Interesting Mountain Railways.

New Zealand possesses many unique mountain railways, but it is in Switzerland and Austria that the most remarkable lines of this character are to be found. Quite recently there has been celebrated the jubilee of the first Alpine railway, directing attention to the wonderful accomplishments of the railway engineer and operating officer in this rugged corner of the globe.

Just seventy-five years ago the first Alpine line—the Semmering Railway—was opened to traffic. The system was constructed by the Austrian Government as part of the important through trunk route between Vienna and the seaport of Trieste. Twenty-six miles in length, the Semmering Railway has a maximum grade of 2.5 per cent. There are fifteen tunnels on the system, innumerable viaducts, and 118 arched bridges. Nineteen regular passenger trains cover this mountain route daily, including several trains-de-luxe and International expresses.

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