proposed to be erected at Montrose. 279 
has reduced the necessary weight, and consequently the expence, 
of the iron to less than one-half. But he has carried economy 
still farther, by sharing the risk of fracture among several small 
chains, which enables him securely to employ a coarser and 
cheaper kind of iron. 
44 While there undoubtedly would be so much saving in the 
execution of this plan, compared with any other that could pre- 
tend to equal strength and durability, I should be glad, I con- 
fess, to see some more expence laid out in the ornamental part. 
Perhaps the pillars could be constructed of Aberdeen granite, 
a material of such beauty and strength. It would be highly 
creditable to the spirit of the Gentry near the ridge of the 
Grampian Mountains, to erect columns which might emulate 
the Egyptian obelisks. The traveller would pause, and admire 
the grandeur of the scene. 
(Signed) 44 John Leslie, 
« Professor of Natural Philosophy.” 
44 Old Basin , Glasgow, January 26. 1824. 
44 Dear Sir,— I duly received your letter relative to your 
estimate of the Suspension Bridge proposed to be erected at 
Montrose. The opportunities I have had of examining the several 
items of expence calculated on in the construction and erection 
of this bridge, enable me to state, that I am of opinion that these 
several sums are adequate to the work. I can give you no 
stronger proof of this than to mention, that, should the price of 
iron continue as it is, I should contract to furnish all malleable 
and cast-iron work at the estimated prices, as well as the execu- 
tion of the bridge, although the workmanship here is perhaps 
the only portion of expence that cannot be ascertained with great 
exactness. The masonry and pile-work, I think, are also libe- 
rally provided for ; but as the expence of this part of the job 
depends much on local circumstances, I am not able to speak to 
it so positively. (Signed) 44 John Neilson.” 
Dimensions and Structure erf the proposed Bridge at Montrose. 
Span of the arch, or length between suspending pillars, 420 feet. 
Versed Sine , or depth of the arch, equal here to the height of the pillars above 
roadway, 60 feet. 
