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

140 HISTOKT OP THE FIKST LOCOMOTIVES IN AMERICA.
thirteen miles, four loaded cars of the gross weight of
fourteen tons, in sibout one hour.
This engine was mounted on wheels like those of
the ordinary cars, thirty inches in diameter, and its
velocity was effected by means of gearing with a spur-
wheel and pinion on one of the axles of the road-
wheels.
In the construction of the road from Baltimore to
the Point of Rocks, every mode hitherto suggested by
science or experience had been tested, and thus the work
must be regarded as having the honor of solving most
of the problems which presented themselves in this
early period of railroads in this country. The granite,
and the iron rail ; the wo9d and iron, on stone blocks
the wood and iron on wooden sleepers, supported by
broken stone; the same supported by longitudinal
ground-sills in place of broken stones ; the log-rail,
formed of trunks of trees, worked to a surface on one
side to receive the iron, and supported by wooden
sleepers; and the wrought-iron rails of the English
mode—had all been laid dovni, and as early as 1832
formed different portions of the work. Great credit is
therefore due to the engineers and workmen of this
road, for the patience displayed in carrying out their
work, at that time the longest in the world ; nothing in
England could approach it in the magnitude and extent
of its plan. These men labored long, at great cost, and
with a diligence which is worthy of all praise. Their
road and workshops have been a lecture-room to thou-
sands who are now practising and improving upon their
hard-earned experience.
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