course. First, because while it embraces Havannah in the line, it
renders it unnecessary for the steamers to run twice over the same
ground that others do. Secondly, the steamer from Jamaica for the
eastward being able to leave that island, with all the return Colonial
mails from the westward and southward for North America, &c., at the
times, or in the space of time, mentioned, would reach Cape Nichola
Mole just in time to meet the downward steamer from Barbadoes, with
all the Colonial mails to the eastward of that place for North
America; and, consequently, could take in and proceed with these mails
without delay; and it might, at the same time, take in not only the
eastern Colonial mails for Matanzas and Havannah, but the outward
European mails for these places also, by which means these towns would
receive these two or three days earlier than they could by Jamaica.
The Mexican mails might also be forwarded in the same way; but to do
so would be of little use, inasmuch as the steamer for Vera Cruz could
not leave Havannah until the steamer from Jamaica arrived.

Taking route No. 3 as the lines of communication between Jamaica (p. 022)
and North America, then the arrivals at Jamaica would be on the 5th
and the 20th of each month; and, allowing two days to stop at Havannah
outwards instead of _one_ day, and _three_ days at Jamaica instead of
two, the return steamers would leave Jamaica on the 8th and 23d of
each month, and reach Cape Nichola Mole on the 25th and 10th, which
place the steamer from Barbadoes reaches on the 11th and 27th, and the
Havannah and Chagres steamers return to Jamaica on the 7th and 22d of
each month; thus combining every movement requisite in a very clear
and satisfactory manner.

The steamers on this route or station would be each 22 and 22 = 44
days each month = 528 days yearly at sea; coals, at 25 tons daily =
13,200 tons, at 25_s._ per ton = 16,500_l._; which is 1500_l._ more
than the other. Moreover, the steamers (two) would be so closely
pressed for time as not to have the necessary rest for examination and
repairs, and consequently a third would be requisite, which would
increase the capital 24,000_l._, and yearly charges 6200_l._ above the
other plan.

The mails on this station may, moreover, be carried by sailing
packets. By this mode of conveyance, however, the mails would be
longer on their voyages; those to and from Halifax, &c., being always
thrown behind one return mail for t