drum at the side which carries the ring H, and they are all free to slide in guides formed to receive them in the end of the drum. They are further connected to the drum by coiled springs g', and adjusting screwed hooxs g., which are passed through lugs cast on the boss of the drum and made fast by nuts 93, and it is by the tension of the springs g that the radial wedges are drawn inwards, and thus caused to secure the bars C' in position; the contact surfaces of each wedge and wedging bar are ribbed to prevent the wedge from slipping back. It will now be understood that as the bars are pressed forward to secure the books of silk waste, the wedges will follow up the motion of the bars, and the ribbed contact surfaces of the wedges will effectually secure every advance made by the bars.

To facilitate the release of the books for the purpose of replacing them by others an adjustable cam-shaped bar K is fixed to the inner face of one of the side frames for the purpose of thrusting out the radial wedges G as they are severally brought round in contact therewith. This bar acts upon the wedges after the books of silk have passed under the operation of the several endless bands of dressing surfaces, and thus unlocks the wedge bars C', leaving them free to be slidden back endwise, and thus remove the clamping pressure from the books. In order to ease the friction of the radial wedges against the bar K, the bars are fitted with bowles at their inner ends, as shown at fig. 1. effect the automatic release of the wedging bars an inclined plane L is fixed to a bracket on the main framing in such a position as to act upon the ends of the wedging bars, and slide them back towards the side of the machine where the weighted incline D is situated. The books of dressed silk may then be taken out and replaced by books of silk requiring the like operation.

débris scattered in every direction, the dismantled moulding at the top of the chimney stack showing that some of the fragments must have been thrown to a considerable height.

good material; while many boilers, strained as severely, are working with perfect safety. When the boiler was ordered it was distinctly stipu. lated that it should be safe at the pressure just named, and it was made on this understanding, being double-riveted throughout in consequence, and tested with water up to a pressure of 2401b. per square inch by the makers before leaving their yard, who warranted it safe, and described it in their correspondence as a splendid boiler, and one that would do them credit. Its price, without fittings, was £120, which, considering the small size of the boiler, was a high one, but which the makers said was due to the superiority of their work. The boiler scarcely worked, however, six months before it burst, though the plates were not thinned by corrosion, but retained their original thicknsss. It will be seen, therefore, that this is by no means an ordinary explosion, and it is important clearly to ascertain its cause.

the explosion had occurred, in order to report to
him thereon, when, on making an examination,
I found that the boiler was internally-fired and
of the Cornish type, having a single furnace tube
running throughout from end to end. Its length Though the pressure at which this boiler was
was 20ft., its diameter in the shell 4ft. 6in., and worked, namely, 100lb. on the square inch, was
in the furnace tube 2ft. 6in., while the thickness high, yet it was not excessive for one of such di
of the plates throughout was in., with the excep-mensions as this one was, if well made and of
tion of the flat ends, which were in. The cylin-
drical portion of the shell was composed of six
belts, each of which was about 3ft. Sin. wide, in-
cluding the overlap, and being composed of two
plates circumferentially, had two longitudinal
seams of rivets. These seams were placed at the
sides of the boiler in the first belt, counting
from the firing end, and at the top and bottom
in the second, while they were at the sides
in the third, and so on alternately through-
out. The boiler had but one safety-valve, of open
lever construction, measuring 3in. in diameter,
and weighted to about 100lb. on the square inch,
which was the pressure for which the boiler had
been originally made, being double-riveted
throughout at the longitudinal, as well as at the
circular seams, both in the shell and furnace tube.
The boiler gave way in the external shell, but
in a somewhat unusual manner, the third belt of
plates, reckoning from the firing end, being cut
out of the shell, without damaging the remainder
of the boiler, almost as neatly as if it had been
turned out by a tool in the lathe. This belt had
rent primarily across its entire width at a longi-
tudinal seam of rivets, and secondarily at the ring
seams running round the boiler at each side of
it. The boiler was moved but a few feet from its
seating, but the belt of plate just described was
opened out nearly flat and thrown across the yard
to the right hand of its original position, while
the works were completely laid in ruins, and the

It must be apparent at a glance that this explosion could not be due to shortness of water, since the boiler, though internally-fired, failed in the external shell, and not in the furnace tube; but it may be added that the furnace crown did not present the slightest appearance of over. heating, being slightly scaled over, and retaining its shape as truly as when first made. Neither is there any reason to conclude that the working pressure had been exceeded, since, on extricat ing the safety-valve after the explosion from the

debris in which it was buried, it was found to be free in action, while all the witnesses, who gave evidence on this subject at the inquest, concurred in the statement that the blowing-off pressure was 100lb. as nearly as may be, and no one appeared to have seen this exceeded. It may also be pointed out that the rupture of the boiler appears of too local a character to have resulted from an excessivo pressure of steam, since this would have operated equally over the whole shell; while, further, the furnace tube, not being strengthened with any encircling hoops, but merely with three segments on the crown, was weaker than the external shell, so that, had the explosion resulted from an undue and excessive pressure of steam, it might reasonably be concluded that the furnace tube wonld have failed before the shell, whereas the shell gave way, and

not the furnace tube.

proper pressure of steam have been alluded to,

out so as to form a series of triangles which
were almost equilateral, and measured 24in. in
the direction of the seam, and 24in. diagonally,
the two rows being spaced two inches apart,
measuring in each case from centre to centre,
while the overlap of the plates was an inch and
one-eighth from the edge to the centre of the
rivets. The riveting was done by hand, and
not by machine, but the heads were carefully
snapped, and presented a neat appearance to
the eye, though it may be pointed out they were
rather light.

above the deck. It was also remarked that ship. masters very often did not make sufficient allow. ances for these deviations. 3rd. It was urged that another great cause of risks was attributable to the fact that young and inexperienced captains were allowed to command large ves sels, while old and experienced masters were not sufficiently encouraged. It was also recom. mended that not only should more care be taken with the compasses, but the instructions with regard to the use of the lead should be very strict, and that shipowners and underwriters should endeavour to show their warm and liberal appreciation of careful and experienced navigation.

MARINE.

the rivet to the edge of the plate; and A Captain Henry Toynbee read a long and

T the last meeting of the Society of Arts elaborate paper on "Mercantile Marine Legisla tion as affecting the number and efficiency of British Seamen." After pointing out the dis creditable treatment to which the marine laws subjected our seamen, the gallant captain con cluded by proposing the following important changes:-.

