93 Timehri. 



In comparing any two lines the cost of construction can be closely 

 estimated from the results of the surveys ; but in order that the com- 

 parison may be complete, a certain probable traffic must be assumed, and 

 the effect of the cost of handling this, of the curvature, rise and fall, rate 

 of grade, etc., estimated and proper allowance made therefore, as also for 

 any additional cost of maintenance of one line over the other. 



The reconnaissance for detail may be divided into two parts. The 

 first, a rapid, through examination of the country by the locating engi- 

 neer (the man who will actually have charge of the party in the field), 

 that he may familiarize himself with the general broad features of the 

 country, the scheme of drainage, the various roads and trails, camping 

 places ; etc. The second, the true reconnaissance for detail, which will 

 usually proceed with the survey, being kept only sufficiently ahead of it 

 to determine where the preliminary lines should be run. 



The desirability of arranging for a preliminary trip over the line by 

 the locating engineer, before the party gets into the field, can hardly be 

 too strongly emphasized, as the knowledge of the general situation and of 

 the country, thus obtained, is invaluable in planning the work of the 

 party. It is a too general practice to start a locating engineer out with 

 a party, and because either it is not properly organised or equipped, or 

 because there is no competent assistant who can take charge of it in his 

 absence, have him tied down to details of the surveys so that he never 

 sees anything a half a mile away from the line he is running, and often 

 spends the time of the party and consequently the money of his employers, 

 doing a good deal of unnecessary, unprofitable work. 



As stated clearly by the late A. M. Wellington, the reconnaissance 

 should be of an area and not of a line. The whole range of country be- 

 tween two governing points which may be ten miles apart, or a hundred, 

 must be thoroughly examined and its general characteristics, especially 

 the drainage, thoroughly familiarised to the locating engineer. 



