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TRAiN'SACTIOE'S
AMERICAN SOCIETY
CIYIL ENQINEEES.
(INSTITUTED 1852.)
VOL. XV.
JANUARY TO DECEMBER, lSfc6.
KE^Y YORK:
PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY.
1886.
u
V OFFICERS FOR THK YEAR E^^DING DECE3IBER 31, 1886»
' Henky Flad, President.
Thoihas C. Keefee, Thomas F. Eowland, Vice-Presidents.
John Bogaet, Secretary and Librarian.
J. James R. Ceoes, Treasurer.
George S. Geeene, Je., William E. Hutton, W. Howaed White^
Heney G. Moeeis, Charles L. Strobel, Directors.
Entered according to Act of Congress, by the Amehican Societi of Civil ENGrsEERf.. in
the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
Note— This Society ia not responsible as a body, for the facts and opinions advanced,
in any of its publications.
COjSTTEIS^TS.
PAPERS.
NO. MONTH.
318 {Januart/.)
319 {February.)
320 [do.
{do.)
321 (do.)
322 [do )
[do.)
323 (March.)
324 (do.)
325 (Ji)n7.)
PAGE.
English and American Railroads Comi)ared,
Bead at the Annual Convention, June 24, 1885.—
Edwakd Bates Doksey 1
The Disintegration of the Egyptian Obelisk in the Central Park,
New York.
Read January 20, 1886.— Thomas Egleston 79
Formulas for the Weights of Iron and Steel Railway Bridges un-
der Standard Specifications.
Presented at the Annual Convention, June 10, 1884. —
Geokge H. Pegram 85
Discussion on Weights of Bridges :
By D. J. Whiitemoee 04
By Joseph M. Wilson 95
By William R. Hutton 96
By William M. Hughes 97
By Theodoee Cooper 98, 101
By Chables Macdonald 100
By A. J. Dubois 105, 115
By J. S. Elliott U8
By W. H. Burr 121
By George H. Pegram 102, 113, 116, 120
An account of some Observations of Street Traffic.
Read December 16, 1885.— Francis V. Greene 123
Remarks on the Aeration of Water.
Read at the Annual Convention, June 26, 1885. —
Charles B. Brush 139
Discussion on the Aeration of Water :
By William E. Merrill 142, 143
By J. Foster Flagg 142
By James B. Francis 143, 145
By J. K ELSON TuBBS 143
By J . James R. Croes 144
By Emil Kuichling 145
By Ch.arles B. Brush 142, 143, 145
The Abt System of Railway for Steep Inclines.
Read October 21, 1885.— Walton W. Evans 147
Eaily Surveys and Reports in reference to the Transmission of
Trade Across the Allegheny Mountains in the State of Penn-
sylvania, known as the Allegheny Portage.
By MoNcuRE Robinson 181
Discussion on the South Pass Jetties :
By William E. Merrill 223, 321
By D. J. Whittemore 229
n 03^r2
IV
NO. MOKTH. PAGE.
325 {A})ril). Discussion on the Soiith Pass Jetties. (Continued.)
By C. B. CoMSTOCK 230
By Alfred P. Holler 232
By James C. Post 235
By Edward P. North 241
By Robert E. McMath 246
By Albert C. Savage 249
By Octave Chantjte 250
By William H. Bixby 255
By J. F. Le Baron 263
By Q. A. GiLLMOBE 266
By E. L. Corthell 269, 328
By James B. Eads 276
326 {May ) The Spongilla in Main Pipes.
Bead October 15, 1884. — Desmond FitzGerald 337
(do.) Discussion on Spongiila in Main Pipes :
By Joseph P. Davis 339
By E. B. DOBSEY 339
By J. James R. Croes 340
By Theodore Cooper 340
By John C. Campbell 340
327 (do.) On Increasing the Accuracy of a System of Magnetic Bearings of a
Siirvey.
Read November 14, 1884.— Olin H. Landreth 342
[do.) Discussion on Increasing the Accuracy of a System of Magnetic
Bearings of Survey :
By Rudolph Bering 344
By Joseph B. Davis 344
328 {do.) Mexican Bridge Construction.
Read December 17, 1884— J. Foster Flagg 345
329 {do.) Excavation and Embankment by Water Power.
Read December 17, 1884.— Edward Bates Dorsey 348
{do) Disciission on Excavation and Embankment by Water Power.
By William R. Button 356
330 (do.) Permanent Transmitting Dynamometer.
Read May 21, 1884.— Charles A. Smith 357
331 {do.) Data for Flattening the Ends of Railroad Curves.
Read November 19, 1884.— Albon P. Man, Jb 359
(do.) Discussion on Flattening the Ends of Railroad Curves :
By W. Howard White 364
By A. M. Wellington 367
332 {do.) On Cranes as Labor-Saving Machines.
Read October 17, 1883.— Charles J. Appltby 369
.... {do.) Discussion on Cranes as Labor-Saving Machines :
By Charles E. Emery 376
By RoBEET Cartwright 377
By JamfsPlatt 377, 379
By Theodore Cooper 378, 379
By William G. Hamilton 379, 380
By Robert L. Harris 379
By George S. Greene, Jr 380
By C. J. Appleby 377, 378, 380
NO.
333
MONTH.
(May.)
{do.)
(June.)
(do.)
PAGE.
Thermometer Scales.
Read March 3, 188G.— Fred. Brooks 381
The Steamship America.
Read at the Annual Convention, June 13, 1884. —
Robert Gordon 384
On Specifications for Strength of Iron Bridges.
Read at the Annual Convention, June 25, 1885. —
Joseph M. Wilson 389-
Discussion on Specifications for Strength of Iron Bridges :
By Theodore Cooper 41&
By W. Howard White 420
By a. BoDSCAKEN 427
By William H. Burr 429^
By S. W. Robinson 432
By Georhe L. Vose 444
By Joseph B.Davis 445
By George F. Swain 446
By Mace Moulton 449
By Alfred P. Roller 453
By Mansfield Merriman 455
By James G. Dagron 458
By William Sellers 459
By Edwin Thacher 461
By George H. Pegram 474
By C. C. Schneider 481
By Thomas C. Clarke 483
By Joseph M. Wilson 484
Annual Address.
Read at the Convention of the Society, Denver, Colo.,
July 2, 1886.— Henry Flad 499
On the Strength of Columns : Discussing the Experiments which
have been accumulated, and proposing New Formulas.
Read at the Annual Convention, June 26, 1885. —
Thomas H. Johnson 517
Discussion on the Strength of Columns :
By James Christie 531
By Thomas H. Johnson 534
New Formula for Compression Members.
