applictttioii in the preHcribwl mannor (accompanied by a depoHit of ton
pounds to cover the expenseH in d.'uIinK kherewith) for perniinNlon to bore iind HearcU
for water in any laud in the wostoru divimon, Ixd.l l.y tlio applicant under occnpiUiou
llconHe or annual leaHe, the nuiilMtor may, l.y notice i, Mh> (lazette, sot apart an area
not exceeduiK ten thousand t wo hundred and forty aires in one block on the resumed
ar«a. Upon publication of hudi notice the laud then.u described shall be ludd to bo
temporarily ex»mipt from sale or l.-ane under this or the principiil act to ,.ther than
the applicant but shall not bo withdrawn from the occupation license or annual
lease ; and within sixty days after such notice the applicant shall commence to boro
and search for water on such land, and shall forward to the chairman of the land
board by registered letter notice veriiied by statutory declaratiou of his havinirdone
so; and the work ot boring and searchiuB as ai resiud shall be continued until water
bo tound, or until it appear to the minister that the work can not be pursued with
reasonable hopo of success or profit. Within ((.urteen diivs after the discovery of
water, the licensee or lessee shjill, by rcKistered letter, iiotity the fact to the chairmau
ot the local land board, and the said licensee or lessee shall, on .ipuroval by the Lrov-
ernoi, become eutitlL.l to a lease for such a term as may be det.rmiued, not excecdin.r
the unexpired term of the current pastoral lease of tin* leasehold area of the iiastoral
holding; and t!ie rental of such area shall be at the rate then payable upon the land
held under such occupation licnse or annual lease. If the ai, 'leant shall fail to for-
ward any prescribed noti-.o, or if the minister shall consider th.it the application has
not boon made bona tide, or that reasonable ellbrts have not been or ue not bein-r
made to discov< r water, or that any water discovered is not snmoieutiv perniiinenr
orthatth'qiiantit ■ isuotsumcieittly Kreat, he may withdraw the notice aforesaid'
or the govornor may cancel the lease, and upon publication in the (Jazette of notice
*J!', withdrawal or cancellation, the temporary exciinption from sale or lease of
such land, and the lease thereof, shall beheld to be am, lied. Provided that not
more than one such ar^.i shall be leased under the provision of this sect), i out of each
sixty-four thoiisami .res of an occupation license, and not more thai, three such
areas shall bo Icasid iieroundor in respect of one and the same occupation license
Provided further that upou approval of tho minister all artesian wells heretofore
made niay bo brought iniler the provisions of this clause on application withiu
iimoty days after the commcncomeut of this act.
The royal commission on the conservation . water pursued its in-
quiries lor 3 years, and during that time published the results of its
investigations, it appears that shortly after the commission entered
on its duties it appointed, as engineer, Mr. II. G. McKinney, who had
obtained e.Kten.sive and valuat)le •■ perienceon irrigation work in Ui^per
India; having been employed as engineer under the Imperial Govern-
ment of India, for over 10 years carrying out works connected with
the Upper and Lo' er Ganges Canals; tho Eastern Jumna and the
Baree Doab (" inals. One of the earliest duties which devolved on Mr.
McKinney seems to. have beeu to inquire into and examine all tlie levels
taken throughout the colony li ving any bearing on the question of
water conservation. A Imef statement of the r suits of these inqui-
ries will be found in an appendix to the first rep< rt of the commission.
Some of tho more important levels are shown in le map of the river
systems and drainage areas, which was publislud with the same report.
This examination of the western river systems first brought to light the
somewhat remarkable fact that after the Murrumbidgee and tlie A! ar-
ray Kivers eAim d to the plain country there is a fall in a southwe.st-
erly direction t in 'he former river and in i northwesterly direction
from the latter; so that .t is possible 'or the waters of both rivers, with-
out any great diflflculty, to be diverted into the Billabong Creek whir-h
runs almost midway between them.
I understand that a subject which received prominent notice at tho
same time, and one of miu;h importance to the colony, is the extent to
which effluent creeks m be utilized as distributories for flood water.
In Mr. McKinuey's paper on "Eivers of New South Wales." which
was rea«l before the Australasian Association for the Advancement of
Science iu 1888, the sul^uct uf effluent creeks was dealt with ii detail
.1
382
IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA — NEW SOUTH WALES.
and their existenco whh Hhown to be the natural outcome of the present
conditions of tlie country. It was pointed out in that paper tliat tho
sectional areas of tho western rivers diininisli as the distance traveled
in alluvial plains increases, and that this diiniuution of the river sec-
tions is due to the slow jjrocess of "siltintj up" which is in progress.
The natural outcome of this state of atlairs is that the lower parts of
the river channels are unecjual to the task of carrying otf the tlood
waters, and hencio the formation of eilluent creeks.
It is said that among the more important illustrations of this "silting-
up" are the Yanko Creek and its subetUuent, the Colombo, which
assist in discharging the tlood waters of the Murrumbidge*! River, the
Willandra and Marowie Creeks occupying a corresi»onding position in
regard to the Lachlan River, and the Cato, Tarrion, and Teryaweynya
Creeks, which draw oft" and distribute a jjortiou of the flood waters of
the Darling River. Under instructions from the water conservation
commission, Mr. McKinney prepared a project for the improvement of
the Yanko Creek. Although this project was only partially carried out,
the result achieved has beeii very important; for while the creek for-
merly received a supply of water only during high floods, a very moder-
ate rise of the Murrumbidgee River is now sufficient to cause a flow in
it. The significance of this has been pointed out to me and will be
understood when it is considered that the course of the Yanko Creek
is little, if anything, short of 200 miles in length, while that of the
Colombo Creek is about 100 miles. The district in which both creeks
are situated is remarkably fertile throughout, but badly supplied with
water by nature.
The Teryaweynya Creek has been dealt with in a somewhat similar
manner by private enterprise, the ])astoralists in 'ts neighborhood hav-
ing at an expenditure of £3,000 ^$lt,(iOO) to £4,000 ($19,400) insured
a water frontage to their lands ot several hundred miles. It is neces-
sary to explain that both in this case and that of the Y'^anko and Col-
ombo Creeks, supplies of water are retained in the channels by dams.
In the case of the Willandra Creek, or Billabong (a term applied in
Australia to a creek, lagoon, or small rivulet running out of one of the
larger rivers), a large amount of money was expended by an enter-
prising pastoralist, but tho results were not considered commensurate
with the outlay. I am informed that the matter has now been taken up
by the government, and a sum has been appropriated for the construc-
tion of a weir in the Lachlan River to give a supply to the Willandra
Creek during every moderate rise of that river.
The number of dams constructed on creeks and rivers in the western
division of New South Wales is surprising when the unsatisfactory
state of the law is considered. The condition and results of the law on
this point are very clearly set forth in Mr. McKinney's memorandum
on " Irrigation in the Riverina, " which has been published as an appen-
dix to the third and final report of the water conservation commission.
It is there stated that —
As a means of stifling private enterprise, by preventing the utilization of the natural
water supply of the country, the British iaw of riparian rights couUi scarcely he
excelled. For instances of the operation of this monstrous law it is only necessary
to lookback on the records of dauis which have been constructed and guarded by
armed men; of other dams which, after construction in this way by one armed mob,
have been cut through by another ; of many cases where dams were needful, but
were not built through fear of litigation, and of the purchase of extensive pumping
plant which frequently lay idle for the same reason.
From the utterances of politicians it appears that the present gov-
ernment of New South Wales is pledged to introduce a bill dealing
IVALES.
e of the present
paper tliat the
stance traveled
f the river see-
is in progress,
lower parts of
ig ort" the flood
>f this "silting,
oloinho, which
Igeo River, the
ing position in
il Teryaweynya
flood waters of
r conservation
mprovement of
illy carried out,
» the creek for-
S a very uioder-
cause a flow in
ne and will be
e Yanko Creek
ile that of the
ich both creeks
J supplied with
newhat similar
fhborhood hav-
iy,4GG) insured
8. It is neces-
i'^anko and Col-
nnels by dams.
3rm applied in
ut of one of the
d by an enter-
commensurate
' been taken up
)r the construe-
) the Willandra
in the western
unsatisfactory
bs of the law on
3 memorandum
3d as an appen-
Lou commission.
ttion of the natural
could scarcely be
b ia only necessary
I and guarded by
»y one armed mob,
were needful, but
ixtensive i)umping
le present gov-
a bill dealing
IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA — NEW SOUTH WALES. 383
with water conservation and riparian rights, a measure which will
doubtless soon remedy the existing unsatisfactory state of affairs should
it become law.
Since the expiration of the water conservation commission Mr.
McKinney, as engineer for water conservation under the mines bureau,
has had preliminary surveys made throughout the district lying between
the Murrumbidgee and Murray Itivers, and though, as I am informed,
no official reports of the result have been published it is generally
understood that these results are satisfactory and in the main bear out
the estimates made by the water commission. I learn that as yet little
has been done to carry out the several projects for works for water
conservation and irrigation specially recomniended by the water con-
servation commission and which were described in detail and plans
illustrating them supplied by the commission. Among the proposals
was one for utilizing the water supply in the Murrumbidgee and in-
cluded the adaptation of Lake Urana, a great natural depression about
17,000 acres in extent, as a storage reservoir. However, the commence-
ment of surveys in connection with the utilization of the v^atersof the
Darling, Lachlan, Macquarie, Namoi, and Gwydir Rivers has been
authorized, and the work is to be proceeded with at once. An act ap-
propriating £75,600 ($307,900) for the purposes of irrigation works has
been passed this year.
A paper on " Irrigation in its relation to the pastorial industry of
New South Wales" was read before the Royal Society in Sydney on
4th of September last. The Royal Society considered this paper of so
much importance that a special recommendation was made to the Gov-
ernment that copiesshould be distributed throughout the colony gratis
and this proposal it seems has been adopted. Hitherto it has generally
been assumed that irrigation would benefit only agricultural and horti-
cultural products, and as the market for such produce was likely to be
limited for some time a widespread impression prevailed that irrigation
was a question for the distant future. The paper referred to will have
an important effect in removing this impression.
The following figures speak for themselves :
Number of sheep in New South Wales on December 31—
}^^^ 39.169,000
|°2s 46,965,152
^°°° 46,503,469
The year 1887 was a good one forpastoralists ; the year 1888 was un-
favorable. Inspection of the figures shows that the number of sheep
at the end of 1H88 was about 10,000,000 less than if the rate of increase
of the year 1887 had been maintained ; in fact, instead of an increase
of that amount we find that there was a decrease of nearly 600,000.
Some idea of the proportion carried oft" by starvation and thirst may
be conveyed by the statement of a writer in one of the Sydney news-
papers, who declares from personal knowledge that on one station
00,000 sheep were lost in this way, during 1888, out of 120,000, and on
another station 80,000 out of 150,000. The same writer estimates that
the number of lambs shorn this season will be 2,000,000 less than last
year, on account of the drought, and that for the same reason the wool
throughout the colony, north and west of the Lachlan River, will be
inferior in quality. The practicability of preventing in an important
degree, by irrigation, the recurrence of such losses is not a matter of
theory or of opinion but an ascertained fact.
384
IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA — NEW SOUTH WALES.
ii
Making provision for the supply of water for the use of live stock
traveiiiifj to uuiiket or for cliaiij^e of pasturage in time of drought is u
mattfe. of great importance. Besides the necessity of providing for the
live stock of tliis colony when traveling thvi multitudes of sheep and
cattle passing from Queenslantl to the markets of New South Wales
and Victoria have also to be :;on8idered ; but the greatest strain on the
resources of the public watering places appears to occur in dry seasons,
when the i)asturage is insufficient and the sheep and cattle have to be
removed to other pastures. Generally speaking, the hills and high
table-lands immediately west of the main dividing range have a fair
amount of rai!»fall and consequently good pasturage. The ellect of this
is that in dry seasons sheep arc brought from the western plains to
these hills and tablelands in hundreds of thousands. This emigration
of the livestock always entails considerable risk and frequently results
in heavy losses. In the paper already referred to, entitled *' Irrigation
in its relatioJi to the pastoral industry," the extended adoption of irri-
gation to prevent these losses is ably advocated, and Mr. J. W. Boult-
bee, a qualified government inspector of stock, states that so far as
stock-carrying <rapacity is concerned purely pastoral districts differ
widely, the greater area being classed as poor; but this fact is not due
to inferiority of soil, but to the uncertainty of the seasons and the
scantiness of rainfall. He states the fertility of the soil to be remark-
able, and instances land on the Lower Darling Kiver, where, by actual
experiment, 10 acres in its natural st^ito could scarcely support 1 sheep,
when the same land had been irrigated ami laid down in lucerne 1 acre
supported more than 20 sheep.
A memorandum on the necessity for publi<', watering places for live
stock, prepared for me by the mines bureau, deals fully with the history
of the formaiiou of these places, and it is uccom])anied by copies of the
yearly reports of the officers who are charged with the duty of boring
for water. With this memorandum will be found the latest maps which
have been published in this colony. The first of these maps is impor-
tant as indicating the area of the arid parts of the colony wheie, on the
authority of the government geologist, water niay be expected to be
found by boring. Another of the mai)8 shows the latest infornnitioii
with regard to geological formations; and a third, which has not as yet
been issued to the public, exhibits the territorial divisions, the pastoral
and agricultural areas, live stock routes, tanks, wells, and trucking sta-
tions, together with the railways and telegraph lines.
A map to show the water-supply arrangements for the colony of Vic-
toria is added to the collection.
The following weekly return will serve to exemplify the action taken
by the government to afford pastoralists every knowledge as to places
where live stock can be supplied with water and feed when traveling
through arid parts of the colony to market or to obtain fresh pasturage:
hi
I
*v. ■■ ^
118ft of live stock
i of (Irou^bt \s a
;)rovi(liii{j for tho
los of sheep uiul
tnv South Wales
:u8t Htmin on tlio
ir in dry seii8on8,
wittle have to be
) lulls and hi^h
ui}»e have a fair
Theellectof this
western plains to
This eniip:ratiou
■eqnently results
itled *' Irripition
adoption of irri-
Mr. J. W. Boult-
s tliat so far as
1 distriets differ
is filct is not due
i^easons and tlio
jil to be reniarlc-
where, by actual
support 1 sheep,
in lucerne 1 acre
^ phvees for live
witli tiio history
. by copies of the
e duty of borinf?
itest maps which
Li maps is impor-
ny where, on the
I expected to be
test infornnitiou
ch has not as yet
ons, tiie pastoral
lud trucliiug sta-
he colony of Vic-
the action taken
n\ge as to places
1 when traveling
fresh pasturage:
lUUIOATION IN AUMTIULASIA—NKW SOUTH WALES. 385
I'UUl.IU WATKHINU IM.ACKS.
DiCI'AUTMKNT UV MlNRfl,
I'tllll.U) Wathiuncj I'I.AOKH,
Roa<1.
Alhiiry to WallmiKlrlii ...
AUmry to l)n<iillit'(,'iiiitiia .
Wn^fKiv lo Kiiitlinlcin,;
Wliitton to Kiiuliiiliiii);...,
WnjtKft to JniitM)
i/;iiit<« ti» T«ni<ir»
J»o
Corow/ito WRlhiiiidrl" ...
l!(>wloii(j to Wiilln Wall».
HuwIoiiK to (lrcj(()ry
Curowato Ilriiiiii
Uo
Jcrililtrlo to Toiuinwiill .
Oo
Jorlldcrln to Oirowi
IllAbo
I)eiillli)iiin to Ilay
Do
Do
Do
Do ;
ir»y (o UooIIraI
|»"
Do ,
Boollpal to MoBNKiol ,
I>o
Do
Do ;;;;;
MoHspiel to Paildliiatoii . ..
MoHNKJul to Ivaiiliou
Do
Balranald to Ivanhoo
Oo
Do
Do
Do
Do ;;
IvHiilioo to Wllciiiiiiia . ..'.
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
CiirrHlliool tonnistoti ....'.
no
i>o ;;;;
Ml inn Hiipn ]
IlillHron to Cobar
Do
Do "...
Do
l>o
Do
Do ;
I)<»
Do
Cobiir
Do ;;;;;:;
Cobiirfo Loiitb
Do
Do ■■■■
Do ■
Watering plaoo.
.Mniikua Tank
Wai.i.a Wai.i.a Tank
UjiriiiairH Tank
iVtifniiian'ii Tanle
Wiilliico TdvMi Dam
.lnMCK Dam
lliirlri/'g Oam ,.
(Iaiihon'h Swamp Tank ....
nt)VKi,i,'H Dam
Urnrklenl))/ Tank
I.OWICHIIAI.K 'I'ank
Dayhdai.k Tank
IIICUUKIAN Wki.I ,
MllUUAY HltT Wltl.t ,
MviiU I'laliin Dam* ,
nial>o Dam.
I'ldtrrv I'lMc Wici.i .'J.
Wanuonillii Wnll ,
Hlack Swaiiip Tank
UOdllOOUIIAN I'ANK
10 Mii.K (liiMH Tank
W()i)l,()ON|:()()|, WKI.l.t
ONB-Tiiitic Tank
Qiii'tiilniix 'I'niik , .
Tom8 I.akk Tank
Jnmpinn f>anilhin Well f ....
I'olyKoniim Hut Wtdlt
M'lMHdlol Tiiiik
Cowi'Dwni Tank
lloi.Y llox WttM.f
Ivaiiboti Tank
I'lMiarlo Tank, hit« Dowilliiana !
Hox OhkickTank
'A7 ra Tank
Vdiiiii, I'i.ain Tank
DdliiKirnvo Wollt
• '1 .10 Tank...
(illNSAKAMIIV TANK
liiiomioma Tank
Mount Maiiara Tank
12 Mil. It Tank
2(i-milr lank "
;ir>i.,iloTank
48 Mil ID Tank
Oity I.AKK Wm.i
Old (Iniihiir \VHl\
Cuow'o Nkht Wki.L .'.'.',
MtiHiil ifcfie Tarik .,
l!(iT() Wki.I. '
NouTll Koto Wkm. ..i.'.!!!^
Mrrri Merriwa Tank
Wai/ija Tank
Hock htilri Tank
Sandy <Jreitk Tank
Triouy Tank
HiiKAKi.KdH Tank
liiniiiA Tank '.
Cobiir Town Tank*
Cohiir Htook Tank
rulh/;i„llynrni, Tank
Hooitoo.N DAiiKA Tank
Kkiikkii'niuTank
MulyaTank
No.
I'll
1117
Wl
87
I4:i
Ml
ur>
i:i8
14(1
1411
l.'lll
147
41
43
411
148
411
44
4.''i
4(1
47
48
4U
M
M
62
9;i
I'J.'I
lift
AS
140
«»
01
na
(Id
mi
ri8
(14
(1.1
(in
07
'IH
>IU
1
'I
:i
H
4
r>
(I
7
9
10
II
12
t:i
inu
i.-ii
i.-i
Id
17
i:ir>
Depth
of wtliir.
Ft. In.
17 (I
KNtl-
mati'il
ralnt'all.
Innhm
18
14 It
i:i
11
10
8 (I
18 1)
14
2(1 a
18
18
2,')
II U
12
17 (I
7
18
18
14 11
20
18
IR
15
28
2.1
17 II
17 a
.'10
18
17
20 I
17 H
18 2
24 11
ir> II
1.1 4
I (I
17
I a (I
12
1.1 n
2
2(1 (I
20
n (I
18 I
Ml 8
4
18 10
20 U
17
14
10
15
19
TT
No carataknr.
li'.v An
12
18
17
17
8
. 'J(!
.;m
.87
. 1.1
. in
.Ui
. 12
'.'ill
.110
.20
.1.1
.04
.74
1. IS
.fto
.mi
.on
.2.1
.10
.'21
'.'so
.00
.2.1
'.hn
.1.1
. :i8
.40
.40
.00
.40 {
.40 '
!
\ i
.vi
.70
.30
.07
. C»
.:>()
.76
1
.SO
-25
.70 I
t WuIIb (o Im iIoo|i(!U(mI by boring.
(Condition
of IMWlUIO.
(iood.
Do.
Ilo.
V<ii-yi{o<Ml,
Do.
Do.
D<i.
l''Blr.
(looil.
Voryuood.
(loud.
Do.
Nono.
Oood.
Vi'ry tfood.
Oiiiiil.
Vi'i'VKood.
Do.
Oood.
Do.
VfirvRood.
Oond.
Vrrvijood.
Oood.
Do.
Very Kood.
(■Odd.
Kalr.
Very Kood.
Do.
(iood.
Kalr.
Viirynood.
(iood.
Do.
Very ijood.
(itio'd.
Do.
V«ry ){(hk1.
(Iiiod.
Do.
Do.
Kalr.
Oood.
Vn\ uniul,
(Iood.
Very utmil,
(iood.
Voi'y Bood.
Oood.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Vnrvjfood.
liooil.
Vdrvgooil.
(lOdll,
V4 ly ({ood.
..^^=:'
386 IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA — NEW SOUTH WALES.
Weekly return of depth of water and state of pasture, e<o.— Contiuued.
Road.
tu
to
Cobar to Bourlc
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Cobai' to XyiiKiin
Do
Do
Cobiir to AVilcaiiiiia
Ho
Do
Do
Parks to Uoanu Gates
Diibbo to Piirkos
Wliilton Kailway Station
Cml^jollk'O.
Do
Wbitloii Kailway Station
Cndpollico.
Coudoboliu to Njinagee
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Nyiiiasee to Cobar
Ny magee
Uyroagee to Nyngan
Do
Do
Wilcannia to Milparinka
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Do
Milparinka to Wampah
Bourke to Tibboobuira
Tibboobuira to AVampab
Wilcanuia to Hungerford
Do --
Do
Do
Do
Do
Bourke to Waunaring
Do
Do
Do
Girilambone
Brewairina, via Gongolgan, to
Byrock.
Do
Bourke to Ilnngerford
Bourke to Kiinguuia
Euurke to Enugonia and Bar-
riiiguu.
Do
Do
Enngonia to Brewarrina
Do
Walgfitt, via Baugate, to Goo-
dooga.
Do
Do
Walgett to Wilby Wiiby
Coonamblo to Warren
FiUlga via Banvdine to Coona-
barabran.
Do
Coonabaraljran to Gunnedah. .
Boggabri to CoolaU
Narrabri to Moree
Do
Watering place.
TlNDKnilA Takk
Nuix\ MIT Tank
Herman's Tank
(JL'BIIAWKENA TAKK
CoBitXA Tank
Two WATEitiioLEs Tank.
BooiiooMUfiOA Tank
Ml-IUIEL lANK
Hhumitacb Tank
Ami'ihtiikatuk Tank —
The Meadvu'ii Tank
lUxrnaUi Tank
Syrinfifiehl Tank
Itrolgan Greek Tank
Tomimjley Tank
Ui.oNtJ Tank
No.
Mount Elliott Tank.
I'LLLETOP Tank
Movahla lank
Jioona Tank
Tinda Tank
Mombil Tank
Wieklow Tank
Iteloxira Tank
Keigiiuan'h Tank
Xymanee 'Tank*
BAiiiNDA Tank
GiLGAii Tank
Tiiokndai.k Tank
Heefwooii Well
Ulenamurtee Well
!]\irella 'Tank
Tub Peak Tank
Murllpph or Miixwell'a Tank.
Milparinka Well*
Coolly Waterholei
WarrattaTank
Tibooburra Well
Tiboobnrra Well-liore
Seaville's or Cubrilla 'Tanki ...
Moiu\)a Waterliole t
Peri Spnnns and Tank t
YANTAliANCKE TANK .
Warraiiiniten Tankt
Goom boolara Tank
GOONERY AHTEKIAN WELL
Tinchelooka t (artesian)
Kulkiui' Tank t
Cuttaburra Artesian Well t...
G I HI i.AMiioNE Tank
liendermere Tank
Miilffa iank
FoituH BiiiixiE Tank.
Kull.vna Spring t
The'Lake Tank
Grass-hut Tank
Courallie WelU
18 Mii-K Tank
Ledkxai'I'a Tank
lioro tank IH
Liphtninu Ridge Tank .
Olendon Tank
JHiin!)hiU Tank
(Utnilwrah Sprinnsi
Bi'i.i.AdHEEN Tank ...
Bauadink Well
Depth
of water.
Jfj*";, Condition
r^nM.i°tP-'"-
18
10
92
91
uu
89
20
21
23
U
:!8
100
168
ir,2
82
37
36
35
31
33
32
31
30
20
28
27
26
25
24
71
72
73
74
76
79
78
80
133
176
122
154
120
119
118
117
101
155
102
134
22
100
99
103
153
93
94
OS
97
98
Yarraman Springai
if annum Well
Tiiiiibiir Sprinns
Galatheua Tank
Bocidv CuKEK Tank I 111
115
110
112
113
104
105
:m
107
107
110
Ft. In.
15 6
16
10
15
13
14 11
18 6
12
17 4
13
18 3
13 9
17 6
Inches.
.10
18
18
17
17 1
24
15
17 8
18 7
4 9
18
7 10
11 9
15 9
17 11
13 8
12 10
63
14 7
18
10 10
73 10
12 6
"57" '6
16
16 6
5
22
15 4
14 10
18
15 1
20
20
10 5
18 6
53
50 4
18
17 9
1.26
1.30
.40
.60
.50
.20
1
.25
1.17
.50
.60
.77
.63
.50
.50
.30
.85
.50
.20
1.7
1.00
1.60
1.75
1.25
.42
1.55
1.10
16
17
15 1.27
2.80
Fair.
Good.
Do.
Do.
Fair.
Very good.
Fair.
Do.
Good.
Do.
Very good.
Do.
Good.
l<"air.
Vory good.
Do.
Do.
Good.
Very good.
Fair.
Good.
Do.
Very good.
Do.
Good.
Very good.
Good.
Do.
Do.
Very good.
Good.
Do.
Do.
Fair.
Bad.
Good.
Do.
Very good.
3.10
.50
.72
' ery gi
Good.
Do.
Very good.
Fair.
Do.
Do.
Good.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Good.
Very good.
Do.
2. 25 Goo<l.
Do.
Do.
Very good.
* Under trustees.
t No caretaker:
VALES.
»ntiuued.
Jfj*";, Condition
Inches.
.10
""i."26
1.30
.40
.60
.50
.20
1
.25
1.17
.50
.60
.77
.63
.50
.50
.30
.85
.50
.20
.'io
.12
1.7
1.00
'i.'oo
1.75
'i.25
.42
1.55
1.10
'i.'27
'2.' 80
Fair.
Good.
Do.
Do.
Fnir.
Very good.
Fair.
Do.
Good.
Do.
Very good.
Do.
Good.
l<"»ir.
Vtiry good.
Do.
Do.
Good.
Very good.
Fair.
Good.
Do.
Very good.
Do.
Good.
Very good.
Good.
Do.
Do.
Very good.
Good.
1)0.
Do.
Fair.
Bad.
Good.
Do.
Very good.
3.10
.50
.72
rory gi
Good.
Do.
Very good.
Fair.
Do.
Do.
Good.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Good.
Very good.
Do.
2. 25 Goo<l.
Do.
Do.
Very good.
IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA— NEW SOUTH WALES. 387
Weekly return of depth of water and state of pasture, e<o.— Contiuued.
Road.
Watering place.
Morcc to Munglndi
Co\v,i1m)« to Wiisraa
Niitianrtera to Urana
Silvri foil
Adelaide to Silvorton
Do
Silvi-rton to Nicklevillo
Piirnamoota
'I'ratijiio to Dnndaloo
llowloni; to Albury
Nevertiro ,
Forbes to Currajon^
County of Ini'ini, Parish of
MiiliiKljoruo.
Urana -
Broken Hill to Silverton
County of Yancowiiinia, Par-
ish of Mount Gipps.
Geriiiauton ,
Villauo of Howniug
Tliuddungara
Bogree Wnterliolos*
Coolainan Tank
Coi.o.Miio Dam
tSllvurton Well
h'nt Ilnle Tank
Tliafkarini/a Tank
Day Did' am Tank
I'urnaiiinola Tank
I)EKi!iu'.)Mi Tank
Uorscihoe Lagoon*
Nevertire Tank
NnccU's Dam'
Mukudjeroo }Yater Hole* .
Tirana Dam
Jjimettone ISore '.'.'.'.'
FoiirMilo Well on Stophons'
Creek*
Gcrinanton Well *
liuwning Well ',',.',
Thuddiinijara Laguon
No.
163
104
1C5
186
126
127
125
124
130
142
K8
84
132
175
172
177
174
171
Depth I ^»"-,
ofwfiiftr ' mated
01 water, raiufall
Ft In.
20
10 C
52
15 10
10 1
1!)
7 10
20
14 8
Inchei.
1.35
.23
.15
.10
."50'
.60
Condition
of pasture.
Very good.
Goo(l.
Do.
Very good.
Good.
Very good.
Good.
Very good.
Do.
Good.
Very good.
*Ifo taretalier.
In course of construction aud proposed :
Road.
Balranald to Ivanlioo
r.arnufjun !"'""
Wiicannia toMiliiarinka ""'
Do
iJ" '.'.'..
Do
Wiicannia to Hiiugerfonl ''"!!.".'.'!!!
Bdiirke ''\
Boiirke to Wanuaring "....!!! !I".I."
Bourko to Huiif;crford '.'.'.'.'.
Do
Do
Do i.i"ii;;!.';;;!
.^ i>i>
Wanaanng toTiboobiirra
Do
Cobar to Wiicannia *.".". 1".'."" ii"'.'. ! ' '
Cocnabarabran to Gunueilal;
Do .'.".'.■.■.■.■.■
Menindie to Silverton
Do ....'.'.v.'"
„. Do. ••
Pinnacles to Broken Hill
W;.rial(la tolnverell
Collarindabrito Angeldool '.''.'.'.'.
Wiicannia to Silverton ',
AVhition to Duabalong
Grenfcll to Forbes '",\\
Hay to Gunbar
Moroo to Mnugindi V^^^V^/S:.
Mor.-et« Boggabilla
Ji-ii.Mlon to Pooncaria
Menindie to Ivanhoe '
Box freek to Arunipo '.'.\\\
Grcufell to Cowra '
Balranald to Oxley ]
Silverton to Lake Cobham '
Alburv to Wagga
Balranald to Wakool
Villnceof Walleudbcen '.
Piit Town
Portion 440, parish of Corowa"couuty'of 'if unio
Acwbridge to Guulliurii
Canowindra to Millmiu Crock '.'."..
Molong
Dfniliqnin to Moania ......".".."
Narrabri to Morec .'
D.niliquin to Moania
Cuouuilible . "
Watering place.
WilandraWoll*
I'liiiiiirun Wellbore
The Valley Well*
Dri/ LaU Tank* .'.'.'.""
J.K. Wclli
Ci.liliani Tank
c^payo Tank ;;;;;;
Wcll.bcrc
Paka Tank
Kcribrce Creek Weirt .'".
Younsarinna Spring Wellt
BdouKunyarra Spring Wellt '.'.'.'.
Vaiitabullaand Whip Sprins; J ( Well boi-o) '.
KilberooTank 1 .
Waioo Spring (Well)
5-1,. Ill *^ ' ---"•••••••••■■««,,
\\ cllbores
3 WclMiores* .'!.'.'.'."..!!].'!!."
3 Wellbtires in iirogress
Bulla Bulla Tank..!...!.
lialoola Well* '.'.'.'.'.'.'.
Normanslono Well* .""*
llone hake Tank
.Monka Monka WeU .'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.
Vara Tank
Broken Hill Tank .'.'
Big Plain Well
2 Well-bore .■.■;;
*'•«'''« '.'.'.'.:
f f«"ks
1 tank
1 Woll-boro
2 Wellborcs
...do
Ucll-liores
5 Wellborcs •■•■
iwcH.bord ::::
l.«<"l-,
bununil)ort Tank
4 WcU-bores
i ookardmia
1 Well-bore ...'.
Wallendbcon '.'.'ank V^"/S\^Vi[V.
I itt lowii Lagoon
1 tank ;■_;;■,
Dam (near llobbv's yards)!!'"
Woodstock Weir
Dam ;...;:
I'lie Vellow Wateriiolc ("Wel'l-'boro')".
l.vcannah Dam
1 Well-bore :::::::::"":'"
...do
Ko.
57
06
HI
70
75
77
121
156
157
158
160
162
159
161
170
108
109
131
130
129
128
il9
65
'173
178
' Undnishod.
t IJucoiumeuded for early constructiou.
m
T"
*' I
:
I J
388 IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA — NEW SOUTH WALES.
It is said with perfect truth that the disco very of the presence of cou-
stant supplies of water in the arid localities where the bores are being
sunk will entirely alter the conditions of large areas of the colony,
which at certain seasons are almost impassable for live stock and quite
uninhabitable for man.
In June last, by direction of the premier of this colony, Sir jJenry
Parkes, and Mr. J. E. F. Coyle, 0. e. (as I have already informed the
Department), made an inspection of the state of the Murray River.
Another engineer, Mr. D. McMordie, c. E., was directed to inquire into
the question as to the amount of water diverted from this great river
(forming, as it does, a boundary between the colonies of New SoutL
Wales, Victoria, and South Australia) during its progress to the ocean.
Mr. McMordie's report has been presented and laid before parliament,
and shows what has been done in the colony of Victoria.
Here I desire to give prominence to the fact that it is by enterprise
from the United States that the benefits of irrigation in Australia on a
large scale havo been first practically demonstrated. Nothing had been
done by diversion of water from the rivers to prove the advantages of
irrigation toward reclamation of the public lands until Messrs. George
and W. B. Chaffey, though natives of Canada, arrived from California,
where tbey had derived experience and had successfully carried out
irrigi tion projects. After considerable difficulty they obtained conces-
sionb from the government of Victoria enabling them to place an area
of 250.000 acres of land at Mildura, on the Murray River, under irri-
gable culture. No one who sees the photographs which the Chaffey
Company have presented to me for the use of the special committee of
the Senate, can doubt the ultimate success of their great undertaking.
In the colony of Queensland, to the north of New South Wales, the
government and people are fully alive to the necessity which exists in
their semitropical country for irrigation as a means of increasing their
wealth and prosperity. The progress of the work in those parts will be
•seen from the report on " Water Supply in Queensland," by the hy-
draulic engineer, Mr. J. B. Henderson, C. e.
MAPS AND PUBLICATIONS.
In obedience to the instructions contained in the circular from the
Department of State, I have obtained from every available source copies
of maps, plans, photographs, publicatioiis, and documents — as far as
possible in duplicate — and the following list will indicate where each is
to be found among the complete set, which I have had bound in four-
teen volumes.
AUTHORITIES ON IRRIGATION.
The special committee of the Senate having intimated the " desire to
place itself in communication with competent experts and authorities
on irrigation," I beg leave to submit the following list :
A. — Underground supply of water .
C. S. Wilkinson, esq., F. G. 8., F. L. 8., etc., government geologist of New South
Wales, Sydtiey.
T. W. E. David, esq., ii. a., f. l. 8., esq., geological surveyor of New South
Wales, Sydney.
W. .1. Slee, esq., mining inspector and superiufceodeut of drills to tbo govera^
mcut of Now South Wales, Sydney.
' ?w^ ' ' ' ? "? yy i W'iMajj jr> ;g, ' j:r gM r' !i ' j gTgp
TH WALES.
IRHIGATION IN AliStRALASiA— NEW SOUTH WALES. 389
B.— Irrigation and water 8up|)ly :
Uni..^ZrZTn^^^^^^ *•- -'^ter conscrvatiou
U. McMordie esq. B. k., member Iimtituto of CiVil En.r'neers formerlv nf «.«
James P. Uowliug, esq., Sydney.
'7:^Ic^rwZl^;iXe7''' '""^ ^-*«-^ -'1 Agricultural Association, of
METEOEOLOaY IN RELATION TO WATER SUPPLY.
Among the papers oa meteorology transmitted with this disnatch
will be found a curious and interesting work entitled! "Effesont
weather system of sun-spot causality, being original researches fn sola?
and terrestrial meteoroloev. bv (^harlLs F,.r««nn^^o„f L J^l „ ^,^^".®.J^'^^
, -j....^j, uuiiiiy tuB eariy pare oi tue present year ami \t at
once attracted general attention throughout these colon es It is
accompanied by diagrams, illustrating the system ^"'''"'^^- ^^ ^^
During the last few weeks renewed interest has been created in fha
tTrouXutTuSr.r?^ '/ the author that th^re'rurbetdrough
throughout Australia extending over a period of 3 years from 18(}0 to
Mr. Egeson has, within the last year, made several weather foreca'^ts
Januarv'Ts'o m" if "' '"'' T'^f\ '' ™^^>' ^« mentLnc'd tS^^^^
January, IhhO, Mr. Lgeson predicted decreasing rains durinir the first
SS^fof'drETVif'A ' '•? ^-*'".*«l'-vin|, increasinTfain's and
Sr earhM. \l^^f /n ?^ '' '"^^""'^'.'' ^^^^ «*' ^-^i" with floods to
occur early in May; in June, decreasing rains during July and increis
ng rains in August. The manner in which the foreSisJs were reabzed
has inclined not only the public but scientirtc men to a SI importance
to the results ot these meteorological investigations. The fact must be
s the ba (,:. up,;, which raliabi,, fV...«<.n.f. tL Li "^ „ '" '^" PP"?
hud so far of its in^^,,^^,
ing that it affords the ba
Vance can be made
...n ----"., -■"■- "".r^u.uf; t",jusLiiy auyonein snppos-
up,;i which reliabh) forecasts for months or years in ad-
iJ.^ln "°?*"^"^ t*' S'^-y '''«'t Mr. Egesoii's prediction of a 3.years' drought
has occasioneu something like a panic in the community. The pastoral
t^^ H .^V/'l^'*'"'" ''r l^^*''"'"'"" «^ '^^"«»«l-^ affected by thipS
the governuiout astronomer.
The minister
m-mti-mmm^miimm
!• •'
1- i
< \
If
' i
!• i
I
^•:
i„.
390 IRRIGATION IN AUSTRAtASIA — NEW SOUTH WALES.
for educatiou, ITon. J. IF. Carrnthera, wlio 'iias the dircetiou of the bu-
reau in which Mr. Egeson is employed, in a minute dated 23d of Octo-
ber, remarks :
Mr. EgesoiiV weather forecasts liaveereatodconsiderablp alarm in tlio public mind,
and to some extent investmenfH of capital in stations and stock lins liecn clieckod.
The vast majority of the public are not snfflciently advanced in raeteoroloiiical science
to be able to follow either the data or the conclusions arrived at, bni tliat knowiiijT
that the forecasts came from a Government officer emjdoyed by its observatory, and
the conclusion arrived at most {generally is that forecasts' should bo treated as having
some official weight and authority.
Now, I am comi)elled, in order to meet such an impression, to invito Mr. Hiissell to
reply to his subordinate otBcer, and I feel that the efficiency of the Sydney Observa-
tory will be utterly destroyed if a rule is not e-iforced to prevent a recurrence of such
procedure. Mr. Russell alone is the mouthpiece of our astronomical department, and
no officer engaged under him has a right to ignore him as the proper channel of pub-
lishing matter within the scope jf that department, even under the cover of private
rights of citizenship. These ]!rivate rights are to a certain extent suspcndeci wbcu a
contract of public amployuieiit is entered into. The public interest overrides the
private right, and it this case it demands that the responsibility of grave and imjior-
ant piodietions emanating from the observatory officials shall rest upon its asi ronomer
alone. As he has that responsibility lie mu.st have the safeguarding privilege of
checking the statements of his statf.
With purely scientilic research on abstract matter, and otherwise in jirivate work,
which does not involve the proper functions of the observatory, no iiiferencfi is in-
tended, or would be connten.meed by me, and even in the administering of the rule
recently laid down the most liberal consideration compatible with the public interest
will be shown to all officials who desire to express their views on observatory work
through its ree'-.guized head.
Mr. Egeson'B weather system and drought ])redi(;tions, so far as I am
able to understaiid, may be described as follows:
The yearly fluctuations in the rainfall are taken to have relation to a
masked cycle whicli g Aorns all, not as individual years but as i)eriods
of several years. The mean value of each natural period has a direct
relation to the cycle.
Other elements rei)resentiiig less complete operations of nature are
next er .lined. Thus the frequency of thunderstorms in New South
Wales is found to vary in a cycle of .'33 years. The winds, at the times of
theequinoxes, whentheconditionof the earth might be expected to show
most markedly the operation of law and order, on being analyzed show
in the relative frequency of land and sea breezes the same cycle of
33 years.
With these guides the fluctuations of the rains are again examined
with the result that in general outline they correspond, and on compar-
ing the constituent parts these are found to repi^at themselves every
33 years on the average, though they may be a year or so more or less.
To trace the cause of the 33-years' periodicity the barometric pressures
for April, i. e. the iiu)nth when the winds are shown to be so remarkably
cyclical, are examined with the result shown on a diagram jiublished by
him on page 44 of his weather system, by which it appears that high
barometers prevail at times of minimum sun spots, and vice ver.sa, and
that there is an intensKication of maxima of each third cycle, as in 1857
and 1888, as well as an intensiflcation of one of the intermediate minima,
as in the years 1870 to 187.'5, aiul the result is that a grand cycle of three
times eleven years is ])roduced. (In this case it is, for reasons to be
presently explained, only 31 years.) This intensiflcation of evpiy third
cycle which produces the grand cycle of 33 years, and to wiiich till data
of recent years are said to point, was also noted in iJie eaily history of
New South Wales. Montgomery Martin, the historian, writing in 1836,
says:
The seas'ins appear to underf;o a variation every 9 or 10 yearSs varvin"'; however,
iu intensity every third scsries of 30 years.
rTH WALES.
tions, so far nn I am
carf», varying, howoYeij
IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA — NEW SOUTH WALES. 391
Researches into tlio variation of , so-called rain periods at Sydney and
a number of other stations point to an intimate connection between
these and the state of the sun, as shown by sun spots. Other detailed
comparisons of variations in the rainfall and suu spots point in the
same direction, ^
This relation, Mr. Egeson states, furnishes the means of forecastinff
rainfall for months in advance, and the results when put into practice
compare favorably with those of daily forecasts.
Regarding forecasts for longer periods for years in advance, the cycles
are the guides. But since these are compounds of the 11-year sun-spot
eye es, which vary in their fluctation over long periods of time (the
cycles covering the year 1835 to 1878 being abnormal as compared with
preceding and following cycles), it follows that one meteorological cycle
IS not comparable with another unless the condition of the sum is simi-
ar. 1 his explains why the intensity and duration of the same meteoro-
logical epoch may vary in different cycles, as for instance the 3 years'
drought of 1827-1829 was not reproduced as such in the following cy-
cle, and It explains why it should occur in the i)resent cycle.
Calculated upon the basis of an average periodicity of 33 years Mr
Egeson stated this drought to be an event that might be expected within
a few years. But on reopening the question the progress of events
pointed to an acceleration of 2 years having taken place, as shown bv
the high barometers of 1857 and 1888 and the similarity in the distribu-
tion of ram in the years 1858 and 1889 as well as other evidence, and
the conclusion must be arrived at that the present climatic epoch is
only 31 years, from a corresponding phase of the Ipst cycle, and only 64
years from that next preceding, when similar solar variation prevailed.
In confirmation of this the climate of the years 1823, 1824, and 1825 cor-
respond with that of 1887, 1888, and 1889, the droughts of 1824 and 1888
being identical. This agreement justifies the expectation of the recur-
rence of the drought of 1827 1829 in 1891-1893, with its commencement
from about the middle of 1890 as in 182G.
The explanation Mr. Egeson attributes to the sun spots phenomena,
in that the last maximum was over 2 years late, while the approaching
minimum will have restored the normal by an acceleration. So the
rainy seasons of 1887 and 188% which were accelerated 2 years must
be followed by a corresponding delay in the arrival of the next rainy
season, in order that normal conditions may be restored, and this, Mr.
Egeson asserts, must mean a protracted drought.
Mr. Egeson's studies in meteorology, carried out during his spare
time, procured for him employment as waather-map compiler at the
Sydney Observatory on his arrival in Sydney about 5 years ago, and
doubtless his observatory work in Australia has led him to the ronclu-
sion that we have in fact begun at the wrong end of the investigation
by attempting to solve the mystery of the little eddies before ascertain-
ing the state of the stream in which thoy occur.
Although comparatively a young man", Mr, Egeson has had a varied
experience. He followed a sailor's calling for 5 years, and during that
time had opportunities for studying the various phases of weather in
storm and calm from the coast of Iceland to tlie most southern limits
of Africa. In India he was present during the horrors of famine in
1876-1877 in that country, when on every side men, women, and chil-
dren lay dying of starvation, a calamity, he states, in a measure due to
the short-sighted policy of their fellow-men in neglecting to prepare for
a protracted drought. In Ceylon, during a residence of 7 years, he fre-
quently witnessed " the burst of the monsoon " the "randest of all
tki
Ml
i, '■ I
1 1
M
' ':
'III
392 IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA — NEW SOUTH WALES.
Climatic couvul.sioiis. These eastern experiences induced liiui to investi-
gate the ancient theories and tra.litions of the natives, who leliJ^^in a
jeriodicyof aoyears or thereabonts, and in accor hmce w h wl eh
tiiey worlc their si.lendid system of irrigation.
G. W. Griffin,
Consulate United States, Consul,
i^ydnei/, October 29, 1889.
lUintJATION IN NEW SOUTH WALKS.
I Inclosuro iu C'ousul Oiifflu's report.]
COMMEUCIAL, PaSTOKAL, AND AgIUCULTUHAL ASSOCIATION
OK Nkw South Walks,
. W Griff ifunter street, Sydney, Augunt i>8, 1889.
U, S. Consul, Sydney :
,n£n nlf/f ^^J'^^f^^] from you questions on the subject of irrigation and the recla-
G
Tbei nectronTlr*.*^" V-"'*'"^ States to investigate the questions in vol v"ed'.
