the feeding rollers o o, and operate upon the fibre fed to them; and when the teeth reach the part of their revolution diametrically opposite the feeding rollers they are drawn out of the clear

ing diss and the fibre held by them is prevented

passing through the clearing disc. The heckle disc may be placed vertically or horizontally or inclined, and it may be circular or of other convenient shape.

In some cases the inventors mount the discs on the same shaft and connect them to each other by a ball and socket joint or otherwise in such manner that one of the discs is rigid with the shaft, and the other disc is kept at an angle with the same by lateral pressure or otherwise, while the discs rotate simultaneously. Fig. 4 is a horizontal section showing the arrangement with ball and socket joint. a is the heckle disc, and b the clearing disc mounted on the same shaft c, and connected to the disc a by a ball and socket joint d; the disc a is rigid with the shaft and the, disc b is kept at an angle therewith by means of lateral pressure applied thereto at one point of the revolution of the disc b by a roller e. The action is the same as before; the heckle teeth pass through the disc b when they face the feeding rollers, and are withdrawn and thereby cleared from the fibre when they reach the part of their revolution diametrically opposite the feeding rollers.

A modification of this invention consists in mounting the segmental pieces carrying the teeth or combs on the ends of links, the opposite ends of which are connected to a disc or ring. This disc or ring is mounted on the same shaft as the clearing disc, which in this case is rigid with the shaft, while the disc or ring of the combs or teeth is kept at the desired angle with the clearing disc by lateral pressure applied by a fixed ring or disc having an inclined surface. This modification is represented in horizontal section in fig. 5. a a are standards carrying bearings in which a shaft 6 revolves; this shaft carries fast and loose pulleys c d, and a shaft e free to swivel according to the motion given by the inclined surface of a ring or disc f fixed to the back standard a, and against which a disc or ring 9 carried by the shaft e bears. The disc or ring 9 has connected thereto by ball and socket or other joints links h, the opposite ends of which carry segmental pieces i, to which are attached combs or teeth j. The segmental pieces i are connected to the links h by ball and socket or other joints. k is the clearing disc keyed on the shaft a, and having segmental openings I corresponding to the pieces i, which openings have coverings m formed with holes for the heckle combs or teeth to work through. n n are the feeding rollers. Fig. 6 is a back view of the disc k and segmental pieces i. The action is the same as in the arrangements previously described. As the shaft a revolves the heckle teeth pass through the clearing disc k, when they face the feeding rollers, and are withdrawn and cleared of the fibre when they reach the part of their revolution diametrically opposite the feeding rol

lers.

AT the ordinary meeting of the above society,

held December 26th, 1866, Edward Schunck, Ph.D., F.R.S., President, in the chair, Mr. Peter Hart exhibited a piece of lead pipe from the Ardwick Bridge Chemical Works, coated internally with oxide of manganese. The pipe was lin. in diameter, and the thickness of the coating of oxide of manganese was about in. The oxide has not been minutely examined, but it consists no doubt largely if not wholly of the hydrated peroxide, as it evolves chlorine in acid. The water used in the works is collected quantity when gently heated with hydrochloric in tunnels cut in the red sandstone, and there is no doubt that the source of the manganese is the refuse chloride from the chlorine stills situated almost immediately over one of the tunnels. A portion of this chloride, having filtered through the sandstone, has come into contact with the bicarbonate of lime in the water, chlorate of calcium and carbonate of manganese have re. sulted, which latter body, by after contact with oxygen, has become wholly or partially converted into peroxide.

A communication on some recent observations on the specific gravity of sea water, by Thomas Heelis, F.R.A.S., was read. The author had in the course of several long voyages accumulated a number of observations on this subject, all of which were made at sea with the hydrometer. On coming to examine and reduce his results, he had referred to a paper by the late Professor Forchhammer of Copenhagen, published in the Philosophical Transactions. The results arrived at by the Professor differed so much from those obtained by the author that a careful examination of the Professor's paper became necessary before any progress could be made in the reduction of the author's observations, as, if the results of the involve such errors that their reduction would be Professor were correct, the observations must useless. The examination was therefore undertaken, and was extended to the results of the curve given among the plates to Maury's "PhysiAmerican observations, which are shown in a cal Geography of the Sea" (ninth edition), The American observations were found to accord with those of the author, and to differ from the results obtained by the Professor to an extent in some cases of 1 per cent. of the total salinity. The apparent cause of the discrepancy seemed to be the length of time during which some of the Professor's specimens were kept before being subjected to analysis, the paper in the Philoso phical Transaction showing that in one case at least this interval amounted to some twenty years. A further examination of the paper showed, as the author conceived, great errors in arrangement, and especially in the determination of the areas, all the water taken in which was assumed to be from the same region, and all the results of which specimens were included in a common average. There was a strange deficiency in the observations for certain regions, but the boundary lines of the areas were so arranged that the Gulf Stream was included in three regions, the

L'Agulhas current in two, and the Equatorial current in two at least; so that, if the results had not been drawn from too few specimens, the effect of the high specific gravity of these currents would have been entirely masked by the observations of other water not the subject of current, but included in the averages as belonging to the same regions. As it was, the same result, viz., the disappearance of the effect on the average of each region of the high specific gravity of the waters of these currents was found to occur because of the small number of observations in the currents, there being only one, for instance, of the L'Agulhas current, and this one being masked in the average of the Indian Ocean region, the specific gravity of part of which, as is well known, is reduced by the fresh water of the large Asiatic rivers.

ENGINEERS.