Presented April 7, 1886.— R. Krohn 53T
On the Work done for the Preservation of the Dam at Holyoke,
Mass., in 1885, and on some Studies for a New Stone Dam for
the same place.
Read February 17, 1886.— Clemens Herschel 543
340 (September.) Evaporation.
Read March 17, 1836 —Desmond FitzGerald 581
The Cause and Prevention of the Decay of Building Stone.
Read at the Annual Convention, June 21, 1885. —
Thomas Egleston eiT
Discussion on the Cause and Prevention of the Decay of Building
Stone :
By J. James R. C roes 705, 711,712, 715
By M. J. Becker 105, 709, 710
336
337
{July.)
(do.)
(do)
(do.)
339 (August.
(October.
{do.)
VI
NO. MONTH. PAGE.
341 (Ocloher) Discussion on the Cause and Prevention of the Decay of Building
Stone. (Continued.)
By J. Foster Flagg 705, 710, 711
By Francis Collingwood 706, 711
By Theodore Cooper 706
By Oberlin Smith 707
By Percival Roberts, Jb 707
By Fred. Brooks 708
By Mendes Cohen 708
By Charles B. Brush 708, 713
By William H. Bixby 709, 716
By William P. Shinn 709
By Walter Katte 710
By Thomas H. Johnson 711, 712
By D. .J. Whittemore 713
By F. G. Darlington 713, 7U
By C. J. H. Woodbury lli
By Thomas Egleston 705, 707, 708, 710, 712, 713, 715
342 (do.) Eeport of Progress by the Committee on the Compressive Strength
of Cements and the Compression of Mortars and Settlement
of Masonry.
Presented and accepted at the Annual Couveution, July
5,1886 717
343 (November.) English and American Railroads Compared. Supplementary
paper.
Read May 5, 1886.— Edward Bates Dousey 733
.... (do.) Discussion on English and American Railroads Compared :
By Edward P. North 745, 76G, 769
By M. J. Becker 745,747
By E. L. Corthell 745
By Walter Katte 745
By William H. Bixby 746
By Octave Chanute 746
By F. Collingwood 747,750
By William Sellers 747
By J. James R. Croes 747
By Thomas Egleston 747, 751
By Charles E. Goad 748, 750
By A. M. Wellington 748, 766, 769,771
By Oberlin Smith 748
By John Bogart 749
By Fred. Graff 749
By O. E. MiCHAELis 749
By Mendes Cohen 749
By J. J. de Kinder 751
By William P. Shinn 751
By Charles Latimer 751
By J. Foster Crowell 752
By G. Bouse AREN 753
By George Downe 759
By Robert L. Harris 766, 772
By H. Stanley Goodwin 766, 769
By W. Howard White 769, 770
By M. N. Forney 770
By Thomas C. Clarke 775
By Walton W. Evans 776
By Edward Bates Dors-ey 745, 746, 748, 759, 769, 772, 786
VII
NO. MOKTH. PAGE.
344 {November.) The .\mericau Liuo from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico via
JalaiJa: with Notes on the Best Methods of Surmounting High
Elevations by Rail.
Read at the Annual Convention, .July 3, 188G. —
A. M. Wellington 791
.... (do.) Discussion on American Line from Vera Cruz to the City of
Mexico:
By Robert Moore 830, 831, 836, 837, 840
By WiLLL\ii Watson 833, 834
By John B. Johnson 836
By H. H. Fillet 838. 844, 845
By Robert B. Stanton 838
By H. P. Taussig 838
By Mendes Cohen 839
By C. M. Woodward 839, 845, 846
By F. D. H. Lawlor 843
By A. M. Wellington 830, 833, 834, 836, 838, 840, 842,
844, 846, 847
345 [December.) European Sewage and Garbage Removal.
Read September 2, 1885.— W. How.\rd White 849
â– 346 {do.) A Note on the Cost of Concrete.
Read January 20, 1886.— O. E. Michaelis 873
347 (do.) The Water-works of Southington, Connecticut.
Read February 3, 188C.— Theodore H. McKenzie 885
348 (do.) Errors in Riilroad Levels.
Read March 3, 1886.— Howard V. Hinckley. .., 893
• .. . [do.) Discussion on Levels :
By L. L. Wheeler 899
By Edward P. North 900
ILLUSTRATIONS.
plate.
month.
I.
{Janicar}/.)
IL
(do)
(do.)
ni.
(do)
IV.
{do.)
{February.
V.
(March.)
VL
(do.)
VII.
(do)
vm.
(do)
IX.
{April.)
X.
{do.)
XI.
(do.)
XII.
(do.)
xm.
(do.)
paper, page
Profile of Baltimore and Ohio Railroad 318 78
Profile of Pennsylvania Railroad — Pennsylvania Rail-
road Division 318 78
Section of Road Bed, Pennsylvania Railroad 318 78
Profile of Boston and Albany Railroad 318 78
Mail of Boston and Albany Railroad and Branches... 318 78
Diagrams showing Distribution of Loading on
Bridges 320 88
Pinion, Rack Rail, Chair and Switch, Abt Railway.. 323 158
Locomotive, Abt Railway 323 162
Entering Rail. Abt Railway 323 170
Profile and Plan, Harz Railway , 323 176
Entrance to Galveston Harbor, Texas. 1880 325 294
Galveston Harbor, 1883 325 298
Details of Galveston Harbor Improvement, 1880 325 300
Chart of Galveston Harbor, 1884 325 304
Comparative Map of Galveston Harbor Improve-
ment 325 306
VIII
NO.
MONTH.
XIV.
(May.)
{do.)
(do.)
[do.)
{do.)
....
{do.)
{do.)
XV.
(do)
XVI.
(do.)
XVII.
(do.)
XVIII.
(do.)
XIX.
(do.)
XX.
(do.)
XXI.
(do.)
XXII.
(do.)
XXIII.
(do.)
XXIV.
(do.)
XXV.
(do.)
XXVI.
(do.)
XXVII.
(do.)
XXVIII.
(do.)
XXIX.
(do.)
XXX.
(do.)
XXXI.
(do.)
XXXII.
(do.)
XXXII r.
(do.)
XXXIV.
(June.)
XXXV.
(d'K)
XXXVI.
{do.)
XXXVII.
{do.)
XXXVIII.
(do.)
XXXIX.
{do.)
{do.:
{do.)
(do,)
XLI.
(July.)
XLII.
(do.)
XLIII.
(do.)
XLIV.
(do.)
XLV.
(do.)
XLVI.
(do.)