1 je collection and systematic oiManization of reports on this subject from al oarts
of the world, which your consular system affords, can not fail to be of the f/reKt
pi bl.c utility not only to the United States but to every arid corner of the m&e-
wLlcwh:„\m'li7i;tdwilirr """'';•"'" P^"l"''« * rlportonconn^rehirirscaTe;
wuicn wnen pnbl shed will prove of immense benefit to generations vet unborn
Wa esLTber, n™r ^^f,"''*^'' '^"^ Agricultural Associatio^no New Soul h
Wales Uas been engaged in noting the steps taken in this colonv to de-il win. +i.„
£^ltfr?/'^'/"1i"*?"•^^ ""'1 '" collecting documents showin" Ihe grea Va^d
it 5e tl n^vi?h tT .u°.l7.n*' r ^''" '^r''' Wales and kindred scientific assEions
loi ut.uing witli the local question, »ud in contrast with other countries from inorA
dLposT ' '°"''''- ^ "'"'^ ''""« "'"''^ P^«'*«"'« '« Phicing Zse Tec'ords^t yoir
devehmnm,'!rn/i'*?^'"""i*° Australia of water conservation and distribution, the
such Zr infill nte^^^^^ reservoirs proved to exist, the economical adaptation of
sucn anu laiiitall observations as will minimize waste from the effects of neriods nf
iSiLoLZ^''^'^''^^,'''^^^''''' necessary as a mainspring tea watch Upon
thfs vSTs am Tombl^^f"' r^""' difficulties depends the future deveioJmeK
unknown. ««°t'iie'it, whose very existence a century ago was comparatively
Of this continent New South Wales embraces n. teriitorv of 195 882 012 acres anH
her present record of population is only a little over l.OOofuOO. T,t4 United States
uroWer i:,V°tlf ",1^ ^'''TrV'^ territory, wh.u coinpar'ed, n.ust form a insoluMe
p_roblem, but the key is to be fouml iu the pastoral stage of development in civ li^a
t on during the n.neteentb centun as practiced in Australia and Xii we con nan
the numbers ot the population actually outside our towns and citie^the rlition wTll
appear more explicable why we can not in the present s ^e point to existi"^ i^'
Si'-'le'su ts'^The rrkf-*'""" r^''"' '''''' ''^"^^ and "noS^^rigabirS and
tuei lesults. Ihe works in existence at present are only the outcome of nrivate
individual enterprise within freehold limits, and bear no proportiZ whatever to the
r,! ""^ l""^}' ,?/ 'and tenure, the centralizing department form of government and no
itical inability to deal with so extensive a public estate upon a STnd i.ltional
basis are the true causes of neglect of and inertia towards our ^r ogress in tl^ lirec
tion. It is from no want of consideration or inability on the pirt of our best men to
fmZtl "''^"''TV'^' t''"«'^''ti«"- l>"^ ftom the generan«Ll/"Lof Cp^^^
litical economy, which provides that all public works in the colonv are conducted a 1
con rolled by government departments centered in the city Tf S vine v not in touch
with what niight be termed local or district «.uits, and relenting rutlVSnceS^
i^a tiJrr?^ 'V'"'"'' ","^".t'"'i»i«^'il pressure, a system which aLriKwht a
A nmie V . In ^^ '""' v''' t« ».^%""''»'« "'^•"-•" "i'8 Pn.vide.l for am«liorft on
NetX ,tl W. les tir'tT "^ /"formation fr..„, ,„any sourc.s on irrigation in
^t .f., wV 1 • f * V',* >'■"'*"'''" '" >'"'"■ to"""!'"' I'Port to the Department of
State, Washiugton-repubhshcd by the New M.n.M. Wales Government inS-does
H WALES.
[•(liuice with which
IRRIGATION IN AUSTRALASIA— NEW SOUTH WALES. 393
1 li« Gov.iriiiiieut (irbt recognized the necessity for such in 18()<) im.l in ihma !f ,. 1 1
ai.pear, from a Btaten.cnt relating to waterin/placps on« 1, ,.', r i^ '* ^^»"'*1
in number, ll.at an expenditure of over £270 OoKllV '""' ^"'ty-fo'"-
Btrnction and appliances, their umintenf^^rce Sing'o ef £U 0^^^ l" *'""■
inun. These works have no doubt exercised a lar^e and beueficiii in.i^^"^ ' ""'
our i)astoral progress itnge »uu ueuencial inlluence upon
engineers are now takinl^ le^eTs for carrs^.lear Ihu,? "crrt^^CrT•'Rt.r'T^
taking .8 £1,500,000 ($7.>^yy,750), and the area o be rdgated 570 ooTaorL ""'^''^
I shall have pleasure in forwarding your inquiries in any way in my power.
James Wilson.
t-ll
I
THE MILDURA IRRIGATION 8ETTLEMKNT.
[Incloaure in No. 158, transmitted by Counne.clal Agent Dawson, of Newcastle.]
mmm&mmm
d building possess
ues were designed
eentrin-gal h. the w^o^ld^i^n^'^il-ig::^- ^j--:^ ^ "' '''' '''^^''' direet-action
450^1^^;:;: t' ?n?w'\K^^^ «"''«.^r ^'--^ ^»»<^'»g. -^taming a
I -liQiue, w.iu i.«i.,ps «ai,dulx: ui raiaing 20,uuu gaiious per minute from
i ''.
i I
n
i I!
394
IRRIGATION IN TH?. HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
thu 50- (■(»(»(, cliiiDin'l into tbe /O-I'oot <lianii(il, tlin Hiiiiits )»liuit iiIho, when r(((iiir«d, send-
iii>; 7,r)()() nulloiM poi- iiiimite into the 8U-lo(»t cliuiiutil. TIki town and alioiit 2,000
acioa are Miipplied by a vioo liorsc power comiMmnd en«ii>t), working? a doubhi-actioii
force pninp, wliidi raises 1,001) ^allonH per niiniito to a li(Mf,'lit of 70 feet. Aniilolowcr
down tho rivor a Niniilar engin.' riilHos wator into tlio ar>foot chaniiol, lifting 30,000
galloHH jior minute, and still lower down a Kinall dlrpct-a( 'ion ct'ntrifujjal Bupplies
Lord Uanfiirloj-'s plantation at the rato of 1,000 gallons per minute. Tho figuroB
given refer to the power of tho various pumps and not to the work which they 'lavo
as yet been called upon to porlorm. Twelve miles of wronght-ir.>n pipes, Vi a 8
inches to 22 inches in diameter, have been laid, and there have been made about 31
miles of main channels and 25 miles of subsidiary channels. Water has thus been
provided for about 30,000 acres of huid. There have been 7,000 acres sold, 3,000 acres
cleared of malloo scrub and 2,000 acres planted with vines and fruit trees, The
Chatt'ey Brothers have planted, on behalf of purchasers, 280 acres of vines, principally
raisin varieties, 425 acres oran^o trefts, 150 acres lemons, 100 acres apricots, 50 acres
tigs, and 20 acres prunes. The settlers have planted on their own account about 200
acres of vines and fruit trees. There are (500 acres under cereal crops, 30 acres under
lucerne, and 200 acres are being i>repared for maize. The grain crops look well ; the
returns obtained from sorghum are astoninliing and the growth of all tho vino and
fruit plantations is surprising. The settlers seem all well satisfied with their pros-
pects and those who gavo evidence spoke with warmth of the wonderful growth of
vegetation under the conditions of a warm climate, a rich soil, and a snfflciont supply
of water. The clearing of the mallee, which is done by means of a traction engine
and a wire roiie, costs from £2 to £4 per acre, and most of the breaking up is also
done under contract by the Messr.s. Chatfey's steam cultivators. Building operations
are being fairly carried on in tint town, and tho population of tho entire settlement
is now estimated at 1,200, int'ludiiiLt 2.50 men employed y the promoters. The com-
fortable boats, lit by electric light, make the river trij) a very pleas.ant one. Avery
enjoyable trip was made by tho commission, and all returned with a firm belief in
the genuineness of the Mildura euterpriao and confidence in its ultimate success. —
[The Argua.}
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
REPORT BY auXaULUEIfERAL SEVERANGE, OF llONOLULV.
EffixU of irrigation. — Where irrigation is continuous the product of
sufjar lias increased to an average of 4 tons per acre, while the same
lands wifhont irrigation formerly yielded only the average of 2 tons per
acre.
Area irrigated. — The area of good cane land is limited , the most reli-
able e.stitnates do not exceed 90,000 acres; of rice land 7,000 acres, and
of land suited for bananas, at present under cultivation, 3,000 acres ;
total, 100,000 acres. Of the cane land about 45 per cent, is irrigated;
the remainder, except for rice land, which is all under irrigation, is sub-
ject to th ; annual rainliill, which is copious on the highlands on the
windward or eastern side, while it is limited on the leeward or weh.-ern
side.
Production. — The quantity of sugar produced in tlie year 1888 was esti-
mated at 120,000 tons, two-thirds of this, of a good light color, polariz-
ing from 80° to !»Go, and one-third of the yield i)olarizing from 70° to
84'^, all of which was sold at good figures for refining purposes.
Tho estimate of rice was 20,0li0 tons, one-third of which was exported
and the remainder consumed here, all of good quality.
Of bananas about 100,000 bunches ; 75,000 exported, balance con-
sumed here.
Water su^pli/. — The sources of water supi)ly are from mountain
streams, springs, artesian wells, and storage reservoirs. The character
of works, distribution, etc, consists of dams and basis by which water is
IRRIGATION IN TIIK HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
no5
NOLULV.
imjJonndfMl
tiiuiK's, and
to fO miles.
tluMi Mvo,v(Ml by \vri).ijfht.ii(,i. au.l cast iro!. piiH'H,
i. ii-wati lead and ditdu-s at various i stances ti-om 5
, , 1' iH8VSt<Mn (.1 listnhiitiou is reyit d | •••elv bv loasp^
jrojn landowners, and by cu.toman.l con.nuM.eu,..er,t, wfthLr^Mon of
Mm,T -'^ '".S''»- 'r'^''*'"'' "1' ^^'*^ Spreckelsvillc plantation, on
Mam ',,280 able feet were used, e(|nal to 3 inches ne- aore every
bi U;irge quantify, us the snal estimate would be I cnbic U t of
wa .r^per second to properly aTit^ate 45 to G5 acres of cane or 30 acres
estimated at $3 per a<'ie j inuiuh or $45 i)er acre |)er croi . No reli-
ab'eestimalecan be tound or co^t of water supply distribute, by ipes
a nee f lu T.^ '"'r*'"' "■'"^'' "^ '^'''''^'^ this would <lepend on M e E
taijce, the inea- .t conyeyauee, the character of the country, and the
Oj(7«enyi^>^iioth private and lease from the Goyernment.
tlmate—ThQ climate is variable, according to elevatiou • on the left
ward or western side, in proximity' to the ocean dry/ le ^.us eru sidJ
gemrally moist and cool ; gocd soil in the valleys, yi\ddiU^ ttKrSs
rv«.^,jA,/^ Mean rainfall ou the island of Oahu from 1S(7 t« iX
was 62.(> inches (see page 2 .f report, inclosed) while the minimum
fmm lot's?' r"'* '^'"V '^ '"^'^^^' '^"'^ '"^«" ff'^ nionutai si 8
Hrafu2(rincirer' """'"^' '' ^^'^'^""•' ' "^'"^^ <^-^-«t^"
Antiquity of irriflation.- A system of in -ation has always existed
among the Ha wanans throughout the Kingdo.n, conveying'the water
rom the mountain slopes and springs through the valleys over hillsides
for the produe ion of their chief article of food, the Ar,,/mX m
or /raio, f rom which poi is made. Many of the ancient water eads n^
still maintained at private expense by the. owners or lessees of the laud
running from the mountain to the sea. '
H. W. Severance,
U. S. Consulate-General, Consul. General.
Honolulu, Eaivaiian Islands, October 17, 1889.
ed, balance con-
Watc supply for inigntion on the inland of Oalui, Ihuraiian Islands.
(Indomiro in roport of Conaul-Gon.Tal Scvoranco. |
B. F. DILLIXGUAM Esq • ""NOLUMJ, HAWAIIAN ISLANDS, Jug,tst2G, 1889.
von had 8a"'<'estod Wo liVv ^v ,,,,1., . i + i i <'l'i^oii Mvneral plans wliich
i-ierous springs amnnonuHnstre'^^^^^^^ "i qnc.tio,,, have .noasure.l nu-
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)
.^
1.0
I.I
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11^ e
11:25 ill 1.4
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1.6
Pnotographic
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 87tl-4503
jtSS.v
V^"
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^^^
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396
IBRiaATlON IN THB HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
THB NECK881TY FOB IRIUGATIOX.
oftl.*i'l!.'}f.wi?lf '"n*"*-? •»5«e8«f"»y .grown in some localities on the windward side
not exist on the ii
or in some looaliti
be advantageous.
tnS Vw *"'® *^°** without saving that irrigation is so essential to success iu ajrricul-
THB DUTY OF WATBR.
The necessity for irrigation being thus raco/rnized and established the auantifv of
Zn^l ""ZT? '°*^1 sating various crop, becomes the next consideration.^orfrn otheJ
words, the duty that may be expected from a given volucie of cout nuous flow rtnr
investigations on this subject have been as thorough and exbausUve as our tiZ*wn„?H
permit. They have been conducted in detail not on y on tWs island but eWheiJ
«n,w.EP-' "i*'^""^^ «o«fi"«d ««l«ly to the culture of sugir cane, wh ch we ha^
S/S^SJelTtiiSTi^XV^^^^^^^^^^ '' '' ^«--*o^-ote^s large aitero^
a cubic foot of water per second in continuous flow will irrigate from^ t^ % ^ret
«/^.^thnHt"""1l*" ^^''T^ of sugarcane. These are about thHirSts given bv
all authorities on the subject not only in the countries named, but in Algeria Ilvnt
everv T^d^v^foiTtf^n^^" • T * ?^ ^'"^'^- ^^'^^ *''«'* » waterrgs given once
ti^^7f^^ for a time, diminishing to one watering every 10 davs which is non
tinued for about 15 months from the time of plantiu"' or until thl rIt«ri^JJ?u
some districts, the cane did not mature short of 18 or 20 mnnthafr^J^tiZ^rSf i ' ^-
the period of irrigation would be from ifto 18 mofthT"5n mak nf^^^^^^ e' tTmS
we have assumed that 15 months of irrigation would be tL average rLuired for
sugar cane on the southerly slopes of thislsland (Oabu): Threrwatlrirj^sTmonth
Tn wirn* *''** ^«oon8 dered safe to apply to keep the cane grow n^wthout check
In localities coriespouding n position ami climate with HoSouHulf iTiscustomarv
to maintain this periodical irrigation regardless of the raiXll The raTmav at
times exceed the quantity applieS arf.iflcially b;it irrigatiouisSormed as usual not
withstanding, m order that there shall be no break In the continuity of "h^wat^i:
ings. Ifc seems to be generally understood by ail planters that the denth o7eacli
watenug shall be at least an average of 3 te 4 inches over the whole surfo?" Where
the intervals between waterings are 10 dayj and the depth appHed 4 inched 1 cubic
foot of water per second will perform a duty of .59.5 acres. W th inteVSs of 7 dav«
and the same depth appied, 1 cubic foot p4r second would irrigate but 41 6 across
or 55.5 acres if the depth applfod is but 3 inches. ""g*i« ouc 4i.o acres,
X?tSf./- f'^r''- Each ditch delivers to tie plantation a Vaxirums^^^^^^^^^
l^Zi^, I " ^T^ per second but this maximum is not often reached, andMie ditches
appear to be subject to great fluctuation in supply. Several small s or 'm^ eservoirs
along the route serve to equalize the fluctuating discharge to s^me evteu , MeLi r
ing weirs are placed on each iu such positiou that the^quaut^Wof waL' acSv
elivered to the helds is recrded with great exactness by autouTatic reg sted. ™
paratuH. Th.v volume of water put upon every field is thus ku.mirand Cda e and
quantity ot each watering. The records further show in eveiV de aU all thotsults
t^im.
windward side
eare to be coa •
uted throiigh-
ixperience has
I conditions do
)r rjult'vafcion,
I nevertheless
ess iu agrlcul-
bwithstaudiug
>ug tlie coo&t
Kit irriga(ion)
16 quantity of
n. or, in other
us flow. Oar
[irtitne would
>ut elsewhere
tiich we have
1 area of the
)p the world
and in India
35 to 85 acres
nits given by
geria, Egypt,
giown. We
enoe in these
ictice here to
ting, or until
is given once
rhich is oon-
iturity of the
ng. If, as in
> of planting,
lur estimates
required for
Dgs a month
thout check,
is customary
rain may at
as usual not-
tf the water-
epth of each
bee. Where
jhes, 1 cubic
als of 7 days
t 41.6 acres,
sville, Maui,
le admirable
anagor, who
ted ti'om the
eastward of
aihee Creek,
im supply of
I the ditches
ft reservoirs
it. Meaour-
.ter actually
[isteriug ap-
ho date and
i the results
IRRIGATION IN THE WAWAIIAN ISLANDS. 397'
obtained from each field, iuolnding the average vield of each In flnn^arn»r a«^ „ n
was delivered to the plantation the following quantity of water:
Prom the Haiku ditch , ,^"'''•**•
F^om the Waihee ditch. 1,175,000,000
919,000,000
Atotalof —
"wlvW-^'*^? f^^}}-'"'"'- (The rainfall during this period was 19.08 inches \
" rYtoons^ < J:;?. n'f«'''™ ""V ''"?«*?^ 2.000 acres of '' plant caJe" and SLres of
oth«r":£ ^"Tif "^^ T^ ^« ^■°°»'^ '° *he fact that thfdichessuSly water for «n
mSla st^arhJili™ f "^^^^ ^? ""'^ as irrigation. The amonnt consSmed^y tL su/ar
^lr.« „* u ho'le™, locomotives, and steam plows, as well as some 1 500 emnln^xt
some of whom have litt e gardens to be irritraf«rt if if „«„i^ kI t ' employes,
Mr*MnS?*y °V^.' remainder to more than 50 acres per oubro foot Tr seco^nd ^^
Mr. Morrison states, as an en tome of his mrnAri«nr.A ♦>;«* .. ii nnA ^''"^a.
in localities sheltered from the wind. The^ averTge f£ld of iS on 2 §00 IZ ''''™
^ WithThArfi '* *°°' "^ ^"Sar per acre ; the rato^onS? avej^ed Jt t'ons per acre
With these figures one may form deductions as to the productive value of wt?«r'
The total sugar crop was 13,500 tons. The total " water crop » if wa mav WiT„ !;
the expression, was an average flow of 64.18 cubic feet ne?s^LTfl 4^ "H"''®^
water to sugar was about 2lO*tou8 of sugar to each cubic foot per J^coS of wL"* °^
continuous flow. Ira other words, if we assume sugar trbrworth^oStl "If''
deducting cost of production, interest on plant, tfols. and TbuaI the valS^ of S
water may be taken in the ratio of the resultd accomplished bv it viVte^^ "^*
?«"rr fTn'*"^ ""^.*° *"°°»* P«' ««''«'^d "'^ continuous flS This would r^p^^t^^
fnf,^h*.V\^>,P" "*°*i °° f^'9^- W»*«^ «^" be pumped 100 feet h?gh for Ktir«'
fourth of the annual producing power quoted above. ^ °* °'^®-
Hn^i'o^i ?^"''"^» plantation, island of Maui, where the water supply is verv ahn«
2?lnnf ^n *''*'*'^' °^ the ne^edsof the plantation, the consumMion iVequaU^a S^
rfn thi w*°''t P'^'^ ^Wc foot per second on plant cane and 60 acr^on ratoons ^
t,o?t«H .f Hajnakuapoko plantation, Maui, where the average BnnnaKfalTfs re
ported at 35.2 inches, the amount applied is stated by the superinte lent M^ tL
?J^7nZ'^ 7^^'^^ "i'^'° <■««* P«' «°™ *« ^"^^ watering ; th^eSel fs beJSien w-
tej ings are 7 days, and consequently the duty of water in continnon« fl« Jit « ? ^'^
fied them by saying that they are for the full capacity of the ditch which ?«n*„*i"
w«ys tall when requ red, and is onlv partially cLpensated for fSl flow bv the rtfn
wini i^*"* probabilities are that if tfie exact flow of the ditch were kn^wn it^ dnf;
^osn"^?':*^/ ^'Kher than 55* acres per second-foot. Mr Cowan e8t7ma£ th«?
«SS "".Ij'o feet of water per acre are required for 12 months ofTSatlo"whiobli
X i^?^'•°'^^' t^^^ ^i*y«' ^'"'^ «*»*«« *^»* fluctuations ir^raiS! do not mater!
a ly aifoct irrigation or the amount applied. The average yield of the nW^f^^i
given at 5.6 tons of sugar per acre for Jlantcaue and 4 ^00^/0^ ratoonc?ons Jn^h-*
courteous response to our letter of inquiry, he summarizes by stSin^thTt^"*^^^^
^ ??"?^ ofsugar requ .res about 51.8 cubic feet of a^™ ^ ^ *''*' ^ "'«» •
On the Wa:alna plantation, Oahu, the results obtained are jrreater than +!,«=.. k
ari^rZ Ha^^6lTia^^^iTc'h«^
rived),^ith a fall of 16 feet pef muVthe" ow from wh?I Sates iKr^^f '" ^*-
cane, as we were informed. The discharge of snoh a pine woTldh« 1 ?? k-* °/ ^"^^
second, and the resultant duty 90 acres pefculicfootVer^Sd^ InothegS-'a ae'
• It will be seen further on that our estimate is somewhat morn lih«rai ..„«i iiTT — '
allow over 60 cubic feet of water to produce a pound of sugaS! ' """^ *^** ""*
r
! i
III
398 IRRIGATION IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
line discharged 1.17 cubic feet per Hecond, and also irrigated 100 acres. The duty of
the water so delivered wim an average oi'H.') aisres per cubic Coot per second. A ditch
carrying 3^ cubic feet per second was said to water about 'iOO acres; an avera<Te duty
of 60 acres per cubic loot per second. The location of tliis plantation on the wind-
ward side of the island, where the rainfall is much greater than on the lee side, may
account for the higlier duty accomplished by the water in use, although no data was
obtainable as to the extent or distribution of the "ainfall ou that side.
On the Kekaha plantation, Kauai, water isobtained by pumpingto a height of ISto
36 feet— an average of about27feot. The delivery of the water is contracted for at the
rate ot ^V> per aero per annum. The contractor is re(|uired to deliver suflBcient water
to irrigate 700 acres every 10 days, to an average depth of 4 inches at o.ich watering.
The duty tluis pel formed, presuming the quantity contracted for is fully delivered
would be 51>| acres per cubic foot per second. Tlie pumpi-ig is done during 10 hours
each day. The 3 pumps require to have a capacity of 7,000,000 gallons per day
each. Coal costs f 14 per ton at the pumps. A very unusui,'! yield is. reported from
this plantation. Ratoon crops for 7 coiisecntivo years are sail to have produced »xi
average of .'> tons of sugar iier acre each year. Our authority for these results is Mr.
Glade, of the lirm of Ilackl'eld &, Co., H«)Uoliilu.
The conclusions that may be drawn from !ill the evidence we have obtained on the
subject are :
(1) That while the duty of water is variable with all the varyingconditionsof soil,
climate, rainfall, wind, exposed or sheltered locality, and in some degree with the
length of time the land has been irrigated, sucli variation is generally between the
limits of 40 acres as the minimum and 90 acres as the maximum duty of 1 cubic foot
per second.
(2; That economy in the application of water below a certain limit, which, for the
southerly slopes of this island seems to be about an average of 1 foot in depth per
nionili, can only be exercised at the expense of the yield of sugar.
(U) Tliat a greater duty than CO acres per cubic foot per second can not be counted
on with safety ; or, in other words, that :328,.^i00 gallons per acre are needed monthly,
or to mature a crop say lifteen times that amount, or 4,927,000 gallons, are required.
In estimating on the cost of pumping water for irrigation these are convenient ligures
to remember,
THE \yATER SUPPLY,
Our attention was first directed to the water supply that might be made available
for irrigating the Honouliuli rancho. This great body of land is bounded ou the west
for some i2 miles by the summit crest of the Waianae Monutaiiis, a range isolated
from the Koolaiipoko Mountains, or the main central range of the island. From the
foothill slopes of the Waianae range a broad plain sweeps south and east to the eastern
boundary of the rancho to Pearl Harbor and the ocean. This plain at its northerly
limit has an elevation of 1,200 feet; that portion above an elevation of 150 feet is
some 9 miles long, 1 to 2 miles wi<ie, and has an area of about 12,000 acres. Holow
an elevation of 20 feet is a broad oxtont of coral lands extending from Pearl Harbor
along the ocean to Waimaualo, containing some 11,000 acres. The rancho, exclusive
of Puuloa, has a frontage of nearly 5 miles on Pearl Harbor and 11 miles on the south-
erly seacoa^t of the island.
The area of the arable and irrigable lauds (from surveys of C. H. Kluogel, c. K.) is
about 17,000 acres (not including coral lands), divided as follows:
Acres.
Below 50 feet elevation 1 637
Between 50 and 100 feet elevation !!!!!! g' 276
Between 100 and 150 feet elevation .,^ 1177
At Waimanalo (estimated) '.'..'.'. 600
Plains above 150 leet elevation (as shown on map) 12,000
1'otal 17,690
The large body of arable land below 150 feet elevation extends from the right bank
of Waikele gulch in a southwesterly direction about 5 mil(>8, and is from 1 to 3 miles
■wide. The surface of this land, as well as that of the npp( r plain to the north, is
generally smootli, only broken by occasional dry gulches from the mountains, which '
in winter bringdown torrents of water heavily laden with silt and vegetable mold,
which is deposited upon the lower levels of the plain.
The soil seems of exceptional quality, and by comparison with other plantations
appears to be well adapted to the culture of cane. It has been so pronounced by ex-
perts more capable of judging than ourselves.
It is probably a conservative estimate to place the area of sugar land at 14.000 •
acres, 5,000 beloyv 150 feet, elevation, and 9,000 from 150 to 900 feet above sea level.
This area would require for its irrigation a quantity of Avater equal to 233 cubic feet
ainod on the
IRRIGATION IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS. 309
^il "r t l"sS?ecl "*^"* this water may be obtainable and from what sources
Mi:^::u:^Z alVb;if.?h^T^rd7ro^4LTa7e'.aTn?.= *V *,T* ^-'" '^^ Waianae
tres u, the way of storage of storm waters their ««1 1°' ^ detenniiie the i.ossibili-
for the existence of any^xtensive natural sites for Zri?*'" ''^'" ?""'''"■• ""favorable
thiuR may doubtless be done by the tank 8vltenrn„1r„ M® r««ervoir8, although some-
topographical survey of the property wouKi^^^
of supply available are : ^ ^ ^ """**" K» ve tnis wforraation. The other sources
h^:e t?e«;=3arL^r^^^^^^^^^^ ?"Iches. both of which
suitable for storage reservoir ffiffisameZvhJS'? ''*? """^ «»«'l ™»t«'-ial
Psfftarti'^^^^^^^^^^^
levels of^the plains; the 1.^^^^^^^^^^
^^2. Nat.„al springs of large volume that burst out around the margin of Pearl liar-
3. Artesian wells.
SUPPLY FROM SPRINGS.
bi?ff/a?cJ^f Z ri?nnf"lt^l'!r^t:CfaVr*o?r 7\I'r '"^^ ^-* «f t^^« low
here refrain from expressing ou^sur^rand Si L'''*''l ^A'L^"'"' *'"* ^« «»" "»*
nme and extent. They furnish a suddIv tbr irrit?r^™®°* ^ ^'^^'"^ phenomenal vol-
and a large area cultivated to bana3and taro f nSS IZir^'^'"^ T^ "^ "°« «"''l»
go to waste, or at most are only used to furnUh wtf^r 1 *'"'i '"''^ ^'6" H-'antities
that strong streams navigable 1^ small hoT«^^„^'^^P°'^?f *? ^*"""'' rice mills,
.^T^l teirif si^rr «S/ "^^^^
and horses have been seen to wade out L them "'""-^^^^^ ^"''^ *'""^''
water and drink from the fresh CuSs Lbbffi/iplom bLLT^^^ "°*^'^'' ^^^ «*^'
^ Our measurements were p.nnfin«/i f« ^i,„ T""""*!^? \^"'^ beneath.
second. . ^,^^
IS^A'tSS ;??S,S°"" ''°'"'°°"'' -'"' '«" "f Ati's r,» mill, ha™ . «„„ „f
this aggregates about 8 cubic feet per second ^ ^™® discharge from
We re«apll„l»te the measured How of S,Sl w.to a, follX ?" """""'•
Localities.
Ah In's rice-mill springs...
Aki's rice mill sprmgs
Puikani springs '.
Hausuloaaj springs
Waiawa gulch sprlngH .'.'.',
Waiawa rice-mill springs
"Waikele Crock Hpriiiga ....",
Total
Flow per
seooud.
OvMc/eet.
27.80
10.33
13.40
9.25
5.00
7.83
42.50
116.11
400
IRRIGATION IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
il
Those aprinus all lie within n rnuRo of 3 miles, and, as before explained, the volume
licii) given ropresentM only tlui larger Htreanw that were gathered in such channels
fiH nduiitted of moaMnreinent, and such as were not already approprialed and nsed
for irrigation of the extensive rice (iolds that fringe the bay below them. It repro-
sentH, too, the natural flow forced out against all impediments, and that after 18
months of exceptional drought.
We do not hesitate to say that a systematic development of these springs would
result in a large increase of the flow. Small drains in all directions through the ex-
tended areas of oozing ground, now so wet as to make unsafe footing, would so facili-
tate the drainage as to cutoff the water that finds its way to the sea without euLq^-
ing the channels where the flow was moasurfld. In southern California, where
similar springs or "cienegas" are of frequent occurrence, development by drain
ditches, tiles, and borings has not nnconunonly resulted in double, and aonietimea
quadruple, the natural flow. A definite plan for such work can only be laid out after
special survey affd study of each locality are made. The present measured flow, as
given on the preceding pnge, is mifflcient to irrigate 7,000 acres of sugar cane ; and
we have no doubt that the supply can bo increased sutlioiontly to provide for 10,000
to 1-2,000 acres if necessary. It would not be a difflcnlt matter to collect all the
water into one central pumping station if it was considered desirable to do so. It
■would probably be preferable, however, to establish two or more pumping plants,
and deliver the water from each to the plantation nearest to the supply.
THK ARTK8IAN-WKLL SUPPLY.
The discovery of the possibility of obtaining a supply of flowing water by deep
artesian borings around the margin of this island has been of incalculable value to
all property interests, and has compensated in a measure for the loss occasioned by
the perpetual robbery of the waters that fall so copiously upon the mountains, by
the porous and thirsty earth, and for the waters lost during torrential storms by
rapid drainage into the sea. On no other island of the gronp has nature provided
for such compensation, and even here the geological formation is so different from
that of any other region the world over where artesian water is obtained by boring,
that no scientiflc man would have risked his reputation in predicting the possibility
of securing flowing wells by boring in the volcanic and coral formations of this
conntry before success had demonstrated the fact.
Mr. James Campbell, the present owner of Honouliuli and Kahuku, is credited
with the distinction of having been bold enough to try the experiment which re-
sulted in the first flowing well in the kingdom. ' Thia well was bored 10 years ago
on the lower slopes of Honouliuli rancho, and a good flow obtained at a depth of 273
feet. It has been followed by so many successful attempts in the same direction that
the flowiivg wells on the island now number over 100, some of which equal, if thoy
do not exceed, the flow of the largest and most famous wells in California. One of a
group of four wells bored by Judge McCully on King and Beretania streets, Hono-
lulu, was carefully measured a few days since by Messrs. AUardt and Kluegel, and
the iiow was ascertained to be 3.98 cubic feet per second, or 2,580,000 gallons in
twenty-four hours. The combined flow of the four wells was ascertained to be 10.()rt
cubic feet per second, whiih is equivalent to about half the present water supply of
San Francisco, a city of more ^han 300,000 inhabitants. Two of the smallest of
them, flowing 4.1 cubic feet per deoond, are now made to irrigate 100 acres of rice.
A marked peculiarity of this artesiap. belt is that it is contiued to a marginal rim
around the island from sea level back to an elevation of ai to 42 feet above. In and
around the city of Honolulu, or the Kona district, water \'ill f v at the maximum
height of 42 feet. In this district also the largest and stronge veils are obtained.
In the Ewa district, which includes all the margins of Pearl Harbor and Honouliuli,
the limit of rise is 32 feot ; in the Waialua district it is 21 feet, and in the Koolau
district on the north side of the island, embracing the Kahnku rancho, the limit is
26 feet. This data is obtained from the last edition of Thrum's Almanac, in which is
given a list of all the wells and their depths. From this list it appears that the
deepest flowing well is that of Hon. C. R. Bishop in this city, 1,000 feet in depth.
The one of least depth is at Waialua, on Dickson <fc Paty's ranch, 200 feet in depth.
Five hundred feet is thought to be abont the average depth. A record of one of
Judge MoCully's wells shows the following strata jjassed through :
Surface soil, coral, gravel (with water. that rose a little way in the pipe), volcanio
ashes and pumice, rock, water-worn bowlders, ashes, volcanic rock, clay, water-
bearing gravel.
Experience thus far indicates that flowing water is almost certain to be obtained
anywhere around the margin of the island where the surface is lower than the lim-
its above mentioned. The foot of Diamond Head seems to be an exception to this
rnle, Mr. Campbell's well, recently bored in that locality, 1,500 feet in depth, having
failed to yield a flow. ^ ' *
IRRIGATION IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
ar csne : and
401
Up to date is may bo said that tlio artesian supply in practically unlimited lut th«
addition of new wells does not diminish the flow ot" others inthdrvicintV' There
seems to be a more or less direct connection betwo.,a the we Is and the Ltiearas from
s^'rh^s^'a-K^raV^L^r^^^^ *"^'^ "'' ^' ^"^^ «"« -" ^'^^ ^oT^ZT^'^'^.
same interior basin that overflows at or ne»r soa-level. This sSpplv L ilintained
by direct absorption of the rainfall by the porous lava rockVndTy iUltSn from
tho mountain streams. The fact that water will rise in tCLll 0^8 a few f^fc
ffidsa'free*?oS tLZt^A spru.g-PPoar indicate. th:Sh'o''o^fenwS.pte
anoras a ireer outlet than is alTorded by the seams and crevices throjch which tliA
TT^Th^prSa L'Te'ih^aTTi^^^ ^»>«-'^t-t« -- tHearTy ftSf'fltat':
nt-^u. ineproDabiUties are that the island is surrounded bv deen thick strata of
nf ^f^'r'^K^^"^:"^ sedimentarv formation, built up by slow i3t f?orn the wash
fhX^Z f^* streams of the islands; that these strata lap onto he landTo or ab" t
Ibove'^a iJverand'tZt m\7''}'' '''""«'>*»? ^^ the^gradual rise of the isfand
beneath tbem prevent the escape of the waters into the sea
seJve'to'^KSe^ffiS^^^^ "^ ''^''^'"'^'' '''''' section of the island, will
However, it is not our purpose to burden this report with scientific theories of little
practical value. If .t is true that the wells and the springs are supplierfrom the
henlTtw' r ^°.°"^' t?*°ktbi« source is sufficiently limited to cause any appre-
SKo^^^rsS^^^^^ "'"''^" "°"''"""^' plains would' dE-
aiji'Trif ^® ^"^"n^^ fruitless to attempt to estimate the amount of water obtain-
viioSf boring wells So far as anyone knows, it is practically inexhaustible. If
you obtain control of the unused springs around Pearl Harbor, they alone are r^or"
than sufficient to irrigate all lands below a height to which' it will pay to p™mD
water, and the probabilities are that wells would only be bored in case you faifed tE
fiiVH wn^?n' T"" ^'T «tb«^««»«•ces, or in localities so remote from the sprfngs
that It would be cheaper to bore for water than to carry it long distances through
S^Tarf- f !*"^ •■ Both springs and wells seem to be at your commanXand, loX
we are able to judge, either may be made to suffice for your purposes.
PUMPING WORKS AND COST OF PUMPING.
of''p°ump"ng wSk's.*^* ^'^""^^ "'' "**'**'' "^^"^ ^""'^ irrigation will involve tho erection
As heretofore stated, exclusive of the 600 acres estimated as available for crowini?
t^Tn^^HV^^.l*'"r*^"..^"^^^*^«°°^»l ^^^^^^^ there are 5,500 acres ^of 3
below lMet'imtude.''*° ^'' ^''*' °^ ""^'"^ '^ ^^' '^'''' °^' ^'^"^ ^«^«» *™
The 600 acres at Waimanalo should be supplied by artesian wells on account of
their remoteness fron^ the other sources of supply. ^The greaLr portion orthejJaSt
iTately moderle" ^««* *''^*""i«' co„8equen^l7the cost1>f pum?lng would be com*
The remaining 5,500 acres will require about 92 cubic feet of water per second to
S"*ni'^l"^'- J^T^^rV'^^ this quantity, as we have already st^ated, Ts run"
S7"n^n tn^^^f '° Wa.kele Creek, and if the right to use it is secured, a plantation Sf
^,700 to 3,000 acres could be immediately started. «"«'"u ui
hnlfni,°„r«f®1"i*®'^''^®"'®',t^? irrigable lands were to be divided into one or
Sn?^ ? P^*°*^**•T^'^® could formuKte more definite plans for the pampine
flt?h ^"^^i con/ "' «. etc. In default of this information we can only mSke esti^
mates from hypothetical cases. •. ^ •ud.^o can
Assuming that the springs were under one control, and that tho water were to be
H. Ex. 46— —26 *
402 IRRIGATION IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
by Beparate eyatema. ^ several plantatioue, each pumping water
economical migines Lre tbose w c^ extract thHrLn *'*'''''• ^"'l t^^'^^ the moat
given quantity of coal, or that <lo the u .wt tor^r unit nT."n ^ °^P«^^'"^ f^"i a
compound condensing type are used forthin o\lFVf S'^,^'^'^^- Eugines of the
duty. Ther require to b^«ru conSuallv 1 mvivtr • VJ^' '*','"'"«« «* t^^^ir high
proviaion muat le made for HtoStrwuf.rnm^^ i"'?^^ a<id day. For tliia roaaon
aait ia not considered p. ac[iSvUrdosi^rilot7ir^^^^^^^^ "'^'^* ^"' ^^^ following day,
of the difficulty of dofng the work pro, d^ ''«=«"»t
engines should give a duty of immumle. , ,^'*'" "* •"J"»"y *" the cane. The beat
acting engines do not oftL. evcS 6^)0 Of f"°^ ^'"^ "" ?"""*!« «f •=«'*1- I^irecl
while contrifngal Vnmvi%clZl^&ri£^^^ ^''^ pounds of coal,
^t^d^'^T^^^ ciLr o*rp.Z%l --^^«-^^-. where suc^h^^
ca^bll^Sll^'.edngTo'Koo Sns'nerdrf * o'f the cost of a pumping plant
BUlfloient to amply i^riSSeXsoo SlTs'f ^ugar cVn"e •* ''''^''' °^ ^^° ^«*' « ^"''"*^°y
ute, water cylinders 14* by 48 stroke at «52^nn^ revolutions permin-
Seven 180 hor/e-power HeinUaSy boi^e^^^^^^^^ $162, 500
Erecting engines and boilera.. 6,500
Excavations, pump-well, etc., aa'v 16,000
Piping and feed pumps 10,000
Engine house 12,000
Freight to Honolulu 25,000
5,000
Total
_, 286,000
?^'' m"^,'' ^J"P« «*■ t»^i« «'ze will be 6 6 ffeet ner secoml ^/^''^']^ velocity of water '
Waikele Creek, near the public road or but a^i?H™^iV^® ^ were located on
easary would be very short to rearh n,„ in!,1 ,^^ ^^i"^, the length of pipe nec-
laid would be about'llSoo Vbka bdn '^^ t^l^.TH'^'i^*'^'' ^^^ its total coat
The engines here estimated oi are Z h if *?!t^''*i'^''*« °^«°«* "P *» $300,000.
pumping engines as manStured W ho "^^Ar^^^^ W^rf^'^r^^''^'^^ bori^ontal
whose agent in this citv Mr Tnn n^L iL i i ° Works of San Francisco, bv
The co^st of Pumping^;efda';^i5Cattt as fol& ^*^« ^^«" -"^«<i- ^
One chief engineer, at $175 per month
Two assistant engineers, at $100 per month each ^-75
Three coal passers, at $40 per month each 6.65
live oilers, at $40 per month each 4.00
Oifardtr,°siV'"'^'^'^«'^*«'^"°'V--^^^^^^^^^^^^ 20%'o'
Total '''ZZZ'Z'Z " 1^
iss?iayKrTfn7;^i^?'grd"rvS^
plied to the quantity requin J forirvhr^^tV^lLJ' <'«f V^^«»W not be exceeded. Ap- .
month, or $1 f!>r each watering per avToralou! tTl^r^' "^ "*""* *" ^^ «"'•« A
acre per crop, p^or a lift of 200 feefth« ^Lt 7 *^ -^^'^ '''^■<' -P*'" «"«««'» or $45 per
greater than for a lift of 100 feet a,,',! t h« « * °^ *'°g'''^'' ^ould be about 50 per cent
fial e%' r rV^^^^^^^^^^ tf f ^- V-5^^;*-^ and unjust,
cash yield may be had from i rrm. nf .. there be produced, but here a greater
is obtained froV the be to™ thl^vorln^T^^^^ '° '^ montlfs than
and what would otherwise a,., ■• r .^^ ' f '^^' ?. ""f^'^^^ *" 1^ years of cultivation,
bounds. '^P'"'^'^ '^*' ^" excessivo tax comes within reasonable
We have the permission of Mr. Itu.u Morrri.on, general manager of the Spreckela-
ks would be
Hiping water
l^e qimutities
uit the luost
ower from a
i|,,'ines of the
t' their high
»• this reason
Uowing <lay,
it on account
e. The best
oal. Direct
nds of coal,
ve a greater
II for a per-
here such a
iping plant
a quantity
al-
in-
.. $162,500
-. 28,000
.. 21,000
6,500
.. 16,000
.. 10,000
.. 12,000
-. 25,000
5,000
■- 286,000
it required.
7 of water
located on
•f pipe nec-
8 total cost
$300,000.
horizontal
ncisco, by
od.
— $5.75
... 6.65
--. 4.00
... 6.65
... 20.00
... 33.45
se-
at
.. 187.50
.. 270.00
I estimate
led. Ap-
aore per
T $45 per
per cent,
lit double
I unjusti-
Ei greater
iths than
tivation,
asouable
[>reckela-
IRBIGATION IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS. 403
ville plantation, to quote him as giving his deliberate opinion that on good sugar
land, by which is meant laud that will yield good average crops of sugar, one can af-
ford to pay as much as $100 per acre per aunnm for water sufficient to irriuate it
abundantly. "
With sugar at 6 cents per pound and an average yield of but 4 tons per acre per
crop, the gross yield would be $480 per acre, and the net results about as follows :
Cost of irrigating, stripping, weeding, cutting, transporting, grinding, and
manufacturing, say $50 per ton. (Mr. Morrison states that thje average
cost of his entire crop of 1888, landed in San Francisco, was but $44 per
ton.) Four tons, at $50 toon nn
Water, lifted 100 feet hi-h '.'.-!!"1I!.'!! 46*00
Interest on pumping plant for 2,800 acres, costing illOO.o'oO.'at 10 n'eVcent. for
fifteen months — $37,500 = $13.40 13.40
Total 258.40
This leaves a net return per acre of $221,60, or, on a plantation of 2,800 acres, a net
yield of over $600,000 per annum. Even with sugar at 4 cents per pound, the net re-
tnrns on a yield of 4 tons per acre would be over $60 per acre per annum, or $15 per
ton. » ■» r
x-^*jrS"**^ be advisable to develop all the land that is irrigable below an elevation
of 100 feet betore planning pumping works for a higher lift. As we have seen, the
area below that level is sufficient for the establishment of a greater plantation than
IS now in existence on any of the islands, with water in abundance for it.
STORAGE RESKBVOIUS.
There is abundant evidence to show that during heavy storms all of the main
streams from the mountains carry large volumes of water to the sea, notwithstanding
the fact that a very large percentage of the rainfall is absorbed by infiltration into
the porous earth. This infiltration would be much greater than it is if all the rain-
fall came in gentle showers, evenly distributed through the year ; but whenever
storms occur m which the precipitation exceeds 1 or 2 inches in 24 hours, absorption
can not take up the water as fast as it comes, and the excess finds its way rapidly
into the streams and flows away. Every stream shows high-water marks that indi-
cate the frequency of such storms, which are said to occur with more regularity in
the winter months, but may be expected throughout the year at any time. These
high-water marks also indicate that very small watersheds may vield a large quan-
tity of water, and though there is no guide as to the duration of the freshets or the
intervals between them, they show that the rainfall on the mountains must at times
be very great. The only rainfall records available as an indication of what the
mountain precipitation may be are those kept for 19 years, from 1867 to 1884 by J
II. Woods, in Nunanu Valley, 2i miles back from the seashore, and at an elevation
of 554 fev,t above tide, and by Mr. J. K. Wilder, in the immediate neighborhood of the
former, for 6 years, from lb<9 to 1884. Mr. Wood's record is as follows :
Year.
KAinfaU.
Tear.
RainfalL
1867
IncTiet.
75.21
77.10
53.87
80.29
67.14
65.46
67.03
80.16
65.89
1876
Inohet.
88. »7
64.12
49.12
96.94
95.28
7a 86
64.69
50.62
1868
1877 .. .
1869
1878 '.'.
1870
1879
1871
1880 "'
1872
1881
1873
1882 "
1874
1883 "
1875
The mean rainfall for this period was 62.6 inches. For 6 years, from 1879 to 1884
the mean rainfall was 69.48 inches, distributed as follows: '
Tear.
KainfalL
Tear.
KainfalL
January
Inchet.
9.69
3.82
8.12
6.20
3.28
6.52
July
Inohet.
5.55
6.38
3.88
4.02
5.06
6.78
February
August
March
8eT)t6iiibBr
April
M^y
No vp in her
June
-
404 IRRIGATION IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
The greatest rainfall in the different months during this period waa as follows:
Tear.
JmnMj
February...
Uaroh
April
May
Jnae
Katnfall.
lneh»i.
27. U
6.4i
14.01
7.69
8.44
0.73
Tear.
Jnly
Aaifnst....
Heptember.
October...
Kovombor.
Decern bur .
RalnfUI.
IntKtt.
7.U
7.64
0.40
10.12
7. S3
0.03
The records of Mr. Wilder practically agree with those of Mr. Wood.
The well-known fact that the rainfall increases in more or less direct ratio wJ«.