It is thought for so high a pressure as 100lb. on the square inch, and with plates only threeeighths of an inch in thickness, that the rivets were spaced too far apart, and it would have been better had their diameter been three-quarters of an inch instead of eleven- IMPROVEMENTS IN OUR MERCANTILE sixteenths, and the overlap somewhat less than The questions of shortness of water and iman inch and one-eighth from the centre of since they are so generally supposed to have to further, that machine riveting would have do with nearly every explosion, but to arrive at given a bolder and fuller head to the point of the the true cause in the present instance, attention rivet, and have drawn the work up tighter tomust be directed to the primary rent. This oc-gether, so that it would have required less caulk curred at the inner overlap of the plate of a ing, from which so much mischief was evidently longitudinal double riveted joint, but it did not done in the present instance. It is not wished take the line of rivet holes throughout, but ap- to express too decided an opinion upon these peared to have commenced at the solid metal, points, but rather to call attention to them as and about midway in the length of the seam at worthy of further consideration; and it is trusted the edge of the overlap, and at the time of caulk- that the details given above of the seam of rivets ing, which it followed for a length of four or five which failed, with such disastrous consequences, inches, and then sloped into the line of rivets. will prove of service to those interested in this The edge of the plate exhibited a very short subject, which a more general introduction of brittle fracture, and on examining the shell for high pressure steam and double riveting renders the brand, only one of the plates was found to of daily increasing importance. have any mark on it at all, and this was the single word " Boiler," while at the inquest the foreman, under whose superintendence the boiler had been made, frankly acknowledged that the fractured plate was not of good quality, and should not have been put into the boiler had he known it. The edge of the fractured plate appeared to contain an old flaw at the line of caulking, just as if a crack had been started either when the boiler was first made or when it was caulked at the time of testing with water pressure up to 2401b., and had gradually gone on developing till it extended right across the plate. That this crack had existed for some time is corroborated by the fact that this seam of rivets had been found to leak a month or so before the explosion, and was

caulked in consequence, while in addition the boiler had leaked on the morning of the explosion, when the maker was sent for to examine it, but as the joint could not be got at with steam up, repairs were deferred till the brickwork could be removed on the following Saturday, when the boiler would be stopped. This leakage was on the same side of the boiler as the primary rent, and from the position of the moisture on the brickwork, there is good reason to conclude that the water came from the same seam that had previously proved defective and rent a few hours afterwards. Having regard to all the circumstances of the case, the position and character of the rents, the condition of the furnace crown, the brittle character of the plate, and the repeated leakages at the seam of rivets at which the primary rent occurred, &c., there can be no question that the explosion was not due to shortness of water, or an improper amount of steam, but that it occurred at a pressure not exceeding that at which the boiler was ordinarily worked, simply from weakness consequent on defective material combined with workman

ship, or, in short, that the boiler burst because

it was a bad one.

L

BEACHING THE "GREAT EASTERN."
AST Saturday the "Great Eastern" was suc-
cessfully placed on the gridiron at New
Ferry, just above Liverpool, on the Cheshire
side of the river. The gridiron was constructed
about three years ago, when the vessel was first
overhauled in the Mersey, but has since been
improved. There was a very high spring tide,
and although the "Great Eastern" was drawing
18ft. 6in. of water on an even keel, there was
quite sufficient depth on the shore to render the
operation of beaching a safe one. The big ship
lies broadside on the grid running parallel with
the river. About nine o'clock a.m. all was in
readiness, and the ship left her moorings. Sir
James Anderson, the commander of the big ship,
attended to the navigation, while Mr. Brereton,

the successor to Mr. Brunel and Mr. Yockney,
carefully watched the engineering department.
Four steam tugs (two on each side the "Great
Eastern") assisted to keep the vessel in position,
as with scarcely perceptible motion she neared
the beach. The screw engines only of the big ship
were worked. The screw boilers have been
taken out of the ship, and are to be replaced by
new ones, and the screw engines were con
sequently worked from the paddle boilers. The
big ship took the grid about ten o'clock, being
placed with great nicety in the exact position
fixed upon, and kept in position by two massive
dolphins. Although her sides and bottom are
rather dirty, the lines, bolts, and rivets appear
in excellent order.

FREQUENT LOSS OF IRON SHIPS.

1st. That Government will establish a pension fund and life insurance adapted to the circum. stances of seamen and their families, in connection with shipping offices, and join on to them a benefit fund, the principal of which shall be the sums which Government has received, and is still receiving, as unclaimed effects of deceased seamen. Also, that the Act be so modified that the wages and effects of deserters shall go to this fund. Also that Government will consider in what way they can discourage giving a month's advance before starting, except as a payment into the pension fund or life insurance.

2. That Government shall put a stop to scurvy in the mercantile marine, by calling for and entering in the heading of the "articles" a new scale of provisions.

seamen to 15 certified superficial feet of deck, and 3. That they shall increase the space given to not less than 90 cubic feet of air; also that they drained, ventilated, and protected from the sea, shall require the forecastle to be properly lighted, as well as from the gas which rises from the cargo. Safe glazed lamps and oil or candles to be provided for use; and these rights of seamen agreement," and a copy hung in the forecastle. to be entered in the heading of the "articles of

4. That dock clerks be attached to shipping offices, whose duty it shall be to visit ships on their arrival, see that the crews get part of their promising to send the rest of their pay and papers pay, and, if they wish, send them to their homes,

after them.

5. That shipping-masters shall be empowered provisions, or at least those of any against which to order the inspection of all ships' forecastles and there is a reasonable complaint. Again, that shipping-masters abroad be empowered to make com manders ship another man immediately in the place of the one discharged. Also that vessels engaging crews to be discharged abroad shall be bound to provide them another ship or pay their passage home.

6. That Government be moved to provide for the admission of English boys into the mercantile marine, as a means of national defence in case of war, as well as an honest employment of her subjects, instead of allowing them to be sup. planted by foreigners.

Lastly, that Government be asked to grant public lands in our seaports for married sailors' homes, sailors' clubs or institutes, and to encourage in every way the social improvement of seamen, who suffer great temptations and pri vations from the peculiar circumstances of their profession.

Thas been frequently discussed of late amongst HE cause of the loss of so many iron ships shipowners and others. The question was inThis explosion affords a forcible illustration of cidentally referred to at the annual meeting of the sad results of putting in bad plates, the pur- the Maritime Insurance Company, the general chaser's works being laid in ruins, though he opinion of those present being that the risks on covenanted for a good boiler, and paid an ample iron ships were unduly great. 1st. From the price for it, so that the onus of the explosion use of cement and iron ballast. Vessels at premust rest entirely with the boiler maker. Since sent, it was stated, are constructed to float on this is an explosion of so unusual a character, a rather than in the water, and consequently they cut, prepared from a photograph, has been had to be weighted down to a certain depth A new industry has lately been introduced into added showing the double-riveted joint at which by iron. For instance, a first-class mer Glasgow-that of polishing granite, an art for which the primary rent occurred. Fig. 1 and 2 chant ship (A 1 twenty years at Lloyd's) had 200 Aberdeen has long been noted. The works estarepresent a piece cut off each end of the belt of tons weight of iron on her ties and rivets. It blished near Pollokshields by the Scottish Granite plate severed from the boiler, the fracture at the was also urged that the space occupied by Company are now employed in the preparation of double line of rivets being at a longitudinal seam, iron ballast filled the space which would other-eight polished granite columns for the piers of the and those at right angles with it, and on each wise be occupied by the leakage water, which side of the plate, at a circumferential one. was in consequence thus frequently forced to an Fig. 3 shows a cross section of the overlap, giving the parts full size. From these it will be seen that the rivets, which had a diameter of eleven-sixteenths of an inch in the body, and an inch and one-eighth in the beaten head, were set

