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INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.

AT

darkness, and absolute quietude, and even decay, when fixed in stonework, as was usually the case,
might be essential to their existence; and, there- by being run in with lead. The contact of copper
Ta meeting of the Institution of Civil En- fore, it was only under such conditions that they with the iron plates of a vessel was also a source
gineers, held May 12, 1868, Charles Hutton appeared at all. But, nevertheless, when they did of great danger; and there were numberless other
Gregory, Esq., President, in the chair, a paper appear, their presence rapidly accelerated the decay, instances in which the contact of metals of dif-
was read on the durability of materials, by Mr. and they furnished a vital medium, capable of accom-ferent conducting powers was equally destructive.
Edwin Clark, M. Inst. C.E.
plishing the observed effect-combustion, or slow In all such cases the use of paint furnished, at any
The author expressed the opinion, that a series union with oxygen, of the substances on which rate, a temporary remedy.
of papers devoted, not so much to the special they throve. It was probably by some such It was difficult to over-estimate the value of the
application of those philosophical principles which chemical vital action, the fact could be explained, introduction of the process of coating iron plates
formed the basis of practice, as to the consideration that even the hardest rocks were rapidly decom- with zinc, by simply cleaning and immersing them
of the principles themselves, would be of great posed by the growth of lichens, or that decay in the molten metal. All that had been said on the
interest; as numerous questions occurred which should be arrested by poisons which could exert subject of zinc applied equally to galvanized iron,
could be more effectually discussed in their abstract no other influence than the prevention of vegeta- as it was called. In a clear atmosphere its great
capacity than in connection with the practical tion. It was equally remarkable, that in the durability, its stiffness, its freedom from expan-
applications out of which they arose. Well-putrefaction, or rapid chemical decomposition of sion, and its economy, were all qualities of the
established fundamental principles had been animal and vegetable substances, the same profu- highest value; while, on the other hand, without
arrived at on many subjects, which it was advisable sion of the lower forms of animal, as well as vege- constant painting, it was wholly unfitted for the
should be definitely recorded. The list of materials table, organisms characterized the phenomenon. atmosphere of smoky towns, or manufactories, or,
used by the engineer was small. It included stone Whatever might be the cause of decay, moisture even stations where it was exposed to the fumes
and timber among natural productions, and bricks was an indispensable element. Dry air was in- from locomotives. Both the corrosive and the gal-
and cement and the metals among artificial products. capable of decomposition. Water was a carrier of vanic actions, which in such cases were so destruc-
It was difficult to state, even approximately, the oxygen in a potent form; and it was only from tive, did not cease with the destruction of the zinc,
positive life of either of these articles. The dura- water, and more especially when in the form of which was soon effected, but continued also to act,
bility of any material depended, not only on its own vapour, that the oxygen necessary for decay could with fatal effect, upon the iron itself, as might
inherent properties, but principally on the agencies be obtained. The durability of tin and iron roofs be seen in many railway stations and sheds near
to which it was exposed; as, for instance, the effects in Geneva and St. Petersburg, was due to the manufacturing towns. The corrosive tendency in
due to climate.
absence of moisture; and the importance of some zinc and iron obliged the use of the less oxidizable
shelter for timber, and of thorough ventilation metals, copper and lead. Lead slowly absorbed
wherever it was employed in this moist climate, oxygen and carbonic acid in moist air. It was
was a necessary corollary.
acted upon by certain waters, and was occasionally
riddled with holes by the lava of an insect; and
its expansion and contraction required to be care-
fully allowed for in its use. Its ductility rendered
it a valuable material. Copper might, however,
in many instances, be used with great advantage

