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HISTORY AND PROGRESS

The surface of the ground being formedpretty even, for about six feet in width, fromthe pits to the staiths, or the whole length ofthe intended Rail-road, or “ waggon-way,”as it was termed, the sleepers were then laiddown two feet distant, and the under rail pro-perly secured to them. The ashes, a materialforming the surface of the ground, were thenbeat firmly against the under surface of therail, which was thus strengthened and mademore rigid. The upper rail was then placedupon the other, and firmly bound down by thepins or pegs of wood.

This combination had many very obviousadvantages over the single rail, for, independentof the waste of timber before described, thedestruction of the sleepers in the single rail bythe feet of the draught-horses was considerable.The double rail, by increasing the height ofthe surface whereon the carriages travelled,allowed the inside of the road to be filled upwith ashes or stone to the under side of theupper rail, and consequently above the level ofthe sleepers, which thus secured them from theaction of the feet of the horses.

This description of Rail-road appears tohave continued in use fora considerable period,and was extensively used at the collieries ofNorthumberland and Durham, and also in other