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 will serve to show the nature of the canal extension during this period. Projects were entered upon for improving and canalising the following rivers:—

In 1720 the "Leeds and Liverpool," and in 1730 the "Stroudwater" Canals were begun.

But whilst the first half of the 18th century was rich in its completion of schemes for the advancement of inland navigation, its importance in this respect was greatly increased by the construction in Lancashire of the Bridgewater Canal, for which an Act of Parliament was obtained in 1759. This work, designed by Francis, Duke of Bridgewater, and Brindley, the engineer, may be said to have inaugurated another era in British Canal Navigation.

From 1730—1830 upwards of 90 canals were projected which if completed, would have brought the total length of