On examining all the facts, and seeking some
common characteristic, it was found that among all
the causes of decay, humidity held the first rank.
The decaying influence of humidity was evidently The durability of metals, like that of organized
dependent on other coincident circumstances. The substances, depended, mainly, on the resistance
mere pressure of water, or even of a saturated they offered to combination with oxygen; and
atmosphere, was not sufficient to induce rapid thus their decay might also be regarded as a slow
decay, which appeared to be caused by humidity combustion. But their durability further depended
only under peculiar conditions. One of these con- on the character of the oxides formed on their in its stead.
ditions was well known by the popular title of surface. Iron exposed to moisture was soon coated The action of sea water on copper was so im-
dampness. The decay caused by dampness, as in with rust, in the form of hydrated peroxides; and portant, that it was particularly alluded to. The
the case of dry-rot, was as effectually prevented as these oxides did not adhere to the surface, addi-object in covering a vessel with copper was solely
by the presence of water as by a constant current tional flakes constantly formed and fell away, until to prevent the adhesion of barnacles and other
of air, whether perfectly dry, or saturated to any the whole mass was destroyed. Wrought iron in molluscs. This property was not due to the
degree of humidity. Damp, therefore, was not the a pure, dry atmosphere suffered, practically speak-poisonous quality of its salts, as was sometimes
mere presence of moisture in the ordinary form in ing, no deterioration in any lapse of time. It asserted, nor was copper used on account of its
which it was held in solution by the atmosphere. was extremely durable in distilled water free from durable qualities; on the contrary, its value de-
If an hygrometer were placed in a damp situation air; but it was slowly oxidized in a moist atmo-pended on its slow destruction. The chloride of
it would simply indicate perfect saturation; no sphere, and with fatal rapidity in air or water con- copper formed beneath the attachment of the
evaporation could take place, but the cotton cover-taining free acids or other corrosive agents. It barnacle being a soluble salt, the creature no
ing of the wet bulb was speedily covered by a was, however, efficiently protected from such agents sooner effected a lodgment than it was at once set
peculiar mould, well known by its fungus-like by paint, which adhered to clean iron with great free by the solution of the salt; while the salts
odour, and in a short time it was converted into tenacity. It was also a fact, not hitherto satisfactorily which formed on zinc or iron being insoluble, the
an impalpable powder or ash. Under similar accounted for, that oxidation was to a great extent plate was rather protected than otherwise by the
circumstances, timber, leather, paper, and all like arrested by vibration. The painting of wrought- tenacious parasite. Hence the difficulty of devis-
materials, underwent the same rapid decomposition; iron girders and roofs, more especially in the ing an efficient paint for iron ships; for while, on
vegetable gums and oils, that were insoluble in neighbourhood of smoky towns, was a precaution the one hand, it must be slowly soluble in water to
water, and even dry hard paints and varnish, of the utmost importance. Every care should be prevent this adhesion, it must, on the other hand,
became soluble and liquid. Massive timbers were taken to expose the iron as freely as possible to be sufficiently insoluble to be durable.
rapidly disintegrated to the core, entirely losing the air, to leave no hollows where water could
Ordinary oil paint was the most efficient mate-
their weight, though still retaining their form; and collect, to avoid the contact of damp earth, and rial for protecting either metals or wood from the
they were often totally free from apparent moisture, especially of vegetation, and to throw the mate- effects of moisture and air; but all oils, resins,
although at times dotted externally by drops of rial into the form of heavy bars rather than thin and gums exposed to air, and especially to the
brilliant water. Damp spots were, moreover, plates. Painting was more economically per-light of the sun, oxidized and burnt away with
peculiarly hygrometric, indicating atmospheric formed, and was more effectual, when constantly more or less rapidity, leaving a powdery residuo
changes with remarkable precision, and temporary attended to, than under the vicious practice of behind. As a preservative of paint against the
dessication in no way disturbed this process. The laying on three or four coats, and then leaving the heat of the sun and light, attention was directed
peculiar odour which always accompanied this con- work for years, till the paint all peeled off, with a
dition was one of the best tests of its existence; layer of rust attached to it. The Britannia-
and the expression that a room smelt damp was bridge furnished a striking illustration of the value
strictly correct. The effects were, within certain of this system. The maintenance had been
limits, intensified by increase of temperature and effected by two or three men, constantly on the
absence of light, and arrested by poisons destruc-work, who attended to the slighest symptom of
tive to vegetable life.
local discoloration. As a consequence, the author
did not hesitate to express his firm belief, that
the total loss from rust of the 10,540 tons of which
the tubes consisted, did not in twenty years amount
to a single pound weight.

