In same report, page 64, the consulting engineer, Benj. H. Latrobe, states: “In the east heading of the West Shaft experiments with Nitro-Glycerin as an explosive were made with highly favorable results, as reported by the chief engineer who states, the forward progress in the heading proper (six by fifteen in section) as doubled, and in the heading enlargement (to ten and a half and fifteen) as trebled by this new agent when compared with gunpowder. He also reports $10.20 per cubic yard saved in the heading, and $3.64 in the enlargement, on a similar comparison with gunpowder, results certainly of the most encouraging character, and inviting to farther and persevering effort for the safe and successful use of the new explosive.” The Commissioners themselves report—page 6: “The value and economy of Nitro-Glycerin as an explosive seems to have been fully demonstrated and the method of using it with safety to the employees appears to be the only question now undetermined. Its early introduction is very desirable and preparations are making to bring this about whenever it shall appear prudent to do so, since it is believed, on the strength of numerous experiments made in the tunnel at the West End, that by the use of this agent alone, as compared with gunpowder, the time required for completing the work may be greatly reduced.” Between the issuing of the above report and that of 1867, circumstances led to the withdrawal of Mr. Doane from the Tunnel, and Commissioner Hon. Alvah Crocker personally undertook the superintendence of the work. In his report dated January, 1868, the following remarks occur: “Nitro-Glycerin—experiments as made in the West Shaft as given by Mr. Doane and referred to by Hon. Tappan Wentworth, chairman of the Tunnel Committee of that year, induced early action by the Commission. As long ago as February last I visited New York, and spent several days in endeavoring to ascertain if the article had been made there, or in the vicinity, but to no purpose. Finding subsequently that the railroads refused absolutely to transport it, the matter rested until the first of July, when I addressed George M. Mowbray, Esq., of Titusville, operative chemist, and with the permission of the Commission he was called to North Adams and a contract concluded with him highly advantageous to the Commonwealth. As will appear in the appendix, the public will be gratified to learn that we are on the eve of giving it a fair trial.” On the 29th of October, 1867, the writer arrived in North Adams and I subjoin my report to the superintending commissioner, dated January 11, 1868, and addressed to Hon. Alvah Crocker, Superintendent of Hoosac Tunnel: