for they tried the experiment with
a snipe). You cannot conceive what that sensation of cutting the
air was; the motion is as smooth as possible, too. I could either
have read or written; and as it was, I stood up, and with my bonnet
off "drank the air before me." The wind, which was strong, or
perhaps the force of our own thrusting against it, absolutely
weighed my eyelids down. [I remember a similar experience to this,
the first time I attempted to go behind the sheet of the cataract
of Niagara; the wind coming from beneath the waterfall met me with
such direct force that it literally bore down my eyelids, and I had
to put off the attempt of penetrating behind the curtain of foam
till another day, when that peculiar accident; was less directly
hostile to me in its conditions.] When I closed my eyes this
sensation of flying was quite delightful, and strange beyond
description; yet, strange as it was, I had a perfect sense of
security, and not the slightest fear. At one time, to exhibit the
power of the engine, having met another steam-carriage which was
unsupplied with water, Mr. Stephenson caused it to be fastened in
front of ours; moreover, a wagon laden with timber was also chained
to us, and thus propelling the idle steam-engine, and dragging the
loaded wagon which was beside it, and our own carriage full of
people behind, this brave little she-dragon of ours flew on.
Farther on she met three carts, which, being fastened in front of
her, she pushed on before her without the slightest delay or
difficulty; when I add that this pretty little creature can run
with equal facility either backward or forward, I believe I have
given you an account of all her capacities.

Now for a word or two about the master of all these marvels, with
whom I am most horribly in love. He is a man of from fifty to
fifty-five years of age; his face is fine, though careworn, and
bears an expression of deep thoughtfulness; his mode of explaining
his ideas is peculiar and very original, striking, and forcible;
and although his accent indicates strongly his north-country birth,
his language has not the slightest touch of vulgarity or
coarseness. He has certainly turned my head.

Four years have sufficed to bring this great undertaking to an end.
The railroad will be o