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PADDLE ENGINES OF THE "BERBICE." by means of two eccentrics, and are attached to | of levers. The paddle shaft is 84in. diameter, UR double page engraving this week represents the quadrants of the slide valve levers. Between tapered to 8in. diameter, having seats for wheel were made by Messrs. R. and W. Hawthorn, of Newcastle-on-Tyne. The cylinders are each 4in. diameter and 4ft. stroke, provided with a steam chest on either side. The slide valves are double ported and balanced on the backs. The expansion valves are of the double beat variety, actuated by means of cams. The reversing links are worked

36in. diameter and 2ft. stroke, worked from an in-
termediate shaft and crank. The air pump, bucket,
trunk, and foot and delivery valve seatings, are of
brass. The bucket, foot, and delivery valves, are of
india-rubber. Each engine is provided with feed
and bilge pumps with rams each 6in. diameter and
10in. stroke, worked from the trunnions by means

The intermediate shaft is 8in. in diameter, with bearings 134in. long. The paddle wheels are each 18ft. diameter over rims provided with eighteen radial floats, each 20in. broad and 6ft. 2in. long. All the handles for starting, reversing, expansion, injection, &c., are arranged to be commanded from the deck.

Correspondence.

LIQUID FUEL.

tion as to the performance of "oil boilers," does not
apply to the careful experiments made at Hackney
Wick, where every pound of oil and of water evapo-
rated was accurately measured during a five hours'
trial. What has been done under a Cornish boiler,
and is being daily done, can clearly be repeated with
marine boilers, if the heat-absorbent surface be
properly proportioned to the fuel employed. If it be
proved that a less rate of evaporation is unavoidable
with the same apparatus and the same fuel in the
present form of marine boilers as compared with
Cornish boilers, then we may have to reconsider the
form of marine boilers, but the fault is clearly neither
in the fuel nor in the apparatus used for burning it.
Yet we have no fear-without any alteration of
failure in showing, if not the full evaporative duty of
the oil, namely, three times that of coal, at least such
an economy as to make it imperative that the use of
solid fuel should be abandoned for marine purposes.
-We are, Sir, yours, &c.,
FRANCIS WISE & Co.
Chandos Chanıbers, Adelphi, W.C.,
October 7.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE "MECHANICS' MAGAZINE.'
SIR,-We think that you will allow us to correct,
by the light of Messrs. Wise, Field, and Aydon's
experience, the statements made concerning what is
known as the "Aydon" system in your article on
liquid fuel on September 25. We do not propose to
enter into the question as to how far Mr. Richardson
succeeded or failed; it will be enough if we notice
the fact that the use of steam was not contemplated
by that gentleman in his earlier efforts, and that not
until he did use steam was the evaporative duty ob-
tained which is referred to in your article. An error,
which may be a clerical one, is made in the reference
to Captain Selwyn's lecture, because he stated that
the reduction in cost of working the boiler at Hack-
ney Wick was from 72s. to 5s. per day, not to 53s., as
stated in your article. This apparently extraordinary
result is accounted for by the fact that the oil fuel
[The error of 53s. instead of 5s. was purely clerical,
now used was a refuse product of the works, and as could be seen by all who were acquainted with the
had previously to be carted away. Yet another subject. With regard to the general question of
manufacturer at Stratford states that he is obtain-accuracy, we may observe that our only object is to
ing 70-horse power at a cost of 8d. per hour, buying give correct reports of trials of new inventions. To
the oil fuel.
do this we are, of course, dependent upon the facili-
As to the trial at Woolwich, twenty-five days-to ties afforded by inventors and others interested in
which we referred in a recent letter to another such trials. In the case of the application of Messrs.
journal-are not to be read as twenty-five consecu- Wise and Co.'s system at Lambeth, we had these
tive days, but as twenty-five times of lighting the facilities; we saw the furnace at work, took our own
fire, sometimes for two or three hours only, occa- notes, and were every way as satisfied with the
sionally with coal, and at other times with oil. The results as, we take it, the inventors were with our
evaporative duty of 101b. obtained with oil as against report. In the present instance, we were made aware
that of 74lb. with coal is regarded by all who have by the inventors of the fact that a furnace was being
seen the boiler as being highly satisfactory; the re-adapted to a small marine boiler, and were promised
duction for the per centage of steam taken from the
boiler has been officially ascertained, and is 8 per
cent of the total steam generated.

cylinder-small engine, 20-5-horse power; large engine, 51-38.

steam pressure

We will, with your permission, now proceed to show the comparative powers of the engines by the cube contents of steam used, and the quantity of water discharged through the jets, as it will show a fair comparison, the water pressure being equal in both engines. The small engine has a cylin der 7in. diameter, with 8in. stroke, making 115 revolutions or double strokes per minute, giving 153-3ft. of piston, with a mean of 1151b., and mean water pressure of 95lb. The large engine has two cylinders, each 6in. diameter, with a stroke of 18in., making 58-5 double strokes, or 175-5ft. of each piston; mean steam pressure, 135lb.; mean water pressure, 95lb. At the above speed the small engine would require 40-97 cubic feet of steam per minute, and the large engine would require 86-65 cubic feet of steam per minute; but as the pressures were different, the relative volumes at a pressure of 115lb. would accord to the large engine 99-261 cubic feet of steam, or 2-422 times the quantity of steam required by the small engine.

