SUMMARY OF COMPARISON

Below is given a summary of the comparisons which have just been discussed.

Panama RouteNicaragua Route
There are two good harbors.There are no good harbors.
There is a good railroad.There is a very poor railroad.
Two-fifths of the work is completed.No work is completed.
The projected construction, according to the majority of engineers, is justified by good engineering practice.A dam without precedent in canal work is projected.
Except at Bohio, the annual rainfall nowhere exceeds 93 inches.The most difficult works are where the rainfall is nearly 256 inches.
The length is 50 miles.The length is 176 miles.
There are no active volcanoes.There is one active volcano near the route.
The time of transit is 14 hours.The time of transit is 44 hours.
The curvature is comparatively gentle.The curvature is sharp.
No troublesome winds and cross-currents are expected.Heavy trade winds and strong currents would be troublesome.