The succcss of this project caused the revival of a scheme for opening 3 passage through thc narrow neck at Soderteljo, to unite the lake Mach: with the Baltic; which was actually undertaken by subscription. The privilege issued in 1806, stipulating a breadth of 30 feet, with 12 feet depth of water. This, though short, being in very deep cutting, !vas proved an arduous undertaking, and was only completed in 1819.
The complete success of the Trolhatta canal was also the means of reviving the great object of opening a com munication from the Wenern to the Baltic at Soderkop ing. The improving state of the nation also had, no doubt, very considerable influence : but the merit of its having been brought forward, adopted, and the advances procured for carrying it into effect, is chiefly to be at tributed to the same nobleman, to whom we acknowledge ourselves indebted for the information respecting Swe den, and to whose enlightened and patriotic views, great talents, and unwearied perseverance, that country owes much.
The Count Platen, then in the sea service, having in the year 1795 seen the works at Trolhatta, was strongly impressed with the advantages to be derived to the coun try by extending the navigation across the kingdom, and thereby rendering the trade of Sweden independent of the Sound. Upon his afterwards rettring from the ser vice to his estate near Trolhatta, in the year 1798, he was elected into the direction of the works at that place. This, in a short time rendered him familiar with canal operations. He next made various journeys through the country ; and found out the plans of the deceased Thomberg. From these, together with his own obser vations, and the conversations of his friends, more especi ally an enlightened physician, the Count became so fully persuaded of the practicability and utility of the project, that, in 1806, he published a pamphlet, recommending the plan of Thomberg. Early in 1803 Ile had a long in terview with the king on the subject, when the business was so far approved of and arranged, as to produce an order authorizing the Count to procure an accurate re survey by a British engineer of known experience in similar works. Mr. Thomas Telford, then conducting the great Caledonian Canal through large lakes in Scot land,and the Ellesmere Canal, (on which C4ere were some uncommonly large aqueducts,) in England, was selected for this purpose. The Count lost nu time in making the application; and Mr. Telford having acceded to it, he and his assistants. througn the friendly offices of Sir James Sauinarez. then conunanding a British fleet on the Swedish coast, were landed at Gotenburgh early in August, 1808. He immediately cornmenced operations E.
and from the zeal and masterly arrangements of Count Platen, he, with unprecedented expedition, carried a re gular survey from the eastern shore of the lake NVenern, to the shores of the Baltic at Soderkoping. He found the
maps and surveys of Thomberg perfectly accurate ; and the chief points in which he differed from that engineer, were either in respect to the site or locks, or to avoid deep cutting, or river navigatians. The lakes, soil, and materials, were all found to be very favourable ; and having completed regular plans, sections, and a detailed report, Mr. Telford, with his assistants, embarked for England early in October, leaving this magnificent pro ject in the hands of its zealous promoter Count Platen.
In 1809 the revolution took place, and at the ensuing diet the Count laid the plans, Ea.c. before the king and the diet, when the project received unanimous approba tion. It was to be executed by a subscription company; and a charter to that effect was signed by his majesty, 1 1 th April, 1810. The locks were to be 24 feet in breadth, the canal bottom 43 feet, and, when the slopes will stand, at an angle or 30°. There is to be 10 feet depth ef water. Tne length of the whole navigation front the Wenern to the Baltic, including lakes, is 18 Swedish, which is equal to about 120 English miles The artificial canals make 84 Swedish, or about 55 English miles. The ascent front the Wenern to the sitininit, or surface of the Wiken lake, is 162 Feet : the fall to the Baltic 307 feet. The number of locks is to be 56.
The subsctiption was opened in May, 1810. At the first meeting the Count Platen was appointed chairman, and manager in chief, and this appointment was confirm ed by the king. In 1810, 1000 workmen were employ ed ; in 1811, 5000 in 1812, 6300 ; and in the beginning of 1813, upwards of 7000 ; but the war operations re duced them to 3000. In August of this year Mr. Tel ford visited and inspected all the works, which had hith erto consisted chiefly of cutting, and had been very cor rectly performed. The sites of the locks, bridges, and aqueducts, were now precisely determined, and all the principal matters arranged ; and under the sanction of the British government, experie»ced lock builders and eat th workers were sent over by Mr. Telford, with the necessary plans and implements. The works have ever since been carried on with increasing assiduity, and many of the most difficult and expensive locks have been completed. A considerable portion of the canal has been rendered nasigable, and its importance has become apparent ; so that Count Platen will deservedly enjoy the same consideration in his country, as the late Duke of Bridgewater, fur similar laudable exertions, enjoyed in our own.