220 ANNALS OF THE ROAD. 



Having spoken of air, I beg leave to observe that one 

 of the first mechanics of the day is now actively employed 

 in experiments to produce a propelling power by the aid 

 of this element, which shall be available to the draught of 

 carriages, and in which he indulges the most sanguine 

 expectations of success. How far the introduction of it, 

 as a substitute for horses, may be beneficial to such an 

 agricultural country as this, I leave wiser heads to deter- 

 mine, and there will be plenty of time to consider the 

 point. Should, however, any man have proposed a 

 wager, even twenty years ago, that we should live to see 

 the time when a coachman shall drive a coach a hun- 

 dred miles a day, for two years in succession, without 

 resting one day, the odds would have been much against 

 him, if the task had not been deemed beyond human 

 exertion. A man by the name of Thoronghgood, how- 

 ever, has done it, for more than two years, on the 

 Norwich ' Times,' and we must admit that he is not 

 badly named. 



It is something remarkable, that, when writing on 

 the subject of air, a balloon was hovering majestically 

 over my head. I arose to look at it, but the sight 

 afforded me neither satisfaction nor pleasure, and I wish 

 a stop were put to these aerial travellers. We are, per- 

 haps wisely, denied a road through the elements, lest our 

 curiosity might tempt us to soar too high ; and as to the 

 art of ballooning, there is nothing in it. The very hum- 

 blest grub sets us the example ; for, though the gossamer 

 spider is heavier than the air that surrounds her, yet the 

 web she weaves is so much lighter that she travels upon it 