dura

If this phenomenon of decay were more closely examined, the process would be found to resemble, in many respects, a slow combustion. The ultimate results of combustion and decay were strikingly similar; the union with oxygen was slowly effected, Cast iron when exposed to the action of sea and the residue was more or less diluted with water slowly decomposed, the iron being dissolved, foreign substances; but whether their bodies were leaving behind a graphite or plumbago. The burnt, or decayed, the remains in the ashes were action was, however, superficial, and very slow. substantially identical. Decay might thus, to a It could be preserved by painting, where accessible great extent, be looked upon as a decomposition, for that purpose, and by any protection which preresulting from the slow chemical combination of vented continual renewal of the surrounding oxygen with the matters decomposed. Now, if medium, as when enclosed by brickwork or masonry. slow combustion were the cause of decay, and that In fresh water it suffered no such deterioration, particular state called dampness were so important and under ordinary circumstances its an accessory, the inquiry naturally suggested itself, bility in a pure atmosphere appeared unlimited. what connection existed between those agencies, or In the case of zinc, although the bright metal in what way could damp promote the absorption of oxidized even more rapidly than iron, yet the oxygen? In the case of organic substances, the oxide adhered with such tenacity to the metal, presence of vegetation in the form of fungus, or that it afforded an efficient protection against the mould, was an invariable characteristic of decay, continuation of the process. To this property the and the decomposing effect of all vegetable growth metal owed its great durability, more especially as was beyond question. It might be said, that the its oxide was insoluble in water. In the presence vegetable growth alluded to was the effect rather of any solvent of the oxide, this metal was so than the cause of decay. Doubtless the spores of speedily destroyed as to be practically useless, microscopic fungi followed the law of all other unless protected by paint. The destruction of seeds in vegetating only under the peculiar condi- zinc in smoky districts was, however, principally tions of soil, light, and moisture, which were due to galvanic action. A similar action proadapted to their growth; dampness, and partial duced the rusting away at the base of iron railings,

to the virtue of a coating of silicious sand, dredged
on the paint while wet. The durability of matter
was a subject of the highest philosophical interest.
The universal law on this planet appeared to be,
that no form should be permanent. Never-
ceasing destruction and re-construction were cha-
racteristic, within the range of the atmosphere,
of everything that existed, whether as regarded
organic life or inorganic matter; and it was
probable that even the atmosphere itself was
subject to the same decree.

RESEARCHES ON DI-METHYL.*

BY WM. H. DARLING.

HE synthesis of carbon compounds forms Tperups the most important and interesting branch of modern chemical enquiry. The most recent developments of these synthetical processes are the now well-ascertained facts of the dependence of the chemical properties of the molecule, upon the position of the individual atoms of which that molecule is built up. Any isomeric modifications of the saturated monovalent compounds containing one or two atoms of carbon can only be explained by the existence of a difference between the four combining powers of each carbon atom, whilst in the tri-carbon and higher series isomerism indicates the difference in the power of combination existing between the end and the middle carbon atoms of

Communicated to the Literary and Philosophical
Society by Professor H, E. Roscoe.

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the hydride of ethyl H obtained from ethyl compounds, the existence of a difference in the

until it separated into two layers, the upper one di-methyl. Having commenced the examination
was decanted upon fused carbonate, afterwards of the di-methyl obtained, 1st, by Frankland's
upon anhydrous baryta, from which it was distilled method from iodide of methyl and zinc, and, 2nd,
when it had assumed a light amber colour. It began by Schutzeuberg's process, I hope to communicate
to boil at 78.1deg., the whole coming over before the the results to the Society.
temperature exceeded 79-0deg. C. Kopp gives the
boiling point of ethyl alcohol prepared by fermenta-
tion at 78-4deg. C. under a pressure of 760mm. mer-

THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. REPARATIONS are being actively carried on

four combining powers of a carbon atom was ren-cury, and the specific gravity at Odeg. C. as 0-8095; PRFor the approaching meeting of the British

I

The alcohol thus prepared had very little odour,
agreeing in this respect with the observation of
Meudelejeff though the specific gravity is slightly
higher than his at the samo temperature calculated
from his co-efficient of expansion, viz., 0-80123. On
submitting this liquid to combustion analysis the
following numbers were obtained.

