CHAPTER XVI.
1. THE RAIL, THE SURF, AND THE BREAK-WATER AT MADRAS.—This chapter (unaltered) was published in the Friend of India in November last, and transferred to several of the leading journals of Calcutta, and copies of it were presented to the Madras and the Supreme Governments. I am not aware what impression the project made upon these authorities; but as my own impressions remain unaltered as to its entire practicability and adaptation to the wants of Madras,I have thought this a good opportunity to put it upon record in a more substantial form, than by the ephemeral pages of a newspaper; accompanied by a diagram.
"The following thoughts passed through my mind on a recent visit to Madras, and are at your disposal for a corner of the Friend of India. I feel rather confident that the theory here sketched can easily be reduced to practice; and therefore hope this paper may be of use to the public service.
"Who can stand on the beach at Madras, with
