RIVER AND BRIDGE.

17

an aggregate mass of iron of many tons.

The rods or braces had buckled or bent at thefirst trial, and there was danger that it would fallby its own weight into the creek. As it waschanged, however, and the braces sprang back,by the elasticity of the iron, heavier braces wereput into it, and in this shape it stood for elevenyears in constant service.