Star.
London, England, 1824-12-20 00:00:00

sive—that is# .eatif 4bear 3,000 :feet vbsit -Amy, vAtol*
then inclose :about IVO. acres. from thit harbour I
propose to pass by lockage into a floating basin or dock;
and thence into the Canal by the same sort of arrange-
ment as described by Beer. From this tide basin the
Canal continues on one level, past Combwicfi to a con-
siderable way South of Bridgewater; indeed with only
two locks it (as has already been described) continues
level quite across the Tone Valley, a distance from the
shore of upwards of fifteen miles.
•
At the Stolford termination, there is a valley and
small stream, the water of which may be collected, and,
if necessary, be used for, lockage, or for the use of the
floating dock, or scouring the harbour.
FOU RT I I L Y— ESTI M ATE.
1. Earth work, including cuttings, embanking',
puddling., on the whole of the main line ; also
two lines of feeders, and four reservoirs -
2 Masonry to locks, bridges, aqueducts, culverts,
and reservoirs -
3. Two very extensive entrance and asylum har-
bours, with their floating basins
4. and damages and fences, includinz compen-
sation for mills -

• £575,798

424,100

110,600

£1;712,644

FIFTH HEAD:-GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

From the foregoing statements, it is evident that the
making a Canal and Harbours of proper dimensions is
not only practicable, but that sundry circumstances are
much in its favour; the soil-is in general remarkably
suitable for holding water ; the Lias limestone, being
found on the line, is as impoi tant advantage ; the en-
trance harbours seem to comprise all that is required
for the objects had in view ; and the distribution of the
Canal levels, whether we regard the extensive lower
levels or that upon the summit, are very suitable for
the purposes of the country through which the Canal
passes, while all the intercourse which is calculated on
may be amply supplied with water; therefore, as far as
Civil Engineering is concerned, it is quite evident that
a Ship Canal between the English and Bristol Channels
is very practicable.
From the magnitude of the Canal and Harbour
works, the expense is unavoidably very considerable;
but as all expenditure is to be compared with the bene-
fits and revenue to lie derived from the improvement—
if we are to judge from the data, whi:h have with
much care been collected and arranged by Captain
Nicholls, even this expenditure of 1,712,8441. is fully
justified by the annual income of 210,8461. 12s. 4d.
which may be expected upon the completion of this
new line of communication.
Having in my pieliminary Report stated that the
Harbour of Watchett had facilities which justified an
investigation of its merits, and of a line of Canal to be
connected therewith, I consider it proper to state that a
trial survey was made, the result of which was, that a
ridge of land, 1.50 feet higher than the Chard summit,
intervenes between the Tone Valley and that of the
Valley which terminates upon Watchett, which evi-
dently renders that line quite impracticable.
London, Dec. 14, 1824. THOS. TELFORD.

• (Corr.) East India House, Nov. 13, 1824.
Sist—ln answer to your inquiry as to my knowledge of Captain
George Nicholls, I have great satisfaction in saying that I believe
him to be a man of high honour, excellent talent, and perfectly
master of his profession. I have been intimately acquainted with
Captain Nicholls about eighteen years; he served with me in the
responsible situation of Chief Officer of one of the East India Com-
pany's 1200 ton ships, in which capacity I first had an opportunity
of appreciating his qualifications; he has since commanded a :chip in
the same Service; and, in my opinion, stood conspicuous as a Cas-
tleman, an Officer, and a seaman. I am,Sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) JOHN LOCK.

Thos. Teitisrd, Esq. .
(APPENDIX, •No. I.):—DIMENSIONS OF VESSEL&
ocument furnished by the Master and Wardens of the Trinity
House, to the Committee of the House of Commons, March 27,
1800 :

Tonnage) Breadth in
Too,. I feet.

Length of Draught,
Keel I loaded Mode of Rigging,
in feet. in feet.

100 I 19
150 22 •

55r 10
St 12 4 •
85 • 14
75 15
80 IS

sloop.
&lows, or Ships.
Do.
Do.
Do.

200 24
250 25
300 261

Statement by X
lots of the Trinity

[r. Edward Nicholls, one of the A-
House :