We have examined the locomotive inside and out, underneath and on top, even peering down the smoke-stack, crawling into the fire-box, and learning the true science of shoveling coal.
What then remains to be told?
Nothing that can be remembered long enough to be of any practical use.
There are matters—dozens of them—connected with locomotive engineering which we have not even alluded to, but they are for the most part such as must be learned by actual every day experience to be of any use.
We might, perhaps, under three heads speak a few closing words. First let us take up
SIGNALS,
and post ourselves a bit on that most important subject.
The greater part of an engineer's time while on his engine must be spent in the lookout for signals.
Upon this depends not only the safety of every soul on the train but his own as well.
Never jump at conclusions in the matter of signals.