Year: 1870

in the negative. But the increased cost
of the work occasioned by raising the
grade, and putting in additional culverts
which but for the quicksand we're unnec-
essary, will amount to three thousand dol
lars (s3OOO).


The experience here given will surely
warrant the remark before made, that
an estimate of the cost of the South line,
based only upon the cuts and fills as sshown
By the profile, could not be reliable es-
innate. There can be no reasonable doubt
that very much of the work upon that line
would be found similar to that just de-
scribed. And, if, to avoid quicksand,
the grade should be raised so that no cut
ting should exceed twelve or fifteen feet,
the flls-already heavy would become
simply enormous,


| have dwelt upon this point and per-
mitted it to occupy perhaps too large a
space in this report, not only because it
excited good deal Of interest and feel
ing among those morse Immediately con-
cerned in the decisions of the Board of
Directors, but because outsiders have free
ly expressed themselves in opposition to
that decision and the reasons upon which
it was based, with the purpose, doubtless,
of dividing the friends of the road.


Subsequent examination of the line from
Greensboro to Il. Hardwick rendered it
probable that it might be kept upon the
North side of the river with saving of
two bridges and some difficult work in the
village of Il. liardwick. A hasty prelim-
mary survey made it certain that this
change could be effected, and in due time
the line will be thus located. 1t would
have been so placed originally, but 1t
seemed probable that very heavy cut
must be made through the high table, up
on the North side Of the river at E. Hard
wick, or, in the event of running over
this table, that it would require heavier
grade than was admissible to bring US
down at S. Hardwick. Fortunately both
can be avoided.


And it is perhaps possible, that the line
may be kept upon the North side of the
river for the whole distance to S. Hard
wick and two more bridges thrown out.
OF this however ain not sanguinc. Nor
that if done, it would save anything in
the first construction. If it could be done
however even at somewhat greater eI-
pense, it " ould be better than to maintain
two bridges forever.


These changes will both, if practicable,
be acceptable also to the people along the
line, and reduce somewhat the damages
to be paid in land.


Some minor changes have also been
made in the location from Sheldon to
Cambridge reducing the cost of the work,
but it is unnecessary to specify more par
tlcularly at this time.


In this connection it may be proper to
allude briefly to the recent location OF the
line between Morrisville and Hyde Park.
Without receiving any instructions in the
matter, made that location so as to ac-
commodate both villages. In my opinion,
having that consideration in view, 1t is
the best and cheapest line that can be
placed upon the ground. lnasmuch as
both could be accommodated it seemed
hardly probable to me that you would
feel authorized in leaving either one en-
tirely out. Such, / knew, was your feel
ing in regard to Highgate. If both in
terests could have been accommodated no
doubt they would have been, but there,
it was impracticable to do SO. This was
not however absolutely the shortest line
which could be obtained and 60 l inform
ed you at Morrisville, when you were
called together to decide this matter Of
location. At the same time you were
told that any cheaper line must leave eli
ther Morrisvile or Hyde Park entirely
out. Your decision did not disappoint
me, and in my opinion it was in accord
ance with the best interests of the road.


Before leaving this part of the subject,
it may be well to say word in regard to
the location from Walden "sumn it" TO
the Lamoille Valley. l have not the
time, nor do regard this as the proper
place to enter into discussion of all the
reasons which Influenced that location. 1t
will be sufficient to allude to such only as
can be understood and appreciated with
out lengthy argument. ti.Y


As is usually the case, We have no
luck of amateur Engineers who are ever
ready to assist us with counsel and advice.
From the assurance with which they put
forward their opinions, suggest changes
in lines, and find routes which poor actual
working Engineers have entirely overlook
ed, it is evident that, like natural Bone