Chapter XXVI: Communications and Commerce 296

British enterprise in South America--The various
industries controlled--The railways of the southern
continent--A remarkable record--The opening up of
new lands--Some possibilities of the future--Sound
basis on which the extension of the lines is founded--
Products and transport facilities--Probable influence
of communications--Uruguayan railways--A high standard
of enterprise--Comfortable travelling--Some comparisons
between Uruguay and Argentina as railway countries--
Level country _versus_ hills--Stone _versus_ alluvial
soil--Question of ballast--Importance of the new
ramifications--Railway construction in Uruguay--History
of the lines--Government obligations--Mileage and
capital of the companies--Interest paid on capital--
Various railway systems--Areas served--The Central
Company--Sketch of lines and extensions--Important
developments--The communication with Brazil--Financial
position of the Company--Midland Uruguay Railway--
Development and extension of the line--Receipts and
expenses--The North Western of Uruguay and Uruguay
Northern Railway--Montevidean tramways--Local, British,
and German enterprise--Steamer service of the River
Plate--The Mihanovich line--Ocean passenger traffic--
Montevideo the sole port of call--The Royal Mail Steam
Packet Company--The Pacific Line--The Nelson Line--Other
British companies--Position of British exports--Sound
consular advice.