Hull, "the third port in the kingdom," still maintains its proud position, says the Eastern Morning News. As a trading community, we have so much to be proud of: not the maintain ing simply of our position among a crowd of competitors, but the extending of our commercial relations, the increasing of our trading facilities, and the number of our ships to avail themselves of those enlarged facilities, that we feel constrained, on patriotic grounds, to blow at the close of another year a blast on that instrument

LONDON ASSOCIATION OF FOREMEN with which egotists (and we confess to the fail.
ing) announce their prosperity to the world, as
truest index to our commercial position is, how-
The
shrill as any that has ever gone forth.
ever, the Dock Company's dock dues return, and
we therefore give the figures:-

Total tonnage upon

which dock dues

1865.

1866. Increase.

cumstances:-About three years ago I took my
models to the Admiralty, to try and induce the
British authorities to belt some of our good ships
that lay useless in several of our rivers. I, however,
found Mr. Reed was against it, so I took the models-
over to Paris, and there they are now. Holding a
Frenchman, I thought it would be all right.
patent for France, in partnership with a well-known
However, I'am rather thinking the French authori
ties, like our own Government, do as they like with
other people's property, for I hold that a patent is
as good, if you use it, as a label on a barrel; but I
think at the same time, that it would be more honest
for a government not to grant patents at all than to
use them after the patentees have paid for them.
I am Sir, yours, &c.,
Cowper-street, City-road,
J. WALKER.

January 9.

have been paid... 1,262,763 1,356,696 87,933 ing." As contractors to the Admiralty for the iron Number of vessels

reported inwards
upon foreign
Voyages

Total tonnage of
ditto.....

Of the last men-
tioned there were
British
Foreign

Steam vessels fre-
quenting the port
in the foreign
trade........
Tonnage of ditto...

421

3,066 3,487
847,856 459,471 111,615

550,784
297,072

139 67,697

625,217 74,443
334,254 37,182

GOVERNMENT AND IRON TESTING. SIR,-In your number of January 4th we find a paragraph headed "Government and Iron Test. referred to, we beg you will allow us the opporto. nity of stating that the paragraph in question is not correct. We have certainly had a dispute with the Board of Admiralty relative to the process of testing iron at Chatham Dockyard, but when the subject was fully brought before the Board, at a personal interview, and an assurance given that the subject of our complaint should be fully inquired into, and any defect either in the testing machine itself or in the mode of working it that might be discovered should be rectified, we were fully satisfied; and there is no foundation for the report that we purpose taking legal proceedings against the Admiralty for the alleged "heavy loss we have sustained." We are, Sir, yours, &c.,

MOSER AND SONS.

Southwark, January 8. for the statement to which our correspondents take [In the article referred to we gave the Times as our authority; we are, therefore, not responsible exception, but we gladly afford them the opportunity of contradicting it.-ED. E. M.]

HE fourteenth annual meeting of members of THE this society took place on Saturday, the 5th inst., at their rooms, Doctors' Commons, City. The sitting was mainly devoted to the election of new members, the reception of the half-yearly report of the auditors, the delivery of an annual address by the retiring president (Mr. Joseph Newton), the choosing of officers for the ensuing year, and the completion of arrangements for holding the anniversary dinner of the association, which is appointed for the 16th February. Mr. Newton's address was far too lengthy to allow of its reproduction here. It embraced, however, a variety of interesting topics, and among them were a notice of the great exertions and devotion of the founders of the society, as well as a sketch of its birth and establishment, a glance at the aspect of the engineering trade of London, with a proposition for a conference of masters and foremen thereupon, and some comments on the recent colliery accidents. Mr. Newton re. viewed the present position of the association, 162 23 and spoke hopefully of its future. He stated that 81,578 13,881 there had been a very considerable accession of These show a very satisfactory increase. members during the past year, and that at present the number was over one hundred and fifty; the Northern Daily Mail. The year just drawn The Tyne and Wear are thus referred to by meeting; none had been prevented by illness to a close has been one of unparalleled depresfrom attending to their duties; whilst, consider.sion in the shipbuilding trade. What with the ing the depression of trade and the disastrous general stagnation in commerce, the prevalence monetary troubles of the commercial world, few of strikes, and the fluctuations in the money had claimed aid as unemployed members. The market, the shipping trade has generally suffered SIR,-The weather has been so remarkably cold president then referred to a system of co-operato an extent unprecedented. During the year in London on the first five days of the month that tive life assurance which he imagined might be there have been launched on the Tyne 110 ves- perhaps the following resume of the weather may organised, and which would tend greatly to the sels, with an aggregate tonnage of 51,807 tons, not be without interest to your meteorological value of the association; the idea of this had showing a decrease of 12 vessels and 25,608 tons, readers. What renders the late frost so remarkable for a long time been present to his mind, and, as compared with 1865. On the Wear there is the peculiar manner in which the greatest seve rity was confined to London and country round. On within a short time, he trusted the idea might have been 148 built, with an aggregate tonnage the 4th, when the return from Nairn in the be realised. Finally, Mr. Newton thanked his of 52,990 tons, being a decrease of 31 vessels and North was 30 deg., Yarmouth and Portsmouth 21 fellow-members for their uniform kindness and 28,803 tons as compared with the twelve months deg. and 24 deg., Valentia in the West 36 deg., forbearance towards himself, and which had preceding. Of the 110 vessels built on the Tyne London stood conspicuous for the low reading of 9 rendered his burden, as their chairman, a light 98 were steamers, having an aggregate engine deg. It would be satisfactory to know the cause of He then, in accordance with the rules of power equal to 6,809 horses. Of the 148 vessels this extraordinary difference in places comparatively the society, which make the post terminable built on the Wear 66 were purchased for Sunder. over so confined a latitude. The following readings annually, resigned the presidentship. Mr. Briggs land, 21 for London, 18 for North Shields, 4 for have been taken with reliable spirit thermometers, and Mr. Sanson proposed and seconded, and Mr. South Shields, 3 for Newcastle, and 5 for Liver- standard to check any error that might exist. The which were hung beside an expensive mercurial Keyte and Mr. M. Jones supported, the re-election pool. 112 were of wood, 25 iron, and 11 com. barometer readings were taken at about 50ft. above of their late chairman. The proposition was posite. The following table shows the compara-sea level, and are corrected for capacity only :carried unanimously, and Mr. Newton resumed tive state of the trade during the last five years Baro. Ther. 8 a.m. Min. Deg. of frost, Wind. the post he has filled for eight consecutive years. on the Wear :Deg. Deg. Subsequently Mr. W. H. Keyte was appointed Years. Jan 1 29 350 30 6 N. vice-chairman; Messrs. Sanson, Edmonds, and Irvine were chosen as committee men.