No 1. 0-2834grm. of liquid gave 0.5357grm. of
carbonic acid, and 0.3314grm. of water.
No 2. 0.5533grm. of liquid gave 1-0481 grm. of
carbonic acid, and 0-6480grm. of water.
Percentage

Association at Norwich next August. The drill hall, where the opening address and other lectures will be delivered, is well reported of as to acoustic properties, while the Old St. Andrew's Hall will, in itself, be an attraction for the soirées. The reception rooms offer the unusual conveniences of separate rooms for business correspondence and for ladies. To geologists the crags of Norfolk and Suffolk promise ample scope both for work in section room and for outdoor practice under good local guidance. Archæologists will find peculiar attractions in the fact of the International Prehistoric Society holding one of its meetings in this country at the same time and place. The Economic section is to be offered papers on the state o agriculture by Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., and on th condition of labourers by Mr. Corrance, M.P Canon Girdlestone, and others; while the drainag of the fens and Norfolk rivers is to be treated by Sir Willoughby Jones and Mr. Harding, of Lynn The fisheries of the coast, and pheasant breedin The numbers are not all that could be desired or over-feeding, will stir up questions of nationag when compared with the calculated; this is owing importance in other directions. The number oil to the difficulty in burning so volatile a liquid, and foreigners already promises to be unusually large to the small quantities taken. Dumas and Boullay-Padre Secchi from Rome, and Baron Maedler state that in order to obtain agreeing results from Dorpath will be greeted by the English upwards of a grm. of liquid was necessary: in one combustion 1.742grms. were used; with ether a still greater quantity was required.

Calculated from the
formula C, H6 O
.52.17

dered probable. The subsequent researches of calculating by means of his co-efficient of expansion
Schorlemmer have, however, proved that only one the sp. gr. at 6deg. C. would be 0-80446, whilst I
hydrocarbon of the formula CaH exists, inasmuch found the same to be 0-80302 at the same tem-
as he succeeded in preparing ethyl chloride from perature.
the hydrocarbon di-methyl
CH, obtained by
the electrolytic decomposition of an alkaline ace-
tate, as well as from ethyl hydride obtained from
ethyl compounds. It appeared of great interest
to repeat this synthesis, and to prepare the chloride
in larger quantity, from which to prepare ethyl
compounds and ascertain their chemical and phy-
sical properties. At the request of Mr. Schorl-
emmer, I undertook this investigation. I take this
opportunity to express my thanks to that gentleman,
and also to Professor Roscoe, for the kind assistance
rendered to me throughout this research.
prepared the di-methyl by the electrolytic decom-
position of acetate of potash, according to the
process described by Kolbe. The gas, evolved
from a platinum plate contained in a porous cell,
was passed first through a solution of caustic
potash, to absorb the carbonic acid, afterwards
through nordhausen acid, and over pumice stone
moistened with oil of vitriol, to free it from a trace
of oxide of methyl or hydrocarbon absorbable by
this acid, and finally through a solution of caustic
potash, to absorb acid fumes, any carbonic acid
which had escaped the first wash bottle, or traces
of sulphurous acid. The gas thus prepared had a
very slight odour, it burnt with a non-luminous
flame.
The following analysis of it is according to Bunsen's
method:-

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C

No. 1.
51.56..

No. 2. .51-65..

H

12.99.

.13.02.

.13.04

0 35.45..

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The alcohol still remaining in the carbonate of potash and in the dilute solution was separated by distillation; this distillate was oxidized by a mixture of bichromate of potash and sulphuric acid, when the characteristic odour of aldehyde was recognized, the oxidation was continued until it had disappeared, on distilling to dryness an acid distillate was obtained, this was neutralizedwith pure carbonate of soda, and yielded on evaporation needle-shaped crystals of acetate of soda; the mother liquor was distilled to dryness with sulphuric acid, the distillate neutralized with pure carbonate of silver, filtered and boiled; on cooling, it yielded colourless transparent flat needles, which, after drying over sulphuric acid, gave on analysis the following

numbers.

No 1. 04142grm. of salt gave 0-2668grm. of
49.83 metallic silver.
6.000
2.000

No. 2. 0-5095grm. of salt gave 0-3274grm. of

metallic silver.

No. 3. 0.3650grm. of salt gave, after drying at 100deg. C. in a water bath for one hour, 0-2349grm. of metallic silver.