XLVII.
(do.)
XLVIII.
(do.)
XLIX.
(do.)
PAPER. PAGE.
Sketch of a Mexican Bridge built by a Common
Peon 328 346
Diagrams Illustrating Excavation and Embankment
byWaterPower 329 350'
Diagrams Illustrating Excavation and Embankment
byWaterPower 329 351
Diagrams Illustrating Excavation and Embankment
by Water Power 329 352
Diagram Illustrating Permanent Transmitting Dy-
namometer 330 358
Diagram Illustrating Flattening Railroad Curves. . . . 331 361
dj. do. do. do. 331 365
Kope and Square Shaft Travelers 332 280
do. do. do 332 380
Patent Tumbler Bearing 332 380
Movable and Floating Steam Cranes 332 380
do. do. 332 380
do. do. 332 380
do. do. 332 380
do. do. 332 380
do. do. 332 380
do. do. 332 380
Independent Hand-Power Whip Crane 332 380
Plan of Goods Shed 332 380
Plans and Sections of Steaajship America 334 388
do. do. 334 388
do. do. 334 388
do. do. 334 388
do. do. 334 388
do. do. 334 388
do. do. 334 388
Diagram of Working Stresses for Wrought-Iron
Bridge Members 335 394
Actual Ultimate Kesistance of Columns with Fixed
Ends 335 396
Actual Ultimate Resistance of Columns with Pinned
Ends 335 396
Diagram of Working Stresses by Various Formulas. . 335 398
Stress Diagrams for Iron Bridges 335 442
do do. from Wohler's Ex-
periments 335 444
Working Stresses for Wrought-Iron Bridye Mem-
bers 335 458
Diagrams Showing Distribution of Loading on
Bridges 335 476
Diagrams Showing Distribution of Loading on
Bridges 335 477
Diagram of Formula— Wrought-Iron, Flat Ends 337 536
do. do. Hinged Ends.. 337 536
do. do Round Ends . . 337 536
do. Mild Steel, Flat Ends 337 536
do. Hard Steel, Flat Ends 337 536
do. Cast-iron, Flat Ends 337 536
do. do. Round Ends 337 536
do. Oak, Flat Ends 337 536
Diagram showing relation of Wrought-Iron, Mild
Steel and Hard Steel with Flat Ends 337 536
IX
NO.
L.
LI.
MONTH.
{July )
{do.)
LII.
(August.)
Lm.
{do.)
LIV.
{do.)
LV.
{do)
LVI.
{do)
LVII.
{do.)
LVIU.
{do.)
LIX.
{do.)
LX.
{do.)
LXI.
{do.)
Lxn.
{do.)
LXIII.
{do.)
LXIV.
{do.)
LXV.
{do.)
LXVI.
{do.)
LXVII.
{do.)
LXVIII.
{do.)
LXIX.
, {do]
LXX.
{September.)
Lxxr.
{do.)
LXXII.
{do.)
LXXIII.
{do.)
LXXIV.
{do)
LXXV.
{do.)
LXXVI.
{do.)
Lxxvir.
{do.)
LXXYIII.
{do.)
LXXIX.
{do.)
LXXX.
{do.)
LXXXI.
(do.)
{October.)
{November.)
{do.)
{do.)
Lxxxir.
{do.)
Lxxxiir.
{do.)
LXXXIV.
{do.)
LXXXV.
{do.)
LXXXVI.
{do.)
{do.)
{do.)
Diagram of Actual Ultimate Besistance of Columns
with Pinned Knds
Diagram of Actual Ultimate Resistance of Columns
with Fixed Ends
Hadley Fal'.s Company's Dara, 1853
Front Face of Dam, 18fii)
Holyoke Water Power Company's Dam, 1870
Crib used in 1884
Diagram showing work done in 1885
End Piece and Cotfer Dam Used in Repairs, 1885
Section of Coffer and Planking of Dam
Buckets used to transport Gravel, Holyoke Dam
Design for a Stone Dam at Holyoke
Dam at Outlet of Croton Lake
Views of Work in Progress — Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Views of Work in Progress — Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Views of Work in Progress— Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Views of Work in Progress — Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Views of Work in Progress — Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Views of Work in Progress — Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Views of Work in Progress — Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Views of Work in Progress — Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Evaporating Pans
do.
Diagram — Influence of Heat on Evaporation
Apparatus for Recording Evaporation
do. do. do
do. do. do
Diagram of Evaporation for One Week
Hourly Temperatures of Water Surfaces
do. do. do.
Profiles of Evaporation from Tanks and Reservoirs. .
Mean Curve of Evaporation compared with Mean
Curve of Temperature
Hourly Observations
Apparatus for Measuring Chauges of Dimensions
during Hardening of Cements
Sketch of Switchback
do.
do.
Profiles of Mountain Railways
Map of Region between Vera Cruz and the City of
MexiT?o, showing Lines of Railway
Map of Line from Las Vegas Summit to Jalapa
Profile from Las Vegas to Jalapa
Map of Spiral of the Barranca Blanca
Cut Illustrating Discussion on Railway Line in
Mexico
Cut Illustrating Discussion on Railway Line in
Mexico
PAPER.
P.iGE.
337
536
337
536
339
548
339
550
339
554
339
560
339
564
339
568
339
570
339
572
339
576
339
578
339
580
339
580
339
580
339
580
339
580
339
580
339
580
339
580
340
586
340
586
340
590
340
596
340
596
340
596
340
598
340
602
340
602
340
614
340
616
340
622
342
725
344
817
344
819
344
821
344
823
344
824
344
824
344
824
344
824
344
832
344
844
NO.
MONTH.
rxxxvii.
(Decembe
LXXXVIII.
{do.)
LXXXIX.
{do.)
XC.
{do.)
XCI.
{do.)
XCII.
{do.)
XCIII.
{do)
XCIV.
{do.)
xcv.
{do)
XCVI.
{do.)
X
PAPER. PAGE.
Apparatus for Regulating Sewage Overflow 345 866
Garbage Destructor at Leeds, England 345 872
do. do. 345 872
do. do. 345 872
Storage Reservoir Dam, Southingtou, Profile 347 886
do. do. do. Section 347 886
Distributing Reservoir Dam, Southington 347 892
Gate-bouse at Distributing Reservoir, Soutliington.. 347 892
Profile of Main Supply Pipe, Soutbicgton 347 892
Map of Pipe Distribution, Town of Soutbington 347 892
ERRATA.
April, 1886. — Discussion by E. L. Cokthell on tbe Soutb Pass Jetties.