No member had died since their last annual

one.

1862

1863

1864

No. of Vessels.

160

171

153

179

THE

1865
1866

148

Of the 98 steamers built on the Tyne no less
than 70 were fitted with screw propellers, being
an increase of 4 on that class of ships over the
previous year.

Correspondence.

TURRET SHIPS IN FRANCE.

6 29 210 39 increasing to 44 deg. at 11.30 p.m SHIPBUILDING IN 1866. On Sunday the thermometer fell from 39 deg. at HE progress of shipbuilding during the 8 a.m. to 35 deg. about 4.30 p.m., and the barepast year may be gathered from the followmeter rose a little, which seemed to indicate a ing statements, the first of which appears in the return of the frost, but at midnight it increased to North British Mail. Says that paper with respect 44 deg.; barometer fell again, and an effectual thaw set in. to the Clyde-As compared with the returns of It frequently happens that when a period of cold sets in like that we have just exthe previous year, we regret to say that those of perienced, the most serious difference is noticed bathe present represent a considerable, though not tween thermometers of the same level and under unexpected decline in the extent of commissions the same circumstances of temperature, which cause executed by our shipbuilding firms. In 1865 the a good deal of obscurity as to what the true readnumber of vessels built was 263, representing a ing is. Those who use the horizontal spirit total of 151,998 tons and 23,857-horse power; thermometer should be careful to examine it, and while there were building or contracted for 185 TO THE EDITOR OF THE "MECHANICS' MAGAZINE.'' see that no portion of the spirit has become deUnless the instruvessels, with a tonnage of 140,548 and 18,750- SIR-The following paragraph from the Stan.tached from the main column. horse power-in all 448 vessels, 292,546 tons, dard indicates what they are now doing in France thermometers get put out, having three or four ment is examined closely it is not easily seen, and and 42,607-horse power. In the expiring year in the matter of turret-ships :-"The French Gov-degrees at the top of the tube, which of course subthere have been built 239 vessels, representing a Dockyard. They are not revolving turrets, but a ernment are building several turret-ships at Toulon tracts the same quantity from the true reading, and total of 132,619 tons, and 16,974-horse power; kind of square iron casement on deck protects the number of degrees below zero we hear some thermost likely this is the cause of the extraordinary while there are building or contracted for 109 gunners from shot and shell. These new vessels vessels, with a tonnage of 81,511, and 9,337-horse power-making a total of 318 vessels, 214,130 and naval men are, as a rule, decidedly against are very low in the water, like American monitors, mometers read during any prolonged frost. I am, Sir, yours, &c., tons, and 26,311-horse power. The decrease them. They complain that those who have to fight New Cross, Hatcham, 130 vessels, 78,416 tons, and 16,296-horse power a ship are not consulted about its build." In the January 9. -indicated in a comparison of the returns of the MECHANICS' MAGAZINE for November 11, 1864, is two years is readily accounted for in the depres-ments in working guns, and in matters relating an illustrated description of my patented improvesion and disorganisation in the shipbuilding thereto. A reference to that article will convince trade itself, as well as in the many recent in anyone that the method there shown is very similar stances of general monetary and commercial to that now adopted in France, according to the disaster. above paragraph. This arises from the following cir.

W. L. BROWNE.

Since the process of photographing upon silk and linen has been perfected in France, many persons have their portraits upon their linen instead of their names or initials. Washing, it is said, does not injure the portraits.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

We (Army and Navy Gazette) understand that the Recent Congressional investigations in New York The MECHANICS' MAGAZINE is sent post-free to subLords of the Admiralty have informed Mr. E. J. shows that one 66 distillery" in that city makes scribers of £1 1s. 8d. yearly, or 10s. 10d. half-yearly, pay. Reed, the Chief Constructor of the Navy, that it is" rare old Scotch whisky" by the following recipe: able in advance. their Lordships' intention to increase his salary,-To 40 gallons common whisky add 30 gallons of Advertisements are inserted in the MECHANICS' MAGA- and to provide for his being placed on the highest water, 5 gallons of tincture of Cayenne pepper, 4 SINE at the rate of 6d. per line, or 5d. per line for 13 in-grade established in the public service with refer- quarts tincture of pellitory, 2ozs. acetic ether, 1 sertions, or 4d. a line for 26 insertions. Each line consists of about 10 words. Woodcuts are charged at the same ence to his superannuation, whenever his health or gallons strong tea, and 3ozs. of pulverised charcoal. rate as type. Special arrangements made for large adver- length of service may induce him to retire. It will How the connoisseurs must smack their lips over be gratifying to Mr. Reed and his friends to know this delectable compound! that their lordships accompanied the announcement of these marks of their favour with a very handsome acknowledgment of the manner in which the Chief Constructor has hitherto discharged the important and onerous duties attached to his office.

tisements.

