Viewing page 20 of 48

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

on account of the saving of the valuable time of the summer months.  In running the line along the sea coast, it will not be necessary to follow the crooked shores, as many miles of the country can be saved by the numerous cut off's which I have seen;  for instance, at Athinake-mute, instead of rounding Cape Darby and following the circuitous route, a cut off over a small mountain enables you in but a short while, to strike the Sound, and from thence, in a direct line to the river at its head.  
[[marginalia]] (10) [[/marginalia]]
Striking this river the eye meets a beautifully wooded country for upwards of 75 miles, which affords every advantage for telegraphic building.  Here as on the sea coast, I made many cut off's, which shortens the road considerably.  Leaving the [[?Ikathlink]] River, I struck across the country in a N.W. direction, until I arrived on the banks of the [[?Tee-Gee-dak]] river, which flows into the [[?Ikathlink]].
[[marginalia]] (20) [[/marginalia]]

It would be a task of long duration to run the line along the banks of the rivers that flow through the country between Sound Golovine and Behring's Straits, as they are the most winding of any rivers I have ever seen;  and I concluded that the best route to explore, would be the shortest, and rely upon your bringing such material into this country, as would build the line with expedition.  About twenty miles