}5S fi7^**°°' *"^. *''" '■"'*^1' '"«=* "'»* tb« "°"d« here quCted show an increaTe S
}S {^H^fl?^T^«"^'" *5'*'^ *^** "* °' "«»' sea-level in HonXu, would Kifv
ahrtl?rt?r.tt'5^^^^^
s^r;ete:'ertT;^;?iu^m^rAir^"
WaiawaOuhh iJeserwir. --Tho first reservoir site surveyed waa on Waiawa Giilnh
nf Q-fr'"/'' "!]'' ?^"\'' ♦»»«Ewaroad.cro88ing, wherea.l.ml^ ha^i^^l »" extr^ne hS
of 93 feet and a length on top of e07 feet, will store S'l^uSo iaKof waffir
making a reservoir covering :i76 acres, with an extreme Icngth'ofVmiles' '
-nffl.wf ".***'l*^ ayai alile is an excellent quality of red earth o^clair which is
snlflciently abundant in the imu.ediate vicinity. An earthen dam wUh a width of
20 feet on top, npper slope 2* to 1, lower slope 2 to 1, would contiir25P 700 oiThfn
yards, and sfiould be built with all accessories for $175 000 to $200 000 "" *"****"
Its area and capacity at different levels are given in the following table :
Elevation
above sea
level.
Area.
Total contents.
Feet
Aere$.
Qailont.
30
22
40
78
163, 500, COO
60
110
485, 062, 500
60
147
019, 312, 500
70
170
1, 437, 843, 750
80
198
2, 039, 343, 750
00
250
2, 771. 718, 750
100
276
3,361,312,600
lli"i watershed area is 16,500 acres. With an avnrinr« nf -i &«<• ^e -„:„r n j • ,
off this area it would furnish water enough to fiUtKpper 3^feet of ?h« ^^r °**
7i times during the year. If it were mief bJLnoia yX^Twltd irn>^^^^
If It were filled four times a year it would water 2,200 acres S i^Xut what w«
th; „«? / *'"^^'®^ ^''?"^** ?® encountered in the foundations. Our estimate show^
the cost of a pumping plant for 2,800 acres to be $300,000, or $107 per acre Th«rt^
hvery of water from the dam after it was once proZriy constructed w^^^^ h« L™'
qatively inexpensive-very slight as compared wfth t'Lrconstantij^^^^^^^^
IRRIGATION IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
405
ftctnally Horve«l by it. The iniporUnce of tlio subiect i8iiimri«nt tr woi-ra^* *u^
coDStractioa „f a woir i„ tl.e hI Joa.n, whero a record of iU 1 uHght 1.?^ Vr ^
Tk« fVaikakalaua Reservoir.— A HUTvey was made by Messrs. AJIardt aixi Kliieffelnr
a reservoir site ou Waikakala.ia Quloh, the .lam site beiuK locatml abou 1 (Xxf feet
below the bridgo on the Waialua roa<l, at an elevation of r,80 f^t above sea Syel at
base and the reservoir e.^toudiug above the bridge abont threeTrths mile T J
top of the dam, as s.irveye.l, will be m foot above ti.le, and tlie waters sh ml miv
be conveyed to tho Ilououliuli plains with about a miles of oon.lniV r„a,?i, . /
l^low 500 to 550 feet elevation. The conteiuronilettr^Lrwoui:/ b^.t u? i*fol!
Eluvation
above sea
level.
Area.
Total oon-
tents.
Ftet.
580
eoo
020
040
000
Square Pett.
50,000
560, 000
1,475,000
2, 775, 000
4, 325, 000
OalUmt.
"'22,'725,'6o6"'
08, 002, 500
258, 037, 600
624,287,6««
This yolnme, If the reservoir be filled once a year only, would malnfftln & «»».».„*
flow of 2i cubic feet per second, without allowLce fof'lo^by^vap^^^^^^^^^^^
need not be regarded as the living stream would probably be sufflcifnt to suddIv it
The area of the wa ershed is about 4,500 acres, all above 600 feet elevation and
having an average rainfall annually probably eiceeding 90 inche,: Three feet in
d«pth drained ofthe watershed would suffice to lill the reservoir 9 times a year As
i-?AZ""? V' ?,"' a? »™««opable quantity to expect, nnless we are much dved
as to the rainfall and the neriodioal freshets, it is quite likely that the reservoir would
be filled once every 6 wee^s, as its fllUng would require but 4 inches drained from
the^entire watershed, which we judge is not ordinarily beyond reasonable expect"
On this basis, therefore, the reservoir may be considered equivalent to a reservoir
2o!!|,W„*'w nlr*"""" ^ """'^ ?"''«.'' y**"^- '^''^'^ ^""I'l ''"■-"I aconstant stream of
20 cubic feet per second, a supply adequate for 1,200 acres of sugar cane.
The dam would be tormed of earth, of which a superior quality well suited for the
purpose IS at hand. A dam 20 feet wide on top, with side slopesTf ajo 1 on the
iXLtd' «^^ ?(£ toX?o'oo7%7?"'^r ^''^
f ?r\f H»^„ J «1^,000 to «1.W,000. Its length on top would be but 400 feet. The site
tL «l?ir * ^''.^"'-aH^ one, and the material is as good as could be desired.
The ordinary flow of the stream as we fouud it is about H cubic feet per second
which 18 considerably less than the flow 3 miles above. This is in aseason of droS'
and 18 represented to be far below the normal flow "oason oi arougdt,
If our estimate of the regularity and frequency of the filling of the reservoir is cor-
rect, It would appear to be a very desirable location for a work of this kind But^
much depends upon meteorological data, which is not obtainable except bvcoutinr
the Jrovir-ff P'^"*'^^''*^^* observation, that we can only submit our flgVreswUh
In this case, as in that of the Waiawa reservoir, we re. -mmend further observation
and measurement of the stream before definite piana are decided upon.
THE KAHUKU RANCHO.
™8 well-known rancho occupies the extreme northerly point of the Island «»
S?f Z'""" ^^^^'"'^ f *^« niountains to the sea, and from Waimea River ou the
rtL*P»r'^°°.*''®Tf*^*- .}^ '« ^ miles distant from Honolulu, either by the Waialua
To h^^ ^^' '■°?,^- , Its position on the windward side, with high mountains rearine up
rapidly from the level ofthe belt of valley land along the coasTg"ves it abunfau?
Zi «™lti°^ .°'°*5^', '\ "" P^^P^t"**! verdure. Cattle roaming ovef its hills and val-
leys are all fat and sleek, and water is bursting out in places all alone the coast Jen
ocflrZZitrT*'^^'^' ^'^\'' ^^«"* midway between the ffothXan/the
fSin^ke^^SStorth^^^^^^^^^^^
West of Promontory Point (a bold clififputting out into the valley about midwav of
the rancho) this character of springs is met with at intervals nearly 2u the wa J to
406 IBBIOATION IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
the eiwt. are a numbor of flowing wcHh yi.iding a oonsiderabli volume ot wSter
5 ^Lr^* auTvK &l7«f "'/",'""• r."«"^ °f "'' ""'^"^ '" Keen 4 0(5i and
««!-:^ 4^' 1 'yinR j'*'"^ f>0 f«nk olevation and mostly lower than 25 feet The flat
Bn^LLn'ir^l'"' . *'i''T * "P««^'«"y adaptable to rice, and more eiw inr^luate*! ?»;
ot^^ml^ng """* "' "^^P^"^ "'"P*' ^^"« **« '«^ «J«^«*'«" would cllLpon "he co»[
i.A*'' ^i"*" ^'i no qneatlon, we think, of the abundance of witor buddIv available
tio^*'wn!!w'^Sli' ^®'"** "** much greater than at Hononlinli the water needed for irriira-
Walmea River * ^, ^ Perseoond.
Springs east of KawailoaBiver'.::::::::;; cubic feet.. 8
Kawalloft Biver 'J° — 25
do 60
JSrSt™ A * ■"^.'""'■'""''"'"""''y '"""'^ »"' ■" 'Inost every oHo" ciTilhid
Sj'^.^'T '"'B»''»'' '» PMoticed. Where wMer i. so valelblj as it is here It
sol^et-^r^^^^^
ing the lands and the available water supply. And we can oheeXlTv »?i^ +1^^ •
pipfo^ewfoxv^^^^^^^^^^^
ready graded almost to the limits of Honoluh;, and projected to reach Kahuku^m
i^«irH« il!°tr*^ *^^ "^^^ **'^««"y ^^""^ *»»« piantationi to thrprEpal port ofThe
w?£;«T^''"^ **^® sugar to be placed on shipboard at HonXlu from the Va™
withoutexpenwve transshipment, rehandling,andl[ghterage,andgivSgS^nalfacmty
IRRIOATION IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
4C7
to be op,.reciat.'.l ^ "'''^'"'" *'"' '"'."rUnoo of which can n.it full
dala rvailTir."''"'"' '""" "' """"'"'" "'"^ ^'-"'"^y ^an been cu.pile.l ft-o... the best
Ja8. D. Schuyler, C. E,
0. F. AlXABDT, C. E.
CONTINENT OF EUROPE.
AUSTRIA-HUNGARY.
BEPOJtT ST CONSVLGENEIIAL GOLDSOnMIDT.
INTitODUOTOBY BEMAEKS*
ia«'^^ST/i'n'"*^"^*-''*^^''*f ""-P"^^ ^^^ considerably increased within the
last 30 or 40 years m Austria, agriculture still forms by far the princi-
pal occupation of its inhabitants, no less than 13,025,099 of people of a
^onni?P?'^-;r «f .22 144,244 being engaged in 'the diffeJenrpursults
of 1880 ^^"^"It'ire and forestry according to the last census.
The soil is as a rule fartile, although the different districts widely
ISJ?.^''??"''^'/®"®®®'.^''*''*'"'^*"^*** *^®^^ geographical position, their
elevation, their temperatnre, rainfalls, etc. '
In Austria about 94.29 hectares of every 100 are productive soil.
There IS, however, a considerable difference in the distribution of unpro-
ductive soil between the western districts and those of the east.
By diligence and exertion the entire cultivable soil of the western
couiitry IS effectually cul ti vated, and the still-existing uncultivated areas
may therefore be considered as actually uncultivable: in the east how-
ever there are large areas which still count among the uncultivable
but which with sufficient and cheap labor and by rational treatment
might be transformed into cultivated lands. w««iwuenii
(7rop«._The crops grown in Austria amount in the average to the
following quantities : & " mo
Rye** hectolitres., 14,500
Barley:::::;::::: ^°-- ^i^^^
Oats :..... ^"■■- 16,500
Indian corn ...:::::: ^"■- ^3,400
Buckwheat and millet ::::::: :::::::::::::::i:::::::::::: do" '" \'m
ferr."/''"*^ ^-to"*-" ''^':"'«
Flax ::{ do... 88,300
Uemn kilogrammes.. 42,500,000
Sugar *>'«'«;; .- do... 24,900,000
ToWo.. do... 4,200,000.000
Hops!. :: do... 4.000,000
Olive oil. ...::: °"-" yy^^^'^^^
Wine...: l-VV.^''-" ",000,000
heotohtrea.. 3,300
409
410
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — AUSTRIA-HUNGARY.
Bohemia, Gi'i' " i, Moravia, and Upper Austria also have a K^onsider-
able rape-seed culture, crops limountinj? to about (iOO,0()0 bectolitres
per annum.
The annual production of fruit amounts to about 700 millions kilo-
grammes, a great deal of which is exported.
Austria has very extensive woodlands, which cover more than one-
thirJ of the entire productive area.
The crown and the state own areas of woodland, principally in the
Bukowina, in Galicia, Salzburg, and Tyrol, amounting to 898,000
hectares.
The average product of timber per annum amounts to 27,000,000
cubic metres, a considerable part of which is exported in the form of
masts, staves, and lumber.
Hungary up to quite recent times has been almost exclusively an
agricultural country. Its crops are about of the same kind as those in
Austria, with the addition of melons, poppies, chesnuts, and mulberries
for silkworm culture. Wine is one of the chief staples of Hungary,
the annual production of which amounts to 9,000,000 and in good years
up to 16,000,000 hectolitres.
CiilHvation.—A general representation of the state of culture in the
different provinces of Austria and in Hungary is given in the following
talile:
Province.
Lower Austria
Upper Anetria
Suzbnrg
Styrlft
Corlnthia
Camiola
Trie8te,Gori7,,Gra-
dlsca, and Istria
Lyrol and Voralberg
Bohemia
Moravia
Silesia
Galiola
Bukowina
Dalmatia
Hungary
Crotia and Slavonia
Transylvania
Hilitary Boundary
District
PercbfltBge of productive area.
Grain,
etc.
41.96
38.13
11.88
19.89
.15
U. 42
18.58
7.27
49. m
52.50
48.62
48.00
28.14
11.20
40.43
30.68
26.16
29.63
Bice-
fields,
Vine-
yards,
.08
2.34
1.63
.01
1.02
2.48
.44
.02
1.07
5.58
1.61
1.97
.57
1.07
Mead-
ows
and
gar-
dens.
13.84
20.39
13. 25
12.77
12.48
17.40
13.42
15. 06
42. 47
8.90
7.67
13.04
13.19
.97
13. 87
12.92
19.07
17.86
Pas-
ture
lands.
Olive,
laurel,
and
chesnut
groves
7.88
5.43
38.12
16.75
26.38
21.69
41.04
.3
.■iO. 99
.3
7.95
10. 32
10.91
10.40
12. 71
59.00
125
17.10
11.23
11.06
16.69
W.^od
lai. ''J.
Total pro-
ductive
area in Aus-
trian acres
(joch).
33,98
3tJ.05
36.75
49.00
46.13
45.47
24.37
46.21
29.97
27.21
32.80
27. 09
45, 06
21.91
26.90
43.20
4:1. 14
34.75
3, 233, 986
1,893,702
997, 448
3, 575, 5S8
1, 581, 029
1, 642, 323
1, 302, 050
4,079,160
8, 750, 063
3, 704, 503
86.5, 980
13, 101, 255
1,761,856
2, 164, 9;i8
31,297,991
2,901,403
8,261,2r.5
4, 672, 729
Total
perceut-
age pro
ductive
area
93,88
90.84
80.10
91.64
87.71
94.67
93.79
80.04
90.92
95. 90
06.81
92.23
89.44
90.31
83.96
86. 63
86.52
80.15
Total
percent-
age un-
produc-
tive
area.
6.12
9.16
19.90
8.S6
12.29
5.33
6.21
19.96
3.08
4.10
3.19
7.77
10.56
3.09
16.01
13.37
13.48
19,86
As a summary, the foregoing table contains in its last three columns
the actual measurement of productive soil in Austrian acres (joch) — 1
joch being 3quivalent to 0.57646 hectares— and the percentnai propor-
tions of the productive and unproductive areas.
As will be seen from the foregoing table, Bohemia, amongst all Aus-
trian provinces, has by far the most meadows and gardens, viz, 42.47
per cent., whereas, Dalmatia shows the least, with only 0.97 per cent,
on account of the poor Karst soil (Karst Mountains). Of grass land in
general, that is, pastures, meadows, -and gardens together, Dalmatia,
%VT^\\Tg\W*
argest proi)ortiuij, viz, 59.07 per cent.
In order to prevent any misunderstanding of this statement, it must
be borne in mind that this entire percentage in Dalmatia represents
al
lit'
Total
percent-
age un-
ive
1.
produc-
tive
area.
88
6.12
!4
9.16
10
10.90
M
8.86
71
12.29
57
5.33
n
0.21
)*
19.90
12
3. 08
)0
4.10
?1
3.19
23
7.77
4
lO.fiO
il
3.09
)6
10.04
i3
13.37
>2
13.48
5
19,86
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — AUSTRIA-HUNGARY. 411
meager pasturo hind only. If the meadow land alone, without tlie
meadows, only intermittently used as such, be included in the area of
soil employed in agriculture, and not counting the permanent pastures.
It becomes evident that the former, the meadow land, amounts in the
maximum, in the mountainous part of the Voralberg district, to 92.8
per cent, of the entire area of agriculture, while its minimum, viz, 0.2
per cent., exists in the most southern coast district of Dal matia.
The hay crop of the (perennial) meadows is largest in the upper
J^lu^^ V.*"®y.^^^*"^* ^^ '^y^**'' ^" central and lower Styria, and south
of the Danube in upper Austria, as well as in the neighboring part of
lower Austria, and amounts to 3,200 to 4,200 kilogrammes per hectare.
In most of the other parts of the above-named provinces and districts,
further, almost in the whole of Bohemia and Moravia, the hay crop
amounts to 2,200 to 2,700 kilogrammes per hectare. The poorest hay
crop 18 in Salzburg, Oarniola, in the coast district, in southern Tyrol,
and m east Galicia, where it does not amount to more than from 1,400
to 1,800 kilogrammes per hectare.
Rain/all.— In comparison to the above-quoted proportion of crops,
the mean quantities of rainfall in the different districts shall be given
expressed in millimetres, and for the four seasons, viz, winter, Decem-
ber to February ; spring, March to May; summer, June to August;
fall, September to November. '
The following figures show the rainfall in the southern part of Tyrol,
the central and northern part of Styria and Oarinthia, the Bohmerwald
Mountains, and the northeastern slope of the Carpathian Mountains:
.^^, , Millimetrea.
Ef 100-150
llu - 300-400
'*" 200-300
According to this the annual quantity of rainfall in the above dis-
tricts amounts to 750 to l,OoO millimetres.
In lower Styria and south of the Danube, in upper Austria, the rain-
lall IS about the same, only in winter and spring it is somewhat
larger, viz : r o
.|^. . Millimetres.
l^??™^'^ ■ 300-400
'*" 200-300
The central basin of Bohemia and the lowlands of Moravia she vthe
following quantities :
-_. . Millimetres,
Winter rn mn
Spring .. :. 50-100
"-n 150-200
**^'— ■• 50-100
That is 300 to 550 millimetres per annum.
The greatest summer rainfall, with 500 to 600 millimetres, takes place in
Voralberg, on the sloiies of the Dachstein Mountains, in upper Aus-
tria, and on those of the Predi* Mountains (Carinthia and Goriz), while
it IS smallest in the northern part of Dalmatia, where it only amounts
to 100 to 150 millimetres. On an average it may be supposed that the
greater quantities of summer rainfall of 300 to 400 milHinofrfis nnrr/>.
Bponds to the hay crop of 3,000 to 4,000 kilogrammes per hectare, and the
smaller quantities of 150 to 200 millimetres to the hay crop of 2,000 to
2,500 kilogrammes per hectare.
412
I' I-
IRBIGATION IN EUROPE — AUSTRIA-HUNGARY.
In this calculation it must be considered that for the crops of 4,000
Jjilograinraes per hectare generally a more or less copious irrigation ia
Temperature.— The following table shows the mean temperature, in
degrees K6aumur, of some of the principal places in Austria :
Towns.
Laybitoh
Trieste
KaftaB«
Bladenz
iDDBbrack . . .
Isobel
Kliwenfarth .
Budweis
Vienna
Prague
Lemborg
Deo.
.95
4.35
7.97
.81
2. U
1.21
3.61
1.25
.20
.18
2.30
Jan.
2.07
B.63
a. 97
1.04
2.S<i
2.11
4.80
2.21
1.35
1.18
3.03
Feb.
.68
4.66
7.78
1.28
.14
.26
2,40
.61
.53
.34
2.15
Mar.
3.02
0.65
8.96
3.10
2.85
1.40
1.27
1.95
3.51
2.71
.73
April May.
7.80
10.81
11.69
7.37
7.24
6.30
6.85
6.34
8.16
7.27
5.94
11.43
14.39
U.94
10.57
10.54
10.11
10.83
10.03
12.54
11.30
11.39
Juno.
14.88
18.08
18.18
12.71
R02
12.95
14. 32
13.38
15.14
14.78
14.77
July
15.74
19.30
20.20
13.80
13.79
13.76
16.03
14.37
16.44
1,5.68
15.57
Aug.
15. 31
19.12
20.35
13.64
13.76
13.58
14.31
14.08
16.10
15.41
15.45
Sept.
12.01
15.1-4
17.96
11.37
11.13
10.92
11.00
10.89
12.60
12.21
11.37
Oct.
8.65
12.47
15.25
7.84
7.58
7.39
7.18
6.79
8.33
8.12
7.82
Nov.
3.21
7.40
11.08
2.66
1.97
1.98
1.10
1.M
3 43
2.62
1.70
Aver-
ago.
7.48
11.38
13.44
6.87
6.45
6.24
5.93
0.28
7.97
7.43
6.44
AREA IRRIGATED.
How great a part of the existing meadows is actually watered bv
special irrigation can not be ascertained, as no statistics exist on this
subject; it may be safely supposed, however, that the area under arti-
flcial irrigation does not exceed 10 per cent, of the whole.
Only quite recently attention is beginning to be paid to amelioration
ot the soil by artifacial irrigation, which movement is essentially assisted
by the "agricultural offices » that have been established in the different
provinces.
Meadow irrigation on a larger scale, although generally in an imper-
fect state of construction, may be found, for instance, on'the Schwarza
Creek, on the Pitt en Eiver, and on the Fischa Creek in the southern
part of lower Austria; m the Mattig Valley in Upper Austria: near
Klagenfurth in Cannthia; in the upper and central Lun Valley, as well
as m the upper Etsch Valley in Tyrol; further on the farms of Prince
Schwarzenbergat Wittingau; at the imperial and royal stud farm at
S??"^,i '\r^u B'stntz Valley near Horitz, west of Koniggratz, and
in the Elbe Valley, near Pardubitz, in Bohemia.
WATER SUPPLY.
The water required for irrigation purposes is, according to local cir-
cumsta s, taken either from rivers, creeks, springs, ponds, or other
As a rule the water is conducted from rivers or creeks with its natural
head into channels or ditches. This is the case, for instance, in the
water conduits from the Sil Creek near Innsbruck, from the Glan Eiver
above Klagenturth, from the Elbe Eiver near Opatovic, south of Konig-
gratz, in Bohemia, etc. The water course is generally stemmed more
or less high, at the place where the conduit is to be started, by a suit-
able dam, which will cause the water to flow into the irrigation channel.
Ihe latter is, at its source or beginning generally provided with a gate,
which serves to protect it from floods and to permit of its being laid
dry when required. e »*
For the irrigation of comparatively small meadows there arn in manv
places lound water wheels for raising the water from the natural water
course (creek or river) to the higher border laud. These wheels are
■^ I
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — AUSTRIA-HUNGARY.
413
at.
Nov.
Aver-
age.
65
3.21
7.48
47
7.40
11.38
25
11.08
13.44
84
2.66
6.87
58
l.»7
6.45
69
1.08
6.24
18
1.10
5.93
79
1.4«
0.28
d3
3 43
7.07
12
2.62
7.43
82
1,70
6.44
suitably mounted and placed in the creek or river, by whose current
they are rotated li' o any common water wheel, and being provided with
suitable buckets they raise the water from the river ami discharge it
into a sluice, by which it is conducted into the irrigating ditches.
Such wheels for raising water are found in large numbers on the
Eisack River, in Tyrpl, above Bozen.
rolw ?*^?'' fc^Pensive devices for raising water by machinery are but
rarely employed. For irrigating the extensive meadows at Kladrub.
in Bohemia, for instance, a 30-centimetre centrifugal pump is put to
work, when the Opatovic Canal contains too little or Ko water. This
pump IS then operated by a 12 horse-power portable engine, and raises
the water Irom the Elbe River to a height of 5.5 metres
Wells, tanks, or cisterns are generally employed for the irrigation of
kitchen gardens only. Arrangements of this kind may be found in the
environs of large cities, especially around Vienna. In this kind of irri-
gation the water is as a rule pumped from the well, tank, or cistern bv
means of a horse-power. o^om ujr
Mode of irrigating.— In localities where but small supplies of water
are found in creeks or springs, basins or ponds are formed by fhe erec-
tion of suitable dams. The basins thus formed permit the use of a com-
paratively large quantity of water at a time during the short period
when irrigation 18 required. ^tponuu
Such small basins or ponds have been constructed, for instance, at the
triflin.T cost of 100 florins at Guttaring in Oarinthia for the irrigation of
a largo meadow of 3 hectares, and on the Saager farm in Carinthia for
a meadow of 1.7 hectares, when the total cost of construction amounted
to only 35 florins. In this latter case the liquid stable manure is also
conducted into the irrigation pond for the purpose of giving to the water
at^he same time a fertilizing efJect. fe fe
The forming of reservoirs or basins by the suitable damming up of a
valley by means of an earth or masonry dam is very frequent in Bohe-
mia, ine mam object in the construction of such reservoirs and ponds,
however, is the promotion of pisciculture, and in some cases also the
production of a proper water supply for furnishing power to sawmills,
flour mills, and other works. Irrigation from such ponds is here in
almost every case only a secondary consideration.
A ^n/n*^restiiig example of a pond (or furnishing water-power is the
Archduchess Sofle pond near Pribram, in Bohemia, which is formed
by the Pilka earth dam.
Amongst the great earth dams in valleys that of the largest fish-
pond, the Rosenberg pond, near Wittingau, in Bohemia, is the most
prominent. » o muou
On account of the great security and peculiarity of construction of its
water outlet the Pilka dam is most instructive. Here the outlet is
ettected by a ine of iron piping in form of a siphon, which is placed in
a gallery cut into the solid rock. f u
By this siphon arrangement the continuity of the earth dam is no-
where interrupted.
Water distribution.— In Austria there exist no special institutions ft.r
the supply and distribution of water from the main conduits (canals,
etc.,) for irrigation purposes as, for instance, the so-called " water mo-
dule in Upper Italy Such arrangements are not known in Austria
lor tlie reason that hrii», no iiui<m»twioTif o,.<-ii,.»^».;ox> .^...:«4-« * j;_^
quantities of water Irom canals. The distribution of the water into the
ditterent side ditches is ettected by simple, mostly wooden, gates, which
are raised or lowered according to requirement.
— ■^<^ ,i ■" ■■■ W ll " I
^:t
414
IBEIGATION IN EUliOPE — AUSTBIA-HUNQARY.
In smaller water conduits still more 8imi)Ie moans iire employed for
reffulating the supply. A stone or piece of sod being placed in the
narrow ditch is made to act as a dam or gate for obtaining the desired
overflow or entrance of the water into the side ditches.
Regarding the distribution of water on meadow land, it must here be
mentioned tliat artificial meadow culture is almost totally discarded in
Austria. Where the inclination of the ground permits, that is, where
it exceeds 2J to 3 per cent., the cheap and natural "slope" culture is
employed, in which the irrigating ditches are made to follow the forma-
tion of the ground, with but a very slight incline of only 2 per cent.
In irrigations of older date ditches with a greater incline are em-
ployed, which, however, do not effect as uniform an irrigation as the
former.
Where the ground is almost level (incline less than 2^ to 3 per cent.)
in exceptional cases only an artificial incline is attempted, otherwise the
simple overflow system is employed in forming suitable and shallow
basins by small earth dams.
, PUBLICATIONS.
Principal information about irrigation and other ameliorations of the
soil, carried out within the lastdeceuniums as a rule by the agricultural
offices established in the different provinces, may be found in the re-
ports of these offices, as for instance in " general report of the Imperial
Royal Agricultural Society of Oarinthia," "report of the committee for
Lower Austria on the annual information of the agricultural depart-
ment," " report on the labors of the agricultural office for the King-
dom of Bohemia," " report 6f the agricultural and engineering office at
Budapesth " (Hungary).
General questions of irrigation, the necessary quantities of water,
water duties, profiles of canals and reservoirs are treated in "studies
on irrigation," by Dr. P. Kresnilc, in the Journal for Agriculture, edited
by Prof. Dr. Henneberg and Prof. Dr. Drechsler, 1881. " General cal-
culations for water profiles and proportions of incline for rivers and
canals," by Dr. P. Kresnik (Spielbagen & Schurich), Vienna, 1885.
" Safety and utilization devices for water reservoirs," by Dr. P. Kresnik
(Spielhagen & Schurich), Vienna, 1889.
Of important works on irrigation in general may be mentioned
"Ameliorations of the soil in Bavaria and Hanover," by A. Priedrich
Brumi, 1885. " Irrigation in the department Bouches du Rhone," by
E. Markus, Vienna, 1886.
Systematic treatises on irrigation and amelioration of the soil in gen-
eral are found in Agricultural Hydraulics and " treatise on technical
agricuK (re," both by Dr. E. Perels, Jena, 1M84.
The as yet only projected irrigation of "Marchfeld" plain, near
Vienna, is treated in the "project of the irrigation of the Marchfeld,"
by Podhagsky ; further in "agricultural success of the irrigation of the
Marchfeld," by F. v. Podhagsky, Vienna, 1877.
Water distribution. — No special industrial enterprise or company ex-
isting in Austria for furnishing water for irrigation purposes; special
dues, fees, or rents are out of the (piestion. All now existing irrigation
systems either belong to private persons or parties for their own use or
jointly to several land owners. The respective judicial questions are
rfgnhitod by the law of May .3(K 18G9 /Edition of Laws ReichH Gesetz-
blatt No. 93), on water use, direction, and [)r()te(;tion.
Connected with this general state law there exist provincial laws for
Uie 17 provinces.
IliUIOATION IN EUIIOPK— AUSTUIA-IIUNaARY.
415
inna, 1885.
mpany ex-
il laws for
Acwnlmj^ to those lasva water corporatio.iH may bo fbrmwl bv Iron
(.n.aui,u..,Ks agreement or by majority resoh.tions ai ul by on or of tte
comi>eteut board of u.lmiiMstratiou for the purpose ot'cTrrvni- nnl
bydrauhc constructions, tbr tbe protection of V o erty or for^l "U
lation of water courses ; further, for .Irainage a.ul irrS\?i^n purm,ses
The roaohitions passed by a .najority have the eonse^i JmI irtl^^^
minority is forced to join the corporation if the boml^oradm dstm
tion decides that the constructions proposed by the major ty are of in"
deniable benefit and that such coastruitions can .lot KSr ed out o
purpose without encroaching upon the territories boloninf to the
nunonty The majority is, however, not decided upon S,l nir o
munber, but by the extent or value of territory. Thus fo doSL a
(luestiou repudmg irrigation a majority of more thu, two thir i^is
required, whereat for deciding questions of drainage iZe tluu half if
the area interested is sufficient for a majority, whife for protSve and
regulation coustructions more than one-half of the valine o'th™
to be j.rotected constitutes a majority. lu this latter case t le eventivU
increase in value of the property to be protected by the plannid con
striictions is to be taken into calculation. Pi.tnneu con-
The corporation causes the construction of the respective work firrl.
gation for instance undertakes the care and administration of the same
and the work and fixtures remain the property of said corporation? '
A successful impulse to a more numerous formation of water oor
rn?30 \8S4'roHf "f "^^ T' "'1 ^'^^«" ''y '^' mdioltlon la^of
June .5 1884, according to which, such corporations may receive non-
These subventions amount to 30 i)or cent, from the State and 30 ner
ri;;nSctio.r'"'''' '''' *^' " '^"' '' '' '''' '''''' ^' tl^e total cJX
The vay and manner of employment and distribution of the water is
regulated in every irrigation district by special water regulations aud
8t^u?e"? ' respective corporations are governed by special
QUANTITY OF WATER FOE IRRIGATION.
The quantity of water required for the irrigation of one hectare ner
r"m'-if KrS '"'. ''r 'r' ^i^^^^^^^^ <l»rrng the period ot-vegeto-
tion, may be Axe at about one litre-that is, O.OOl cubic metre of' con-
Supposing irrigati^on to take place once every 2 weeks (14 days of 24
ZaI^I^TIZ' t''^ f '" ''T' ^^«^« ^"^ ^« «» t^^t liay a^lctual
supply ot 14 litres of water per hectare.
t..nrrJ»,M''V'"^*^'l^'j'*"''V*'*T''^ stemmed over tiie surface of one hec-
tare, wbuld amount to a dei)th of 12 centimetres.
whA.TLnr'''''/^''^''''.'^^'''^*'^*'''' '''^ «ustomary in Austria, where and
on f H '"f quantities are at disposal, is a so-called fertilizing irriga
, m L.i V "^ , *"/ ' ngation a minimum continuous supply of' 5 litres
in niv n""^ ^"*^ per hectare is r. ckoned upon, and with p enty of wate?
di v^n r" ^'' '""f.",*? ^ "'^'^^ ^"^ •°°''«- ^'^'^ '^"er is the case espe'
wfii? Z^^,:^t!:''^^'!^?::^^ -«^, trom 1 to 2 monlhs
416
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — BELGIUM.
i '
ANTIQUITY OP IRRIGATION.
lu the valleys of the mountaioous districts meadow irrigation has
already been introduced hundreds of years ago ; as, for iustauce, in the
Inn Valley in Tyrol. In recent times many of the old irrigation works
have been reconstructed and improved according to the rules of science
and new irrigation works have been constructed in greater number ; as,
for instance, the already mentioned irrigation works at Eladrub, Kla-
genfurth, etc. Irrigation of grain and other fields, which does not as
yet exist in Austria (except in the rice fields in the Goriz district), is
planned in the proposed irrigation of the Marchfeld plain near Vienna.
The management of all irrigation works is, as before indicated, in the
hand of private parties or of corporations.
CANALS.
Special canals for irrigating purposes on a larger scale do not exist
in Austria. Here all the existing larger canals have been constructed
for leading the water from rivers for industrial purposes. In some in-
stances only these canals are at the same time employed for irrigation.
Among the more important canals of this kind may be mentioned
the Opatovic Canal, near Opatovic, south of Koniggratz, in Bohemia,
which supplies about 4 cubic metres of water per second. This canal
branches oflt' from the right border of the Elba River, which it enters
again after a course of 31 kilometres below Semin, near Kladrub.
Then there is the Neubach Canal, near Wittingau, in Bohemia, which
was built as early as 1585 for the purpose of turning off the floods of the
Luschnic River from the great Rosenberg Pond. This canal branches off
from the right border of Luschnic River, crosses the rather low divide,
and, after a course of 14 kilometres, enters into the Nezarka River.
Finally the Goldbach Canal may be mentioned, which branches off
from the left border of the Luschnic River, near Chlumetz, north of
Guctiud, in Bohemia, and serving principally for supplying namerous
ponds, enters again into the same river somewhat above Wessely. This
canal is 46 kilometres long and was built in the years 1506 to 1520.
Julius Gobdschmidt,
Consul- General.
United States Consulate-General,
Vienna, January 8, 1890.
BELGIUM.
REPORT BT CONSUL STEWART, OF ANTWERP.
A report was made in April, 1889, by Engineer Theodore Lebens, di-
rector of the service of the irrigation of the Campine at Neerpelt, Bel-
gium, in reply to a demand from Mr. Cotard, vice president of tl, a
international congress for the utilization of waters, for information upon
the future of canals for irrigation, and I herewith offer the following
translation of extracts from said report as being of interest upon this
subject :
The principal irrigating canals created in Belgium consist of the net-
work of the Catialo " do la Ciiuipine,'
wuiuu server uxo putpuoc -.jxniii.
navigation and irrigation.
The river Scheldt and its smaller affluents, especially where they are
irrigation has
isist of the net-
where they are
IBEIQATION IN EUROPE— BELGIUM. 417
jSLh^V^^"®"*'®.^-^**® *'*^®' 8'^^ ""'^ to abundant irriffation of the
land which 1,08 on their conrse. The river Meuse, and a large nnmber
of the running waters of Belgium, have been utilized with an object to
benefit agricultural lands. ^ ^ ^"
The construction of the group of waters »de la Campine," serviug
lit FJiir^^ **^ irrigation and transportation by boats, bSt principally
w^ flnfshedin iS^" '^^ ^^*' ^^^^' *°^ cdntinn^ed until it
The above-named group comprises—
The "Canal deJonction," from the river Mouse to the river Scheldt,
fn length ''"' ^ ""'^^ ""^ Herenthals, to Antwerp, 128J kilometres
The canal from Hasselt, by way of Turnhout, to connect with the
above-described cs .al near Antwerp, 102 kilometres in length
A branch, from the principal canal to the canal at Beverloo, 15 kilom-
etres m length. '
Another branch (the canalized bed of the river Petite Nethe), from
the Kbove-named principal line to Sierre, 18 kilometres in length.
This shows the group to have a course of navigable and irrigatinc
waters m connection with each other 203^ kilometres in length
In order to complete the system it would be necessary to canalize the
principal water streams of the northeast of Belgium, which could be
brought in connection with the existing canals.
The projector of the works which have been executed, Engineer Kum-
mer, now deceased, called attention to this desired object.
The fertilization of the unproductive soil of the northern parts of the
provinces of Antwerp and Limbourg can be assured only by the utili-
zation of the waters available from all sources.
The canals were executed by order and at the expense of the Belffiau
Ixovernment, which insures their proper administration and good condi-
tion and enjoys the benefit derived therefrom.
The cost of constructing the said navigable and irrigating waterways
amounted to over 25,000,000 francs. & » rtteiwd;>s
The following is given as an average economical result of irriffation
per hectare of pasture land :
1. First expenses.
T> V ^ . . , . FrancH.
Purchase of irrigable moorland ..r/j
Expenae of alinieiitatioa aud evacuation .'.'."'. iVn
Expense of breaking up the ground ir^
Expense of ground works of the parts under immediate inttuenJe' of 'i rrf«ation ' 100
Various tubes and bars tor interior distribution of water ' -m
Manure ...r
Sowing :":::::";;:::::::; £
Furnisliing and planting fifty Canada poplar trees ....!.".'.'.'.'!!!!!!!!!!!!!;;.'; 50
Initial value per hectare of pasture land TTlJio
Annual results of cultivation.
EXPENSES.
Interest on capital invested, at 4 per cent 4^
Ordinary running expenses for keeping in good order ..". -iri
Addition of manure '".'.'. 75
Mowing, first hay making, storage of same, and "loading same into boat, ii'JioO
kilometers, at I'i francs per 1,000 kilomoters. 42
Kciiairs of barn, insurance, Hud incidental oxpensesr '."."."..". 28
Total expenses ^
H. Ex. 45 27 """^^
1»|
^■■jjyy .1 ,-t ^ m
418
IRBIOATION IN EUROPE — BELGIUM.
t ^
l>
! !■
Annual rcitultB of ou/({Ka«on— Continued.
J PRODUCTION.
Fraoei.
3,500 kilometors hay, at 70 franoa per 1,000 kilometers 245
Aftergrowth sold w
Increase in value of the fifty Canada poplar trees '0
Total production 335
This Bhows the annual result to be a net profit of 109 francs per
hectare.
The expense incurred for establishing connection with the canals, for
constructing irrigation trenches, principal and secondary ones, origi-
nating at the main canals for the work necessary for the distribution of
the water and for the construction of collecting and excavating trenches
is borne by the owners of the laud benefited thereby.
In the beginning and with an object to popularize the system of irri-
gation by means of the canals, the Government had the preliminary
works to such an end executed at its own expense, afterwards selling
the land so improved, without however deriving any important profit
from the operation.
Later permissions were granted to owners of land to connect with the
canals for irrigating purposes.
The increase in value of the land so improved may be appreciated
when irrigable moor land, which was sold for 250 francs per hectare,
brought from 2,500 to 3,000 francs after having been subjected to irri-
gation and general improvements.
Present prices are 30 per cent, below these figures, however.
In establishing the irrigating system of the Gampine the Belgian
Government had the following objects in view, viz : As an immediate
result to procure occupation for the needy classes p*^ a time of want ;
as a permanent result to favor the production of forage in the Camping,
the part of the country where the soil is most unproductive, permitting
the raising of cattle on a more extensive scale, and thereby producing
manure, which would tend to hasten the fertilization of the naturally
barren grounds referred to.
The water which is required to supply the needs of navigation and irri-
gation in the canals of the Campineis drawn from the river Meuse, near
Maestricht, upon Dutch territory.
The following approximative quantities of water Are distributed over
the irrigated land, in liters, per second and per hectare : In summer,
the latter part of June, July, and August, three fourths liter, and in
autumn, winter, and spring (from the early part of October to the early
part of June), 3 liters.
At the time when the project of these canals was submitted to the
appreciation of the Government, its author, Civil Engineer Kiimmer, ex-
pected to keep under irrigation, by this means, a surface of 25,000 hec-
tares of moor land.
Unfortunately the limited quantity of water obtainable from the river
Meuse, the small extent of the canals, the requirements of navigation,
the loss from the canals and other circumstances have not permitted to
realize the irrigation of one-tenth of the above surface.
Two thousand and thirty-two hectares are watered from fifty-two
trenches established from the canals of the Campine. Ninety-seven
hectares are submerged by means of twenty-seven trenches estab'
lished from the canalized river Petite N6the.
J IT
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE—HELOIUM.
419
Franei.
245
60
30
335
>f 109 fraucs per
th the canals, for
idary ones, origi-
be distribution of
javating trenches
he system of irri-
the preliminary
fterwards selling
' important protlt
) connect with the
ty be appreciated
ancs per hectare,
subjected to irri-
however.
pine the Belgian
As an immediate
a time of want ;
ein the Campine,
iictive, permitting
hereby producing
I of the naturally
ivigation and irri-
river Meuse, near
e distributed over
tare: In summer,
rths liter, and in
jtober to the early
submitted to the
neerKiimmer, ex-
ace of 25,000 hec-
ible from the river
its of navigation,
e not permitted to
B.
Bd from fifty two
le. Ninety-seven
I treuches eetalv
fmt itf . • H '''""*'*'^ '^'^ "'"^ double object of navigation and irriga-
tion, whch is the principal cause that the irrigation can n<.t be .ore
effectively extruded from iJu, artiHoial water routes of the Campine
The agricultural intoreHtH should always be guarded in such a man
iT^SllwH^bediffl^^it"' ';' '•" «^T^' iud^nstry of tiU" por'itlol !
It 18 to be feared that, in view of future improvements by all moans
desirable, ten.ling to cheapen the transportation by theca.fa Is tK o
of the two purposes they serve has to be sacrittced^to the oSr, mid it
IS evident that this will be the case, in course of time, when tl e reS-
raents and demands of navigation have become preponderant
No tax of any kmd is collected for the use of the water of the canals
for irrigating purposes, and no engagement of any kind exi,st« between
the parties interested, i. e., the State and the proprietors of t le land
under irrigation. Such proprietors have a uniform right to the water
available from the canals, the requirements of navigation having beeri
previously satisfied. ^ i>»vuij, utou
Permission to establish trenches from the canals for irrigation are
generaly granted under certain conditions. Thev have to be coii^
structed according to plans sent in with the application, and approved
by the Government. The applicant will be held to keep the iLid irr^
gated under cultivation, and not use it for any other purpose
In case the Government should find, in course of time, that 'the imb-
he interests require a change in or a demolition of the trenches con-
structed, with its permission the proprietors of such will be obli"^ed to
make the change at their own expense, and without receiving anv
indemnity lor any oss they may thereby incur, or for the work done
Ihe Pa'opWet, which is sent under separate cover, contains a copy ot
the aw of the 20th of June, 1855, governing the irrigating system o f
the Campine. The proprietors are held to abide by any law which mav
be enacted in the future concerning the subject. ^ ^ ""^" ""^y
In case of noncompliance with the law" any authorization granted
may be revoked, and the work done demolished at the owner's ex-
pense.
There are many causes which prevent the eflFective utilization, for
fertilizing purposes, of the numerous public and private natural run-
mng waters. ^ "
1. The unfavorable condition and the state of neglect of these waters
J. ihe presence ot works or manufactories under water power for-
merly installed under unfavorable conditions, on barren ground,' in a
deserted part of the country, at a time when there was no reiular
administration or supervision, and in the absence of communication.
All local motors were then taken advantage of. no matter how much to
been ""^^^ agriculture the use of such water power may have
<.i,^*-^r?^^ ^^"? of pecuniary resources, and the individual tendency of
the inhabitants, although good workmen and sober, to regard everv in-
°^7*mu° ®^ '^^^sociation with suspicion, and to oppose them.
4. The mode of watering employed. The very abundant and expen-
sive irrigation by means of boards arranged in gutter form, the rectan-
gular form of tlie trenches, which is an impediment to grazing.
5. The opposition of the inhabitants to any exchange for th- ^ino^e
of reerulatinfr find rAPonHtrn/.fiTiiT T»f.n/w»u, Utt ;.,.i;,,: ^
Xhe irrigation by standing water, which was formerly propt ..ves
II
■j 'i
1
it
.
•:l i
i
t
420
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — BELOJUM.
rise to tlio Hamo diHAdvaiitageH. A smaller consumption of water and
the fact that the mode is less expensive are in its favor, but as to the
quality and quantity of the production of such soil, they are very in-
ferior. Til in system is little used — only near the banks of the uanaii/.ed
river Petite N^^tl^e.
Important results could bo obtained by arranging for the small run-
ning waters, and specially rain water, in such a manner as to collect
them in the valleys.
To this end several measures would be necessary.
It is evident that the result would be obtained with more difficulty
in parts where there is little declivity of territory than in parts where
it is more marked.
In the former case the way of proceeding would be to rectify the
stream of the said waters in such a manner as to reduce their course as
much as i)08sible, while it would be necessary to give them as much
slope as possible; to establish or expropriate any stoppages which may
have been made to create water-power for industrial purposes, or at
least to arrange the waters in a way to serve both industry and igri-
culture.
The course of the waters having been rectitied as suggested, locks
would be established at intervals, so as to check the water and ci \ne
it to derive, thereby distributing it over the territory.
The locks would be placed in positions depending upon local circum-
stances, as the slope, the extent of the course, and the climatical condi;
tions. The alimentation of the irrigated parts may be alternated as
circumstances depending upon the same bases may require ; the liquid
would be gathered up one or several locks lower, checked, and dis-
tributed, and again brought back into the trench to be checked.
The system of submersion in streams, already used by Mr. Baurath
Hess, of Hanover, and particularly adapted to valleys of slight decliv-
ity, has the advantage of being compatible with the disposition of any
property, however divided it may be, of requiring little preliminary
expenses to prepare it for forage growth, and only little to cover run-
ning expenses.
Employing this system, a piece of land of several hectares is sur-
rounded by small ditches, the water to which is brought from the most
elevated part of the perimeter, and distributed uniformly by means of
small dams, which latter are assisted, if necessary, by small ditches,
adapted lengthwise.
When a thorough submersion has been produced, the water which
was brought in at the parts most elevated is again evacuated by in-
stallations made to that effect at the points situated lowest, thus hav-
ing the advantages of diversion and running water, without the incon-
venience of any geometrical division with boards, trenches, and many
other installations for watering purposes, moisv (f; costly.
As above would be the manner of irrigatir,j at iuui^w when vi ittt is
plenty ; in the dry season, the summer, it w ni ho ne.;e88ary to estab-
lish a number of small trenches for intiltratiou.
