318 Economy of Fuel. 



roads, has already rivalled, if not greatly surpassed, our achieve- 

 ments in steam navigation. It is however, probable that the maxi- 

 mum of useful effect, has been nearly attained in both these depart- 

 ments, vi^hich, when practically considered, will be found auxiliaries, 

 rather than rivals, to each other. The art of obtaining the full power 

 of steam, and of applying it to the purpose of locomotion on a fluid 

 which sustains the load and affords sufficient reaction for the mov- 

 ing power, is now well understood ; and in regard to railroads it is 

 doubtless true, that a level metallic surface, not only sustains the vehi- 

 cle, in the most perfect manner, hut affords the least possible resistance, 

 with the best possible reaction for the propelling power, and combines, 

 therefore, the greatest conceivable facilities for the transit of persons 

 and property* Other expectations, which are often entertained, 

 without due consideration, will doubtless end in disappointment. It is 

 to the establishment and extension of these unequalled means of con- 

 veyance, that the enterprise of our growing country should be direct- 

 ed. It has been truly said that the career of improvement in our age, 

 is too impetuous to be stayed, were it wise to attempt it, and "though 

 it be a futile attempt to oppose so mighty an impulse, it may not be 

 unworthy our ambition, to guide its progress, and direct its course." 



Art. XV. — On the Economy of Fuel with reference to its domestic 

 applications; by Walter R. Johnson, Prof, of Mechanics and 

 Natural Philosophy, in the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia. 



The art of heating apartments in the most economical and saluta- 

 ry manner, is of truly vital importance to the interests of society. 

 Connected with this, the art of ventilation stands preeminent, and with 

 both the art of constructing dwellings and other buildings, is intimately 

 related. In all our larger towns and particularly in our maritime cities, 

 the annual expenditure for fuel is enormous. New York and Philadel- 

 phia are believed to pay each, not less than twelve hundred or fifteen 

 hundred thousand dollars per annum, for combustibles, to be employ- 

 ed either in domestic uses, or in manufactures. In respect to both 



* It may be noticed, that the power employed for propelling a single steam boat 

 of the first class, is equal to that of fifty locomotive engines of the power of twelve 

 horses each. These would probably be adequate to the conveyance of all the pas- 

 sengers and property now transported upon the Hudson river, if the same were trans- 

 ferred to a level rail way of equal extent. 