In comparing the steam used and the jets projected under the same water pressure, we find that the small engine, with a jet of 1 1-16in. diameter, or equal to 1, the large engine with a jet of 14in. diameter, or equal to 1348, that the effective work done by the large engine was as 1-348 to the small 1-0, but with 2-422 times the steam used by small engine. Had the work done been equal to the steam used by the large engine, in comparison to the small engine jet-the proper diameter of jet should be 1şin.-which the large engine should deliver at that pressure.

The theoretical discharge is given in the report as-small engine, 183-5 gallons per minute; large engine, 370 gallons per minute; but should bean inspection of the same when at work. The trials small engine, 209-88; and large, 361.9. This shows took place, but we had no intimation from the in- the discharge from large engine to be 1-72 times ventors that we might witness them; in fact, we the small, whereas the jets give but 1348 times. The flame did not melt lead in the chimney, which were informed, not by the inventors, that the trials Therefore, but little reliance can be placed on the it did not reach, for it never passed out of the fur- were strictly private. Seeing them, however, dis- theoretic discharge. Theoretic discharge per cwt. of nace; the waste heat, which would have been ab-cussed in other journals, we made use of such in-engine per minute, in gallons, is given, as per report sorbed had the boiler been a longer one, or had it formation as we had at command in the production-small engine, 6-99; large engine, 7.83; which should been provided with return tubes, did melt lead, and of the article referred to in the above letter, and the be corrected to-small engine, 7·92; large engine, 7-66. was the only cause why the full evaporative duty of result has proved unsatisfactory. Of course, inventors Estimated horse-power per cwt. of engine, as per the oil could not be obtained in this boiler. But if have a perfect right to withhold information, and to report, is given-small engine, 0-491; large engine, to "give sufficient heat to the boiler" be measured carry out their experiments in any way they choose. 0.55; should be-small engine, 0-87; large engine, by the success in raising steam, then, notwithstand- But if they do not give the opportunity of practical 1.087. ing the disadvantage we have named, the oil fuel did investigation, they must not feel very sore if they are In the third trial, the mean steam pressure was-of generate steam sufficient for the engines at 90lb. misrepresented. Our sole aim is to place before our small engine, 125lb.; large, 1381b. Revolution of pressure, which the best hand-picked steam coals readers a truthful account of the progress of practical small engine, 126; double strokes, 73. Water presentirely failed to do. There is no doubt that a long science, and we should be greatly aided either by sure, 90lb.; double strokes, 90lb. Mean theoretic run of heat-absorbent surface is an essential feature being allowed to see for ourselves, or (if this be not quantity in gallons, as per report-small engine, 231; in developing the full power of the oil fuel. As for permissible, as it sometimes may happen), by receiving large engine, 440; but should be-small engine, 231-9; ash it is an utter mistake to suppose that there is a report, upon the authority of an independent and large engine, 451-6, which gives the theoretic quanany ash made or sent off in any direction. The competent person. With regard to individuals, it tity as 1 to 194. The jets were-small engine, 1țin. ; liquid fuel is completely resolved into its gaseous mattters not to us whether it be Wise and Co., Rich-large engine, 13in., or as 1 to 1:49. The steam reelements. There is no intention whatever at pre-ardson, Pinkus, or any one else; inventions and not quired for small engine was 44.89 cubic feet; large sent of using more than one injector in each fur- inventors are all we care about, and the latter are engine, 108-853, the relative volume of which, at the nace; when two have been tried, the only result was free to discuss the priority, or other points, of their same pressure, 125lb., would be 117-561 cubic feet, to halve the quantity of oil fuel necessary to be used inventions amongst themselves. Only this we or 2.63 times the quantity of steam used by the small per injector. would add: we insert Messrs. Wise's letter with engine. The effective work of the large engine, in We cannot understand what is meant by the state-pleasure, and are always glad to afford inventors the comparison with the small one, in projecting the jets, ment that "on a full supply of oil being sent in by opportunity of correcting any errors we may unwit- is as 1-49 to 1 of the small engine, instead of being the injector, smoke was formed and the rate of eva- tingly fall into.-ED. M. M.] 2-63 times as per steam used, and under these condiporation was lowered." We have Captain Selwyn's tions, to do work equal to the small engine, should authority for saying that no such thing ever occurred. have projected a jet of 14in. diameter. No doubt if we had thrown oil fuel into the furnace ad libitum, and allowed what would not burn to run out into a trough placed in front of the fireplace-as has been done at Woolwich Yard with another boiler-some such phenomenon might have occurred, and possibly even a coal stoker might succeed in "bunging up" his furnace by a liberal use of coals. All we can say is, that such experiments are utterly foreign to both the practice and theory of the patentees we represent.

The theoretic discharge per minute, per horsepowerestimated, is given in report-small engine, 14-26 gallons; large engine, 14:26 gallons. This should be lons. The small engine delivering per horse-power, per minute, 3-16 gallons more than the large one.