All communications should be addressed to the EDITOR, 166, Fleet-street.

To insure insertion in the following number, advertisements should reach the office not later than 5 o'clock on Thursday evening.

We must absolutely decline attending to communications unaccompanied by the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for insertion, but as a proof of good faith.-ED, M. M.

O. B. B.-J. M.-S. H. and J. C.-Messrs. F.-T. H.

Messrs. H. P. Parkes, of Wolverhampton, have just completed an anchor for the "Great Eastern," which is stated to be the largest in the world. The RECEIVED.-J. S.-T. M.-F. A. P.-B. and S. M.-anchor is the patented invention of Mr. Joseph BeJ.P. H.-G. J. G.-E. and B.-M. W.-O. P. and Co.- terley, of Liverpool. Its weight is eight tons, exMessrs. M. and Co.-C. C.-J. C. and Co.-R. T.-J. C.-clusive of the stock; length of the shank, 20ft. 6in.; R. P. T.-C. J.-F. M.-G. E. P.-S. C.-T. H.-A. W.-length of wood stock, 19ft. 6in.; tread of arms, 7ft. Messrs. G. and B.-A. V. N.—S. O.—J. W.-C. J.-4in. The anchor was proved on Friday, under the Mr. John Denton should apply to a gas engineer for infor- of the Staffordshire Chain and Anchor Testing Comeye of Lloyd's agent, at the Tipton proving-house mation respecting small gasworks. There are several prac tical methods of gas lighting on a small scale, for which pany, and found to stand the strain of 100 tons, estimates are readily obtainable on the required supply this being also about 25 per cent. above the Admibeing known. ralty scale.

S. F.-R. P. T.

Meetings for the Week.

A plan for converting Springfield muskets into breech-loaders more efficient than the Prussian needle gun, and at a comparatively small cost, also models of new breech-loaders for the various arms of the service, have been decided on by the MON.-Royal Geographical Society.-The following special board of officers appointed by the United papers will be read:-1, A Journey to Kano States' Government for that purpose. The manufrom the Niger," by the late Dr. W. B. Baikie. facture and alteration, it is said, are already vigo2, "On the North-East Province of Madagas-rously going forward, but nobody out of the de"by the Bishop of Mauritius. 3, "Diary partment seems to know what improvements have of a Hill Trip in Burmah," by Lieutenant T. been adopted. H. Lewin, 8.30. TUES.-Institution of Civil Engineers.-"Ships of War," by Mr. J. Bourne, 8.

car,

Royal Institution." On the Ancient Régime, as
it Existed on the Continent before the French
Revolution," by Rev. C. Kingsley, 3.
THUBS.-Royal Institution." On the Ancient Régime,
as it Existed on the Continent before the
French Revolution," by Rev. O. Kingsley, 3.
Chemical Society, 8.
Linnean Society, 8.
FRI.-Royal Institution." On Sounding and Sensitive
Flames," by Professor Tyndall, 8.
Architectural Association." Notes on Shop
Fronts," by M. T. Blashill, 7.30.
SAT.-Royal Institution." On the Ancient Régime, as
Revolution," by Rev, C. Kingsley, 3.

it Existed on the Continent before the French

Habal, Military, and Gunnery Items.

A large quantity of the Palliser chilled shot and shell is now being prepared at the Royal Arsenal for shipment to various stations, and upwards of 1,500 rifles of the old service have just been returned into store from Ireland to be converted upon the Saider principle.

Preparations are being made at Fortress Monroe to renew upon an extensive scale those experiments to test the force of projectiles and the comparative resistance of iron-clad and stone fortifications which were conducted at that place during Sep.

tember last.

An order, issued by the Lords of the Admiralty, has been received at Chatham Dockyard, by which a very acceptable boon will be conferred upon a class of skilled mechanics employed there. It directs that the writers in the master shipwright's department, who are in receipt of 58. per day, are to receive, after four years' service, 6s. per day, and after seven years' service as writer, 78. 6d. per day. The steam-tug vessel "Despatch," built by Messrs. Jacob Meynell and Company, of Northfleet, after working in the Thames for a few months, was purchased by Messrs. James Deane and Co., and after being stripped of her paddlewheels, was converted into a schooner. This small craft of only 98 tons burthen started on a voyage to Melbourne on the 27th July last, and by the last mail information was received of her arrival, having performed the voyage out in 105 days.

The iron-armoured steam frigate "New Ironsides," one of the largest and most effective vessels of the American navy, was burnt at League Island, on the 16th December last, and is a total loss. She was built of wood, and was iron-plated, measured 2,386 tons American measurement, was 232ft. long, and, carried sixteen 11-inch Dahlgren guns, and two 200-pounder rifled Parrott's.

The Board of Trade inquiry into the alleged exhibition of false lights to lure vessels to their destruction at Whitburn is at an end. The evidence, as is usual in such cases, proves nothing either way; but the inquiry is likely to have a beneficial effect. While nobody seemed able to say that false lights were or were not exhibited at Whitburn, everybody concurred that all possible danger would be avoided by erecting a real light there; and this, no doubt, will be done.

It is reported that an engineer of Trente, M. Garollo, has invented a new needle-gun, which fires fifteen shots a minute. The gun is 4ft. long, weighs 74lb., and carries a ball 5 lines in diameter.

Mr. John Bourne is to read a paper on ships of war at the Institution of Civil Engineers on Tuesday evening next. From the interest Mr. Bourne has always taken in this subject a valuable and practical paper may be expected.

The Russian authorities are going to send to the Universal Exhibition of Paris eight models of their iron-clad ships. Six are already finished, and the Ministry of the Navy is at this moment completing those of the frigate "Sebastopol " and the clipper "Temtchoug." They are constructed on the scale of 1-48th.

Miscellanea.

The works in connection with the sinking of a pair of shafts in the reputed dead-ground at Prior's Lee, the successful issue of which has opened up a new coalfield, in Shropshire, are now complete, the miners having reached the "clod coal," the ultimate stratum of the bed. In accomplishing this they have passed through the several seams of coal usually found in this district, the aggregate thickness being in this case not less than 29ft. Of this the "clod coal" just reached is 6ft, thick, and the "randles," which immediately overlies it, separated merely by a thin stratum, is 4ft., the two forming a coal seam 10ft. in thickness. The original estimate of the yield from this mine is fully contain upwards of 10,000,000 tons of coal. confirmed by the working, and it is computed to

It has been found that in certain Bohemian

schists there are fifty-one millions of animalcules to the cubic inch, each skeleton weighing no more than the two-hundred-millionth part of a grain.

The tobacco manufacture at Nice, which before the annexation was carried on in a small and unhealthy locality, now occupies a vast and handsome building, with a better ventilation than that prescribed by science for barracks and hospitals. Under the Sardinian government it gave employment to about 200 women; now it gives occupation to 720 men. It is anticipated that five years hence from 1,400 to 1,500 persons will be employed. In France there are seventeen tobacco manufactories, each of which has its own speciality.

The Aerial Railway of New York is to be supported upon wrought-iron columns, lft. in diameter and 14ft. high. Streets are to be spanned with ornamental bridges. The motive force is to be supplied by engines of 30-horse power, placed in vaults beneath the streets at intervals of half a mile. These are to work an endless chain of wire rope revolving over large drums, extending about a quarter of a mile each way from the engines, and returning by an iron tube placed beneath the pavement. The carriages are to be of a peculiar construction, capable of being stopped at any moment by the conductor, with the application of a lever. In fact, this appears to be an overhead edition of the old Blackwall rope railway.

The production of gold by all the mines in the United States for the year 1866 is estimated at about 93,200,000 dollars, an increase of nearly 20,000,000 dollars over the estimated production of 1865. For the first eleven months of 1866 precious metals, valued at 59,256,430 dollars, have been exported from New York to Europe.

Shrewsbury, and North Wales Railway, has been
The example set by a creditor of the Potteries,
Intelligence from Zanzibar gives unpleasant ac-
followed in the case of two other Welsh railway com- counts of Dr. Livingstone's expedition. Four or
panies, the sheriff being now in possession of pro- five of the natives of India who accompanied him
nah's Quay Company, and of the Cambrian Com-fever, and they report that at Mataka, a populous
perty belonging to the Wrexham, Mold, and Con- have returned from the interior emaciated with

pany.

Pure salt in abundance has been found in Southwestern Kansas. One report says it completely covers the ground, forming a crust, and can be shovelled up by cartloads.

A new method of stopping a bolting horse has been suggested by an ingenious Frenchman. By means of a special contrivance attached to the bit, the animal's nostrils may be taken hold of in an instant, and, respiration being prevented, the horse must stop.

A bequest has been made to the French Academy of Sciences of a sum of money, yielding £100 per annum, to form a prize every fourth year of £400 for the best work on practical or legal medicine.

The meeting of the Blandford Agricultural Society, a few years ago, took the character of an anti-ritualistic demonstration. The scene of the gathering was in the Bishop of Salisbury's diocese, and "S.G.O." was among the speakers at the dinner. The first clergyman who rose to return the Rev. J. R. Quirk, who, referring to "S.G.O.," thanks for the usual compliment to the Church was said he felt he was in the presence of one who might be compared to a Palliser gun, whose chilled shot had gone through nine-inch bishops, the Pusey, teak and all.

The town of Coburg, Canada West, has been lighted with a new gas, made from pine wood, bones, and refuse vegetable and animal matter. The light, it is said, is quite brilliant, surpassing that manufactured from coal, which had been formerly used, while it will be more economical.

On Wednesday week an explosion occurred at the Old Pit, Sunny Brow Colliery, situated between Durham and Bishop Auckland, the accident resulting in the death of three young men. The men were employed at the engine, and were killed on the spot. Two other men were severely injured.

town two days' journey from Lake Nyassa, the expedition had broken down, all the animals of burthen taken from India having died.

M. Coulvier Gravier, at a recent sitting of the Academy of Sciences, suggested that the maximum display of meteors might be expected in November, 1867; because, he said, the really great showers are thirty-four years apart instead of thirty-three, and the last of these was that of 1833. Moreover, he called attention to the fact that every very grand shower is preceded by one not so grand in the year will be so this time we must wait till next November before it. This was the case in 1832-3; whether it

to learn.

The Moniteur de l'Hygiene states that a number colics, from putting the silk they use in sewing into their mouths. This is attributed to sulphate of of sempstresses have been suffering from violent lead, and the presence of that deleterious substance is explained by the fact that, as the silk is sold by weight, some manufacturers mix the sulphate with it to make it heavier.

tution of Civil Engineers, on the 8th inst., Mr. C. H.
At the last meeting of the members of the Insti-
Gregory, vice-president, in the chair, six candidates
John Clark, Mr. Lewis Henry Moorsom, Mr. James
were elected, including five members, viz.:-Mr.
Long Barker, Mr. Charles Sacré, and Mr. Edwin
Thomas; and one associate, viz.:-Mr. Adam
Fettiplace Blandy.