Page 270, 7tb line. — Insert the word " not " after tbe words "an engineer .who bas." Tbe
sentence will tben read: "An engineer wbo has not pursued bis way through these schools
and obtained his rank, has to remain ten years, often ten or fifteen a ' Conductor,' and tben
to j)as8 an extraordinary examination in order to be titled ' Ordinary Engineer.' "
Same page, 28tb line.— After tbe words " from among tbe," insert tbe word " Conductors "
in place of the words "Civil Engineers."
Same page. — After tbe 29tb line insert tbe following paragraph (the final paragraph re-
maining as printed):
" It must be confessed that tbe high rank of tbe Corps des Fonts et Chaussees must be
attributed to tbe system of admission through tbe best schools and admitting only the best
pupils. This system is a democratic system, its positions being given not as a privilege to
rich or noble people, but to the most able young men. Nevertheless, I believe that tbe doors
are not enough open to such engineers as succeed in educating themselves in other ways
with the intention of obtaining governmental positions. In France the tendency to be an
employe of tbe government is a general one. I believe it is not so in tbe United States, and
it proves that your people have more feeling for independence, and it is better for you."
June, 1886— Discussion by Geoege H. Pegram. Page 477. In Table, for the word Mogul,
read Class M. Page 479. Table for Case 3. Third line, fourth column, for 205 414, read
295 414.
July, 1886.— Johnson on the Strength of Columns. Page 522, in equations (6), (7) and (8),
acd page 523, in equations (15), (16) and (17), instead of tbe letter I, there should be the
Hgure 1.
July, 1886.— Discussion on The Strength of Columns, by James Christie, M. Am. Soc.
C. E. Table on Page 533. The first line referring to hard steel reads:
Hardsteel | l^Xli XJJ | 42 | 1.25 | 48 300 ] 38 610 | 93
This should read as follows:
Hardsteel | IJXlj X^| | 42 | 1.25 | 48 300 | 38 610 | 114
Mr. Christie states that the error was made original y in making the report of the tests
and not discovered till in print.
AMEEICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.
INSTITUTED 1852.
T J^^iS^ S_A CTIO N S.
Note. — This Society is not responsible, as a body, for the facts and opinions advanced in any
of its publications.
318.
(Vol. XV.— Jauuary, 1886.;
ENGLISH AND AMEEICAN EAILROADS COM-
PARED.
By Edwakd Bates Dorset, M. Am. Soc. C. E.
Bead at the ANNUAii Convention, June 24th, 1885.
With Additions Bead October 7th, 1885.
Perhaps the first thing that strikes an American engineer in railroad
traveling in England * is the inconvenience of the English * passenger
car. It should, however, be considered that this style of car suits the
exclusive and retiring character of the English; and also that very
long journeys, such as we ai'e accustomed to make, are impossible in
such a small island ; moreover, the English do not travel nearly as
much as we do, consequently the conflnemetit in a small, locked-up
* Explanatory Note. — In this paper, unless otherwise stated.
The words England or English will represent the United Kingdom, i. e., England, Scot-
land, Wales and Ireland.
The pound sterling will be considered equal to five dollars .American money.
â– The American ton contains 2 000 pounds.
The English ton contains 2 210 pounds.
The data used in this paper relating to the English railroads, were taken from the
orts of the Board of Trade of the United Kingdom, or from the reports of the different
!>oad companies.
The data relating to the American railroads were taken from the reports of the Railroad
Commissioners of the different States, Poor's Manual, and the reports of the different rail-
road companies.
For some unexplained reason, these different authorities do not always agree, conse-
quently there may be apparent errors in this paper, when comparison is made with
authority different from that from which it was originally taken.
2 DORSEY ON" ENGLISH AND AMERICAN RAILROADS.
comijartment is uot so much felt as it woiikl l)e with us in our long
journeys.
Much allowance must be made for the modern English railway
engineer. Whatever faults he may have seen in the passenger cars, lie
has been jjowerless to make any important change, except at an un-
justifiable cost. Stephenson and his colleagues mounted the old stage-
coach body on car wheels, which became the type of the i^assenger
cars ; and coal wagons that were then in use in the collieries were i)ut
on the railroad, and became the type of freight cars; and before the
conservative English character thought that they ought to be improved,
and should be changed, the trunk lines had been built, adapted to this
narrow^ and low type of rolling stock; to have made it wider and higher
later would have required the removing and reconstruction of the
masonry jjlatforms, the raising and widening of bridges and tunnels — in
fact, almost a reconstruction of the road. This will prevent the use of
our high, wide and pleasant cars. It is uot fair to blame the modern
English engineer for continuing the use of this description of cars,
which he cannot change at any justifiable expense.
Ow'ing to the extent of the United States and the apparent isolation
of our early railroads, or separation from each other (at the beginning
Ave did not think as much of continuous connections, and not breaking-
bulk as we do noAv), our engineers were comparatively free to invent
and adopt the best system according to their judgment, and later, Avhen
it became necessary to consolidate, the fittest has survived in our
2)resent system. Perhaps, OAving to our bad roads, the American stage-
coach did not come up to the American engineer's idea of hixurious or
comfortable traveling ; hence he kejjt on imjiroving, and develojied
the Pullman hotel train as run between New York and St. Louis or
Chicago, while on the good English roads this stage-coach came up to
Stephenson's ideas of comfort and luxury.
Engineering, Locating, etc.
It is evident that the English engineer was not obliged to study
economy so closely as the American in locating or constructing; judging
by the work, the former has always had at his disjiosal abundance of
time and money. The roads built by him could not have been built, as
some of onr American roads have been, at the rate of over five miles per
day; or, as some were done, by laying the rails first and afterwards
DORSET ON EXGLISH AND AMERICAN RAILROADS. 3
building the road. The English engiueer seems to have the idea that
the railroad should be built as uear a straight line and level as jjos-
sible. and is willing to spend a much larger amount to approach this
ideal iierfeetiou than the American engineer is. Consequently the Eng-
lish railroad is located much straighter, with easier curves and grades
than the American location would have been over the same ground, but
at greatly increased cost in money and time required for construction.
Kecently English engineers have introduced on their new roads curves
and grades that would have been considered impracticable by Steplien-
son and his contemporaries.
In locating railroads in England, the engineer derives much assist-
ance from the maps of the Ordnance Survey, which are so i^erfect that
the route and approximate location can be determined before going on
the ground in all the counties; while some counties are so perfectly
contoured that a location and profile could be made without a survey,
Avhich would be correct enough for preliminary jiurposes.
Special Acts of Parliament must be obtained for every new road or
branch. Before this can be applied for, much less obtained, there must
AMERICAN SOCIETY
CIYIL ENQINEEES.
