The subscriber having been appointed by the General Assembly of this State, at their session in New-Haven, in May last, to call the first meeting of the Boston, Norwich and NewLondon Railroad Company," hereby gives notice that the first meeting of said Corporation will be holden at Clark's Hotel, in the city of Norwich, on Wednesday the 29th day of May next, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. WM P. GREENE. Norwich, Coun. April 22, 1883. mIS 2t

Near Dry Dock, New-York. THOMAS B. STILLMAN. Manufacturer of Steam Engines, Boilere, Railroad and Mill Work, Lathes, Presses, and other Machinery. Also, Dr. Nott's Patent Tubular Boilers, which are warranted, for safety and economy, to be superior to any thing of the kind heretofore used. The fullest asaurance is given that work shall be done wel, and on reasonable terms. A share of public patronage is respectfully elicited.

SURVEYORS' INSTRUMENTS. The Commissioners appointed to receive subscriptions Compasses of various sizes and of superior quality, to the Capital Stock of the Quinebaug Bank, will open the warranted. books for that purpose, at Clark's Hotel, in the city of NorLeveling Instruments, large and small sizes, with high magwich, on Wednesday the 29th day of May, at 9 o'clock, A. M.nifying powers with glasses made by Troughton, together with At the time of subscribing, an instalment of ten dollars will be a large assortment of Engineering Instruments, manufactured required to be paid, in gold or silver, or in bank notes of any and sold by E. & G. W. BLUNT, 154 Water street, bank in the state of Connecticut, or of the Bank of the United corner of Maidenlane. States, or of any of the banks in the cities of New-York or Boston.

ATHEMATICAL & OPTICA

INSTRUMENTS. SURVEYING AND NAUTICAL INSTRUMENT MANUFACTORY. EWIN & HEARTTE, at the sign of the Quadrant, No. 3 South street, one door north of the Union Hotel, Baltimore, beg leave to inform their friends and the public, espcia ly Engineers, that they continue to manufacture to order and keep for sale every description of Instruments in the above branches, which they can furnish at the shortest notice, and on fair terms. Instruments repaired with care and promptude. For proof of the high estimation on which their Surveying Instruments are hell, they respectfully beg leave to tender to the public perusal, the following certificates from gentlemen of distinguished scientific attainments.

To win & Healtte-Agreeably to your request made some months since, I now offer you my opinion of the Instruments made at your establishment, for the Batimore and Olio Railhis profession, warranted equal, if not superior, in principles of road Company. This opinion would have been given at a much construction and workmanship to any imported or manufac-earlier period, but was intentionally delayed, in order to afford tured in the United States; several of which are entirely nete: among which are an Improved Compass, with a le escope at NIES AND OTHER WORKS. An Engineer lately from England, where he has been em-tached, by which angles can be taken with or without the use ploved in the location and execution of the principal railways of the needle, with perfect accuracy-also, a Railroad Goniom-should be found to possess. In that country, wishes to engage with some company in theeter, with two Telescopes-and a Levelling Instruinent, with a Goniometer attached, particularly adopted to Railroad purpoWM. J. YOUNG, ses. Mathematical Instrument Maker, No. 9 Deck street, Philadelphia.

From his practical knowledge of the various kinds of motive power, both of stationary and locomotive engines, also the construction of railway carriages of many descriptions, he has no doubt that he would prove of efficient service to any company having works now in progress.

Letters addressed to W. E. G. 35 Wall street, or to the care of Wm. & F. Jacques, 90 South street, will be punctually attended to. Most satisfactory reference can be given. milif

IMPERIAL AND ROYAL-From the celebrated Saugerties Mille, of the following sizes, all put up with 480 perfect sheets to each ream

Sizes 24x35. 21x36, 24x344, 26x36, 26x37, 29x41, 27x39), 21x39, 21x29, 24x28, 21x26, 21x27, 20x24, &c., &c.

Also-All the old stock of Medium will be sold at very duced pricec, to close sales, the Mill having discontinued ma king that description of paper.

ml ly

A number of other letters are tn our possession and might be utroduced, but are to lengthy. We should be happy to submit them upon application, to any perrons desirons of pers ing the same.

m25

PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT No. 35 WALL STREET, NEW-YORK, AT THREE DOLLARS PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.

D. K. MINOR, EDITOR.]

CONTENTS:

Go to Saratoga; Railroad between Hartford and New

Haven; New-York and Erie Railroad Comp'y..page 337
Method of conducting the New-York Canal Surveys..338
The Undulating Railway..

Time and Space-Projected Railroad.
Meteorological Record; Hemp Machine; Formation of
Siliceous Glass; &c.......

Milne's Mercurial Dynamometer, and Railway Lock for
raising Carriages, &c. (with engravings).