In the period of the rise of the waters the dams might be dispensed
with entirely. In case of heavy rains there is nothing to prevent the
keeping of the water so gathered for several days, and to evacuate it
af»erv;'ards. Only at mowing and hay" making time this would not be
praf.i.'fc-.ble.
'^^ijation of the fore
COi
ig suggesLioQS, Oi incoHi-esLttOiP' neces-
V 'I the future, could be made possible only under the following
editions:
iRRrOATION IN EUROPE — BELGIUM.
421
arposes, or at
Jtry aiul igri-
re ; the liquid
from t'lo 8tat« and th« provmce, have the coiirNo of the runuiuff watore
correcitiH . The geuen.1 interest wouhl induce such an expe difuie and
intervention on the part of the authoritieH. eApemmure ana
Ma?; Ti*M ^""*'"'' «««o'''*a''y associations be formed, which would defray
part of the expenses ot correction, on account of the advantajres to l)«
derived therefrom, establishing or constructiufj, accorZg^o .daS
made or approved bv the government, such ,lams' sluices renches «
"^Z^^SZ^^Jr^ abundant irrigation al,d .^Z^Z^^^Z
culture, public health, and the general welfare would be soon felt.^
hJVar %l 1 correction of the lines of the smaller streams of water,
„I.S iLV ""1 "umerous, can naturally be applied also to the navi!
gable waters; but, as belore stated, the interests of both agriculture
and shipping would be better served by keeping them separate.
J need not call attention to the beneflt to agriculture which the
occSned.'' '^***^'^ ^*"' irrigating puriwses, such as it was, has
1 1^^^ the land properly irrigated and used for pasturage and forage
of this. '" ^*''*'' *''^" ^"^'■"P*^^' ^» ^al"« i« sunicient proof
reS™ ^^^ P^^ce^ling explanations the following conclusions would
fr^nlTr. ^^'f ""^ '^ f* ^'^^ • ^f ^°'' ^^ ^^^'^^ navigatiou it is always best not
tLseTshtppfng ^'^ ^"^ "'"'''^ agricultural interests besides
In some cases only it would be possible to conciliate the two interests.
It 18 undoubtedly forwarding the general welfare to create irrigation
fh«m wnn"."? -^^^ non-navigable running waters. Such disposition of
them would insure a drainage where required and the utilization of
the waters in the regions where they are needed for fertilizing purposes.
The general sanitary condition of the public would be improved thereby
inundations would be less frequent, the rise of the waters could be
checked in a measure; in a word, the result would be a considerable
gain m a^icultural productions and public wealth.
The machinery established upon these waters for industrial purposes,
ata time when the necessity of obtaining a motor was preponderant
must be taken away or its disposition changed in a manner not to be
an impediment to the effective utilization of the waters of these streams
for agricultural purposes.
John A. Stewart,
United States Consulate, ^^^^^^
Antwerp, December 6, 1889.
;establ« neces-
: ,!; -I
422
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — FRANCE.
ti
\l
! t
1!
I
FRANCE.
REPOUT by OOJiSVLQENERAL RA1BB0N2, OF PARIS.
AREA IRRIGATED.
The surface of irrigated lands is roughly estimated at 2,360,000 hec-
tares. As cultivated lands are not generally irrigated, it is not easy to
compare non-irrigated with irrigated lands. Pasturesare the only lands
generally irrigated.
The average production per hectare of irrigated and non-irrigated
pastures is— irrigated pastures, 37 quintals ; non-irrigated, 31 quintals.
This difference of 6 quintals represents a total value in the first case of
230 francs, in the second, of 190 francs, per hectare. Among the areas
devoted to cultivating the vine, some are submerged, svhile others are
irrigated. But the value of their product depends upon other causes
than irrigation.
WATER SUPPLY. '
The canals cnt for purposes of irrigation all flow from rivers. In
some instances attempts have been made by means of artificial reser-
voirs to increase the quantity of water yielded by the river. It was
for thie purpose, for example, that the reservoir of OrMon was con-
structed in the department of the Haute8-Pyr6n6es. Its object was to
increase the volume of water in the river Neste, from which flows the
canal of the same name.
IRRIGATION WORKS.
The number of reservoirs above mentioned is still somewhat limited.
The works carried out in view of distributing the water generally
consist — . , ,
First, of a principal canal, or chief branch, through which the volume
of water to be distributed flowi? from the river; second, of a smaller
canal, fed by the principal one; third, of a network of streams, drains,
and ditches, which provide each landowner with the quantity of water
to which he is entitled.
WATER DISTRIBUTION.
The use of water for irrigating is regulated by the French Code.
The articles of the cod© bearing particularly on this point are the
following:
643. The owner of the spring can not change its course when he provides the in-
habitants of a commune, village, or hamlet with the water necessary for them, but
when the inhabitants have not acquired or prescribed the use of the same the owner
may demand a compensation, the exact amount of which is to be fixed by an expert.
644. The ownar of a property skirted by a running water which is not national
property, according to article 538, has a right to the use of the water for irrigating
his lands while it ilows past them. The owner of ancestral lands traversed by this
water may use it within the full limits of his lands on condition he restores it to its
proper bed before it leaves his estate. . . ^
645. If a dispute arises between the landowners to whom this water may be useful, M
fUx. 4.j.;k.;^<>,i <>.a!!ed nnnu to scive its decision in the inattet' Hiiall conciliate the inter- ^^
ests'of agriculture wHh the'respect due to the rights of property, and in every case ■"
with the particular and local customs and regulations which pertain to the passage
and use of water.
IHBIGATION IN EUBOPE — PRANCE.
423
The works exeicuted for purposes of irrigation may be divided into
two classes :
(1) Those undertaken and cairied out by companies called syudical
associations.
(2) Those undertaken and carried out by a contractor.
When a syndical association carries the works into execution its
statutes usually determine on what lines the distribution of water shall
be regulated. But when the works are taken in hand by a contractor
the distribution is fixed either by t decree published after the council
of state has recorded its decisio , or by a decree signed by the prefect
or chief magistrate of the department in which the works have been
or are to be executed. The prefect is empowered to sign these decrees
since August, 1886.
The syndical associations are composed of landowners whose inter-
ests are affected by the want of irrigation. Their powers, privileges,
etc., are more or less determined by common law.
The French Senate is at present discussing a projected rural code
which will contain a certain number of articles relative to irrigation.
In a general way, the quantity of water required to irrigate a hec-
tare is equal to an out flow of one litre per second all the year round.
The cost per hectare is apt to vary considerably if the works are exe-
cuted by a syndical association. In that case the average cost may be
set down at 40 francs per annum for a supply of water equal to about
one litre per second. If, on the contrary, the works are carried out by
a contrrtctor, the cost is always a fixed one; it can never vary, inas-
much as it has been determined by the deed of concession.
The following table shows the figures of the tax raised for some of
the leading irrigating canals :
Canals.
Plerrelatte ...
Uourne
Vdsnbie
Verdon
Saint-Martory
nnpartuienta.
Brdme, Vaucluse .
Drdme ,
Alpes-Marltinius . .
Benches da Bhdne
Hante-Saroune
Cost.
Franet.
50
60
80
70
35
Franet.
60
flO
63
When two flf^ures are given for a single canal, the figures in column
A show the tax due by the landowners who subsoribed before the
water of the principal canal {see Irrigation Works) was turned into its
destined channel ; while the figures in column B denote the amount
paid by those who subscribed afterwards. In the case of the last-
mentiont i canal the figures show, in column A, the sum paid by land-
owners who subscribed before the deed of concession was promulgated :
and in column B the amount paid by those who subscribed after its
promulgation.
Springs only may be owned either by private individuals, by the
state, or by the small districts called communes. Running waters are
considered res nullius, but the use of them is regulated according to law
on the nonnavigable water courses.
The water of navigable water courses is considered national prop-
erty. *^ *^
AlthoUC'h thpi nrn,plip.A nf irvlctatincr ia Qo nri/1<ilTT ci.%..»»^ {» 4-Ur. i.1.
as in the south of France, it is chiefly in the regions bordering on the
Mediterranean, where the summer rains often fail, that the most impor-
(I I 11 I II II 1*11
424
IRRIGATION IN EUBOPE — PRANCE.
11
11
tant irrigating canals have been cut. In the north, east, or west the
works designed to promote irrigation are nearly all carried out by pri-
vate individuals. This is especially the case in the department of the
Vosges. In the south they are, for the most part, the result of the
combined eflForts of a certain number of individuals. They are mainly
undertaken where the soil is of a chalky nature, and in lands farmed by
alluvion.
Among the systems adopted to distribute the water may mentioned
an interesting one practiced in the department of the Douches du Rhdne.
It is a kind of iirigation by submersion. The lands subjected to this
method are constantly increasing in extent.
The landowners whose properties are situated on the banks of the
Rhdne obtain, when they require it, and by means of elevating ma-
chines, the quantity of water necessary for the process of submersion,
whichlastsG'Jdays and consumes no fewerthan 1,500 cubic metres per hec-
tare. The estates in the center of the island of Camargue, in the same
department, are less favored than those seated on the river banks. The
water has to be conveyed to them from the river by means of small
canals and side channels which generally be.ong to syndical associa-
tions of a very remote origin. These side channels work during the
rising of the Rhone. As, however, the framework of their flood gates
is almost on the same level as the low-water mark of the river, when
it is not higher, it often happens that, when the Rhdne is low, the side
channels become dry. Besides this, the season for submerging the
land often coincides with this autumnal fall of the river, and irrigaiion
is practically brought to a standstill.
Numerous plans have been formed to feed these side channels by
means of large canals cut in the north of the island. But none of them
have yet been carried out. Pending the execution of a plan, a society
of landowners, headed by the Coun^ of Chevigu6, recently set an ex-
ample well worth following. Their project is no less remarkable for
the way in which it was conceived than for the results which may be
expected from it. They are thirteen in number, and their combined es-
tates contain some 1,500 hectares. In order to keep their side channel
constantly supplied with water, they applied to several mechanical en-
gineers for machines, and finally adopted an apparatus, presented by
one of them, and which has given the most satisfactory results.
Its chf^racteristic feature is that, instead of being a fixture, it floats
and can be conveyed from one place to another. Thus it can be made
to work anywhere. It consists of a boat built wholly of iron, and
equally adapted to fluvial and maritime navigation. Its length is 24
metres, its breadth f^ metres, and its draft of water nearly IJ metres.
It carries three engines on the compound system. The engines are of
equal force, placed in juxtaposition, and of 200 horse power. Two of
them each turns a rotary pump by bearing directly on its beam. The
third, which can be made to work either of the two pumps, is used only
when one of the other engines is out of order. On the one hand these
machines are condensing engines, on the other, their steam is provided
by boilers on the Bigot system. These latter are used in the French
navy, and possess a collective warming surface of 80 square metres.
Their consumption of fuel is therefore comparatively small. The pumps
fixed up on board are on the DecoBur system. They raise the water
from a depth varying between 1^ and 2J metres, according to the level
of the Rhone, and distribute the water at the rate of from 750 to 1,500
The following table gives more ample particulars. To understand
'1 ii
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — PRANCE.
425
its figures rightly, it is necessary to kuow beforehand that they are
fnn^i"/®^ ^^"^^^ """^^l ^'°'^ engines are working together and distribiitibg
500 litres per second. ^
Horse-power —
Number
of turns.
Consumption.
Height above river.
In (jnantity
ot water'
brought up.
On tlie
beam of
the
pump.
On the
Buclcer.
Total
per hour.
~ — —— — L
Per herse-
power
of water
brought up.
1
15.0
22.5
30.0
37.5
24
36
48
60
32
48
34
80
140
150
160
170
36.20
46.86
70.40
88.00
1.60
2.340
2
2.348
2.60
2.340
2.340
When the pumps distribute 1,500 litres instead of 500, these fiffurea
remain proportionately the same. The suction is performed in a special
division provided with roses, and the water is thrust back into a col-
lecting pipe which serves lor both engines at the same time. While the
boat 18 working it is moored on the spot from which the water is drawn
up. The collecting pipe has a weir provided with a flat spout. It runs
into a sheet iron reservoir placed at the head of the side channel and
outside the river dam. The connecting of the weir with the collecting
pipe IS accomphsheil by means of a link with a hinge to it which enables
the spout to remain constantly in position on the edge of the reservoir
whatever the motion of the boat may be. By this arrangement, the
work done by the pumps is limited to a height corresponding with the
difference in the level of the water, and with that fixed for submergine
the land. This second level is slightly below the height of the reservoir
The annual rainfall for all France is estimated at about 77 centi-
metres.
ANTIQUITY OF IRRIGATION.
The cutting of a certain number of canals for irrigation in the south-
ern districts dates back several centuries. The more important works
however, are of comparatively recent origin. During the last 10 years'
especially, a great impulse has been given to the construction of works
devoted to irrigation. Subjoined is a list of the most notable enter-
prises of this kind. It is taken from the "Journal d'agrieulture pra-
riQue.
,■1*1
Departments.
» understand
DrAme
Alpes-Maritimes
Aude aud Hgranlt . .
DrAme and Yanoluse
Basses-Alpes ,
Ilautes-A^es
Aude
Bonohesdu-RhOne . .
Herault
Loire
Alpes-Haii times
Ande
tnr ,,,.,., ...
Do
Description of works.
Canal de la Bourne
Canal de la V6siibio
Canal to bo used fur aul)mer{^ng both
departments.
Canal de Pierrelatto
Canal de Manosque
Canal do Ventavon ',
Canal de Canot '...'.'.
Drying up th« Fos iiiurghes.and purl-
fyine the waters of the Cran.
Canal de Gignao
Canal de Forez ['
Canal de Foulon ..'.
Canal de Cuxao ..'
Caual de Luo
Canal de Fabrezan '.'..'."
Cost
Frane$.
13,000,000
7, 000, 000
2, 400, OCO
8, 000, 000
4, 500, OOO
'A 000, 000
1, 000, 000
18, 000, 000
4, 200, 000
7, 000, 000
1,200,000
2, 000, 000
j 1,160,000
^ii
iii
426
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — PRANCE,
The public treasury generally contributes one third of the cost of
the works; the landowners interested in them defray the remaininir
two-thirds. In the case of the most important works, the state, besides
contributing its third, has guarantied for the space of 60 years, to the
parties who covered the loan raised for the purpose of carrying out the
works, the interest due on the sums lent to the contractor.
J. L. Rathbone,
TT,, „ „ Consul- General.
United States Consulate-General,
Paris, France, September 6, 1889.
I M
bouches-du-rh6ne.
REPORT, IN FIVE PARTS, BY CONSUL TRAIL, OF MARSEILLES, ON
IRRIGATION IN THE DEPARTMENT OF THE BOUCHES-DU-Rh6ne.*
[Based on the Government report of 1876. 1
' Part L— Peeiero.
Much attention has been given to irrigation in France during the past
century, and the Government has from time to time sought to increase
the public interest in this most important subject by publishing scien-
tific reports on the same, and, more recently, by instituting "concours "
and oflering prizes to those adopting the best methods and securinff the
best results from irrigation. In the north of France irrigation is accom-
plished by simply inundating the land, and is confined principallv to
submerging meadow lands in the autumn by turning off large quantities
ot water from the rivers and streams; in the central portion, by the
use of water from springs and wells, distributed over the land by hand
and machinery, and in the south, Provence, the Department of the
Uouches-du-lihone, and its neighbors, by irrigating canals. Iirigatine
canals of any importance are confined to the valley of the Rhdne, the
toot ot the Pyrenees, and to only a few other localities in France. The
canals of northern and central France are only used for transportation.
Given suflicient water there is no reason why a canal should not serve
tor both transportation and irrigation. This is done in Italy with the
addition of obtaining motive power from the current as well ; but in
France the canals only fulfill one function at a time, with but a few
exceptions. '
The use of canals for irrigation is of very ancient date in France.
The first canal in Provence that we know of was constructed by Marius,
the consul, in 103 B. C, for the purpose of transporting supplies to the
Roman army, then encamped near Aries, and it is probable that it
afterwards, when abandoned as a water way, served to irrigate the land
ZST '','*'' '^;.,^^^^r ^°"°^' *^^^^""*? through Provence
towards the close of the last century, w as particularly interested in the
'Metric denomination, and their equivalents! '
Metre, 39.37 incbes.
Hectare, a. 471 acres.
Litre, .908 quart, dr.v measure.
Litre, 1.056 quarts, liquid measure.
, Hoctoiitre, 2 busLels, 3.3.'> peciis, dry measure.
Hectolitre, 26.44 gallons, liquid measure.
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — ^PRANCE. 42T
'''''lf?*V"l canals he there saw and expressed his surprise that other
parts of Fran(* did not imitate the Midi in this most important of rural
Arrosage of some sort is indispensable in the Midi. Without its aid
agriculture would have to be abandoned. Three months and occasion
ally nine pass by without rainfall. The summers are long and the heat
great and continuous, while the sun shines through an intensely clear
air, uuobscured by a single cloud, subjecting the land day afSay to
The Department des Benches du Rhdne, to which this report is
limited, forms the northeast of France bordering on the Mediterranean
and, as its Jiame implies, comprises the territory surrounding the
mouths of the Khdne. Its northern boundary is the river Durance
which rising in the Alps flows westwardly and empties into the Rhdne
not far below Avignon. From the Durance the irrigating canals are
principally drawn. The area of the Department is 510,487 hectares
The entire surface artificially watered embraces 35,091 hectares, and of
this the Durance contributes water for 26,880 hectares. Or—
Irrigation from the Durance ° oT^
Irrigation from Huveaune, Arc La Touboulu, etc" "'.'.'.'. o' StV
Irrigation trom the Rhfine c'oiA
• 0,dW
35, 091
Aglance at the map on page 12 of the "Rapport sur le Concours
ouvert en 1875" accompanying this report explains why it is that the
Durance has been so heavily tapped to supply irrigation for this de-
partment.
Provence is composed of mountains, hills, and plains. The greater
part.of the soil 18 naturally very poor, it being detritus brought down
from the Alps by the Durance, and in flood times spread over the
plains. Strong winds sweep over it at times. The soil naturallv pro-
duces only stunted trees and coarse grasses; but by irrigation and the
liberal use of manure a maximum of fertility is obtained where from
tUe want ot water absolute sterility reigned.
Geographically speaking, the Department des Bouches du RhOne pre-
sents three distinct features. First. A mountainous section to the
north and east composed almost entirely of limestone of a dull erav
color and m part quite naked of vegetation, and in part covered with
wood. Streams from the mountains descend to the Durance, to the
KliOue, and to the Mediterranean. Second. Two plains, la Orau, in
the center of the department, very stony, and la Camarque, to the
west, composed of mud and sand. Third. Marshes and ponds, shallow
reservoirs whose waters flow slowly to the sea.
There was an old French proverb that said Provence had three
curses to contend with: Parliament, the river Durance, and the mis-
tral. J arliament was swept away by the Revolution. The Durance,
whose waters at times overflowed its banks and carried destruction in
their wake, has been tamed by man's ingenuity, and from a curse its
waters have become a blessing, whilst the mistral, the northwest
wind, tha great drawback to life in Marseilles and in all Provence, that
at times sweeps with terrible force over the country, uprooting trees
Ot the atmosphere, caused by the irrigatiqns from the Durance, lost
much ot its former force, is less frequent, and of shorter duration. ' It
> fh
•V-
;al
rsr*"
mm^rn
It .V '
428 IBBIGATION - IN EUEOPE — FRANCE.
is supposed that the nwrnntains here were once covered with timber,
the rainfall regular, and the land fertile; but their denudation of tim-
ber deprived the country of a storage for hutnidity ; the rainfall becom-
ing irregular caused the volume of water in the streams to vary greatly
mountain detritus was spread over the formerly fertile plains ; the heat
and duration of summer became greatly augmented, and the hot air
arising trom the parched arid earth originated the mistraL
There are five groups of mountains and they take up three-quarters
ot the department. The topography in this section is the most varied,
the mass being twisted into peaks and chains, .between which lie valleys
lakes, and ponds. The r^ains La Crau and La Oamarque take up the
remaining superflces of tlie department. They incline slightly towards
the sea and the large rivers. La Orau, comprising 35,000 hectares, of
which 15,000 are cultivated and irrigated (1875), is formed mainly of
pebbles brought down from the Alps in the Glacial period. Before the
construction of the Canal de Orapponne, La Orau, was one vast uncul-
tivated tract, affording but a scant And coarse pasturage enioved in
common by the inhabitants. Since the coming of the canal this region
has been metamorphosed ; rich farms spread over what was once but a
desert. La Oamarque is that vast delta comprised between the two
great branches that the Rhone divides itself into before entering the
sea. It keeps growing constantly from the additions made to it bv the
• ^o^ln^^I"*"®' carried down by the river in suspension. In area it
18 88,d00 hectares; 50,000 are wild, uncultivated pasturage; 23,000
marshes and ponds, and 15,300 under cultivation. There are several
canals in this section, but the figures above show how much remains to
back to 400 B 0^***''^ **^ tl^e formation of this plain by the river dates
From statistics of 1855 it appears that of the whole area of the de-
partment about 7 per cent, is water :
Ponds and irrigating canals 4»u? tr
Transportation canals ^i'-im
Lagoons " . <Jk'o?
Rivers, lakes, streams !!.'!!!*!.'!."""."! 23 270*64
Total water area ~35"337~11
Considerable tracts of land, formerly under water, have been re-
claimed. In some cases a canal for drawing off the water from swamps
and marshes has also been used for irrigation. These reclaimed lands
when properly drained and watered, have proved fertile enough to pay
handsomely those who had the foresight to plan and execute the neces-
sary work.
When we come to examine into the quantity and quality of crops grown
?h. i-ffl '"7®T i"."^".^ ""il^^ ^*'"®' ^"« to irrigation, we are mit with
the diflBculty ot statistics that are conflicting and, at times, irreconcil-
able. Even in the extent of the department we find-
Area of department, statistics of- Hectares.
1§67. ■ " 512,232
18?0 496,464
510,487
a difference for which no explanation is given.
le:^**^^? ^^ agricultural statistics was prepared by M. Villeneuve in
18J0, and one by the government in 1870, which are taken as roliahiA
ic win D« «eeii tiiafc both these tables make the departmental area about
the same. In 1820 the cultivated land was 169,000 hectares, to 341 000
sa of the de-
8, irreconcil-
lERIGATION IN EUBOPE—PfiANCE. . 429
309,000, or a8 2 is to 3, inot^tZTl^'^'un^S^STl^'^
Cultivated : AgHcuHural atatiatios for 1820.
Arable land... . Hectares.
Meadows 105,000
Vineyards.... 16,000
Olives .'!.'.".'.'.'."!.".'!;.■".■ 20,000
Gardens and pleasure ground. !"!!."!"] .'] 24,000
*****""••■"■•-•••••• 4, IHXl
Uncultivated : 169, 000
Waste land
Lagoons and swamps 233,000
Woods, bush, and scrub 47,000
61,000
341, 000
Total area •
510,000
Agricultural atatiaticsfor 1870.
Wheat
Bye 70,200
Barley 390
Oats 1.000
Corn '".".'.'.'."".'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.". ^''•^0
Seeds and dry vegetables. ^
Potatoes....;...:. .".'.■.■; -•■ 6,650
Cabbages, carrots, beets, etc'.!..!.'. 5*^
Madder o,000
Tobacco !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ^'^^
Hemp and teasels ^0
Fallowland 980
20,000
Arable land
Olives - 121,140
. Vineyards ...:: 12,000
Mulberries !!!!!!!!*.:; ^^^^^^
Almonds and other fruits !.'! ,^'92?
Oqjhards !!!!!!! ^'?^
Gardens and pleasure 1,300
4,000
Total tree cultivation ~
Meadows dry !!!! r 62,600
Meadows irrigated ■ " 3,400
Clover and other fields....!!!!!!!! !!!!!! !!!!.".' Z'?^^
Total grazing and fodder „ ,„
Woods and forests er'oA" "'^^
Willows and wicker . °J.' °^^
3,200
Total
Heath and wild pasture 'inVoo ^^'^OO
Taxable built property .'!!.'."!' i oXa
Lagoons 1,buO
Marshes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 35,000
Boads, water courses, and' uncu'l ti vat'e'd lands ! ! !!!!!!!!!! ! '. ! ! J ', \"[ 59' ^7
Total
218,247
Total area ■
510,487
MM
430
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — PRANCE.
Statistics iu France are not obtainable for periods of more than 15
or 20 years at a time, then a break of a year or two occurs caused by a
revolution and a change in the form of government; so that we have
uo statistics covering very long periods; we have them only in
sections.
Taking up the agricultural products somewhat In detail and making
a comparisoi of ceitain years as obtainable from statistics, we have
for cereals, in 1840, 70,312 hectares devoted to their culture, and after
a period of 32 years, 1872, 82,223 hectares employed in the same cul-
ture. Wheat shows an increase of over 30 per cent.: oats remain
about the same; rye, which in 1840, was 2,711, in 1872' falls to 380;
barley, in 1840, 4,'Jll to 2,507 in 1872; corn, in 1840, 56 to 30 in 1872.
The table showing an increase iu area sown in cereals of 16J per cent,
iu 32 years.
! ill
Wheat
Maalin (wheat and rye)
Bye
Barley ,
Oats
Corn and millet
Total cereals
Vineyards
FotAtoes
Dry vegetables (beans, etc.)
Gardens '.
Beetroot
Olives
1840.
Heetareg.
63, 232. 00
1, 135. 00
2, 711. 00
4, 211. 00
8, 967. 00
SO. 00
70, 312. 00
21.991.00
2,415.00
2,207.00
2, 042. 00
307. 00
24, 475. 00
Madder
Tcnsels
Honip
Mul'jorries
Natural ineadowH
Clover and other fields
Pasture land
Fallow land
Woods (commons and private)
Orchards and plantations
Total aKrioultural area. . .
Roads, water courses, etc
Total area
1840.
Bedtarei.
4, 143. 00
1,112.00
31,00
1,466.00
5,476.43
5, 470. 60
147, 280. .56
62, 432. 00
103, 421. 00
6, 126. 18
463,697.17
49, 293. 83
512, 901. 00
Wheat
Bye
Barley
Corn (maize)
Oats
Total cereals.
Dried vegetables (beans,
peas, etc
Potatoes
Tobacco ,
1871.
Heetareg.
70, 858
,290
,650
,40
7,346
3,500
6,669
,100
1872.
Hectares.
71,119
,380
2,507
,30
8,187
82, 223
3,650
5,729
,217
Beet
Madder
Heaip
Olive orchards
Vineyards
Fallow land
Natural meadows
Clover and other fields (sown)
Woods and forests*
AVild pasturage
other lands
Total are"* .
1871.
Hectare*.
,129
1,490
.3
12,000
29, 397
23,000
9,000
10,000
lis, 000
140, 000
138, 206
610,487
1872.
Hectares.
.400
1,400
- ,3
12,000
28,897
•s
eg
a
1
A
♦Woods and forests belong to the department, to public establishments, to communes, and to indi-
vidual owners.
I
The increased area devoted to wheat was obtained from cultivating
waste land. From 1820 to 1839, 65,000 hectares were annually sown in
cereals ; from 1840 to 1859 a mean annual of 76,000 ; from 1860 to 1874
a mean annual acreage of over 78,000.
As for the yield of wheat per hectare, it varies not only on different
farms but on the same farm in different years. A good year returns
about 15 hectoliters to the hectare, or about 16| bushels to the acre.
In 1868 the yield per hectare was only 8.05 hectoliters, or about 9 bush-
els to the acre. The wheat — wiittcr wheat almost eAolusiveiy — is sown
two consecutive years on the same land, which is then given a year's
rest.
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — FRANCE.
r more than 15
iirs caused by a
that we have
them only in
;ail and making
istics, we have
iture, and after
the same cul-
t.: oats remain
2' falls to 380;
6 to 30 in 1872.
of 16J per cent.
431
1840.
Seitaret.
4, 143. 00
1,112.00
81.00
1,466.00
6,476.43
5, 470. 60
147, 280. 56
62,432.00
103, 421. 00
6, 126 18
te).
463,697.17
49, 293. 83
512, 901. 00
1871.
1872.
Hectares.
,120
1,490
,3
12, 000
. 29, 397
. 23,000
9,000
) 10,000
lis, 000
. 140, 000
. 138, 206
4
Beetarei.
.400
1,400
• ,3
12,000
28,897
-s
. 610,487
Of
mrannes, and to indi-
om cultivating
inually sown in
m 1860 to 1874
ily on diflforent
id year returns
els to the acre,
'about 9 bush-
iiveiy — is sown
given a year's
Theslatat,c8 for the eereal,, 1860-'74, 15 yeafs, referred to above.
are:
Area sown with cereals, 1860-1874.
lln hectares.]
Tears.
I860....,
1861
1882
1863
1864
1865
1866
1867
1868
1869
1870*....
1871
1872
1873
1874
Wheat.
Average of fifteen years.
78, 900
63, 054
61, 662
62,639
07,040
63, 875
67, 418
70,100
68, 200
70, 000
'76,'868
71,110
09, 975
68, 775
Ityo.
68, 107
1,294
515
619
646
605
462
648
350
300
300
"296'
380
450
430
Barley.
527
1,9 37
1,044
1, 0,19
2,072
1,075
1,200
2,133
500
600
492
650
2,507
505
598
Maize.
1,160
*No statistics by reason of the war.
Cereal crop for 1860-1874.
[In hectoliters.]
40
30
65
70
OatH.
9,000
8,066
7,667
7,801
6,717
8,886
8,042
8,500
8,100
8,100
7,316'
8,187
11, 4n
6,582
Total.
51 8, 170
91, 131
72,670
70,807
73,148
7.5,497
74,423
78, 241
79, 460
77,100
78,802
79,084
82, 523
82, 510
76, 365
78,"oi5
Years;
Wheat.
Bye.
Barley.
Oats.
Aggre-
gate.
Per hoc-
care.
Aggre-
gate.
Perhec
tare.
Aggre-
gate.
Perhec-
tare.
Aggre-
gate.
Perheo-
tare.
1860
1, 218, 853
731,426
600,490
750,458
905, 040
818,878
968,122
820, 984
651,050
033, 100
'i,"i69,'045'
1, 101, 795
984,548
1, 152 732
15.43
11.60
9.74
11.45
13.50
12.82
14.36
11.84
8.05
13.33
"is." 64
15.50
14.07
16.75
11, 888
5, 834
7,353
5,043
8,795
, 0,929
9,849
9,320
3,990
4,500
'3,' 626'
4,866
5, 301
6,536
0.20
11.33
11.33
8.93
13.22
15
16.20
15. 20
13.30
15
ii'.u
12.78
11.78
15.20
41,916
5,971
16, 886
38, 669
19,611
21, 648
30,812
7,310
5,950
10, 027
ii,880
44, 488
0,878
21.65
5.72
10. 25
18.60
18.18
18.03
14.44
14.62
11.90
21.60
180,000
141. 558
115,647
133,674
134,407
176, 920
141,450
159,800
110, 573
110, .573
1861
20
1862
17.55
1863
15.28
1864
16.94
1865
20.04
1866
19. 91
18G7
17.50
1868
18.80
1869
1870'- ;;; .;
1871..
13.65
13.65
1872 ;.■;.■;;
21.60
17.74
11. 55
189,622
195, 424
317, 096
196,909
25.80
1873
23.87
1874
27.74
Averagecrop perheotare.
8, 999 15. 05
30
13.14
12.61
16.20
20.06
* No Stat
sties h^
reason c
>f the wa
r.
-
rrl^?^^^^''?'^''^ important products of the department are : Potatoes
vegetables, dried and fresh; the ol ive^dne^ ruits, and tobacco In
* The prizes referred to were offered by the French GovnmmAn*^ in nwti ♦„ „ '
ago the advancement of agriculture by L igation Fkst p7i™ farm SoTJTZl'
frar^tS So?f;n""''¥'";"''«"*V°?' 4oldmed;r:;ufl"oobSc8 Tond.^'^D'o
the second prizes and a bronze one the third. Tt wn« int«tZ,i%™ A\ „''/;''.''- -?*°'^^
snouia last for 5 years, but it seems that it was given "un after 2'' vea«. """ThTrt^^f
year 39 farmers contended for the prizes, and the 'Mury^'^who visitXth Jr ?*r^^^^
f^?th„^ af. ''P°'*- ""M^'^ ^"^•. '^^^'^ '«P«^t '« to be found in ^h^^rippopf"^^^^
1875that accompanies this brief investigation. i" "u" rapporc lor
viiip» j-jii^iiaiiiwpMapMM
■Ma
432
IBBIGATION IN EUROPE — PRANCE.
I ! !l
illl!
their cultivation arrosage from the caoals is being used more and more
every year, as will appear later on.
For potatoes we have :
Heotares.
1840 y,4lG
;85J 31446
1871 0,569
5,729
1872
^o Statistics as to yield per hectare.
For dried vegetables, beans, peas, lentils
1840
1852.
1862
1871
1872,
Heotarea.
... 2,207
,.. 2,608
... 3,407
... 3.509
... 3,650
Fresh vegetables, market gardening in 1862, 4,117 hectares. Since
that time the raising of " primenrs " for the London, Paris, and Mar-
seilles markets has greatly increased, so that the acreage now given to
fresh vegetables exceeds 6,000 hectares.
The olive fell off from 24,000 hectares in 1840 to half that figure in
1872. This was caused by the large importation of Italian oliveoil and
also to serious losses sustained by the French olive farmers, due to a
succession of heavy frosts.
The vine has experienced many vicissitudes and shows great fluctu-
ations.
He«tare«.
.. 24,991
44.069
1840
1855
]^l :::::::;::::::::":::::::;:::::: eii^i;
lo"-* ' 28,897
The old method of sowing wheat, etc., in the spaces, 1 to 2 metres,
between- the rows of vines is now regarded as very bad farming;
neither harvest being up to the full yield, and the land is rapidly im-
poverished by the double work exacted of it. In 1866 a new enemy of
the vine made its appearance in Vaucluse, and from thence gradually
spread over the greater part of France, threatening the total destruc-
tion of vine culture. This was th6 phylloxera, a microscopically small
bug, prodigiously fecund, multiplying itself by myriads in the roots of
the affected vines and exhausting the sap until the plant died. This
insect after destroying one yineyard migrates to the next to continue
its work. Various expedients were tried to kill the enemy, the object
being to find some substance that mixed with the earth would destroy
the insect without injury to the vine; but these efforts were not
crowned with complete success.'
A viticulteur, M. Faucon, of the Benches du Rhdne, conceived the
idea of drowning the pest, and it now appears that if the afflicted vines
are submerged under water for a sufficiently long time they are com-
pletely freed from it. M. Faucon submerged his vines for thirty con-
secutive days immediately after the vintage and killed the phylloxera
without injuring the vine. The quantity of water necessary to sub-
merge a vineward depends on the permeability of the soil ; about 864
cubic metres of water every 24 hours for each hectare was sufficient in
M . Faucon's case. The earth must be completely saturated to the depth
of the roots; the submersion being accomplished, the vines slinuld be
pruned and manured; this, of course, in the autumn e^fter the yiqtage.
uore aocl more
IBRIOATION IN EUROPE— FRANCE. 433
Other Plaatationrof Z ei?«,u and^^^^ '"^'"•^•" ^«7o!
jujube, pi«tache, peach, apple peTrs ^^11?^'*^°^ ^'S^^' «»l>er8,
Iar8, quince, walnut, prunerai rafferolo^^^S
planted in arable land. Muc Slr'^Jl ''^ f }^T^. «''«»'«rd8 are
tics; none as to cost of prol^jor Rp^. J^"'® ^^^ ^'^^ '»«t statis-
«rmai,e are required. Th^ded ne in e^h^IL""""?""^ ^^''^ Sequent
plainedby governmentalinterference AspSSSf''^"/? ^^^^'^ «^-
government regulation. It^.'roClT^tL^lX^S^^^^
^.^TX:i leeTarcrar 'a^d^^^sr tr *' ^h?^^-«- ^^^^ ^^^
even a greater variety of fruits in add^Hnn^n'r''^''"^. '^ ^ P^o<l"c«
ern France. It is stated thSfhl «?,.•''*" .***r'*^*^ cereals, than south-
bara, Ventura sLB,^nSdino ami ^^^'^^ ^^' '^"^^'*'' '^^"ta Bar-
producing all Ihe figs grape , Sives oraL^s'fl""' ^^T '^^''^^'^ ^^
imported from France, Spafn,' S I^aT/"^"'' ^"'°°"«' ""*«' ^"^ prunes
brS'?r!:?n" |/(!it lUTe^'^te^fhilLTn^^Vr'^H ^ ^^^"'^ ^-- ^^
for one-fifth that price. UnimZVld LcrKo.Tfi^*"^ '^" ^« ^^^^
nonirrigable land, and can h« hari fnS 4 1 ? southern France means
ticallyfhe same soil thJt are f/i^^^^^^^^ iden-
m French farmingandneedinff but o?« IS • ^ l^® l^eaviest items
whole country as woduptivi £. vil th'Dff— irrigation— to make the
capable of s/ppmng an immense ZZZlT' '^T''''''' "«^ ^'^ ^"^
question for siithernCaHfZTaTtrJ^^Sn?- ^^« °^««t important
turY^t^t nHSlVrair^^^^^^ ^^ large farming la grande cul-
small scale (la pSe'cuTure^ sAnilVrr^^ better when produced on a
up into thousands of S fruit farm«i/^^''^K™^'' '^°"'d ^^ '^i^ided
are frequently not L?rthaSf?rS"^T^^ properties of this sort
all the lar,d one Tv^rZ familv can p^iS^ ^'''' *^'^^ ^^'^S
of hired labor. ThSSSaJch "Jfr^^f ''•^^•'^* ^^^ e>nployment
One frequently sees b^l acre ff?ven to wh.I? '^''1^'' '"^^" P^^^^^^^'
'j.i
t . Jii ■irnii|-.iir n. tWiiiWMUMii
ammmmmm
434
IRRIQATION IN EUBOPE — FRANCE.
to but ont». The«e small faruiB require little or no mftoliinery !n the
American .sense of tlie word.
Southern California should be covered with a network of irrigating
canals as in the lJouchea-du-Rh6ne. It appears that the Santa Anna Is
tapped to such an extent that i» summer the river bed is perfectly
dry and the irrigating value of its waters quite limited. By the cou-
Btrnotion of reservoirs for the storage of the waters that are allowed to
escape to the sea in winter the irrigable area can be increased to any
desired extent.
It is interesting to note that just as the water supply for arrosage in
the Midi was and is managed by companies, so we read in the San
Bernardino Times that —
The Ontario Land Company has driven a tunnel in under San Antonio Creek, a dis-
tance of nearly 1,800 feet, at a cost of about |32,000, and they have about 250 inches
of water, >vorlh a (quarter of a million dollars.
tl
I !
Part XL— Irrigating Canals— Their Origin and Management.
As far back as when France was under Roman rule that part of it
lying between the Durance and the sea presented a surface so irregular,
a water supply so uncertain, and a soil so arid that the inhabitants, in
order to insure their continued existence there, were forced to turn
their attention to irrigation, even at that early period, so they dug
canals to conduct the waters of the Durance southward, to Aries and
and Salon Some of these existed in- the twelfth century, but were
afterwards destroyed during the wars of invasion.
The Department of the Bouches-du-Rh6ne oflfered all the difficulties
imaginable in connection with the supply, control, and distribution of
water. The Alps furnish an ample «upply, but it came in torrents,
or not at all: a succession of floods and droughts. The Durance that
carried the melted snow and ice to the sea had to be confined within its
banks, the sea at times encroached upon the land, anf' in the interior
were large marshy tracts that had to be drained, and there were other
tracts, where no streams were to be found, that had to be irrigated. To
correct these natural errors, associations of individuals, called syndi-
cates, were formed. They obtained permission from the general Govern-
ment to protect themselves from the water where there vas too much,
and to supply themselves with it from the large rivers where there was
little or none at all.
These associations were divided into syndicates:
First, for defense against the sea ; second, for defense against the
rivers; third, to drain lagoons, marshes, etc.; fourth, to irrigate the laud.
In 1876 there were only two syndicates for defense against the sea
existing, with their headquarters at Aries. They protect only a short
coast line and are not very important.
For defense against ihe rivers: Against the ravages of the Durance
and the inundations of the Rh6ne there were fourteen syndicates, com-
posed of proprietors whose lands are contiguous to the rivers, who con-
tribute to the expense of embankment, etc., according to the magni-
tude of their respective interests, the state likewise lending a hand.
The concessions enjoyed by these associations were granted by the
general Government through its minister of public works.
Each association is governed by a syndic composed of five members
appointed by the pr6fet of the department, and selected from among
the most important {i. e., paying the most taxes) landlords. This board
aolihiory fn the
rk of irrigating
i Santa Anna is
bed is perfoijtly
[1. By the cou-
.t are allowed to
ncreased to any
' for arrosage in
Bad iu the San
itonio Crook, a dU-
re about V50 incbos
• Management.
that part of it
ace so irregular,
B inhabitants, in
forced to turn
od, 80 they dug
:d, to Aries and
itury, but were
11 the difficulties
il distribution of
inie in torrents,
lio Durance that
nflned within its
' in the interior
here were other
>e irrigated. To
Is, called syndi-
general Govern-
e \7as too much,
where there was
mse against the
rrigate the laud.
against the sea
ect only a short
of the Durance
syndicates, com-
rivers. who cou-
g to tne magni-
mdiiig a hand,
granted by the
rks.
of Ave members
ted from among
rds. This board
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE— PRANOB.
. "• 486
prc-^fet. The director in pros Llent of « l ' "f ""* . «« •'•r««'«r I'V the
has general charge of the uttk rS nf ?L "•""'' ^""« ^he meeting/ ami
arroandiHsemontl.as otrg^^oa e w,^"''^^^'!' Theongi„ee?:;fZ
pointed by the prdfet, it will be seen at VluU? ^^^^ ^"^"'" '^>'"'»« i« ap-
control of the association. '"^ **"" Government has comi)lete
Hyndicates have vaiid f onrtime to tS'''^*"*^ ^?r '"^^
pears, they elected their own offlcer« Rmi ^rom 1805 to 1851, it ap-
selyos. From 1851 to ISoHhe svndiL l"*''"''^*'*' *^«'^ affairs them -
and their resolutions, to be eftLnva f w '^^ »^PPointed by the prdfot
prdfet. In 1865 a n'ew law w,m made a! ttrf '''"". '''« apJroval^Tt" h J
for a large outlay of canital 1 h.« "'^' T^^° ^^^ ^^^^^ was one calHiur
and othels the privat^^^t s «^^^«,^^^^^^ de« Al^
rumed, and the enterprises hadTo pSthrm,Th?'^''\'"""^ universally
fore the completion of the work it 11 through a number of hands be-
while the beieflt to the Midrfrom the canals'hr"> '" '^"^''''^ ^^^^ '^t
canals themselves have been managed in s. nh n' ^^'^'^ '"?«t»raable, the
few cases have they been deS>1f invlf f "^^^ ^« '" ^^^'^ a Very
conducted for years at a heavvTosi I .iir"^' T^^ ^^ *^«'° ^^^^
18 a hard customer to deal with He iLlT ^^^^^"^^ ^^«"«»» f^rme?
swamps have added that mucl alhSi^^t^ '> "'°^ ^^^ ^^^«he« and
careful maintenance. This rth« V?;^ ^- ,^^^*>snow required is its
syndicales. ^'^ '^ ^^^ principal task of the associations
^^"t^Z^ZTar'U^^^^^ --t important are the Canal
canals in man} respect^am alVuLn fmTt'ft^^^ '^'^ other
supplies by far the greater part of f h/Tf f^ I>urauce. As this river
department, some additiona flcf« nn.f.^^'" ^f^P^oyed to irrigate the
Its length, then, in theCartment be w^^^^^ it may not come am ss!
18 96 kilometres It is a tZtntT«i «. lo ^^ 'm**'^^®^^"^ an^l the Khone
kilometre in the upper pa?t to ^^^^^^^^
ower. In volume ft vaSes from 40 ?o 6 ZZZF'' V^'^'"^^'^ '° ^he
Its greatest rise (crue) was f h«f nf vl^ ' k ^^^.^^ ^^^res per second.
6.20 metres at th^ b?idgrof M 'rabeaf The avL'"'"' 7""'^ '' ^«««hed
106 cubic metres. The river s ft, na«f ,• ^T^ge volume of water is
waters are net much needed^^'d mns vi" T"* •' ^"^ 'P"»^' ^^en its
dnrintv f»,^ .--J „ . "^V '*^"» '*'"l runs Verv low in snmi«o« .,^.1 ,.-0-.-
"""•■s ^"^- yx:iiwi oi irrigation " — "^^«"uauuimn
1!' !
436
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — FRANCE.
ter and spritrg, so that tbe supply may not fnil when it is most needed.
This is the question, it seems to me, that Cills for most study in Cali-
fornia, not simply the construction of canals and ditches, hut of canals
with reservoirs and basins of such size^and location as will furnish a
regular water supply for the entire irrigating season.
As the Durance comes rushing down from the mountains in winter
it spreads over a very large surface, four or Ave times larger than a
river of its volume takes if confined within its banks, changes it« bed
if left to itself, carrying pebbles and sand over fertile fields and render-
ing them valueless. The syndicats dc defense now prevent this. For
the expense of embankment the 8tat<> contributes one-third, the de-
partment one-sixth, the syndicats one-half, and the work is in charge of
the engineers of the department.
The river at the Pont de Mirabeau, where observations are made,
showed that the amount of mud carried down the river in suspension
at that p> int in the summer and winter was :
Weight of mud obtained in 10,000 liters of water.
Years.
Summer.*
Winter.l
lg(57
Kilo».
10
45
9
10
10
15
11
12
Kilos.
8
1H6S
26
1889
10
1870
23
1871
16
1872 ,
30
1873
24
1874
21
16.4-
19.6
♦April 1 to September 30.
lOctober 1 to March 31.
These weights are obtained from a measure of muddy water, first
drained of the water and then dried in .^ kiln at 100° C.
While the pebbles and sand are very injurious to the land, the mud
carried along in suspension is regarded as of great fertility, and the
muddy water is turned on to cover the fields to enrich them. The
water is used for this purpose when yellow in color, dark-brown and
red being considered pernicious.
An analysis of the river mud, made of the same taken from two
somewhat distant points of the river, shows :
Analyses,
PhyBloal :
° Sand *.
Impalpable sand
Total
Chemical :
Part not affected by aqua regales, calcined
Carbonate of lime
Carbonate of maKuesia
Potash
Sesquioxide of iron
AInminnm
Water in combinntiou witli gosqiiioxido ..