Adams, Challis, Glaisher, and others. Physiologists will not be sorry to see their section animated by Dr. Broca, from Paris, perhaps, also, by Dr. Vogt, from Geneva; and geographers will find old friends in Valdemar Schmidt from Denmark, and Vambery from Pesth. Other Swiss, Dutch, French, and German names are being daily added to the claims on Norwich hospitality. We are glad to hear that, while the local committee are hoping to welcome the Association cordially and handsomely, they are endeavouring to show that other towns and cities besides the great centres of trade and wealth can entertain the Association without being burdened by the expensive splendour incurred at Birmingham, Nottingham, and Liverpool, while the hospitality put at the service of the committee by the Lord-Lieutenant and certain ladies and gentlemen in the county, and by the boroughs of Lynn and Yarmouth, offer, should the weather be at all propitious, very pleasurable trips at the close of the proceedings to Cromer, Holkham, Hunstanton, and Lynn, as well as Yarmouth and Thetford. Taking all these matters into account, we may hope for a highly successful meeting.

CIVIL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS'
SOCIETY.

No. 4. 0-2483grm. of salt gave, after drying at
100deg. C. in a water bath for two days, 0.1604grm.
of metallic silver.
Estimation No. 1 gave 64-30 per cent. of silver. THE

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HE annual general meeting of this society. was held at the Whittington Club, on the 24th ult., when the council's report, statement of accounts and other matters, were presented and considered The election of the council and officers for the next

This gas, treated with an equal volume of chlorine, was exposed to the diffused sun-light, after allowing time for the two gases to mix until nearly colour less, and completed by means of direct sun-light when quite colourless. The bottle was opened under warm water: the hydrochloric acid was absorbed equal to half the capacity of the bottle. The remainder of the gaseous contents not absorbed were displaced by warm water into a receiver, in which a few pieces of stick potash were placed, surrounded by a freezing mixture of salt and ice-a Calculated from the formula of acetate of silver session then took place. The following gentlemen colourless, volatile liquid was condensed.* 100 C2H2O grammes of chloride were prepared by the repe- Åg tition of this process. This first product was sepa- That portion of the mixed chlorides which disrated by distillation into two parts, one which distilled above 30deg. C. was fractionated, when twotilled below 30deg. C., and the other above 30deg. thirds of the total volume distilled over between C. On still further fractionating the first distil-57deg.-59deg. C. The specific gravity was found late, a portion was obtained boiling at 11-13deg. to be 1.198 at 6:5deg. C. Regnault found the sp. gr. C., whose sp. gr. was 0.9253 at Odeg. C. Pierre to be 1·174 at 17deg. C. and the boiling point to be found the specific gravity of ethyl chlorine to be 64deg. C.* Submitted to analysis the following 0-9241 at the same temperature. The chloride numbers were obtained. boiling below 30deg. C. gave, on heating in sealed tubes with acetate of potash and glacial acetic acid to a temperature of 130deg.-140deg. C. for three

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In order to prepare the alcohol, the acetate was of mono-chlorinated ethyl chloride is 71.73. Hence heated with crystals of baryta hydrate in sealed the mono-chlorinated ethyl chloride was formed tubes for one or two hours, to a temperature of in quantity by the action of excess of chlorine on 120deg. C.; after cooling it was distilled, and the distillate treated with dry carbonate of potash

If the gas or the chlorine was not pure, being mixed with air, very little or no liquid was condensed, being carried off by the current. The same was observed by Mr. Schorlemmer. This will probably account for Frankland's observation that no liquid was condensed at 18dog, C.

Beilstein has shown that mono-chlorinated ethyl chloride, and chloride of ethyleden, obtained by action on aldehyde with perchloride of phosphorus, are identical, the boiling point of the latter as observed by Wurtz is 5859, and the specific gravity as determined by Geuther is 1-189 at 4 3deg. C.; these numbers agree with those I found. Beilstein remarks that the higher boiling point as observed by Regnault would result from the presence of higher chlorinated products.

were elected to serve:-Mr. Benjamin Haughton,
as president, W. Forsyth Black and Walter Rutt,
as vice-presidents. Members of council:-Messrs.
Robert M. Bancroft, Frederick E. Cooper, William
Meakin, George W. Usill, George W. Willcocks, G
J. Crosbie Dawson (hon. treasurer), and Mr
Frederick H. Roberts being elected for the seventh
time
as hon. secretary. This society was
originally established in 1859 for the discussion of
engineering and scientific subjects, principally
among the pupils and assistants of both civil and
mechanical engineers, and has made considerable
progress since this time in the number of its
members and general efficiency. The list of hon.
members include several men of eminence in
engineering and other branches of science. A plan
adopted some time past of visiting the principal
public works in progress has been continued
throughout this sesson with great success, special
permission having been granted in each case for
inspecting the works, and every facility afforded.