339 .340

.341

adınirable arrangement,) which will land you in the course of the following, than have been Within that Albany next morning, in time for the first or half during the past twenty years. past six o'clock train of cars to Schenec- time, Railroads will be constructed where they tady, where, at DAVIS's, you may take your provements upon the present plans, equal at are now scarcely dreamed of; and with imcoffee and toast, or whatever else you may least to those which have been made in Steamprefer, previous to taking a seat in those very boats in the same length of time. We would 342 convenient Cars on the Saratoga Road, which therefore again say, Go to Saratoga-if it is is now completed and connected with the Mo-only to have a ride upon the Railroad, that you may be able not only to appreciate their value, 346 hawk and Hudson Railroad. From Schenec- but also to say that you have contributed to the 349 tady to Saratoga, through Ballston, the distance prosperity of those who have done so much 352 is 22 miles, which is performed by horse pow-for the public.

Babbage on the Economy of Manufactures (continued).343

Reeling Silk..

Literary Notices..

Foreign Intelligence
Summary

.345

.348

Poetry; Marriages and Deaths; Advertisements.....
AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, &c.

NEW-YORK, JUNE 1, 1833.

er in two hours with great case. By this ar- NEW-YORK AND ERIE RAILROAD COMPANY. rangement, 17 hours only are required from the -We learn with much satisfaction that prepatime you leave New-York to perform the jour

immense value. To the southern counties of

ney to the Springs. Once there, it is hardly rations are making for opening books of subGO TO SARATOGA-say we to our friends; necessary for us to designate a house at which scription to the capital stock of this Company, aye, say we to all who wish to improve feeble good fare may be found, as there are undoubt-in conformity with the charter as recently edly several excellent houses. or preserve good health. Go to Saratoga in-however, omit to say, that better becf-steak, that when the requisite information respectirg We cannot, amended; and we cannot but feel confider t deed! Who would not? Certainly not a solitary coffee, and butter, cannot be found, and a individual, who can go--for, in no other excur- greater variety need not be wished for, than the route of the proposed railway, and its incl sion of equal distance can any thing like equal Mr. W. Putnam, on Monday morning, 27th the public, a high interest will be felt in ti was spread before us at UNION HALL, kept by culable importance to this city, is spread before pleasure, or comfort, or benefit, be enjoyed by ult. The eggs, it is true, the ladies said were object by our citizens, and an effort worth the invalid, or those in good health, at so little too much boiled, but this was a small matter, this metropolis and of the undertaking will be expense and fatigue as in a trip to SARATOGA. especially as there were eggs cooked in various promptly made. Nothing, we feel assured, To our worthy citizens who have little busi-modes. In short, the breakfast was excellent, wanting but a spirited commencement (1 the waiters attentive, the house in good order, work, to render certain its speedy and comness to attend to, or have just closed, or nearly and every thing indicated a determination to plete accomplishment. We are of opinion that so, an arduous and we trust a profitable, spring satisfy those who may make it their quarters this thoroughfare, connecting our commercial business, after a winter's confinement within during their stay. The other principal houses, capital with the Lakes and Western States by the brick walls of Gotham, we need not repeat as Congress Hall and the United States Hotel, the shortest and most feasible of all possible the short saying at the head of this article, as are not yet open for company, although in a routes, will prove not less beneficial to the trade state of forwardness. The village presents an and growth of this city than the Erie canal has they will undoubtedly avail themselves of the appearance exceedingly inviting, to one who been. Its effects on the business of the city earliest opportunity for participating in the plea-has been long confined to the brick walls and with the Western States cannot fail to be of sures of such an inviting and invigorating ex- dust of a city. cursion. They would do so, indeed, even if it Having performed the journey out in 17 hours, this state, which at present are almost shut out were only to put again in circulation a part of the same time only is necessary to return, as from markets. the prospect of this work being follows: Having remained there until Monday, commenced will no doubt be hailed with the leave Saratoga at 12 M., Albany at 5 P. M., and liveliest satisfaction. Every proprietor of the reach home next morning at or before 6 o'clock, soil on its route should obtain stock when the having been absent 85 hours, travelled 366 books are opened. miles, spent 34 hours on the way, and 51 at the Springs. The excursion may, however, We are gratified to learn that a bill authorivery soon be made in much less time by those zing the construction of a Railroad between the who wish only to take a half dozen glasses of cities of Hartford and New-Haven has passed Congress water, and return immediately. They both houses of the Connecticut Legislature. may leave New-York by the evening boat of The feasibility of the route, and the large amount Monday-dine at Saratoga on Tuesday at one o'clock-return to Albany in time for the five of business which now pertains to it, will, we o'clock boat--and be at home at six o'clock on are confident, insure its early completion. Wednesday morning,-thus performing in thir-Much advantage will accrue to the large manuty-seven hours what would have required, a facturing interest, as well as to the general profew years ago, at least ten or twelve days.-ductive industry of the rich and populous valWonderful, indeed, are the improvements that ley of the Connecticut river, from this enterhave been made in the conveniences for travel- prise, and from the unobstructed intercourse ling, within a few years. Great, however, as which it will afford with our great commercial they are, greater will undoubtedly be made inmart during the winter months.