FhuHphuriu uuiii
Organic matter
Total
Crtpit
Ville Lome
Va-joliise.
Per cent.
27.70
72.30
100. 000
Diipflt du
Canal des
Alpines.
Per cent.
60.60
49. BO
100.00
100. 00
46.210
47.280
44.060
42.580
1.443
1.040
.188
.072
d.680
5.926
2.070
1.489
1.368
1.555
.020
. 0*1
1.971
.038
100.000
I
mmer.*
"SVinter.l
Kiloi.
Kilot.
10
8
45
25
9
10
19
23
10
16
15
30
11
24
12
21
16.4-
19.6
ly water, first
ken from two
)it
DopAt du
jomo
Canal de»
use.
Alpines.
ent.
Pet cent.
27.70
60.60
72.30
49.60
00.00
100. 00
5.310
47.280
4.060
42..'i80
1.4-13
1.040
.188
.072
d. 680
5. 926
2.070
1.489
1.368
1.55.')
.020
. Oi-i
1.971
.038
0.000
100.000
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE— PRANCE.
THE CANAL DE CEAPPONNE.
437
of'prol^nT^St^^^^^^^^ Pl--and valleys
and daring displayed in their construction. ' "' "■* *'"
J'™ jZL'^d iK™ d41t^^^^^^^ /^•'"'r ''«'"<'^- St.
has a length of « kilometres and a fall of 70 metres ' '"'°'
jntntrrirtraiiTerter^*iKzv'''''»'«i''-
rmo^Vdti'II.Sel r^nee'JvIS-^^^^^^
struct and comflete Se canThe devoteThU ii?„'''ii^ "" "f.f ' '» T"-
to bis majesty that the ^oAw^^Sr^T^^Z^'^SroZS^'''^
the great engineer wL unveiled atSatorhS his°m?m*o?y!i"*"'' »'
regnaient la st^rilit^ et la niis^re * "^^"^ **°* **« contr^ea on
ingl^lToTthe^^^ Zf\l' ^- ^" Cr«PP««"e made a lateral open-
thf rfveTit ?hat noht 1^^^ . *^^ "''^';' "*" ^^^^« ^« *b« "o^mal width of
to h,s rescue h,s creditors took the canal and associated ZmS
i'l
Ul
"'HKia
438
IBBIGATION IN EUROPE — ^FRANCE.
together under the name I/CEuvre de Salon. After Crapponne's death
the Ravel brothers, of Salon, obtained from his heirs, who, it seems,
still had a certain interest in the original concession, the right to con-
struct a branch canal from Lamanon to Aries. In 1583 these Ravel
brothers and the creditors, i. e., the association L'CEuvre de Salon,
combined their interests and the administration of the canal was man-
aged by these two sets of proprietors, whose shares and votes are given
in the following table. It is interesting to note that it was the mill-
owners who secured possession of the canal to use it lor water power,
while the farmers were either too poor to put money into it or too igno-
lant to appreciate what it would do for them and so did not interest
themselves about it. The canal was managed by a syndic elected by
the shareholders. This corporation was free from government control,
and the successors of -the original shareholders manage its affairs now
in about the same way the syndic of 1583 did. According to the Gov-
ernment report the canal has been always badly managed, with a long
list of lawsuits, and has caused the public administration no end of
trouble. The whole area effectively irrigated by the canal and its
branches amounts to 10,000 hectares. Here are the tables referred to
above :
(EUVRE DE SALON.
Description.
The Mill de Lan90D
The Mill des Quatre Tonmauts >
The Mill d'Eygui6re8
The Mill de Malleinort
The Mill d'AUeina .......;..._
The Town of Salon Ur^s and Vionges for irrigating
The Proprietor o Irfes •
TheCommuno AUeins, irrigation ■j.iV^^"''
The Hospital Ste.-Martha, D'Avignou, for irrigating Mirjkraas and St. Chamas. .
Shares.*
Eaug. s. d.
230
385
151 21 2
50
20
60
25
30
30
981 21 2
Votes.
2
4
1
1
i
CEDVRE D'ARLBS.
The mills and irrigation, Arlos .................•--_-.--•--■
The Corps des Arrosauts de la Crau d' Arlos lor irrigating Bois- Vert
The Mill <lo Chatubreniout
Total
* Values of 1583.
The cost for irrigation from one of the branches of this canal for the
season April to October, hours a week, per hectare, was :
* Francs.
Forfeardeufl J|-g
Fornieadows ^^-^o
For orchards "• ^'^
This was the rate established by the company in 1802, and it appears
that the company endeavored to increase it at different times, and in
1 875 the tribunal of Tarascon decided that the rates of 1802 were all that
the company was entitled to demand.
Without entering into details couceruing the Canal des Alpines,
ivi.ich ia take" from the Durance at Mallemort, using 22 cubic meters
of water per second, with a length of 313 kilometres, irrigating 8,000
hectares, and resembling the Canal de Crappone, we come to
barea.*
Votes.
us. s. d.
!30
2
;85
4
5121 2
1
50
1
20
} i
60
[
25
S
30
■ ;
30
981 21 2
9
084 20
17 31
58
8g
160 12
9
sanal for the
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE-PRANCE. 439
THE OANAL DE MARSEILLE.
^cVtTaUtiS^^^^^^^ .Of an the canals in
and power for mill« and fLSs but ?n L^?^'"^ ^^^ "^^^ti-J^
nearly 400,000 inhabitiints w ?h a' constanfnii'''" >t supplies a city of
water, and it pays a dividend of^CfaTr'^lS^^^^^^
iatl;rf:.?etr:s4*o^^^i?s'Js^
to the city if it continued to^rncrease 7n ln^,f J""''''^ sufficient water
being forced to this matter, a cSSsUw'/^H^?*^^"',^^ ^-^^^t, attention
of the Durance to MarseSles eC?8 To «o«'^'"f^*^?«°^"«^
made by private parties in 1770 1818 anS i«S""^''f^ ^^^ ^^^^ were
At last in 1837 the municipal council of ?h«pffl^''*=/l^^7'<' «"«««««•
and intrusted its execution to M de MontnL""^®'*^^?'' ^^^ ^o^k,
engineer and in 1848 the work wafcompS^^ a distinguished
^^^^XZ:^CTt^^^^^^^ f '^'00 litres per
sea of 187.25 milimetres. The Serai ^m/L^^V'^''^'*°° ^^'^^e the
west until what remains of if i? firfoii v^^® ^^ *^® «^nal is south and
length of the main ?anaf is 125 kiloreK'l'ff ^ ^"'^ '^^ ««^- ^Se
make 34 kilometres more. The Wtwkn^hi^^ ?"°.'*P^l ^'''''^^^^
what is called periodic water 7th at ns^ A" ^ '">«»*'"& ditches for
kilometers, the length orclosedconduU^^^^^ to October) is 230
from the canal all the year round fean^nnf- ^'^f'^^uting water taken
the country and 180 in the dty iZuZlTt^ '" ^^^ kilometers in
from April to October is 2 Ofi5^' fni ft^ ^^"^ of permits for irrigating
county/5,700,forircoitinS'us^^^^^^^^^^ ^^7^*^^ fn thf
alls of the canal supply p;)werf?r]07 minion'?/ J^^^'^es which the
lug equivalent to 1,502 LiC-power fS nf ^ lactones, the force be-
water is allowed to'turn it on^6 ho^r. n«r ^".^ of irrig ting
ulation so arranged as"o make the draFn\7he'^^ '" %'*°^« ''^
and time as light as possible °*^ *^ * certain point
^^^or'l^tl^t^^^^^^^^^ expenditures of every
aqueducts, ^nd dTs?r?bution fn cZtrv S^i^"'"''''''' ^^'^°'' *""°«^«^
francs. country and city, amounts to 44,820,000
The receipts for 1876 were:
City permits Francg.
Kiiral permits 335 000
Power permits 625,000
lirst expense of introduction paid by" new suLVc'rib;™ T^^rSP.
Total : ___115^
as folloCr"'" '''^''' "^^^« ^«ken"f;;m ;h;Du;a;;7i.' disp^erof
iters,
,000
,500
., .= " . 500
F::r SgSri^"*^'^ "-^^ »" ^^'y^^^)' :::::: -:::::::::::::::: :::::::::: IS
l*or loss by infiltration. evan^miimV"i:;:.; ";;••.•••:.: 2.91fi
Total _^
Leaving 500 litres to be-ai^o^ed-oi whlch-nowVun^-iV^ihVsoa: '''''
rl
511
440
.IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — FRANCE.
The canal and its branches, as it proceeds from the river to the sea
passes through a very uneven country. For 16 kilometres it is carried
under tunnels, three in number ; then it is carried across rivers and
over valleys and ravines by means of aqueducts, viaducts, and siphons.
The most important of these works is the aqueduct of Roquetavour,
which required 6 years in building. It is composed of eighty arches
m three tiers, with the following dimensions :
Total lengtli of aqueduct ,a„"'
Heieht ti'~i
Width at the base of the pillars ".!i!!"""!'. ?o5x
Width at the tup of the pillars ^J™
Width ot the water course or channel oo„
Depth of water in channel ' "."'.'.'.'."""" , jn
Fall or inclination of aqueduct per metre, . 004 metres
The aqueduct is about 30 kilometics from Marseilles, and is justly
regarded as one of the most interesting points to visit in France.
The basin of Realtort, where the canal water is filtrated and made un-
objectionable for drinking purposes, is another work demanding atten-
tion. It covers 28 hectares and has a capacity of 2,300,000 cubic metres.
By means of this basin and its appliances all the mud and sediment are
extracted from the water, so that it enters Marseilles iu a perfectly clear
SI/Rt6a
The regulation adopted by the municipal council concerning the use
of the Marseilles Canal water shows that it was decided in 1853 that the
concessions or permits should run for 60 years from that time and that
all permits should expire in 1903 ; that a concession for irrigation should
be granted upon the payment of the expenses incurred in makint^ the
ditches and an annual rent to conform to the annexed tariflf.
Quantity of water
per second.
Cost of the
ditches.
Annual rent.
LUre».
100
50
Francs,
4f0
200
Franet.
80
46
No permit is given for less than half a litre per second.
For water in the country, to be used all the year, the tariff is ;
Quantity of water-
Cost of
conduits or
pipes.
Annual rent.
In modules.
In litres, por
24 hours.
2.00
1.00
.50
.20
.10
17, 28f)
8.640
4,820
1, 728
864
Franet.
500
250
125
65
35
Franet.
190
115
72
44
27
Foiiuits for two-tenths of a mmlule are only granted to proprietors
whose lands are less than 20 ares (an are is 1 19.0 square yards), and of
one-tenth of a module to those whose properties are 10 ares or less.
IBBIGATION IH EnsoPE— PBANCE. 441
For the city a„.. its ^ubarbs, for the u.e of eau, coutinue the tarifl'a :
Quantity of water—
In Djoiluleg,
a (locilUre
In litres,
per seooud.
per 24 liours.
1.00
8,640
.90
7,776
.80
0,912
.70
6,048
.60
8,184
.50
4,320
.40
3,456
.30
2,602
.20
1,728
.10
864
.05
432
Co8t of pipes,
Frane$.
1
000
94U
880
820
760
700
640
680
S2U
300
150
Anonal rent.
Prancf.
100
04
88
82
76
70
64
58
52
40
30
volume of 100 litre. oTT^teTi^er^^^^^ represented by a
metre. ^ second falling from a height of a
pays t^ re'ru^StX'or^fKur 'TfZ Vr-^^P-j-nt that
construction it carefully cauvaipd /£'«.? f'^®..*''® ""'^^ undertook its
pass and thus seS ki advauo«lnl?"^^'^^ ^ ''^"^^ ^'"«^^ i*^o«W
cial success. advance enough subscribers to make it a finan-
Paet hi.— Weather Observations. *
thIt''o?&^lts:t2^^^^^^^^ -d more particularly
tics concerning 'tLlXeratur^^^^^^^^
low on temperature and rain cover a nPr^^riS rr *^H®^ ^^®" ^^^
1888: that on winds a neriml n?I^ ^f.^ **".^o^,?^ ^^^^^^ or from 1823 to
the observaL^s were taket ft ti^^^^^^ "" k^^^* ^'^ ^^^^' ^"^'^ ^« 1865
conditions. SeruTn?to?haf d^^^^^^^^^^ observatory under one set of
yel?.* '*'"'" """' ■" """ "" «»"'»'« « » very eveu one from year to
1 ^1
I I
Monthly averages of temperatures in the D4partement des ' Bouohes du-BhSne.
MAXIMA.
[Degrees centigrade. Forraala: Fahrenlieit = 9 -SfHiie'^'les .001
,823 to 1832
,833 to 1855
'8.16 to lt<85
l8«a to 1888
Jan. Feb. March.
Apr. May. , June. July. Aug. Sept,
U- 00 17. 54
13. 68 16. 67
14. 00 17. 81
14. 95 18. 10
20.68
20.89
21. 37
21.93
23.42
24.88
25. 25
25.36
26.48
26.60
27.73
28.16
25. 99
26.5'
27.28
27.84
23. 3,-.
23.42
24.28
24.86
Oct.
19.25
19 33
20.65
19.65
Nov. Dec
14.33
14.44
14.79
14.90
11.61
11.31
11.71
U.SO
' '^'^«'-'"«'"<5triq«o, ^^^y'o^n6tvU^:^e~^yonto,e'^^^^^^:^,^^
ll
! ifi
442 IBRIGATION IN EUROPE— PRANCE.
Month!,, avci-agee of ten^peratures in the Mpartmrnt des Douches du-Mhue-
MINIMA.
Contiuued.
1823 to 1832
18;)3 to IS.-.,'.
18J0 to 1HG5
1800 to 1888
2.72
8. HO
8. US
2.51
4.28
3.68
3.32
3.85
6.11
4.77
6.0!)
4.80
9.17
7.81
9.17
7.74
12.34
11.71
12. 22
10.70
14.80
16.63
16.07
14.01
17.83
17.41
17.94
16.29
17.18
17.21
17.76
16.89
16.09
14.71
16.00
13.87
11.67
11.34
12.36
9.64
7.86
0.93
0.96
6.69
HJBAN.
;823 to 1832
1833 to 1865
1850 to 1865
1866 to 1888
6.98
7.05
7.01
a 90
7.90
7.70
7.42
8.60
10.06
9.22
9.85
9.91
13. 3-.
12.24
13.46
12.92
10.56
16.30
10.79
10,32
19. U
20.20
20.47
19.08
22.16
21.99
22.83
22.22
21.50
21.87
21.51
21.86
19.22
19.07
19.06
19.36
16. 46
15.34
16.62
14.64
11.00
10.68
10.89
10.30
6.40
3.79
3.90
2.07
8.66
7. 66
7.82
7.28
Mean annual te*-!- '"'^ture,
ANCIEN OBSr.i ' •, 'B,
[Degrees oentljj ■ ..]
Mean
t<!niper-
atnre.
15.04
13.42
43. 20
13.10
13.42
14.04
13. 70
14.34
13.88
13.81
14.08
Year.
UU5.
18\0.
1847.
18411.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
IS.'il.
1855.,
NOUVEL OBSERVATOIRE..
1«I7...
14.64
14.65
13.81
13.80
13.49
14.82
1868
1869
1870
1871
1872
1873..
1874..
1875..
1876 .
1877. .
1878..,
14.63
13.72
13.01
14.66
14.64
14ri7
I 1870...
li 18H0..,
I 1881...
1882...
1883...
18f4...
13. no
14.75
14.45
14. 35
13.77
14.26
1885. . .
1880...
18fi7...
1888...
Mean average for sixty-slx years, 14.22°.
14.36
14.16
13.09
13.37
the average or mean lowest temperature fell on December 11 tht'r, ?h *^
perature li.40 n or lo f;o p' n^ 10 nau^ ; . ' '*°^ ^^® lowest tem-
The vear isa? ■>«« Jo" " ?-^ ^^;? ^^^^"^ freezing point Fahrenheit,
-ine .^ ear l8o7-'88 was exceptiona y cold. The niR-in nnnn-.i 1 q qo /^
As to thfi rainfall H^a f^Ki^ k„i _i ., . _
i«>ie fi, . ' ■" '""^^ uciuw «uows rnat lur the Dpriorl 1X9'^
IBEIGATION IN EUKOPE— PRANCE.
443
7.86
6.40
0. 0:j
8.79
6. 06
3.90
6.69
2.07
) 11.09
8.66
1 10.66
7. 68
! 10. 89
7.»a
I 10.30
7.28
Afpsn
temper.
aturo.
14. 6S
11 36
....
; 14. 17
14.98
13.70
15.21
14.77
14.08
14.43
14.81
••♦■
14.04
14.36
14.16
....
13.09
13.37
annual rainfall there being about 520 inillimfitrAa rf ic «,^ii i
that the climate of Trovence is LXdderThin;i...ijffr ,''"*''?
r^ ^'1? ""^ « little or no rain May, June, and July, June being the driesf
month; September is the dampest. The r^iifeU Sx)m ?far to vS5
varies considerably. Some years, with a larg.^r nurabS of rlinv davs
than the average, give a rainfall (quantity) considerably under the
av^erage. Eains are more frequent ciuring thi nighrthaTin the day
Pluviometrical observations.
Years.
1823...
1824...
1826...
1826...
1827...
1828...
1829...
1830...
1831...
1832...
1833...
1834...
1836...,
1836....
1837....
1838....
1«39.,..
1840....
1841....
1842....
1843....
1844....
1845....
18*6....
1847....
1848....
1849....
1850....
1851....
1852,...
1858....
IS.M....
1855....
1836
Rainfall.
Number
of days
of rain.
Mm.*
402. 30
413.90
432.00
630. 30
620. SO
484.30
637. 40
322.90
354. 50
838.90
399.30
540.48
497. 06
722. 19
268.19
489. d5
906.21
538. 00
606.37
745.05
679. 68
610. 40
452. 37
631. 69
401.24
637.26
376. 26
359.06
502. 79
414. 49
804. 52
208. 52
480.41
523.07
Number
of days
of snow.
73
67
42
39
40
52
84
63
59
68
70
55
68
70
06
74
76
75
69
87
74
97
86
73
63
85
66
66
73
78
102
63
85
86
Years.
1857
1858
1859
1860
1861
1862
1863
1864
1865
1866
1867
1808
Kaiufall.
1870.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875
1876.
1877.
1878..
1879 .
1880..
1881..
1882..
1883..
1884 .
1885. .
1866..
1887..
1888..
Mean average.
Mm.
604.30
486.73
421.40
472. 08
3U6. 27
783. 02
6f>4. 80
068.00
438. 80
463.86
371. 38
741. 50
303. 20
406. 25
531. 05
1,093.15
483. 95
604. 22
438. 78
466.55
311. 80
487. 70
727. 35
611.76
391. 95
476. 70
438. 80
478. 15
621. 60
821. 60
651. 97
650. 20
Number
of days
of rain.
528.65
78
72
76
94
60
78
80
74
82
81
04
91
73
70
84
131
94
67
66
93
105
91
94
88
91
96
117
86
108
102
87
107
Number
of days
of snow.
78.7
3
3
3
2
4
3
1
2
1
4
1
1
S
5
1.56
* Mm.= millimetre = .0393 inches.
There were in all 103 days when snow fell during the 66 years. If
we divide this time into periods of 22 years each we see that for the
,^«rfi fil^'^'^i^^''*' "^^""^ ^^^ ^''''''^^ *"«^ ^^^ «««o»'l l^» ^^fl for the third
period 6J. These snows are very light and rarely remain on the ground
more than an hour or two after sunrise. ^^""uu
It snowed on the average for the 66 years 1.56 days per year.
ay reternng to the table for mean annual temperature for the 66 years
we see that with the increase in the number of snows in the last 22 years
there was a slightly lower thermometer. The general average for the
"^ T/o'iT-r'J ''^ <^p-.y«ai-s was 14.220 0. ; for the period 1823 to 1865 it
— . — , ..j.. luu i^-ctiuu xouL? LU Idoo IC was 14.10'-' U. 'I'llft
years 1887 to 1888 gave 13.23° 0. The gradual change going on in the
dunate ol the Midi is attributed to the increased area subjected to irri-
gatiou.
■ 4
f!
I
i
i j
Vl' i
444
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — FRANCE.
The tlepartmeut des Bouclies-du-RUone must not be confounded with
"the sovith of Prance," to which invalids are sent from the States,
England, and the north of Europe, and where the leisure class go to
enjoy a perfect climate — one continual spring, amid the loveliest sur-
roundings that nature and art can produce ; that " south of France "
is several hours by rail from Marseilles, beginning with Hy6re8, then
Cannes, St. Raphael, Nice, Monaco, and so on. The "Rives d'Or"
enjoy a milder climate by two or three degrees centigrade than Marseilles.
The Mistral does not extend that far, and these resorts are so located
that they are protected by the configuration of the coast and the hills
from the local winds in winter.
The winds that blow at Marseilles and its vicinity have a direct bear-
ing on the irrigation question. Prom their frequency and force an ex-
planation is obtained of the dryness of the climate, notwithstanding
the number of rains per annum and the quantity of water contributed
by the clouds.
Statistics supplied by the city observatory give the number of winds
from the eight principal points of the compass for each year from 1874
to 1888, their average annual force computed in metres per second, in
kilogrammes per hour, and the wind pressure in kilogrammes per square
metre. I regret that I have not the time to give the tables for the
15 years ; a general r^8um6 of all the observations must suflSce. A
study of the table below shows how frequent certain winds are at fixed
times 01 the day, and how seldom it is that there is not some one of the
eight winds blowing in this vicinity. Just how far these observations
apply to the whole of Provence I am unfortunately unprepared to say.
The observations were taken six times daily from 7 a. m. to 10 p. m.,
and indicate the number of days on the average each year, for 15
years, there was a wind blowing from the given direction ; also the force [
or swiftness of the winds, they having values generally adopted by '
meteorologists as follows :
Character of
wind.
Velocity.
Pressure per
Per second.
Per liour.
square metre.
None
Weak
Moderate...
Strong
Metret.
to O.o
0.6 5
5 10
10 15
Kilovuitrea.
to 1.8
1.8 18
18 30
30 54
Kilogrammeg.
to 0.1
1 3
1
2 . ...
rt 19
3
12 27
Ventose observations ; mean of 1874-1888.
7 a.m.
10 a.in.
^P
. m.
*P
. m.
7p
. lU.
10 p
m.
Average.
Direction of
^
t^
tA
^
k.
k>
>>
wind.
•^
."S
^
&
M
^
1
o
^
u
^
t
g
«
0)
s
.*
^
V
«
«
W
"ciJ
M
>
«
>
P
>
H
t>
P
>
«
>
P
>
North
.8
1.1
9.1
1.7
4.8
2.0
6.3
1.8
7.4
1.5
6.7
1.1
a.H
1.6
Ifortheast .
96.5
.5
21.2
.6
6.6
1.0
5.8
.9
52.3
.5
125.6
.6
51.3
.6
East
83.5
1.1
48.8
1.3
25.1
1.9
23.8
1.7
49.6
1.2
61.9
1.2
4^8
1.3
Southeast ..
25.6
1.2
40.8
1.8
41.8
2.0
39.4
1.8
39.1
1.5
29.1
1.5
36.0
1.7
South
7.1
J. 6
16.9
1.4
28.7
1.7
33.1
1.4
15.0
.8
4.9
1.1
17.8
1.4
Southwest. .
6.5
.5
32.9
.9
50.8
1..T
58.4
1.2
29.9
.0
8.1
.8
31. H
1.0
West
47.3
1.4
00.6
1.3
97.0
1.0
88.5
1,5
67.6
1.0
27.8
1.3
69. «
1 4
Northwest..
93.0
18
101.1
2.4
103.7
2.0
108.3
2.9
101.5
2.3
08.3
2.2
101.1
2.4
xr a .y 3 vu
which tliere
was no w'd
at the hour.
4.1
3.9
.2
1.7
4
2.8
2.8
lERIQATION IN EUROPE — FRANCE.
445
nded with
le States,
lass go to
oliest sur-
F France "
6re8, then
ves d'Or"
daiseillea.
jo located
[1 the hills
irect bear-
rce au ex-
hstaudiug
vntributed
r of winds
from 1874
second, in
per square
!S for the
uflSce. A
■e at fixed
one of the
nervations
ed to say.
> 10 p. m.,
ar, for 15
) the force
iopted by
Pressure per
square metre.
Kilogrammeg.
to 0.1
0.1 3
3 12
12 27
Average.
1
t
1
5.8
51.3
48.8
36.0
17.8
31.8
co.g
101.1
2.8
1.6
.6
1.3
1.7
1.4
1.0
1.4
2.4
From the six observations of the day the eight winds can hp •r.loi.a^.i
according to their frequency, and omitting thffr^£sras follolT
Oireotlunofwlnd.
No.»f
Mean
days.
velooltj'.
Northwest
West
101
2.4
Northeast
JSast
Southeast .'..'.".'.".".'."
70
51
49
1.4
.6
1.8
Southwest
3«
1.7
South
82
1.0
North •
18
1.4
No wind
S
8
1.0
Total
366
366 — the omitted fraction = 866 days.
The most frequent wind there is the northwest, or mistral- it is
also the strongest having nearly double the veloc ty o? any one if
the other wmds. It is this wind that spoils the climate of MarseiUes
for when it suddenly appears, one day out of three, the tempera uS
falls at once and worse still, clouds of gray white dust are driven into
the faces and eyes of the unfortunate individuals who happen to be out
of doors; indeed, the dust is so fine that it penetrates the houses
throwing its gritty mantle over everything. Lodged in the eveTS
painful to a degree, and settled on and driven into dark clothing it is
their ear y destruction. In the summer months when there is little or
no ram the trees, flowers, and shrubs around the city become completelv
covered with the dust, and as the hills are of gray white rock devo M
of vegetation of any kind, and the houses are of gJay stone or comS
tion, the aspect of Marseilles and its surroundings, dull at the best of
JiSfL" T1TS P^^^i^^^'y mournful. For relief from the monotonous
fnrLTl'"''^ ^'"^Vf ?.^. *''^^^' ^""^y ^«"««S' g'^y everything~the eye
SeMed^rrtnea'S:''"^"" ^"^^^^^ in loveliness the intense blJe
^J^^ the table above it will be seen that none of the winds are vio-
lent, that the northwest ones do not approach our western blizzards.
The meterological table stops at No. 3, because in this locality in
\ elocity and force the winds do not go beyond that figure and its equiv-
l!? oA ^»i»Jf,|^«:A in scientific language, means above 30 metres a sec-
ond, above 108 kilometers per hour, and more than 108 kilogrammes per
square metre. But the table is the average of 15 years : exceptional
winds, then, must be those that greatly exceed the force there given.
Ihe northwest winds at times during the winter have a force sufficient
to overturn cabs on the Oorniche route, and at certain exposed points
on the road the pedestrian has to crawl on all fours to the leeward under
the sea wall to save himself from being blown into the sea. Inland, one
ot the agricultural features of the country is long rows of cypre^-a trees
so planted a^ to protect the crops from these same north westerners.
ihe least frequent winds are those from the north, while the weakest
are from the northeast.
of^he^w^^ d"' ^* *^ <^'^*"^®^' *»»8 greatly modified the force and frequency
smamtm
Hi
I!
446 IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — PRANCE.
Part IV.— Methods of Irrigation and Cultivation.
DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAT, PROPERTIES VISITED RV THE FRENOH
JURY ON IRRIGATION IN 1875 AND 1870, WITH SOME DETAILS AS
TO METHOD OF IRRIGATION AND OF CULTIVATION, THE COST OF
LABOR, AND THE PRICE OF PRODUCTS.
The jury appointed by the minister of agriculture to award the gov-
ernment prizes to the contestants showing the best methods of and best
results from irrigation, visited more than seventy properties in all. As
their report contains a description of each property visited and gives an
amount of information too minute and extended for the scope of my
report, I can only describe one or two of the places visited in the brief-
est sort of way. The subject 1 deem too important to be passed by
without at least giving some little notice to it.
From inquiry and observation I learn that the irrigation problem in
the Midi has not undergone any sensible change in the past 13 years.
The methods adopted are about the same. No material change has
taken place in the irrigating canal companies. Their success or failure
appears to have been decided at their start to have depended largely
on close calculation as to original cost and guarantied subscriptions.
The cost of water supplied by canal companies has been given in
several instances. Just what it costs the farmer depends on the prox-
imity of his land to a canal ; whether or not his lan<l is above the level
of the canal, on a level with it, or below the level of the same.
The French law permits a farmer to use all the water necessary to
irrigate his fields from a river flowing through or 'oy his land free of
cost. When the land is lower than the river surface the question of
embankment may be the most important for that particular property;
when above the level, the cost of pumping the water up to a desired
point for immediate distribution or for storage in a reservoir takes a
most important place in the items of yearly expenditure for that estate,
so that the value of rural property is governed by the ease and cheap-
ness with which water can be obtained, or the contrary. Where nature
alone has to be relied on for the rainfall the ,alue of land, as given
before, is very low, as the only products under that condition are a
coarse and scanty grass and a few trees of little or no value.
Domain of the Masde-Fabre, the property of M. Faucon.— The domain
of the Mas-de-Fabre, lying in the commune of Graveson, has a total su-
perficies of 36 hectares ; 2J hectares are on the mountain side. When
M. Faucon acquired it, in 1855, it was let at an annual rent of 3,000
francs, which was often in arrears, and sometimes not paid at all. In
1858 he undertook the cultivation of it himself, and at once began plant-
ing vines, which he continued until 1867. Everything prospered to his
entire satisfaction, when, in that year, the phylloxera made its appear-
ance, and his vineyards were completely devastated. How the phyllox-
era was treated has been already described.
In 1875 the domain was divided as follows :
Hectares.
Vines oared of the phylloxera by winter submersion and now in full bearing. 16. 00
Plantation of aranions begin".ing to bear 5. GO
Plantation of 1874, not yet bearing 2.00
Plantation of 1875 1.00
Total for vineyards '24.00
IRHIQATION IN EUROPE — PRANCE.
447
Irrigated innadovr ., ,,'
Sainfoin ;i"2
Oats .'..■■■..'.■.'.".■ .7^
Irrigated orchard , |{J:
RoadH, ditches, etc .1'
On tho mountain side: '•""
Olives ,
Almonds V^
1.25
Total area of domain ""jjG^
The place of the Vineyards of the Mas de Fabre is exphvined as follows*
On the extreme left is the Caual des Alpines, one of the important
irrigating canals of the department. Until 1870, M. Paucns made no
use of the canal, because his land was slightly higher than the level of
the canal. In that year he obtained permission of the canal company
to put a bar (barrage) across the canal, and so raised the level of the
water as to enable him to carry it in ditches (fosstSs) over his property
M. Faucus has, from time to time, planted almost all the varieties of
vines grown in the Midij en voice la linte :
Clairette, Espar, Monrastol.
Aramon. Petit-bouschet. Carignane
Monstardi^. Brun-fourcot. Tenet noir,
^''lade. Cinq-saou, Tenet-bourret.
Piflue-poule. Gros-Guillaume. Petit-tenet.
Colamband. P6coui-tonar. Tiboureu.
Grand- teoulier. Sporau noir. Muscat
Olivette. Madeleine. Joanneuo.
Gbasselas. Grenache.
Lot A, on the placed adjoining the canal, was planted in 1875 in petit-
bouschet. The ground had been leveled and divided in compartments
ready for submersion if required. The blue line represents the ditch
by v^hich the water is taken (prise) from the canal and distributed over
the vineyards ; 1 hectare.
Lot B was planted in 1858 in clairette. Vines nearly destroyed by
phylloxera in 18G8. Submersion began in 1870 and continued to date.
From 1872 to 1875 carefully cultivated and manured. By this process
the vines were restored ; 2 hectares 75 ares.
Lot is also planted in clairette since 1859. Treated by submersion
etc., since 1870, which caused restoration of the vines. The ground in
this lot is very uneven, hence the many small compartments to secure
complete submersion ; 3 hectares 80 ares.
Lot D is composed of old vines of 1862 and 1863, a number of varie-
ties; 2 hectares 60 ares.
Lot E was planted in mouriv^du in 1864. Both D and E were rav-
aged by the phylloxera, and treated by submersion since 1870 ; 2 hec-
tares 90 ares.
Lot F is planted in aramon of different ages. Out of the 25,000
plants in this lot 15,000 were completely destroyed by the insect. Sub-
merged in 1871 and dead plants replaced, in 1875 bearing majjaiH-
cently.
Lot G was planted in aramon in 1874. Completely submerged for
65 days without injury to the young vines ; 2 hectares.
Lot H was planted in grenacke in 1861. In 1868 so injured by phyl-
loxera as to bo considered lost beyond all question. Treated by sub-
mersion in 1870 and since. It is now in such a prosperous condition
v.siTv vuv itii/vicio uu luc csLittc uiwi it Liiu luiraciu Vine.
Lots I and J are irrigated meadows ; 3 hectares.
I
448
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — FRANCE.
r
I
IIH I
Lot K, irrij?Hted onjhard ; 1 hectare.
Lot L, Haiiit'oin ; 2 hectaroH 50 ares.
Lot M, oats; 2 hectares.
Lot N, vegetable garden ; 45 ares.
The land given to olives and almonds is not represented on the above
plan.
Ilow the vineyards are irrigated, the construction of the ditches, banks,
sluice-gates, etc., is fully explained in the diagram accompanying the
plan. The measurements are in the metric system.
The composition of the soil of the Masde Fabre, reduced to a per-
fectly dry state, GayLussac retort, 100° 0. :
Pnrcent.
Clay .S8.74
Bilioate sand 10. f)3
Carbonate of lime 43. 'J9
Snlphato of lime 43
Chlorine of sodium 18
Organic matter 6.73
100.00
Azote, per cent 12
Another analysis, 100° 0. (aqua regalis) :
Potash, per cent 0<)74
Phosphoric acid, per cent .-. 05(57
Weak in potash, ordinary in phosphoric acid. It is an argilo-calco-
siliceuse earth, very rich in lime.
As M. Faucon has but two horses and two mules on the domain, the
ordinary farm manure was not sufficient, and comment al fertilizers were
used.
One, a mixture composed of 90 per cent of rape-seed oilcake, which
cost 16 francs per 100 kilogrammes delivered, and 10 per cent sulphate of
potash, Stassfurt refined, costing 44 francs per 100 kilogrammes deliv-
ered. The mixture costs, then, 18.80 francs the 100 kilogrammes.
A second, styled chemique coraplet No. 4, manufactured by Louis
Avril, of Marseilles, costingSO francs the 100 kilogrammes delivered, has
the following formula:
Per cent
Superphosphate of lime 40
Nitrate of potash 33
Sulphate of lime 27
100
M. Faucon treated half of his vineyard with the first of these fertil-
izers, giving as a dose for each vine 250 grammes, or 1,250 kilogrammes
the hectare, an expenditure of 235 francs the hectare. The other half
received 125 gra'nmes of the chemique corplet No. 4 per each vine, or
625 kilogrammes the hectare, an expenditure of 225 francs the hectare.
The half treated with the oil cake presented the better appearance.
The irrigated meadow of 3 hectares, sown in an assortment of seed —
fromental, violet and yellow clover, lucern, and several other varieties,
was treated at the time the seed was sown to 3,000 kilogrammes of
chemical fertilizer So. 1, composed:
Per cent.
Superphosphate of lime 34
Nitrate of potash 17
Sulphate of ammonia 20
Sulphate of lime 29
100
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — PRANCE.
449
on the above
This fertilizer coHtH 33 francs the 100 kilogrammes, freight included.
TliJM meadow, sown HepttMnber 1, received its flrst mowing the 24th of
May following, and yielded 7,000 kilogrammes to the hectare. The sec-
ond mowing occurred in July, yielding 1,666 kilogrammea to the hectare;
the third in Augu8t,yieldiiig 2,000 kilogrammes to the hactare ; the fourth
in October, yielding 800 kilogrammes to the hecitare. The total product
for the llrst year, then, was 11,460 kilogrammes to the hectare. M. Fau*
cea considered this result quite satisfactory, and calculated on a much
larger return the next year, as the plants ought then to have greater
strength.
The meadow was irrigated twice between each mowing. The anunal
cost of the water was 35 francs the hectare. The grass was cut with
scythes at 15 francs the hectare. The haymaking is done by two women,
in three or four days, at 1.25 francs each. The hay is then carried into
haylofts by men, paid from 2.50 francs to 3 francs each a day, each
man sloringaway from 1,200 to 1,500 kilogrammes of hay in a day. The
lofts are at the side of the meadow. No horses or wagons are employed
in this labor. Finally, the hay is sold at 10 francs the 100 kilogrammes.
To return to the vines. The wine production at the mas du Fabre
for 9 years gives us :
Tear.
Time and character of treatment.
Quantity.
1867
Tear preceding the invaglnii of the phylloxera; vinos muiittred but
not Hiibnier^ed.
First year of the pest ; vines man iired, but not submerged
Rncond vear of the iiest: vines inaiitiriMl but not snbmerffed
Ihctolitret.
025
1888
40
I860
35
1870
120
1871
Secontl year ot'submernion, witKotit fertilizing
Third V Afir of HuhinorHiou with fcrtiliziiii?. ....■•>•............. ....
450
1872 ....
849
1873
736
1874
Fiftfi year of submersion with fertilizing ■..•..•...••....
1, 175
1876
2,480
The quality of the wine is "bon ordinaire," and it sells for from 31 to
40 francs the hectolitre at the vineyard.
The use of the Ameri<;au vine to replant the vineyards destroyed by
the phylloxera is not germane to this report, the object being to show
what irrigation has accomplished in the medi of France, and how it
was done.
Domain of La Darcussia, the property of M. Jules Imer, in the com-
mune of Marseilles. — The domain of La Darcussia, 19 hectares (81 acres)
in extent, consisting of irrigated meadows, and situated on a hillside in
the commune of Marseilles, was purchased in 1850. At that time the
hill was arid waste land. As the Marseilles canal did not pass near
enough to the property to make use of its waters directly, M. Imer
constructed a branch canal, which cost him 7,500 francs, thus brinaring
the water to his estate. Adjoining property-owners afterwards pur-
chased interests in this branch, and so reduced the original expense of
M, Imer two-thirds.
The branch canal is tapped (prise) at four points to irrigate the estate.
These prise measure 30 centimetres in width and 60 in depth, and are
HO [)lanned that an abonnement or subscription for one litre means 43
irrigations of 3 hours' duration, with a flow of 34 litres per second during
each period of 3 hours. The table below represents the arrangement
in 1875, the subscriber receiving the quantity of water due him from
the 4 prises in succession at intervals of 17 days daring JS3 days of th«
Bummer season :
H.Ex. 45 39
/
# ^
w 'I
3-
The four prise d'eau, then, supply 13 litres. A fourteenth litre is used
for the ram (belier). The water falls 10 metres, and the ram pumps it
up 18 metres to a basin or small reservoir, where it is stored to be
used as occasion requires. The canal company permits M. Imer to
take this water when the canal is very full, i. e., when there is more
water in the canal than is required for the irrigation.
In addition to the above, 3 modules (three-tenths ot a litre per second),
to be used all the year, are employed in the domain for the house and
garden. This water is corveyed to the estate in an underground pipe,
and costs 250 francs a year.
One man is employed to irrigate the fields. He receives 25 centimes
(5 cents) an hoar during the daytime and 50 ceutiuies (10 cents) during
the night. Ho vvorks at this the whole year. A cartman, at 100 francs
a month, is employed, principally in carting manure to diiferent points in
the domain, spreading it, etc.
There ara 3 horses and 1 cow on the estate. These supply part of the
IBBIGATION IN EUROPE. — ^FBANCE.
Number of
ipficH) d'eau.)
Quantity
talcen.
Duration
of
uavigation.
Total
quantity for
tlie irrigat-
ing season.
1
2
3
4
Litre*.
3.0
4.0
4.5
1.S
Bourt.
9.0
12.0
13.5
4.5
47, 868, 800
63, 158, 400
71, 053, 200
23, 684, 400
13.0
39.0
205,264,800
the remainder is brought from the city. Total expenditure
for manure, putting it at 3J francs the cubic metre, is 2,150 francs per
annum. For mixing and spreading it 375 francs .more. The canal
company is paid 1,400 francs a year. The city of Marseilles imposes
an octroi tax of 1,296 francs on the hay grown within the city limits.
The growing hay crops (12 hectares) then costs 5,470 francs. Include
in the above an item of 249 francs paid the irrigating man.
The hay is cut four times a year, and the expense of cutting, curing,
and putting it under cover amounts to 1,050 francs for the four crops.
M. Imer uses a Wood mowing machine and a Howard hay- maker, also
a horse rake. M. Imer was one of the first agriculturists in this vicinity
to make use of machinery in grass culture, and is regarded as a very
progressive man, indeed.
The total average hay product is 110,000 kilogrammes, or 9,000 kilo-
grammes to the hectare for the four cuttings. Hay sold at that time
for from 12 and 14 to 18 francs the 100 kilogrammes. At 12 francs the
year's crops, then, would bring 13,200 francs.
The entire expenditure, not including value of land, was 6,620 francs.
Sale of product 13,200 francs, or net proceeds 6,680 francs, or 556 francs
per hectare, or $45 per acre.
The cost of putting in pipes, making ditches for irrigation, etc., is
not included, and I am unable to obtain the figures.
The grass is the common meadow grass, and was not sown.
Domain of Lamotte, in the commune of Tarascon. — The domain of Tia-
motte, atone time the rendezvous de chasse of King Ren6, is situated
4 kilometres from Tarascon, and is bounded on one side by the depart-
meutai road Xo. 15, between Aries and Aviguou, i\, yuutaius 132*
hectares, divided up as follows ;
IRRiaATION IN EUROPE— FRANCE.
451
Chateau and gardens. . . . .
Reserve
The Menage farm
The Convent farm ,
Marsh [.
Mountain reserve, wooda.
Hectares.
— . 4
.... 10
.... 28
.... 26i
.... 3
.... 61
132i
Two parts of the estate are farmed on shares, the Menace and Con
vent farms. The agreement is for 9 years. The fame? or^md?aver oan
eave at the end of the third or sixth year by giving ay ea^snStn
He IS not to tarm any other land. He is to cultivate, sow, aud harves^t
at the proper seasons under the direction of the lanS or his over
seer The farm is to be cultivated according to the ru es of goid hi
bandry under penalty of damages and interest U> the iZuord
Second. Wheat, oats, and barley seed for sowing the famer is to
supply at his own expense. Seed of lucern and mfadow graTs k Ln
plied halt by the farmer, half by the landlord. The farmfr fa to haul
the andlord's share of the crops to any place indicatedTrt exceeSfni
6 kilometers, without compensation. * exceeaing
Third. The farmer or tenant during his tenancy must make at lA«ef
f. r'gar' "' '"'''"' ''''''^'' '''' «^^"'^^' ''''' ''^ aTd Lre^ftU^
Fourth. Every third year the tenant must set in vines 1 hecUre
leveling the ground so that submersion of the roots can be pronerTv
accomplished. The proprietor, or laud lord, supplies the plants. ^ShouW
the vines bear during the first 3 years the tenaiit is to have he grapes •
"" S-..?^n>r! ^^'"^'^estlie vintage and the wine is equally dSd'
Fif h. The tenant must make all the manure he can with hs horses
and sheep, iind put it on the farm; if it is necessary to use commercial
fertilizers, the tenant bears one-third of the cost commercial
Sixth. Once during his lease the tenant must pay half the exnense
ditches* '"^^*°' "'""'^ ""^"P^^ ^^^^'^ condition the draTnsa^id
Seventh. The tenant must cut down all the dead trees: the small
bmiches are tor him, but the trunk and large branches areThe land-
The tenant is to enjoy certain benefits : a garden of 17A ares ; a lot,
Jo ares, for us slieep; a poultry yard; he can sow 70 ares of stubble
m oats for his flock to pasture on; the sixth cutting of lucern and the
SY "i?^^^°^\^^« fl«o for his flock; he is to have the trimmings
rom the ohve and mulberry trees, any large branches, however, Tu??
be divided v^-ith the landlord ; and from November to February he can
turi. his fleck into the woodland belonging to the domain. ^
,n Jil ? I? P-*^^ ^f"^ the making of the main ditches, but the tenant
must keep them in order. In case it should be necesskry, owing to a
the seed ""^ ** ^*'^'' '" ''®^®''^^ ^^^ landlord pays for one-half
bv htrinfi fh^i^'j/T' * part, and on the account current kept
.1 r ^ .^°i *^® landlord any money due him from the landlord is
appUed to the payment of his share of fertilizers. *'*"«'w« w
452 IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — FRANCE.
The landlord is to have, under his " titre de sonqnets," 300 francs,
payable in money or wheat ; also, 6 pairs of chickeus, 3 ducks, 12 dozen
eggs, and for the use of the chateau, whenever he is living on the domain,
such fruits, vegetables, and milk as may be necessary. Half the honey
is, also, his.
These items are taken from a copy of the lease. The tenant farmer
can not complain that his work and compensation are not sufiftcientlv
indicated as to details in this agreement.
There is an overseer on the domain, charged with the general super-
vision of the estate, selling the crops, buying the fertilizers, etc. He
works the year round on the domain, the two farms excepted: hai? a
garden of 8 ares 75 centares for his vegetables, and a pig. His pay
is 700 francs per annum, or about $140. His especial care is to culti-
vate the reserve of 10 hectares, 7 hectares of which, set in lucern and
meadow grass, are represented in the accompanying plan.
The water, which comes from a branch of the Canal des Alpines, and
not from the Eoubine de Lamotte, is let into the reserve at the " Mar-
telli6re de prise;" after which it is conducted by the "flliole principale"
through the center of the reserve, and <' fllioles secoudaires d' arrosage"
conduct it at equal distances over the reserve. The " fllioles " are irri-
gating ditches, and the field is so prepared that the ground slopes
slightly from the "fllioles" in both directions. When the water is let
in there, it flows through the fllioles irrigating the land on both sides,
and the excess of water is drained off into the "fosses d'^coulement"
or drainage ditches. These ditches empty into a " foss6 de colatnre,"
which carries oflt" the excess of frrigatioii from the entire fleld, the "fosses
d'6coulement" passing undor the farm road or "cliemiu (Pexploitation,^
and empting into the "foss6 de colature" on the opposite side of the
road. The " flliole'? takes the water from the branch Canal des Alpines,
and by means of a siphon carries it under the public road, and so con-
ducts it into the estate where it is distributed over the flelds by smaller
fllioles.