COMPARATIVE TRIALS OF STEAM FIRE-
ENGINES AT NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE.
SIR-Referring to the report of the above trials in-small engine, 10-20 gallons; large engine, 7·04 gal-
your impression of the 2nd inst., may we ask the
favour of the insertion of the following remarks, so
as to enable your readers to judge for themselves as
to the fairness of the conclusions arrived at.

At

From these deductions, which are correct, it will be seen that our engine is equal, and, in many points, We received the invitation to send a medium size exceed, that of its rival; also entirely unworthy the steam fire-engine but six weeks before the time of severe comments cast upon it in the report. After With regard to the quantity of creosote obtainable, trial; having no engine ready, we applied for more the trials we have enumerated were finished, it was Captain Selwyn has a letter from a single oil broker time, but this was refused. We had no alternative arranged that a trial for vertical height should take in the City who contracts to supply up to 10,000 tons but to send our small size, weighing 264ewt. to place next morning at Earl Grey's monument. of oil at a reasonable price on demand. This is a compete with a large engine weighing 471cwt, and this trial the small engine projected a jet 50ft. above quantity more than sufficient for the probable re- the difference is more apparent taking into considera- the monument, the top of which is 133ft. high; quirements of the Navy, were the boiler furnaces of tion that an engine weighing 60cwt. will do three whereby the large engine could only, after trying every ship now in commission to be fitted for burn- times the work of one weighing 30cwt.; from these several sized jets, reach the top of the monument. ing it. As to the supply hereafter of a largely-in-circumstances we consider this comparative test of but We cannot understand why this is kept out of the creased demand, it may be anticipated that the dis- little value. But the report of that trial now before us report, as various comments are made in the report tillation of bituminous coal at the pit's mouth will would lead us to believe that the results there shown respecting the working of the steam fire-engines at form an important item in the industry of the future. are fair and conclusive. Unfortunately, in the a fire which took place the following day. Should Mr. H. Pinkus, like others long before him (as far anxiety of the reporters to favour the large engine, Messrs. Merryweather and Sons desire à fair conback as 1811), has tried or proposed a great number we believe the report has not been got up advisedly petitive trial, with engines of equal size, we will have of methods of burning liquid fuels, which have or in concert with those whose signatures are at-great pleasure in meeting them to decide the question never had any practical result as regards the naval tached to it, as the following errors in the report as to whose engine gets up steam in the shortest or commercial marine, and we may briefly say that will show. time, and does the most work, compared with weight no complicated apparatus in the furnace can over of machine and consumption of fuel. Apologizing stand the heat generated by the fluid hydrocarbons. for this intrusion upon your valuable space,-We are Messrs. Wise, Field, and Aydon rest their claim to Sir, yours, &c., SHAND, MASON, AND Co. the confidence of the public on practical successes which others have failed to attain; not on any originality of the idea that liquid fuel might be, and ought to be, burnt. They were the first to practically demonstrate that liquid hydrocarbons really could be thoroughly burnt without residual products; and to show how an evaporation could be obtained, the very idea of which was, at the time you witnessed the trial at Lambeth, ridiculed by authorities of high standing in the eyes of the public. Mr. Olrick's statement, that it is difficult to get accurate informa

The dimensions of the engines are in the report correct, with the exception of our cylinder, which is 7in. instead of 74in. diameter. This mistake is ours, being given at the time from memory, and no opportunity being given before publication. This error makes the report 14-horse power in our favour, which we should deem unworthy of consideration, but we think in common fairness the report should be made correct. In the report, the comparative powers of the engines are estimated only to half their powers, from their taking single strokes per revolution, and brings the horse-power of the small engine to 12-89-horse power; large engine, 25-91; whereby it should be, with the corrections for 7in.

PARR AND STRONG'S PATENT. SIR-With reference to the house recently erected at Bickley, with our patent combination, and described in last week's MAGAZINE, we beg to point out to you one or two items which require correction. Speaking of the two garden walls, 205ft. and 227 ft. long respectively, the article says:- The bond is maintained throughout by the hoop iron straps." Now, the fact is there is no hoop iron whatever in either

of these walls; neither has hoop iron been used in the house in the usual way, but the external angles being in concrete, we have inserted iron straps to unite these piers with the hexagon walls. Where the foundations can be depended upon, this bonding at the angles is all that is necessary, for, as you say, "it is almost impossible for a hexagon wall to fail if the foundation is good, and the tubes set in cement." Where, however, bond would be required, as in the case of uncertain foundation, holes are left in the hexagon tubes, that the hoop iron may pass through the concrete filling, thus making a far more effective bond than the mere laying in the joint, as usual in brickwork. The iron standards mentioned as occasionally introduced in the 4in. garden wall, are let into concrete (not into "granite ") blocks, and the filling-in of the tubes is of concrete made with Portland cement, and not with lime.