their surplus income, or of the rich harvest so recently gathered by their enterprise; but to thousands of others equally industrious, and equally enterprising, although upon a more limited scale, who think they cannot afford it, we would again say go to Saratoga, and you may rely upon it that you will never forget the pleasure, nor regret the expense; and as for the time, you will scarcely miss it from your business. If time is an object to you, adopt the following plan: Rise early each morning and be industrious through the week until Friday at 3 P. M.; then get ready for the 5 o'clock boat, (and you need not apprehend any danger, as formerly, from that useless practice of steamboat racing, for it is abolished under the present

Method of conducting the Canal Surveys in|| the State of New-York. By E. F. JOHNSON, Civil Engineer. [From the American Journal of Science and Arts, No. 1. Vol. XXIV. At the time when the two great Canals of the State of New-York were constructed, the outlines or boundaries of the ground which they occupied were not established by any accurate or systematic surveys, and hence no means were offered for ascertaining the precise extent of ground intended to be appropriated by the state for their use.

At the period of their completion, the damages to the different proprietors whose lands were intersected and injured by them were assessed by commissioners duly appointed and authorized for the purpose. These commissioners in making their estimates directed measurements to be made, in very many instances, for determining as nearly as practicable, without too much delay and expense, the average length and breadth of the several portions of ground taken from the different proprietors through whose lands the canals passed.

The canals which were at this time com-|towing-path, the intermediate offsets being de. pleted and considered as the property of the scribed perpendicular to, and the distances State, were the Erie, Champlain, Seneca and upon both reckoned from, the same alignments Cayuga, and Oswego, which, including the in links. Chemung and Crooked Lake Canals, upon 6. The offsets on one side, across the towwhich operations had already been commenced, ing path, were made to extend at least twenty constituted an extent of nearly six hundred links (that being the minimum fixed by the miles. Commissioners), and in every case to reach to In accomplishing the survey of these works the base of the outer slope of the embankment. the importance was at once seen of a rigid ad- The offsets in the opposite direction, across herence to the same uniform system through-the canal, were made to extend at least fifteen out; and it was likewise obvious that the great-links from the margin of the water, that being est caution and judgment should be exercised the minimum allowance for the breadth of the in selecting from the different modes which berm, and in every case to reach to the base of might be devised, the one which should afford the exterior slope of the embankment, if any, the means of determining at any future day, upon that side. with the greatest practicable degree of precision, the outlines of the land set apart by the state for the use of the canals.

In the investigation of the subject, it became apparent that one of two modes, differing materially from each other in their general principles, must be adopted.

7. Wherever an enlargement in the breadth of the canal rendered the method of offsets inconvenient or impracticable, the portion included in said enlargement was surveyed in the usual manner by measuring the courses and distances of the several lines that enclosed it on the side opposite to the towing path. The first method contemplated the measure- 8. The survey embraced within its limits all From these measurements the approximate ment in the usual manner, with the circumfe-grounds pertaining to the canal, including all quantity of ground contained in each portion rentor and chain, of the outlines of the ground tracts or lots of land set apart or appropriated was deduced, which, compared with its value occupied by the canals, with such references to for the purposes of lock-houses, weigh-locks, per acre, enabled the commissioners to deter-permanent objects and cross measurements as collectors' offices, &e. with the names of the mine with greater certainty than could other-were necessary for verifying the accuracy of former owners and the date of each separate wise have been attained, the actual damage to the survey. title inserted as far as the same could be ascerindividuals occasioned as above stated. In the other method the location of the out-tained. Although the measurements thus made may lines or boundaries was to be determined by off- 9. The results of the measurements made have answered sufficiently well perhaps for the sets, made in a specified manner, from a base as above described were inserted in a field purpose for which they were instituted, yet the line situated upon and coinciding with the in- book. Each page of the book was ruled into want of more perfect and systematic surveys ner edge of the towing path, the best defined, parallel lines one fourth of an inch distant from in accurately defining the outlines of the ca- and (as an object for general reference) the each other. Near the centre of each page, nals was soon felt. The proprietors of the ad-most permanent part of the canal. References and at right angles with those lines, a red line joining grounds, being ignorant of the precise were likewise to be made as contemplated in was drawn, extending across all the pages of extent of the claims of the State, could only the preceding method to all accessible objects the book. refer, in their instruments of conveyance, in a of a permanent character for verifying the acgeneral manner, to the canal as a boundary,curacy of the survey.

and were equally at loss in the erection of This latter method being the one which rebuildings in those cases where as near an ap-ceived the sanction of the Commissioners and proach to the canals as possible was desirable Canal Board, its details will be more fully dewithout infringing upon the rights of the State. scribed as follows:

10. The red line thus drawn represented the base line of the survey. The portion of this line corresponding to any given alignment, was made to embrace in its length as many of the spaces included by the parallel lines as there were chains in the alignments, or, if the smallness and number of the objects to be noted rendered it necessary to enlarge the scale, double the said number of spaces were taken for the purpose mentioned.

