SCHUYLKILL PERMANENT BRIDGE. 



27 



sonry, and modes of securing the dams; and several 

 improvements in the plan of the frame, which were 

 adopted by Mr. Palmer; and occasioned a material dif- 

 ference from those in New England^ and elsewhere, 

 erected on similar principles. 



The President's proposition and general design of 

 the cover, were approved, and reported, by the com- 

 mittee. The opinions of a very great proportion o,f 

 the Stockholders were at first opposed to this measure ; 

 though when perfectly understood, it was unanimously 

 agreed to. Its novelty excited doubts and apprehensi- 

 ons, which time, and many violent assaults from storms, 

 have proved to have been groundless. It will long re- 

 main an example for future similar undertakings ; and 

 is the only covered wooden bridge in the world, a much 

 inferior one over the Li?mnat, in the north of Europe, 

 excepted. 



Mr. Adam Traquair has merit in the draft of the co- 

 ver, which he assisted to delineate. It was executed 

 with singular fidelity and credit, by Mr. Otven Biddle, 

 an ingenious carpenter and aixhitect of Philadelphia; 

 who made additions to the design. He has published 

 an architectural work, entitled " The Young Carpen- 

 ter's Assistant;" useful as an elementary guide, and 

 which should be encouraged as an American production. 

 In it will be seen a plate of this bridge, and a concise 

 account of it ; some parts whereof are herein repeated. 



The whole of the masonry was performed by Mr. 

 Thomas Vickers, who possesses not only integrity and 

 practical skill, but is firm, constant, and prudently bold, 

 in hazardous undertakings. His exertions were con- 

 spicuous on every emergency and casualty attending 



