CHAP. XII. CHAT MOSS DESCRIBED. 210 



CHAPTER XII. 







CHAT Moss CONSTRUCTION OF THE BAELWAY. 



THE selection of principal engineer of the railway was 

 taken into consideration at the first meeting of the 

 directors held at Liverpool subsequent to the passing of 

 the Act of incorporation. The magnitude of the pro- 

 posed works, and the vast consequences involved in the 

 experiment, were deeply impressed upon their minds ; 

 and they resolved to secure the services of a resident 

 engineer of proved experience and ability. Their atten- 

 tion was naturally directed to Mr. Stephenson ; at the 

 same time they desired to have the benefit of the Messrs. 

 Rennie's professional assistance in superintending the 

 works. Mr. George Rennie had an interview with the 

 board on the subject, at which he proposed to undertake 

 the chief superintendence, making six visits in each year, 

 and stipulating that he should have the appointment of 

 the resident engineer. But the responsibility attaching 

 to the direction in the matter of the efficient carrying 

 on of the works, would not admit of their being in- 

 fluenced by ordinary punctilios on the occasion ; and 

 they accordingly declined Mr. Rennie's proposal, and 

 proceeded to appoint Mr. Stephenson their principal I 

 engineer at a salary of 1000/. per annum. / 



He at once removed his residence to Liverpool, and 

 made arrangements to commence the works. He began 

 with the " impossible thing " to do that which the 

 most distinguished engineers of the day had declared 1 

 that " no man in his senses would undertake to do " 

 namely, to make the road over Chat Moss ! It was \ 

 indeed a most formidable undertaking ; and the project 