The inconvenience resulting from this state 1. The measurements in the direction of the of things was not confined altogether to indi- length of the canal were made upon the base viduals. The rapid increase in the value of line above mentioned, situated upon or coincilands bordering the canals, which followed their dent with the inner edge of the towing-path. completion, and the numerous encroachments The height of the surface of the towing-path, 11. The offsets for the breadth of the survey which were in consequence made upon the and the inclination of its inner slope, being sup- were in every case represented upon the large ground required for their efficient and success-posed the same as specified in the transverse or double scale, that is, two spaces or one half ful operation, rendering it necessary for the profile adopted in the construction of the canals. of an inch was assumed as equal to one chain. State to devise some means of preventing any 2. The several changes in the direction of The offsets at the several stations or angles in future inconvenience from the same source. the base line were referred to the magnetic the base line were represented by continued This it was apparent could be done only thro' meridian: the whole line being thus resolved red lines. The intervening offsets were indithe medium of surveys properly executed, the into as many separate alignments, as it con-cated by the red dotted lines. maps, field books, &c. of which should be detained portions having different courses or 12. The distances between the several staposited in some place convenient for reference. bearings. tions, or the lengths of each separate align. The result of the legislative action upon the 3. The several alignments were accurately ment, were inserted at the ends of the same, subject is to be found in Part I. Chap. IX, Title measured in chains and tenths, (fractions oth- within the space occupied by the canal. The IX. of the Revised Statutes of the State of er than tenths being avoided by a very little same was likewise done with respect to the inNew-York, in nearly the following words: care in arranging the stations); and the distan- tervening offsets and all other measurements A complete manuscript map and field notes ces upon each to the several points where the upon the base line, the distances being in each of every canal that now is or hereafter shall lines of roads, counties, towns, patents, lots, case reckoned from the last preceding station. be completed, and of all the lands belonging to &c. intersected the same, together with their The lengths of the offsets were inserted on the the State adjacent thereto or connected there- courses or bearings, were carefully observed. right and left of the canal, according as they with, shall be made, on which the boundaries of 4. The distance likewise to all waste-weirs were made on the one side or upon the other. each parcel of such lands to which the State and culverts, and to all streams that discharge 13. In the field-book thus arranged, all lines shall have a separate title shall be designated, themselves into or otherwise intersected the ca- appertaining to the survey were described as and the names of the former owners and the nals were taken, and the same was done with near as possible in their true positions; likedate of each title be entered. The expense to respect to the road and farm bridges, locks, wise all such objects of interest of every debe defrayed out of the canal fund. The sur- aqueducts, &c. The distances to the bridges scription, including roads, streams, buildings, veys to be executed under the direction of the were taken to the lines joining the two nearest changes in the inclination of the ground, geoCanal Commissioners, and approved by the angles or corner posts of their abutments-logical characteristics, localities of minerals, Canal Board, and when completed to be filed those to the locks to the lines passing through &c. &c. as came within the limits of the fieldin the office of the comptroller. Copies of the the centres of the two nearest quoin posts, and book, were carefully sketched. The sketches maps and field notes so filed are to be made those to the aqueducts to the faces of their being executed with greater accuracy through under the direction of the Canal Board, and abutments. the aid of the parallel lines as above described. transmitted by the comptroller to every county 5. Offsets for determining the breadth of intersected by the canals to which the maps ground occupied by the canal were made from shall relate, and filed in the Clerk's office of the base line at each angle or station, and likesuch county. wise at every other point where a variation in The portion of the revised statutes from the breadth of the canals required. The direcwhich the preceding is taken received the le-tions of the offsets were such as to bisect the gislative sanction in 1827, and in 1828 and 9 angles formed by the two portions of the base the attention of the Canal Commissioners was line situated contiguous to them on each side, directed to the subject, with the view of ma- or in other words, the directions of the offsets tions for determining the variation of the magnetic needle It is perhaps proper to remark that occasional observaking the necessary arrangements for the exe-at the several stations were such as to bisect were contemplated, but from the want of the necessary cution of the surveys. the angles formed by the alignments, on the instruments were omitted. The importance of such ob

