IV PREFACE 



language was not fully mastered, and, having been but a few 

 years in tbis country, he was not familiar with what had been 

 accomplished here in previous years. The latter fault was 

 remedied as far as possible by a careful consultation of the 

 Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the 

 volumes of Engineering News, and of other periodicals, with 

 all of which the writer made very free use. The writer has 

 received much assistance from his friends in the preparation of 

 the manuscript, and takes this opportunity to thank them for 

 their trouble and encouragement It is his wish, however, to 

 give special thanks to Mr. Charles S. Hill, Associate Editor 

 Engineering News, whose suggestions and criticisms led to many 

 changes and additions, and extended the scope of the book. 



CHARLES 

 February, 1901. 