undue height, to the great injury of the cargo.
2nd. The deviation of the compasses was
another serious and frequent cause of risk, and
it was recommended that all iron ships should
carry a compass on the main mast, twenty feet

new Blackfriars Bridge. One of these immeuse monoliths is already in an advanced state of its pro gress. It is perhaps the largest block of granite that Scotland. It is about 7ft. in diameter, and about has ever been wrought into a polished column in 11ft. in length; and four of the number are to be about 8ft. in diameter and 12ft. high. The material is the beautiful red syenitic granite of Mull.

Obituary.

On Tuesday evening last, Sir William Snow Harris, F.S.A., died at his house in Plymouth, in which town he was born in 1791. Early in life he was a militia surgeon, and subsequently practised in Plymouth. It was, however, to his knowledge of electricity that he owed what fame he possessed. His papers on "The elementary laws of electricity "attracted the attention of the Royal Society, which elected him a member in 1831. In 1835 the Copley medal was awarded him; and in 1839 his "Inquiries Concerning the Elementary Laws of Electricity," third series, was printed in the "Philosophical Transactions," and obtained the prize as the "Bakerian Lecture." In 1841 Sir William was awarded a pension of £300 a year from the Civil List for his scientific acquirements, and in 1847 received the honour of knighthood. The Emperor of Russia in 1845 presented him with a vase in acknowledgment of his scientific services. He subsequently made valuable improvements in the construction of the compass (now generally adopted), and was the sole inventor and patentee of the tubular lightning conductors for iron ships, for carrying out which invention a Parliamentary grant was made.

Legal Intelligence.

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS.
January 21.

(Sittings at Nisi Prius, in Middlesex, before MR.
JUSTICE BYLES and a Common Jury.)

ALLEN V DITCHBURN.

This case arose out of the following circum. stances:-The "Alexandra" saloon steamboat met with an accident in the Pool, which necessi. tated some repairs being done to her machinery. The consequence was that she was sent to the plaintiff's yard near the Victoria Docks, and work was done to the amount of £118 18. 8d. This amount it was now sought to recover.

Correspondence.

WATER MACHINERY.

"" MECHANICS' MAGAZINE."
TO THE EDITOR OF THE
SIR,-An article under the above heading, which
appeared in your issue for the 28th December last,
forcibly exemplifies the truth of the axiom that
"there is nothing new under the sun."

The

articulated float wheel," precisely as illustrated
and described in your columns, was, I beg to inform
you, invented, patented, manufactured, and experi-
mented with by myself and others at least thirty
years ago. We applied one of these wheels to a small
boat, which plied upon the River Thames for a con-
siderable time, until it attracted the attention of
Lord Cochrane, who, with several other gentlemen
scientific proclivities,
distinguished by their
honoured us with their presence on board in a trip
we all took up the river. These gentlemen expressed
themselves highly delighted with the result of this
excursion, and signified their intention of proceed-
ing further in the matter. But it happened just at
that time, as far as I can remember, that his lord-
ship became reinstated in his command of the
British navy, and consequently, being too much en-
gaged to occupy himself with the scheme, it, like
many other incipient plans, fell through for want of
Before this consummation, how-
encouragement.
ever, numerous trials had been made, which re-
sulted in the following experience:-It was found
that the wheels typified by the diagram (fig. 1)
answered very well as far as wheels totally immersed
were concerned, but in cases such as water-wheels,
&c., where circumstances would admit of only par-
tial immersion, some modifications were introduced,
viz., the floats, instead of being attached to the
periphery b (fig. 1) and permitted to fall against the

FIC.1.

W

inner circumference a when acting under the gra Mr. M. Chambers, Q.C., and Mr. Turner ap-vitating influence of the water, were jointed to the peared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Day for the de- perimeter of an internal annular ring d (fig. 2) in

fendant.s

It appeared that the "Alexandra" was owned by a limited liability company, of which the defendant was a director. Another circumstance was that the defendant having been for a good many years a shipbuilder, he took a some. what active part in reference to the repairs of the vessel. The case for the plaintiff was that the defendant personally gave the orders, and that the work was done upon his credit; whilst, on the other hand, the case was that the fact that the vessel belonged to a company was written up on the vessel, and also appeared upon placards hanging in the saloon; and that the defendant acted only as one of the company and never intended to take upon himself any personal liability.

The Jury found for the plaintiff for the amount claimed.

CHANCERY COURT.
January 23.
(Before the MASTER OF THE ROLLS and a
Special Jury.)

The plaintiff obtained a patent in 1863 for an improved method of tanning hides or skins by "so suspending and fastening them within a rotating frame that they shall alternately roll or fold up, and again straighten whilst immersed or partially immersed in fluid," and having filed a bill for an injunction against the defendant to restrain an alleged infringement of the patent, a special jury was summoned to try the usual issues for testing the validity of the patent. The case occupied the Court the whole of Tuesday and part of to-day.

Mr. Grove, Mr. Baggallay, and Mr. Fooks were for the plaintiff; and Mr. Bristowe for the defendant.

The jury found in favour of the plaintiff on all the issues.

such a manner that when impinged upon by the
head water or tidal current they came in contact
with stops e placed in this instance upon the outer
circumference b.

The superiority of this system may be manifested
by supposing the horizontal plane A B to be a lever,
with the centre C of the wheel as a fulcrum. Of
course the advantage gained is the difference be-
tween the length of the arms C B and D C, or,
rather, moment of (C B g): moment of (A C-
AD) W, where C B= length of one arm, CD
length of the other, g = the impact or force of
gravity of the water, W weight of float and re-
sistance of the air. It was discovered in the case
of partial immersion that the weight of the paddles
on the ascending side of the wheel sometimes ab-
sorbed all the useful effect that was produced on the
other side, so that the development of power was
extremely limited, I should not have ventured any
observations on this subject had it not been claimed
as an invention of and patented by M. de la Fon-
taine. A wooden model of the wheel as represented
by your diagrams may be found somewhere in
Somerset House. I caused another to be constructed
with the before-mentioned modifications, but at
this advanced period, I do not exactly remember
what became of them.
I am, Sir, yours, &c.,
King's-road, Chelsea, S.W.

S. W. WORSSAM.

cision of Vice-Chancellor Wood ? My right to the
machinery and tools by which only the cartridges
can be made is still unaffected, and therefore their
manufacture cannot be carried on without proper
licence from myself.

I am, Sir, yours, &c.,
GEORGE H. DAW.
57, Threadneedle street, City, E.C.,
January 24.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. The MECHANICS' MAGAZINE is sent post-free to subscribers of £1 1s. 8d. yearly, or 10s. 10d. half-yearly, payable in advance. ZIME at the rate of 6d. per line, or 5d. per line for 13 insertions, or 4d. a line for 26 insertions. Each line consists of about 10 words. Woodcuts are charged at the same rate as type. Special arrangements made for large advertisements.

Advertisements are inserted in the MECHANICS' MAGA

All communications should be addressed to the EDITOR,

RECEIVED.-J. C.-G. P. A.-R. B. S.-T. G. R.

J. N. N.-Messrs. G. and B.-H. D. D.-D. S. N.-J. J.
T. N.-W. F. and Son.-S. T.-N. V. and Co.-E. and B.
J. C.-H. S. C.-Captain S.-J. J. S-J. N.—R. T.—
W. S.

J. B. T.-W. de R.-W. D.-R. T.-J. D. B.-R. O.

Meetings for the Week.

Mox.-Royal Geographical Society.-Papers to he read -1,"A Geographical Inquiry, with reference to the Best Site for a Capital of India," by the Hon. George Campbell. 2,"On the Inland Navigation of Travancore,' by Mr. C. R. Markham, 8.30.

TUES.-Institution of Civil Engineers.-Discussion on. "Ships of War," 8.

Royal Institution.-"On Vibratory Motion, with special reference to Sound," by Professor Tyndall, 3.

THURS.-Royal Institution.-"On Vibratory Motion, with special reference to Sound," by Professor Tyndall, 3.

FRI.-Royal Institution.-" On the Crystal Palace Fire,"
by J. S. Russell, 8.

Royal United Service Institution." The Best
Mode of Recruiting for the Army, and the
Influences bearing upon that Service," by
Captain R. C. Noake, 3.

Architectural Association.- Oyster Culture
Architecturally Considered," by Mr. J. P.
Seddon, 7.30.

SAT.-Royal Institution." On Harmony," by Mr, G. A.
Macfarren, 3.

Nabal, Military, and Gunnery Items.

We clip the following from the London Magazine of July 27, 1736, showing the state of our navy at that period:-His Majesty's ship the "Superbe," a fourth-rate of 60 guns, lately rebuilt, was launched at Woolwich. 'Tis certain the British navy was never in the order it is at present, whether in regard to the condition of the ships, the discipline on board, or the pay of the seamen. His Majesty has at present 124 ships of the line of battle, 55 fifth and sixth rates for cruising in the Channel, the Mediterranean, &c., with bombships, fireships, sloops, and yachts, making in the whole 209 vessels. The value of the ship just launched, when completed, with masts and rigging, amounts to about £14,200, that of the whole navy to £2,591,337." The foregoing offers a marked contrast to the present condition of our naval matters.

The French Minister of War has just decided that in future every man in the army, in addition to the ordinary drill of the branch of the service to which he belongs, shall receive instruction in fencing.

A colossal bust of King William I. has arrived at La Seyne, to be placed in the hall, where a grand banquet is to take place on the occasion of the launch of an iron-clad frigate which has been built for the Prussian Government in that yard.

The discontinuance of the storm signals introduced by the late Admiral Fitzroy has given great dissatisfaction in Liverpool, and the Mercantile Marine Service Association intend to petition the Board of Trade in favour of their early resumption.

The Naval Medical Warrant is still" hanging fire," says the Army and Navy Gazette. Their Lordships of the Treasury appear to be the culprits. In the meantime the service is sadly in want of young surgeons, and, although there will, probably during this week, be four or five candidates for admission, these will not, even provided they succeed in passing, make up for the casualties and the resig

CENTRAL-FIRE CARTRIDGES.
SIR, As in your notice of last Friday upon
central-fire cartridges, you have referred to the re-
cent trial between myself and Messrs. Eleys, will
you allow me permission to state in your columns
that only a part of my patent is affected by the de-nations of last quarter.

The following results of the yearly course of practice of the sergeant instructors at Hythe and Fleetwood are recorded in the Times as an evidence of what squads of men can do with the Enfield rifle when carefully and systematically trained. These non-commissioned officers are not selected as instructors on account of their good shooting, many of them being only second-class shots when they joined the school:-Average points obtained in the first period-53 at Hythe, 51 at Fleetwood; ditto, in volley firing, 24 at Hythe, 25 at Fleetwood; per: centage of first class, minus third class, 95 at Hythe, 92 at Fleetwood; figure of merit, 172 at Hythe, 168 at Fleetwood. Average points obtained in the second class, second period-40'57 at Hythe, 32'13 at Fleetwood; ditto, first class, third period 19 80 at Hythe, 21:33 at Fleetwood: ditto, in rapid file-firing, 14:10 at Hythe; time, 5 min. 12 sec at Hythe average points obtained in the second class, second period, in skirmishing, 17'10 at Hythe. We understand that, pending the consideration of the recommendations of Lord Strathnairn's Commission on Army Organisation, all appointments to the civil branches of the army have been suspended, and that candidates for service in the Commissariat from the line have been informed their applications must stand over for the present.

We understand that the Northfleet dockyard, which has been closed for the past year and nine months, will, in the course of the spring, be occupied. The "British Empire" steam ship, 3,000 tons, will, during the present week, be docked, for the purpose of undergoing thorough repair, which will be the means of employing a great many ship wrights and others now out of employ.

In the course of the past year a new equipment of the Russian field artillery has been resolved upon. Only rifled cannon will be seen in future, one-third of the foot batteries to be provided with 9-pounders, and the rest of the foot batteries and all horse batteries with 4-pounders. Had the Government decided for the exclusive use of steel guns an article the manufacture of which in Russia is very difficult, while its purchase abroad would be dear and slow-it would have taken very long to re-organise this essential branch of the service. For this reason the Ordnance Department have thought it advisable to order bronze guns, and made the requisite preparations to cast 300 pieces a year in the St. Petersburg arsenal.

In addition to the foregoing a most important innovation has also been made-viz., the introduction of workshops for the making of regimentals. No less than 15,000 men were last year employed in this department. The total of soldiers on leave already exceeding 400,000 men, it is so very necessary to keep everything ready for their instantaneous equipment in case of need that a further increase of such shops seems to be highly desirable. This arrangement is imitated from the Prussian army, whose coats and boots are exclusively made by soldiers under arms. Under the general conscription system, the number of draughted tailors and shoemakers is necessarily very great.

The Russian fleet has been increased, during the past year, by the completion of the armoured frigate Petropaulowska,” and the plated battery, "Kremel.". Its monitors have been armed with guns of 15in. calibre, and its iron-plated vessels with steel-rifled guns of large bore.

Miscellanea.

The number of telegraphic despatches exchanged in the City of Paris now exceeds 1,500 a day In pursuing his experiments with a view to sub. stitute petroleum for coal in the generation of from his long connection with the London and cheaper compound than the least saleable mineral Captain Huish, well-known in the railway world steam, Mr. C. J. Richardson has discovered an even North-Western Railway Company, died on Friday oils. He finds that coal tar, creosote, naphthaline, last. Captain Huish was Deputy-Chairman of the and other similar products, may all be burned in Electric and International Telegraph Company. the same way as he proposed to burn the crude oils: fibrous material, known and appreciated by the sote, three parts; and one or two parts of heavy The leaves of the pine-apple plant produce a results, being formed of coal tar, two parts; creoa compound with which he has obtained excellent barbarous hordes of Africa and the semi-civilised shale oil. We are informed that Mr. Richardson Malays. The celebrated pine-apple cloth of the will have his petroleum boiler at work again in Philippines, resembling the finest muslin, is woven with the delicate fibres of the uncultivated pine. when all who are interested in the matter can in Woolwich Dock in the course of a week or two, apple plant. This muslin is embroidered by the spect its practical working. and taste, so that the "pina" muslin of the Philippines has become a celebrated article of manu

nuns of the convents of Manilla with excellent skill

facture.

the north portions of the nave of the Palace,
The flue which works the heating apparatus for
destroyed in thelate fire, has now been repaired,
and the whole of the interior is now made warm
and comfortable.

Chanton Farm, between Washington and Ashin-
A man, while recently ploughing a headland on
ton, Sussex, felt his plough come against something
which caused it to be thrown out of its course. It
proved to be an old crock, or earthenware pot, con-
taining a number of old coins, chiefly of the time of
Edward the Confessor and Harold. They were all
packed in the crock on their edges, as closely as
possible, and had evidently remained undisturbed
since first hidden.
have been communicated with on the subject of the
The Government authorities
treasure.

During the past year, says the Bookseller, there
have appeared 4,204 new books and new editions:
Religious books and pamphlets, 849; biographi-
cal and historical, 194; medical and surgical, 160;
poetry and the drama, 232; novels, 390; minor
fiction and children's books, 544; travels, topo-
graphy, and geography, 195; annuals and serials
(volumes only), 225; agriculture, horticulture, &c.,
64; English philology and education, 196; Euro-
pean and classical philology and translation, 161;
law, 84; naval, military, and engineering, 39;
science, natural history, &c., 147; trade and oom.
merce, 79; politics and questions of the day, 167;
illustrated works, 85; art, architecture, &c., 34:
miscellaneous, not classified, 359-total, 4,204.

We hear that an improved certre discharge waterwheel is at present being made in San Francisco Where there is a good head of water it is probably. one of the most simple and effective wheels that can be obtained. The form is similar to Guibal's ventilating fan, but it works the reverse way. Artichoke dried is the new substitute for tobacco. It is said to be pleasant and innoxious.

Messrs. Field, the eminent candle manufacturers,
of London, have lately introduced patent self-
fitting candles, which are a great improvement upon
the ordinary ones. They are so constructed as to
fit any size of stick, and therefore do away al-
together with the necessity for using anything to
make the candle stand upright, which is such a
nuisance in other candles.

Uzeste, a few evenings back. The Glaneur, of Bor-
A meteor of extraordinary size was seen at
deaux states that about seven in the evening three
persons on the road between Préchac and Villan-
draut perceived this enormous meteor passing over
them, and were terrified at its fiery aspect. In its
transit it dropped numerous sparks, traces of which
were found in holes being burnt in the umbrellas
which those persons carried.

At the meeting of the Society of Engineers, held An ingenious contrivance, called the loxodroon Monday evening, the following gentlemen were graphe, has been recently invented by a naval en balloted for and duly elected members:-Messrs.gineer, M. Corradi, for ascertaining a ship's course Harry Maule Ffinch, John Jasper Horner, Ewing stead of the star which indicates the north, a cirduring a voyage. On the dial of the compass, inMatheson, Jabez Church, Joseph Bennet Howell, Thomas Jourdain Hay, Arthur Jacob, B. A., Henry Gielgud, John Wood, and Charles Sexton Baylee. The associates elected were: Messrs. Joseph Cash, Johannes D. F. Hald, James Young Davidon, and William Oxford. A large number of names of can. didates were announced to be balloted for at uext meeting on the 4th February, 1867.

Furious storms of snow and wind have raged throughout the United States ever since Christmas, blocking railways, 'impeding travel, and causing numerous wrecks along the coasts. Throughout New York and the west it is reported that they have not been paralleled within the last 20 years.

It is not improbable that in the changes conse. quent on the destruction of the Tropical Department at the Crystal Palace a spacious concert-room will be built on the site of the magnificent courts beyond the screen, and the Handel Orchestra removed thereto.

The steam ship "City of Boston," of the Inman line, which arrived at Liverpool on Thursday, the 10th inst., has completed within the year no less than ten voyages between England and New York, being a distance of more than 60,000 nautical or 70,000 statute miles, a performance never before equalled by any vessel.

Patents for Inventions.

ABRIDGED SPECIFICATIONS OF PATENTS.

THE Abridged Specifications of Patents given below are classified, according to the subjects to which the respective inventions refer, in the following Table. By the system all the advantages of a division into classes. It should be of classification adopted, the numerical and chronological order of the specifications is preserved, and combined with sively for this Magazine from official copies supplied by understood that these abridgements are prepared excluthe Government, and are therefore the property of the Proprietors of this Magazine. Other papers are hereby

warned not to produce them without an acknowledg ment:

BOILERS AND FURNACES,-1694, 1709, 1720, 1723, 1752
BUILDINGS AND BUILDING MATERIALS,-1698, 1701, 1712
1730, 1739, 1750, 1754, 1760

CHEMISTRY AND PHOTOGRAPHY-1703, 1707, 1726
OULTIVATION OF THE SOIL, including agricultural imple

ments and machines,-1738

ELECTRICAL APPARATUS.-1718, 1725, 1749, 1751

FIBROUS FABRICS, including machinery for treating fibres, pulp, paper, &c.,-1705, 1708, 1727, 1736, 1741, 1747, 1758 FOOD AND BEVERAGES, Includin, apparatus for preparing FURNITURE AND APPAREL, including household utensils, food for men and animals,-1693, 1713, 1719, 1724, 1756 time-keepers, jewellery, musical instruments, &c.,1706, 1633, 1743, 1746, 1762, 1763

