[Illustration]
The possibilities of this system of railway construction are immense.
Small feeding roads may be built in sparsely settled districts, where
the farmer of moderate means may build his own roads, and transport his
grain and produce to town with but a trifling cost. A road sufficient
for this purpose could be built for probably about two thousand
dollars per mile, especially in districts where timber is readily
obtainable. This would be a great boon for farmers, as at present some
of their products scarcely pay for raising, and their only means of
transportation to the large towns is by horses and wagons.
A very light rail may be used in this description of railroad by
placing longitudinal timber underneath, which could be formed by a tree
hewn or sawed on one side for the rail to rest on. Passing underneath
is the cross-timber placed at right angles, to the side of which
supports for the upper structure are fastened. Bicycle locomotives may
be constructed weighing from two tons up to any weight according to the
load necessary to be drawn.
Where the surface is moderately level, longitudinal timbers may rest on
the ground. From their strength and stiffness the danger from washouts
would be very little. These structures may be composed of lighter
or heavier timber, as it all depends upon the weight which they are
required to carry.
[Illustration: _Elevated Double Track Georgia Pine Structure. Cost,
$20,000 per mile._]