The history of the first locomotives in America. From original ...

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HISTOKT OF THE FIRST LOCOMOTIVES IN AMERICA.
rails is protected from the effects of dampness or frosts, and firm-
ness and stability are imparted to it. Tkese cedar cross-pieces
were laid with great accuracy and care ;
a spirit-level was used to
adjust them properly. In each end of these cedar cross-pieces,
immediately above the stone foundation, notches were cut and care-
fully levelled ; into these notches were laid wooden rails or string-
pieces, and securely kept in their places by wedges. These string-
pieces were of yellow pine, from twelve to twenty-four feet long
and six inches square, and slightly bevelled on' the top of the
upper side, for the flange of the wheels, which at that time was on
the outside. On these string-pieces iron rails were placed and
securely nailed down with wrought-iron nails, four inches long.
The earth between these cedar sleepers was carefully removed, so
as not to come in contact with the bottom of the string- pieces, and
thus the decay, which otherwise might take place, was prevented.
Yet, with all these difficulties to contend with, our pioneers of the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad persevered until they brought their
work to a successful termination. After several miles of this
description of road had been made, long granite slabs were sub-
stituted for the cedar cross-pieces and the yellow-pine stringers..
Beyond Vinegar Hill, these huge blocks of this solid material
could be seen deposited along the track, and gangs of workmen
engaged in the various operations of dressing, drilling, laying, and
affixing the iron.
" When the track was finished to Vinegar Hill, a distance of
about seven miles, cars were put upon it for the accommodation
of the officers, and to gratify the curious by a ride."
CHAPTEE XVIII.
riEST BEIGADE OF CARS.
Some of tlie newspaper notices of tlie events of tliat
day, and the schedules advertised by the company, will
no doubt be interesting to our readers and to railroad
men of the present time. We will give them as we
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