14. The results of the measurements for the several bearings and distances were distinctly put down upon the lines to which they respectively belonged, and the whole accompanied by such remarks as were necessary completely to elucidate every thing of importance relating to the survey.*

The maps were formed on separate sheets of for much of the distance where the canal runs book, a necessity which from the nature of the super-royal paper, bound in the Atlas style, along sidelong ground no regular or artificial case could not be avoided. each volume containing fifty sheets, and com- berm is formed, the water being allowed to flow The disadvantage of this mode is likewise prehending about thirty or thirty-five miles of back and conform to the natural irregularities evident in another respect. The law of the canal. They were projected upon the same of the surface. In some places, likewise, the Legislature authorizing the survey requires uniform scale of two chains to the inch, and the berm is subject to alteration from the gradual that the maps and field-books, with all that they border lines, on each separate sheet, were so sliding or giving of the earth, producing a con- contain, shall be sanctioned and certified by the drawn relatively, as to coincide in direction with traction of the channel, while the embankment Commissioners, and for this purpose, before the magnetic cardinal points of the horizon. on the side of the towing-path remains com- the survey can be said to be completed, the The shading and lettering were executed in a paratively firm and undisturbed. Similar ob- whole ground must be examined by the Comsuperior manner, and the whole exhibited a jects will likewise apply to either margin of missioners in company with the surveyor, and style and perfection of finish corresponding the water, particularly on the berm side, while in the many instances where the opinion of the with the importance of the survey. on both sides the marginal line is subject to former would probably differ from the latter, as Of the two modes of survey, whose merits constant variation from the fluctuations of to the precise extent of ground proper to be emwere canvassed by the Commissioners, the one droughts and floods, and the irregular demand braced in the survey, alterations in the meaabove described was the one to which, as alrea-for the supply of inferior levels and for the pur-sures and the field-books must necessarily be dy stated, the preference was awarded. poses of lockage. made. These cannot be effected without com

In this method the principal measures in the From the preceding it will appear, that even pletely deranging the previous surveys, and redirection of the length of the canals were made in the mode of surveying the outlines, as reject-quiring an entire re-survey of the objectiona upon the base line, situated upon the level and ed by the commissioners, a general reliance ble portions, while, in the method as adopted, even surface of the towing-path, under circum-must necessarily have been placed, as in the the necessary alterations are speedily and easistances, it will be conceded, in the highest de-other method, upon offsets to the inner edge of ly effected by simply enlarging or diminishing gree favorable for accuracy; while in the other the towing-path, with this difference, that as the offsets to the extent required. In tracing mode, the measures would have been subject to no survey is made along the inner edge of the the outlines, moreover, by the former mode, the all the errors arising from inequalities of towing-path, any changes or variations in it surveyor, from a natural desire to expedite his ground, and the various obstacles to be met cannot be so easily detected and rectified. work, by reducing the number of separate with upon the outlines, such as trees, fences, These offsets, likewise, owing to the great dif- courses or bearings, might perhaps extend his streams of water, ravines, swamps, rocks, &c. ference in level of the surface of the towing-lines to an undue length, the consequence of which occur more or less frequently upon all path, and the ground on which the outlines are which would be that the outlines would, in portions of the canals; add to this the absolute situated, particularly in places where there are many places, approach nearer to, and in others impracticability of making such a survey in the high embankments or deep excavations, would recede farther from, the canal, than would be many places where the canal is bounded on be subject to very great inaccuracy, which, proper, and too much or too little ground would both sides by impassable swamps, as is the case combined with the difficulty of reducing them be embraced within the survey. This would at the Cayuga marshes, or is separated, as it to any regular system, would occasion many be particularly the case, upon the concave and frequently is, from an adjoining river, by a high irreconcilable discrepancies between the mea-convex sides of those portions of the canal terrace wall or embankment, or is bounded sures upon the offsets and those upon the out- which were the most curved. In the method upon the berm side by a steep and thickly lines, and render the precise location of the as pursued, this difficulty is entirely avoided. wooded side-hill, or by lofty and precipitous boundaries a matter of corresponding uncer- The variations in the breadth of the ground rocks, similar to what is seen at the Little Falls, tainty. In the mode as pursued, the accuracy embraced in the survey are gradual, conformat Flint Hill, at the Big Nose, or at the Cohoes or inaccuracy of the offsets does not in the least ing as nearly as possible to the natural changes upon the Mohawk, and at various other places. affect the location of the base line, and by in the surface of the ground and the requisitions In the method as pursued, the base or go- means of the measures upon it, and the uni- of the canal. It moreover completely secures verning line is located upon the inner edge of form mode of describing the offsets, the bear-to the State the possession of the specified the towing path, the best defined, and, for the ings and distances of the outlines can be calcu- breadth of ground appropriated to the canal, purpose of general reference, unquestionably lated, if required, with much greater precision and in this respect it accords in its practical the most permanent part of the canal. The than they could possibly be measured, and when operation with the established principle that importance of maintaining a hard and even so calculated, the different parts of the survey the interest of the public should take precesurface for the horse track renders it necessa. will have the additional merit of a perfect agree-dence of that of individuals, in all cases where ry to construct it of materials of a solid and ment with each other, a desideratum which in the means necessary for the perfect protection durable character. Its inner edge likewise is the other method must be pronounced to be of the former are so limited that the extreme usually protected by a slope wall of stone or practically unattainable. of abuse or encroachment which can possibly docking of timber, to resist the action of the Another consideration of much importance result will not expose the rights of the latter water, the abrasive effects of which, if they oc- in favor of this mode is found in the facilities to material or important injury. cur at all, are confined to short distances and afforded for recording the field notes, and rep- There is still another consideration of great to particular places, and under circumstances resenting the whole by means of sketches and importance in favor of this method which does which render it an easy matter to determine diagrams in such a manner as to avoid all lia- not exist in the other. In all ordinary cases the precise extent of the encroachment.. Upon bility to mistake or confusion, and presenting at the location of the boundaries may be deterthe New-York canals, and indeed upon most the same time a very tolerable map of the sur-mined without the aid of the circumferentor, other works of the kind in the country, there vey. The check likewise which the mode of by means of the chain only. The greatest erare distances of miles together where substan- sketching exercises over the measures with the ror which can thereby result in the position of tial buildings or bridges or objects of an equal chain-the one keeping pace in all cases with either boundary will not exceed ten or twelve ly permanent character cannot be found, in con- the other, and both under the immediate and inches, supposing the offsets to be made twelve sequence of which, and from the little reliance constant supervision of the surveyor, (each degrees out of their proper direction, and in to be placed upon the directive property of the chain distance on the base line being represent- the majority of cases will not probably exceed magnetic needle, in tracing long and irregular ed by its corresponding space in the field-book,) one third or one fourth of that amount. lines, in cases where an error of even one or combined with the practice of requiring a sep- The expense likewise of this mode is at two feet in the distance of a mile would be at-arate account from each of the chainmen, rentended with serious inconvenience, and considered an error in the reckoning almost imposdering moreover the imperfection and disagree-sible.

