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R E F A C E.

THE utility of inland navigations is now so generally acknow-ledged, and so satisfactorily proved by the beneficial effects ofthose which have been already completed, that it seems scarcelynecessary to say any thing on the subject. The canal begun by hisGrace the Duke of Bridgwater, in 1759, has so evidently shewnthe great advantages to be derived from such works, and givenbirth to so many similar projects, that since that time more thanforty acts of parliament have been passed for making and perfect-ing canals, or for improving the inland navigation of this country;and several more petitions, for the same purpose, are now beforeparliament.

Inland navigation is highly beneficial to trade and commerce,by facilitating the communication between widely distant partsof the kingdom, reducing the price of carriage, and thus enablingthe manufacturer to obtain his materials, fuel, and necessaries oflife, at a lower rate, to convey his goods to market at a less ex-pence, and consequently to fell cheaper than his competitors. Incountries which have the advantage of canals, the old manufac-tures are rendered more flourishing, and new ones established,from day to day, in situations where the land before was of littlevalue, and but thinly inhabited. They render the countries

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