inches in depth, the thickness varying so as to give the requisite sectional area. The relative diameter of pin, and proper form of the ends of the link, were subjects of much consideration, and many experiments were made in order to determine these points. The fact that two specimens of iron, apparently identical in every respect, sometimes exhibit considerable difference in their breaking weights, shows that an average of a great number of experiments is required in order to test satisfactorily any proposed refinements of construction. Mr. Brunel, however, convinced himself by experiment that he had practically arrived at such a form of link and diameter of pin that the chain would have no tendency to break at one point rather than another. The links were forged with shoulders near the eyes, in order that by means of clamps the pin could be taken out and the links disengaged, if necessary. The efficient action of the rollers was demonstrated shortly after the completion of the bridge. On the occasion of the opening of the Corn Exchange by Prince Albert, one of the land spans was crowded with people, while the centre span was nearly empty. In consequence of this the land chains became depressed considerably below their normal position; and the saddles on the top of the tower nearest to the loaded span moved horizontally on the rollers to the extent of 3 inches; and, when the crowd had dispersed, they returned to their original position. Many years after the completion of the bridge a proposal was made to widen it for carriage traffic; but this was not carried out, and eventually the superstructure was removed, to make way for the bridge of the Charing Cross Railway. As the Hungerford Suspension Bridge has ceased to exist, an engraving has been given of it (Plate II. p. 59), in order that some record of its appearance may remain. CHAPTER III. _EARLY HISTORY OF THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY._ A.D. 1833--1835. ÆTATIS 27--30. SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF RAILWAYS IN ENGLAND PRIOR TO 1833--THE STOCKTON AND DARLINGTON--THE LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER--THE LONDON AND BIRMINGHAM--PROPOSED RAILWAY BETWEEN LONDON AND BRISTOL--MR. BRUNEL APPOINTED ENGINEER, MARCH 7, 1833--SURVEY OF THE LINE--UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICATION TO PARLIAMENT IN 1834--SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION IN 1835--REMINISCENCES OF MR. BRUNEL, 1833-1835--EXTRACT FROM MR. BRUNEL’S DIARY, WRITTEN AT THE CLOSE OF 1835. Before entering upon the history of the Great Western and the other railways of which Mr. Brunel was the engineer, it may be useful to give a brief sketch of the development of the railway system, previous to the period when he first became engaged in works of this description. The first railway in England designed for the conveyance of general merchandise and passengers, was the Stockton and Darlington. An Act of Parliament authorising the construction of this line was passed in 1821.