ade of the port is carried on with pleasure and convenience;
for notwithstanding they have occasioned a very important trade to
be removed to a considerable and even inconvenient distance from the
metropolis, yet the advantages to the Port of London are upon the whole
incalculable.

~~392~~~ "The Northern Dock for unloading inwards is 2600 by 510
feet, and 29 feet deep, covering a space of 30 acres, and capable
of containing from two to three hundred sail of vessels, in greater
security than the river could afford them; and the West India Dock
Company are reimbursed for the accommodation by a tonnage of 6s. upon
the burthen of every ship which enters the docks; besides which they are
entitled to charge for wharfage, landing, housing, weighing, cooperage,
and warehouse room; certain rates upon all goods that are discharged,
such as 8d. per cwt. upon sugar; 1d. per gallon upon rum; Is. 6d. per
cwt. upon coffee; 2s. 6d. per cwt. upon cotton, wool, &c.: and all this
immense business is conducted with a general order and regularity which
greatly facilitates the business of the merchant."

"But," said Sparkle, "I apprehend it subjects him to something more of
expense than he incurred by the former mode of proceeding."

"I am not able decidedly to answer," continued Tom; "but in the main, I
expect that if so, it is well worth what is paid to have the additional
security. The forms of conducting the business may sometimes be attended
with considerable trouble, but there are persons so well acquainted with
them by habitual practice, that there cannot be much difficulty at this
period. This is the Export Dock, which covers an area of 24 acres, and
is 2600 by 400 feet, and 29 deep. The immense buildings round the two
docks, are warehouses for the reception of goods, and are of the most
substantial description; and to enable shipping in their passage up and
down the Thames to avoid the circuitous and inconvenient course round
the Isle of Dogs, a canal has been cut across this peninsula, through
which, upon paying certain moderate rates, all ships, vessels, and
craft, are permitted to pass in their passage up and down the river.
In seeing this, and the East India Docks, you have seen pretty well the
nature of the whole, for they are all of a similar construction, for
similar purposes, and under similar management: but we will now look in
at the London Docks, which are situated between Ratcliffe Highway and
the Thames, then home to