We would take this opportunity of mentioning that we have found this system to offer many advantages not noticed in the article. Besides being drier and lighter than brickwork, it is also stronger and more quickly erected; walls of tubes and concrete preclude waste, and the use of rubbish. Such walls are also more durable, because about 75 per cent. of external wall surface is composed of the most indestructible materials, namely, concrete faced with flint, granite, &c., whilst the remaining 25 per cent. is a burnt clay almost equal to terra cotta. For these reasons this "combination" of materials is well suited for facing seaside houses, and in all damp and exposed situations; whilst for the construction of embankments or wharf walls, we have had an opportunity of practically testing its value. Previous to commencing the house at Bickley we made numerous experiments, and satisfied ourselves as to the advantages we have indicated. These experiments were officially inspected by Mr. Vulliamy, the architect to the Metropolitan Board of Works, and upon applying for permission to adopt this system within the district we immediately received the formal sanction of the Board.-We are, Sir, yours, &c., 25, College-hill., E.C.,

October 13.

PARR AND STRONG.

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FIC.6

ON THE AURORA BOREALIS AS A WEATHER PROGNOSTIC.

As such sweep across the Atlantic to Europe. changes are due to the influence of the sun and moon, they recur in a cycle compounded of the two, or in about eighteen years.-I am, Sir, yours, &c., 47, Clarence-street, Cork, October 8.

DANIEL P. BROWNE.

THE BROOK BRACKET.

SIR,--As a proof of the accuracy of the writer in the MECHANICS' MAGAZINE of September 18 last, who says that the aurora is a sign of south-westerly gales, I may mention that I observed one on the evening of October 19, 1865. There was an annular eclipse of the sun near sunset on the same evening. The light was very visible, streaming off from the surface of the moon, of a slightly yellow hue. The air was clear, but loaded with vapour on the point of condensing. I infer that the light was absorbed in the upper regions before it reached the surface of the earth. As the condensation proceeded, it became refracted, as a number of concentric arches of different hues, in the N.E. horizon, from which streams diverged towards the zenith, mostly of a brilliant red or crimson hue. Those which take place in spring, during the prevalence of the N.E. wind, present the appearance of an irregular bank of light. It was followed by violent south-westerly gales at intervals, during the following six months. It was also immediately followed by an increased coldness of the air. Taking it in connection with preceding and subsequent movements of the atmosphere, I am inclined to view it as a sign of very extensive change in the magnetic condition of the earth. For as the spots in the sun are supposed to be caused by the influence of the planet Venus and the earth, and the perturbations in the latter are due prin- SIR,-I notice in your article on "Telegraphs in cipally to Venus, a corresponding reaction must be India," of Friday last, that in quoting Colonel Robinelt in the distribution of light and heat on the son's report, it is stated that the bad working of the surface of the earth. The period of these spots is better Indian lines was attributable to the department eleven years, and the same period is assigned to being inflicted with the Brooke bracket and insuchanges in the magnetism of the earth. The preva-lator. On behalf of Mr.W. Brooks, of Philadelphia, the lence of magnetic storms, about once in the same period, is noteworthy. The phenomenon of the aurora borealis and shooting stars, with accompanying meteorological disturbance, is also observed simultaneously in both hemispheres. I judge it, therefore, to be a sign of an interchange of currents of air between one hemisphere and the other. This interchange may be going on at all seasons, but is more observable on some occasions than at others. Supposing on this occasion the spots to be diminishing, and the magnetism of the earth to be increasing, there will result an increased activity in the currents moving over land and sea; aqueous vapours will be collected in the neighbourhood, where such ocean currents unite and mix with land air, torrential rain, due to the phenomenon of absorbtion and radiation, will fall, and hurricanes being generated in THE invention illustrated in the accompanying the tropical regions of the earth, air will flow from engraving has been patented by Mr. 9. C. one pole to another in the rear of these. Where Taylor, of the firm of Clare, Taylor, and Co., such an interchange of air takes place, the main spinners, of Tyldesley, Lancaster. It is applicable currents are observed to blow more uniformly, as to throstle spinning and doubling frames, and in the case of the monsoons of India and China, and consists in an improved mode of lubricating the the circle of the Mauritius hurricanes, which precedes spindle bearings in the lifting rail, whereby these periodical winds. The influence of these both the lubricating material and the time for storms is propagated by changes in the temperature applying it are economized. The spindles being of the ocean, to the West Indian Islands, where it more equally lubricated impart a more uniform gives rise to the hurricanes of St. Thomas, &c., which twist than hitherto, and the wear and tear of the

inventor of the "Brooks' Patent Paraffin Insulator," I beg to observe that it is not his insulator that is referred to. I shall feel obliged by your giving publicity to this, in your next number, as the similarity of name may mislead many, and do Mr. Brooks an injury, whose insulator is now being almost universally adopted in America, and found to be unequalled by any other kind.-I am, Sir, yours, &c., MATHEW GRAY, General Manager. Telegraph Works, Silvertown, Essex, October 3.

LUBRICATING SPINDLES OF SPINNING MACHINES.

driving bands is also reduced. In applying thes3 improvements to machines of the present construction, a small washer of flannel is placed around each spindle, and these washers bed on the lifting rail. Above the washers is a sheet metal or other cover, in which are tubes or grooves to convey the oil from the edge of the cover to the small washers above referred to. By this arrangement the spindles can be lubricated without stopping the machine, and the washers when saturated imbibe sufficient oil to keep these spindles lubricated for several days, whereas at present the spindles are generally lubricated twice a day.

