o in sixty-five
days, without having once had occasion to take in their light sails. The
ulterior consequences, therefore, of a more general introduction of steam
power into that new region, connected with a highway across the isthmus of
Panama, no one can calculate. The experiment along the shores of Chili and
Peru has already commenced; and the cheap rate at which fossil fuel can be
had has proved a great facility. Under circumstances so peculiarly
propitious, to what an extent, then, may not steam navigation be carried
on the smooth expanse of the Southern ocean? If there are two sections of
the globe more pre-eminently suited for commercial intercourse than others,
they are the western shores of America and Southern Asia. To these two
markets, consequently, will the attention of manufacturing nations be
turned; and, should the project here proposed be carried into effect,
depots of merchandize will be formed on and near the isthmus, when the
riches of Europe and America will move more easily towards Asia; while, in
return, the productions of Asia will be wafted towards America and Europe.
If we entertain the expectation, that at no distant period of time our
West India possessions will become advanced posts, and aid in the
development of the resources abounding in that extended and varied region
at the entrance of which they are stationed--if the several islands there
which hoist the British flag are destined to be resting-places for that
trade between Great Britain and the Southern sea, now opening to European
industry--these two great interests cannot be so effectually advanced as
by the means above suggested.

[29] Mr Scarlett says, that the depth of water at Chagre is
sufficient for steamers and large schooners, which can be
navigated without obstruction as far up as the mouth of the
Trinidad. By descending that river, he himself crossed the isthmus
in seventeen hours--viz. from Panama to Cruces, eight; and thence
to Chagre, nine. Mr Wheelright, the American gentleman above
quoted, says that the transit of the isthmus during the dry
season, (from November to June--and wet from June to November,) is
neither inconvenient nor unpleasant. The canoes are covered,
provisions and fruits cheap along the banks of the Chagre, and
there is always personal security. The temperature, although warm,
is healthy. At the same time it must be confessed, that in the
rainy season