By the modification of the gradients and by reducing the curves to 1,000 feet radius where any great advantage can be gained by so doing, and by constructing the cuttings, embankments, tunnels, and viaducts for a single line, a considerable saving may be effected in the first cost. In the permanent way and ballasting, the reduction will be about one-half. I should propose to make the rails about 52 lbs. weight and the timber 12 × 6; the quantity of ballast would probably be rather more than half, but at the present prices of iron and timber the saving could not be less than 2,500_l._ per mile. From a careful revision of the works generally, I consider that a reduction may be effected in the following items, and to the amount specified in each, viz., ballasting gradients and curves:-- £ s. d. Reduction in earth work 16,500 0 0 " in length of principal tunnel 14,000 0 0 -------------- 30,500 0 0 _Saving by single line._ Earthwork 25,000 0 0 Tunnels 11,500 0 0 Viaducts 15,000 0 0 _Permanent way and ballast._ To allow for sidings, say 50 miles, 2,500_l._ 125,000 0 0 --------------- 207,000 0 0 =============== _Per contra._ £ Pipe on 41½ miles[65] 138,500 Increase on inclined planes, 10½ miles 6,500 £ s. d. 145,000 0 0 Engines for the 41½ miles 35,000 0 0 Patent right, say 10,000 0 0 --------------- 190,000 0 0 =============== The difference in first cost therefore is 17,000 0 0 To this must however be added the cost of the locomotive power, with its attendant expenses of engine-houses, &c., which cannot, I think, be put at less than 50,000 0 0 -------------- Making a saving of 67,000 0 0