Page:Miscellaneous Papers on Mechanical Subjects.djvu/168

 a rope attached to a drum worked by a stationary engine.

They are drawn across the plateaux which intervene between the inclines, in some cases by horses, in others by small locomotives. A new road is, however, being constructed which will cross the mountains by one long winding incline. The ascent will be so gradual in its circuitous course, that a locomotive will be able to ascend and descend with its train of carriages.

It is calculated that four hours will be saved by the substitution of this new route, and the dispensing with the stationary engines.

It is doubtful whether the delay would not have been very considerable, had the construction of the railroad been postponed until means had been found for executing these great works in the first instance.

67. Street Railroads.—It is a common practice to detach the carriages from the engine at the outskirts of towns, and draw them by horses along rails laid down in the streets.

Many objections may be made to this system, and it seems, on the whole, disadvantageous; a circuit of rails carried round the town would be more preferable.

68. Railroad Cars.—The construction of the