In our engraving, fig. 1 is an elevation, partly in section, of the spindle of an ordinary throstle spinning or doubling frame, and of the bolster or lifting and footstep rails, to which Mr. Taylor's improved mode of lubricating the spindles is applied; fig. 2 is a plan of the same. a is the spindle; b the flyer; c the bobbin; d the lifting rail, and e the footstep rail, all of which are constructed as usual; f is a small washer of flannel lying upon the lifting rail and provided with a hole through which the spindle passes. A band of flannel extending the whole or part of the length of th frame having holes through for the spindles to pass may be used instead of the washers f. Above the washers f and resting upon them is the sheet metal cover g, to which are attached the spouts h, which are enlarged where they project beyond the cover, forming little dishes i, into which the oil is poured, and this oil runs along the spouts h and drops on to the washers 7, which are thus saturated and lubricate the spindles. The bobbins e rest upon the usual washer or belt which lies upon the cover g. instead of on the lifting rail, as now customary. By this arrangement the spindles can be lubricated by pouring a little oil in each dish i without stopping the machine, which effects a great saving in time, as at present the machine is stopped when oiling and the oil is poured on the spindle between the washers or belt and the lifting rail.

A SIMULTANEOUS rifle contest has just been concluded between Cheltenham, Marlborough, and Rossall, with the following result :-Marlborough, 266 points; Rossall, 243; Cheltenham, 213.

when wound set running it will sound at intervals of a few seconds continuously for a week if desired.

THE number of inland bill stamps purchased by the public advanced to 6,106,435 in the financial year ending with March, 1868, and the number of foreign bill stamps to 2,670,546. The number of penny stamps for receipts, draughts, and other documents increased to no less than 140,871,429, being nearer five than four for every man, woman, and child in the United Kingdom.

Fig. 3 is a section, and fig. 4 a plan of a modifica Jabal, Military, and Gunnery Items. with clockwork gearing, and wats Find up and tion of this invention. In these views the parts marked a d f g and h are similar to those already described. The dish i is smaller, and projects less from the edge of the lifting rail d than in figs. 1 and 2; consequently, this arrangement is better adapted for rooms where the passage between the frames is narrow. Fig. 5 is a section, and fig. 6 a plan of THE advisability of abandoning Port Canning as another modification of this invention, in which the a port is under consideration of the Government of projecting dishes are dispensed with, and the India. The Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal recomwashers f rest upon a shallow sheet metal trough k.mends the course, and papers on the subject have The cover 9 bears upon the washers f and trough k, been published officially with a view to the question and in it are slot holes g placed between each pair being fully discussed. of spindles; the oil is poured through these slots into the trough k, and thence it flows to the washers f. In constructing new machines the spouts h for conveying the oil from the edge of the lifting rail to the washers ƒ can be made in the lifting rail itself, thereby dispensing with the cover.

Legal Intelligence.

ADMIRALTY COURT,
October 13.

(Before MR. REGISTRAR ROTHERY).

THE "GREAT EASTERN."

WE understand that the Secretary of State at War is about to contract for 300 iron shields. The principal manufacturers are to be called upon to tender competitively, with the understanding that each firm shall supply its own form of construction. This is decidedly unfair to Mr. Hughes whose shield has just carried off the palm against all others.

THE number of visitors to the South Kensington Museum during the week ending October 10, 1868, was-On Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday, free, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 16,596; on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (admission 6d.), from 10 am. till 5 p.m., 2,345; total-18,941. Average of corresponding week in former years, 12,045. Total from the opening of the Museum-7,832,719.

A MEETING of the friends of the late Parkin JeffTHE Parliamentary return of merchant steam cock, Esq., who perished with a volunteer exploring vessels registered in the United Kingdom shows party in the second explosion at the Oaks Colliery that on or before the 1st of January, 1868, there in 1866, was held in Sheffield, on Tuesday last, when were registered 2,880 vessels of 892,429 tons regis- it was decided to proceed at once in the erection of tered tonnage, and 1,310,033 gross tonnage. Tower- a memorial church at Mortomley to accommodate ing above all the others is the "Great Eastern," with 260 persons. The very satisfactory plans of Mr. its dimensions of 679ft. by nearly 83ft., its engines Butterfield were approved by the committee, and of 2,660-horse power, and its gross tonnage 18,916 with a considerable sum already in hand, it was detons. Several other vessels have engines of 1,000-cided to proceed in collecting the full amount required, which is about £2900.

A LIBEL has been filed in the United States

IN this case a suit had been commenced at the in-horse power or more.
stance of the Liverpool Steam Tug Company,
claiming upwards of £400, and no petition had
been filed. Recently, an application had been
made for the release of the vessel from the custody
of Mr. Evan Jones, the marshal, in respect of a
claim exceeding £30,000, and the Court directed
the removal from Liverpool to Sheerness on policies
being effected for £36,000, Instead of policies,
bail had been put in for the amount mentioned,
and the ship was at Sheerness to take on board the
new cable. The plaintiffs in the suit by the Liver-
pool Steam Tug Company had entered a caveat,
and the present application was on the part of
the ship, that the suit which had been pending so
long should be dismissed on the ground that no
petition had been filed.

