dividends since 1879. This road has been in operation fifteen years; 130,000 passengers have been carried, and not an accident has occurred on the road. Considering that the grade is a continuous ascent of a thousand feet to the mile, the record is remarkable, and attests the perfection of the appliances and the sleepless vigilance of the management of this unique line. The superstructure is largely renewed each year. Ties, stringers, and rails average entire renewal in five years. The cog-rail, the original still in use, shows no appreciable wear; no cog has yet been broken. The motive power now comprises seven locomotives; there are seven passenger cars, one baggage and two box cars. It is to be hoped that the present management, to whose vigilance and ingenuity the unbroken safety of this road is due, will long be continued." PROFILE & FRANCONIA NOTCH.* Line. From Bethlehem station, on the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad, to the Profile House 10 miles, and from the same point to Bethlehem street 3 miles, a total of 13 miles. Gauge, three feet. History and Condition. "Chartered July 11, 1878; opened July 1, 1879. The road cost $191,071.99; equipment, $24,945.03; total, $216.017.02. The capital stock is $200,000. Six per cent dividends have been paid since the opening of the road, with the exception of the opening year, when 4 per cent was paid, and in 1882, when the dividend was 7 per cent. The Bethlehem branch, 3 miles, was constructed in 1882. Our previ ous commendation of this road can only be repeated. Although used for summer business only, and mainly for passenger service, the road-bed and superstructure are maintained with a completeness and thoroughness that few roads of standard gauge can claim. The road-bed is * Report of 1886. admirably ballasted, ties bright, and rails in perfect alignment. The roadway, although largely through a forest, is clean and tidy throughout. The attractive stations continue to be models of neatness and comfort, while the equipment is in keeping with the taste and thoroughness elsewhere displayed. Three locomotives and four passenger cars are equipped with the Westinghouse brake and Miller platform and buffer, besides two combination cars, one baggage car, and six freight cars. This road is the only narrow gauge in the State. The maximum grade on the Bethlehem branch is 231 feet; on the Profile line, 116 feet; the average per mile is 92 feet. The gauge is three feet, and the rail steel, 35 and 40 pounds. A fine iron bridge has lately been added to the superstructure." CONCLUSION. This report is sent to the public printer thus early in order that it may be furnished to the Legislature seasonably and according to law. It is believed to be substantially correct to-day, but railroad affairs are in a state of transition and uncertainty, and the relations of the several roads to each other and to the public are liable to be materially changed before June. H. M. PUTNEY, E. B. S. SANBORN, Railroad Commissioners. CONCORD, March 15, 1887. |