of the Gammon' gave him a whack over the
snout with the butt end of his shillelagh; a snubber which never failed
to stop his oratory for the remainder of the journey."

To one familiar with the history of railroad legislation the last
paragraph is peculiarly significant. For years after the railroad system
was inaugurated, and until legislation was invoked to compel something
better, the companies persisted in carrying passengers of the third class
in uncovered carriages, exposed to all weather, and with no more
decencies or comforts than were accorded to swine.

EARLY RAILWAY TRAVELLING.

A writer in _Notes and Queries_ remarks:--"On looking over a diary kept
by my father during two journeys northward in 1830-31, I thought the
readers might be amused with his account of what he saw of railway
travelling, then in its infancy:--

"Monday, Oct. 11, 1830, Darlington.--Walked to the railroad, which comes
within half-a-mile of the town. Saw a steam engine drawing about
twenty-five wagons, each containing about two tons and a half of coals.
A single horse draws four such wagons. I went to Stockton at four
o'clock by coach on the railroad; one horse draws about twenty-four
passengers. I did not like it at all, for the road is very ugly in
appearance, and, being only one line with occasional turns for passing,
we were sometimes obliged to wait, and at other times to be drawn back,
so that we were full two hours going eleven miles, and they are often
more than three hours. There is no other conveyance, as the cheapness
has driven the stage-coaches off the road. I only paid 1s. for eleven
miles. The motion was very unpleasant--a continual jolting and
disagreeable noise."

On Sept. 1, 1831, he remarks:--"The railroad to Stockton has been
improved since I was here, as they are now laying down a second line."

"Wednesday, Oct. 27, 1830.--Left Manchester at ten o'clock by the
railroad for Liverpool. We enter upon it by a staircase through the
office from the street at present, but there will, I suppose, be an open
entrance, by-and-bye; they have built extensive warehouses adjoining. We
were two hours and a half going to Liverpool (about thirty-two miles),
and I must think the advantages have been a good deal overrated, for,
prejudice apart, I think most people will allow that expedition is the
only real advantage gained; the road itself is ugly, though curious and
wonderful as a work of art. Near Liverpool it