&c.  A door is placed at each extremity, outside which there is a platform whereon the break is fixed.  These carriages are supported at each end by four wheels, of thirty-three inches diameter, fitted together in a frame-work, and moving on a pivot, whereby to enable them to take more easily any sharp bend in the road.  Their weight is from ten to twelve tons, and their cost from 400l. to 450l. sterling.  The system of coupling adopted is alike rude and uncomfortable; instead of screwing the carriages tightly up against the buffers, as is the practice in England, they are simply hooked together, thus subjecting the passengers to a succession of jerks when starting, and consequently producing an equal number of concussions when the train stops.

From the foregoing sketch, it will be seen that the narrowness of the seats is such as to prevent its two occupants—­if of ordinary dimensions—­from sitting together without rubbing shoulders.  It will also be observed, that the passage through the centre of the carriages enables any one to pass with ease throughout the whole length of the train.  This is a privilege of which the mercurial blood and inquisitive mind of the American take unlimited advantage, rendering the journey one continued slamming of doors, which, if the homoeopathic principle be correct, would prove an infallible cure for headache, could the sound only be triturated, and passed through the finest sieve, so as to reach the tympanum in infinitesimal doses.  But, alas! it is administered wholesale, and with such power, that almost before the ear catches the sound, it is vibrating in the tendon Achilles.  It is said by some, that salmon get accustomed to crimping; and I suppose that, in like manner, the American tympanum gets accustomed to this abominable clatter and noise.

The luggage-van is generally placed between the carriages and the engine.  And here it is essential I should make some observations with reference to the ticket system which is universally adopted in America.  Every passenger is furnished with brass tickets, numbered, and a duplicate is attached to each article of luggage.  No luggage is delivered without the passenger producing the ticket corresponding to that on the article claimed, the Company being responsible for any loss.  This system is peculiarly suited to the habits of the American people, inasmuch as nine-tenths of them, if not more, upon arriving at the end of their journey, invariably go to some hotel; and as each establishment, besides providing an omnibus for the convenience of its customers, has an agent ready to look after luggage, the traveller has merely to give his ticket to that functionary, thus saving himself all further trouble.

[Illustration:  THE LOCOMOTIVE.]