George Stephenson appointed engineer—Chat Moss 173–192 described—The resident engineers—Mr. Dixon’s visit of inspection—Stephenson’s theory of a floating road—Operations begun—Tar-barrel drains—The embankment sinks in the Moss—Proposed abandonment of the work—Stephenson perseveres—The obstacles conquered—Road across Parr Moss—The road formed—Stephenson’s organization of labour—The Liverpool Tunnel—Olive Mount Cutting—Sankey Viaduct—Stephenson and Cropper—Stephenson’s labours—Pupils and assistants—His daily life—Practical education—Evenings at home CHAPTER XI. ROBERT STEPHENSON’S RESIDENCE IN COLOMBIA AND RETURN—THE BATTLE OF THE LOCOMOTIVE—THE “ROCKET.” Robert Stephenson mining engineer in Colombia—Mule 193–220 journey to Bogota—Mariquita—Silver mining—Difficulties with the Cornishmen—His cottage at Santa Anna—Longs to return home—Resigns his post—Meeting with Trevithick—Voyage to New York, and shipwreck—Returns to Newcastle, and takes charge of the factory—The working power of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway—Fixed engines and locomotives, and their respective advocates—Walker and Rastrick’s report—A prize offered for the best locomotive—Conferences of the Stephensons—Boiler arrangements and heating surface—Mr. Booth’s contrivance—Building of the “Rocket”—The competition of engines at Rainhill—The “Novelty” and “Sanspareil”—Triumph of the “Rocket,” and its destination CHAPTER XII. OPENING OF THE LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER RAILWAY, AND EXTENSION OF THE RAILWAY SYSTEM. The railway finished—The traffic arrangements 221–236 organized—Public opening of the line—Accident to Mr. Huskisson—Arrival of the trains at Manchester—The traffic results—Improvement of the road and rolling stock—Improvements in the locomotive—The railway a wonder—Extension of the railway system—Joint-stock railway companies—New lines projected—New engineers—The Grand Junction—Public opposition to railways—Robert Stephenson engineer to the Leicester and Swannington Railway—George Stephenson removes to Snibston—Sinks for and gets coal—Stimulates local enterprise—His liberality CHAPTER XIII. ROBERT STEPHENSON CONSTRUCTS THE LONDON AND BIRMINGHAM RAILWAY. The line projected—George and Robert Stephenson 237–252 appointed engineers—Opposition—Hostile pamphlets and public meetings—Robert Stephenson and Sir Astley Cooper—The survey obstructed—The opposing clergyman—The Bill in Parliament—Thrown out in the Lords—Proprietors conciliated, and the Act obtained—The works let in contracts—The difficulties of the undertaking—The line described—Blisworth Cutting—Primrose Hill Tunnel—Kilsby Tunnel—Its construction described—Cost of the Railway greatly increased—Failure of contractors—Magnitude of the works—Railway navvies CHAPTER XIV.