The difference of longitude between Heart'sContent Station, Newfoundland, and that at Valentia, or, in other words, between the extreme points of the Atlantic Cable, has been ascertained by Mr. Gould, coast surveyor of the United States Government, to be 2 hours, 51 min., 56'5 sec.

The Geographical Society of Paris has opened a subscription for M. Lesaint's proposed journey in the interior of Africa. The Société Scientifique has contributed 2,000 francs for this object.

At a recent meeting of the representatives of the principal railway companies, including those running to the seaports on the southern coast, it was decided not to grant any special facilities in respect of goods intended for the Paris Exhibition of 1867. Dr. Frankland has been investigating some of the physical properties of cholera matter, cholerine. He shows that it passes through filtering paper; and water containing 1-500th of the matter is not entirely purified by transmission through animal

charcoal.

preserve jars, and making a hole in the centre of the cover,
as and for the purpose set forth. Fourth, forming lugs or
forming projections or hooks on the tops of the covers, in
hooks on the outside of preserve jars, near their mouths, and
order to receive the elastic fastening straps or bands which
secure the covers in place, as described. Patent completed.
(A communication.) Dated June 7, 1866
1574 W. E. NEWTON._Improvements in drilling machines.

This invention relates to drilling machines in which the working parts and the table or bed which supports the works are attached either to an upright post or pillar of timber, or other material, or to an upright standard of iron. The feeding of the drill is produced by a weight applied directly The New York Sun has been describing in a series to the drill stock; and the pressure of this weight is reguof articles how that great city is fed. The estimate lated by an adjustable counterpoise connected with the drill is that the actual table expenses for each man, raising the drill stock and drill to a suitable position above stock by a system of levers, which also serves the purpose of woman, and child of the population, averages 37 the work, so as to permit the work to be placed and adjusted cents per head, divided as follows:-Meat supply upon and removed from the table or bed plate on which the about 16 cents; fish supply, 2 cents; eggs and drilling is performed; and it is in this counterpoise and syspoultry, 2 cents; vegetables, 3 cents; fruit, 11tem of levers and their connections that the first part of the cents; bread, 7 cents; tea, coffee, and sugar, cents-the total sum expended daily by the city in eating, 370,000 dollars.

Patents for Inventions.

ABRIDGED SPECIFICATIONS OF PATENTS. THE Abridged Specifications of Patents given below are classified, according to the subjects to which the respectiv, inventions refer, in the following Table. By the system of classification adopted, the numerical and chronological order of the specifications is preserved, and combined with all the advantages of a division into classes. It should be understood that these abridgements are prepared exclusively for this Magazine from official copies supplied by the Government, and are therefore the property of the Proprietors of this Magazine. Other papers are hereby warned not to produce them without an acknowledge ment:

BOILERS AND FURNACES,-1576, 1589, 1591, 1593, 1594, 1599, 1600

BUILDINGS AND Building MateriaLS,-1580, 1581, 1597, 1598, 1605

CHEMISTRY AND PHOTOGRAPHY-1578

1582 H. J. GRISWOLD. Improvements in the manufacture of cards, tablets, and other articles from which marks made without injury to the surface. Dated June 8, 1866 with ink or lead pencil may be repeatedly erased by moisture

The patentee claims covering cards, tablets, and other similar surfaces, either printed or ruled, or otherwise, with a film of transparent composition, consisting of a waterproof varnish mixed with powdered soapstone, or other finely divided gritty material, as described. Patent completed.

1583 J. Moss. Certain improvements in carding engines. Dated June 9, 1866

This invention relates to a novel arrangement and combination of card cylinders and rollers employed in carding engines, and is designed to combine the breaker and finisher carding, and also to obviate the necessity for stripping carding engines in one, and to improve the quality of the the cards by hand. The improvements consist in the use of two larger or main cylinders, in combination with a small card roller beneath and between them. These two cylinders may be different in diameter, or equal, and are to be clothed with cards of different degrees of fineness, the highest speed, say 1,800ft. of surface velocity per minute; first cylinder being the coarsest, and it is to revolve at the the second is to revolve in the same direction at 1,200 ft. per minute. The first cylinder receives the fibrous material from the "licker in," breaks or carries it, and delivers being stripped therefrom by the "doffing cylinder," any fibrous material not removed thereby being carried round until the small card roller clears it from the surface, and transfers it to the first cylinder. Patent completed.

1584 J. J. INGRAM and G. R. PHILLIPS.

invention consists. The second part of the invention con-
or standard of the machine by means of a bracket, which,
sists in the attachment of the drillstock to the upright post
with the two bearings in which the drillstock works, are
all cast in one piece, which is bolted to the post or standard
at a suitable height, such bracket and bearings constituting
a convenient means of putting up the drillstock and adjust-it to the second cylinder, by which it is farther carded,
ing it for work, either when attached to a wooden post or
pillar which forms a portion of the building in which the
machines are used, or to an independent post or standard.
The third part of the invention consists in furnishing the
adjustable table or bed-plate upon which the work is placed
to be drilled with a fixed jaw and a sliding jaw which works
in fixed guides or cleats on the table or bed-plate, and is
adjustable by means of a screw for the purpose of clamping
the articles to be drilled between the two jaws, and thereby
holding them firmly during the drilling operation. The in-
vention consists, finally, in constructing the standard which
carries the working parts of the machine and the adjustable
table or bed-plate on which the work is supported, with a
suitable recess for the introduction of large articles while
supported on the table or bed, and thereby adapting the
machine for the drilling of large articles without having the
drillstock, or the table, or bed-plate set out a great dis-
tance from the face of the standard. Patent completed.