(INSTITUTED 1852.)
VOL. XV.
JANUARY TO DECEMBER, lSfc6.
KE^Y YORK:
PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY.
1886.
u
V OFFICERS FOR THK YEAR E^^DING DECE3IBER 31, 1886»
' Henky Flad, President.
Thoihas C. Keefee, Thomas F. Eowland, Vice-Presidents.
John Bogaet, Secretary and Librarian.
J. James R. Ceoes, Treasurer.
George S. Geeene, Je., William E. Hutton, W. Howaed White^
Heney G. Moeeis, Charles L. Strobel, Directors.
Entered according to Act of Congress, by the Amehican Societi of Civil ENGrsEERf.. in
the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
Note— This Society ia not responsible as a body, for the facts and opinions advanced,
in any of its publications.
COjSTTEIS^TS.
PAPERS.
NO. MONTH.
318 {Januart/.)
319 {February.)
320 [do.
{do.)
321 (do.)
322 [do )
[do.)
323 (March.)
324 (do.)
325 (Ji)n7.)
PAGE.
English and American Railroads Comi)ared,
Bead at the Annual Convention, June 24, 1885.—
Edwakd Bates Doksey 1
The Disintegration of the Egyptian Obelisk in the Central Park,
New York.
Read January 20, 1886.— Thomas Egleston 79
Formulas for the Weights of Iron and Steel Railway Bridges un-
der Standard Specifications.
Presented at the Annual Convention, June 10, 1884. —
Geokge H. Pegram 85
Discussion on Weights of Bridges :
By D. J. Whiitemoee 04
By Joseph M. Wilson 95
By William R. Hutton 96
By William M. Hughes 97
By Theodoee Cooper 98, 101
By Chables Macdonald 100
By A. J. Dubois 105, 115
By J. S. Elliott U8
By W. H. Burr 121
By George H. Pegram 102, 113, 116, 120
An account of some Observations of Street Traffic.
Read December 16, 1885.— Francis V. Greene 123
Remarks on the Aeration of Water.
Read at the Annual Convention, June 26, 1885. —
Charles B. Brush 139
Discussion on the Aeration of Water :
By William E. Merrill 142, 143
By J. Foster Flagg 142
By James B. Francis 143, 145
By J. K ELSON TuBBS 143
By J . James R. Croes 144
By Emil Kuichling 145
By Ch.arles B. Brush 142, 143, 145
The Abt System of Railway for Steep Inclines.
Read October 21, 1885.— Walton W. Evans 147
Eaily Surveys and Reports in reference to the Transmission of
Trade Across the Allegheny Mountains in the State of Penn-
sylvania, known as the Allegheny Portage.
By MoNcuRE Robinson 181
Discussion on the South Pass Jetties :
By William E. Merrill 223, 321
By D. J. Whittemore 229
n 03^r2
IV
NO. MOKTH. PAGE.
325 {A})ril). Discussion on the Soiith Pass Jetties. (Continued.)
By C. B. CoMSTOCK 230
By Alfred P. Holler 232
By James C. Post 235
By Edward P. North 241
By Robert E. McMath 246
By Albert C. Savage 249
By Octave Chantjte 250
By William H. Bixby 255
By J. F. Le Baron 263
By Q. A. GiLLMOBE 266
By E. L. Corthell 269, 328
By James B. Eads 276
326 {May ) The Spongilla in Main Pipes.
Bead October 15, 1884. — Desmond FitzGerald 337
(do.) Discussion on Spongiila in Main Pipes :
By Joseph P. Davis 339
By E. B. DOBSEY 339
By J. James R. Croes 340
By Theodore Cooper 340
By John C. Campbell 340
327 (do.) On Increasing the Accuracy of a System of Magnetic Bearings of a
Siirvey.
Read November 14, 1884.— Olin H. Landreth 342
[do.) Discussion on Increasing the Accuracy of a System of Magnetic
Bearings of Survey :
By Rudolph Bering 344
By Joseph B. Davis 344
328 {do.) Mexican Bridge Construction.
Read December 17, 1884— J. Foster Flagg 345
329 {do.) Excavation and Embankment by Water Power.
Read December 17, 1884.— Edward Bates Dorsey 348
{do) Disciission on Excavation and Embankment by Water Power.
By William R. Button 356
330 (do.) Permanent Transmitting Dynamometer.
Read May 21, 1884.— Charles A. Smith 357
331 {do.) Data for Flattening the Ends of Railroad Curves.
Read November 19, 1884.— Albon P. Man, Jb 359
(do.) Discussion on Flattening the Ends of Railroad Curves :
By W. Howard White 364
By A. M. Wellington 367
332 {do.) On Cranes as Labor-Saving Machines.
Read October 17, 1883.— Charles J. Appltby 369
.... {do.) Discussion on Cranes as Labor-Saving Machines :
By Charles E. Emery 376
By RoBEET Cartwright 377
By JamfsPlatt 377, 379
By Theodore Cooper 378, 379
By William G. Hamilton 379, 380
By Robert L. Harris 379
By George S. Greene, Jr 380
By C. J. Appleby 377, 378, 380
NO.
333
MONTH.
(May.)
{do.)
(June.)
(do.)
PAGE.
Thermometer Scales.
Read March 3, 188G.— Fred. Brooks 381
The Steamship America.
Read at the Annual Convention, June 13, 1884. —
Robert Gordon 384
On Specifications for Strength of Iron Bridges.
Read at the Annual Convention, June 25, 1885. —
Joseph M. Wilson 389-
Discussion on Specifications for Strength of Iron Bridges :
By Theodore Cooper 41&
By W. Howard White 420
By a. BoDSCAKEN 427
By William H. Burr 429^
By S. W. Robinson 432
By Georhe L. Vose 444
By Joseph B.Davis 445
By George F. Swain 446
By Mace Moulton 449
By Alfred P. Roller 453
By Mansfield Merriman 455
By James G. Dagron 458
By William Sellers 459
By Edwin Thacher 461
By George H. Pegram 474
By C. C. Schneider 481
By Thomas C. Clarke 483
By Joseph M. Wilson 484
Annual Address.
Read at the Convention of the Society, Denver, Colo.,
July 2, 1886.— Henry Flad 499
On the Strength of Columns : Discussing the Experiments which
have been accumulated, and proposing New Formulas.
Read at the Annual Convention, June 26, 1885. —
Thomas H. Johnson 517
Discussion on the Strength of Columns :
By James Christie 531
By Thomas H. Johnson 534
New Formula for Compression Members.
