Abstract
THE first edition of Mr. Vernon Harcourt's book on rivers and canals was published in 1882, and has been regarded as one of the standard books on the subjects of which it treats. The present edition is not merely a revise of the former one, but has been almost entirely rewritten, and the subjects rearranged and brought up to date. The wide experience which the author has had, from being frequently called upon professionally to investigate and report on matters relating to rivers and harbours, and the active interest he has taken in the various navigation congresses which have been held in this and other countries during the last few years, fully entitle him to write with authority on the theory of river engineering, and the principles to be observed in carrying out works of improvement. The theoretical part of the book is supported by descriptions and illustrations of the chief works which have been carried out for the control and improvement of rivers, and the construction of canals. The book is written in a style that is thoroughly readable, and is not encumbered with detailed facts and information which, although of great value to an experienced engineer, are not required by a student or reader who wishes to become acquainted with general principles. On the whole, as would naturally be expected, the views expressed by the author are sound, and such as have received general acceptance by the most experienced engineers of this and other countries. There are, however, some matters dealt with on which engineering “doctors differ,” and in these cases Mr. Vernon Harcourt would, perhaps, have added to the value of his book if he had given a little more credit to the views of other engineers who have devoted their attention to the same subject. The illustrations are very clear and effective, and add considerably in elucidating the descriptions in the text. In fact, both the author and the publisher deserve the thanks of the engineering profession for bringing up-to-date a work bearing on the management of our harbours and rivers, on the efficiency of which the prosperity of the navigation and commercial interests of this country so largely depend.
Rivers and Canals. The Flow, Control, and Improvement of Rivers, and the Design, Construction and Development of Canals, both for Navigation and Irrigation; with Statistics of the Traffic on Inland Waterways.
By Leveson Francis Vernon-Harcourt In 2 vols. Vol. i., Rivers; vol. ii., Canals. 651 pp. and index; with 13 plates of illustrations. (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1896.)
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Rivers and Canals The Flow, Control, and Improvement of Rivers, and the Design, Construction and Development of Canals, both for Navigation and Irrigation; with Statistics of the Traffic on Inland Waterways. Nature 54, 459 (1896). https://doi.org/10.1038/054459a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/054459a0