On the part of the plaintiffs, it was stated that the case had been before counsel to consider whether the suits should be consolidated, or whether a petition should be filed by the plaintiffs. Counsel had just returned to town, and the petition would be prepared,

It was urged in support of the application to dismiss the suit that on the last motion day the Court had ordered a petition to be filed, and up to the present time no petition had been filed. It was, therefore, a cause which should be dismissed. The learned Registrar thought it was a case in which the plaintiffs should pay the costs of the application and be directed to file a petition in a week; otherwise the suit to be dismissed, with

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To insure insertion in the following number, advertise

ments should reach the office not later than 5 o'clock on Thursday evening.

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

Advertisements are inserted in the MECHANICS' MAGA ZINE, at the rate of 6d. per line, or 5d. per line for 13 inser tions, or 4d. per line for 26 insertions. Each line consists of about 10 words. Woodcuts are charged at the same rate aa type. Special arrangements made for large advertise

ments.

T. T. (Sheffield).-If you will inform us what instruments are used, the length of circuit, and description o battery, we can probably help you out of your difficulty. SUBSCRIBER (Preston) should apply for the particulars be requires to the Secretary of the Admiralty, Whitehall, RECEIVED.-C. G. W.-D. P. B.-J. H.-D. and B.W. P. W.-J. T.-W. J. A.-R. S.-J. A.-W. R.-J. P.

J. G. W.-W. C. and Co.-J. D.-W. J.-T. T.-F. C.-
J. H. J.-S. K.-F. W. B.-H. M. T.-G. J. G.-R. T.-
G. W. H.-A. J.-S. W.-J. F. B.-G. E. P.-W. D.
M.G.-C. C. J.-E. R. B.-R. A.S.-J. N.

A CAREFUL census has been recently taken, of which the object has been to estimate the amount of cretinism in the valleys and mountains of Switzerland. The “ British Medical Journal" states that in the nineteen cantons there were found 3,431 cases of cretinism, and 6,258 cases of insanity; and as the population of the country amounts to 2,032,119 inhabitants, it follows that these 10,058 persons of weak mind give the enormous proportion of one mentally diseased person in 202 inhabitants; and even this is believed to be below the truth.

District Court, New York, against Mr. John Laird,
jun, as builder of the "Alabama," by John N.
Cushing and William Cushing, of Newburyport,
owners of the ship "Sonora," claiming to recover
119,000 dollars damages for the destruction of the
ship by the "Alabama " in December, 1863. The
libel alleges that the "Alabama" was fitted out by
Mr. Laird, in violation of law, for the purpose of
preying upon American commerce, and that he is
liable to the libelants for the damages. An order
for an attachment was issued on application of A MISSISSIPPI newspaper gives this pointed de-
the libelants' proctor, on the 23rd ult., and it is stated cription of the difference between a "scalawag" and
a" carpet-bagger," two classes now frequently heard
that funds of Mr. Laird's have been attached by it.
THE Woolwich division of the Royal Marine Light of in American politics. The carpet-bagger is a
Infantry is carrying out a change of accoutrements Northern thief who comes South to plunder every
consequent upon the Snider rifle being issued to every white man who is a gentleman of any property
that force. A plain neat waist-belt with an improved or respectability, and get all the offices he can. The
ammunition pouch, which can be put on or taken off scalawag is a Southern-born scoundrel, who will do
as required, supersedes the old cross belt. The cross all the carpet-bagger will, and, besides, murder the
belt, which had the clumsy ammunition pouch at-carpet-bagger for the gutta-percha ring his sister
tached to it, is to be entirely done away with, and gave him when he left home.
percussion caps being no longer required with the
Suider, the cap pouch forms no part of the new

accoutrements.

Dyer's pattern are to undergo an important altera-
THE existing stores of C percussion fuzes of
tion, in order to prevent their liability to premature
explosion. The alteration consists in the insertion
of a lead cup between the pellet and the bottom of the
fuze, and is to be applied to all fuzes of the nature
in question in store, and in possession of the Royal
Artillery at the various stations at home and abroad.
A eode of instructions for effecting the alterations
has been approved and promulgated for general in-

formation.

Miscellanea.

As many as 1,127 persons died from snake-bite in
Oude last year.
in different parts of Cornwall during the past week.
FOUR Woodcocks are reported to have been shot
THE eruption of Mount Vesuvius is increasing in
intensity; the flow of lava is more copious, and the
dynamic action of the cone more vigorous.

IN the financial year ending March 31, 1868,
27,892,769 newspaper stamps were issued from the
Stamp Office, giving free transmission of newspapers

by post in the United Kingdom.

THE number of visitors to the Patent Office Museum, South Kensington, for the week ending October 10, was 5,776. Total number since the opening of the Museum, free daily (12th May, 1858), 1,408,927.

THE present price or wheat is two-thirds what it was last year at this period. The weight of a sack of wheat of this year's growth is 30lb. above the average, and owing to the quantity of flour it yields, the millers are netting £4 a load in addition to their ordinary profits.