GENERAL MACHINERY,-1692, 1696, 1702, 1715, 1717, 1722,

1729, 1731, 1740, 1742

LIGHTING, HEATING, AND VENTILATING,-1697, 1710, 1744,

1753

1691 T. P. SAVILLE.

Improvements in breechloading

firearms. Dated June 25, 1866

This invention relates to breech-loading fire-arms of the the barrels turn in a vertical plane upon a joint, their open kind commonly called drop down-guns, or guns on which breech ends being depressed and held against the face of the break-off break-off for the introduction of the cartridges into the for discharge, and raised from the said breech ends. The invention consists, firstly, of the improvements hereinafter described in constructing and arranging the mechanism of the said guns for discharging central-fire cartridges. The inventor places the pins or strikers in slightly oblique holes made in the break-off of the gun, the situated in the axis of the barrels. inner or acting ends of the said pins or strikers being inner ends shall be flush with the face of the break-off by The pins or strikers are pressed into the holes in the break-off so that their upon the said pins or strikers. means of coiled springs bearing against collars or shoulder. The pins or strikers are placed in the break off from the face thereof, the said pins being maintained therein by vertical plates, or by brushes screwed into the face of the break-off. That part of the break-off nearest the butt end of the gun is cut away to about half the depth of the break-off. portions of the break-off constitute The cut away depressions or chambers, near the bottoms of which the outer ends of the pins or strikers are situated, and project a short disstrikers the heads of the hammers enter to discharge the depressions or chambers thus formed behind the pins or tance into the said depressions or chambers. Into the gun, the said heads having the requisite shape. The front of the head of each hammer is inclined or bevelled, so that

against the outer end of the pin or striker projecting into

cular opening is made, furnished with a small lens.
The light shining upon the compass penetrates
through the lens, and traces a black mark or line on
on the fall of the said hammer its bevelled head strikes
a sheet of sensitive paper underneath, which is made
to move at a certain speed by means of clockwork.
the depression of the break-off, driving forward the said pin
The sensitized paper turns with the action of the discharge the cartridge. By constructing and arranging
or striker so as to cause its inner end to strike upon and
ship, and as the needle remains perfectly steady, the mechanism for discharging the gun according to this
every deviation or alteration of the course is photo-invention, a shield or protecting plate is situated behind
graphed on the paper.
the outer ends of the pins or strikers, which are acted upon
The British Medical Journal, states that Pro- the person using the gun from injury by the flying out of
by the hammers, which shield or plate effectually protects
fessor Hamilton has presented to the Pathological the said pins or strikers, the pins or strikers being advanced
Society of New York the heart of a patient aged to discharge the cartridges nearly in a line with the axes of
forty-four years. A bullet was embedded in the the barrels. The invention consists, secondly, of the follow-
apex of the heart, which had been lodged thereing improvements in cartridge-case extractors for the said
from a musket wound received when he was four-
guns. The extractor consists of a horizontal rod sliding in
teeny to work. He was married in 1845. His last proper, which lies in a recess in the face of the breech ends
a recess or hole in the rib between the barrels. The outer
teen years old. Six weeks after the injury he re- end of this rod carries a vertical plate, or the extractor
illness was ascribed to cold. The ball was sur-
of the barrels when the barrels are shut down against the
rounded by a theromatous deposit. The heart was
break-off. The outer sides of the said vertical plate have
dilated, but not hypertrophied.
the same curvature as the inner sides of the barrels, and
rms of the cartridges when pushed home in the
are provided with the necessary grooves to receive the
breech ends of the barrels. At the bottom of this plate
or extractor is a second rod parallel with that working
in the rib. The said second rod works in a hole between the
the vertical plate or extractor is formed into a handle or
barrels, and acts as a guide to the extractor. The top of
thumb plate by which the extractor is worked. The handle
or thumb plate may either project from top of the rib or be

From the Athenæum, we learn that the Treasury has sanctioned the expenditure of £20,000 for the transference of the iron "boiler" buildings from the South Kensington Museum to a piece of parish ground near Victoria Park, in Bethnal Green, where will be formed a museum for the use of the East of London.

expanded horizontally, the said expanded part lying, when the gun is ready for discharge, in a depression in the top of the break-off. The front end of the rod in the rib is connected to one end of a coiled spring, the opposite end of the coiled spring being fastened by means of a pin passed through the rib to the end of the hole in which the said rod slides. By means of this spring the return motion of the extractor is effected. When the breech ends of the barrels have been raised from the face of the break-off after the discharge of the gun, by pressing the head or thumbplate of the extractor towards the butt end of the gun, the extractor slides out of the recess in the face of the barrels, and starts or partly withdraws the exploded cartridge eases from the breech ends of the said barrels. On releasing the head or thumb-plate of the extractor it returns to its normal position by the action of the spring. The sliding motion of the extractor is limited in either direction by means of a pin passed through the rib working in a slot made in the rod sliding in the said rib. Patent abandoned. 1692 W. E. NEWTON. An improved spirit meter. (A communication.) Dated June 25, 1866 The object of the apparatus which forms the subject of this invention is to measure and register the quantity of Aspirit which may flow through the apparatus from the discharge pipe of a still, or from any other source, according to the strength and temperature. The apparatus consists of two principal parts, which, though quite distinct in their operation, are contained in the same case, and form (as combined) one machine. The first of these two parts is the weighing apparatus, which receives the spirit as it flows from the discharge pipe of a still, or elsewhere, and weighs it according to a certain strength, registers the quantity on a dial or indicator, which is attached to and is worked by the machinery of this weighing apparatus. This dial is not of any particular form or make, but is arranged somewhat similar to those in ordinary use for gas meters; any description of indicator at present in use, and which may be suitable, may therefore be used. The second part receives the spirit after it has passed through the weighing apparatus, and measures and indicates the quantity in gallons on a separate dial, which may be of the same kind as above described, only that the motion will be imparted to it in a different manner. By this second measurement a check is always kept upon the first measurement, so that the least variation in either can at once be detected The weighing and measuring parts of the machine have several other parts which are common to both, such as supply pipe, receiver, sample receiver, funnel, &c. Patent completed.

1693 G. CHARLES-ANGE. A system of treating corn and othe materials. Dated June 25, 1866. This invention consists essentially in storing the matters to be treated in apparatus arranged as described, and in causing these apparatus to undergo the requisite movements and oscillations which may very often be efficacious and indispensable, and which have only hitherto been supplied by difficult and costly manoeuvres. These appara

tus, which have the shape of drums of more or less diameter and length, according to requirement and their destined use, are cylinders traversed longitudinally by an axle and closed at their ends. At the extremities of the staves which compose the drums, and fitted on the heads or on the staves, or at the same time on both, are placed pegs or racks, and hooks or catches and rings to receive levers, with which the drum carried on trestles or otherwise may be set in motion and receive the oscillations and shocks which it is desirable to give it. Patent completed.

1694 E. FIELD and F. WISE. Improvements in apparatus for generating steam or heating liquids. Dated June

25, 1866.

