PASSENGER CARRIAGES. 



on which the engine -driver stands is now in variably surrounded and 

 covered so as to shelter the engine-driver from the inclemency of the 

 M'eather, from the cold, wind, and snow in winter, and the scorch- 

 ing rays of the sun in summer. This covering is glazed at the front 

 and the sides, so as to enable the driver to see the line before him, 

 and at either side, and to prevent, at the same time, the blinding 

 effect of rain, snow, or sleet. He is thus always enabled to act with 

 promptitude and energy in case of any accident or emergency. 



24. All passenger- carriages on these lines, which make long 

 trips of above twelve hours, are furnished at one extremity with a 

 saloon for ladies only, supplied with sofas, chairs, and all the 

 necessary comforts and conveniences. 



The form and structure of the carriages is a source of consider- 

 able economy in the working of the lines. The passenger carriages 

 are not distinguished, as in Europe, by different modes of pro- 

 viding for the ease and comfort of the traveller. There are no 

 first, second, and third classes. All are first class, or rather all 

 are of the same class. The carriage consists of a long body like 

 that of a London omnibus, but much wider, and twice or thrice 

 the length. The doors of exit and entrance are at each end ; a 

 line of windows being placed at each side, similar exactly to those 

 of an omnibus. Along the centre of this species of caravan is an 

 alley or passage, just wide enough to allow one person to walk 

 from end to end. On either side of this alley are seats for the 

 passengers, extending crossways. Each seat accommodates two 

 persons ; four sitting in each row, two at each side of the alley. 

 There are from fifteen to twenty of these seats, so that the carriage 

 accommodates from sixty to eighty passengers. In cold weather, a 

 small stove is placed near the centre of the carriage, the smoke-pipe 

 of which passes out through the roof ; and a good lamp is placed 

 at each end for illumination during the night; The vehicle is thus 

 perfectly lighted and warmed. The seats are cushioned ; and 

 their backs, consisting of a simple padded board, about six inches 

 broad, are so supported that the passenger may at his pleasure turn 

 them either way, so as to turn his face or his back to the engine. For 

 the convenience of ladies who travel unaccompanied by gentlemen, 

 or who otherwise desire to be apart, a small room, appropriately 

 furnished, is sometimes attached at the end of the carriage, admis- 

 sion to which is forbidden to gentlemen. 



25. It will occur at once to the engineer, that vehicles of such 

 extraordinary length would require a railway absolutely straight ; 

 it would be impossible to move them through any portion of a line 

 which has sensible curvature. Curves which would be altogether 

 inadmissible on any European line are nevertheless admitted in 

 the construction of American railways without difficulty or hesi- 



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