Prizes to Engine-Drivers. 
207 
arc found in, all the varying circumstances of each must be 
carefully considered and balanced. 
The result then of the examination of the competitors on the 
one hand, and of the inspection of the steam engines on the 
other hand, form the ground of the examining engineer's report 
to the Committee, who, however, before awarding the prizes, 
reserve to themselves the power of further considering the claims 
of the competitors in connexion with their certificates. 
We have been very fortunate in hitherto obtaining the voluntary 
assistance of a gentleman connected with the engineering depart- 
ment of the Great Eastern Railway, who has given us in the kindest 
manner his services as Examiner and Inspector gratuitously. On 
an average in the four years, the number of engines to be inspected 
has been 20, of these it is practicable to inspect 5 or 6 in one day, 
and at little cost to the Society, as one of the Committee, 
or some friend to the Association, has generally been found 
public-spirited enough to provide a conveyance for the Inspecting 
Engineer on his round of visits. 
There seems a general impression in the neighbourhood, that 
since the prize has been started a marked improvement has 
taken place in the intelligent interest the men show in the care 
and working of their engines. The entries have increased each 
year ; although, as our Association does not extend over a wide 
area, they cannot be expected to increase greatly beyond their 
present number. 
One cannot read of the lamentable, and too often fatal acci- 
dents with agricultural steam engines, without remarking how 
often these casualties occur through the ignorance, as well as 
carelessness of the drivers. It cannot therefore but be most 
desirable to do something to promote among them a more 
enlightened knowledge of their duties — something which will 
encourage them to work with their brains, as well as by the rule 
of thumb, and it is because I believe that the prize given by 
our Association is really doing much in this direction, and 
because I wish they were more general throughout the country, 
that I send you these few lines, in case you may like to insert 
them in the next number of the Journal. 
I am, Sir, faithfully yours, 
W.Wells. 
Holme Wood, Peteriorough. 
