Page:The Canal System of England.djvu/51

 infinitely less likely to be stopped by any defect in the arrangements for their working, than are hydraulic lifts or inclined planes: they are less costly to construct: no skilled labour is required to work them; and some authorities declare that they can be worked as expeditiously or more so, than any mechanical appliance.

The old method of horse-haulage is still in use on most of the English Canals, and indeed it is the only one which can be used on the greater part of our waterways. The state of dis-repair into which the banks have fallen, the want of dredging and consequent shallowness of the water, the small dimensions of locks and of the canals themselves, all combine to forbid the use of mechanical appliances, except upon those routes that have not these disadvantages.

The economy of steam haulage, where it is possible, is beyond dispute, but to the actual cost by steamer must also be added an amount for the depreciation and injury done to the banks of the canal when unprotected. Mr. Clegram, of the Gloucester and Berkeley Canal, found that after allowing 15% for interest and depreciation, the cost of steam haulage amounted to ·091d. per ton per mile, being a saving of over 60% as compared with horse power. With a heavier trade, however, allowing the barges to be more fully employed, the work was done for ·063d. per ton per mile.