Under the circumstances stated, it is perfectly evident that the canals of England and Wales have not had a fair chance. Out of a total of over 4000 miles of canal and river navigations, the proportion that is suited to craft of 200 tons burden is almost fractional. With such a size of vessel, cheap transport is difficult.
Between London and Birmingham the following canals form a system of communication:—
| Canal. | Length of Navigation. | Size of Locks. |
|---|---|---|
| miles. | ft. ft. in. ft. in. | |
| Grand Junction, between Brentford | ||
| and Braunston | 92 | 80 by 14 6 by 4 6 |
| Oxford, between Braunston and Napton | 5½ | no lock. |
| Warwick and Napton, | ||
| between those places | 13½ | 72 by 7 by 4 0 |
| Warwick and Birmingham | 21½ | 72 by 7 by 4 0 |
| 132½ | ||
| Paddington Arm of the Grand Junction | 13½ | |
| 146 | ||
The diagram on the next page shows the section of the line of canal navigation between the Mersey and the Thames by way of Birmingham, the total distance being 260 miles. It will be observed that the system is an extensive one, embracing no fewer than twelve different waterways, the more important of which are the Trent and Mersey, and the Grand Junction canals.
SECTION OF THE LINE OF NAVIGATION FROM THE RIVER MERSEY
AT LIVERPOOL BY WAY OF BIRMINGHAM TO THE RIVER THAMES
AT LIMEHOUSE, LONDON.
The principal advantages afforded by canals are thus concisely stated by General Rundall:—
1. They admit of any class of goods being carried in the manner and at the speed which proves to be most economical and suitable for it, without the slightest interference with any other class.
2. The landing or shipment of cargo is not necessarily confined to certain fixed stations, as is obligatory on railways, but boats can stop at any point on their journey to load and unload, and discharge their cargoes direct over the ship’s side.