Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 004.djvu/237

 also been often proposed under the Reignes of Henry IV. and Loys XIII. of most Glorious memory. But whether it be, that it hath ever been judged too difficult or too expence-full, or that those Great Princes were engaged in more urgent affaires, or that their Ministers would not apply themselves to it in good earnest; so it is, that it hath hitherto rejected, and as 'twere reserved for the Glory of our present Great Monarch LOUYS XIV.

Monsieur Riquet, who long since had considered the thing by himself, having open'd it to the Lord Colbert, was happy enough to make him relish it, by shewing him the Advantages, which then might accrue to the Kingdom by facilitating Commerce, and by declaring to him the Difficulties, to be grapled with in this work, together with the Means of surmounting the same. This Great Minister, who incessantly watcheth for the Glory of the King, and the Interests of the State, and lets no occasions escape of procuring them, soon acquainted his Majesty therewith, who having a high concern for what may render his Kingdom happy and florishing, gladly hearkened to him, put the thing in deliberation, and having resolved for it, gave a General Commission to M. Riquet, esteemed by his Majesty the most capable Person for executing such a design.

This difficulty being overcome, and M. Riquet having satisfied the Objections, made by several sorts of people against this Enterprise, it was necessary, before the actual undertaking of the Work, to resolve upon the Choyce, that was to be made of the two Ways, by which the Channel was to be carryed from the River Garrone to the Aude. Some of the Interess'd would have it carryed all along to the Plains, reaching from Cærcassone to Tholose. Others would have it run into the river Fresqueil, from thence into the Plain of Revel, and thence into the river Agout, and so into the Garonne. M. Riquet follow'd neither of those two ways, but form'd thence a third which was; To make use of what was best in these two Ways, by taking from the former, what it had of good convenient Country from the Point of Separation (described below) to Tholose; and from the latter, what advantage the bed of Fresqueil would afford him; yet so, that whereas some pretended to make this Channel of Com-