CHAPTER VI.

GETTING UP THE HILL 61

Special Skill and Attention required to get a Train up a Steep Grade.--Getting Ready for the Grade.--Working up the Hill.--Wheel-slipping.--How to use Sand.-- Slippery Engines.--Feeding the Boiler.--Choice of Pump and Injector.--Fall of Boiler-temperature not indicated by the Steam-gauge.--Some Effects of Injudicious Boiler-feeding.--Careful Feeding and Firing preserve Boilers.--Operating the Dampers.--Loss of Heat through Excess of Air.--Loss of Heat from Bad Dampers.