The longitudinal section on the plan marked " Luzerne 1873 " is 140
metres in length, t. e., from the flliole principale to the fosse de colature,
and 43 metres in width, i. e., from the flliole secondaire to the chemin
d' exploitation.
Frdm this fleld of 7 hectares (the plan), 5^ hectares of which are in
lucerne, 5 lucerne crops are made a year. A smaller growth, called the
sixth crop, is pastured to the sheep.
The oj hectares yielded :
Kilogriunmea.
First cuttiDK 1 650
Dfloond cutting 2 200
Third cutting ".■.■-■.::■.::".■.:■.:■.■.:::::: 3,m
Fourth cutting 2 750
Fifth cutting 1 650
Bixth cutting (estimate of) pastured to sheep !!!1J.'!!^II!II!! '450
For the year , 12~000
The crop sold for from 7 to 10 francs the 100 kilogrammes, »>r from 840
to 1,200 francs the hectare.
The mowing costs 7 francs the hectare, and is done by men at 5 francs
a day, from 4 a. m. to 7 p. m. Haymaking is done by women at 1 franc
26 centimes (25 cents^^a day. The field is irrigated four times for each
mowing or cutting. This the overseer does, each irrigation taking only
2 or 3 days. All he has to do for this is to regulate the sluices, the
ground being so leveled off that the excess of water rups off easily,
r \
300 francs,
is, 12 dozen
the domain,
f the honey
ant farmer
sufficiently
eral snper-
8, etc. He
»ted: has a
:. His pay
is to culti-
lucern and
.Ipines, and
the " Mar-
principale"
'arrosage'*
ss " are irri-
und slopes
(urater is let
both sides,
3oulement"
s colatnre,"
the "fosses
ploitation,**
side of the
es Alpines,
\m\ so con-
bj smaller
373 " is 140
le colature,
he chemia
hich are in
, called the
Kilogrammes.
1,650
2,200
3,300
2,760
1,650
450
... 12,000
^r from 840
at 5 francs
1 at 1 franc
iS for eacii
aking only
luices, the
easily,
IBSIOATION IN EUROPE— FKANCE. 453
40 c„bic metres the hectar"' hfto ™*r ftZ S^Xi i'!''"'"' ^ '»
Deducting expense of irriKation mannre^^^ f. .*? ^* iiiofrrammee.
'"S. the 'acerne'irops. gave K??anrp"r„^flt''^*/C»r """ '"'^''^
in all.' The seek eost atSfS'JlfC^": """"""' " '«"--»
the'-SS TZr"'' "' '"' ""' ' '^'^ «'""« ""o "-t ™turns .boat
and sheet-iron slide, 40 fS e2h ^ '" 'mg»ti„n, stone work,
ret?™ at thirSne. ""'**'" " ^- "" ""> P"*"- """^e »•">-* the same
t» obtain as satisfactory infOTmaUon MmShlf /""'"'— '" "''■er
in this department I vi8itedTSl?nm™rt^ concerning irrigation
miles from Marseilles, in Z Orm It Z^Z^^^'lT.I^ ?he"' "?
gating season being over the canal and ditoh were drv • i>n?L ?Si.T"
abled me to see the construction I enntiA^Vja *w %'■ ? '^ this en-
The ground m its natural state produces absolutelv nnthin^ a
small earth ridges 6 to 8 incherhiS tA. tt^ iti^.^^'^^^^}""^'^^^
pex«^o inat as the section is arranged in'tlie longituSf plancS w^tli
the boorselets, or ridges, and the pipes about 30 S apaS^^h m^^^^^
454
IRRIGATION IN EHROPE — FRANCE.
section on the plan can be irrigated in turn. The ground having been
seeded in grass the water is turned on, and 75 litres a second are used to
irrigate the section. The section is watered once a week during the
season. In other words the men employed night and day in watering
the section must get round <he fourteen planches in the week.
The water thus spread over the ground comes from the Durance and
is heavily charged with mud. It is this mud deposited by the water
that forms with the sand a soil strong enough to produce remunerative
crops of hay.
The cost of labor in preparing this land— f. e., the first outlay— was
from 600 to 600 francs the hectare.
The annual expense per hectare is:
Francs.
Water, 1^ litre > 60
Fertilizer , "."*'"!'!'!""!!'''I^ 90
Mowing hay './//////////////////..'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.,'..'.'.'.'.'. 12
Curing suiuo "!!!!"!J""l^!!!!!i! 20
Putting same in granary !'....!'.'...*.!. !!"!""!!! !!" 15
Wages to man for watering each hectare during seauuu '..'.'..'.'.'.'.'.'. 6
203
Cost of putting down 1 hectare in meadow, say 500 francs.
Francs.
Yield per annum of hay on this section, per hectare, 6,000 to 8,000 kilos, or say
7,000 at 6 francs the kilo 420
Anuual expense, as above "] 203
Annual returns .j 217
In 1875 and 1876, it will be remembered, hny brought 12, 16, and
even 18 francs the kilo. Six francs the kilo is about $12 per ton.
The section above described, without irrigation, would produce abso-
lutely nothing. This part of the domain prior to the work expended on
it had no value at all, the property having been purchased for the fine
chateau, and as a game preserve.
A section of meadow 10 years old, adjoining the one above described,
presented a magnificent appearance. The stony ground had been
covered 3 to 4 inches deep with the canal mud, and the yield from this
per hectare, was 10,000 kilogrammes the seas'u. The hay is cut five
times during the season ; what is called the ^ xth crop being pastured
to the sheep in the autumn.
For a day's labor a man is paid 60 cents, women 25 cents.
The machines used on the domain are English make— a Howard mower
and a Wood rake.
A small railroad (Ohemin de fer Decauville) forms a part of the farm
machinery. This is very light in construction, and is moved from one
section to another as the hay is cured, women carrying the hay in bas-
kets and putting it in the small cars. One horse then pulls the mini-
ature train to the granary.
This building, of stone and mortar, is about 160 feet long, 60 high,
and 60 from side to side. A part of one side is open, there being no
windows in it. The cost of same was $12,000.
The only American implement on the domain was one four-pronged
stable fork.
Some indication of the climate mav be ""[yen froni th?. fgint th"t *.l)"i"\
was one-half inch of ice on the pond8,'^and still water, which did not melt
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — PRANCE.
iviuff been
are used to
[luring the
1 wateriug
k.
trance and
the water
innerative
itlay — was
Franca.
.. 60
... 90
.. 12
,.. 20
.. 15
.. 6
203
455
Francs,
or say
420
203
217
2, 16, and
' ton.
iuce abso-
pended on
>r the fine
lesoribed,
had been
from this
is cut five
pastured
ird mower
' the farm
from one
ay in bas-
the mini-
;, 60 high,
) being no
r-pronged
d not melt
during tne day the sun being partially obscured. There was no wind
i^i JJh^' ^"J 'l'^.^'"^ ^^ ^^^ ""'^'■^^ «»"'^^ ^^e "'ferred from obserT nff
how the roof of the granary-a tile roof, very well made and flrmlf
secured to the wall-had to be weighted down with irge'bowhlers to
prevent its being carried away by the wind. "owKiers to
PartN — Conclusion.
REPLIES TO THE IRRIGATION QUESTIONS OBTAINED THROUGH THE
ENGINBER-INOHLBF OP THE DEPARTMENT.
In response to a request for information upon Irrigation the «n
gineor-ni-ch,ef of the department has had the kindness to supply me
with the following answers to the questions obtained from h s su^T
ordina esin certain arrondissemeuts and cantons. A circular note was
sent with the questions : ^^
(1) Areas of land uuder irrigation; compare with the nonirrisable and oultivaMA
areas when possible. Also, quantity and quality of crops grown oultivable
(2) bo.irces of water supply, whether from rivers, streams, springs, lakes well-
reservoirs, catchment basins, or tanks, etc. °f""S», la&ea, wella,
(3) Charactt-r of works used for storage and distribution of water
(4) llieBystemof water distribution, whether governed bylaws rnles utiH ™„„
ations or custom. Give duty of water per hectare, i. e., tbe amount used nerTec"
tare and per season ; the cost or rental to user; temire of owuershipof water and
whether the same be public or private, national or community f ' °^
o& precipi Sion.'"™"'' '" '''"^''"' ^^^^""^ '*"* "^^^''^ «* ^'^ ' ^^^^^^ rainfall or
(6) Antiquity or otherwise of irrigation systems within the section treated of anH
whether the same are maintained at public or private expense. ''^^'^a <", and
To which questions the agent, Voyer, for the Canton des Martigues
has replied as follows : w^^ues
(1) Commune des Martigues, irrigated (about) Hectares.
Commune de Chateau neuf, irrigated fabont) ... tn
Not irrigated . "0
** 1,000
^ Crops consist of wheat, primeurs, fruits, olives, and dried vegetables. Very little
• Ci^ ^'^ the commune des Martigues, Port-de-Bouc, and Gignac from the Durance •
m those of Manguaue and St. Victoret from la Cadifere (strlam) : in those of Cha'
teau neuf Carry, and le Rove from springs and wells ^ *
. (3) ^° *^e ,<^«™°'?ne8 des Martigues, Port-de-Bouc, and Gignac the water is bron^hf
m canals and distributed in the town by means of fountain^. There are soLeTeUs
In those of Marignane and St. Victoret, where the stream la Cadifere snpplierth^
iiTigation, only water for domestic use is obtained from ciste.ns and wells.^ In thosi
of tie Rove, Carry, and Cbateauneuf, for the most part, there is an abundant qS
tity of spring water. F<.r domestic use there are wells. """"uani, quan-
(4) In the commuue des Martigues the distribution of water is governed bv a law
and prefectora decree of July 9, 1884. The concessions for water are for at leattfif
teen years. Water for the irrigating season is sold at 30 francs the litre. For coni
tinual use and for houses there is a special rate.
The irrigating canal is tbe property ef the commune.
The commune of Port-de-Bouo has a canal, taken from the Martigues Canal for
which it pays 610 francs a year'for a litre a second. iaaitiKueB v.anai, ror
agcd*by rsySte!*^ Martigues and of St. Victoret the use of the water ia man-
1.?° ^I^f, conimjine of Cbateauneuf the irrigation is not governed by any law or reira.
lation,_the water belonging exclusively to the pronrietors. ^ ^
(5) xne nature oi the climate and of the soiris warm. The soil is limestone.
1
\ y
456 IRRIGATION IN EUROPK — FRANCE.
The average rainfall at the obuervatory of Portde-Bouo is as foIlowB :
Year.
Averase
rainfall.
Tear.
Average
raiu&U.
1882
tnm.
641
462
488
588
1888
mm.
SM
1888
1887
892
1884
1888
1885
(6) In certain communes the expense falls on the communes ; in others, in general,
on the proprietors.
The oonstrnotion of the irrigating canal of Martigues and its management dat«
from IbSO.
'MARSEILLES.
(1) The city of Marseilles is so divided up that it is difficult to give the exact
amount of land irrigated. The Marseilles Canal irrigates about 3,500 hectares with
4,600 litres per second.
The crops are hay, wine, wheat, and olives.
(ri) The irrigating water is obtained from rivers, streams, springs, and wells. The
rivers are the Durance and the Huveaune; the streams are the Jarret and les Ayga-
lades.
(3) The water from the Durance is bronght to Marseilles by a canal. Its distribu-
tion is accomplished by tapping the said canal at different points.
That from the Huveaune is brought in a canal, and is also used for motive power.
This branch goes by the name of the Canal of St. Marcel and St. Guinez. It » con-
structed of stone (masonry) and earth.
(4) The water from the Durance, as well as that from the Huveaune, is governed
by regulations as to its distribution ; that of the streams by .usage.
The water concessions for the ci ty of Marseilles are for fifty years. The cost per
annum is 80 francs a litre per second. The Marseilles Canal belongs to the commune
of Marseilles. The Huveaune branch belongs to private parties. The water that
passes into the streams de Jarret and des Aygalades belongs to the riparian owners.
(5) The nature of the climate is generally warm. The mean temperature from 1886
to 1887 was 14.20°. The rainfall (mean) from 1866 to 1887 was 526.68 millimetres.
(6) The construction of the Marseilles Canal dates from 1839 to 1847. The cost of
maintenance is borne by the city of Marseilles. The construction of the canal of
St. Marcel dates back to 1417. The expense of maintenance f^ls on the riparian
proprietors.
THK CANTON OF ISTBB8.
T
ii
is
8C
tl
&
(1) The number of hectares irrigated is about 3,000. There are about 3,100 hectares
cultivated, but not irrigated.
The crops are hay, wheat, olives^ almonds, and wine. Hay, wheat, and olives take
up about three-fourths of the cultivated land. The total value of the orops is about
650,000 francs.
(2) There are two canals, les Alpines and les Craponnes.
(3) The water is taken from the river Durance by means of floating bars (onvrages
mobiles), dikes, or other works, and is conducted by the canals already named. It is
divided and distributed by secondary canals, sluices being used to regulate the flow.
The only plans I know of are those of the branch canal of St. Mitre, to be obtained
from the commune of St. Mitre.
(4) The distribution of the water is governed by particular regulations, which
vary. The amouut used per hectare during the summer season is 2^ litres. The
concessions for water are perpetual. For the canal de Craponne they are gratis, and
for les Alpines at a certain sum. The annual expense is very changeable, and goes
from 15 to 45 francs per hectare. The canals belong to private parties or to associa-
tions.
(5) The soil of the canton of Istres is atony and rocky. The climate is temperate.
(6) The canal de Craponne was constructed in 1560 ; that of les Alpines in 1870.
The expense of maintenance is borne by those who use them.
'
Ai:
Ge
La
c^
IRBIGATION IN EUROPE — FRANCE.
457
mm.
802
AHRONDI88RMKNT D'aRIJ{8.
(1) In the coiDiiinnes of Mouri^u and les Hiiiit f h*.™ :<. .,« ' j , . .
the commune of Manssane, of ItiesKares onlv in h! T '"^^ "n«l«r ini«ation ; In
and garden; in the comnlune trPamdow/of VlStt^^^^^^
meadow and garden; in the commune of Fontvieille?lL'f}J?f^*'*''?fiV'"K"«'''*'''
vineyards, are irrigated. ' on wieiiie, .i,9b2 hectares, 180 hectares
(2) Springs and streams.
(5) The climate is dry and the soil calcareous.
(6) The expense of irrigation h borne by private parties.
TARABCON.
pliS o^'a^arS ?rr&''.^7h"e^pffi* f c?o;:r^^^^^^^^^ ^^ ^'T -"^ «^ ^^^^
piments. The vine is treated by submers onT ^h« .ZVJ"^^' *^!r* '' <^?»»t«.|and .
fehdne the sand protects it from tL p2 (pbTlloxeraV Th^ IV^-^ banks of the
largely used to r.place the destroyed vineyards ^' American plants are
(2) Water is supplied by two canals from the Durance Th« t.„+»- <•
canals is used for snbraercinc the vinaH hut ,n fi L i a ^.**®'^ ^™™ t^ese
(4) The distribution of water is governed bv rules wK H?« n.,, .V^ I "''^.*'^-
structed to see are observed. For the dutv of wafAr ««r i^,: i^^ '"^ ^""'"''^ ^''^ '"-
of the canal at St. Reucy ^ * *'" ^^"^ hectare appfy to the office
Bio^iTf^r'te^yefrl"'' '''' '"*^ ^« '' ^'""^« P«^ ^««*-« t^« --on, and the conces-
is llpotd oT:iVuvia\m'e*El6if ^^^ ^^^T?" ''*'« ^i^^ '^ '"^^ ?'-"»
(6) Apply to the canal des Alpines.
'
CANTON OF AUBAGNS.
(1)
Commune.
Aiibagne
Gemenog
lift Penile
Ctjes
Total
area.
Jlectaret
5, f) 18. 63
3, 193. 78
356. 12
3, 881. 17
Area of .
arable -^reaof
laud not . „ »n? .
Irrigated, "rigated.
Hectare*.
2, 259. 03
602. 38
93.07
766.59
Hectares.
677. 33
2U8. 46
83.45
-.£>•
■I
458 ' IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — FRANCE.
In the four conituuuea the crops coDHist of cereala, forage, lind divers vegetables.
(2)
Commune.
Anbn){ne 5
Qemeuoa 5
LkPenne
Cnjea
Source of irrigation.
PnrftDoe (branch of the Canal de Marseille).
Iluveaiine
Durance
SprhiK (St Pom)
Diirpnco
Nntural Hprlnga (Mair6)
Huveaiiue
No part of the commune irri)(ated
Are*
irripi'-jid.
H«etart$.
44B
234.88
111.50
tW.M
&2.S0
M.IO
a.ss
(3) Tlie water of the Durance 'vn conveyed to Anbagne by a canal, for the most
part of inaHonry, and is a branch of the Canal de Marseilles. It is distribnt' d by thft
cantonniers (roadmen), who tap the main branch and stipply the water to the differ-
ent proprietors by means of pipes of masonry. The water of the Huveanne is taken
from the river at Pont de I'Etoile and conveyed through an earthen canal to Gast,
Beaudin, and Camp-Major, Pipes convey the water from the canal to the different
lands irrigated.
Oemenos: The water of the Dnrance is conveyed and distribnted as in the com-
mnne of Aubagne. As regards the spring St. Pons, tho water is brought to Gemeuoa
by a simple conduit, partly earthen, part masonry, and conveyed to the different
districts by pipes.
La Penne : The water of the Durance is conveyed and distributed as at Aubagne.
The water of tlie Mair6 comes from natural springs and is collected in an earthen
canal. The lands traversed by th(» canal are iiri^atcd in turn, that is, when there is
water in that part of the canal wliich passes througli the estate. The Hnveauue
supplies water to the communes of Aubagne and La Penne, which is distribnted by
a canal passing through the different^fstates.
The plans for the cou.struction of the ciinal of the Durance are kept at the mairie
of Marseilles (the bureau dn canal). Of the other canals of irrigation in tho com-
mune of Aubagne there exi.st no i)laus.
As regards the canal of the Durance, which supplies the comninnes of Aubagne,
Gemenos, and La Penne, there are certain regulations. Every conc^esionaire
(grantee) has a right to 34 litres per sccond.4luring a |>eriod of three hours in every
one hundred and two hours. From April 1 to September 30 the distribution continues
day and night.
The (quantity of water supplied in the season per hectare is 15,811,200 litres. The
concession is for 50 years. The cost is 80 francs, yearly, per litre, besides 400 francs
for initial expense of laying on and 15 francs per tap. The canal is the property of
the town of Marseilles.
Tho waters of the Huveaune are divided between three syndicates, Gast, Bdaudi-
uard, and Camp-Major. The dl.stribution is regulated, fivery proprietor takes his
turn ; the one begins when the other has terminated. He has a right to all the water
passing through the pipes for a certain period, which varies according to the extent
of the land to he irrigated; in general, every eight days. The quantity supplied
per hectare is variable, depending on the amount supplied by the river. The con-
cessions are perpetual. The proprietors pay an annual rent of 60 francs per hectare
at Gast and Beandinard, and 40 francs at Camp-Major. The construction of the taps
is at the charge of the syndicates, who are theproprietorsof the canals of irrigation.
The distribution continues from April 1 to September 30, day and night.
The river Huveaune being sometimes dry, the syndicates of Gast and Beandinard
have a concession from the Canal de Marseille, the former of 40 litres, the latter (xf 30
litres, affording the necess.ary water in case of need.
The water from the spring of St. Pons is distributed by tho cantonniers (roadmen)
of the f yndioate of Gemenos. The proprietors are supplied with water in their turn.
They have a right to all the water passing through the pipes during a period, vary-
ing according to the extent of land to be irrigated. The turn comes round generally
every ten days. The quantity of water is variable. The concessions are perpetual.
The proprietors pay a rent of .32 francs per hectare. The syndicate is the proprietor
of the canal and constructs the taps. The distribution continues from April 1 to
Septembers, day and night.
ttlRtOATloK IN ECftOPE— FRANCE.
459
Btetartt.
44a
234.33
lll.RO
06.06
62.60
S4.10
0.85
(5) The climate of AuhnKiio in milrt ; about 14 dosrees on the averaffn • thA ».il u
olay-l.meHtoae Average rainfall from 18^2 to 18H7 ab«„t 565 .ninurtnt;
8T. n(5MY.
(1)
Commune.
Total
nrea.
Arable
lain),
IrriKaied
or not.
Land
iirrigated.
St. K6my
Eyra^nrg
Graveson
Masblano ]
IlecUirei.
8,760
2,016
2, 292
148
Uectcreii.
8,164
1,700
1,982
121
Heclarei.
885
210
140
26
SfTh^Ti^n.?' ^"'"^V ^'"^1' •'T' 'J^''.'^^' Vrinnnn,, vegetables, and oats,
riri Jo D"ni"ce mipphes water for irrigation. In the communes of St. Kdmv and
sni„t't".a^irXT.v™ibr'"''" ""5»"° -^-'^ «-"'•-
r./tL^h^ ^'^^^^ r['^- '"'gat'o" purposes is brought by the north branch of the Canal
nL i ^i'^'"^'- ^,*m' 'I'^f"^"'**''^ '>y "leans of main conduits which supply Irondrrv
pipes About a kilometre to the oast of St. R^my the canal is divided into tw«
GmveS "' "* "^'''' '"PP"'^ ®*- ^'™y '^"'^ M^'^^^^-J t'^^ o'the^EyJagues and
a g^nrarmToF'tZfaU^irr/aVe^" *'^ ''^^^^ "' *^« "«"«^ ^* «*• ^^^^^ ^»*«-P'y
1HK7^ '^!lJ^ '^"^"■''i"*ion Of tlie water is according to a regulat,ion dated January 18
Tl.7n 1"«"t'ty «f water supplied is 1.07 litPes per hectare fi"m April Ito October
£i;:£.fof-fhi'SnXfX ATp^^r^' ^^ ''^ ^'^^-*^ «^ therrErc^o^p^-*- li
E'^ralJit^^^l^rbrnlfsl^tW?^^^^^^^^^ ^^« -™« ^^ *^« -« with^S K *f
i8.^oi Sfe'wSrg^^avelir"^ "' '""^ '' *'' "°'*' "'"^ ''"'' "^"^ P"^"^^^' ^^^^ ««^
In the territory of Mailiaane, parts of the southwest of Graveson and the no-th
7afnf«^ i'Sf^pf *^' '?i3 '« "^ * "''^ vegetable character. The 'averag'rn^ii
fi( Th« ?n ^,*^"y .f*"- *!>« yea^s 1«82 to 1885, inclusive was 593 niillhnetrfs
(6) The construction of the works connected with the Canals of th« Ai«5««-
™ ?'f ""^ ^r^«,""« *"*^ S*^- "^"'y) •i''t«« f™™ 1856, and the expense of m«SS
nance is borne by the company which has the concession. ^^Pense ot mainte-
nnWnr"TK ''°*'* "^ the Rdal of St. Rdmy is at the expense of Mr. Bernard nro-
pnetor. The expense of the maintenance of the R<Sal of Evragueris borne n'^Hv
by the commune and partly by the miUowners of this narf. nf tE ,^«L- ""1?""^
4G0
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — FRANCE.
(1)
Coismnne.
BubentAnne..
Oh»teaiirui:aril
>(ovnH
KOKIIUDM <
Total
ArcM nnl- Area Irrt'
Htotaru.
2,989
3,«6»
2,<I37
•08
tSrabla.
Utetaru.
i.eso
2.8S0
2,030
720
S*etaru.
12S
2,400
40f
aoo
The chief crops consist of oereaU, vines, olives, vegetables, oats, barley, peaches.
*^(2rThe'Diirance"8api)lio8 water to the tlifferout branches of the Canal of the Alpines
and those of Chateaurenard and St. An.liol. Chateaurenard is partly supplied by
the Anjruillou and the R6al, which are natural streams.
(3) Ae water is derived from canals which are kept m reserve by means of sluices,
»nd distributed by snmll trenches called '<tilioles.'' The two branches of the Canal
of the Alpines which irrigate Barbentenne and Koguonas have a tap in common on the
Durance, at Puech, nea Aoves. The tap of the cwnal of Chateaurenard is about 300
^"rheCa'uafo/'st. Yndtoiisabranohof the Canal of Brisgelin, which is .applied
by the Durance near Mallemost. A secondary branch of the Canal of the Alpines,
■which irrigates Noves, is supplied by the main branch, which also has a tap at MaUe-
™Th'ere are no rdaiis existing of the works connected with these canals. There is
simply a genernl man of the lands irrigated, which can be procured at the company s
office at St. R6u.y. The syndicate of the Canal of Chateaurenard have a general
plan of the lands irrigated and of the works constructed in laH7, which can be pro-
cured at the office of the syndicate at Aries from the engineer. , ^ , . ,, , „
(4) Canal of Chateaurenard: The distribution of water is regulated by "gardes
in accordance with a profectoraJ regulation dated September25, 1858. The quantity
of water per hectare is not limited. The syndicate of Chateaureuard is empowered
to take 3 cubic inches per second from the Durance : and from the R6al, only once a
week. It has right to all the water of the Anguillon extending from the wooden
bridge to the Durance. The concession is annual. ,.,,„. . '
The annual payments for irrigation are as follows: First class, 16 francs per hec-
tare; second class, U francs per hectare; third class, 6 francs per hectare. The
canal of Chateaurenard belongs to a syndicate. The Anguillon belongs to the syndi-
cate formed for draining the marshes of the Anguillon as far as the wooden bridge;
from the wooden bridge to the Durance it is the property of the Chateaurenard syn-
dicate. The bed of the R^al belongs to Mme. la Marquise de Valory ; tue water to
Canal des Alpines: The distribution of water is regulated by "gardes" according
to a prefectoral regulation of January 18, 1865. The quantity of water supplied is
1.07 litres per hectare during the period of irrigation ; that is. from April 1 to Octo-
ber 1. The tax is 35 francs per hectare, and the engagement must be for a minimum
period of 3 years. The main and secondary branches belong to the Cie. Fran9ai8e
d'lrrijration and the ditches and trenches to the irrigators. , , ^ ^ „ , „
(5) Branch of the ciinal (St. Andiol) : The distribution is regulated by a "garde'
(keeper). The quantity of water per hectare is not and can not be limited, the vol-
ume being very variable. The concessions are perpetual. The annual charge is 7
francs per hectare. The oaual and trenches belong to a syndicate of irrigators.
The climate is rather dry and generally mild when the mistral is not prevalent.
The soil is gravelly, but with the exception of some districts is very fertile and well
adapted for the culture of primeurs. Some districts of Chateaurenard are also very
fertile, the soil being sandy. A strong vegetable soil prevails m the commu'ie of
There is no water gauge in the communes of Barbentanne, Chateaurenard, and
Noves, but the average rainfall is about .'bOO millimetres.
(li) The canal of Chateaureuard was constructed from 1789 to 1795, according to a
design of 1783, and is maintained by the syndicate. The Anguillon and the R6al have
existed from time immemorial, and the expense is bcMue part by the syndicate ot the
Chateaurenard and part by the ■' Syndicat des Marais ; " the R6al, part by the syn-
dicate of the Chateaureuard and part by the commune of Eyragues.
' The two branches of the "Canal des Alpines" were constructed m 18b8. Jhat ol
Noves in 1855. The expense is borne by the " Cie. Frauyaise dliiigaliou." iiio irri-
gators maintain in order the small ditches.
Otll-
Area Irri-
bla.
gated.
ar*t.
Htetaru.
J, 680
12S
■2.8M
2,4M
2,030
40»
720
MO
irley, peaches,
teaureoard, and
a 1868. That of
IRHIOATION IN EUROPE— PRANCK.
4fil
The "AsHociatioii Syndicate" of tlm nntntnnno «r v„ . .
bought at that date /rem m! rt'^^totUrtr^ra^L of ThoTan"«l'Sr\'".f'i''' l'^.''
•zp«nM of maiutenanoe ia borne by the Hyndicute; ^°'"*'^- ^'*"
LA CIOTAT.
(1) It ia Boarcely pomible to atate the exact area of land lrrl»af«^ k
greater part of the 30 lltren of water co„c(,de,l to La Cioa^bv the citJ'nfM"'^ •,*,*"*
nerve to simply the w.tnta of the population How.rvlp a ftx- »°« ^'ty of MarneilleH
land are HliKl.tly iirinated. I'-'ia^'on. However, a few gardens and tracts of
T.^"^1''*''^P'"*^"*'^^" '*'■*' ""i «Hvc», aiul pine wood.
Vi) The Durance supplies the water
.(3) It is stored, in r.^ervoirs. ^ The distribution is effected by nieans of cast-iron
,(3.
^F^f Th'l *?/'!• T'*/? * r?K«»'»ting anparatns provided with alock
__11^.,.^?? distribution is in accortlauce with regulations.
Sof- T»»« f r^«;:- 3*30 i' muHbeTlu^dleTte^
leth of a module to 2} litrr:; ^cr second. These conces!
11," torininate on the aist of February, 1903.
Bnpplied is the same at ail seasons,
each allowed from one-twentic
"*TL ^^'""^ *™ V *" |"°»t'«n.: torininate on the aist of Pebruarv I'OOS
^ The charge, not including the initial expense of laying on, Ko'francs per mod-
(5) The climate is very mild, almost warm. The soil boinirfnp+hfl «,-.„» .. ,
ia scarcely fertile. The average rainfall is aboilt U9 90 m ifn^^trcs pe^aiZ^^
(0) The niniignration of the canal took place in 1883. The commune o^ Tpi,* .
beara the expense of maintenance. * "" 'ornmune or La Ciotat
LOCATION.
(1)
Canals.
Canal of the Btel
Canal of the B«alot..
Canal of La Fare
Canal of La Bosque t
* From the top.
£ztent of
land
irrigated.
KUomttret.
•a 2
*2.8
6.8
Area
Irrigated.
Bectare$,
120. 0004
M. 0002
800. 0000
Cnltivable
land not
inigalud.
Beetaret.
4,295 0006
1, 067. 0000
fin course of construotion.
(2) The water is supplied by the river (I'Arc).
^^l ^ox 7**?'" '* ''<''^"J«? ^y means of sluices in masonry. The plan of th« r^noi
of the B^al 18 in care of M. Alphaise (at Bi^rre) proprietor of the canal Ti.l^i I
ff/Tr«" ** **••" ^^*'r ""^ ^'^ ^.''''^' *^« a^chivSf [he syndicate: ffi ? an of
works ''"' '" '° *^' possession of the engineer of Aix, ^ho is director^of the
(4) The distribution of the water is regulated bv a syndicate Thn a™ar„„„ i
is 2 liters per second and per hectare for^Bdal L7b&,IuAI lilr for K^^^
The concessions are perpetual. ' ' ^ '"'"^ ^or i^a i; are.
The charge for orchards is 4 francs per hectare ; meadows. 8 francs ner beota™
Alpfer*' ^'''^«**"^ La Fare belong to priv'ate individuaVsTKrtJ Monsienr
bS 'Si mmrmetre*s!"'^''^*^ ' *^' '"" ^'^^'"^- ^^''''«« ^'^'^f'^" ^* *h« S»«°« de
«f ^J^LT* ® """"^^^ ^""^^ constructed at the end of the sixteenth century. The exnenses
proprietors!""' *'" ''^ '^ '*°°"''^'^ ^^ *^' syndicate, and are born^e by the ri?ar?aa
(1) Auriol: xr . ^
Meadows and vegetables Heo. Are. Cent.
Arable land (oats, olives, vines) i jok
Hills and heaths i'^?^
Eoquevaire: ^' ''^^
Meadows, vegetables, and vines 30
Arable land (wheat, olives, capers, etc) .'."' 1 n^Q
Hills and heaths '."'"'. 1 937
iol ^^'ij"^ ?^^ Rpquevairo are irrigated by the Huveau (river).
Bluice. " '^"'^'''''*^ *^*^ ^'^^^^ '^ collected in a miUdam by means of «
«0
5
85
5
82
41
67
55
98
10
J
■•rf*i:-
462
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — FRANCE.
The volume of
(4) The di»t/ibution of the water is regulated by the syndicate,
water is irregular. M. de Remusat is the owner of the milldam.
Roquevaire : The water is distributed from Saturday 12 a. m. till Sunday 12 a m
and 18 regulated by usage. It is supplied to all the riparian proprietors who bear the
expense ot maintenance. M. Lieutand is the owner of the milldam.
(5) Auriol : Climate, cold ; soil, clayey limestone.
Roquevaire : Climate, temperate, allowing primeurs to be cultivated. There isno
ram gauge in either locality.
(6) Auriol: The milldam and sluice were constructed in the fifteenth centurv
They are kept in order by the proprietor, M. de Remusat.
Roquevaire: The milldam and sluice were constructed in the sixteenth oentorv
Ihey are kept in order by the riparian proprietors.
:-
ARLES.
(1).
Commune.
Area.
Cultivable lands.
Irrigated
lands.
Extent
cultivable.
Extent
irrigated.
Crops.
•
Hectares.
102,383.
37, 591 ■
Arable land, cereals . . .
Meetares.
14, 000
8,000
200
0,000
1,500
200
300
4,000
20
20
Vines
Gardens
Vines ....
Gardens ..
Meadows .
Aries
200
6,000
VoRotables, etc.
Forage.
Meadows
Olives
Olives, etc
Arable land, cereals . . .
Vines
Stes. Maries. .
Gardens
20
20
Vegetables, etc.
Forage.
Meadows
Total..
34, 240
6, 240
In the commune of Aries the vines are submerged during the winter. The gardens
are for the most part irrigated by hydraulic pumps.
(2) In the Camargue, by the Grand and Petit Rh6ne; in the T, by the Durance
the water is conveyed by an extension of the Chateaurenard Canal.
In the Plan du Bourg by the Durance, the trenches of Langlade and Myrol' sunnlv
the water. ^*^ '
In the Crau, by the Durance, the canal of Craponne supplies the water.
In Stes. Maries, by the Petit Rh6ne.
(3) In the Camargue the water is obtained by tapping the Grand and Petit RhOno.
The water of the Durance is conveyed to the Crau, and the Plan du Bourg by the
canals of Langlade and Craponne and the ditch Myrol.
The water is distributed by means of " filioles " or secondary pipes. The plans of
the Canal do Craponne can be seen at the olitices of the 8ocift('"'auonyme of the canal
at Aries. Schemes for the irrigation of the Camargue are deposited at the olflces of
the engineer at Aries.
The distribution of the water in the canals of the Camargue are under no regula-
tions. The .water of the canals of Craponne, Langlade, and Myrol is distributed bv
means of dams m masonry. The quantity supplied is 1.20 litres per hectare, except
during the month of March, the time of stubble cutting. The concessions are op-
tional. The charge is 13 Iraucs to the Craponne Company nnd 11 francs to the syndi-
cate, in all 24 francs per hectare. The canals beloug to private parties or to syndi-
(5) The climate is generally dry, especially in summer, when rain is infrequent.
The soil is siliceous and very pervious. That of the Camargue and the Plan du Bourg
produced by alluvial deijosits of the Gaud Petit Rh6ne is very hard siliceous lime-
etone, and saturated with salt to a great depth.
(6) The canal of Craponne was constructed in the middle of the sixteenth century
by Adam de Craponne. The canal of Langlade was made after that of Craponne. so
also the ditch of Myrol. '
The expense of maintenance is borne by their proprietors and the syndicates.
United States Consulate,
Muruilics, Fwruary 4, 1890,
Charles B. Trail,
Vonsul,
The volume of
IBEIGATION IN EUROPE— PRANCE. 463
[IndoBure in Consul TraU's report-Translation of letter of Mr t
bridges Calvado^' ^' ^"''*'"'' «"«* engineer of roads
DBPAKTMBNT OF CALVADOS.
leS =o?»,1SSr ''"' '""«^^°« -^- *^« -eral qSiol^rkfd .f/our
4^.^:it^^:tC.^^^^^^ time the utmost has been
and it is to be supposed that the suTfaP^ nf fi?» . »."'gation are therefore very rare
gatlon. This sutfLeT according to a statement ^IT^^J^"^^ '^ ^^'^^'^y "nde^r Trri!
(or 3,390 acres). Thi^ small proportioS^herrffL'" » m'^' T"** ""^^ ^'372 hectares
ta,in8 552,000 hectares, or 1.364,544 acre?), i^explaTnecrbw "^^^'^ «°n!
wh.ch rather needs being made s.l.U'u:^X:^':X^^^^
wilerWf fltd*o*? ^^fd' ^atrT^^^ '''''' '^«''*'^-« (^ '^'^'^ -"«) are irregularly
(af & wat'StedfnrTr?-"'';"'^ '^PP""*^ *° permanent meadows
. S The wol^srns K^trrmTfrlh: cU fT'^^'
irrigation generally consist of bar' S with waterfat^^^^^ '^\^,^^T ""''^ ^^^
highest water. These bars are authorized bv a nreWnrt^^ ^^ aBovethe
the dimensions and dispositions. Moreover evervbodv 1.. o^ "''^'''"'1 prescribing
inquiry, obtain the authorization ot S a stSaA wi^inif*f ?" ad"iini8trative
water, after he has used it, to be returaed to its n^t ,?r J ^'"^ '^ ? borderer, said
however, of the rights of third parSs "'^^"'"^ ''""'^^' "°fler all reserves,
a io^\eS^„:J\l^t^ptt bu'Awf "'" ^^« °' « ^"-*« ''^--'^ ' there are none of
Feteril^ttrdte^K
ment of sixteen bars constructed in tTe river liUeTrlfrrfor-r^'^ '^^ eatablish-
^^^^tor'^^^-"'-^^^^'-- Tbetrf^tcrofrraliftTe^^refil
a syndic^l association to secnro 0^0,1° hand ZSat.Kfot^
of meadows and on the other the work! i^of the nS o?.« f f ''■'"*''''" ^^^'^ ^*='-««)
industrious valley, where there are at least eie-hfvv«T ^''"f"'"'«'l «>t>iated in an
syndicate is regulated by a .lecreo ,lated June l5 'VJ ? **'•."■•}'"« .^"'1 brooks. This
the waters and settled the dftes and hours of ,I«in , .i' ''^" ' ^t'l.i.lates the use of
the wants of the factories. ''"'''' ''"'^ ^'^"^« "^ "«>»JS the water, always considering
^z:^:z:^'^z:i7'^i:^^x^'i^^^ ^^^p-^-t (according to
provided (for riverLe^-pers, prlntLrcSi rexpe?,s.^'°;?, T^ -peiises^are
rendered executory by the prefect aid wbinl.u,., Til V„+i '1' ., •■' "^ "'eans of a roll
the district. commissiLed I that cXct By m^aTonilLAl tuf^'' '' '*"'^"«« "^
portioned between the interested land mvn„,..i., . "\¥"'* r<»ll tlie expenses are ap-
e.ty. There are no feeffr the use of ^^3^^^^^^
the adjoining landlords. TbesSSassLI^iS.TM r ^'^ ''"'"i""" P^Pei-tyof
under the rules of the law dTtenSariHsf n.r.Hi« 1 1 ''"jr^ pievious to 1865 are
ce.uber 22, 1888. ' ^^^''' ^'^'i'^i'^^' l>y tl^*' recent law dated De-
SlSri^if SiS-^lir&K^f --^^^^ - ^«« -'"-etres (.7* inc" .s).
;^jm^ sous, heaths, and waste lands ""^ ^ ^"'^
Calcareous soil 150,000 = 370,800
Gravel soil 150,000 = 370,800
Stonysoil ""•■ 8,500= 21,212
Sandy soil 5,000= 12.360
Marshvsoil "" 2,.'-)00= 6,180
Diversesoils 70,500 = 174,276
pd artificial meadows! ^*'''^^^^^""'^^''"'^'""*' ^^^^'^^" *'^^*^«) »* "atural
p. LUCBAU,
:ii
;!
I
464
IBRIGATION IN EUROPE — FKANCE.
COGNAC.
REPORT ST OONSVL EARLJB.
This part of France is quite abundantly watered • the DhirAnfn fi.
Nee, and many other smaller streams tra^rae ^and so f«r «!.!.' *l®
servation extends, the question with farmers her^iswhaffn^^ "^t
surplus water rather than any question of in atTon ahA ^"^ ^'}^
dikes, and ditches are exclusively for th^nurnnspnf ..tl • ^-^ ''*°*'''
flow or for draining wet or subme^ed laS ThI h1'^'"'°/ ^^^^-
bottoms are generally broad and levfl and ver'v suSfect In nv"'! ^''?
the great detriment of the grass planted ?heIeol tCrecedln^ wJ.' ^
leave a tine deposit of mud on the stems and h^ r «="^? f^ °^ "^^t^vs
drying with thl. hay, becomes a dustTrrdam^^^^^^^^^
It. At this moment, when the new hay crop is ^omf fn .^ ^""f'^F
almost all the horses of the arrondissenLt aro affW^,! wH . ™^''^^^'
cough like that of hay fever. "'»««"'e"t; aro atlected with a severe
The highlands of this arrondissement are auife nnf ^f f>.^ i. .
my judgment, of any practicable system of Sat^on ni h'^"'^-?' ^^
quire it. Some seasons are said to be very dry but a nmf r^nL^""^^' '* T"
1 take it, is a rather rare occurrence ffi^ofnKho^^.^'^^"^''^'
the climate appears to be its humlSV. The'^S'^l^t?^^^^^^^^^ ^'
Peem to me quite sufficient bv themaplvAs fL l^;i ™"'^^",r?8 or dims
little stirred^o furnish all the plaXequl^^^^ meanwhile being a
u Edwaed p. Earle,
United States Consulate, Gonaul.
Cognac, France, July 27, 1889.
HAVRE.
REPORT OF CONSUL DVFAIS.
This service is under the immediate management of th« nhiaf ^„ •
The fact that Mr. Guinette de Eoohftmnnf +i.^ i.«„^
port of Havre, has been abLnt f« some ^e'el, the^„W°r'' "' *!
officer who could give me the desir«l infrnTm-.H™ ? Goverument
case for not reporing before thfa'*Frl'°S'i°K„"ed 'IZf^ ^^-
sides the above named, are Mr. Snnnn of noL. . ^i" _\"^'^^i?'^» ^.^
- ■■■« < ■ l Ml i M> l
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE— FRANCE.
465
lUe-et-Vilaine, Flouand de Fo'^-zerov. T.aTTci tito„ • j.
dressed myself for the requirevuSmatfon ^^ li^^k*^ ''^'''^^ '^■
the two first named, they very ZS v nn^ilri*^ *^® exception of
the letters herewith 'incloVdTLcomS^^^^ »>^
If Messrs. Sucan, of Calrados, and Perrin nf Arn J !{^^ i^ ,°"'
my questions I will'make a suplCntarv "^^^^^^^ ^°«7«^
not wish to delay my answer Lger than Si^t:^TecZlT' ''
F. F. DUFAIS,
United States Consulate, Consul,
Havre, August 19, 1889.
[Xran..Uonof .letter fro. A. Gouton. chief .,Wof roaa« and brid.es of the I,*p„..e.t
dApartemknt de la manchk.
de
T i .•. Cherbourg Auaunty7 isuo
properly called, practiced in Ihis department for «,L^^'^ " ^'^ "*"« irrigation,
trary the climate, whichis a most tSerate one n.STf "^^^^P^S-On the con!
dnring the Wintei months, by r.tn:7i'^:^S :':}^: ^'^^Z7.l ''''^ '°^^'^°^«
Jfio^T '''''''' --arks, permit me to sum up tlie^^rS^ questions 1 to 6
cnS!?viter?aSl'^^L wVgr^:f ^iorU",!! ^c'nmr^^^^^ 7^*^ nonirrigahle or
exSL^XTat^Sf TiaS /^^^ is almost
the average annual rainfaU at ChSur^T Isi^nv ^rir*"/'"^ ^^°H'"'°^
m to 42fnche8). . There are numerous pfingsbf"LTnd st^^^^^^^^ 1, nlf '"f '?^
ra^ThereT'n:**^ rare exceptions, thlt laluis are b^hrg ovSweS ' °"^^'"
on^Sriped mrdowa!""""' ""'^' ''"'''' *^^"^^- ^^ the^istribuS of the water
e^^Slil^'Ll t"h:t^w?oKfSf29.'?87l t;r].yv ~47 ^^^ ^^.^'•''Jr '''' ''''
of irrigation occasion syndical as'sociSons su^ t'^o tb'e'lJw of June '^^^^ *1^^ ' ''''^'
uai:*4^^Sfrt£^;u^:rco^s^^^^ - - ^^^ ^-ds of mdivid.
tu^e'^roTvtTpT ?L*trtm:n"r^o7' Zt^ e^^ if as detrimental to agricul-
H. Ex. 45- 30
A. GOUTON,
»*y8|**'
^^^ lERIGATION IN EUROPE— -PRANCE.
[TraneUtlon of . letter from L<io„ Rousseau chief engineer of the Department of Die .nd VUiJne.
DEPARTMENT OF ILLB AND VILAINB.
nhi^f T? • ^ « , L:6oN Rousseau,
Chtef Engineer of Roads and Bridges, Ille and Vilaine.
ITrau.at.on of a letter from Mr. -uan^-le -^^^^^^^^ Bugin.r of Eoad. and Bridge.
DEPAKTMKNt OF MAYENNB.
be diffloult toT,„ iS »Zoi.e manu«? lepartment « con™«ed, bm It would
small dams and to turn the water intntrfl.w.Kr.+ courses, where it is easy to construct
Sit— r.rSH Sirlr =^^^^^^^
in an interesting or precise manner. aaaressing to me, can be answered
Accept, etc.,
Flouand dk Fourzekoy.
NICE.
JtSPOST BY OONSUZ EATHEWAT.
AREA IRRIGATED.
i,ol^^.r?"'^°^®.^'*^*''®'^^"'^®"«»*^8 Of Circular, dated May 2 1889 T
have the honor to report as follows • "^ ' '
general agriculture, and to no grSnTanfs wSvetrndTnlifsmaU
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE— FRANCE.
.
