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THE STRAND MAGAZINE.

the meal is being freshly prepared in the kitchen, which occupies about one-third of the car, completely separated from the dining saloon, we may take off the edge of our appetite with an abundance of the fruits that happen to be in season, glancing now and then out of the broad windows at the country through which we are travelling smoothly at the rate of about fifty miles an hour. The meals on this train, it may be useful to mention, are supplied at the rate of one dollar, or about four shillings for each person.


Dining Car, "Pennsylvania, Limited."
From a Photograph.

At the extreme rear of the train is placed what is called the "observation car," one of the latest and most attractive additions to this special service. This car is in reality a handsome sitting-room, with glass sides, and furnished with an abundance of wicker chairs and sofas. The rear platform is open at the end, and is large enough to seat fifteen persons, protected by the sides of the car and a strong steel railing. In fine weather a seat in this open observatory, in full view of the rapidly-passing landscape, is a thing to be enjoyed, and is particularly appreciated by ladies and children.

At the other end of the same car is fixed the desk of a stenographer and typewriter, employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. His services to passengers are rendered free of expense, and letters or telegrams may be dictated to him, which he transcribes and dispatches at the next stopping-place.

Forward of the sleepers is a smoking-car and library, containing lounges, couches, writing-desks, book-cases filled with standard and current literature, and tables supplied with the daily newspapers and the periodicals of the times. In a corner of this snug retreat, which to the male passengers serves temporarily all the purposes of a club, is a refreshment buffet, with which one may instantly communicate by means of an electric button always at hand. Beyond this is a barber's shop, through which is obtained entrance to the gentlemen's bath-room, and farther forward still is the passengers' luggage, carried from New York to Chicago without change, and delivered at the hotels immediately after the arrival of the train.

Whilst I have been writing this description