ld
salts." It has been supposed that the latest creations of science will
not nourish sentiment. The following anecdote shows, however, as
romantic an attachment to iron as was ever manifested towards wood. On
the Great Western Railway, the broad gauge and the narrow gauge are
mixed; the former still existing to the delight of travellers by the
"Flying Dutchman," whatever economical shareholders may have to say to
the contrary. The officials who have been longest on the staff also
cling to the broad gauge, like faithful royalists to a fast disappearing
dynasty. The other day an ancient guard on this line was knocked down
and run over by an engine; and though good enough medical attendance was
at hand, had skill been of any use, the dying man wished to see "the
company's" doctor. The gentleman, a man much esteemed by all the
employes, was accordingly sent for. "I am glad you came to see me start,
doctor, (as I hope) by the up-train," said the poor man. "I am only
sorry I can do nothing for you, my good fellow," answered the other. "I
know that; it is all over with me. But there!--I'm glad it was _not one
of them narrow-gauge engines that did it_!"

--_Gentleman's Magazine_.

"DOWN BRAKES," OR FORCE OF HABIT.

An Illinois captain, lately a railroad conductor, was drilling a squad,
and while marching them by flank, turned to speak to a friend for a
moment. On looking again toward his squad, he saw they were in the act
of "butting up" against a fence. In his hurry to halt them, he cried,
"Down brakes! Down brakes!"

TRENT STATION.

This station on the Midland system is often a source of no little
perplexity to strangers. Sir Edward Beckett thus humorously describes
it:--"You arrive at Trent. Where that is I cannot tell. I suppose it is
somewhere near the river Trent, but then the Trent is a very long river.
You get out of your train to obtain refreshment, and having taken it, you
endeavour to find your train and your carriage. But whether it is on
this side or that, and whether it is going north or south, this way or
that way, you cannot tell. Bewildered, you frantically rush into your
carriage; the train moves off round a curve, and then you are horrified
to see some lights glaring in front of you, and you are in immediate
expectation of a collision, when your fellow-passenger calms your fears
by telling you that they are only the tail