plane would be in the ratio of 1 to 9-say 587 feet per mile, then sufficient considerations, resulting from the annual cost of maintaining the stationary engines, with the delay and risk of accidents on so steep an acclivity, would, in our opinion, outweigh those which we have assumed may belong to the route, and we should still feel it our duty to recommend to your adoption the Morey summit route.

In our present uncertainty, therefore, resulting from the want of adequate data to guide us with certainty to a correct conclusion, we should suggest that a decision on this most important question be, for the present, postponed; and that such farther surveys be forthwith instituted as shall suffice to dispel all doubt.

These surveys, it is supposed, may not only be made, but the line prepared for contract, so that proposals may be invited for the graduation of the Rail-Road, and its actual construction begun, on or before the 15th October. The location may also simultaneously progress beyond Gallup's mills. So that, at any rate, during the current year, 1836, the construction of the Rail-Road throughout the entire distance between Worcester and Springfield shall have been begun.

It may be well to add, that a route, not heretofore alluded to, since our present investigations began, has been surveyed, diverging from 644 of Route No. 1, and passing the Hobbs summit in a direct route across the ridge, to the red school-house; the distance by which from Worcester to Gallup's mills, would be 18.7 miles; but the approach to the summit would be difficult, and the descent from it so abrupt, as to require stationary power.

The elevation of the summit, moreover, after reducing it by a cut of 20 feet in depth, (as deep as would be expedient) would be 468 feet, or 30 feet higher than either of the other summits, which when equated, will be found to result, virtually, in an increased distance beyond that of the Morey summit route.

The Board is aware that experimental surveys are now being made beyond the town of Springfield, the results of which will be duly communicated.

Respectfully submitted,

WM. GIBBS MCNEILL, CHIEF Engineer.

W. H. SWIFT, RESIDENT ENGINEER.

SYNOPSIS OF ROUTES-(Continued.)