ABSTRACT

The assistant-engineer then presents to the chairman a handsome spade of polished mahogany, with a silver blade ; and a wheelbarrow, of similar materials and elegant design, is brought upon the scene. The spade is struck into the ground and the barrow filled, amidst the cheers of the assembly. The contents are trundled along a plank, and then emptied. Other gentlemen go through a similar process ; the company then proceed to do honour to the occasion in the true John Bull style, of "having something to eat," and move off to the marquee erected on the grounds, where a déjeûner has been duly prepared. The navigators who are present, and who are to aid in carrying out the work thus auspiciously commenced, retire to a similar scene of operations, where roast beef and plum pudding are plentifully provided.