THE SCIENTIFIC WONDER.-Have you seen it ? It magnifies 32,000 times. Price thirty-two stamps (post free), with book of full instructions. To be had only from A. McCulloch, Philosophical Instrument Maker, 18, Blucher-street, Birmingham.

N.B. For further particulars, see Advertisement in this paper, page 1, column 2, headed "Scientific Wonder."[ADVT.]

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being the case, the question naturally arises | purpose. It is the invention of Mr. J. L. Norton whether means cannot be devised for preserving (the inventor of the tube well), but Messrs. them in such a condition as to be available for Milburn and Co., of Rushton-street, New Northfodder at any time. Our answer to the question is road, are the sole proprietors. We recently ina reference to the accompanying engraving, which spected the machine at Messrs. Milburn's works, illustrates a very useful apparatus for this very and are so satisfied with its results that we propose

to place full particulars before our readers. We will first describe the apparatus, which has for its object the drying of brewers' grains, spent hops,

IMPROVED FULLING MACHINE.

In the third place, M. Gessner makes the trough (in which several beaters work side by side) of the same width as the cloth to be fulled, so that the latter may be fulled not only throughout its entire length, but also its entire width. The double advantage of this is that it entirely does away with the false longitudinal folds which are so very prejudicial to the stuff. This process also accelerates the operation of fulling. This invention further consists in using two beaters placed opposite one another attached together and united by a single eccentric and acting alternately and each in an opposite trough. This arrangement constitutes a double fulling action, which besides the advantages offered by the single fulling stock, offers several others that are peculiar to it. Lastly, the cover of the trough can be either opened or shut like a valve or trap. This cover when it is closed tends to keep the material warm and to effect amore complete and uniform fulling, but when it is open it admits of the cloth being introduced in and withdrawn from the trough easily and regularly.

corn, seed, and other similar substances. Fig. 1ot T subject of the annexed illustration is the inven
HE improved fulling machine which the
our engraving represents a longitudinal elevation tion of M. Ernest Gessner, of Ane, Saxony. His im-
of the apparatus, with a portion of the casing provements consist, first, in the employment of a trough
removed to show shelves or trays, which are the position of which is capable of being changed rela-
eighteen in number, and are carried through the tively to the beaters in such a way that it may either
cylinder, which is of boiler plate. Fig. 2 shows an
be brought nearer to or removed further from them,
end view in section. A A is a steam jacket extend- according to the thickness of the stuff that is to be
operated upon, and which would naturally vary
ing half-way round the cylinder, B is the iron considerably. Second, in the arrangement and dis-
casing completing the circle, CC are shelves revolv-position of this trough so as to render it movable
ing on the centre D, and worked by gearing at E. and make it act elastically against the beaters-that
F is an inlet for hot air, which is supplied by a fan. is, to make it give more or less according to the quantity
G is the exit for vapour, H the connection with of stuff that is placed between the beaters and the
the steam boiler for supplying the jacket A A, I trough and which often varies unequally during the
is the exit for the condensed steam, J is a self-operation. By arranging the apparatus in this
feeding hopper, worked by an eccentric on the manner this variation in the position of the trough
driving shaft; K is the exit for grains or other will be neither prejudicial to the stuff nor to the
trough.
material, the gearing E, for driving the shaft,
carrying the revolving shelves as a clutch-box by
which it is thrown in or out of gear. The grains
are fed through the self-acting hopper to the cylin-
drical chamber, where they are turned thoroughly
over on the revolving longitudinal shelves,
having at the same time a gently forward motion
towards the exit point. From the end view it will
be seen how thoroughly the grains are dried, being
constantly turned over and exposed to the influence
of the hot air. To produce one ton of dried grains
requires about twenty quarters of wet grains, and
the cost of drying this quantity by these machines
does not exceed 20s. per ton. This sum includes
allowance for rent, separate labour, steam, and all
other expenses in London. Where used on the
brewer's premises the cost will be merely nominal.
The importance of this apparatus both to brewers
and stock feeders will be seen when it is stated that
hitherto the feeders have had the grains for almost In our engraving, fig. 1 represents a side view of
the mere cost of carriage. Now, however, when the machine, fig. 2 being a longitudinal vertical section,
the apparatus is adopted, the feeders are glad to and fig. 3 a plan view. The trough A is suspended
purchase at the brewer's price. When the brewer on two arms A' A', and is movable on the shafts,
uses the machine on his own premises he does not on which are also mounted the rocking beaters B.
require extra labour, and the necessary heat can Under each end of the trough A are shafts d on which
be obtained from his present boiler. In this
are mounted two pinions e which gear into toothed
sector or segment racks e fixed on the under side of
case, therefore, the drying is effected at
merely nominal cost, and in the case of wet grains trough A could be placed in any desired position
the trough, so that by the rotation of the shaft d the
where the brewer gets at present say from 28. to with regard to the beaters F. Instead of the pinions
3s. 6d. per quarter in the country, he would be able e and the sector racks c the shaft may be connected
to obtain 6s. 6d. per quarter for them when dried. In with the trough by means of pulleys and cords or
some places no price can be obtained for wet bands. This relative change of position of the trough
grains except during the winter season. Here A with respect to the beaters B may also be effected
there would be an extra advantage in using the by any other suitable mechanical contrivance. On
machines, as the dry material will keep for any the shafts d are placed ratchet wheels f, at the side
length of time, and is easily transported to out-springs i. The arms g also carry pawls h. which
of which are movable arms g, which are attached to
lying districts. Another advantage to brewers is, take into the teeth of the ratchet wheels f', and thus
that these machines are also applicable to the pur- transmit the action of the spring i to the shaft d, and
poses of drying barley, spent hops, or for malting through this latter to the trough.
pale malt. For all these purposes they are far
superior to the ordinary kiln, and for the following
reasons:-They occupy but little space, involve
no manual labour, and dry three or four times
faster than an ordinary sized kiln. The drying is
also more regular, and, as the products of com-
bustion do not come in contact with the goods, they
are superior in colour. The machines are also
particularly applicable to the purpose of drying
damp or damaged corn of every description, but
the principal use to which Messrs. Milburn put it
is the drying of brewers' grains. The large trade
this firm has established in these "Desiccated
Grains" clearly points to their value as a cheap
and nutritious cattle food. We are convinced
that this admirable system only requires to be
known to insure its general adoption by our

