THE AND Edinburgh Literary Miscellany, FOR NOVEMBER 1813. With a Plan of the proposed EDINBURGH and GLASGOW Union Canal. THE Scots Magazine, AND EDINBURGH LITERARY MISCELLANY, For NOVEMBER 1813. Account of the proposed EDINBURGH and GLASGOW Union Canal. THE lively interest which we feel in every object which relates to the improvement of our native country, makes us feel great pleasure in communicating to our readers the important project to which the present article relates. It is now upwards of thirty years since the grand design of uniting the two seas was fully carried into effect. But no communication has yet been formed between the two great and rival cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh; nor does the metropolis yet possess any inland navigation which, by supplying at a cheap rate the productions of the neighbouring districts, might abridge the price of the necessaries of life. We are happy to find that an association of respectable gentlemen bave now tormed a plan to supply this deficiency. It is to be effected by forming a line between Edinburgh and that point of the great canal which is nearest to it, and which lies at No. 16 in the vicinity of Falkirk. M: Hugh Baird, Civil Engineer, has been employed to form the plan and estimate, a report of which has just been given in to the subscribers. From the statements of Mr Baird, there seems every room to entertain the most sanguine hopes of success, No material impediment occurs to the excavation; a copious supply of water is afforded by numerous rivers which cross the line of the canal; and there is no want of ground, not otherwise valuable, in which reservoirs may be formed. The advantages to the publie are great and obvious; but the conduct of individuals will of course be regulated by the consideration of the profit which is likely to accrue to themselves. Upon this subject then, the Report is most satisfactory; and there appears room to expect, that the present will exceed even the ample returns which are usually made by such undertakings. We shall exhibit a concise view of Mr Baird's statements, first on the subject of the line by which the canal is to be carried; secondly, on that of the trade which will be carried on by it, and the profits which it will yield. The Canal is proposed to begin at Lock No 16 of the great canal, which is a little to the west of Falkirk. It then passes immediately to the south of that place, in the neighbourhood of which there are inexhaustible mines of coal. It now skirts the grounds of Mr Forbes of Callander, and, if permission can be obtained, will cut off a small part of Callander wood. It proceeds by Red |