Chapter XV

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

any specific behavior

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

surprising greatly

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

Australia, New Zealand, and neighboring islands in the South Pacific

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

plural of “centre” — a low-lying region in central France

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

plural of “conquest” — the act of conquering

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

brought to completion

From this reading Several imposing feats of engineering have been consummated in the task of wresting the interior stretches of the country from oblivion.

one of the large landmasses of the earth

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Several imposing feats of engineering have been consummated in the task of wresting the interior stretches of the country from oblivion.

separated into parts or pieces

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

consisting of or involving two parts or components usually in pairs

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

the practical application of technical and scientific knowledge to commerce or industry

From this reading Several imposing feats of engineering have been consummated in the task of wresting the interior stretches of the country from oblivion.

plural of “expanse” — a wide scope

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

-ing form of “explore” — inquire into

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

plural of “feat” — a notable achievement

From this reading Several imposing feats of engineering have been consummated in the task of wresting the interior stretches of the country from oblivion.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

the outside boundary or surface of something

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

inflected form of “fulfil” — put in effect

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

of or relating to the science of geography

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Several imposing feats of engineering have been consummated in the task of wresting the interior stretches of the country from oblivion.

filled or abounding with fog or mist

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

half of the terrestrial globe

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

impressive in appearance

From this reading Several imposing feats of engineering have been consummated in the task of wresting the interior stretches of the country from oblivion.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

free from external control and constraint

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

situated away from an area's coast or border

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

an occurrence of something

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

situated within or suitable for inside a building

From this reading Several imposing feats of engineering have been consummated in the task of wresting the interior stretches of the country from oblivion.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

set down according to a plan

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

kept in good condition

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

the state of being disregarded or forgotten

From this reading Several imposing feats of engineering have been consummated in the task of wresting the interior stretches of the country from oblivion.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

owed as a debt

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

a customary way of operation or behavior

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

third-person singular of “prevail” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

a rate that is rapid

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

located far away spatially

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

(theology) the act of delivering from sin or saving from evil

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

Identical; not different.

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Several imposing feats of engineering have been consummated in the task of wresting the interior stretches of the country from oblivion.

at the same instant

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

not in physical motion

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

plural of “stretch” — a large and unbroken expanse or distance

From this reading Several imposing feats of engineering have been consummated in the task of wresting the interior stretches of the country from oblivion.

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading Several imposing feats of engineering have been consummated in the task of wresting the interior stretches of the country from oblivion.

shedding tears

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading THE IRON HORSE IN AUSTRALASIA I Probably owing to its somewhat remote geographical situation in relation to the busy centres of the northern hemisphere but a hazy conception prevails of the great activity that has been, and still is being, maintained in regard to railway conquests in the far southern continent.

not known

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

a garment that covers the head and face

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The early lines were laid through the fringe of settled territory along the coast, and some time passed before the rails ventured inland.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Although large expanses of its territory still rank as _terra incognita_, the iron horse is tearing the veil from the unknown with amazing rapidity; it is fulfilling the dual role of exploring and colonising force simultaneously.

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading As is well known, the island continent is divided into five States, and each has worked out its own salvation by means of an independent railway system, though the practice has been the same in each instance.

-ing form of “wrest” — obtain by seizing forcibly or violently, also metaphorically

From this reading Several imposing feats of engineering have been consummated in the task of wresting the interior stretches of the country from oblivion.