127 
of Cozy n8 and Debrieres in 1 s* ii? . it consists of a simple box wuh il>e 
two ends somewhat carved instead of being rectangular; upper width 
ol* tie 250 millimeters; lower, 220 millimeters; length, 2.7 meters (10.6 
feet), diminished by turning down the ends to 2.5 meters; weight, 65 
kilograms (1 t"> pounds). The fastening is the important feature of the 
system, two clamps on either side of the rail, which may be fastened 
to or cut out of the tie, allowing ample space for the insertion or removal 
of the rail. A wooden block between the two sets of chimps driven 
under the rail brings this into place tight against the fastening clamps, 
which are adjusted to the rail profile. Two spikes driven into the block 
on the inside of the rail hold it in place. 
The International Railway Tie Company at Boston offer a steel tie 
which has for a short time been in experimental use ou the Boston and. 
Maine and Maine Central Railroads. It is of simple construction, 
weighing 150 pounds, and can be made at $1.25 per tie. The only ob- 
jection to it so far found has been a tendency to blow out the ballast, 
as might have been expected on account of the open ends of the tie. 
According to latest advice improvements in the construction of the tie 
remove this objection, and by simplification the price can be reduced 
to nearly 75 cents per tie. 
The Des Moines Street Kail way Company have laid 1,000 metallic 
ties of the Johnson Street Steel Rail Compauy's pattern, weighing 30 
to 10 pounds and costing $1.25 per tie, the rail fastened with clamps, 
one riveted to the tie, the other braced against a keeper and firmly 
bolted. The structure lies on cedar blocks with plank flooring. Mr. 
Prank A. Sherman, secretary of the company, writes after six months' 
use of the ties : "Aside from the cost (we estimate it as 3 to 1 for oak 
ties) we believe the metal ties practicable. They are easily and quickly 
Laid, can be removed readily without seriously disturbing pavements, 
and the rails are firmly fastened to the tie so that spreading of track is 
next to impossible." 