Presented April 7, 1886.— R. Krohn 53T
On the Work done for the Preservation of the Dam at Holyoke,
Mass., in 1885, and on some Studies for a New Stone Dam for
the same place.
Read February 17, 1886.— Clemens Herschel 543
340 (September.) Evaporation.
Read March 17, 1836 —Desmond FitzGerald 581
The Cause and Prevention of the Decay of Building Stone.
Read at the Annual Convention, June 21, 1885. —
Thomas Egleston eiT
Discussion on the Cause and Prevention of the Decay of Building
Stone :
By J. James R. C roes 705, 711,712, 715
By M. J. Becker 105, 709, 710
336
337
{July.)
(do.)
(do)
(do.)
339 (August.
(October.
{do.)
VI
NO. MONTH. PAGE.
341 (Ocloher) Discussion on the Cause and Prevention of the Decay of Building
Stone. (Continued.)
By J. Foster Flagg 705, 710, 711
By Francis Collingwood 706, 711
By Theodore Cooper 706
By Oberlin Smith 707
By Percival Roberts, Jb 707
By Fred. Brooks 708
By Mendes Cohen 708
By Charles B. Brush 708, 713
By William H. Bixby 709, 716
By William P. Shinn 709
By Walter Katte 710
By Thomas H. Johnson 711, 712
By D. .J. Whittemore 713
By F. G. Darlington 713, 7U
By C. J. H. Woodbury lli
By Thomas Egleston 705, 707, 708, 710, 712, 713, 715
342 (do.) Eeport of Progress by the Committee on the Compressive Strength
of Cements and the Compression of Mortars and Settlement
of Masonry.
Presented and accepted at the Annual Couveution, July
5,1886 717
343 (November.) English and American Railroads Compared. Supplementary
paper.
Read May 5, 1886.— Edward Bates Dousey 733
.... (do.) Discussion on English and American Railroads Compared :
By Edward P. North 745, 76G, 769
By M. J. Becker 745,747
By E. L. Corthell 745
By Walter Katte 745
By William H. Bixby 746
By Octave Chanute 746
By F. Collingwood 747,750
By William Sellers 747
By J. James R. Croes 747
By Thomas Egleston 747, 751
By Charles E. Goad 748, 750
By A. M. Wellington 748, 766, 769,771
By Oberlin Smith 748
By John Bogart 749
By Fred. Graff 749
By O. E. MiCHAELis 749
By Mendes Cohen 749
By J. J. de Kinder 751
By William P. Shinn 751
By Charles Latimer 751
By J. Foster Crowell 752
By G. Bouse AREN 753
By George Downe 759
By Robert L. Harris 766, 772
By H. Stanley Goodwin 766, 769
By W. Howard White 769, 770
By M. N. Forney 770
By Thomas C. Clarke 775
By Walton W. Evans 776
By Edward Bates Dors-ey 745, 746, 748, 759, 769, 772, 786
VII
NO. MOKTH. PAGE.
344 {November.) The .\mericau Liuo from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico via
JalaiJa: with Notes on the Best Methods of Surmounting High
Elevations by Rail.
Read at the Annual Convention, .July 3, 188G. —
A. M. Wellington 791
.... (do.) Discussion on American Line from Vera Cruz to the City of
Mexico:
By Robert Moore 830, 831, 836, 837, 840
By WiLLL\ii Watson 833, 834
By John B. Johnson 836
By H. H. Fillet 838. 844, 845
By Robert B. Stanton 838
By H. P. Taussig 838
By Mendes Cohen 839
By C. M. Woodward 839, 845, 846
By F. D. H. Lawlor 843
By A. M. Wellington 830, 833, 834, 836, 838, 840, 842,
844, 846, 847
345 [December.) European Sewage and Garbage Removal.
Read September 2, 1885.— W. How.\rd White 849
â– 346 {do.) A Note on the Cost of Concrete.
Read January 20, 1886.— O. E. Michaelis 873
347 (do.) The Water-works of Southington, Connecticut.
Read February 3, 188C.— Theodore H. McKenzie 885
348 (do.) Errors in Riilroad Levels.
Read March 3, 1886.— Howard V. Hinckley. .., 893
• .. . [do.) Discussion on Levels :
By L. L. Wheeler 899
By Edward P. North 900
ILLUSTRATIONS.
plate.
month.
I.
{Janicar}/.)
IL
(do)
(do.)
ni.
(do)
IV.
{do.)
{February.
V.
(March.)
VL
(do.)
VII.
(do)
vm.
(do)
IX.
{April.)
X.
{do.)
XI.
(do.)
XII.
(do.)
xm.
(do.)
paper, page
Profile of Baltimore and Ohio Railroad 318 78
Profile of Pennsylvania Railroad — Pennsylvania Rail-
road Division 318 78
Section of Road Bed, Pennsylvania Railroad 318 78
Profile of Boston and Albany Railroad 318 78
Mail of Boston and Albany Railroad and Branches... 318 78
Diagrams showing Distribution of Loading on
Bridges 320 88
Pinion, Rack Rail, Chair and Switch, Abt Railway.. 323 158
Locomotive, Abt Railway 323 162
Entering Rail. Abt Railway 323 170
Profile and Plan, Harz Railway , 323 176
Entrance to Galveston Harbor, Texas. 1880 325 294
Galveston Harbor, 1883 325 298
Details of Galveston Harbor Improvement, 1880 325 300
Chart of Galveston Harbor, 1884 325 304
Comparative Map of Galveston Harbor Improve-
ment 325 306
VIII
NO.
MONTH.
XIV.
(May.)
{do.)
(do.)
[do.)
{do.)
....
{do.)
{do.)
XV.
(do)
XVI.
(do.)
XVII.
(do.)
XVIII.
(do.)
XIX.
(do.)
XX.
(do.)
XXI.
(do.)
XXII.
(do.)
XXIII.
(do.)
XXIV.
(do.)
XXV.
(do.)
XXVI.
(do.)
XXVII.
(do.)
XXVIII.
(do.)
XXIX.
(do.)
XXX.
(do.)
XXXI.
(do.)
XXXII.
(do.)
XXXII r.
(do.)
XXXIV.
(June.)
XXXV.
(d'K)
XXXVI.
{do.)
XXXVII.
{do.)
XXXVIII.
(do.)
XXXIX.
{do.)
{do.:
{do.)
(do,)
XLI.
(July.)
XLII.
(do.)
XLIII.
(do.)
XLIV.
(do.)
XLV.
(do.)
XLVI.
(do.)
XLVII.
(do.)
XLVIII.
