to jerk the passengers who sat
on seats across the tops of the coaches, out from under their hats, and
in stopping they came together with such force as to send them flying
from their seats.

"They used dry pitch-pine for fuel, and, there being no smoke or
spark-catcher to the chimney or smoke stack, a volume of black smoke,
strongly impregnated with sparks, coal, and cinders, came pouring back
the whole length of the train. Each of the outside passengers who had an
umbrella raised it as a protection against the smoke and fire. They were
found to be but a momentary protection, for I think in the first mile the
last one went overboard, all having their covers burnt off from the
frames, when a general melee took place among the deck passengers, each
whipping his neighbour to put out the fire. They presented a very motley
appearance on arriving at the first station." Here, "a short stop was
made, and a successful experiment tried to remedy the unpleasant jerks.
A plan was soon hit upon and put into execution. The three links in the
couplings of the cars were stretched to their utmost tension, a rail from
a fence in the neighbourhood was placed between each pair of cars and
made fast by means of the packing yarn from the cylinders. This
arrangement improved the order of things, and it was found to answer the
purpose when the signal was again given and the engine started.'"

PROGNOSTICATIONS OF FAILURE.

In the year 1831, the writer of a pamphlet, who styled himself
_Investigator_, essayed the task of "proving by facts and arguments" that
a railway between London and Birmingham would be a "burden upon the trade
of the country and would never pay." The difficulties and dangers of the
enterprise he thus sets forth:--

"The causes of greater danger on the railway are several. A velocity of
fifteen miles an hour is in itself a great source of danger, as the
smallest obstacle might produce the most serious consequences. If, at
that rate, the engine or any forward part of the train should suddenly
stop, the whole would be cracked by the collision like nutshells. At all
turnings there is a danger that the latter part of the train may swing
off the rails; and, if that takes place, the most serious consequences
must ensue before the whole train can be stopped. The line, too, upon
which the train must be steered admits of little lateral deviation, while
a stage coach has a choice of the whole roadway. Independen