INLAND NAVIGATION.

359

lers, I shall in the next chapter add some practical observations anddirections, for the use of persons employed in conducting works ofthis kind.

CHAP. XIV.

Some praElical Observations relative to the Places proper for Canals —-the Supply of Water—the mofi eligible Levels—the Nature of theGround to be cut through^—and the Expetice and Mode of Execution .—Description of a Lock, a Tunnel , and an AqueduEl.

I N the foregoing sheets I have taken several opportunities to pointout and enforce the great and numerous advantages attending canalor inland navigation: I shall not here again enlarge on that subject, butconclude the work with some practical observations, which will be foundparticularly useful to persons about to engage in undertakings of thiskind; according to the old adage, “ That a good beginning makes agood conclusion.” These observations I shall reduce to the six follow-ing heads:

ist, The places to bfc benefited in point of trade.

2dly, The supply of water,zdly, The most eligible levels.

4 thly, The nature of the ground to be cut through,jthly, The expence of execution.

6thly, The mode of execution.

I st. Places to be benefited in point of trade.

Trade being the grand source from which adventurers in canal schemesexpect to derive their great profits, such towns, places, &c. must be in-cluded in the line of a canal, to which the safe, expeditious, and easyconveyance of merchandise, and consequent enlargement of commerce,

will