MESSRS. PEACOCK AND BUCHIN, the well known inventors and manufacturers of successful composition for ships' bottoms, have been awarded a silver and a bronze medal by the jurors of the Royal Havre Exhibition. The prizes will be distributed by the Empress on the 26th instant.

THE reported sinking of the south-eastern shore of Hawaii is confirmed. The same occurrence was observed at Port Hilo. The subsidence at Hawaii from six to seven feet, while at Hilo the greatest in some places was from three to four and in others subsidence noticed was eight inches. Advices to the 5th of September state that in Hilo, Pura, and Kanfroll one to five earthquakes occurred daily. Considerable smoke was arising from Kilanan, though but little fire was visible. Oscillations of the sea at Hilo on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of August were remarkable. For three days the sea rose and fell from three to four feet every ten minutes.

A BRISTOL journal records the death, on Monday night, of Dr. W. D. Herapath, at his residence, Manor House, St. Michael's, Bristol. Dr. Herapath was a man of high attainments, and, like his father, was celebrated for his analytical skill. He was taken ill about a week ago, and though he had been attended by most of the principal medical gentlemen skill could suggest, yet their efforts proved fruitless. of the city, and everything had been done that their The cause of death was jaundice. The deceased was 46 years of age.

ANOTHER important Oriental railway project, that of connecting the East with the West, is stated to have been arranged. The Turkish Government has granted a concession for the construction of a new line to an Anglo-Belgian company, of which Count Zichy, Austrian Privy Councillor, is the president. The route of this line will be from Constantinople, via Adrianople and Nissa, to Belgrade on the one side, and on the other from Constantinople to Varna, joining the projected trunk line from Bucharest and Jassey and Suczawa to the Lemberg-Czernowitz Railway. The Austrian Government, it is said, regards the construction of this new line, both from a political and commercial point of view, with great favour.

THE ploughing matches in connection with the Peterborough Agricultural Society took place on Wednesday week on Mr. Little's farm. The soaking rain of the previous days made the land very sticky and difficult to work, and only the most improved ploughs could clear themselves of the soil. No less than forty-seven teams competed in the various THE ninth session of the Crystal Palace School of classes. The prize for the best work in the whole Art, Science, and Literature, which was established field was won by Mr. Goodyear with one of Ranby the directors for the purpose of utilizing the some's prize ploughs, as was also the silver cup valuable resources of the Crystal Palace for educa-offered to farmers or their sons over 21 years of age. tional purposes, commenced yesterday, when the The work in this class was considered most excellectures and various ladies' classes were resumed. lent. During the past week, Messrs. Ransomes' be attached to bulletin boards, walls, fences, and so AN American has invented an advertising bell to ploughs won five matches, open without any restriction to all England, whilst in two single days local forth, to attract attention to the advertisements ploughmen won upwards of £53 in prizes with the pasted thercon. It is operated by a coiled spring same makers' implements.

Patents for Jubentious,

ABRIDGED SPECIFICATIONS OF

PATENTS.

THE Abridged Specifications of Patents given below are classified, according to the subject to which the respective inventions refer, in the following table. By the system of classification adopted, the numerical and chronological order of the specificatious is preserved and combined with all the advantages of a division into classes. It should be understood that these abridgments are prepared exclusively for this Magazine from official copies supplied by the Government, and are, therefore, the property of the Proprietors of this Magazine. Other papers are hereby warned not to produce them without an acknowledg

plumbago, and gum. Fourth, a mixture of nitrate of silver,
plumbago, resin, and fat or paraffin.-Patent abandoned.

978 G. F. GUY, Bury St. Edmund's. Suffolk. Manufac-
ture of sugar, &c. Dated March 23, 1868.

The patentee claims, first, the cooking of the roots of
the beet by steam or otherwise before expressing the
juice therefrom. Second, forming the pulp from which

the juice has been expressed into cakes, and desiccating it
in order to its preservation.-Patent completed.

cating machinery. Dated March 23, 1868.
979 C. LEROY, Paris. Grease cups or apparatus for lubri-

This invention relates to grease boxes or cups whose lubricating medium is not liquid, such cups or boxes being constructed either of metal, crystal, or glass, which latter admit of seeing the working of the apparatus without the necessity of taking it to pieces, and consists, first, in the application to the cups above mentioned of a piston with stamped leather working in the body of the hox, and furnished with a leather valve admitting air into the body, without causing a vacuum in the interior; and, second, in the adaptation of a spring of some kind of a counterpoise, BUILDINGS AND BUILDING MATERIALS-1016, 1038, 1045, piston for compressing the grease employed for lubricating so regulated as to exercise a constant pressure on the -Patent completed.

ment:

BOILERS AND FURNACES-990, 1020, 1039, 1047

1061

CHEMISTRY AND PHOTOGRAPHY-983, 1050

CULTIVATION OF THE SOIL, including agricultural imple-SON. Edgware-road, Middlesex. Breech-loading firearms, &c. 980 A. W. RAMSCAR, Gray's Inn-road, and F. W. WILDated March 23, 1868.

