Of  the  test-trials  of  Messrs.  Stevenson's  trial  steamer  and  barge,  the  result  is  given
in  a  tabular  form,  at  a  light  draught  of  steamer,  at  medium,  and  load  draught ;  of
steamer  and  barge  loaded  to  four  feet,  carrying  600  tons  of  cargo,  with  engines  of
596 1.H.P.,  at  a  speed  of  11^  miles  per  hour.
The  East  Indian  Bailwav  Company's  fleet  consists  of  ten  large  steamers  and  tow-
barges,  employing  a  capitsl  of  about  £250,000,  with  a  boat  establishment  of  three
amiul  steamers,  twelve  large  barges,  150  iron  flats  and  cai^o  boats,  averapng90feet.
and  200  or  300  iron  and  timber  boats  and  oulacs,  built  m  Bengal,  besides  the  60
sailing  boats  or  iron  oulacs,  built  on  the  Thames,  on  my  nlan  of  Nautilus  Flotilla
system  and  'Assam'  type,  at  a  cost  of  £29,926,  or  £600  eacn,  completed  in  Calcutta.
Thus  £600,000,  a  capital  guaranteed  for  railway  purposes,  has  been  invested  bv
the  Esst  Indian  Bailway  Company  in  a  fleet  of  large  steamers  and  barges  and  small
Bteamers  and  boats,  established  for  the  conveyance  of  materials  during  the  con-
struction of  the  line.
