of construction. With the opportunity of seeing these great works in
progress, and of visiting, during my holidays and long evenings, most
of the manufactories and mines in the neighbourhood of Newcastle, I
could not fail to pick up considerable knowledge, and an acquaintance
with a vast variety of trades. There were about thirty other pupils in
the works at the same time with myself; some were there either through
favour or idle fancy; but comparatively few gave their full attention
to the work, and I have since heard nothing of them. Indeed, unless a
young fellow takes a real interest in his work, and has a genuine love
for it, the greatest advantages will prove of no avail whatever.

It was a good plan adopted at the works, to require the pupils to keep
the same hours as the rest of the men, and, though they paid a premium
on entering, to give them the same rate of wages as the rest of the
lads. Mr. William Hutchinson, a contemporary of George Stephenson, was
the managing partner. He was a person of great experience, and had the
most thorough knowledge of men and materials, knowing well how to
handle both to the best advantage.

His son-in-law, Mr. William Weallans, was the head draughtsman, and
very proficient, not only in quickness but in accuracy and finish. I
found it of great advantage to have the benefit of the example and the
training of these very clever men.

My five years apprenticeship was completed in May 1851, on my twentieth
birthday. Having had but very little "black time," as it was called,
beyond the half-yearly holiday for visiting my friends, and having only
"slept in" twice during the five years, I was at once entered on the
books as a journeyman, on the "big" wage of twenty shillings a week.
Orders were, however, at that time very difficult to be had.

Railway trucks, and even navvies' barrows, were contracted for in order
to keep the men employed. It was better not to discharge them, and to
find something for them to do. At the same time it was not very
encouraging for me, under such circumstances, to remain with the firm.
I therefore soon arranged to leave; and first of all I went to see
London. It was the Great Exhibition year of 1851. I need scarcely say
what a rich feast I found there, and how thoroughly I enjoyed it all.
I spent about two months in inspecting the works of art and mechanics
in the Exhibition, to my own great advantage. I then returned home;
and, after remaini