, yet the Germans travel so
cheaply, and mix among each other with so little exclusiveness, that
it is said only 3-1/2 per cent. of the whole number of passengers
travel by first-class, and 74 per cent. by third-class; the ratios in
England being 14 and 46 per cent. respectively. One apparent effect of
these very low fares is, that although the railways are for the most
part cheaply constructed, the net profits are not supposed to exceed 3
per cent. on an average; but if the fares were higher, perhaps the
number of passengers would be so reduced as to lessen the net profit.

Whatever else may be the superiority of English railways over those of
the continent, assuredly it is not apparent in the _carriages_. The
public press has made an onslaught on the English railway carriages
for twenty years, but with very little success. Let those whose bones
ache with the ill-conditioned wooden seats of our second-class
carriages, think wishfully of the cushioned seats, and the
easily-opened windows shielded with sun-blinds, and the useful
hat-hooks found in many of the French second-class carriages; let
those who shiver under English arrangements, think of the hot-water
tin cases beneath the feet of the first-class French passengers; and
let those who wish to be usefully employed while travelling, think of
the little table, and the pen and ink, provided in some of the
Prussian carriages. The truth is, we spend money on magnificent
stations which ought to be expended on carriages. The cramped-up
position of passengers on English railways is much reprobated by
foreigners. In America, and in many parts of the continent, it is
customary to have carriages long, broad, and high, with an avenue down
the middle, and short seats for two persons each on either side of the
avenue; every person looks towards the engine, and there is a
plentiful supply of window on both sides. In America, these short
seats are not only cushioned, but each seat has its two elbows and its
cushioned back.

Another English annoyance, is the _ticket-taking_. If all the wrath
which is poured out on the heads of the railway directors during this
formality could take effect, they would be among the most miserable
and unfortunate of mortals. Arrived at Euston Station, we will say, by
the last train from the north--some sleepy, some hungry, and all
tired--the passengers are anxious to wend their several ways as
quickly as possible; instead of this, the train is brough