ment of different instruments, and the want of In the other mode the frequent obstructions the requisite skill not uncommon with many to be encountered upon the outlines, and the surveyors, a constant reference to some part constant necessity of deviating by offsets from of the canal, as a standard for preserving the a direct course, would add very much to the location of the outlines, becomes absolutely es- liabilities to error, and although the measures

sential.

least forty per cent. less than by the other, and when it is considered that the object to be attained is effected in a much more perfect and scientific manner, it must be conceded that it possesses a decided superiority,

The mode of survey above described is alike applicable to railways as to canals, and the description of it is thus publicly made, that those upon the two outlines, if the cross measures who are engaged in the construction of works In selecting the part of the canal for this pur-were repeated often enough, would serve to de- of inter-communication may avail themselves pose, the choice, it will be obvious, would ne-tect any errors or omissions of integer chains of the advantages which it possesses over the cessarily fall either upon the inner edges of upon each, yet no evidence would be afforded less perfect methods ordinarily pursued in such the berm or towing-path, or upon one or both upon which of the lines it occurred, and an atmargins of the water. Of these the towing-tempt to correct without an actual re-survey path was considered as entitled to the prefer- would be as likely to increase as to remedy the ence, since the berm side is not only construct- evil; add to this, the discrepancy that would ed of less durable materials, more liable to unavoidably result from the circumstance of abrasion and seldom kept in proper repair, but the two outlines being surveyed at perhaps dif

cases.

Middletown, Conn. Nov. 1832.

The Undulating Railway. By JUNIUS REDIVIVUS. [From the London Mechanics' Magazine.]

ferent times by different surveyors, with differ- SIR, I have been casually informed that servations was however duly considered, and the precau- ent instruments and different assistants, and there is exhibiting somewhere about town a tion was frequently taken to note with precision the mag- the great inconveniences of referring at any fu- model of an Undulating Railway, whereby the netic bearings of distant and permanent objects, so that, ture time, for the results of the measures of a inventor undertakes to convince the public that should suitable observations be hereafter instituted, the exact variation of the magnetic meridian as it existed at the given portion of the canal, to different field- the antique notion of level surfaces being the time of making the survey can be easily ascertained. books or to different parts of the same field-best adapted for wheel carriages, is entirely

