d,"
weighing 3 tons, worked by a horse in a frame, but it could not be
admitted to the competition. The above were the only four exhibited, out
of a considerable number of engines constructed in different parts of the
country in anticipation of this contest, many of which could not be
satisfactorily completed by the day of trial.

The ground on which the engines were to be tried was a level piece of
railroad, about two miles in length. Each was required to make twenty
trips, or equal to a journey of 70 miles, in the course of the day; and
the average rate of travelling was to be not under 10 miles an hour. It
was determined that, to avoid confusion, each engine should be tried
separately, and on different days.

[Picture: Locomotive competition at Rainhill]

The day fixed for the competition was the 1st of October, but to allow
sufficient time to get the locomotives into good working order, the
directors extended it to the 6th. On the morning of the 6th, the ground
at Rainhill presented a lively appearance, and there was as much
excitement as if the St. Leger were about to be run. Many thousand
spectators looked on, amongst whom were some of the first engineers and
mechanicians of the day. A stand was provided for the ladies; the
"beauty and fashion" of the neighbourhood were present, and the side of
the railroad was lined with carriages of all descriptions.

It was quite characteristic of the Stephensons, that, although their
engine did not stand first on the list for trial, it was the first that
was ready; and it was accordingly ordered out by the judges for an
experimental trip. Yet the "Rocket" was by no means "the favourite" with
either the judges or the spectators. A majority of the judges was
strongly predisposed in favour of the "Novelty," and nine-tenths of those
present were against the "Rocket" because of its appearance. Nearly
every person favoured some other engine, so that there was nothing for
the "Rocket" but the practical test. The first trip which it made was
quite successful. It ran about 12 miles, without interruption, in about
53 minutes.

The "Novelty" was next called out. It was a light engine, very compact
in appearance, carrying the water and fuel upon the same wheels as the
engine. The weight of the whole was only 3 tons and 1 hundredweight. A
peculiarity of this engine was that the air was driven or forced through
the fire by means of bellows. The day being no