467
city of Nice reuder such use Kw mmS ""^'^^ ^^ *»>«
natural supply precludes its sysneuiet ic anj/^ ?^^ "'*" "'^''?*^^ ^^'^^^^
except iu the valleys of the Var an i^eL^eJ ; er^ ^ ""''^-^ ^'^'"*^'
here is practiced, production is doubled witLiitl^i^..^^ irrigation
the crop. Sterile soils loner „3".; " "'"J^^^'^thequa tyof
and in /nany localities to usure v .1S..i''^T ^"^ ^^^'^ abundantly,
it is of absolute necessity. ^^^ '^^''^°'* *« ^^^^ busbandman
WATER SOURCES.
primitive machinery into distributi L taJE .m ^ ^'""^^"^ ^"^ ^^^te
favored spots, and the streams and r^ve"s of h^^i^T'"'^/^^^ '"^
rentially full, butof skrunken uarLllvThaLf V''""^''^'' at times tor-
of summer. There are no imSant Llv^fr^'*^^""' '"*' '"^ t^« ^^^ts
tion proper. The new " CWa Jnie gI^^SS^ '',?'^^ ^^^ i">ga-
city of iice and its neigSnftow^l atf vMnf^?^".^'^^ '^
has an excess of water avaSe frirrilr 1^^ ^ """^ ^^^ Littoral,
general requirements of agri^lt^re is s^^^^^^^ ^^"^^> f«r th^
it is destruction to the profit ot" the .r^rPH^ ^^^\ '" "'^^'^ ""^^^^
ever, the farmers pos8es8^reatoomn1«ppnn "l^^^"" ^^'^^ ^^»«' l^^^v-
their' fathers are qurgo'od enoTgffrjK' 'S^ t' "^V^^^^^« «^
mental uudertakings with distavor ami yielSuctanti t/f^^ ?P'"-
m their customs and inherited slow, patent methoSsoJ labo?^ '^''"^''
its works established at a cost of 12 0oo'oT)0%v?''"''i/" ^^^^'^^^
obtained from the river VeSe in thevSv^f".? \ ^^^ ""PP'^ i»
about 30 miles from Nice, frZwhiJh r ver it Li?i ff.""^"^^^ ,^l^«tant
of i,000 litres each second, in^n open cemented ti^^^ ''^^^
reservoir on the heights in the subCL of afd citv ^^ '^ ^ distributing
the"rrS;^!^S,SiS SS^^iJI^^^ r^^P'^ *^^ «^^^' ^'
daily, for its abattoirs, sewerrStai^s LdTbl ^ w^^^^^ ""T'
for domestic uses, also provided bv siLiTn !,!l • , ' • -"^^^e water
sepai^te source, viV, the tnou^Sn fefs of "gaKhS «^ u"^ "
the aforesaid concession from the SfnfP tL L»; J^h^cle." Under
the term thereof viz unHl TQ79 tn '^f?' 1 ^TP'*"-^ covenants during
works forthe publ c tltmty ot^th^ TeSonan!!\n\1 ^^.'^ft?^"^" ^^ their
prices therein stipulated^ Otl^erS^th^lnth^/"S^^^''^^' ^^-^^^^
unsubjected generally to the Goverument^J^r^^ 1
pipes ar^ in all cIsrarfhe'ci^rTe^XroprTer^ ^^' ^^™«
- SOIL AND CLIMATE.
468
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE— HOLLAND.
tion. The climate owing to the conflguration of the coast, the new
counterforts of A i,s, and the proximity of the sea, which serves ^1
vast reflector of the sunbeams, is semitropical in character The soil
producing two or more variable crops a yiar, isalluviatwithahumous
surface, and a gravelly substratum, and quickly absorbrall mo"sTure
ium.Tf 7sS TT''''''^ ^^"'^^'^^ ^*°' '" "^^"^ 7^°' a°^l in July 'and
August 780 F. In winter it averages 62° F
clomlT ^^^ ^"^ November more than 100 days are usually without
The average rainfall is from 8 to 100 centimetres per annum.
Albert N. Hatheway,
United States Consulatm, Consul.
Nice, August 23, 1889.
HOLLAND.
REPORT BT VI0E.C0N8UL VINKE, OF AMSTERDAM.
There are, as fr r as I am aware, no instances of irrigation, prooerlv
so called, m application in the Netherlands. s^tiou, properly
By tar the largest proportion of pasture and arable land in this conn
try IS more than amply supplied with water, being intersected w?fh
rivers, canals, and wac-nways in every possible direction *^
As the beds of these rivers and canals are in many instances abovo
the eyel of the surrounding country, it is an easy and smpt matter to
flood .he surrounding meadows when required, which is generaHv done
when necessary m the winter and spring months; theSus water
8t'e"'S poweT'"'*'^^"""'^ '^""^ '"'" '''' '"^'^ «^ canal iy:i:dt
A large proportion of the inner part of the country consists how
ever, of sandy mire and heath, and constant efforts are beWmade To
reclaim this ground but up to the present such efl^orts have been nrin
cipally directed to the cultivation of timber. ^
Alb. Vinke,
United States Consulate, ^*'' *''^ ^'^""^y ^^"*"^-
Amsterdam^ August 27, 1889.
REPORT BT OONSVL ELLIS, OF ROTTERDAM.
Lands in Holland have been reclaimed from the sea bv building
frelrrtgated ''^ ""' ''' ^"''^^" ''''''' ''' ""''' "« ^'"^ iSids whic^
That the farms near the rivers in dry seasons are supplied with water
through the canals without any charge being made therefor
That the farmers in Holland sufter from an excess of WRtrr on their
lands, and that each farmer has the use of a mill (windmi 1) to VumD
out the water from their lands into the canals and rivers. ^^ ^ ^
Ihat there is no storage of water for the purposes ^>^- irrigation, and
that the annual rainfall is «x(iP.ssive as oon^'or^' wif -.„,---''
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE— ITALY. 4^9
than their flows, and from which waTe/^w^hr.*^ '° ^9^ lands lower
to be distributed by use of nromTr iTowtr T^ ? • \!''""f ^ ^"^^ reservoirs
to my last remark/let me Se^ZZflZ^'^^^' '^"^^«- ^» ^««l>««t
found to be so serviceable inSlando/etriSf'^^ ?^^^" ^^"'i"^"^
purpose of pumping water t^hSh^r?J!L''^^''J^^^''^'^''^^^'^^^^
have for his own use the neces^ari nowirT! t' ^""^^ ^^'"^^"^ ^^^^ «o«ld
respect to this, Americarpumps^a^e TfJh!? nf ^- i^'™i However, with
assume that there will beCd^Stv fn LTHh"^.^'^^ ?u"'"'*°^ ^ °^»«<^
can build the reservoirs and fill them. '''^^"**"^^»S ^^e water if you
HowAKD Ellis,
United States Consulate Gomul.
Rotterdam, Netherlands, October 7, 1889.
ITALY.
GENOA.
repout by consul flexobbb.
district require it or admit o^t, for ie ^ons give^'^^^^^^^^^^^ '^^
^^^'S^^'iSfi^.^t^ east coast,
tainous audit ha^but verySS^bS^
that only about oiie-fifth S thA Innii ? . ^-"i''. indeed, it is estimated
and this^one hftirow ingfo verv^rr.i '' f-^P''^^]^ of cultivation,
divided into thousands of S f.ff^'^*'''''"^*'*'" ^^ <^^e country, is
somanysmallTts sotosnS^ ^°d there like
^.Sprin^gs, sman Xams P^S ? ve?s''' "X Sf*'"?.^^ ^^^«'^^^^^-
district, and the tillable land is whnV f^I Plentiful m this cons, iar
soil which retains SturrVlo^^fiJ^o People calUfmflr, that is, a
tracts require water ngwhi^h ?s^no^^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^•"^ll
streams, and rivers ^^^^7"^^Z^^ :Tt.t:.S^ ^
James Fletcher,
United States Consulate, Comul.
Genoa, Italy, July 31, 1889.
NAPLES.
REPORT BY COmVL OAMPHAVSEIT.
in this country, I immediatelv »u\^\\cu\ft J^l- '"^e'l^'^V "» praeticeu
the tea p.viu'^s ^^^^tS^.^L^S^:^^^'^
470
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — ITALY.
frrtZi.M.f Hl!^^r"'''V' "*" ^^'•^^^^^""rses, there were no lantls tuMler
PaS hILiJ. • ' '^I'^^^V-^'* l'r«^'»c««- It in claimed that the geolotr-
cal and 1 tlologioal couditions of the country are such thit it wmihl
be .uipossible to carry any system of irrigation into e^ct "^
th^llT^-'^ tlPl,end8 absolutely on the rain falling mainly durinff
the months from November to April. The average annual rainf^n^f
smd to be about 20 inchea. There^^are some lands fudTrivar/rfili
tZn frnf "^T T'^'}^ l^^ousing to the respective la"dfwners?8
taken from we Is at a depth varying from 25 to 100 feet watJr beinff
the coasts of the Adriatic and Mediterranean wells are Sed by the
filtration of saltwater. Some of these belong to communS bit no
dehnite law or regulations appear to exist for the use^ distribution of
n^this aSt *\''' 'f "" ''''^'''''^ ^^°^ ^" '^^ true sense of the word
in this district. I inclose a copy of the law concerning the deriv-ition
of public waters, and also a publication discussing a iXectforsum^^^^^^^
mg the province of Bari with water for donK^stic punSs
Edward Oamphausen,
United States Consulate, Consul.
^faplcn, Italy, Septmibcr 6, 1889.
PALERMO.
report by consul carroll.
introductoky remarks.
I have the honor to inclose herein rather imperfect renlies to thA
questions propounded as to the system of irrigation obtaining in tins
province there being none worthy of mentionSn tL^otC pro i^
embraced in this district. Prior to 1860 the water for irr ga tTon w^
S'co^Srs."'"^'^'^^^^' ^^^ -^^^^^^^^^y^ -d convenro?rT
public or private individual, had an interest, so thatTow it con rols all
the water formerly owned by the religious bodies in question, whTch bv
Sued S tlrTr^^ '^ '^' municipality and prfvate per'son coS^
Dined, ihis water the government either sells or rents.
There appears to be little or nothing of interest in the means em
tfel'T^^I"" ^"^"'^^ ^^'^' I ^' ' «e« and leLrn and i?" « not
therefore deemed proper to dwell at length upon the matter
REPLIES TO CIRCULAR.
Area irrigM--TheTe are 508,601 hectares of land embraced in the
province of Palermo, of which one-fortieth is cultivable and irritable
l:^i,ll'^Z'STor ""'^^" '"^^^"-'^^^'^^"^ - tlie ave^!;!^e
Water supply. —Water is derived principallv from deep wells nninns
tubes or pipes communicatiiiP- with n,,. Q,]i.>oo.,t ,v,„....4-^:-,„ " ' ,.
as by rivers, ekeams, »prmgB:and Mi;' in a'.;r;iim"Sl;*gree du^S^^^
'
t
I
i
t
E
t
ii
h
d
61
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE— ITALY 47^
certain montlis of the vear Thn o»^ 1
said to be decreasin^r. ^ ^"° ^"PP'^ of spnng water is, however,
Water distribution.—The distriUniir^r, ^f ^ .
owners, viz, the municipalitv ?h«Sl ""^ T*"*®' '^ governed by its
and is based upon IhJ^Zl^ni'el^^^^^^
lermo centuries ago. The ani. .iff ^^^^f^ "^ the municipality of Pa
300 to 350 cubic 4ires perTeTtare^Cd' "'''' '" *'^ ^^«^««« ^« *™^
a SfnZfp'o^n^p^^^^^^^^^^^^ -ajer can be conveyed to
can be irrigated weeklyrtCchargetLrSor h'L"^^''):''^^ "^'^''^ l^'^res
Irrigation is commenced on Anfn 15 «?/ ?^'"^ ^ ^'*^«« Pe'' I'our.
annuany. For obvious reasons it is Jo't resorS"J;;^'''•^'P*.''"^«^ 1^'
excepting in prairie lands, for promot°nl7hT.w i"" *^""°^ ^'^^ ^'^'^r
Climate and 8oil.~.The average an n?i f *^®^elopraeut of grass.
of Palermo is 170 centigrade ^^^ temperature of the province
coL"t*ve\v warn"'"' '^^""^ *^^ '''^^'^ ^' temperate and on the sea-
rait^t^Mty it Se^'tXr""^' ^^ *^^ '^^-««^ -^-'"te absence of
^^^^^^^^t^Z^ Bain
pumps, wells; fallsfrese^vofrs etc has oK'^'^T*""'' consisting S
the auspices of the muniSitv of Palermn .^f ^? ^'°*""«« ""^er
persons, but since 1S66 thrgovernmeS^ T,?' n'!f'v^°'* P"^^te
longing to religious bodies, it SL In tw.?"*'"'"^'^ *^^ ^'"^ter be-
erty belonging thereto. The grefnlu. ,K ^" P^^P"
water. The expense is defrayefTtSe'e^e'l^V'e^w^^^^^^^^^ *^^«
Philip Carkoll,
United States Consulate Consul,
^alci-mo, Italy, October 7, 1889,
MESSINA.
REPORT BY CONSUL JONES.
ANTIQUITY OF IRRIGATION.
MSni'^S^^^^ -land by the
extended their sway. Xfus of Z i^nfX"'™ ^^^'"'^^ gradually
still in use relating parthularlv to frSi ?''*'^',' '-^fi-^'^^Itural terms
plants, all testify to their fnrmar. ll ^^V*""' ''^"'^ numerous African
first began the Jle oi" he »Sa . rSo^r If ''' ^'\f''' ''"'' ^^^ ^^ey
towers (giarraton) or cisteS riria^.1 ^'wl ''"^ -Z^" v^ater into water
means ot" small di ches sala?? .nff^' ^^^/'"^^ '^ "^""^ distributed by
to-day. (^'*J'**^' ^""^ ^^'^ Js the system in general use
iu^S.il;;l.:::^;!^l^'i^tSL^:?^^^'""^"^ - '^^^ p---e as
here. ' ^'*''^'" ^"^*= ^^'^ter veins are not as numerous
endless eUai.. of i.„„ br.S'li,;:iW^i''USuleTi"A^
472
IRRIOATIOV IN EUROPE — ITALY.
the seasiore too expennh^ '^''^' "'^^'^ ''' trau«„ortation from
J.re^ irrigated.
Oranges and lemona
Market gardens* [ '.".'!."." "
Flaxandhemp
Indian corn
Legumes (beans) ........."
Fruit trees (peaches, pears, etc.")'!
Keedcane .'..../.,
Marshes
Heot«re8.
. 7,600
800
200
. 1, 000
. 1,400
500
. 2, 000
500
Total
MODE OP IRRIGATION.
spacesroiLgrantlemon f^^^^^^ *'^"'' '' '''' S^'^-*"^ '^"l^ivated m th^^^^ai;;
r
^
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE-ITALY. 47^
pass into tlio "(liHfrihufinrrw
dptti»or"tn.,i;'SS'L;,7r'r th-'ousl. gattora oallc. ..„„„.
distributing rraorvoir to differmVi;,., ^'','' ""t*"- l« carried from tim
latter are kuovf u as " brinai." ' "'""^ <"■ "P"" on top ; the
Section of "brlnso."
..fa.:;it»Xe7t.\°„ard"srdnLt'^''*»"^
WATER DISTKiBUTION.
V^l^^^^t: IZ r f S\Krr -^- *^e water is
which it would be impossTbTe to enu , rate 'S^i'^ '}^ localityind
gation purposes is so complicated a matter' thnf?f'' ^^\^^^^ f«^ irri-
cise y, but this much cau be said Inthllt • ''^'' "''^ ^« ^^^d pre-
?eJ'2„lr''*-'-'^«-""-»'™'^^eJ^^o'-
watr&? b]:'?„X/e K'pTiXSor'r ''°'""»'- »-
on community la. id. P^iv^te parties or because its source is
turbed enjoyment are ,. Lsar/ rcieate Urby pret^JpSou" ' " "'»•
CLIMATE.
8ot> winterstCtherltV; mR'^o* ,"'"™"."' »' "«>' - 8'° F-
tbia tem„erut„re VTeZs£]-,,?X% loZltio^'^' '""""'«' ""'
tops , ' .e mountains for sevor^l „ nH i • l'^^'?"- ^now co\ .ts the
every , ar .aH.es thVSore c -'u^^ the winter, and nearly
At Messina th. emperarurechanffeV^^^^^^^^ ground for a few hours,
that pass through the strap's. From ' o ober ?oXl' T''"' '''^ ^^^^^>
quently ; m January and February i. ini f ^ December u aius fre-
April it rains constantly oTriJltuTl^f ^"^""W ^" ^' '^ ^^»d
September, with an oc.^ioS Livv own 5'"' "\Mayand i.tsts to
inches. Duri; -thesnrinnnri .^,7 ^°"'"'"''- Annual rainfall, 22
mountains; it ^rlJelyS. ;'",?« ^^^^^S ^'^ P^^^^» «° ^^^
Frost in April inflict consid\.nlhl:i;;;ia^e'' ^™'' "^^"^ f''^^'^^""^
pri;:Si!:^S^^'l'r SnSh' -Uons^ean„g upon n ngation in this
in any other portion^^S^^^^ .S ?^r S^E^S^t^:
474
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — ITALY.
IBEIOATION WORKS.
capital of «180,0()() undertook, u,,rerSrter fr^ thr?rZn''fi'' '
ri rer.r.srp°„:u'^iK,TS
^30 000 vnr/ia irtti«\ ^<? ^1 \ ». " o^«»u8 long; ana the other to the left
pasture la„l revfiri'lnlr^oriat"' ?he v'/^tiftPclav fa?,^'?'
thia plain appear to be adapted to rice culture onl/ A.,»i C ' '■"
«et «> grow on thU UlaodVwUeuner'vt'TsaU^brn^ Z.^' A^ S
*
foriiiBtrnO'
the numer-
irrifration,
jver would
fthof this
le dry beds
uilated for
jon the air.
8 yet been
my with a
rbon Gov-
: a portion
A rough
principal
to the left
he ocean,
were also
tches, the
he canals
ndency to
feet wide
368. The
?he depth
age mean
3r second.
. to Octo-
leffnmes,
Summer
lands in
n area is
't by the
ultivate.
has the
:he com-
h irriga-
anisetta.
base, 15
the river
[lescend-
An ir-
Tigated,
3rm 138
At the
rge, the
gap 80
he dam.
;er side,
iioating
he dam
ass are
As the
IBRIOATION IN EUKOPE-siciLy.
oi^^t;^^ ^s:::!f:^^:::^ztri *"« ^^-^^ w"^<-'. i- times
ing 'frsts! fa^"ir Ss^r/i'^^ T^ «^' ^-^e «"- in drain
an.l torrents in uoVthern ,Zn5e?tml IfaT'^'^ '"^ ^^^ course of riverJ
for sale, however, treating of JhLl iJlt^u ^a'"aWe documents S
minister of public works.^A« "'««« ^orks have been published by the
hshed treating of works of irriga ion ZtT'"':^ '^P""'^ ^as been pu^
necess.»ry to apply to the severa? Sec ires Iftu "^"'«« '' ^^^'^ be
By the law of 25th December 18HSfhf?i"^ *^® «®^eral provinces
Kr« or commune aclvt""es'at'Sn^'atT"?^ Provfd'ed the
of the sum loaned by the state. "^ *^ ^''''^^ «q»?»l to one-tenth
-^ Wallace S. Jones,
United States Consulate, Consul
Messina, September, 1889.
SICILY.
^ nEPonr nr consxil jones of mess^a:
mRIGATION OP ORANGE AND LEMON GROVES.
lemon'sl'^efsTt^rsfbJe^t^^^^^^^^^ ^« ^^^^^ *" «-- oranges or
months. Thereare,hoCver fav^^^^^^^^^^ i^^Zt^Z
40 miles south of Messina) whereTwf.fff/^;"'^
the trees retain their vi^or duHnT/i! I ''^*®'' ''^'"''' "» the subsoil
uo..irngated to irrigated groves "Li ?nirT''- . '^^^ proportion of
10-year old lemon trees thit are wlterod .i^ '" ^^^^"^J- ^^e hundred
-trn: ^^.::^::z^r^^-^^^ times durmg the
watering at 'least 35o"cubrS; tres Tou^d^r '^ ^ T"^' ^"^ atUh
2.47 acres). At the last sprinTworkint nfl? '''"°r'' ^^ the hectare
m order to obtain an equa distribution!.? .h^ *T' ^^^ ^^»^' i« trenched!
are opened (generally about 6 nr^hii f *^® '''''^'•^^- Parallel trenches
bottom) betten thi rows o? t et th 'Inf^"'^ 5-^"'*^'^ ^"^« «" tb'
vided into symmetrical squares or divSrons.™'^'^^' '^^'" **«•"& ^i-
476
IRKIQATION IN EUROPE — SICILY.
To illustrate : Lef us suppose the land to be laid off' as in figure 1. T
TTT ridge surrounding a section of the grove. NNNN beds aitemaHn <,
with the furrows RRRR permit the circulation of X water w^^^^^
Ta^TfS^^T^^ 1^4 """"^r'^ ^^' ^« ^i^^^ted from its course bv'hluin^
down the ridge at X and made to run into the furrows RRRrSS!
opening at X is closed, and the water is now turned fn I? V S'=«^^
^V^^' \'^^^^ *b?^^t«^ distributes ilL^fTquallyfsatur^tin^
ra^n ' ""'"'^ '"'"''^ *^' ^^*^^ "^^^ ^^« ^o«*« «f tr^^esfretardf^^^^^^^^
mii^^nCr ?.® «j*"at«d <>^ a rather steep hillside, the water will be
wise it woul7rnn^^7''^ ^^-T ^^Y^ ^^ ^^^^ Serpentine fash oJ,^thi
wise it would run off too rapidly and cause washes. '
If 1
reser^
stone
point
The
suppl;
times
unless
trench
metho
fruit, <
One
3year
eighth
weeklj
It is
are soi
inches:
Thism
down.
on the
are cut
provide
water.
the wat
Bastii
good pr
to go wi
leaves t
ing heaN
iu Sepce
gure 1. T
iernating
r, which,
^ hauling
IR. The
[id so on.
the beds
g evapo-
r will be
D, Othtf-
IBRIGATION IN EUBOPE-SICILY. 477
^mm-
SSWf .
"^-fsmwm
wgfO
r J2tK ^^ZtrXt^iC:^^^^^^^^ the distributing
times when the water must be numld ,^^ ^^u^'''"' or spring. Often-
unless it be otherwise stipulated^ Ibe^.o;!^.?.^?'^^^^ "'^ t«°ant,
trenches as to collect the water in a hn sin Au^^^i^^' "^'^ «^ arrange his
method is not to be commended for^f. 5^^ ?^* «^ the trees. Th s
fruit, of the lemons more esSif?' la^fj' *^" development of the
, ii"«y«ar old orange or leCn &«« 2,u]d ir''/'' ^^^ ^' ^^«t-^«^=-
3year old require water once everv fw^wJ^^ '^^t®''®^ ^"ce a week,
eighth year once every two week? ZYtu f?^^'/™" the fourth t<^
weekly irrigation is required duTfng the ml of fh« ^^«««>ot, however,
It IS alwavs nrRfiiroKi^ 4-^ «"i«iig lue lue ot the tree.
are sometiS w^trel Vs u'K^^^^ ^^o^ated trees
inche8indianieter)^otfarfromfeeesa^^^^^^^ (3 feet long by 4
This method has the advantage of !!.^;.J^'°^ t^^^^'^'e with w^^^^
down. The beds of the Senf s suck dnT^/i?^ ^^^^ *« «««d its roots
on the hillsides. To bring th"-8wS tofh*^^ "^f "" ^'^'" <^b« «P"ngs
are cut across the torrent beds down t!?,^''' '"/^^^^ ^^^''^ue ditchfs
provided with numerourioop holes In n..on ""^^^^ ^"^°«' '-^"^ ^^ ^rainr!
wat^r. These drains, follovv^^,gmoreorT«\?hiv'' ^'^^ " *^ ««"««<= ^l^e
Cstd'Sit^- f r V^ *^' rigKdTeft^ ^"°' ^' ^^^ ^-^' -"^
good prices :tCilfrequeTtkT^^^^^^ ^^^^^« commands
to go without wa^er dSfjun^e STlw^h 'f ^°*' ^"«^ ^'^^ tr«es
leaves turn yellow and there is ffrp?Mi^*-^t^.® f.''^®« ««ffer badly, the
ing heavily and frequentVrnlSVtoTrL'it"' '^^' ^°^ ^«^'» ^^ter
m September, and iL that way pTduVe ll" C^^^^^ '° P"' '^ ^'^-^^
Wallace S. Jones,
United St a two n/^T.Tr«,,, (innoui
Messina, September 13, 1889.
478
lEEIGATION JN EUROPE— SICILY.
SICILY.
CATANIA, CALLANISETTA, AND SYRACUSE.
REPORT BY CONSUL LAMANTIA, OF OATAHIA.
Province of—
Catania
Caltanissetta . . .
Syracuse
Square
kilometres.
Acres.
... 7,410
... 7,904
... 1,235
1,235
5, 102. 19
--.. 3,768.27
PEOVINCE OF OATANIA. '
larly irrigated, viz: ''"'"^^^^^ ^^"**' 20,000 acres of which are regu-
Orange gardens
Kitchen gardens
Rice plantations .'
Indian corn fields ..."...".'.
produce obtained of said Soo acres of i^^^^^^^^^ irrigated. The
Orange groves, 471 000 mro nrnr,„ ! i '^"^^ted land, are as follows :
eral quantitSnd qSt^L uf^^^^^^^^ '""''^"'i ' ^J*"^"" S-^^^«"«' ««^-
ofri^ej cornfleld8,t000bu«hel«^^^^^^^^^
an^^r^^rStTn^s^a^^^^^^^^^^^ '^^^^^^ - derived from natural
^'^^re"^"fo.!mj^^^^^^ ^^^«fif-^ springs, nanielv,
pumps worked b? rat^;^? ^^^^0^^^^^^ "°^ *^^ "^^^ «^-'-ted b^
nea^^e^EYvtrTlci^^^^^^^ ''-'^^ -' Catania and
Eiver Simeto. But ?he Srelites^ T^' ^"^ ^"^^'^ ^^^
Aderno, and OalaJabiaL^ I^e als^o^^n^^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^r^^'
disgorge abundantly at the fo^of Knt Ftn« tJ ?P^!?g« ^^»^i«h
kitchen gardening s eouallv w^taLn k .^; ^^^ '^^^ used for
wells; the rice flefdranrcornSta^^^^^^^^ «Prings or artificial
of Catania, by the River Simeto ' ^ ^""^ ^"^^ ^" ^^^ ^^^^
whSTultrK.^^^^^^^^ 8i-to there is a company
Said company obtlfned rconcesron bv 1^ ^Rn"'? *^^ ^''''' ^'^^'^^'^
1852, with appropriate r^SLT B 't'^if orle'To utilfr^^^^^^ '"
m a more rational and practical sv^tS! « «ov!^«J -^^ ^'"^ ^^'"^^^^^
up with the viewof distriCw tf« J^L ^•^''**'°P^"^ ^^'"ff tostart
scriptions of th^new law iusi"?^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ P^e-
utilization of the waters for rrii«^?^. ^ *^^ ^^""^T Gdvernmeut for the
property, but the d stribnfh 3 h P^rPO«e«. The rivers are national
is ruled brthesarcom" v ""^.^f"^^ ^^^ ®"°^*^' ^« ^^'>^^ ^t^^d'
we!ls the iW L« lr'"i''l'^^.:=„Z?L^^.« waters obtained by artificial
■ 'i-^^'^' I'xuvisiona, as iLe person who has dug
IBBIGATION IH EHSOPE— SICILY.
tor tea, Zl'uTJ:%t':i^Zrr'"?- ■■««-»'.PropHe.
connected together each as well ' ^'t^' these two species of and Ire
aif " P^^^^« ^^« ^"^atTn ilder"lfira^^^^ i* °^ay be sifd C
metr^yt^^^ornl- -^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^/I. *'^^ '''''^'' ^« ^« ^o 60 centi-
ucej but in years when the rainfall t J!n T.'"^' «*^« «"fflcent prod-
many springs get driednp with Jreit 11"' ^? ^^.,*^ centimetres K
this consular district is bv use o-Xtf!,'.*^^ irrigating system in
and artificial springs, and'caoaJs "''' ^'"^^^ *"^«"^ ri^sf natural
E^na rtTtt^%rrrrncr ^ar from the
swollen up by the waters of several fnrrpf.ff^' '''I'? ^^^^^ 'saving been
private estates. aitoaes for tlie distribution of the water to
« P'^^Z"V^tb{S^X.nutJ^irf '"T - * ''"-"S drain, wlieh
. r
480
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — SICILY.
From the dike to the said dram there is a distance of 132.16 metres-
and an equal dustance exists between the dike and the drain of the left
hand canal, which is provided with only one postern Th is last rmmS
canal, 30 kilometres long, near the railway stat^H^tU S InasSa
has a waterfall of sixty-dyuamo horse power, and it is also providS
with numerous smaller canals for the distribution of water ^^^^"^^
Ihe right-hand canal runs on by the plain of Gerbino wafflrincr tv ^
and at the left-hand of the Dittafno Riband has aJ^o a S^
by whicli two inills are worked, giving yearly rental of 2,500 iTres '
r..^/ ""'f r *'^*^l.'^^d ,^y t'^ese works is of about 62,381,000 gallons
per day of twenty-four hours, but double this quantity might be given
should afrriculture require it. feuf «je given,
In summer season, from the 1st of April to the 31st of September the
water is sold at the rate of $65 per 4,400 gallons. In winter f imp Vnm
MoJIalnf '' ''^ ''' ^'^P"^' t»^e Pn-islotred to1a\'S
For consumption m the summer months the water is generally leased
to the proprietors by contracts for thirty years, which eive a vppr^v
rental of 760 11 res not including the leases for t^eTve months on^y ^
rJ:^^i:iZ^,:^!' ^^«^^^^"*^^ ^^ ^-"^ -ce a month, a^'the
The part of country irrigated by the Simeto extends to the left band
of the nver, the canals stretching as far as tha city of Catania all the
canals irrigating aboutlOO square miles. The hills near Motta and Mis!
terbianco, by means of said waters have been reduced into luxuriant
orange gardens and orchards, but the lowlands, owing to the argSon^
c^rptl^KS^i;.^^'^"^' "°^^^ irrigation, ar^e used as^n^nd^
that since ]86;5 the greatest progress has been made in ^very branch
of culture and the hydraulic works in this island have beenTumerous
as IS testified by the many new or ange gardens, orchards, and kSen
gardens, as it results from the information given to me by competent
Irrigated lands in Sicily in 1865.
Province.
By rivers.
By canals.
By springs.
Total sur-
face.
•
Palermo
Messina J.
Catania...:
Hectares.
2,614
1,359
2,701
4,985
709
650
218
Hectares.
767
1,101
012
2,581
3,577
142
131
Hectares.
452
2,228
6,089
2,207
522
087
777
Hectares.
3, 8i:3
4,668
Syracuse
8,402
Ciiltanisnetta
Girgenti
Trapani
9,723
4,808
1,679
1,126
13,886
8,911
12, 262
34, 259
In the — """fioPE— SICILY
irriaaied i^^^.
_____^J^J« Aedmo«^ IK 1865
I
^-'^« '-* <» X.™,,,, ,„ ,,^
«ilce^^ud,ug nc oatlS n«.-^® ^^*ei"s sfconned ?,?«'. "'^''^^ the west
<*« wate* b.' 1J'tJ»f "iemiy Sa? JJ", S*?J «'"»'™'" « wort of
482
IBRIOATION IN EUROPE— SICILY.
t'^t^el 1 Jt ^i^Ke^"^^^^^^^^ ^«^^^t Of the dike, and abont
results obtained bv this hvdmuS wrfrv^** ^^T^^ ^f the water. The
portanpe for all those Lndowners ^^^^^ ^T of the greatest im!
. irrigating their estates " ^^"^ *'® »^ favorable condition for
and aul'ssl^o\'Xle"t"d"a^^^^^^ totally, as by spell,
ment of the cotton plantaSofSh^^i^ occupat on by 'the develop-'
about 1,000 tons of wtton. ' ^^""^ * ^^^'^^ "»ean produce of
PaOVlNOB OP PALERMO.
sibfrX^rspVnge 1^1^^ H^ ^--d«' -here it is impos
which may stop thf iaif;'aL /ann^^^^^^ construction of such ZTb
vines and then use it in the snmma^f ^ 1" ^^^ ^'^^^r time in the ra
By this device the artificial ,^^^^^^ purposes
structed molded as the aSntAn«J^Vf/^****^omraon in Italy) all con-
later on, introduced by the Moors in Sn^^-^ "^''^.^^^ and Romais, which
Notwithstanding there are no rerrvol^s In' l^^ ^^' "^^ ^f paLtanos
may g,ve an account of selerTof thf m *h*!^«o«s»Iar district, yet I
island, in the province of PaSmL 5T ^^rthy of mention in this
of this kind, c^^nsS^d irSTas'tTentur/'"'" '^' f'^' ^ '^^^^^o '
belonging to the Prince of Lampedur «?f,- iV°k ""^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^ '>nce
and bears the name of BillierKrv;,/' '*'" ^ ^^ '^"^ ""^^^ ^ai^rmo
calcareous soil. ^'"xiMiruccea m the gorge of a ravine, on solid
8tr^n\Jhe'nS'^"J^^^^^^^^ of the ravine, the dike is
two walls ..74 metres long bv I'l widr Ji • i'^^f'or are to be seen
angle, inclosing an area of 8.18 66 Lrsf^/^l''^'^^"'* 'o it in right
hectolitres of water (6,188,000 galioS' ^'""^ ^'^'^ ^o"*^^'^ 28.t91
whi^h\rtrjS:rJv^S^,?;e^%^^^^^ ^^ve a canal,
,^^tbo?t damaging theldgef SXSf ^hf^lf '"X''*^""^^°t -ater
shouW have been corroded. ^^'^h' *^^®^ «<> many years,
water'Jd'th^rdfmel*o'f%&^^ t^-e is poured the
Another reservoir of considfir^hji!?- ^^^ reservoir is void,
near the village of mLSoThk ^'""^"f'.ons, called «Godrano»is
same has a leLth of liQ-^mlf' '^^ neighborhood of Palermo ThP
area of 1.27 heTref^'aris"'' ' "^"'^ «^ '' -«*«'«' o'ccupy'ng'^a'n ^
from r Stiof o^^rbJe^re?l^^^^^^^^^^ l^ «i«"^' - «till very far
In conclusion, I must sto J^ ?ho? ^^^dmont and Lombardy.
are of the greatWTefpt a^^cu tuTrS.?^ T\'' «P""^ ^^^er
utilized the watersof such sSlsDrJnLnn^^^^^^^^ by their help are
roll did it. "^ P^*^' of said reservoirs, but I suppose Consul Oar-
Vincent Lamantia,
^^™_States Consulate, ^o^**^
^atantii, Italy, iSvptemher 18, 1889,
IBBIQATION IN EUROPfi-,
PORTUGAL
SPAIN.
483
CAPE VERDE.
r^^S^^^^^t^t^^ in t.. colon, .
^ Mature has been so unhn. . ^ '^^^'^ «°«I» ««
base of the moul^Lins in 'hf w^J^«' i««"iQrthfoafirh?hV'^^^^« ^*'8<='
It therefore bpfaml ' *"® bottoms of the fi^f,. ^ ,, *^® ^<^ck8 at the
tied near a spring? v^^k'^'^ ^^^^ the inhabSf?"^^',^"^ ^^^ines^
J«Iands are soSte from^'^^V^^^f ^^^ towns aSd'S?"^^ ^^^e set-
*rom 1 to 3 miles on dnT ^""^^^ ^^^r that all tS /^"^ges on these
^ It would be drfflcnlt t^nhf '^' ^^«^ds of "omen "^^^^ ^« ^'^^Sht
St'lSt"^-^^^^^^^^^^ ,, ,, ,,^
some landholders fi??^*^^«^^^'^"on,annnfo'^^^^^^ ^^ statistics on
only lands reT^viL'^^rr^ "^P^ ^^^^^^ from
United States Dnxrc. ^^''^'' ^^^«^'
v« Consulate, C7on«itt
SPAIN.
?^^ WS?^ - r as those
^ The hydrSS works lortT'^iPP^^ «^«tem ''"^'"^ '" ^^^ Protection
they are in mfm/ .o '« and even requirps «i" J^ , , , "'« extent of
•^ ^» ^^*>yj I have the
484
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — SPAIN.
pointed by tLe tTiiUed Stales Sfi"?" t "i? '»"?'»' ""'n-n'ttee ap.
forestry eugiu^er fo^t^'d^^'tricfof\^^^^^^ ^^""^n^' '« ^J^^^l^'^f
both at home and abro^ He rece^tfv n' ?h^ * ^"'''^? authority
ministerio de fomento (the denar?m«nf ^^^ ^^ """"^ °^ t^« Spanish
culture, industry, and comn^lrP«f tn!i ^'"^^.^^"Jg P»bllo works, a«ri-
the Intemationa^l' OongrS of plris on C^//?,.^^« <ii«C"/«ion8 h'eld at
streams. His views upon the suhLT»*S! ?,<^'^'^^.t'«? of t^e water of
gation,"aremarkablee88av mAf J i o ^^^ ^H''^'^ *^®« «f^na»x d'irri-
tiflc men. ®^^^^' ""^^ *^« approval of eminent foreign scien-
^^k^^Z'iii:^^^^^^^^ -tains an elaborate
Spain ; also useful s^gSs restl^ fn^^^^^ ^""^ reservoirs built in
concerning construction Can%S 3 «S^ ^'- P^^«*'cal observations
means to secure the succesHoSlhtln «r?fT'''"'^ ^^'" '«' '^"^^ th« best
First of all I will now nZrn„fi ^^^^P^^ses for irrigation,
by Mr. LlauradJ, namSy " ** prominent conclusions arrived at
prJdiV^fruirvattiVecLt^^^^^ ^T^^«- --eases the
irrigation becomes abXternecessarv wT«h ^1 ^^"^^^^ countries
to overcome the consequS of Teq/^iTaSf *'''"'''^^ ^'""^^* «^
doS^tC^^^^^^^ to store up water
1. Irrigation works whfch can be ach^v«d h*"" • ^'^ ^'^T °* «'^«««« =
2. Irrigation schemes whkTh Scesstlte ft -"f^^ individual effort,
sidies of the Government necessitate the interposition and sub-
pay for water covers th« nTUS J^ , • *^®, ^^^ ^bich consumers
terestcorrespondTngtocamSHLl^^^^^ them, the amount of in
the business must riultTfalZtr^,^"^, ^ ^^'' P'^^^' ^ther. ise
It can not be absolutely asseSiM^^ "^^^^^ though
clearly evidences that assertion TLnnl.?^^'''^'^™*"^'**^*tion,
tioned canal cost the Governmrt^bout 20^^^^^^ "f ^*^S ^^^^'^e""
and since the reign of Carios ITI i, « „, -3^^^^ $4,000,000),
our days, the immediate TrL7,;«r.^^^/* ''^^^^ ^ b« ^o'-ked, up to
tion aggl-egat^s the sum of 37,0^ '^^ ^^^^^ by the administra-
meager yield in proportion to the caS wil '^ ^ annoally, a very
however, far from bein^ raino,irf^?li '"vested. But the business,
the outlays by creat S| Xt soured i' of *w ' ^n' ^^f^'^^ compensated
iiiiguuou tanu must be rated cheap". "' ""^'"*''^"''^" ""'^ raiuieiB, the
1
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t
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&
tl
th
b8
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sati
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wea
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at
Tlie modest vet mio-i.t,,. i *86
success lunny works hrSt^rt"™ »' Pfra'c soirit is „hi„ » ■
prises due to th^^„it '\ °'*'! J- '"l-crior to the 1 mft^d'° *" f '"<"■« "ith
,.Tbatdoes„otm"SKttheo"*'°''''""^°'- ''^"
"'^'^^tZ^-.tllS^^Br '''"•'■'' «""'-'' "« -'owed to „„,„p.
As regards iTeattoS of ''™"f.'"« Pu'b™ w^^ '"«' ""curate
«^niss?e : ziriP^ " ":'rSoS^t fe--* »»«"
Tlie Spanish pen nsuKf ™f^ °«* P^^ve SC ^'^^'" *^«* ti»e
metres abovfthTfeiefi^r^^ ^''««)' ^ith e/J?at?J^/«f Prisps ibou^
nearly 2,000 kilometres of ll''''^"' ""^'^ tabl. Slpn '' n"^ ^'^"0
by different seas and facfn/d?r'' ^^^e^ding a^Sng^^^^^^^^^^ and
The coDtrasting condit SL ?^';^°^ cardinal points of thl^'f^'^'^^bed
cumstauces can wp?i k ^ ^ ®^ climate enioved «^S. v ^® ^^^^e.
sense, rather tLri ,^ ^""agined,. they aT^^o mw l",^ to local cir-
continentjo/nedTothrrest^oTr"^"' «P^^ ^'^p^Jf^ef bv Sf '° *^'«
the Pyrenees an/i ,.„ VY^ *^* ^"rope throne-h ^1,1 "y itself a vast
temperature 'with T'*^'''" ^^^ ««ale of subtron^lf °"»*«"' range of
wintVs,as?n ScSidrnTi-^'^f^^^^^^'^sint^^^^^ ^^ «»l>aU)ine
of meteorologicaiobservi?: ^ ^'^»^« '^t the hereto ?nSf'?"^' ^' ^'^«ial
Pliysical conSouenofifl?-'?"^ (inclosure Kri) ffiv«?£?^^^«"°^°'arv
in the qnaHtlTonhrsin .ir^ !?- ^^"°«« 'lion? " '^'^ ^^'^^ of th'I
conditions, frorextrTmi ''"^'^i^^'^ layers ^'dj^^^^'^.^f.^aked soil ap
the least fitted^ frSl"^^^«*"^« to the most comnltt« ^^'^^^^^^^^
Amoncr othpr noo,.i,„ ^ . •'"wxeoi are bene-
P«.vmees: ^'■'-«'» m^, referring to" the above.«,eati„.ed
486
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE — SPAIN.
cattle and a good number of horses and sheep, besides, as refers only
to the province of Oviedo, and nearly equal proportionate ciphers are
appliablf for the reiuainiug three provinces, r> specially for Santander
m order to examine the cultivation of meaduvfs as it is practiced here
we must snppose their, divided in two groups, namely, irrig ted and
not irrigated meadows. The first ones are generally lyin'^o ^he d(v
chvities or in the valleys, in the neighborhood of some spring or*^ brook
the water of which may be easily drained j and the last-mentioned
meadows occupy the table-lands on the tops of mountains and all such
places not much accessible for irrigating them by artificial means, which
enjoy no other irrigation but that imparted by eventual rains.
Ihe irrigated meadows, in their turn, form two groups, in the first of
which are included those the products of which are consumed by cattle
on the meadow itself, the summer harvest excepted, this being mowed
and stored tor steble food. In the second group 'are comprised th6
meadows the produce of which is mowed and cattle fed therewith when
yet green, and which furnish, besides, the summer harvest, like the
meadow ands of the first group. In these irrigations last during all the
year, and are only ,li8continued as long as the cattle are kept within the
stable, this being done in the months of ipril, September, and Octo-
ber, on fine days in winter, when tardy frosts are feared, and during 20
to 30 days before harvrsting the hay. ^
Not irrigated meadows, in spite of the moist climate, yield consider-
ably less than the irrigated ones, irrigation being, therefore, indis-
pensable If It 18 desired to obtain abundant pasture and hay
Ihe remark has already been made that the water used for this kind
of cultivation is either drawn from brooks or from little perennial
springs, as well because of the continuity and facility of their utiliza-
tion as on account of the difficulties met with in the drainage from
sbpeness '"'''^ ^^""^ ^^^'^""^ *'*"^""^ ^^^^ ^^^ *"^ ^° eiccssive
The system for irrigation of meadow lands most commonly applied
in these provinces IS that denominated "irrigation by inclined chan-
nels," or also ''spike channels" (riego por requeras inoliuada^" or » re-
queras en espiga"). The distribution channels are devised nearly in
the sense of the greatest slopeness of the ground; lue irrigating chan-
nels connect with them and spread out to right and left. A rapid sec-
tional change takes place in the distribution channels at the point, where
they separate into branches with the irrigating channels. The last
mentioned channels, by having a gradually narrowing section from their
Pn? !r^.P^'''°\^'*''.? ^"^ *^^ opposite end, pour out the water b^ -etting
inundated. Another contrivance is also combined with thL brieflv
^^fSif ^'«<^"K'''^ ^y^^^'"' ^^^^^ consists of collecting channels,
called "azarbes," dug on the natural lines of junction on the meadow
ground, terminating m an outlet channel. Sometimes, when the extent
of the meadow is not considerable, or when the quantity of water avail-
able is but small, the collecting channels are changed into new feeding
channels for the supply of other lots situated farther down.
vVithin the four provinces above named discrimination of three dif-
terent climates and regions must be made, depending from situption
whether on the seashore, inland valleys, and mountains.
ihe climate on the seashore is mild j orange trees can thrive in the
aulJt'''' "^ *^ ^^"^^.® ^^^ ^^^°***® ^« *"^^»^ J t^ere orange trees, as
also grape vines, only thrive in sheltered places. The climate on the
mountains 18 cold; they generally in winter are covered with snow.
Here lies the center of the Oantabrian Mountains, a branch of the
Spike Channels.
IMAGE EVALUATION
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PhntnoTpnliir
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, NY. 14580
(716) 87i-4S03
<^
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IBBIGATION IN EUROPE—SPAIN. 437
the inland valley of CaSm^ffaSarffl^;^ J''! ^'f^^^^' temperature at
(1872-74), a8 recorded brtheforestr^^^^^^ P«"«^^ ^f ^ jears
(incloaure No. 2), was 48? heat in S ^"ff'o««F» .^r. Luis Calderon
the lowest, whic'^, like the ottr e^trenfrt'emn J". '^' «^'^^°^^' ^"^^
occurs, was 40 below zero. Manrvears fh« A. P^'^'l'"'®' ^ery seldom'
00. When the thermometer po^Kit 80 or u.g''''*l?''^ "«^^^ ^^^^^^^
on the mountain pastures SSest ^al^^d ?n' ^f V^"«rally falls
in the shape of snow. "^gaest, called " puertos » or " harbors,"
The forestal and cattle-raising industriea arA tu^
prominent riches in these provides psnipia^ .**^® ™08t genuine and
der. The structure of theS consistiS^S '" ^"^'^i^^ '^""^ ^^atan-
by mountains, with varied but forth« mnff''r/*"'^y« «»^'-<>""ded
safe cultivation, it is obvious that a^lTf * ^^^ ^""^ «*<^«P «Jopes for
flat lands of sm'all extent' Z nevlr ftS "'^rpl^ /^^ ^""^^'^ ^"^^
in exchange for the forest and ca tletntrests^tht« fJ.^ ^"*
immense room in the best conditions for success a^th^ P/«P«^*»?"ately
and continuous mists coverinff almnaf Tnnofo fi ' , ® frequent rains
the year those mountarns SfaJn a mn«;'*^ ^ J","^, ^^^" «^^««°« «f
character to vigorous spontaSs^^getaTon tS^IS''^ ^f^ "^^'«*
grounds being abundant and of snPh JS ,-. <'<^™'n"nal pasture
are most of them intended to hardest fodS?.?''^!-^^:,''^^"'^^ meadows,
ing the time the atmosSrica! Sm«n^^^^ feeding the cattle dur-'
As the period when this occura is no wiff,^"''^?'" * ^^^^^c* grazing.
