tion of steam-carriages have been imposed on some roads; on others, the trustees have adopted modes of apportioning the charge, which would be found, if not absolutely prohibitory, at least to place such carriages in a very unfair position as compared with ordinary coaches.
It appears from the evidence that the first extensive trial of steam as an agent in draught on common roads was that by Mr. Gurney, in 1829, who travelled from London to Bath and back in his steam-carriage.[1] He states that, although a part of the machinery which brings both the propelling wheels into action, when the full power of the engine is required, was broken at the onset, yet that on his return he performed the last eighty-four miles, from Melksham to Cranford Bridge, in ten hours, including stoppages.
The committee have also examined Messrs. Summers and Ogle, Mr. Hancock, and Mr. Stone, whose steam carriages have been in daily use for some months past on common roads.
Besides the carriages already described, Mr. Gurney has been informed that from twenty to forty others are being built by different persons, all of which have been occasioned by his decided journey in 1829.
Much, of course, must remain to be done in improving their efficiency; yet Mr. Gurney states that he has kept up steadily the rate of twelve miles per hour; that the extreme rate at which he has run is between twenty and thirty miles per hour.
Mr. Hancock reckons that with his carriage he could keep up a speed of ten miles per hour, without injury to the machine.
Mr. Ogle states: 'That his experimental carriage went from London to Southampton in some places at a velocity of from thirty-two to thirty-five miles per hour.
'That they have ascended a hill rising one in six at sixteen and a half miles per hour, and four miles of the London Road at the rate of twenty-four miles and a half per hour, loaded with people.
'That his engine is capable of carrying three tons weight in addition to its own.'
Mr. Summers adds: 'That they have travelled in the carriage
- ↑ The Gurney steam coach was extremely interesting. It possessed: (1) A water tube boiler analogous to the Thorneycroft boiler, in which the circulation was remarkable. (2) The pressure was considerable (5 kilos per sq, centimetre).