wrong; and, of course, if his position be cor

The late Mr. Bentham was accustomed to be a straight inclined plane, or a number of unrect, the road-surveyors have wasted a "pretty say, in a jocular manner, that when he made adulations, will matter very little; but what difconsiderable "quantity of money to make roads world it should be all down hill. Now, such a|ference of labor there is will be in favor of worse than they were before, by levelling the contrivance would be admirable for diminishing the former. When the boy makes his marble hills, which ought to be restored without delay.friction, if there were any arrangement whereby bound on the stone pavement, there is no savBut the inventor of the undulating railway is we might always be at the top. If the new in-ing of labor to him, because it happens to bound by no means an originator. The Russian ice-vented railway were contrived so that it might three times with one exertion of his muscles. hills on the Neva, for the amusement of the be constantly down hill, or over diminishing He is obliged to exert so much the more power. sleighers in the winter season, formed of board-hills, there is no doubt that much friction might The proposition to gain power by making a ed scaffolds, overlaid with blocks of ice, are be avoided; but by what process are we to get carriage go up hill and dowr. hill, instead of on much more ancient; and the Montagnes Russes to the top to begin again! There is but one a level, reminds me of a scheme I once saw of of the Champs Elysees, which served as sum-answer. By labor-got out of animals or steam. a self-moving carriage, which was to go on as mer amusement to the youths and maidens of And what would be the increase of work up soon as it was loaded; and the greater the load Paris, the King of Prussia inclusive, some fifteen hill? What was gained one way would be the faster it was to travel. The ingenious inyears back, were railroads of something the same lost the other. I say nothing of the mischief ventor had heard talk of a wheel within a nature as that now proposed. But the proposer resulting both to cattle and engines by the irre- wheel, and he literally put it in practice, small of the present undulating railway has stumbled gular motion. But we will suppose the railway wheels being contrived to run on a rail within upon a fallacy, which possibly may deceive an average level, i. e. the undulations to be all the periphery of large ones, both before and behimself, but which ought not to be suffered to alike: what possible advantages can it have over hind a four-wheeled vehicle, and so fixed, by deceive the "barren spectators" amongst the a straight and level surface? It has been shown means of guides, that the weight was pressing public, because all such fallacies serve to inflict that to get the momentum of the high level, the on the rim of the large wheels, at a consimischief upon the really useful inventors, by power must be, so to speak, " put into it," i. e. getting them classed under the invidious name it must be applied beforehand, just as the steam pectation of making them revolve. The inderable height above the ground, in the exof "schemers," which ought properly to be of an engine is got "up" to start with effect, or ventor had entirely forgotten that while the confined to the plotters of absurdities alone. as is said of a horse who has been off work a large wheel was pressed down hill, the small There can be no doubt that a carriage placed|few days, "his go is bottled up.' on the top of a hill of sufficient inclination will carriage on the undulating railway has reached it was "no go." Perfectly similar is the unduWhen the one had to travel up hill, and consequently that descend with so much momentum as to drive as far up the second ascent as the momentum lating railway. If the eight-wheeled vehicle it partly up a second hill of the same height will drive it, how much power must be put on could have moved at all, it might have been and inclination. There can be no doubt, also, to carry it up the remainder of the ascent? running even unto this day; and if up hill and that a fly-wheel, put in motion, will continue to Probably as much as it would have taken to down hill, versus level, were a clear gain, it revolve for some time after the original mov-perform the distance of two undulations on a might be improved on till animal and machine ing power ceases to act on it; but it is a woeful level road. The Montagnes Russes of Paris power might be dispensed with, and the railerror to suppose that either the fly-wheel or the were formed in a circle, and consisted of one way locomotive power of every man might recarriage can generate additional power of their descent and one ascent. own. I once heard a story of an Irish schemer steeper than the ascent, yet the impetus or to that yet. We may exert a great quantity of The descent was side in his own fingers. We have not come who had devised a plan for increasing the power momentum only served to carry the car one-power in various ways, it is true, but no more of a ten-horse engine to that of a fifty, by means third up the ascent, when it was hooked by power can come out of a thing than that we put of an enormous fly-wheel. Finding a "flat,' an endless band, worked by horse-power, into it. If we wind up a jack, or a clock, or he was set to work; and when he had, after below, and drawn to the top. some difficulty, succeeded in casting his enor-power applied by the horses in drawing that have rapidly given is slowly expended-that is Now, the a watch, the amount of power which we mous wheel, he expended much money in fit-car to the top was probably equivalent to the the whole process; but a man would be laughed ting up an apparatus to turn and polish it all power which would have been exerted in at who were to assert, that the power we had over, to prevent the loss of power by friction in drawing the car the whole distance on level given to the machines increased in quantity the atmosphere with a rough surface! Much ground, difference of friction excepted. The