84 TRANSACTIONS OF THE PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 
which is also a good example of the early railway prospectus. 
Sir Thomas said : 
" To reclaim, and clothe with grain and grasses a spacious tract of land 
now lying barren, desolate, and neglected ; to fill this unoccupied region 
with an industrious and hardy population ; to create a profitable interchange 
of useful commodities between an improvable and extensive line of back- 
country, and a commercial seaport of the first capabilities, both natural and 
artificial ; to provide employment for the poor of several parishes ; and to 
alleviate the pressure of parochial burdens by a method, at once simply 
ingenious, and comparatively inexpensive, form altogether such a stimulus 
to adventure, and such a scope for exertion, especially to a wealthy company, 
as must dilate the benevolent heart of the patriot, whilst it emboldens the 
capitalist gladly to lend his assistance in carrying the plan into execution." 
The last sentence evidently implies a doubt that the " benevo- 
lent heart of the patriot" counted for much unless the security 
was good. Continuing his statement, Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt 
divides his subject into five heads ; viz., I. Plan ; II. Expense ; 
III. Funds ; IV. Income ; V. Benefits. 
I. "Plan. — The road will commence at Dartmoor Prison, which lies about 
twelve hundred and fifty feet above the sea, and thence traverse the Moor 
and Roborough Down in a south-westerly direction, to the Laira at Crabtree, 
by a gradual fall of half an inch in three feet. The distance between the 
two places will not, in all probability, exceed twenty miles, according to 
the line marked out in the plan ; and the road ought to be an ascending 
and descending one, or what is technically called a ' double road. ' * 
In a footnote to this last clause, it is explained that a double 
road occupies eighteen feet of land in width. 
II. "Expense. — It is calculated that the present road may cost £2000 per 
mile. 
III. "Funds. — To meet the charges, both direct and contingent, it will be 
necessary perhaps to raise £45,000 by subscription, in shares of £2h each." 
A somewhat encouraging footnote is here appended, with a 
view probably to future financing operations. " Experience has 
proved in Scotland that not less than eighteen per cent, may 
be derived from railroads." 
IY. "Income. — The principal part of this, at first, will arise from the 
tonnage of importable and exportable commodities. 
" IMPORTABLE COMMODITIES. 
"Lime. — In cultivating the moor and other unimproved parts on both 
sides of the road, this must be esteemed an indispensable article, not merely 
in the onset, but during the long course of successive years. 
" Sea Sand. — Many assigning much importance to this article prefer it to 
lime as a manure. 