1575 C. D. ABEL. Improvements in travelling bags, valises, and trunks. (A communication.) Dated June 8,

1866

CULTIVATION OF THE SOIL, including agricultural imple- valises, and trunks a box or receptacle for carrying hats or
This invention consists in combining with travelling bags,
ments and machines,-1604
ELECTRICAL APPARATUS.-none
bonnets in such a manner that, while the said box is con-
FIBROUS FABRICS, including machinery for treating fibres, it by means of a separate cover, without having to open the
tained within the bag, valise, or trunk, access is gained to
pulp, paper, &c.,-1583, 1588
FOOD AND BEVERAGES, including apparatus for preparin pleted.
bag, valise, or trunk itself for that purpose. Patent com-
food for men and animals,-1573, 1586
FURNITURE AND APPAREL, including household utensils,
time-keepers, jewellery, musical instruments, &c.,
1572, 1575, 1587, 1602

GENERAL MACHINERY,-1574, 1596

LIGHTING, HEATING, AND VENTILATING,-none
METALS, including apparatus for their manufacture,

none

MISCELLANEOUS,-1572, 1582, 1590, 1592
ROADS AND VEHICLES, including railway plant and car
riages, saddlery, and harness, &c.,-1571, 1577
SHIPS AND BOATS, including their fittings,-1595
STEAM ENGINES,-1584, 1601
WARFARE,-1585, 1603

1571 F. H. WENHAM. Improvements in apparatus for aerial navigation. Dated June 7, 1866 This invention relates to a novel arrangement of surfaces placed one above the other, and kept in parallel planes by means of cords or rods or webs of woven fabric. Each of these surfaces is made of silk, canvas, or other light material, stretched in a frame, or by means of wooden rods or ribs of steel. If the length of the surface exceeds the breadth the inventor prefers placing the long edges foremost in the direction of motion. The number of these surfaces

may be increased from two upwards, according to the amount of weight to be raised or carried. This system of surfaces is arranged above a framework or car, or other suitable structure for containing the motive power. If manual power is employed he preferrs placing the body in a hori. zontal position. The arms or legs work a slide or treadle, from which connecting cords convey a reciprocating motion to oars or propellers, which are hinged above the back of the person working them. The arms extend out sideways, each arm consisting of a spar, at the end of which is a fabric stretched by ribs, resembling the wing of a bat. Several persons may be placed side by side, and work the treadles together. If the machine be held against the wind, with the planes slightly inclining upwards, it will be raised, and the treadles are then to be worked in order to continue the motion. If there be no wind a start may be obtained by lowering the legs beneath the machine, and running down hill, or the machine may be laid on a carriage running down an incline, or drawn forward by some temporary motive force. If a steam engine or other motive power be employed one or more screws or rotary vanes may be applied for propelling the machine. Patent abandoned.

1572 J. J. FRIEDMANN. An improved preparation of materials applicable for the manufacture of hats, cups, bonnets, coats, cloaks, gaiters, and other articles of clothing, pouches, portfolios, and other articles of capacity for enclos ing various useful articles. (A communication.) Dated June 7, 1866

1576 W. J. FRASER.

which improvements are also applicable to hot water and
Improvements in steam boilers,
other boilers. Dated June 8, 1866

This invention relates to vertical boilers having internal
fire-boxes, and consists in the construction of the fire-box
hereinafter stated, whereby the heat from the fire will be
and arrangement of water tubes therein in the manner
caused to descend through the furnace bars (which are
formed by portions of the water tubes) into a combustion
chamber at the bottom of the boiler, thereby producing a
constant circulation of water within the water tubes, and
preventing the formation of smoke in the combustion of
the fuel. Patent abandoned.

1577 J. ARMSTRONG. Improvements in the manufacture of crossings for the permanent way of railways. Dated June 8, 1866

This invention has reference to a previous patent dated 20th May, 1865 (No. 1398), and consists in forming the ends of the point, and of the wing or side rails, where they join on to the ordinary rails, into separate rails, so as to afford facility for "fishing" them to the rails. Patent abandoned. journal boxes or bearings. "(A communication.) Dated 1578 W. E. NEWTON. An improved composition for

in valves for regulating feed suction and other purposes. Improvements Dated June 9, 1866

This invention relates especially to valves for the feed umps of steam engines, but it is also applicable to other purposes in which regulating valves or cocks are used. The of india-rubber, leather, or other suitable elastic material invention consists in the use of a valve composed of a disc from the suction pipe, such disc of elastic material being fixed in the centre to a seat formed in the aperture leading combined with a movable guard or stop for regulating the extent to which the valve is capable of opening for the pas sage of water or other fluid from the suction pipe. Patent

abandoned.

1585 J. ERSKINE. Improvements in breechloading guns. Dated June 9, 1866

The line of resistance in the ordinary Lefaucheux or drop gun (which depends on its fulcrum pin) being at a considerable angle to the line of force exerted by the explosions, gives the barrels a tendency to open upwards, and by repeated firing, to loosen the parts and render the closure of the breech less perfect. To obviate this the inventor makes the parts so that the closure depends upon parts formed solid in the barrel projecting downwards, and entering abutments which press and hold the barrels up to the openings in the sole or body, the contact of the one part with the other forming an abutment-which presses on breech face, and in such way that the fulcrum pin is not at all depended on, and might in fact be withdrawn at the time jecting pieces forming the abutments available in such of firing without detriment, He adopts the usual locking apparatus to hold the barrel down, and he makes the prolocking. By preference he makes the abutting surfaces that hold the barrels to the breech at right angles or nearly so to the line of the barrel. further from the breech, as nearer the line of the bore. 1586 H. A. DUFRENE.

