No man can aspire to be a first-class engine driver unless he has high intelligence, and a strong devotion to his work, although for his guidance unlimited numbers of text-books have been written, and many teachers provided.

He must be an expert in the knowledge of the various roads, and able to adapt himself to any class of engine, particularly in regard to the varying loads and the keeping of booked times connected therewith.

With the exception of a strict observation of all signals, which, of course, has first claim on a driver's attention, the greatest essential is the intelligent working of the engine itself.

There can be nothing more interesting for the novice than to study the method adopted by an experienced driver to get the best out of his engine, and the manner of his application of the brake.