may observe that two other Bills for the construction of docks passed in the same year as that for the construction of this dock; one on the south side of the river, and another for colliers in the Isle of Dogs. But both projects were abandoned. In 1825 a ship canal from London to Portsmouth was projected, navigable by vessels of the largest size, and the prospectus, which may be seen at the British Museum, is very interesting. From the opening of the St. Katharine Dock in 1828, until the passing of the Victoria Dock Act in 1850 (July 15), there was a lull in dock enterprise. But the vast and rapid increase in the commerce of the port appeared then to suggest the desirability of further dock extension; and the Victoria Dock, the largest artificial dock in England—having a water space of 90 acres—was the result. Most of you are probably aware that this magnificent dock is now the property of the London and St. Katharine’s Company, and as its history previous to the purchase of it by that Company is of such recent date, it is quite unnecessary for me to refer to it. In a short time this grand dock will be extended by a ship canal to Gallion’s Reach; and this view represents the dock and canal as they will appear when finished, an undertaking which will afford a most valuable addition to the accommodation of the port. This is the cheapest dock in London, the original cost exceeding a little over £5,000 per acre only. But it should be borne in mind that the ground excavated being marsh land, presented a natural nucleus for a dock; and to this fact must be attributed the inexpensive character of this undertaking. The collier and coasting trade generally has always been a great impediment to the navigation of the river; and I am informed on the best authority that the object of the promoters of the Millwall Dock was to attract this class of business. The colliers had, however, fought shy of the Victoria Dock, which was mainly started for their accommodation, and they proved even more chary of the Millwall Dock. This dock, which was opened in 1864, has, however, been successful in attracting to it a large share of the general business of the port, and has proved no mean competitor to the other docks. The shares which not so very long ago might have been bought for something over £20 the £100 share, now command more than four times that amount. The cost of this dock was about £7,000 per acre.