the subject.

With regard to the annual repairs of a Rail-way our engineer, Mr. Telford
hath not supplied the information; but from other sources we have
ascertained the repairs are in proportion to the quantity of business
done; upon Rail-ways well constructed, and made strong in the first
instance, about l-8th of the annual proceeds is highly sufficient, but if
the castings are light and laid upon timber instead of stone, at least
twice that sum will be required.

Having as a Committee, accomplished in the best way we are able, what was
originally intrusted to our care, (except deviating from a Canal to a
Rail-way;) we now beg leave to lay the subject before the public, not
doubting but that public will duly appreciate its utility, and also
recommend to the Noblemen and Gentlemen who have estates on the line, to
give it such a consideration as a work of this magnitude deserves, either
as regards its importance, by the employment it will afford to the
partially employed labouring poor, during the time the work is in
progress, but more particularly during all the time hereafter; so long as
one ton of lead, or stone may be found near the higher end of the line;
or the river Nidd flow in its present course; or the neighbourhood of
Selby or Howden continue to produce more corn than is sufficient for its
population; or as may regard its importance in an agricultural view, a
sight of which should never be lost, nor whatever can promote its
advancement, be treated with disdain or neglect, but quite the contrary;
for upon the best, the cheapest, and most skilful method of causing the
earth to bring forth abundantly, depends in a great measure our national
prosperity; it gives a plentiful supply at home, will tend to reduce our
alarming pauperism, and hence promote peace, the welcome inhabitant of
every breast; of every cottage; of every mansion; of every state; and the
safest rampart of every throne; for while we consider the soil only as an
agent, let us not forget it is one of an incorruptible class; and
whatever is skilfully committed to its care is generally repaid tenfold;
then it should not be forgotten what was the state of the high-roads in
this country eighty years ago, they were chiefly composed of clay; and
now contrast that period, with the present, and say how much their
improvement hath, or hath not, contributed to the advancement of that
ancient, useful, respectable, and princely profession, of agriculture; if