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 the cable system to instal. The cars run through all the principal streets, communicating with the various suburbs, and they take you, apparently, anywhere for threepence. (A threepenny bit used to be the smallest coin in circulation in Melbourne.) There is a double line of rails, and I ascertained that there are now 54 miles of this double track in operation. The cars are neat structures, and are fitted with perforated wooden seats. One car is enclosed and one open; they start and stop without a jerk; they glide into almost instant motion at the highest speed compatible with safety; they are cool, and clean; and they are in every way suitable to the climate, and have proved very popular since running was commenced twelve years ago. The motive power is an underground cable, worked by large stationary engines about midway along each journey. I visited some of the engine-houses, and saw the splendid machinery, the enormous wheels round which the cable revolves, and the great engines doing their work almost silently. One objection to the cable system of cars is that if there is an accident to the machinery, or if a cable breaks, the whole of the cars on the line are stopped till the repairs are effected. When first the lines were opened, there were occasionally such stoppages, causing inconvenience to travellers, who, depending on them to reach a railway terminus to take perhaps a long journey, were disappointed. But now, I am informed, owing to the greater experience of the drivers (or "gripmen," as they are called), stoppages are unknown, and the ordinary citizen relies on his tramcar with as much confidence as, and perhaps more than, on his train. The company has in use over 90 miles of wire rope, costing about £40 per ton. The total amount expended on tramway construction was £1,600,000. The company obtained running