For every hundred of oysters, one penny. And that all other goods,
not herein particularly rated, shall pay ad valorem, such rates or
duties as shall be ascertained by the said commissioners, appointed
by or in pursuance of the said former Act."

Soon as your Committee had clearly ascertained the existence of this Act,
and its consequent increase on the tonnage of flax, a deputation went
down to the Wharfe mouth, to examine the river, as far up as Bolton
Percy, and found from their own observations, but more particularly from
the information they collected, that vessels of seventy tons burden can
navigate the river, nearly always once in twelve hours the whole year;
and that, if a little improvement was made in the river at three places,
which are rather too shallow for vessels of this burden, they might pass
at all times without interruption; the deputation were also of opinion
that the improvement was practicable at a moderate expense. This
deputation also examined the line below Bolton Percy, (see the map {12})
and found it passed through the estate of Sir Wm. Milner Bart. near his
residence, and over lands in his own occupation, consequently more likely
to meet with his opposition than his approbation.

Under these accumulated circumstances, your Committee decidedly
recommended a double Rail-way, to commence at a bend in the river, near
Bolton Percy, (see the map) which will shorten the length of the original
line about one mile and a half, and lessen the expense of the project at
the same time; thence in a line, nearly straight, to Bow-Bridge, passing
on the South side of the village of Wighill, and close to the North end
of the village of Walton. Thence in a circuitous direction towards
Wetherby;--but if the line was permitted to pass from the North end of
the village of Walton to the North side of Ingmanthorpe, the seat of
Richard Fountaine Wilson, Esq. distant from his residence about four
hundred yards, it would pass over very suitable ground, and shorten the
length of the line five-eights of a mile more. By either of these lines
it would cross the great North Road, near the Drover's Inn, then proceed
on the North side of the village of Little Ribston, and by the banks of
the River Nidd, sufficiently high to avoid the broken parts, crossing the
said river by a bridge, near St. Robert's Well, and thence proceeding
along the Eastern side of the town of Knaresbro', ascending, in an
uniform manner,