72 Hope Bridges in India. 



they derive from the tension, which is obtained by means of 

 purchases appUed to a most ingenious combination of tarred 

 coir ropes of various sizes, lessening as they approach the 

 centre. These form the foundation for the pathway, and are 

 overlaid with a light split bamboo frame- work. The whole 

 of this part of the fabric is a fine specimen of ingenuity and 

 mathematical application. One great advantage it possesses 

 is, that if by any accident one of the ropes should break, it 

 might be replaced in a quarter of an hour, without any injury 

 to the bridge. It is impossible in this article to give so par- 

 ticular a description as to render its minute parts clear, nor 

 in fact can any description do so unaccompanied by the plan. 



The chief principle of its construction is the perpendicular 

 action of its weight, a principle obviously of paramount neces- 

 sity in this country, where the soil is so loose, and offers so 

 little' resistance — and moi'e particularly in relation to the spe- 

 cific purpose for which they were invented. The whole weight 

 of the bridge, therefore, resting on two single points, so far 

 separated, and unassisted either by pier-head or abutment, 

 rendered its construction a matter of extreme delicacy, and it 

 has been effected in a manner reflecting the highest credit on 

 the genius of the inventor. The combination of lightness 

 with security, and the adaptation, to the utmost nicety, of the 

 required proportionate strength to the parts, form its chief 

 characteristics. The tension power is wholly independent of 

 the suspension. 



The bridge which was placed during the last rains over the 

 Berai torrent was 160 feet between the points of suspension, 

 with a road-way of nine feet, and was opened for unrestricted 

 use, excepting heavy-loaded carts. The mails and banghees 

 passed regularly over it, and were by its means forwarded 

 when they would otherwise have been detained for several 

 days. The last rainy season was the most severe within the 

 last fifty years, and yet the bridge not only continued service- 

 able thx'oughout, but on taking it to pieces it was found in a 

 perfect state of repair. The bridge intended for the Caram- 

 nassa is 320 feet span between the points of suspension, with 

 a clear width of eight feet. It is in other respects the same 

 as the Berai torrent bridge. A six-pounder passes over with 

 ease ; six horsemen also passed over together, and at a round 

 pace, with perfect safety. 



We have no doubt but that these bridges will eventually 

 become general. During the rains there will be three of 

 them on the great military north-west road to Benares, and 

 we feel satisfied their utility will be finally established at the 

 conclusion of the season. — Calcutta John Bull. 



RUSSIAN 



