InstiZuZ2'o1z of Civil Engineers‘. 105

the property, and a net profit of 6 to 10 per cent on its cost. This
about describes the p1*e.ve72t??(%gree of perfection at which the
railway sys!:»::!.n. lms :::.rrived in the Unitetl States. r‘If any plan
is likely to supersede this safe, simple, and profitable one, it
is that recently put forth by Messrs. Srpaulding and Isherwood,
Engineers on the Erie railroad, of an entire cast iron super‘
structure, which seems eminently to possess the three cardinal re-*
quisites in the railway, and indeed in all machinery, of simplicity,
durability, and, on the whole, of cheapness. It, at once,enables us to

use our own resources on the spot, instead of remitting them

abroad; and will thus allow of the .constructioniof the railvvay
in sections of country remote from the seaboard, to which trans.-
portation would be either too expensive or impracticable.

If Mr. Herron’s plan is thus trampled over by Messrs. Isherwood
and Spaulding, it is no more than the latter must look out for;
the eye being required to be constantly directed over the left shoul-V
der, to escape being run down by the throng, which is now every-
where pressing forvvard to conquest and to glory, in the various
and open field, for bettering the condition of the human family.

X.

[To the Editor of the American Railroad Journal and Mechanics’ Magazine.]‘

INSTITUTION OF ‘CIVIL ENGINEERS;

Sm«———The organization of the United States Civil Engineer
Corps has occupied the attention of its leading members for‘
several successive years, but so arduous has the task appeared, that,
after many unsuccessful attempts, they seem to have deserted their
projects satisfied with their defeat. I am one of those who believe
that such an end can only be accomplished by the prompt and united
efforts of its junior members, and, therefore, assume the liberty of
addressing you this letter, (which is equally applicable to every as-
sistant engineer in our country who takes an interest in the future
well-being of his profession,) hoping that you will present itto the
public at as early a day as convenient, through the columns of your
useful journal.

A more favorable crisis than the present for such an undertaking“
can never be expected. A deranged currency and national pecu-
niary embarrassments, have necessarily checked many and delayed
other improvements, until our corps has assumed the shape of a
wieldy body, and become susceptible of great modification. I
therefore suggest to all engineers, whose business will permit, and
"do so most respectfully, to meet in the city of Philadelphia, at a

14