. in the year, the cattle rSswfndast^vl^opr^^^^^ '^''^ ""^ ^"^ «»<>°ths
greater increase as soon as the iZi lo ? ^^ susceptible of a far
vated and larger quSie's o'^/a^e^rodutr wTh ^^ ^""^ .P^^'"'
fodder indispensable for one he^Hf crtfe^n nf w ^^"^ -^"^"^'^^ ^^
head will then be fed here, heeau^^fhl tJ^yJ^ other provinces three
housed is much shorter A rflrmnnln! f^'""^ ''^^"^ ^^""^ ^ be kept
visable unless the absurd ^riScSe shonW Iff? I^r'^, '^,^" '' "^^ ^^-
the enormous wealth StK^uS «5^^^ ^"^ ^^*"^1«"
the high meadows (puertos) represent " ^'^""^ ^'^""^' "^
asIriseSmtreirafct^^^^^^^^
raised until two ye^rs oW wEi'non illT^'^-^'^^'^'^" ^« cat"e are
on the seashore devSe themse'Z to ff^^ '"^ *^^ ^^'^''" ^^^'^^ '^"d
In the first-mentioned rSTnatural as w^^ "^ ^^ ^"" ^^«^'^-
are abundant, while in the othnr nIrL ?h ! ^^ ^f '^ "^ea^ows (puertos)
**"on^e^r^r/iin""^-«^^^^^^^^
cou'^t^rir/^rn ,\t i^s^m^oTSr ~ ^ ^^ the rainiest
cial irrigation, would often be^^^^ ^han that of artifl-
importance, mCly to oSin na?^^^^^^^ ^" ^^'^ «f '^o l't«e
ities of meteoric wUrnsX^oS ritlVTo^^^^ *'^ •^^«^"^-
Mayans w&t^^^^^ *^« -nths of
gether inundaWwhen sfrrgSts ar^^ i''?i? '' ^'^' ^'^^^-
of water might protect the 8oflS,«ffi^^' "" ^^'^®'' ^^^^^ the cover
In normal fearrSciellv^irifrrf ^^^J^"'','^"^
488
IRBIGATION IN EUROPE— SPAIN.
tricts of Cabuerniffa and R« J.. ^'""^'*'''^° ^'^e neighboring dis
« Asturian" race,T4in"ce ofed^ iuX«"^'^' ^""**"^«'' ^"d the
For centuries the mouutain wnSi.l^ic /a^°J°^ ^^^^ reuown.
viding ^ith superior trberLkS^^^^^ been pro-
yards, also (beech) cooperies for orenaS K^""^*"^ merchant ship-
and wheat-flour exportations to the KlL '^f ' ^.' ^^''^^ ^^'^ ^'4
caped the total devastahnn fw ».„ u 'l?®' ^^®y l»ave ftcarcelv ea
Spain. The causro^such bl^nd dr..^f ? *^^ ^**« ^^ P^^ic forS ?n
selfish fnin.>a>,-^„^i. ,, "^'r '^ '"d destruction is nartlv im..nfo^ ^ xu"
Spain. The ^«se°;f sTh bS dTtSo^ """ «f PPblio ftS
to the electoral agen'tS'rhJsene^or, *^^^^^^^
selfish luiviiauuu or "caciquism*" in Si.Qin *r ^'"'"•^ »uiputcu co me
given to the electoral ae^nia t^A ^*^'*, *^® "»"•« of " cacique" is
controls the vS, wwTleaned nrfnil'^^''^^ prevalence in the Sricts
disturbs the sound orSs of pol^^^^^^^^ *«°d«n«^ «« deeply
pernicious eflFects acting th«mf ^"" ^?*'*' ^'^^ in this country its
Ues, where it caTses' alfeat^Sy trSTh';?;.Sr *^^ ^"^-^ Ku'
of common interest and thelTemry^t^naf^^^
es^j/eXirorra S t^fparlt
the same. That dut^i completelTne J^^^^^ ,*^.^ "gh<« to "se
repealed,, it is not enforS as it L^ht to*^^^ °^* »>«««
not one excepted, profess " caciVuism » ^^^ All political factions,
that hinders the proper efflcacitva^n f?,^®.*^^«™o«t dreadful scourge
quires an urgent eradkatSnVfifa functions of laws and that re
uufortunatel/the same as w?th Jertafffnfi'rSfir^"'^^*'^ "caciqSLm-
nature J all physicians know V «, ri ^'^^^^'^^ ^^'^ting the human
patients' health neZ improves 1/^0^-^ ^ "^^« ^^^^' l>"t the
promoter and guardian o??ommonintei^^sT^^^^^^ T^^'" *^ ^^ th«
ful adviser to the central powTfn matf^rf LIS? *'^^ ^^^^omes thelaw-
tration, many wrongs are ascribed to Thfr.*^*'° ^ ^. P^l^^^^ adminis-
thoughtless mannef of whTch J's merelv a w '?""* ^^ f " ^°j««* »°d
instrument. *^ merely a harmless and unconscious
BtaVceTaUeXg^SSe^ o- the circum-
which form the great weam.nffL®/^*^'^^--*'iose t^o branches
their being so cbsely c™ ected wiJh^v?*'''?-^^ P^jovinces-because of
cultura y la administraninn m,l^ • ,*^^'g»tion. The book "La aari-
a.practiil woTk?X rpSsTSTto'ex^^^^^^^^ fuUy illustrate 'wlJL
nicipai district in the province o^sinS J i^.l"^^^ drawn from a mu-
ism "opposes in SpaiH^^brrefX «i/' ^^'^ *^^^'^.™«<^'«''« " ca«^^^^^
interests. All the adva^taglousTn^laSlELTT'^" "^^^ ^^ ««'a
high character and intelligence who d.,r1n„i^® endeavors of a man of
the head of the municipa itrScKvenfvt-'*"\^^ ^^^'^ ^as at
to ameliorate the pubHc iu^strwi^^**^'^
uism," with whom ffhadT£t^Z.nn?° demolished by "c^
struggles. *" ^^^^ ^^n^e continually to fight tenacious
paS^o^SplS^^^^gS^^^^^ «^?f «-« »- this northern
and Sussex. ^" ^^® southeast of England, such as Kent
mate^:aSwir^r^^^^^^^
humidity, and as a natural stove wi^f^^^iV' 'P^'-^S^' *« ^^sorb the
I
IBBIGATION IN EUROPE— SPAIN.
I
elevated plateau Kid Castile ^^^ T^'i^^'^^ be faSing on fbe
^e year come from the west nortb wp J S'^' ''^'?*» P^«^»" longest iu
rITu- ^5f «*«<^«ortheastwTnd8a^^^^^^^^ *^« periodffrom
Be^pt.mberorOctober,wl.entheyS.lffi^^^^^^^^
an?itXi;tsTre1&^^^^ those .^ere this consulate
more extensively at Leon whS^h^T ^^ artificial means is practirp^
Santander and Oviedo K^Es,a S.'? •^"- '^' "o^thwest s^5e with
hectares (32126 acres) Whlnni..^ irrigates there about 13 ooo
mates Counted onlfto m%i%eZZmi%\^\'r\^'''^^^^^
(1869) the sum of 3,250,000 pesetL rSo^im 'S^^^',^"* ^^ ^ears later
carries a quantity of 6/480 eulifn mi? '^^?^' ^^^ been expended It
was built by grait to X?e?gn p^STco^nf ^'' f «^"^- ^ cana
ment the annual rate farmeFs hlJ^M company. According to agree-
pesetas to 97.27 pesetas Ss 89 to i% i^F?^ ^*'' V^^' ^^"^s from iS
gated. Notwithstanding the vfiarifn^ ^°'' ^^^^ ^^^tare of land irr^
has been 8J per cen t Se c^'taf iSXf V^^^^ t,y the company
cient to pay the interest to cSoifhl^' '* ^^''^^ "'^tP
management, and of interest necessalvVnJ! ^^P.-"'"-" ^^ maintenance,
met with some embarrassSLTe/h^?, ^^v^^^^^ The company
a formal written engagement how fa rhL ""* having secured through
tion of water. Until a vear wC IJ^^ ^^"^ *« ^^^^ "Pon conramo-
country the attitude o^Tep^^t of m^n?; ^'^"^^^ P^^^^^^^d in Th^e
o\l^eraSc^l--£S-^^^^
distance of 2%^S:tt'i^,^X%'e%^^^^ '^. ^f «"« -o««es a
two branches at El Serron PaiA,^ f ^®/» Santander, dividinfr in
64,432 kilometres long, do^^n to Ta^^dobd 1 'S'.^' *^« ^^^^^ dTiur^
Jit« S**"* 78,929 kilomeWs lon^, to S^^^ ^^«^ 4^" ^*^«^' t^« Canal de
cereal production in the north cXdfnrH • ^ Kioseco, the center of
granero de Espafia," or "the corn barn o/q' ^.^T^^^ Spaniards «el
Canal deCastUla f^om Alar del Rav to F? fi?^""' . ?^^ «««t*on of the
tion of <• Canal del Norte » and is 7i 1?! i •?'^"^" ^^^^^ t^e denomina-
The Canal de Casfilll fi d- ^*'^^ kilometres long.
navigated by trgTs'Si^ng S aCtls t ^^f. *- transportation,
also as a motive force fo^aS numW nn°'' *^^^
Butthesamei8scarcelvufiftdf«a»,^T^f of large mills and factories
noteworthy works aXveaioeks on Jh^^^^^^^^ ^t« S
on the Canal del Iforte and T^^JS ^ ^^?*^ ^^ Oampos, twenty-four
Canal del Norte section th« 3 ®^° •*'° *^^ ^^^^l del Sur. On the
second, being distributed between ZZ'n t'" '1"'' ^^''^^ ^^^^^ Pe?
r?^? «"»> « "metres to the £af de? Sur an5^7« "' l^ '^" proportion
at^ th. botto.1 of the caS78fnir; SeT^S r^pjl!-^?'??^
490
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE-— SPAIN.
of the last century, was interrun?«fj I^h T^'f^ ^'^^^^ '» tJ*e middle
the reign of Queen Isabel II ^' *"^ '^^''^^^ '^^ completion during
mos" XafsL^XeltXlTrfe"^^^^^^ ""'''''''' *<> *he growth of
the boundless-looSg cor&r'of tiTnntr "^^ ^^ ^^ """^^ ^^^^ «»»
The arable surface of the soH ,« fJ^ °f^*^f™ Provinces of Castile,
iious perspective of vast r)fin MnT^ ^"** ^^''^'l®' *^^"fifJ^ t^e monoto-
. «eein/tha?it is lltToSZ^yaSeT^^ftl "'^^'^ '"''J" ^"^''«««'
prejudice is most prevalent there aZn„ ^.•^^^f^''^''^'^^^^^'^^^
only good for sparrows to build t^Pir^^^^^ cultivators "that trees are
-^^^^'t^elon^^^^^^^^ wheatflour from Castile
enthusiastic fever existed then ?h^«®V'' ^°?l'"°"'' ^"^nti tie An
phrase, ^'AgnrisolTsne^^J.^^^^^ S«*"«- The boasting
at SevastopoPof wheX CasSiarffr.*,^^^ ("Water and sun, and waf
situation ii those years wSsrin^^^^^^^^ expressed their prosperous
that it became a proveSi^ LnLT a ^ pronounced and repeated
were erected on the canal and?£ i?' ^ ^''®^* """"ber of flour mills
the production of cerS Those e--^^ '• ^'"' ""^^ ^''^"" '«
which agriculture ZTLor^d hJ^ ^^'Z^'h '"^^dental causes by
Castile devote theircareno7nn?vT^ ^^''^^ i«°^ *««• ^^^mers i J
grape-vine plan Snsraud LTtLlTalfl^"^ ^^«° *^ «^*^°d the
agricultural progress if thevwmw^^ improvements in modern
of other countrifs. liriS^w^^^^ ""'^^ ^^^ ^^«^P production
ble result of a varied ciftivS" ' '*""''"' * "*"^"« *« *^« P^^fit*"
onro?rrgrifu&'3ls'^^^^^^^^^^^ *^^ ^f ?"« P^«--«e Alava, is
through artifidalirStionthafJl^^^^^^ ^^°^^'« »^« ol>tained
of fruits and vegetaWes • ?t is the rlohL'.* ""^1 productive in all kinds
in the northern region Vthr,ive^^^^^ kitchen garden
Fuentibre(Fon8lberus) near LvnnL «? ""'/^I ^''"''^^ «^ ^b*ch is at
navigable LtSaraS'sSifsTa^^^^^^^^^^ , ?i« river becomes
others of the most impSnt 1?X«Sn? *^® Canal Imperial, and some
Spain is more used fSSin ^fi fi^'^^f'^' ^''•^ "*» ^^^^^ "^^r in
ture are considerable '"'^^^'^"^ ^^« advantages it affords to agricul-
nomLa?K?"L'a eU^^^^^^^^^^ all „. . the de-
to France and also sSd toofhl^^ is obtained and moatfy exported
Fruits and vegSles fcanScn^^ ^^ ^"^^^ ^°^^ SantSnder.
cans in importfnt q^n Zs ?or h'om^ ^'^t' '*"-^ ^^« P^^P^^^^ in
The practical and Ce iZffouSnw ff^T^r'\'"'°P""°-
nation in the south of SnaTn i^fiff ^ *^-® ^""^^^ '^""«& ^^^ir domi-
and Granada, mSaiLd^?Wenm- ^^ ^^^^"^'*' ^"^«*a,
are the basis of the new laws framed Sr''n"-^ by careful tradition
who wiU enjoy certairprtvile^S t/«I ^" •'''■7^^^>"^ corporations
tially in the rieht that wh«n i!l ^5T P"vileges consist substpn-
or syndicatesXy can appofnt^t'^^^^^^^^^^ ^^ "Sindicatos"
ceediDgs being public veS LS iL !^" independent courts, all pro-
courts^or wate? SsbSs' delg\t?rnrpiri^^^^^ independ'ent
Plained, artSlcial S^galio^exS ^Tn^^^ult i^o^^^^^ '^
1
^
I the feeders
tLe middle
tion duriug
growth of
uoh felt ou
of Castile,
lie monoto-
h aridness,
ere, for the
t trees are
"shelter for
om Castile
;itie8. An
) boasting
u, and war
►rosperous
repeated
flour mills
8 given to
causes by
armers in
stend the
n mi'dern
roduction
le profita-
Alava, is
obtained
all kinds
in garden
ich is at
becomes
and some
river in
> agricui-
r the de-
exported
ntauder.
pared in
•
}ir domi-
Murcia,
'adition,
•rations,
lubstpn-
licatoa "
all pro-
Pendent
) above-
ave 6JL
3Ct.
^
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE— SPAIN. ,49^
ir^^'^^ltl^^^^^ «r tf *'^^-«* ^y^-nlic con.
are 110 lakes formed by Tiytll]nlJS^V\^''^^^ «^ "atu^. There
tnbution in "naturalVeS " t^sunnW h"' ^ater for further dTs
vated places, sometimes on the moSri'f '*"'*' ^" suitable ele-
albuheras" or by the more modem n^^tl^.^^ reservoirs, called
the water is stored up. "Acequia » f as man? °^f ^'^ *'^ ^""^ where
means exclusively " irrigation canal '> ""^^^ ^^^^s of Arabic source)
tem^IteTa^r^^^^^^^ -^th *'l ?',-^^« irrigating sys-
there they know what ?reatTalue waS 1^^^^ a|ricufture.
folly look that tHe ground be well K!h L^^°^^®^ ' ^^ey always care-
both from canals Ind from r^Sl is eou^^^^^^
because otherwise some parts of the soillin l^ beneficial to the plants,
while other parts remain dry'and in some it ^r^ T^'^'^ ^^^h wate^
the humus, the salts, and oxides th^rThloff^ ^^^®^ will carry away
fZfl*" ^id vegetatioL. Sy knows SeUer'thSff,*' contained in ml
the flowers and buds when the uIantrftr«tni''^^®y^^^to retrench
aware that a smaller number makes frni?! J^ overcharged, as they are
the quality J nobody else knows bettetwVZr'"'" ^°^ ^'"Proves
the precocious ears, one by one! Sith t hi n,ir«T ^'^ p'"®'^ ^^^^ ^o select
species and accelerating tKSi^dfnrr,?.f'^P^^®.nf a«ieliorating the
remain constantly nearffiSntaS^Jn^f Ta ^he Valencia farmers
tion they realize in that Sate an «hm,H' l^ ^S^:^"^^ ^''^Acial irriga
.products. ""^^ *" abundant and incessant crop of rich
United States Consulate,
atantander, November 7, 1889,
Olodomibo Pebez,
Consul.
492
IBRIOATION IN EUROPE— SPAIN.
[InolMnre 1 In Co,.»ul Pere.'. report.]
riMM
Average temperatnre.
7esr8.
Verj;»nk , ,„
Bilbio ; 1867-1872
Ovicdo 18eft-I873
»-??:::•"•""•■—""::::: K^^^
Colmbm....; 1866-1874
Lisbon...... 1868-1874
Salaruanca., 188^-1874
Valladolld... 1865-1874
Burgos 186R-1874
Soria.... 1885-1874
SarajjOM* 1865-1874
flnesoa 1865-1874
Barcelona
^?r::::::-"'"---"-"-
Albaoete.....
Cludad Beal
Madrid
Jaen........:;
Granada..."
Seville
Carifft ; •
8. Pemando (Cadiz)" '..'.'.
Halaga
Places.
Vergara.
Bilbao.
1865-1874
1885-1874
1865^1874
186^1874
1865-1874
186^1874
1868-1874
1868-1874
1865-1874
1867-1872
1865-1874
1885-1874
1867-1874
1867-1874
1878-1880
Fears,
1867-1872
Oviedo 1 1865-1873
Santiago^ .,„
Oporto "
Coimhra
Lisbon I^!I!*"
Salamanca
ValladoHd
Bnriros .... _
Soria .7"
Saragossa 111?!'^"'
finesoa
Barcelona ...
Alicante .'
Knroia ~..I'm."""
Albaoete ..... ' '"•""
Clndad Heal .. '
Madrid *
Jaen
Granada .' ~ 1867-1872
Seville 1865-1874
Carifa 1865-1874
ar^ernando (cadiV)-:::::;::::::;; }^UUi
1878-1880
1865-1874
1865-1874
1868-1874
1865-1874
1865-1874
1866-1874
1866-1874
1865-1874
1865-1874
1865-1874
1865-1874
1865-1874
186,^-1874
1866-1874
1866-1874
1865-1874
1866-1874
1866-1874
1865-1874
tly during the
ipersture.
IRRIGATION IN EUROPE-SPAIN .oo
Vergara
Bilbao ,
Oviodo.... 1806-1873
Santia^io ....".'.".".".'." 1HU5-I87*
1805-1874
1800- 1H74 I iu
1805-1874 43
1808-1874
1805-1874
1805-1874
1805-1874
Oporto
Coimbra
liiKbon
Salamanca...!
Valladolid..
Jn'Kos ;
Soria ,
Saragossa.. 180.5-1874
Hueaca.. 1805-1874
Barceloua.l 1885-1874
-Alicante ..'.V." 1806-1870 U
Murcla... 1865-1874 11
AlbHceto...'.' 1805-1874 18
Ciudad Real 1868-1874 14
Madrid '.".', 1806-1874 18
Juen ".'.'."_' I 1805-1874 | 30
40 44
S2 I 43
31
42
43
26
34
30
21
22
Graaada.
Seville...
Uarifa. ....■*."
|^^«i>ando (C'adlV)".
1867-1872
1865-1874
1865-1874
1867.1874
1867-1874 I 36 I 26
187W880 11 U
25 24
23 26
22 18
20 I 20
30
24
12
38 20
31 9
23 10
24 13
30 19 I 32
28 18 24
22 13 18
23 15 22
21 14 21
19 9 23
14 I 6 14
6 13
8 18
8 U
8 I 14
28
20
7
4
3
7
2
100 107
136 I 73
114
72
77
108
02
67
80
73
112 182
128 150
85 I 150 130
117 141
190 102
177 75
130
148
144
170
84
113
125
87
84
102
120
162 j 136
., . '21 137
W I 188 153
*8 I 252 I 59'
27 I 13
7
22
15
10
28
7
44
64
64
60
95
76
78
50
71
07 I
84
130 191
133 139
134 100
103 85
133 171
146 165
105 68
201 115
104 91
07 190
187 150
111
130
137
03
81
67
107
54
54
38
03
131
87
61
64
102
40
80
60
48
NW.
NE.-SW.
NK.-SW.
SW,
"n.
NW.
NE.
NB.
NE. ,
NW.
NW.
S.
asw.
w,
SB.
S. SB.
SB.
W.
NE.
W.NW.
SW.
SW.
B.
SE.-WNW."
[Inoloenre 2 In Consul Perez's report]
Months.
1872.
Kain
days.
January »«
February ' ^''
March .... ""
April ;;;;
May t..'.'.
Juno "J."'
July mill
Angnut lllllll'"'
September ...."."
October .1. .".".' ' '
November.....'.""**"'"
December ....111
-, _. I Aver-
Quantity , age
of rain! |temper-
ftture.
mm.
205. 70
42.20
50.05
175. 25
07.65
88.40
87.85
'.* 75
15.00
101.30
160.00
108. 60
10.64
13.72
13.64
15.37
16.13
20.17
23.22
23.45
22.67
16.00
13.17
11.32
mm.
68.65
203.55
160. 70
183.20
02.10
07.70
32.40
45.40
36.60
144.60
54.05
3.60
mm.
500.0
870.0
50.00
357. 60
06.00
148. 40
100. 80
5.30
60.30
106. 80
273, 40
584.80
o
11.42
11.46
12.64
16.50
17. .58
19.60
22.25
22.80
31.63
17.71
W.67
8.29
494
IRRIQATrON IN 2UR0PE — SPAIN.
SPAIN.
MMPOBTBT OOKaUL ISORAEAU, Of CADIZ
ter^irexi8rr/s,r^^^^^^^ the lat
theoretical and of uo interest oivaln«?^7 ^ *.''® regarded as merely
time of the Moors, aSdneranromfilSmar'''''^ -'5^ ^*^« ^'•«'» thi
terns of irriffatioaS^?„trprov?ucS^m^^^^^^ ?'^'"?' «y«-
ada and to a lesser extent in Srn iSus?' ^'^'°'^"' *"^ ^^^°-
oranges, ^alms, grapeTa^o her s'emT^^^^^^^^^
through the lands and fed from tUriv^r anH ?n 5i *'',^®^^''.® *^"&
irrigation is done by a sort of wSer raispr ?mm ^^^ ^^^u <>«a''ties the
sisting of a chain of bucSs gdng over ^^^^^^ ^«^^««' «<>«■
the well, flllinff and emnJvimr ifv T?i ^^ *® they come up from
blinded anima IVhorseo^ow o^x or mnl«''P''**'^" "°? P^^P«"«d by a
kept within the circle of thr'nnrLK ®' F'''^ '"''""d »»d round, and
thi animTto thTpivotal p^^^^^^ head of
long around the circKithrt a dr^v^^^^^^^^ ^?/"'« ^^«"« a" ^^^
engine is in use among large protXesTblf tlie iraTsTg?ea1r
saireSril^L^^^^^^^^^^^ -d only in summer, and the
rive'ro^So^eTaVln^S^^^^^^ *\^ '^4 is salty and the
retain the water. ^"''''"^"^ ^^"^ h»8 been built in recent years to
of tL"dr"cultf bu? i? fsteSvedVhatrhf J V« ^^^ V^ '"^^^ -^--«
and non.irrigated lanVs is a^lt^ ^^t^alue ''''^'' ^''"^''" ^^"^^*«^
diJ?nTe\imeTfThr "^iTert"^^^^^^ T'^ -«"^-«"^ «" as it
at Granada a sort of Zirt Sh f K *T' *^® ^,^°'«- ^^r instance,
customs of ceXfes^o pL? on J^^^V, If ^^ court," has existed by the
irrigaM™;^i^t°bL*™„a7ll''I*tr^,^™ ""' '??"'™ "' any expert, on
subiects. ' '^'^^'"Si's'ied writer and interested in agricultural
United States Consulate,
Cadiz^ August 13, 1889.
Dabius H. Ingeaham,
OomuU
INDEX.
Part I.— Canals.
Boatmen's corporations in France, lia
Cana and railway nmiufonance. 200.
CwiaU and reference* thereto i
America)
Canadian t
Beanhamolu, 10. 80, 3S, 39, 44.
CaTbatS!?^.'"'^''^' ="'•«'•«.«.
Carrlbon,21,42.
Chnmbly, 23, 28, 85.
Chats, 35, 43.
Chlsholm liaplds, 84.
Corn wall 10, 27, 29, 35, 30, 44.
Chute i Blondeau, 21, 35.
De^ardine, 12, 27, 36, 44.
Farrand'i Point, 3L
Galops, 32, 39.
Qrenyllle, 21,42.
Laohlne, 10, 20, 29, 80, 82, 35, 38, 44.
Lake Bobcaygeon, 34.
Montreal and Kingston eystem, 44,48.
Muiray Bay, 40. .. , ", »«.
Riplde Flatf 11*3^ ^^^"^ ""^'g^tion, 23, 44.
Kideau, 15, 21, 29, 3i5, 42, 44.
Klver Tay navigation, 22, 20, 36. 44.
River Trent, 29, 33, 35, 45.
St. Ann's Lock, 29, 36, 42, 44.
St. Lawrence navigation, 16, 85, 41
Bt. Onrs Lock and Dam, 36.
SjTstems of Canada, rivers of, 48-62.
Toronto and Geoiglan Bay Canal, 43.
Upp,er Ottawa navigation, 43.
Welland-bistory of construction, 12 : w.
rai way traffic 13, 16 j tonnage, ]6j ooAtro
and tolls, 16 , description 01*24, 29, 30 -Im
provement, 33, 35, Improyements, 41. 44
Canal des Rontours, 60.
La Riviere Sal6e, 60.
Lamentin Canal, 00,
Asiatic :
Chinese.
Grand (Imperial) CanaL 60-09.
ifapanese.
Kioto and Lake Biwa Canal, 03.
Australasia.
New South Wales, canals in, 73, 74, 76.
ifiuropean : » » i
Belgium :
Large canals, 79.
Small canals, fcO.
Blaton Canal, 87. ' -
Bossnyt k Courtrai, 92, 95, 90.
Biiisoels Canal, 8a
Canal dit de Bacoordement ^ Sand, 93. 95.
Canal di Loo, 93, 95. '
Denner, 90.
Dendre, 93, 95.
Dyle, 90.
Grand par Bruges & Ostende, 92, 95, 86.
Haut-Escant River, 93. 86. '
Lya River, 92, 85, 86.
Bdirium— Continued.
Meuso-Soheld (history of). 83-80
Moervaert, 91, 95, 88.
Nieimort par Fumes, 83, 96.
Ourthe,90. '
Plaseohendaele k Nleuport, 92, 95. 96
PommeroBul and Antofng Canal. sS:'
Ron ore k la Lys, 92, 95. '
oanibre Lys, 90.
Schlpdonck, 02, 95, 90.
Stekene, 95, 96.
Temeu7,( n, 01, 95, 96.
Tariihout-Antworp Canal, 80.
Ypres^ ITier River, 93, 95.
Tzer Kiver, 83, 95.
Denmark :
Odense Canal, 97, 98.
Frederick VII Canal, 98.
f^ranne :
Ardennes, 105.
Aire, 106, 113.
Aries a Bouo, 105.
Aisne, 105.
Alsne la Marne, 105.
Berry, 106.
Blavet, 105.
Bourbourg, 106.
Bourgogne, 106, 118.
Briare, 105.
Caen to the Sea, 130.
Calais, 105.
Canal de Gr.we, 113.
Canal St. Deuis, 113.
Canal St. Martin. 113.
Garonne, 105, n
Denle (history oi;, 107.
De la Charento k la Sendre, 105.
S® I'J^'""® Marne, 105.
De I'Est, 105.
De la Marne au Ehin, 105.
De I'Ouroq, 1015, 113.
De Marans h, la Eochello, 105.
B:frQ\^L\itiok'"' <'*''*"«"«''• ^2'>-
Dive et du CIiouo, 113.
D'Orleans, 105, 112.
Drot, 13.
Dn Centre, 105.
Dn Havre k Tancarvillo, 105
Du Loing, 105, 112.
Du Nivornais. 105.
Dunkirk-Fumes, 113.
Du Eoanne & Digoin, 105.
Du Rhone k Cette, 105.
Du Rhone au Rhin, 105
Forez (irrigating) 122.
Haute Seine, 108.
Hazebrouok, 106
llle-et-Ranoe, 105.
Lateral k la Loire, 105.
Lateral k la Marae, 105.
Lateral k I'Oise, 105,
495
v....
496
INDEX — CANALS.
C»n»Iii »n<l i«n.r«nMii thsreto-Contlmwa.
Kurcppan-CmtliiiW, ^vumuihiu.
Kraiic«_Co 1 1 tlu ueU.
I'll nal, 118.
Jf 1.11105.112.118.
St. i)ji!i«r ik w»My, na.
SoiiD^n, lofl.
Bariil)rekl'Otae,lOfl,lH.
Sommi), 109.
S«it<!li««, 118.
8vlvere«,l 113.
lauimrviUn, lod.
Oertnany:
AU«oe-L<)rraine Rhino RliOne. 131
Breu»oli, 139. HO, U8.
BromberB, 153.
CMalised rlreri, 147-lSO.
BIder, 134
Blblni K()(t«t, 134.
Kma-Ithin, 134.
®^ *'ri»<lrioh«Kraben Sechenbnrger,
Hadainar. :i4.
}Iamino-()Hi«. 184.
II ante-Etna, 134,
Johannlabnru, 134, 151.
Ja<Ie, 184.
Kalaerfahrt, IBS.
Konigafahrt, 1S8.
KunU William, IBL
Kraflohl, 16.1.
Ludwig'a, 134.
HoMlle, 144, Ufl.
Nied (project for), 144.
Rhiii».Haliit). 140-142. 149.
8 *" W?''*'**' '^ «l«">rip"0J»). 185, 148.
Sarr'Coai Canal, 142-144, 140.
Seohenburger, 181, 1S2.
Skaliat^-Angerapp, 161.
Straaburff canal system, 139, 139, 140.
Weichsel, 163.
Greece i
Corinth Canal (sUtistios), 1B4,
Riiaaia:
Marie canal ayatem (hiatorv of) 1S8. lai
PieliaoJfg (l^nland), 166. ^ '' *'' "*'
PM^ma (Finland), 165.
Saima (Finland), 166.
Tickbvlnakv canal ayatem, 103.
Viahnivolodak canal system, 191.
Volga-Baltic (history of), 189, 168.
Sweden :
Dalaknd, 169, 168.
Gota, 187, 108, 169.
Einda, 166, 168.
SSdertolge, 166. 168.
Stnimabolm, 166, 1681
Trollhltttan,166,199.
United Kingdom i
Knglan'l :
w Ji!Slf„"'*. Calder navigation, ITl-191, 210.
BuT m]"™ *" Liverpool, 209, 215, 2J19.
Oaerdyke (ancient canal), 170.
Ch!,tel\^219.'''''''*"'«»"''"- ^'^-^O'-
Coventry, 209.
Blle8mere,215,219.220.
Fossdyke (ancient canal), 199, 170,
Grand Junction, 209, 227.
Leeds and Liverpool, 101-193, 214. 220.
I.«e Conservancy, 228.
MMjohe8t«r Ship Canal, 214 (history and
slatiatics), 221-229. \"«w«jf luiu
Regent'a, 229, 228.
Shrewabnry, 215, 210.
Shropshire Union, 215.
Surrey, 227.
T^t and- Mersey, 209.
^Tharfe River Navigation, 193-198.
Barrow Navigation, 233, 234.
Coal Island Coual, 237.
161,
*^'k.!I^'°'' references thereto-C-nUnn^d.
Knroi)fl«n— (Joiillnned. uMuma,
Unlt«il Klngdom-Oontimied.
liiih— Continued.
Grand Caiia!, 2.13. 234,
Lagan. 2.13, 2.14, 2:19.
I^ngh CoiTib, 233.
Newry ,233.
Royal Canal, 284.
Shannon Navigation, 233.
UUtcr (;anal, 2.13, 287.
Upper and Lower Uann. 238.
Upper Uuyue, 283.
Bootoh:
CaMonlan (.'anal. 241. 145
Crlnan Caiml, 242, 245, 240.
a:s:ia^""-^«'24i
Welsh ;
Brecon and Abnrcavenny Canal 248
01araorgan«hlr« Cunal, 247 24^
MonmouthHlilr.) oaniiU. 248.
Noath Canal, 248.
canal conatiuctlon (lilntory of etal •
Coiitln.-nt of Anierioa: ' ' '
frail. k.li«» /— .. „ -_
Ci^iiulian (gunonil), 0-12, 28, 36 87 48.
Beanharnola, 30. •«'>'">i «'.«».
Burlington Hay. 26, 43.
Carillon, 21, 42.
Caugbnawaga, 46.
Ohambly Canal, 23.
Cbat«, 48.
Cblsholm Raplda, 84.
Chute k Blondeau, 31.
Cornwall, 89.
Culbnte, 43.
I>enjaidln»,27.
Fanand'a Point, 81,
Galopa Canal, 32.
GrenviUe Canal, 21, 27, 41
Laoblne Canal, 20, 32, 88.
Lake Bobcaygeon, 84.
Murray Hay 40.
Ra?ide'Flat:8i.'°''''*'=<'''''P''"-
Kiflean, 16, 21.
Rlvor lay nirvigaticn, 22.
2.*;i^^«''<» navigation, 18-20, 49,
T~^? B.""* Georgian Bay, 46.
w H* Kiver navigation, 33, 45.
^^'««1, 12, 19, 17, 34, 33, 41
_^ williamabarg, 81.
British GnUn^68.
French West Indies. 00.
Oontinont of Asia t
China, 94, 66-99.
Japan, 03, 64.
Australasia .
Kew South ■Wales. 71-77.
Europe :
Belgium, 70-82, 83-90, 01=91
Denmark, 97-100.
France, 100, 107, 10'>-112, 128, 129, 132
0?^^f54.'*^^*'' <» »"»"««'l rivers) 147-150.
Ru88ia,'l65ll93,ig&
Sweden, 199-198.
United Kingdom :
""liiWi^^f^ '''■ »». 200-202. 215.
Ireland,334-237.
Scotland, 238-247.
W>ilu8,247.
Canal and raUway transportatlona :
American i
Canadian. 14. 18.
European:
Belgian, 83, 08, »7,
French, 117, 133.
Rusaian, 163.
United Kingdom :
*'23^'m '*^' ^"' ^^ ^''' **""^"' 2^-2%
Irish, 236i 237.
Scotch, 241, 247.
Welsh, 249.
G(
G(
J
(
: oanaUi
-'^. 20, 30, 31, 35, 89, 40.
0«n»l frrantfl In France 111 ii.i
CWofbull,ll„Ka,Hll,?pVo;;,;;
AiiiorlrHu : • • ;,
roiiadlnn, 17, 19, 20, 24
A.i.l.'c''*-''^*' *»•"•«■
Jn|>niioNn, S3,
Aimtniliuiaii :
Npw South Waloii, 73-77
Biiriipnan :
UolKiuri, 83.
iW.,, 10:.-1U8, 106, 107-100.111, 113,119.120,
aoniinn, 133, 13ft-148,
Orrok, 186
KiihkIiiii, 16fi,
Swi«ll»li, 189.
Uiiltml KliiKiIdtn !
Avlh\'?o' ''"• "*"■ '*'• "*'' 2«. 24S. 246.
''tUtSroa " •"'•"'P'"""« transportation :
fViinl), lO.!, 109, 129.
Oonmiii, 141).
BueliHh, 1U2.
Extont and capacity of canalg—
Ain«rican:
Canadian canaU, ?o. 2i 22 23 Oi on <w no ».
32.n.4,35,3«,3H,39,SI?;2i^^2«,31.
I'Veiicli West Indies, 60.
AHlntic :
Jiii)anB»o. 63, 64.
(.'hlnPHe, 64,08,87.
Aii«lrnlaHian:
Now South Wales, 73, 74.
Kuropean:
BelHlan, 79, 80, 84, 02, 03.
French, 106, 106.
Oernian, 135, 138, 139, 140.
r,„ wl^l^"",'^ diiijciiglons, 140. 150 161
flrepk, the Corinth canal. 154. ' "'
KasHian, 168-183, 105.
SwodLsh, 1G6-188.
United Kingdom:
KiiKllsh : British canals. 203.
Irisli, 236, 237. ' *
Scotch, 238-240,
Welsh, 248.
Frnighl rates and frclcht-
Belgian, 86, 88, 90, 87. "
Chluuao, 65.
French, 116, 118,118, 129.
(lerinan, 143.
Kusslan, 159, ICO, 161-165.
Swcdisli, 1C8, Ifi'j.
TT.iited Kingdom :
Kngli8h,200,202,207.
Goole, portof, 176.
""poserio?.* ""'•''"'«'' "' ^"S"* «'anal8- pro
''ii:s,'8ti6r»6?""^"^'''°^«-'^«=
Chinese, 05.
INDEX — CANALS.
H. Ex. 45—32
497
tjnrnmn, 183, 134.
niMHian, 16.1.
iJnit.,.1 KiuKdomi
Kiigliih, 204,217.
Irlsli, 2;i,1,2,'l7.
K'g'Ud'tn.Tni'i'^lHf ,.?'"-•''''•.»*■
«i;lKian: itighta of, 85; locomotion «« i .
«5,- «'«ageandho'uf,,H7rC°n^ s«Ho' '"".*••
French 'h? "' '""«*". »«( navd"u w""' •""•"■
t«wlDK, canal «nl Ing vLmI^ r:''''''"''7
Katlon,ll6; cable towh.g 17 ' ' ""*'" ""vf.
rir'''"^"";, "'""» «"•' tonnago 13S l/W-iao
Ureek: Corinth Canal, 185 ' '' "^"^
Kusslan, 188-163. '
&^r''.'"'l;.«»\'«'"'»team,I68,l99.
united Kingdom ■
EiiKllHh: ualdor and Ilihbs lofl-ssna «...
steamnrs and tags, 216 211 ^''«-^> '"l
Scotch, 244. ' •
Railways, Early, EnRllHl,, 171.
Hallway rates in England, 212.
iffin*"'"'''*'"*'^'''^"''''''"*!)'
Canadian, i7, 36, 44.
Frencli, 120-122, 129
Uiissiaii, 165.
Tons'"''' '^^' ^*'' ^*^' 2"' 2**-
Canadian, 16.
Belgian, 83, 86, 89, 92. 96 lia.
Danish, OH. ''"'^iH*.
French, 102, 118.
Greek, 158.
Swedish, 168,169.
United Kingdom:
Scotch, 244.
Snez Canal, 210.
Trallic :
American:
Canadian (Welland), 14, 15, 16.
French West Indies, 01.
Asiatic :
Chiuo.'ie, 64, 08, 09.
European :
Belgian, 87, 89, 90, 94, 05.
French, 109, 110, 111, 112, 118 131 132
Greetm^^' ""' ""' ^^""^"IJ, 163.
Rusji.in, 165-16,3, 165.
Swedisli, 167-109.
United Kingdom :
fHsll;2K6!''-"''''"''^'«'21«'216,a27,229.
Scotch, 239, 243, 244, 245, 248,
Wharves :
Facilities at Montreal, 48.
Rates in EngJand, 191.
Wharf river navigation, 193-18*
498
INDEX— IBEIQATION.
Part II.— Iekigation.
CONTINENT OF AFBICA.
EGYPT.
ra^es^ome .U^. .70; work of E^S ^J^^SiT^S^^^ Sr^c^t
L^MflnZ^G.'"' '^'''^ ^^^^" P^«J«°*' ^^ ' '^^ Kom Ombos scheme, 876.
Expenditures for irrigation, 277.
Eegul^tin^g the Nile ^ood. system of irriga^on in Upper Egypt, 279 ; water distribu.
The Eaiyau Moeris, history of and statistics relative to (Cope Whitehouse), 281-300.
MADAGASCAR.
Water supply, climate, eoU, etc.; antiquity of irrigation,
300.
MADUIRA.
SOUTH APBICA.
Irrigation in Capo Colony, the Orange Free State, and the South African Eepublic,
CONTINENT OF AMERICA.
THE ABGENTINE REPUBUO.
Sources of water supplj , 317.
BRAZIL.
Sahia, 326.
Para, 326.
BRITISH GtJIANA.
Drainage and water ways of British Guiana, 326 j sugar estates, 328.
COLOMBIA,
Panama: No irrigation needed in the district, 328.
•MMi
INDEX— .IBRIGATION.
499
CHILI.
KCUAOOB.
DUTCH GUIANA.
No irrigation needed, rainfall. 331.
VENEZUELA,
Irrigation, water supply and dlBtribntion, 331, 332.
NICARAGUA.
Flooding chocolate estntea, 332.
SALYASOB.
No irrigation needed, rainfall, 333.
SPANISH WEST INDIE8.
«»«,^ * Cut, , D«rip«„„ „t di„H«., teig.ti™ b, „p.„ a^„, 333.
MEXICO.
coanuila .-Water supply and distribut 011 W -i^ifl
CONTINENT OF ASIA.
ASIA MINOH.
SiJoa: Irrigation not necessary, 342. tr , vo,
PALESTINK.
m Jor^n V.n^ : I,. aeH., gard..., .„„, oU„a,e, „„., „,,„, „,, 3^
The king's garden, Jerusalem, 343.
Jafff fn'l?«^' P°°^' ''"'^ eardens, 343-345.
Jafla anu Its orauge groves, 345.
Climate, soil, rainfall, etc., 346. 347.
ATRIA.
^^'SoW'c^aaT^^^^^ -HRatfon, 348; water d.stribu-
worksclimate and 8oil/35 Sfall s?3? ?''f n'** ''*'?''*«' ^SO; irrigation
general remarks, 353-355.' ' '*'"*'*"' ^o^J <l«vvfall, antiquity of irri/ation.
Water wheels of Hameth, 356.
,;" g«l™;'S8°. "'"""■' "•"" ■'"'i"'"'. »i """•ate, «.ll, crop., and mode, «n„,.
'TS^SiSAt""""''*"'''''""''^' ««•<"%•'«* crop., „!„,.,,,„„,„,.,
500
INDEX — IBRIGATION.
CEYLON.
Ancient tanks, canals, etc., systems of irrigation, water supply, etc., 359, 360.
CHINA.
Areas irrigated, sources of water supply, water distribution, 361 : climate and doil,
antiquity of irrigation, 362.
JVeio Chwang : Irrigation by wells and water wheels, 362.
Formosa : Modes of irrigation, 367.
Ningpo : Water supply and distribution, modes of irrigation, climate, 363 : antiquity
of irrigation, 364.
Promnce of Fo-Kten : Rice cultfvation, water supply, modes of irrigation, 364: irri-
gation appliances, the river Min, 365; areas irrigated, 366.
Province of Eiangau: Water supply, modes of irrigation, 366, .367.
iSAanjrAai : Modes of irrigation, 367.
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.
Water supply and modes of irrigation, 368.
glAM.
Area irrigated, water supply and distribution, modes of irrigation, climate, antiauitv
of irrigation, 369. > ^ j
AUSTRALASIA.
JVew South Wales : Introductory, 371 ; areas irrigated, 372 ; water supply, 373 ; modes
of irrigation, 375; water distribution, 376; climate, rainfa? etc., '378; antiquity
of irrigation, 379. Development of irrigation in New South Wales, 380-389 (pub-
lic watering places, 385-387) ; authorities on irrigation, 388 ; meteorology in rela-
lation to water supply, 389-392 ; irrigation in New South Wales, paper by James
Wilson, of the Pastoral and Agricultural Association of Sydney, 398.
Mildura irrigation settlement, 393.
'■
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
EflFectsof irrigation on production; water supply, 394; cost of water, ownershin
climate, raiufall, antiquity of irrigation, 395.
Irrigation on the island of Oahu: Necessity for irrigation, 396; the duty of water
396,398; water supply, 398; supply for springs, 389; artesian well supply, 400^
pumping works and cost of pumping, 401 ; storage reservoirs and rainfall. 403-
405; Kahnku rancho,405 '
CONTINENT OF EUROPE.
AUSTRIA-HUNGARY.
Crops, 409; cultivation, 410; rainfaU, 411; temperature, 412; area irrigated, water
supply, 412; mode of irrigating and water distribution, 413; publications relat-
ing to irrigation, 414 ; quantity of water required for irrigating, 415 ; antiquity
of irrigation, cauals, 416. ^ ^
BELGIUM.
Irrigating canals and their uses, 416,417; results of irrigation, 417,418; modes of
irrigation, water distribution and supply, etc., 419, 420.
• . FRANCE.
Aiea irrigated, water supply and distribution, 422; irrigation works, 422-425 ; antiq-
uity of irrigation, 4'25.
Btuehes du Rhone: Topography, soil, climate, forests, etc., 426-434.
Irrigating canals, thoir origin and mp.nagement, 434-441 ; Canal de Crapponne.
Weather observations, 441-445.
INDEX — IRRIGATION.
501
Bottchea du Rhone—Contiflned.
Cognac, 464. ' /•
^Tf •M^a'/onneT46.^' '" '''""^'' '"^ '' d^P"*'"^"* of lile and VUaine. department
^ice ; Area irrigated, 466 ; water sources, soil and climate, 467.
Bivera and canals of Holland, 468.
HOIilAKD.
ITALY.
Genoa : Water snpply and topography of the districts, 469.
mipUa : Rainfall and water supply of the district, 469
SiuUy : Irrigation of lemon and orange groves, 475-477
PORTUGAL.
Cape Verde, 483.
SPAIN.
^llt:lS^X^^r9t''''' ^^'' ' °»«*°°'°l08i«al obseryationa, 492, 493.