660 



REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1:889. 



pyramidal in shape, were cast ou the bottom of the tram rail at the 

 points where the stone supports came under the rail, the joiuts being 

 dovetailed into each other; the need of any other form of joint fixture 

 was thus dispensed with. These rails were about 5 inches wide, and 

 weighed 42 pounds per yard. 



Fig. 30 is from a model of a cast rail patented by Losh and George 

 Stephenson, of Killingsworth, England, in 1810. A half-lap joint was 

 used, through which a horizontal pin was passed transversely and 



Fig. 30. 



Edge Kail. Patented by Lush and Stephenson, laid on Stockton and Darlington Railroad, 



1825. (1816.) 



(From model in the U. S. National Museum. ) 



joined the rails together, at the same time fastening tuein to the cast- 

 iron chair. A large portion of the Stockton and Darlington Railroad 

 was laid with this rail in 1825. 



ROLLED IRON KAILS INTRODUCED. 



Early in this century inventive genius increased the power of the 

 stationary engine and the efficiency of the steam blast and of the ma- 

 chinery for working and handling iron. 



The puddling furnace, first used in 1784, was radically improved by 

 Henry Cort about the beginning of the century. He also invented and 

 introduced the rolling mill about the same time, so that it became pos- 



Fig. 31. 

 Lord Carlisle's Wrought-Iron Kail. (1811.) 



( From model in the I'. s National Museum. ) 



sible to roll iron rails cheaply. These were at first rolled in lengths of 

 about 12 feet. Drawings from the models of the early English rolled 

 rails are shown. 



Fig. 31 is a bar rail laid in Lord Carlisle's quarries, 1811. 



Fig. 32, wrought iron rail, patented 1820, by John Birkeushaw, of 

 the Bedlington Iron Works, England. A clause in the patent specifi- 



Fig. 32. 

 Wrouc.ht-Iron Rail, Patented by John Birkenshaw. i 1820.) 



(From model in the V S National Museum. ) 



cations reads: u The upper surface to be slightly convex to reduce 

 friction. The upper part to rest on supporting blocks, chairs, and 