while in their progression; and thus should time being lost, the proprietor, who was at all fact is, that in all cases the same quantity of the man be laughed at who asserts that the the expense, became impatient, and then there power must be consumed to drag a wheel car-power of a horse or machine is multiplied by was another delay to know how the wheel wasriage up to a given height. If the ascent be going up and down hill. to be stopped, with all its giant power. This steep, a large amount of power is requisite for having been arranged, both schemer and pro-a short time. If the ascent be gradual, a small quiries to be made at the place of exhibition, Since writing the above, I have caused inprietor were much astonished to find that it amount of power will be requisite for a longer and am informed that the inventor has gone to would not go at all. The proposition to get ad-time. The total will be equal. Increase of Birmingham (I think) for the purpose of setditional power, or save power, by means of an speed is loss of power, and vice versa; yet, ting his scheme going on an undulating railundulating surface, savers much of a perpe-strange to say, there are numerous unthinking way of three miles in length, to try it on a tual motion scheme. It is clear that what is people who believe that, by making a simple large scale. So much capital lost to John Bull, called momentum in falling bodies can be no-machine complicated, as in the case of this rail-and his heirs for ever, if the report be correct! thing more than gravitation, whereby all bodies road, they actually multiply their power, as if have a tendency to get as near as they can to an accelerated motion down hill were not baI remain, Sir, yours, &c. the centre of the earth, and the heaviest have lanced by an up hill to ascend in turn. JUNIUS REDIVIVUS. the most success. The momentum of the carMarch 19th, 1833. The process is somewhat similar to that of a riage in going down the hill is in proportion to man who, determining to erect a water-mill, which appeared two weeks ago on this undu[In consequence of a very elaborate paper the height which it is raised, and the diminish were first to erect a windmill or steam engine lating railway in the Athenæum, [see Railroad ing of friction by the degree of inclination. In to pump up the water to the height necessary ||Journal, vol. 2, page 243,] professing to place the Russian ice-hills, the first from which the for his water-wheel. There are, I believe, wa-beyond all doubt, not only that a great advantage sleigh starts is of a given height; the second ter-mills in some of the mining districts which had been actually gained by it, but the " diminishes; the third also; and so on till the are supplied from the pumps worked by en-sical principle" on which it depends-we went level ice is attained. Were all the hills of the gines, but then the power of the engines is not to the place where it was said to be exhibited, physisame height, the sleigh would descend the first,expended for the purpose of getting a stream of in order that we might see the prodigy with partly ascend the second, and then oscillate for water, but for the purpose of getting rid of a our own eyes. We were informed, however, a time between both, until it stopped. The stream of water. The power got out of the water that the inventors had left town on the very reason that the sleigh moves at all, that it pos- afterwards was first put into it by the engines, and hopeful mission alluded to at the close of the sesses the power of motion, is, that it is re- the saving that power by using it for the water-preceding communication-(how curious that, moved from a lower to a higher level, and mill is analogous to the process of the soap-after all, a flat, a flat should be the thing !)—and the tendency of its gravitating power is to reach makers, who boil down their waste ley to reco-so for the present were obliged to rest, content the lowest, as is the case with water, which||ver the alkali it may contain; but they do not with the statements furnished by our contemhas the advantage of being a more mobile sub-make waste ley for the purpose of getting the|porary. Some remarks on these statements stance. But what places the sleigh in the situ-alkali out of it. The power of the water-mill is we were on the point of committing to paper, ation to use this power-or, rather, what con-commonly but a very small proportion of that when we received the very acute and sensible fers the power upon it? The animal power, of the engines which supply it, because the des-letter on the subjoct, which we now insert, either of human hands or horses' shoulders, cent of the fluid is much less than its ascent. from our friend, "Junius Redivivus," and which which has been communicated to it, and which, Were it to fall on the wheel from a height equal appears to us to make all further observation doubtless, if means were taken to ascertain it, to that from which it was pumped up, the superfluous.-[ED. LONDON M. M.] would be found to be exactly equivalent to the power of the engine and the power of the waterpower put forth in surmounting the hills, with wheel would be nearly equal, the friction of the the exception of the loss by friction, i. e. the pump being taken into account. TIME AND SPACE.-A project is started, and animal power applied in the first instance would we hope will be consummated, of making a have served to draw the sleigh on level ground railway may think, "power" cannot be self-way of Oxford and Port Deposite. The disWhatever the proprietor of the undulating railroad from Philadelphia to Baltimore, by the as great a distance, I mean over as many yards generated. A man who is in a valley cannot tance will only be 118 miles-the transporta of surface, as it traversed on the hills. There- get up into a mountain without labor of some tion of commodities exceedingly large, and the fore, in this case, there would be no gain of kind; and whether the ascent to the mountain line of travel, for passengers and the mail, not power, or of any thing but amusement.