This invention consists, firstly, in the adaptation to cylindrical and other circular boilers or heating vessels, not having internal flues, of water tubes projecting outwards from the lower part of the boiler into the furnace and combustion chamber or flue space, and in setting or placing such boilers or vessels with their under sides in an inclined position, so that the portion thereof which is situated immediately over the furnace and combustion chamber or flue space containing the water tubes as described, may form a slope or descent, which it is recommended should not be less than one in twelve from the furnace to the back end of the boiler, for the purpose of causing substances contained or held in solution in the water to descend and be accumulated at the backward or lower end, where they may either be blown off by means of a blow-off cock in the usual manner, or may be received by a pocket or receptacle projecting downward from the lower part of such backward end, and be blown off thence as required. Secondly, in the construction of steam boilers or heating vessels having water tubes projecting downward into the flue space or combustion chamber in the saddle form, with a water space on each side of the flue, and the furnace for heating the same surrounded by a water casing, and arranged to be fed from the top, so that the draught may pass downward through the fire, which at its lower end may rest partially against the first row of tubes in the tube space, carrying the flame and heated gases thence into the flue, along which they pass between and amongst the tubes to the farther end of the boiler, the incandescent fuel in such furnaces resting by preference upon a hearth or hearths of suitable material without the intervention of fire bars, a suitable opening or openings being provided for the purpose of admitting air and stoking. Thirdly, in the construction of vertical boilers or heating vessels fitted with pendant water tubes, with a vertical diaphragm or water space dividing the space at the under side of the tube plate in such manner as that the fire grate may be situated at one side of the diaphragm, and the opening or exit for the smoke or products of combustion from the fire at the contrary side thereof, shus compelling the products of combustion in their passage from the furnace to pass laterally amongst the tubes. Fourthly, in preparing water tubes used for the generation of steam or the heating of liquids by galvanising or coating them with zinc in such parts as are brought into contact with the water or other liquid for the purpose of avoiding incrustation thereon by the deposit of earthy and saline particles. Patent completed.

1695 H. SULLIVAN. An improved instrument for writing. Dated June 26, 1866. Provisional protection has not been allowed for this in

"ention.

1696 A. CLAYTON. An improved apparatus for registerIng the flow of water or other liquids or fluids through pipes or orifices. Dated June 26, 1866.

This invention consists in having a tube of india rubber or of any other flexible material not liable to injury from

water, or such other liquid or fluid as may be passed through
it, which said tube is pressed against by the arms of a
small wheel, so as nearly or entirely to close it. Circum-
stances will determine the number of such arms, but four,
six, or eight will generally be found sufficient. The extre-
mities of the arms may be furnished with small rollers to
aid their passage over the flexible tube. The water being
admitted at the inlet end of the flexible tube presses against
the extremity of the arm, and so urges it forward till
the next arm takes its place, which is pushed forward in
like manner, and the small wheel is thus kept constantly
revolving. By suitably connecting it with a counter the
quantity of water or other liquid or fluid passed through
the tube may be registered. Patent abandoned.

Third, the treatment of sulphate of lead with any one of the alkaline compounds, in the manner and for the purpose described. Fourth, the manufacture of white lead from the ores of lead, from the metallic lead, or from the oxide of that metal, by the employment of nitric and sulphuric acids, in combination with a treatment by an alkali solution, either with or without the prior treatmen: by a carbonate of an alkaline base, substantially as described. Patent completed.

1704 ST. C. RABISSON. Improvements in printing on woven fabrics. Dated June 26, 1866.

navigable vessels to be employed in conveying liquid cargoes. 1705 C. BEECHING. Improvements in ships or other Dated June 26, 1866.

In performing this invention the inventor mixes colouring matters such as are ordinarily employed for printing on fabrics with glycerine, either alone or with a little albumen. 1697 J. YOUNG, jun. Improvements in apparatus for the He prints with this mixture, and then dries the fabric; in treatment of hydrocarbon oils. Dated June 26, 1866. this way very delicate shades may be obtained. If the This invention relates to an apparatus to be used in the printing be required to be effected at a very low price, flour, treatment of certain hydrocarbon oils, such as those ob- gum, dextrine, and similar materials may be added to the tained from the distillation of coal or shale at a low tem-glycerine, with which the colouring matters are comperature, and known as paraffin oils, or such as petroleum, pounded, and, after printing, if the fabrics are steamed, either crude or more or less refined, the object in view very solid colours are obtained. Patent abandoned. being the reduction of the specific gravity of such oils, and the improvement of their properties for illuminating purposes. The apparatus which the inventor proposes to employ in the treatment of such oils consists of a closed boiler or distilling vessel of sufficient strength to resist a pressure of at least 100lb. to the square inch. This vessel having been charged with oil, heat is applied thereto, and the vapour of the oil produced by such application of heat is allowed to pass to the condenser at any regulated pressure through a pipe provided with a valve loaded to the pressure required; or a separate tube with regulating stopcock may be provided for allowing the vapour to pass to the condensing apparatus. The boiler or distilling vessel is further provided with; a pressure gauge for the purpose of indicating the pressure provision is also made in the construction of the distilling vessel for cleaning out or removing from it at intervals the heavy deposits, which if allowed to remain would seriously interfere with the process of distillation, and it is evident that the more capable it is of being cleaned out the better. Patent abandoned.

1698 C. F. COTTERILL. Improvements in the manufacture of earthenware and other pipes, and in machinery or apparatus to be employed in the said manufacture. Dated June 26, 1866.

This invention relates to such pipes as are made double and in segments, that is, pipes which consist of two concentric pipes one within the other made by being built up earthenware and are principally used for conveying water of segmental pieces. The said pipes are usually made of said pipes consist in making the segmental pieces much and sewage. The improvements in the manufacture of the thinuer than usual, and filling up the space between the whole into one compact mass instead of leaving the space inner and outer pipes with cement, so as to consolidate the between the two pipes empty. Patent abandoned.

1699 C. P. HOLLISS. Improvements applicable to axle trees, springs, and bearings of railway and other carriages, to rails, chairs, and sleepers, and to frames of machines for isolating them from contact and preventing noise. Dated.

June 26, 1866.

Patent completed.
This invention is not described apart from the drawings.

1700 W. BUCKLEY and L. SMITH. An improvement in
the piston of a steam engine, applicable also to air pump
buckets. Dated June 26, 1866.

The patentee claims the use of a helical or coiled spring for expanding the packing rings of a steam engine piston or pump bucket. Patent completed.

1701 J. MILROY. Improvements in apparatus for ex-
cavating. Dated June 26, 1865.

This invention is not described apart from the drawings.
Patent completed.

1702 W. E. GEDGE. Improvements in the manufacture
of blocks or pulleys by machinery. (A communication.)

Dated June 26, 1866.

