Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Railways, Engineering, Transport, Futurism, Commerce, Domestic Economy

    Describes a proposal to construct an underground railway, a scheme designed to relieve 'overcrowded thoroughfares' and the 'overcrowded pocket'. Reports that no 'serious engineering difficulties' are anticipated and that the tunnel will exploit, by arrangement, private 'coal cellars', 'kitchens', and 'coal holes'. Notes the need for co-operation from 'gas and water companies' and the possibility of using the principal pipe belonging to the waterworks. Suggests that the trains could easily run in sewers because their wheels would raise the locomotive and carriages above the water level. Encourages those 'disposed to sink a little capital' to 'bury it under the Metropolis in the manner proposed'. The illustration shows a 'prophetic view' of trains running in a tunnel, itself curved under an subterranean sewer.