pended.
One great object that he had in view in establishing the proposed factory
was, to concentrate a number of good workmen, for the purpose of carrying
out the improvements in detail which he was constantly making in his
engine. He felt hampered by the want of efficient help from skilled
mechanics, who could work out in a practical form the ideas of which his
busy mind was always so prolific. Doubtless, too, he believed that the
manufactory would prove a remunerative investment, and that, on the
general adoption of the railway system which he anticipated, he would
derive solid advantages from the fact of his establishment being the only
one of the kind for the special construction of locomotive engines.

Mr. Pease approved of his design, and strongly recommended him to carry
it into effect. But there was the question of means; and Stephenson did
not think he had capital enough for the purpose. He told Mr. Pease that
he could advance 1000 pounds--the amount of the testimonial presented by
the coal-owners for his safety-lamp invention, which he had still left
untouched; but he did not think this sufficient for the purpose, and he
thought that he should require at least another 1000 pounds. Mr. Pease
had been very much struck with the successful performances of the
Killingworth engine; and being an accurate judge of character, he
believed that he could not go far wrong in linking a portion of his
fortune with the energy and industry of George Stephenson. He consulted
his friend Thomas Richardson in the matter; and the two consented to
advance 500 pounds each for the purpose of establishing the engine
factory at Newcastle. A piece of land was accordingly purchased in Forth
Street, in August, 1823, on which a small building was erected--the
nucleus of the gigantic establishment which was afterwards formed around
it; and active operations were begun early in 1824.

While the Stockton and Darlington Railway works were in progress, our
engineer had many interesting discussions with Mr. Pease, on points
connected with its construction and working, the determination of which
in a great measure affected the formation and working of all future
railways. The most important points were these:

1. The comparative merits of cast and wrought iron rails.

2. The gauge of the railway.

3. The employment of horse or engine power in working it, when ready for
traffic.

The kind of rails to be laid down to form the perma