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It is twenty-sis, miles across the English Channel from Dover to Calais, and it occupies, ordinarily, two hours to cross over in a little steamer. It is an uncomfortable trip, and many a strong stomach has had to give its contents to the sea, after having escaped this fate during a long ocean voyage. Considering the great rush of travel across this channel, and the discomforts of the journey, it is no wonder that modern engineering is called on to devise a better system. The Paris Siech says that the possibility of uniting England and France by means of a submarine tunnel has been practically and scientifically considered by M. Gamond, a skillful engineer. He submitted his plans to the Emperor, who was so well pleased with the project that a commission was authorized, who decided that M. Gamond is no mere dreamer. The British government have also named on their side a commission ; and it is probable that, in the coming spring, French and English engineers will apply themselves to the work of vigorously examining the practicability of the project. There have been many schemes proposed before, one of which was to lay an iron tunnel along the bottom of the channel ; and another to make a gradually inclining tunnel from London, continue it under the bed of the channel, and again rise on the French side. T.o each of these schemes there has been some practical objection; but M. Gamond having a knowledge of these, we hope that his plan may be successful.
