of a simple and economical class. Hitherto,
railways have, for the most part, been adapted to leading
thoroughfares, by which certain districts have been overcrowded with
lines, leaving others destitute. Branch single lines of rail appear,
therefore, to be particularly desirable for these forgotten
localities. These branch-lines may prove exceedingly serviceable, not
only as regards the ordinary demands of trade and agriculture, but
those of social convenience. Among the prominent needs of our time, is
ready access for the toiling multitudes to places rendered interesting
by physical beauty and romantic association--fit objects for holiday
excursions. The _excursion train_, suddenly discharging its hundreds
of strangers at some antique town or castle, or in the neighbourhood
of some lovely natural scenery, is one of the wonders of the day--and
one, we think, of truly good omen, considering the importance that
seems to be connected with the innocent amusements of the people. We
rejoice in every movement which tends to increase the number of places
to which these holiday-parties may resort, as we thoroughly believe,
that the more of them we have, our people will be the more virtuous,
refined, and happy.

We lately had much pleasure in examining and learning some particulars
of a short branch-railway which has added the ancient university city
of St Andrews, with its many curious objects, to the number of those
places which may become the termini of excursion trains. We find from
Lord Jeffrey's Life, that in this town, fifty years ago, only one
newspaper was received; a number (if it can be called a number) which
we are assured, on the best authority, is now increased to _fifteen
hundred per week_! Parallel with this fact, is that of its having, ten
years ago, a single coach _per diem_ to Edinburgh, carrying six or
seven persons, while now it has three trains each day, transporting
their scores, not merely to the capital, but to Perth and Dundee
besides. Conceiving that there is a value in such circumstances on
account of the light which they throw on the progress of the country,
we shall enter into a few particulars.

The St Andrews Railway is a branch of the Edinburgh, Perth, and
Dundee, and extends somewhat less than five miles. Formed with a
single line only, over ground presenting scarcely any engineering
difficulties, and with favour rather than opposition from the
proprietors of the land, it has cost only L.25,00