brewers.

a

With regard to the value of the products to feeders, we cannot do our agricultural friends a better service than by giving them the results of an analysis made by Mr. A. Sibson, F.C.S. We would premise that comparative analyses and actual experiments prove these desiccated grains to be equal in nutritive qualities, weight for weight, to good oats, and similar in their ultimate composition to linseed cake, while, in each case, the price is little more than one-half. Mr. Sibson's analysis shows the large proportion of flesh and fat-producing elements which they contain:-

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The trough has also the peculiarity of being furnished with an upper movable part or hinged cover P, which by its own weight presses on the cloth firmly and closes the trough during the fulling operation, and yields to the pressure of the beaters and of the cloth. This cover may be opened while the beaters are working to allow of the cloth being easily put into or taken out of the trough. The trough A is equal in width to the entire width of the cloth, and six beaters are employed, whereas the usual number is only two. In consequence of this arrangement the fulling operation is more regular, and is effected with greater equality. When there are more than two beaters the inequality of the motive power is better distributed and the machine works more smoothly than when the usual number only are employed. Two beaters arranged in front spring K. This spring K is composed of two parts, of one another are united by a peculiarly constructed each of which holds one of the beaters B that are placed face to face. A screw K' unites the two parts of the spring in such a way that an eccentric L fixed two beaters belonging to the two opposite troughs. It is by the help of this screw K that the spring and the beaters B which are attached to it can be adapted accurately to the eccentric L. The two beaters may also be coupled together by any other suitable means. On the driving shaft M is a flywheel N and the fast and loose pulleys O, which transmit motion to the apparatus, This novel fulling mill may be advantageously applied to the fulling of cloths of all kinds, of purely woollen fabrics, or mixed cotton, leather, or other fabrics. The machine can also be used as awashing machine for linen.

on the movable shaft M works at the same time

AMONG the Assyrian tablets at the British Museum have been discovered records of earthquakes. These are not supposed, says the "Athenæum," to have been recorded for any scientific purposes, but as annals of omen and augury, each earthquake recited being accompanied by an enumeration of the events supposed to have occurred in consequence.

CORN HARVESTING IN WET WEATHER.

