The drawings given here show the nature of the works, which are of a simple character. The depth of water along the principal quay, which is being constructed of solid concrete, and is connected with the shore by an iron and steel viaduct over 750 ft. in length--which is already completed--will be 19 ft. at low water and 25 ft. at high. This quay and breakwater is shown in perspective, in plan, and in section, and is of a very heavy section, as will be gathered by the scale given immediately below it. Meanwhile the landing of cargo is temporarily carried on at the end of the viaduct, which at high tide has a depth of about 20 ft. of water. The custom house and bonded warehouses are being built of the fine granite obtained at the Monguba quarries, which adjoin the Baturite railway, about sixteen miles from the port. A new incline has also been constructed from the rail way down to the port. The line has been laid along the viaduct, and will be extended over the quays as soon as they are completed. The concrete, of which a large quantity is being used, is mixed by Carey & Latham's patent mixers, and the contractors have supplied the very large and complete plant for carrying out the operations. The engineer to the corporation is Mr. R.E. Wilson, M. Inst. C.E., Westminster, and his resident at Ceara is Mr. R.T.H. Saunders, M. Inst. C.E. The contractors for the work are Messrs. Punchard, McTaggart & Co., their representative at Ceara being Mr. George Wilson, M. Inst. C.E._--The Engineer._ * * * * * ELECTRIC STREET RAILROADS. BY GEORGE W. MANSFIELD. Why should we prefer electricity as the propelling agent of our street cars over all other known methods? I answer, without hesitation, because it is the best, and being the best is the cheapest. Briefly I will present the grounds upon which I take my stand. To-day the only methods for tramway service are three in number: Horses, with a history of fifty years and over; cables, with a history of fifteen years; and electricity, with a history of two years. I give the latter two years on the basis of the oldest electric street railroad in existence to-day, and that is the Baltimore railroad, equipped with the Daft system. The main points for consideration common to each are six in number: 1st. Obtaining of franchise. 2d. Construction of buildings, viz., engine house or stable. 3d. Equipment--rolling stock, horses, engines and dynamos. 4th. Construction of tramway. 5th. Cost of operation. 6th. Individual characteristics and advantages. Each of these requires a paper by itself, but in as concise a way as possible, presenting only the salient reasons and figures, I shall endeavor to embody it in one. 1st. Obtaining of franchise. I assume the municipal officers and the promoters honest men.