Introductory 3 



small share in the real and permanent progress of the British 

 people, bestowed only a passing reference and sometimes 

 not even that on questions of trade and transport which 

 have played a far more important part in our social and 

 national advancement. 



The history of railways has already been told by various 

 writers. But the history of railways is only the last chapter 

 in the history of inland transport and communication ; 

 and, though that last chapter is of paramount importance, 

 and will here receive full recognition, it is essential that those 

 who would form a clear idea of the position as a whole should 

 begin the story at the beginning, and trace the course of events 

 leading up to the conditions as they exist to-day. 



