_Answer_. The _running-boards_ are planks, _i i_, plate I, placed on each side of the boiler to enable the locomotive runner or fireman to go from the cab to the front end of the engine when it is running. The hand-rails, _m m′ m′_, are brass or iron pipes attached to the top of the boiler and extending from the cab to the smoke-box, and are placed there, as their name indicates, to support or for a hand-hold for persons on the running-board. QUESTION 331. _What provision is made for removing from the track such obstacles as cattle or fallen rocks, which may be in front of locomotives?_ _Answer_. What is called a _cow-catcher_ or _pilot_, _S_, plates I and II, is attached to the front of the locomotive. This is usually made of wood, and consists of a triangular frame at the bottom which is supported about four inches above the tops of the rails. Straight pieces of wood of about 2¹⁄₂ × 4 inches section are fastened to this frame and also to a horizontal piece which is bolted to the bumper-timber _E′_. These pieces arranged in this way and only a few inches apart give to the cow-catcher a peculiar curved form somewhat resembling that of the mould-board of a plow, which is very well adapted for throwing any obstacles from the track. Sometimes these pieces are placed horizontally instead of being inclined up and down. Cow-catchers are also in some cases made of round iron bars or angle iron. They are always bolted securely to the bumper-timber and strengthened by strong iron braces attached to the bottom frame at the front and back. These braces are usually fastened at the other end to the bumper-timber, but are sometimes attached to the bed-plates of the cylinder. There is also usually a strong _pushing-bar_ attached with a bolt and hinged joint to the bumper-timber. This is shown in plates II and III in the position it occupies when not in use. It is used in pushing cars, as very often there is not room for the pilot under the end of the car. In using it is raised up, and the front end is then coupled to the draw-head of the car. [Illustration: _Fig. 199._] QUESTION 332. _What is the foot-board or foot-plate of a locomotive?_