IX. — Notes ox Railroad Location and Construction in 

 Eastern Canada. — By Wm. B. Mackenzie, Assistant 

 Engineer I. C. Railvxiy, Moncton, K. B., Canada. 



Reconnaissance. — It has been said that the engineer who can 

 condnct a reconnaissance properly, is l;)orn, not made. He must 

 have an eye for country, and depend mainly on his own natural 

 tact and a judgment matured by experience. 



Provided with the best available map of the country — the 

 geological maps are the best so far published — one or more baro- 

 meters, and a jDOcket-compass, the engineer notes the governing 

 points and takes their height with the barometer. Two should 

 be used, the readings being taken simultaneously at a series of 

 intervals previously agreed upon. 



While serving as a general guide, only approx. heights can be 

 obtained by the Ijarometer. One instrument alone should never 

 be depended upon. 



Sometimes when following a stream it is scarcel}^ possible to go 

 far astray, but when the waters run about at right angles to the 

 line, the difficulties are much increased. Then the lowest points 

 on the ridges and the highest banks at stream-crossings must be 

 sought. Several routes are examined, that promising the greatest 

 ultimate economy being generally selected, although, sometimes, 

 for political and other equally reprehensible reasons, the best line 

 is adorned with " curves of beauty," to the eventual discredit of 

 the locating engineer, although he may be in no wise responsible 

 for the mischief. 



There is always one best line between any two points, and, 

 generally speaking, not one-quarter enough money is spent in 

 seeking it. The extra cost of the construction of the one not the 

 best, like the sea-captain's mule-hire, " is there, but you can't 

 see it." Some expert, standing on the platform of a Pullman 

 car, 50 years after, may see it, when the country will have been 

 cleared of wood, and the eye takes in miles at a glance. 



(Ill) 



