Page:Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal Vol 7, Part 2.djvu/154

1838.] e. The discovery of this coal field seems to be very important at the present moment when steam communication begins to spread over the whole of the eastern seas, and when the demand for coal annually increases.

9. It Is not certain if thelocality can compete with the coal market hi Calcutta, bat Mergui seems to be destined in ftiture to supply this césat, the Straltg, the Chinese seas, Madras, Ceylos, and perhaps Bornky and the Red Sea, with coal.

10. If Ceylon become the central point in the comprehensive sys. tern of steam communication, the locality of M.rgui seems particularly adapted to supply the depôts at Point ci. Gall., the distance being in the favorable season only eight or ten days’ sail.

11. A great advantage in the locality is the total absence of land transport. The coal fields are divided quasi on purpose by nature by the river, and the pits can be opened twenty yards from the banks of the river.

12. The distance by the river is about 120 miles from Mergui; sixty mile. of this are accessible to vesselB of 100 tons burthdh throughout the year, and 40 miles more are under the influence of the thier. The difficulty of the navigation concentrates in the last 20 miles. The passage is obstructed by hundreds of uprooted trees lying across, impeding the navigation and giving constant occasion to the formation of sand banks. The clearing of this part of the river from these impediments will be expensive, but a great deal can be done without any particular expense, if Government convicts are employed.

13. The last thirty miles are navigable only during five months of the year: it is therefore necessary to have a depôt of coal near the river banks, ready to be shipped, when the water begins to rise.

14. Bamboo rafts, each holding one ton of coal, are the best means of transport in the first instance; tali bamboos fit for the porpose are en the spot in the greatest abundance.

15. Bamboos fett* always the price of one rupee eight annas, to two rupees per hundred at Mergui. The rafts can therefire be sold .iLh advantage. Should vessels arrive from distant parts, then the bamboo. would rave in price, the stiperior quality of those growing — these provinces being appreciated on the other side of India, the. will be glad to find another article to take along with the coal

16. If however annually, a very large quantity say, 10 to 20,000 ax. requir.d,b.mboos ‘will not be sufficient, and it will be necessary 4v