4 1 o Telephone Systems of the Continent of Europe 



earth-plate, it can scarcely afford relief from the results of polari- 

 sation of earth-plates, which is likely to be as marked at two 

 different columns, some of which are close to the electric tramway, 

 as at two different subscribers' stations. With an ordinary single- 

 wire switch-board it would be altogether useless, since when two 

 subscribers are connected their doubling back wires would be 

 cut off at the exchange, and when they are not connected the 

 amount of disturbance present is immaterial. In such a case 

 it would answer equally well to earth the second wire of each 

 metallic loop at the columns, preserving the usual working earth 

 at the exchange. The columns need no staying, however 

 unequally they may be loaded. Fig. 147 shows the column 

 erected at Stadelhofen Platz, Zurich ; it is seventy-five feet in 

 height, and weighs seven tons. Such columns are certainly more 

 expensive to erect than creosoted poles, but once up, a yearly 

 coat of colour will preserve them indefinitely. The Zurich 

 columns are nicely painted, and, so far from being eyesores, are 

 considered to be ornamental by the public and residents in their 

 neighbourhood, and with reason. Fig. 148 gives an idea of three 

 other distributing fixtures in Zurich, located respectively on a 

 railway shed, a church, and a warm-spring house. The same 

 system of underground work and distribution has already been 

 commenced in Berne and Lucerne ; and Lausanne, Geneva, and 

 Basle are being arranged for. The overhead work in the Swiss 

 towns consists no aerial cables are used of 1-25 mm. bronze 

 wire, supported on small double-shed insulators. All joints are 

 soldered. The standards are built up of U, L, and T iron. A 

 single standard for thirty wires is shown in fig. 149. The upright 

 is of two U irons bolted together, while the T iron arms are 

 stiffened by two vertical pieces of smaller U section, which are 

 likewise connected to the main upright by L iron brackets. 

 Fig. 150 shows one face and plan of a four-faced junction 

 standard employed at the meeting of several routes. There are 

 also double and triple standards, amplifications in all essential 

 details of Fig. 149. The Swiss standards are always taken through, 

 and rigidly fastened to, the roofs ; they are of strong construction, 

 well stayed, and of neat appearance. They are usually connected 

 to earth as a precaution against lightning. None of the exchange 