HE present season is suggestive of anything but

has been tried this w; but a cipell Park, her London, depends in no way upon a rainy sky on a given day for its importance. It is in the times of peace that war experiments are rife. It seems that Mr. G. Gibbs, who resides at Gilwell Park, has just succeeded, amongst twenty competitors, in winning the prize offered by the Society of Arts for the best practical essay on the question how to harvest corn in wet seasons; and on the occasion referred to, he invited a party, including Mr. Wren Hoskyns, Mr. Sewell Read, M.P., Mr. Caird, Mr. Arthur Helps, Mr. Hall Dare, Mr. Brandreth Gibbs, the Duke of Sutherland, the Hon. E. Coke, Sir C. Fowel Buxton, and several others, to witness the apparatus at work. The contrivance is said to be simply and economically adapted to the purpose intended. We are indebted to the "Gardeners Chronicle" for an outline of it. The hot breath of a steam engine diverted from its ordinary exit is driven, by means of a blower, into the cavity underneath an artificial floor of sheet iron, which floor is crocketed (as an architect would say) with hollow upright cones or funnels, open at the apex, and placed at such intervals as to allow the wet sheaves to be stooked upon them, as close as may be, to receive the drying blast up through their centres, from the funnels on which they stand. Of course the chamber is closed as soon as the sheaves are thus disposed within it; and the heat inside is soon considerable, absorbing every particle of moisture, and allowing the stooking process to be quickly repeated upon another waggon or cartload of sheaves-that is, wet-fresh from the field. For the treatment of damp or half-made hay a simpler plan is adopted, the hay being merely shaken before the drying blast from the engine, the effect of which in rapidly driving off every particle of moisture caused some surprise among those present. Our experienced contemporary speaks cautiously of the invention, but does not hesitate to say that this steam blast must lead to some surprising result. That a pressure of only 71b. or 81b., when employed for nothing else, could generate such a hurricane, was in itself like a new accomplishment of the steam engine, which for the time became, it says, a perfect Cave of Eolus.

INUNDATION OF THE SOANE RIVER.

AMONGST the important and interesting reports that have lately been published on the inundation of the Soane River, is that by Mr. M'Namara, the district engineer of the Shahabad Roads, and which has been abstracted into the "Calcutta Engineers' Journal." It farnishes complete and valuable information regarding the height of the and the amount of damage occasioned, and means to flood attained, the extent of the country inundated, be provided for their prevention. The results of Mr. M'Namara's investigations, as embodied in the report, not only extended to the inundation of last year, but to those which occurred in the years 1848 and 1864, when the amount of the destruction of property occasioned had been much greater.

With respect to the height of the flood attained, we learn that careful levels had been taken at the spot, showing the flood rise of 1848, to the highest floods levels of 1864 and 1867. The flood of 1848 was 3-48 higher than the flood of 1864, which latter was 44in. higher than that of 1867. The flood of 1864 attained the height of 20ft. 7in. on the gauge at the Soane Bridge, and the overflow was the greatest on record. Its corresponding height last year was higher than that of 1864 by 5in. It extended over the pergunnahs Barrehgaon and Arrah, and covering in all an area of about 391 square miles. The sectional area of the valley, at the village of Beheyarrah, where the overflow had taken place, of houses damaged amounted to 534, and their amonated to 23,000 square feet. The total number value is estimated at 7,242 rupees. The damage done to the crops between Ruzar and Arrah roads, and the Ganges, is estimated at 1,11,090 rupees.

It is to be regretted that there is not, in the report, a satisfactory classification of the statistical details of the loss occasioned by each year's inundation, but this, we believe, is due to the want of a trustworthy statistical agency, to the formation of which Mr. M'Namara urgently directs the consideration of Government. It is a matter of great satisfaction to learn that no loss of human life has been occasioned by these unexpected and dangerous floods. Having devoted a good deal of attention to hygienic laws, we are, therefore, led to anticipate that the frequent. occurrence of these inundations in the districts under review might give rise to the outbreak of epidemic diseases in those localities should no prompt and sufficient measures be devised to prevent their recurrence. In conclusion, Mr. M'Namara directs tho attention of the Public Works Department to questions affecting the sufficiency and insufficiency of the water-way along the railway line of embankment, the stability of existing bridges and viaducts, the construction of embankments, and the planting of spurs along the banks of the river, and such other matters as are deemed advisable.

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