Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1847-03-19
II all II 8 8.
The Rutland Road.

inc the work upon the line Of this road between
the summit at Mt IIolley and Bellows Falls,
and our readers will believe, from the interest
we have felt in all the railway enterprises that
are to traverse our State, that we gladly avail
ed ourselves it. The first point east Of the
summit on which the work has been commenced
is on the Jewell Brook " section. mo. 7 on
the Mount IIolley Division,) locality somc-
what notorious in the discussion that took place
in Boston some two years ago on the compare
tive merits of the Rutland and Central routes
Old "Jewell Brook" in its mantle of snow and
frost, if it did not look as wise as serpent GER
tainly appeared as harmless as dove. The
conscience, for half mile, is by no means es-
pecaly formidable, either in character or
amount. The interest that attaches to it arises
from its having so long been a sort of fighting
friends and advocates Of what have been, erro-
neousy in our judgment, deemed to be conflict
ing enterprises. But we have no wish either to
revive or renew buried or slumbering controver-
sizes. The excavation and filling at Jewell
Brook are now in progress, and will be COM
pleted with all practicable despatch. 1t is the
end that crowns the work and few short
months will determine more disputed questions
touching the Rutland Road" than that which
hinges on the differing estimates Of the Engin-
GERS on the famous Jewell Brook.
BY the first survey made under the direction
Of Mr.. FELTON,, a filling of about million Of
cubic yards was required at this one point But
by the last survey, conducted by Mr.. GILBERT IN
person, about IS PR cent. of this immense
work was avoided--his estimates being for fill
of but about 100000 cubic yards. Without in
tending to sit in judgment, at this time, on the
character of the first survey, we feel wholly at
liberty to say that we have unbounded conf
dence in the thoroughness, accuracy, and SCI
entifc ability of the second "a confidence
that results from long and somewhat familiar
acquaintance with Mr.. GILBERT, and that time
and circumstances have only tended to confirm.
The Jewell Brook section is in the hands of
Messrs. DECKER d. WARNER. who are already
well advanced in the work. The earth on both
sides the ravIne is sand and very loose gravel,
not requiring the use Of the pick, and as easily
and cheaply removable as any material we have
ever seen. We see no reason to doubt that these
gentlemen will realize handsome profit from
their work on this section.
| On sections Q and of the Bellows Falls Di-
vision, Cat Bartonsvle and below Brockway's
| cN lo,,, Al
der progress at several points. The earth is
loose sand and gravel, and the rock clay state
and sllcious limestone, and of course easily ex.
cavated.
| Messrs. DECKER & WARNER have contract.
ed to build about 5 miles Of the road, and from
their well-known capacity as business men, and
their experience on heavy excavations on 9th
err Public Works, md from the favorable char
acter Of the earth and rock on their line, We
cannot doubt that their contract will prove
profitable one to them.
Messrs. BAXTER g. Co. have opened twt
points on Section 3. Of the Bellows Falls Dvs
ion (some two miles north from Bellows Falls
There will be about 10000 yards of excavation
on this section, and the whole of it will unques
tionably be found to be the light aluvial SAM
that has thus far been eTcountercd-easily re
moved and forming an admirable road-bed
These are all the points upon which the groun'
has as yet been broken east of the summit. w,
noticed that other contractors are preparin!
shantics, purchasing material &C., preparato
ry to an early commencement of active opera
tons. II is understood that on the opening O
summer very large force will be at work O.
the line.
Mr.. GILBERT is conducting the locating SUI
vey Of the route between Mount Holly an
Brandon, and this remaining portion of the line
will, we are informed, DO placed under contrat
by the LIST of May.
We have given this somewhat detailed state
ment Of the condition Of things on this portion {
+. the Rutland Road not doubling that it will POI
sess especial interest for many of our readers
On the northern division from burlington
Brandon,) the work is steadily progressing.
addition to the operations at Potash Brook, ii
contractors are now erecting the shanties, al
= otherwise preparing to commence forthwith
i, on the excavation on Judge MEEcH's farm
, Shelburnc.