The life of George Stephenson, railway engineer - Lighthouse ...

CHAP, xyi.] RESUEVEY OF THE LINE. 177
which would influence thee if the whole of the work were thy
own."
Mr. Stephenson replied (August 2d, 1821) that the resurvey
of the line would occupy at least four weeks, and that his charge
would include all necessary assistance for the accomplishment
of the survey, estimates of the expense of cuts and batteries
(since called cuttings and embankments) on the different pro-
jected lines, together with all remarks, reports, &c., on the same ;
also the comparative cost of malleable and cast-iron rails, laying
the same, winning and preparing the blocks of stone, and all
other materials wanted to complete the line.
" I could not do
this," said he, "for less than 140?., allowing me to be moderately
paid. Such a survey would of course have to be made before
the work could be begun, as it is impossible to form any idea of
contracting for the cuts and batteries by the former one ; and I
assure you I shall, in completing the undertaking, act with that
economy which would influence me if the whole of the work was
my own."
About the end of September Mr. Stephenson went over the
line of the proposed railway, for the purpose of suggesting such
improvements and deviations as he might consider desirable.
He went over every foot of the ground himself, accompanied by
an assistant and a chainman,—his son Robert, who had recently
returned from college, entering the figures while his father took
the sights. After being engaged in the work at intervals for
about six weeks, Mr. Stephenson reported the result of his survey
to the Board of Directors, and showed that by certain de-
viations, a line shorter by about three miles might be constructed
at a considerable saving in expense, while at the same time
more favourable gradients—an important consideration—would
be secured.
The directors of the company, being satisfied that the improvements
suggested in the line, and the saving which would
thus be effected in mileage and in money, fully warranted them
in incurring the trouble, delay, and expense of making a further
application to Parliament for an amended Act, took the requisite
steps with this object. And in the mean time they directed Mr.
Stephenson to prepare the specifications for the rails and chairs,
8*