The engineers of the _Ponts et Chaussées_ prepare the projects and plans, and direct the execution of the works for the construction, preservation, and repair of high roads, and of the bridges and other structures connected with these roads, with navigable rivers, canals, seaports, lighthouses, &c. They are charged with the superintendence of railways, of works for draining marshes, and operations affecting water-courses; they report upon applications to erect factories driven by water. Under certain circumstances, they share with the Mining Engineers the duty of inspecting steam-engines. Permission is not unfrequently granted to the engineers of the _Ponts et Chaussées_ to accept private employment. They receive leave of absence for a certain time, retaining their rank and place in their corps, but without pay. MINING ENGINEERS.--(_Mines._) The Mining School of Application is organized almost exactly on the same plan as that of the _Ponts et Chaussées_: like the latter, it is in Paris. The course of instruction, which lasts three years, consists of lectures, drawing, chemical manipulation and analysis, visits to manufactories, geological excursions, and the preparation of projects for mines and machines. Journeys are made by the pupils, during the second half of the last two years of the course, into the mineral districts of France or foreign countries for the purpose of studying the practical details of mining. These journeys last one hundred days at least. The pupils are required to examine carefully the railroads and the geological features of the countries they pass through, and to keep a journal of facts and observations. In the final examination, marks are given for every part of their work. The mining engineers, when stationed in the departments, are charged to see that the laws and ordinances relating to mines, quarries, and factories are properly observed, and to encourage, either directly or by their advice, the extension of all branches of industry connected with the extraction and treatment of minerals. One of their principal duties is the superintendence of mines and quarries, in the three-fold regard of safety of the workmen, preservation of the soil, and economical extraction of the minerals. They exercise a special control over all machines designed for the production of steam, and over railways, as far as regards the metal and fuel. The instructors in the School of Application in Paris, and in the School of Mines at St. Etienne, are exclusively taken from the members of the corps. Like the engineers of the _Ponts et Chaussées_, the mining engineers obtain permission to undertake private employment. TOBACCO DEPARTMENT.--(_Administration des Tabacs._)