(do.)
XLIX.
(do.)
PAPER. PAGE.
Sketch of a Mexican Bridge built by a Common
Peon 328 346
Diagrams Illustrating Excavation and Embankment
byWaterPower 329 350'
Diagrams Illustrating Excavation and Embankment
byWaterPower 329 351
Diagrams Illustrating Excavation and Embankment
by Water Power 329 352
Diagram Illustrating Permanent Transmitting Dy-
namometer 330 358
Diagram Illustrating Flattening Railroad Curves. . . . 331 361
dj. do. do. do. 331 365
Kope and Square Shaft Travelers 332 280
do. do. do 332 380
Patent Tumbler Bearing 332 380
Movable and Floating Steam Cranes 332 380
do. do. 332 380
do. do. 332 380
do. do. 332 380
do. do. 332 380
do. do. 332 380
do. do. 332 380
Independent Hand-Power Whip Crane 332 380
Plan of Goods Shed 332 380
Plans and Sections of Steaajship America 334 388
do. do. 334 388
do. do. 334 388
do. do. 334 388
do. do. 334 388
do. do. 334 388
do. do. 334 388
Diagram of Working Stresses for Wrought-Iron
Bridge Members 335 394
Actual Ultimate Kesistance of Columns with Fixed
Ends 335 396
Actual Ultimate Resistance of Columns with Pinned
Ends 335 396
Diagram of Working Stresses by Various Formulas. . 335 398
Stress Diagrams for Iron Bridges 335 442
do do. from Wohler's Ex-
periments 335 444
Working Stresses for Wrought-Iron Bridye Mem-
bers 335 458
Diagrams Showing Distribution of Loading on
Bridges 335 476
Diagrams Showing Distribution of Loading on
Bridges 335 477
Diagram of Formula— Wrought-Iron, Flat Ends 337 536
do. do. Hinged Ends.. 337 536
do. do Round Ends . . 337 536
do. Mild Steel, Flat Ends 337 536
do. Hard Steel, Flat Ends 337 536
do. Cast-iron, Flat Ends 337 536
do. do. Round Ends 337 536
do. Oak, Flat Ends 337 536
Diagram showing relation of Wrought-Iron, Mild
Steel and Hard Steel with Flat Ends 337 536
IX
NO.
L.
LI.
MONTH.
{July )
{do.)
LII.
(August.)
Lm.
{do.)
LIV.
{do.)
LV.
{do)
LVI.
{do)
LVII.
{do.)
LVIU.
{do.)
LIX.
{do.)
LX.
{do.)
LXI.
{do.)
Lxn.
{do.)
LXIII.
{do.)
LXIV.
{do.)
LXV.
{do.)
LXVI.
{do.)
LXVII.
{do.)
LXVIII.
{do.)
LXIX.
, {do]
LXX.
{September.)
Lxxr.
{do.)
LXXII.
{do.)
LXXIII.
{do.)
LXXIV.
{do)
LXXV.
{do.)
LXXVI.
{do.)
Lxxvir.
{do.)
LXXYIII.
{do.)
LXXIX.
{do.)
LXXX.
{do.)
LXXXI.
(do.)
{October.)
{November.)
{do.)
{do.)
Lxxxir.
{do.)
Lxxxiir.
{do.)
LXXXIV.
{do.)
LXXXV.
{do.)
LXXXVI.
{do.)
{do.)
{do.)
Diagram of Actual Ultimate Besistance of Columns
with Pinned Knds
Diagram of Actual Ultimate Resistance of Columns
with Fixed Ends
Hadley Fal'.s Company's Dara, 1853
Front Face of Dam, 18fii)
Holyoke Water Power Company's Dam, 1870
Crib used in 1884
Diagram showing work done in 1885
End Piece and Cotfer Dam Used in Repairs, 1885
Section of Coffer and Planking of Dam
Buckets used to transport Gravel, Holyoke Dam
Design for a Stone Dam at Holyoke
Dam at Outlet of Croton Lake
Views of Work in Progress — Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Views of Work in Progress — Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Views of Work in Progress— Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Views of Work in Progress — Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Views of Work in Progress — Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Views of Work in Progress — Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Views of Work in Progress — Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Views of Work in Progress — Preservation of Holyoke
Dam
Evaporating Pans
do.
Diagram — Influence of Heat on Evaporation
Apparatus for Recording Evaporation
do. do. do
do. do. do
Diagram of Evaporation for One Week
Hourly Temperatures of Water Surfaces
do. do. do.
Profiles of Evaporation from Tanks and Reservoirs. .
Mean Curve of Evaporation compared with Mean
Curve of Temperature
Hourly Observations
Apparatus for Measuring Chauges of Dimensions
during Hardening of Cements
Sketch of Switchback
do.
do.
Profiles of Mountain Railways
Map of Region between Vera Cruz and the City of
MexiT?o, showing Lines of Railway
Map of Line from Las Vegas Summit to Jalapa
Profile from Las Vegas to Jalapa
Map of Spiral of the Barranca Blanca
Cut Illustrating Discussion on Railway Line in
Mexico
Cut Illustrating Discussion on Railway Line in
Mexico
PAPER.
P.iGE.
337
536
337
536
339
548
339
550
339
554
339
560
339
564
339
568
339
570
339
572
339
576
339
578
339
580
339
580
339
580
339
580
339
580
339
580
339
580
339
580
340
586
340
586
340
590
340
596
340
596
340
596
340
598
340
602
340
602
340
614
340
616
340
622
342
725
344
817
344
819
344
821
344
823
344
824
344
824
344
824
344
824
344
832
344
844
NO.
MONTH.
rxxxvii.
(Decembe
LXXXVIII.
{do.)
LXXXIX.
{do.)
XC.
{do.)
XCI.
{do.)
XCII.
{do.)
XCIII.
{do)
XCIV.
{do.)
xcv.
{do)
XCVI.
{do.)
X
PAPER. PAGE.
Apparatus for Regulating Sewage Overflow 345 866
Garbage Destructor at Leeds, England 345 872
do. do. 345 872
do. do. 345 872
Storage Reservoir Dam, Southingtou, Profile 347 886
do. do. do. Section 347 886
Distributing Reservoir Dam, Southington 347 892
Gate-bouse at Distributing Reservoir, Soutliington.. 347 892
Profile of Main Supply Pipe, Soutbicgton 347 892
Map of Pipe Distribution, Town of Soutbington 347 892
ERRATA.
April, 1886. — Discussion by E. L. Cokthell on tbe Soutb Pass Jetties.
