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 8. You do not wait till the goods come? We make arrangements with the merchants for a particular day, and whether the goods arrive or not we go.

9. At what periods do they go?

There are fourteen days between the sailing of the one and the other to Spain; if to Lisbon, nine days; and if to the Havannah, we give them a month.

10. Do you know whether disappointments frequently occur in consequence of goods not arriving?

Invariably, from a great many circumstances, arising from the canal being stopped from freezing or for cleansing, or from other casualties.

11. The exporters from London often suffer considerable inconvenience?

Whether they be merchants or manufacturers they must of necessity suffer.

12. And very materially?

Of course. You may lose a market. Many of the goods are bound for particular ports: some of them have to be transhipped from Manilla. The Spanish ships sail for Cadiz at a certain time, and if you do not get there previous to the sailing of the annual vessels you must stop till the next year.

13. Has that occurred often in your experience?

Frequently; very frequently.

14. Do not the shipowners suffer, as they lose the freight?

Yes; there must be a falling-off to them as well as to the manufacturers.

15. Would this disadvantage be remedied by a more speedy communication?

I take it as common sense that the greater the expedition the more benefit will be derived to all parties, where certainty is to be had.

18. Would the construction of a Railroad between London and Birmingham materially benefit the commerce of this port?