He also disposes the fulcrum also higher up, that is to say, Patent abandoned. Decorticating rice and other grains. (A communication.) Dated June 11, 1866 This invention consists in the construction of improved apparatus for decorticating rice, corn, and other grain, in elastic bodies, or the friction of one elastic body and one which apparatus the patentee employs the friction of two hard and rough body, the rice, corn, or other grain to be decorticated being in both cases placed between them. India-rubber of all kinds is among other elastic bodies the stone with a vertical axis, having a plain or conical side one preferred. Firstly, the apparatus consists of a millor face composed of a hard body, such as sand, stone, silex, journal boxes, bearings, and other purposes, composed of The patentee claims the production of a composition for emery, artificial or natural stone, and of another millstone with a plane or conical side or face, made of any suitable copper and glass, and mixed or fused in the presence of material, but lined with a plate or cover of india-rubber, borax and prussiate of potash, or their chemical equivaor other analogous elastic material. Secondly, the appara lents, and with or without lead, as described. Patent com-like the last, and turning one to the other, Thirdly, the tus may also consist of two elastic millstones, composed pleted. apparatus may also consist of a millstone enveloped with india-rubber with a horizontal axis, which millstone turns at a short distance from a rough and rigid or an elastic body, adapted wholly or in part to the form of the turning millstone. Patent completed.

June 8, 1866

1579 D. T. LEE. Improvements in lay figures, dolls, and manikins. Dated June 8, 1866

This invention refers to an improved mechanical contrivance for actuating the joints and parts of the body in figures of the above descriptions, and with this view the inventor connects the joints or other moving parts by springs, either of metal, india-rubber, or other resilient material, in connection with cords and pulleys when required. These springs are secured in any suitable manner, the joints being formed upon the ball-and-socket principle, so that movement of the parts is allowed in any direction, and when placed, they are so retained by the action of the springs without any intervention of set screws or other appliances. By a simple arrangement of buckle and strap, passing over a pulley fixed in any part of the figure, the action of the springs may be tightened or relaxed at will, Patent abandoned.

1580 J. CRANSTON. Improvements in horticultural erections. Dated June 8, 1866

In performing this invention the inventor proposes to construct a simple and economical form of glass house by hinging together ordinary sash frames in such manner, and by so connecting them to the wood sill plates and uprights of the structure, as to admit of the house being opened right and left at the ridge or other apex of the roof, so as to allow a passage down the centre when required, the whole being capable of closing by drawing

The patentee claims the manufacture of a compound fabric (applicable to the purposes set forth) consisting of thin sheets of cork, combined with any suitable woven or textile fabric, by means of gutta-percha, india-rubber, or other elastic gum or preparation, as set forth. Patent completed. 1573 W. E. NEWTON. Improvements in jars for preserv-together the two sides of the house. Patent abandoned. ing fruits, meats, and other substances. (A communication.) Dated June 7, 1865

The patentee claims, first, constructing jars for preserving fruits, meat, and other substances, with feet or pedestals on the bottoms thereof, so as to obtain a free circulation of the heating medium beneath them when they are placed in such medium in the process of putting them up, as described. Second, holding the covers of jars in place by means of elastic bands or straps, or their equivalents, as described. Third, forming a basin on the upper surface of the cover of

1581 O. H. MURRAY. Improvements in machinery for
making bricks. Dated June 8, 1866
bricks by forcing the clay forward by means of a pushing
The patentee claims cutting the clay into the form of
board or otherwise against a series of fixed wires, so
arranged that the clay is pushed on or forced past the
wires on to a movable board provided with handles, so
that twelve or any other convenient number of bricks may
be removed at the same time, as described. Patent com-
pleted.

or receptacles for valuable property. Dated June 11, 1866 1587 J. BAXTER and J. HUNT. Improvements in safes

This invention consists, first, in making the four sides and the back of the safe or receptacle in one casting of steel, or other metal, and the door in the same manner, instead of making them of several parts jointed together, as now customary. Secondly, the invention consists in making the joints of the door and the body of the safe or receptacle of straight, as now customary, by which means the diffi with V shaped or toothed projections and recesses, instead culty of introducing wedges for bursting open the safe is greatly increased. Thirdly, the invention consists in making a groove in the body of the safe or receptacle, and a corresponding projection on the lid, or vice versa, and in causing the bolts to pass into holes in the body of the Patent abandoned. safe or receptacle at both sides of the said projections.

1588 D. COCHRANE. Improvements in spinning frames. Dated June 11, 1866

This invention relates to a contrivance for supporting in a desired position certain rollers used in frames for the spinning of flax, hemp, jute, tow, and similar substances. A bracket or stand is attached to the bearer or part of a spinning frame at the rear of the drawing and pressing rollers, and having a cross guide pin at the outer end which supports a saddle. This saddle has a longitudinal transverse inclined slot or groove to admit the cross guide slot to admit the outer end of the bracket or stand, and a with pillow blocks or bearings fitted and secured into or pin on which the saddle rests. The saddle is furnished ported. The lower pillow block may be of the ordinary upon it, in which the axles of the front rollers are supconstruction. The upper pillow block has a tongue, which is passed through the longitudinal slot, and secured in any