BRIDGES. 



495 



the foundations of the abutments and wings, but with 

 a view to profit. They co-operate with the other 

 improvements, to give a new and interesting front 

 to our city. 



It is a peculiar and interesting fact, that except 

 the valuable assistance rendered in its commence- 

 ment by W. Weston, (who was then about' returning 

 to England) no scientific engineer has been employed 

 in any part of this great undertaking. Yet difficult 

 ties have been encountered and overcome, which 

 would have called forth the talents, and practical 

 knowledge, of the ablest engineer. The mechanics 

 and workmen (T. Palmer and his assistants ex» 

 cepted) had, from the beginning of the undertaking, 

 new and unknown branches of their business to learn. 

 Even T. Palmer is self-taught in the art of wooden 

 bridge building ; though he has carried it to such 

 high perfection. It is however believed that this 

 bridge, in all its parts, both of masonry and wood- 

 work, will not suffer by a comparison with one so 

 composed, in any part of the world. Both the plan 

 and its execution, reflect credit upon those concerned 

 in the enterprise. This is now the only covered 

 wooden bridge in any country,* except, perhaps, one 

 over the Limmat, built by the same Swiss carpenter 

 who erected that of Schauff hausen, since destroyed. 



The bridge has been six years in building, and 

 cost about 275,000 dolls, including the cash moiety 

 of the purchase of the site; for which 40^000 dolls, 

 were paid to the City Corporation, half in cash and 

 half in bridge shares. 



* This was written before the erection of tlie f retiton Bridge?. 



