198 Miscellanies. 
the slightest approach to any feeling that would lead me to suppose that 
four or five times the _ Velocity would disable the engineer from direc 
and managing the train. Such was the result of my own observations, 
and it was — borne = by the experience of the men. I may cite two 
instances o! urrence. When the train arrives at the foot of 
; of one of | 6 inc inclines, the banking engine follows to assist it up. Now 
_ one would be apt to imagine, that for the purpose of attaching the new 
engine, the train would stop, or that if it did not, there would be a con+ € 
cussion when the banking engine comes in contact. So completely how- 
ever are these powerful engines under the control of their directors, and 
so well are they managed, that a passenger in the train who is not aware 
of what is going on from ocular perception, is altogether unconscious of 
any change. I frequently watched this operation, but on no occasion 
could T perceive the slightest shock, even when situated only one or two 
es from the end of the train 
Jn one occasion the banking engine had got before us on the incline ; 
0k king of it on in such a situation was a much severer't test we ae 
we : o fally | twenty five smile an hour. The banking engine 
aioe ekched its rate and allowed the train to gain upon it, until 
it could be hooked on,—that done, more steam was given and we pro- 
ceeded d with its assistance, yet not the slightest shock was felt in the train. 
Twenty fi five miles an hour is 
ry 1 rand again I saw bees not merely keep pace with 
7 d across the coach, and that not by help of any current 
air which Sr might be supposed generated, but : at several feet distance from 
the train. ~ imens of la grandis kept up with 
us over half a mile; while ‘the smaller birds, such as the linnet, were una- 
ble to cope with the steam. One I almost caught, which while flying 
with all its might, remained opposite to the window for a few seconds. If 
a rail road be regarded only as a means of communication between two 
distant towns, I should have no hesitation in saying that a rate even of 
_ one hundred miles per hour could be maintained with perfect safety to 
the passengers ; but it is different if passengers have to be let out at sta- 
tions along the line, for then the trouble and expense of stopping the trains. 
comes to be considered, An average of about three minutes is consumed 
by hyd de including the gaboning and regaining of spect before and 
the power of managing the apparatus is 
= made a :. ha g 
"WR. Ou the Gases contained. in the Blood, etd on. Respiration; = 
My G. Macnvs.—M, sed ne remarks —_ t remains a question whether oA 
of a part of the 
ye. | 
