368 Improvement in Hail Hoads , 
Fig. 5. A plan, in which the axle H is shown With two 
arms KK at right angles to H, which are made to act as 
pivots to the wheels, when intended to be moved in a di- 
rection at right angles to the bars. 
Fig. 6. Is a view of the same parts described in fig. 5. 
The wheels marked W, in all the figures, are of cast 
iron, and cost three shillings and sixpence each. 
NO. 72 . 
Account of an Improvement in Tram Plates for Car - 
riages on Hail Hoads . By Mr . Charles Le Caan.* 
(With an engraving 1 .) 
SIR— I have forwardad to the Society of Arts, &c. a 
specimen of my new method of laying rails, or tram- 
plates, on such a plan as has met the entire approbation 
of those who have seen it, and are acquainted with the 
principle on which such roads should be formed. Rail 
roads are daily increasing, from the great advantage they 
afford to manufactories connected with mines and mine- 
rals, and particularly to collieries. They also promote 
agriculture, by occasioning lime to be procured from 
places almost inaccessible by any other means, or whence 
it could be otherwise brought on moderate terms. 
I flatter myself, that every improvement on this system 
will be of national importance. The honour I received 
last year from the Society of Arts, &c. has stimulated 
me to submit the present subject to their considera- 
tion. 
I have also sent a drawing of my method of laying the 
tram-plates, with an estimate of the saving that will arise 
* Nicholson vol. 22, p. 339. From the Transactions of the Society for the En- 
couragement of Arts, &c. vol. 25 ? p. 87.—Twenty guineas were voted to Mr. 
Le Caan for this improvement. 
