EARTH-WORKS IN THE DRY.—For the first part, we have similar works executed in Egypt; these are the three Canals dug to receive the waters of the Nile arising from the reflux caused by the barrage. Two of these canals have a breadth of 100 _met._ at the bed; 4 _met._ 50 mean depth, with banks 25 _met._ wide. They are all three dug in clay, which is very stiff at some points. The works having been executed by the Government, the pay of the workmen was very low: 1½ _piast._ (0 _fr._ 37½) was given to able workmen; 1 _piast._ (0 _fr._ 25) to others, and 30 _paras_ (0 _fr._ 20) to children; the corresponding work done was 1 _met._ 25, cube _per diem_. If this ratio were adopted, it would evidently be too low; for the Company could not, and would not, exercise such an authority over the people of the country. It is true, that these prices are voluntarily accepted by the fellahs in the villages; but they are at home with their families, and are able to cultivate some patches of land on their own account. They would not willingly leave their families, unless to obtain higher wages, which would be at the _maximum_, 2½ _piast._ (0 _fr._ 62½). An average of 2½ _piast._ (0 _fr._ 62½) _per diem_, must be reckoned upon, not including the supply of bread and water, which would cost 1 _piast._ in addition. Say, therefore, 3½ _piast._ or in round numbers, 0 _fr._ 90. At these wages, with good superintendence, 1 _met._ 50, cube _per diem_ might be required; for, in the works which we have carefully observed, we have adopted the formula 2 + _n_ = 8 _met. cub._ to fix the task of the workmen employed. In which formula _n_ indicates the number of relays of 25 _met._ In the present case, supposing the average distance from the centre of removal to the centre of deposit to be two relays, the formula would give 2 _met. cub._ and moreover the excavation is to be made in very light ground. We are therefore sure that the figure 1 _met._ 50 cube, is rather below than above the mark. The cubic metre will thus come to 0 _fr._ 61.—At this rate the first portion of the earth-works would cost _fr._ 10,484,274 EARTH-WORKS UNDER WATER.—For the second part we assume, that it will be done entirely by steam dredges, in two series. The first composed of dredges of twenty horse power performing the excavations to the depth of four metres; and the second composed of dredges of thirty-five horse power, making the excavations to the depth of 7 _met._ 50. Let us see what can be done by both these working night and day for 250 days in the year; thus making ample allowance for repairs and stoppages.