camps full of men are now engaged in making a 9,000-foot embankment fill between Stock Island and the Boca Chica, the first two Keys in order north of Key West. Adjacent to the latter town 170 acres of water are being filled on which to erect adequate docks, yards and repair shops.

No contractors are employed on the construction of the extension, and all work is done by the railroad itself under the supervision of the vice-president. Supplies and, until recently, water for the men in the camps are brought all the way from Miami by the company's stern-wheel steamers the water being

in huge tanks built on barges for the purpose. Later a water supply was discovered at Manatee Creek, fifty miles south of Miami, which facilitates matters materially. Often, however, a northwest wind springs up and blows so much water out of the bay that the steamers are unable to reach Manatee Creek, thus necessitating the prolonged and tedious trip to the original source of supply. Even the excavators were from three to four months in getting in on the line of actual construction work, having, in many cases, to dig their own channels in order to find enough water to float them. Boats supplying these excavator crews

with food and water were often compelled to travel from eight to nine miles to the excavators when the actual distance would rarely exceed one mile.

Just when this railroad will be completed and its actual cost is a matter of conjecture. In an almost incredibly short space of time it has nosed its way through swamp and low-land for over half of the proposed distance. Naturally enough, the most tedious part is the concrete viaduct construction and but three years more was given as the original time-limit to complete the entire extension. In advent of a future hurricane such as this region is subject to during

of last year will have upon the work. Doubtless the uncompleted fills will suffer, but, judging from past experience, the concrete viaducts and the line of grade already finished should be able to withstand any tropical wind-burst which the region can offer.

As an estimate of its cost $100,000 a mile is most conservative. Mr. Flagler will have to dive deep into his pocket before Pullman trains are running from New York to Key West and, ultimately, Havana. If we say $30,000,000 we shall not be far from the cost of building the one hundred and sixty miles of railroad. Aside from the cost of construction alone

the fall months-the season for these destructive disturbances being in September and October-the eyes of the engineering world will be turned in the direction of this sea-going railroad. Whether the pessimists or the optimists will dare say, "I told you so," will depend entirely upon the effect a repetition of the storm.

there are various items which in a year amount to a king's ransom. From $30,000 to $45,000 are spent on medicine and medical attendance for the laborers employed in the various camps. Libraries and hospitals are maintained even at the camps. Good fare and pleasant surroundings keep the men contented.