This stereo view was taken in the middle of the Canal Street neutral ground at Claiborne, but it is not known whether it is looking inward or outward.  It clearly shows that the early Canal line tracks were constructed with a very wide space between them.  We see a group of citizens relaxing on the “neutral grounds” (as the caption of the card puts it), while a horsecar approaches on the left track.  Note the presence of some kind of gravel between the rails, presumably to improve footing for the horses (or mules).  Without the gravel, in the wet climate of New Orleans, there would have been mud between the rails most of the time. — Theo. Lilienthal