INDIAN FAMINES - Institute for Social and Economic Change

12. A FEW GENERAL CRITICISMS.
round our island whereby food importations
can be distributed at any point with a minimum
of delay, of distance, of transport, and of
expense.
Keith Johnston gives the following statement
in regard to the coast-line of England: "The
length of the shore-line, in its average direction,
is about 1300 miles; but reckoning it along the
indentations, it is estimated at 3000 miles."
Of Scotland the same authority calculates "the
length of shore-line, following the inlets of the
sea, and including the islands, to be about
3500 miles ;" and of India he states that "the
entire coast-line is estimated at :1500 miles in
length." With the foregoing data, it will not
be beyond the mark to reckon the coast-line of
England, with its useful indentations, at 2000
miles, and Scotland at about the same figure.
But I will confine my remarks to England;
because, (1.) although it affords the least striking
results, on account of its comparatively
large population, yet it will give the fairest
contrast; and (2.) it is in England that the
greatest amount of discussion has taken place
on the subject of Indian famines.