Page 270, 7tb line. — Insert the word " not " after tbe words "an engineer .who bas." Tbe
sentence will tben read: "An engineer wbo has not pursued bis way through these schools
and obtained his rank, has to remain ten years, often ten or fifteen a ' Conductor,' and tben
to j)as8 an extraordinary examination in order to be titled ' Ordinary Engineer.' "
Same page, 28tb line.— After tbe words " from among tbe," insert tbe word " Conductors "
in place of the words "Civil Engineers."
Same page. — After tbe 29tb line insert tbe following paragraph (the final paragraph re-
maining as printed):
" It must be confessed that tbe high rank of tbe Corps des Fonts et Chaussees must be
attributed to tbe system of admission through tbe best schools and admitting only the best
pupils. This system is a democratic system, its positions being given not as a privilege to
rich or noble people, but to the most able young men. Nevertheless, I believe that tbe doors
are not enough open to such engineers as succeed in educating themselves in other ways
with the intention of obtaining governmental positions. In France the tendency to be an
employe of tbe government is a general one. I believe it is not so in tbe United States, and
it proves that your people have more feeling for independence, and it is better for you."
June, 1886— Discussion by Geoege H. Pegram. Page 477. In Table, for the word Mogul,
read Class M. Page 479. Table for Case 3. Third line, fourth column, for 205 414, read
295 414.
July, 1886.— Johnson on the Strength of Columns. Page 522, in equations (6), (7) and (8),
acd page 523, in equations (15), (16) and (17), instead of tbe letter I, there should be the
Hgure 1.
July, 1886.— Discussion on The Strength of Columns, by James Christie, M. Am. Soc.
C. E. Table on Page 533. The first line referring to hard steel reads:
Hardsteel | l^Xli XJJ | 42 | 1.25 | 48 300 ] 38 610 | 93
This should read as follows:
Hardsteel | IJXlj X^| | 42 | 1.25 | 48 300 | 38 610 | 114
Mr. Christie states that the error was made original y in making the report of the tests
and not discovered till in print.
AMEEICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.
INSTITUTED 1852.
T J^^iS^ S_A CTIO N S.
Note. — This Society is not responsible, as a body, for the facts and opinions advanced in any
of its publications.
318.
(Vol. XV.— Jauuary, 1886.;
ENGLISH AND AMEEICAN EAILROADS COM-
PARED.
By Edwakd Bates Dorset, M. Am. Soc. C. E.
Bead at the ANNUAii Convention, June 24th, 1885.
With Additions Bead October 7th, 1885.
Perhaps the first thing that strikes an American engineer in railroad
traveling in England * is the inconvenience of the English * passenger
car. It should, however, be considered that this style of car suits the
exclusive and retiring character of the English; and also that very
long journeys, such as we ai'e accustomed to make, are impossible in
such a small island ; moreover, the English do not travel nearly as
much as we do, consequently the conflnemetit in a small, locked-up
* Explanatory Note. — In this paper, unless otherwise stated.
The words England or English will represent the United Kingdom, i. e., England, Scot-
land, Wales and Ireland.
The pound sterling will be considered equal to five dollars .American money.
â– The American ton contains 2 000 pounds.
The English ton contains 2 210 pounds.
The data used in this paper relating to the English railroads, were taken from the
orts of the Board of Trade of the United Kingdom, or from the reports of the different
!>oad companies.
The data relating to the American railroads were taken from the reports of the Railroad
Commissioners of the different States, Poor's Manual, and the reports of the different rail-
road companies.
For some unexplained reason, these different authorities do not always agree, conse-
quently there may be apparent errors in this paper, when comparison is made with
authority different from that from which it was originally taken.
2 DORSEY ON" ENGLISH AND AMERICAN RAILROADS.
comijartment is uot so much felt as it woiikl l)e with us in our long
journeys.
Much allowance must be made for the modern English railway
engineer. Whatever faults he may have seen in the passenger cars, lie
has been jjowerless to make any important change, except at an un-
justifiable cost. Stephenson and his colleagues mounted the old stage-
coach body on car wheels, which became the type of the i^assenger
cars ; and coal wagons that were then in use in the collieries were i)ut
on the railroad, and became the type of freight cars; and before the
conservative English character thought that they ought to be improved,
and should be changed, the trunk lines had been built, adapted to this
narrow^ and low type of rolling stock; to have made it wider and higher
later would have required the removing and reconstruction of the
masonry jjlatforms, the raising and widening of bridges and tunnels — in
fact, almost a reconstruction of the road. This will prevent the use of
our high, wide and pleasant cars. It is uot fair to blame the modern
English engineer for continuing the use of this description of cars,
which he cannot change at any justifiable expense.
Ow'ing to the extent of the United States and the apparent isolation
of our early railroads, or separation from each other (at the beginning
Ave did not think as much of continuous connections, and not breaking-
bulk as we do noAv), our engineers were comparatively free to invent
and adopt the best system according to their judgment, and later, Avhen
it became necessary to consolidate, the fittest has survived in our
2)resent system. Perhaps, OAving to our bad roads, the American stage-
coach did not come up to the American engineer's idea of hixurious or
comfortable traveling ; hence he kejjt on imjiroving, and develojied
the Pullman hotel train as run between New York and St. Louis or
Chicago, while on the good English roads this stage-coach came up to
Stephenson's ideas of comfort and luxury.
Engineering, Locating, etc.
It is evident that the English engineer was not obliged to study
economy so closely as the American in locating or constructing; judging
by the work, the former has always had at his disjiosal abundance of
time and money. The roads built by him could not have been built, as
some of onr American roads have been, at the rate of over five miles per
day; or, as some were done, by laying the rails first and afterwards
DORSET ON EXGLISH AND AMERICAN RAILROADS. 3
building the road. The English engiueer seems to have the idea that
the railroad should be built as uear a straight line and level as jjos-
sible. and is willing to spend a much larger amount to approach this
ideal iierfeetiou than the American engineer is. Consequently the Eng-
lish railroad is located much straighter, with easier curves and grades
than the American location would have been over the same ground, but
at greatly increased cost in money and time required for construction.
Kecently English engineers have introduced on their new roads curves
and grades that would have been considered impracticable by Steplien-
son and his contemporaries.
In locating railroads in England, the engineer derives much assist-
ance from the maps of the Ordnance Survey, which are so i^erfect that
the route and approximate location can be determined before going on
the ground in all the counties; while some counties are so perfectly
contoured that a location and profile could be made without a survey,
Avhich would be correct enough for preliminary jiurposes.
Special Acts of Parliament must be obtained for every new road or
branch. Before this can be applied for, much less obtained, there must
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