Since it has become apparent that the commercial development of many agricultural regions depends quite as much on good wagon roads as upon railways and expensive farming machinery, there has been a disposition to grade and rock-surface all roads that are important highways. Intercommunication becomes vastly easier; the cost of transportation is lessened by more than one-half; and the wear and destruction of vehicles is reduced to a minimum. In every case the improvement of the road is designed to increase traffic by making a given power do more work in less time.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
What have been the effects of Bessemer steel on the carrying power of railways?—on cheapening freight rates?
What would be some of the effects first apparent were a large city like London or New York suddenly cut off from railway communication?
What is meant by a tubular boiler?—by a forced draught?—by a switch?—by an automatic coupler?
Ascertain from a railway official the various danger-signals as indicated by lights, flags, and whistle-blasts.
Why should not crated furniture and coal have the same freight rate?
What is meant by a pool?—by long haul and short haul?—by rebate?
If the rate on a given weight of merchandise is one dollar and fifty cents for five miles, should it be three hundred dollars for one thousand miles?
FOR COLLATERAL READING AND REFERENCE