The universal geography : earth and its inhabitants

244 AMAZONIA AND LA PLATA.
whidi extends north-east and south-west parallel with the coast between the
Tuhanio and Jaguamo coalfields.
The natural trade route of the river is completed above Taqttary by a railway,
which penetrates by the industrial towns of Rio Pardo and Cachoeira westwards
to the Tbicuy Grande basin. Another line running northwards to S. Leopoldo
and Nova Ilambunjo {Hamhurger Berg) connects all these German settlements with
their natural market of Porto Alegre. The navigable waters of the lake stretch-
ing southwards puts the capital in direct communication with Pelotas and Rio
Grniif/e, this waterway being accessible to craft drawing eight or nine feet.
But being prevented by the dangerous bar at the mouth of the Eio Grande
from developing its foreign trade, Porto Alegre proposes to seek another seaward
Fig. 106.
—
West cF (jreenwrcln
Proposed Canai, feom the Capivaby to Toeees and Laouna.
51'
to 10
Fathoms.
Scale 1 : 2,000,000.
Depih^.
10 to 25
Pathoms.
, 30
Miles.
25 Fitboms
and upwards.
outlet by utilising the chain of lagoons which extend from the Lagoa dos Patos
north-eastwards to the Tubarao lagoon. The projected canal is to run from
Capivary Bay, touching about midway at the port of Santo Bomingos das Torres
on the Santa Catharina frontier. But Torres itself, being exposed to every wind,
would have to be protected by costly harbour works, including long piers and
breakwaters, beyond the present resources of the State. The engineers have also
proposed to cut through the isthmus which shelters the Lagoa dos Patos on the
east, and to construct an artificial harbour at the extremity of the cutting.
Jagiiarao, at the other end of the fluvial basin, abuts on a high hill which
commands an extensive prospect. Founded in 1763 by some colonists from
Madeira, Jaguarao has taken an active part in all the local wars and revolutions.
At present it trades with the neighbouring republic through its suburb of Artigas,