Sixthly, that wherever a brook entered the catchwater drain on either side, there should be corresponding weirs and reservoirs for receiving the sand and other deposits, so as to prevent them from getting into the drains.
These several works were executed, under my directions, by Messrs. Jolliffe and Banks, as contractors; and Mr. Adam Smith, as resident engineer, to whom the real credit is due for the very able, honest, and zealous manner in which he discharged his duties, particularly for the execution of the new sluice at Terreby, which was done without a contractor, and is one of the cheapest and best works of the kind.
These works have answered their object completely; and the Ancholme district is as well drained as any level in the kingdom, and the navigation is complete of the kind.
Whilst carrying on these works I was the frequent guest of the Earl of Yarborough, the Commodore of the Yacht Club, and received the greatest kindness and attention from his lordship; without his support, ability, and firmness, these works would never have been attempted, nor carried to a successful conclusion.
[2] I have always heard this story in Cornwall; and a pamphlet on the subject, now very scarce, was published at the time. Mr. Fox, I have been told, was taken before a magistrate, and made an affidavit concerning it the morning after the occurrence, and before the mail came down.—C. G. C. R.
[3] I may mention here that before Telford built the suspension bridge near Bangor, Mr. Rennie proposed a cast-iron bridge of several arches, on the site of the present Britannia Bridge, which would ultimately have carried the railway, but the scheme was considered too bold at the time. The possibility of the construction of the present magnificent bridge, which marks an era in engineering, is of course due to the great improvements in the manufacture of iron since Mr. Rennie’s time. Thus every age has its specialty, and what cannot be done at one time becomes practicable at another.
CHAPTER IV.
Sketch of the Risk and Progress of the Railway System—The Manchester and Liverpool, London and Birmingham, and other early Lines.