'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎246] (355/496)

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flood season would render the navigation peculiarly difficult above the
manufacturing town of Jellalpoor, which is ten miles above Yizerabach
and for all commercial purposes this is high enough, for a good road to
Cashmere passes from Jellalpoor through Rajoorah, and Jellalpoor is al
so on the direct line of traffic between Lahore and Peshawur; so that
the Meanee steamer ascended to the highest point desirable for com
mercial purposes only.
I beg to forward herewith a list of Ferries, in a tabular form (marked
B.), including mention of the best positions for wood fuel depots in the
event of coal not being found. The table, you will observe, shews that
in a distance of 351 miles by water, there are fifty-nine ferries establish
ed at an average of six miles apart. The boats are without exception
of the low gun waled, or zohruk kind, and are remarkably well built,
capable of transporting any material. No boats of the weak construction
of those found on the Upper Sutlej, called “ chappoo,” are used on this
river.
One motive for my having been particular in recording all ferries, and
the burthen of the boats, was from the fact that none of the latter were
obseiyed employed in conveying goods up or down the river, as on the
Sutlej. In fact, there does not seem ever to have been traffic by the river.
The use of such a list as this would be obvious in the event of it
being necessary to use all the ferries. If the boats mentioned here
were secured, and sent down to the mouth, or sunk, the Chenab alone
would form a serious obstacle to a military inroad. I enquired particu-
luily for fordable places, and could hear of none. But, as a general rule,
I beg to repeat a remark I made when reporting on the Sutlej—that,
in my opinion, (i lords are the forerunners of ferries, and create the ne-
^ cessity for them ; for where fords exist, in the low season, it is more
^ than probable that circumstances of the neighbourhood, arising out of
^ the existence of a ford (such as conveniences for travellers, &c.,) would
lender a ferry necessary and profitable in the high season,” so that if
ords do ever occur, they in all probability will be found where ferries
aie established, and noted on the accompanying plan and table.
With the return voyage report I shall offer a few general remarks on
the probable success of steam navigation on both the Sutlej and Chenab.
The distance by water ascended by the Meanee in 113 hours’ steaming
was 3o miles, the steamer overcoming an average current of 2f miles an
our . this gives a rate of 3g- per hour for the ascent in September.
I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed) W. Christopher, Lieut. I. N.,
ls£ Assistant Indus Flotilla?
on special duty in u Meanee steci'inei .
(True Copy) (Signed) F. T. Powell, Commander I N;
Commanding Indus Flotilla