For conveying water from the sea to inland towns, the inventor proposes to construct a vessel with longitudinal and transverse partitions, thereby dividing the vessel into suitable valve or door, in such manner that, when the doors number of compartments, each of which is provided with or valves are closed, each compartment shall be hermetically sealed against the entrance of water or the liquid cargo from the adjoining compartments; but when it is desirol to fill or empty the ship or other vessel of its contents, the doors or valves are then opened, so that free communication may by means of a siphon, or other suitable means applied to be afforded between some or all of the compartments; and one or more of the compartments, the water or other liquid cargo is supplied to the vessel or drawn off therefrom, the water or other liquid cargo flowing into such compartment or compartments through the doors or valves until the vessel is entirely filled or emptied. The vessel is also constructed with a perforated or reticulated false deck a short distance below the ordinary deck, and the various divisions and the sides and bottom of the vessel are securely braced together by suitable tie rods or braces, in such manner that the vessel shall not be injured by its rolling or pitching in disturbed water. Putent abandoned.

of which machinery may be used for other purposes. Dated blind fittings, and in machinery for making the same, parts 1706 E. AMBROSE. Improvements in venetian blinds and

June 27, 1866.

The patentee claims, first, the suspension of venetian blinds by the top lath being hung on pivots in fixed brackets or supports, instead of in the usual manner. Secondly, the two modes described of fixing the ends of blinds to their rollers, so as to dispense with nailing and sewing. Thirdly, the arrangement of winding apparatus described. Fourthly, the elastic holder for the shade cord of venetian blinds, Fifthly, the mechanism described for planing the two sides and edges of the laths by the fixed planes, as described. Sixthly, the arrangement of planes and cutters for planing and cutting blind rollers, as described. Seventhly, the apparatus herein before described for printing laths of venetian blinds and similar articles, by first passing such laths or other articles through paint, or dipping them in paint, and afterwards scraping and finishing them by means of fixed elastic scrapers and brushes, as described. Eightly, the apparatus described for cutting the short narrow tapes, and marking the broad vertical tapes of venetian blinds. Ninthly, the apparatus described for punching the holes in the laths of venetian blinds, whether the punch for the purpose be worked by a handle or by a lever; and, lastly, to be reprinted. Patent completed the arrangement of fixed scrapers for scraping laths required

1707 H. MEDLOCK and W. BAILEY.

Improvements in

preserving animal substances. Dated June 27, 1866.
This invention consists in preserving animal substances
by the aid of certain solutions, as follow:-Solution No. 1
is a solution of bisulphate of lime. Solution No. 2 is pro-
duced by dissolving the ordinary commercial gelatine in
boiling water, using from one part to two parts of gelatine
in ten par s of water, and adding ten parts of solution No.

Solution No. 3 is formed by mixing one part of salt

No. 1.

with ten parts of solution No. 1, and from six to ten parts
of water; and solution No. 4 is formed by mixing ten parts
No. 1 for preserving animal substances.
of cold water, one part of salt, and one part of solution
The parentees claim, firstly, the use of solution
Secondly, the
preservation of joints of meat, animals from which the skin
or feathers have been removed, fish and hides, by means of
solution No. 2, in manner described. Thirdly, the preserva-
tion of animals without removing the skin, by means of
solution No. 3, in manner described. Fourthly, the
preservation of fish, game, and poultry, by means of solution
No. 4, in manner described. Fifthly, the preventing and
arresting decomposition in animal substances, by means of
solution No. 4, in manner described. Patent completed..

In performing this invention the first operation consists in cutting the wood by the aid of a belt or strap into a flat piece of the ordinary dimensions. This first operation produces the blocks or pulleys in the rough, to which pieces the desired shape is still to be given. These blocks being suitably sawn may be immediately arranged on the maThis operation is performed by means of two steel tools, chine by which the simple or double grooves are to be made shafts, the one turning to the right, the other to the left, with double and single grooves fixed on two tool holding and the piece must be seized by hand guides or wooden tools acting loosely on the block, and presenting it to the steel blocks are fixed by means of press screws on the platform tools above mentioned. The grooves being made, the of the mortising machine in the requisite position for piercing and making the mortice, which operation is effected by means of a bit fixed on the puppet placed at the desired The platform is furnished height by the aid of a screw. ith a rack and receives a come and go motion, which permits the tool to hollow out the mortice in the direction of its length by means of toothed gearing moved by the hand. 1708 J. NORTHEND, J. HOLMES, W. HOPKINSON, aad W. The sliding frame on which this platform is adjusted is BIBBY. Improvements in machinery for combing wool and moved by a crank, and regulates the depth of the mortice. other fibrous substances. Dated June 27, 1866. by means of a guide. The holes for the axles are pierced This invention relates, firstly, to means of working or inutility of the come and go movement given to the plat-nery, and consists in having the said top jaw attached to a in like manner, excepting as to changing the bit, and the operating the upper nipping jaw employed in such machiform in the preceding case. The oval form of the blocks being traced by means of a model or mould, which deterthis operation, which consists in giving two saw strokes mines its outline, the belt or strap is again used to effect following the indicated line. This cutting is done instantaneously, and presents no difficulty. Thus rounded the blocks return to the groove-making machine, which this time only rounds off the outer angles of the block, and planes its surface, as may be desire i, by means of a steel tool and a wooden one, which moved by hand serves to seize the pulley to conduct it in the direction of its roanding against the tool holder, while the steel tool turning with great speed removes as much wood as necessary, and gives to this block the complete form prescribed by the model. Patent abandoned.

1703 W. R. LAKE. Improvements in the manufacture of white lead. (A communication.) Dated June 26, 1866. The patentee claims, first, the treatment of sulphate of lead with an alkali solution in the manner and for the purpose described. Second, the treatment of sulphate of lead with a carbonate of an alkaline base, followed by an alkali solution, in the manner and for the purpose described,

slidable frame, which is operated, or raised and lowered, by means of tappets, or cams and springs, in a similar manner tappets or cams are fixed on the same shaft as the cams for to that in which the lower jaw is now operated. The said working the lower jaw, and are adjustable thereon, so as to act at proper times on friction rollers attached to the slidable frame, which frame is fitted to slide on square parts formed or fixed on the said cam shaft. Secondly, the invention relates to a method of attaching the upper jaw to the slidable frame, and in means of ready adjustment thereof to the bottom jaw, and consists in having the aid top jaw made of a T form, or broad at its upper edge, which is planed true at right angles to the direction of motion of the said jaw, and having cross slots therein to receive T-headed bolts, by which it is fixed to the planed surface of a square bar. This bar has a neck at each end, by which it is supported (and capable of adjustment) in brackets attached to the slidable frame. They are also capable of yielding to pressure, being slidable in slots of the frame, and pressed by springs, such as heretofore have been applied to the top jaw of the nipping apparatus in combing machines. Patent abandoned.