ments and machines-985, 1004, 1037 ELECTRICAL APPARATUS-1026

FIBROUS FABRICS, including machinery for treating fibre,

GENERAL MACHINERY-975, 979, 998, 1005, 1007, 1008, 1009, 1012, 1015, 1027, 1028, 1029, 1032, 1040, 1053, 1058 LIGHTING, HEATING, AND VENTILATING-976, 986, 988 METALS, including apparatus for their manufacture994, 996, 1025

SCELLANEOUS-977, 981, 984, 989, 993, 1001, 1002, 1003, .006, 1017, 1031, 1041, 1049, 1055, 1057, 1062 ADS AND VEHICLES, including railway plant and cariages, saddlery, and harness, &c.-987, 992, 995, 1013 HIPS AND BOATS, including their fittings-997, 1059 STEAM ENGINES-982, 991, 1011, 1033, 1034, 1035, 1046, 1052,

1056

WARFARE-980, 1024, 1054

Braces. (A communica

The first part of this invention relates to improvements pulp, paper, &c.-974, 1000, 1010, 1014, 1018, 1019, 1021, breech end of the barrel open at the rear for the insertion in breech-loading firearms. The inventors make the 1022, 1023, 1042, 1044, 1051, 1060 FOOD AND BEVERAGES, including the apparatus for preof the cartridge, and close it by means of a quadrantparing food for men and animals-978, 1030, 1048, 1063 shaped plate pivoted below the breech, and working FURNITURE AND APPAREL, including household utensils transversely in a recess made therein at oue side. In time-keepers, jewellery, musical instruments, &c-order to load the gun, the plate is drawn outwards to one 999, 1036, 1043 side of the gun by partially rotating it on its axis by means of a thumb-piece with which it is provided in convenient position to be acted on by the hand, when the barrel will be opened at the rear, and the cartridge may then be inserted. The quadrant plate is then pressed backwards, so as to enclose the cartridge, and close the rear end of the barrel, a projection on the said plate taking into a slot made in the opposite side of the breech. A catch is further provided on this plate engaging with a recess in the breech, so as to hold it in place when shut. At the lower part of the quadrant plate is pivoted an arm, the end of which is wedge-shaped, and works in a slot in the opposite side of the breech to that of the plate. Upon pulling the plate outwards, as before mentioned, for the purpose of opening the breech, the wedge-shaped nose or end of the arm is projected from the side of the breech, and engages with an inclined slot formed in the under half cock (the hammer being cocked by motion in a side of the hammer, the effect of which is to lower it to downward direction.) The gun being loaded, the breech is closed by returning the plate to its position, as above described, which withdraws the projecting wedge, and permits of the hammer being lowered to full cock by hand. The gun may then be discharged in the usual way, provided the breech be completely closed, otherwise the wedge-shaped nose over which the hammer passes in cocking would project from the side of the breech, and prevent the rise of the hammer for the discharge of the cartridge. The second part of the invention relates to the cartridges for use with the improved breech-loading firearms above described. The cartridges resemble what are known as pin cartridges, but the pin is replaced by a tube of similar size closed at the outer end, and commencing at the other with the charge of the cartridge. This tube contains the fulminate by which the charge is ignited, the ordinary cap within the cartridge being dispensed with. The cartridge is introduced at the open end of the barrel, as before mentioned, the tubular pin being reception, so as to slightly project. In this manner the hammer, when rising, strikes the pin or tube, whereby it is compressed against a small anvil or projection formed on the breech to produce the explosion of the fulminate contained in the tube, and so effect the discharge of the cartridge.-Patent abandoned.

971 T. POPE, Twickenham. tion.) Dated March 23, 1868. The object here is to combine shoulder braces or straps and suspenders in such a manner that while the pantaloons or other garments are thereby securely supported, the chest of the wearer is thrown forward, and the body caused to assume a perpendicular position.-Patent com

pleted.

972 W. R. LAKE, Southampton-buildings, Chancery-lane. Metal ties or bands. (A communication.) Dated March 23,

1868.

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

1868

973 S. HOLMES, High Holborn. Lamps. Dated March 23, This invention comprises, first, apparatus to ensure perfect safety from explosion or risk by fire in lamps burning oils and spirits, by insulating the parts of such lamps which are liable to become heated from all connection with the fittings of the vase of the lamp containing the oil or spirit by surrounding the wick tube, or other heated parts, with a cylindrical or other shaped recess filled with air, or other non-conductor of heat, of such length as to reach to the bottom of the lamp, so that the supply of oil for barning is taken from the bottom of the vase of the lamp at all times during the burning of the lamp, while all lateral passage of heat is prevented by interruption of conductive continuity. Second, the invention consists in improvements in mechanical arrangements for regulating and extinguishing such lamps as burn materials in a state of vapour generated by their own heat in burning.-Patent completed.

974 C. JE. BROOMAN, Fleet-street, City. Machinery for the manufacture of lace. (A communication.) Dated March 23, 1868.

This invention has reference to a previous patent granted to R. A. Brooman, bearing date April 19, 1865 (No. 1087.) According to this invention, certain inconveniences which occurred in the carrying out of the former patent are removed by causing the thread to issue at the centre of the carriage, and keeping it separated between two points, which necessarily insures the raising of the twists as they are produced by the warp thread at the right or at the left of the carriage.-Patent abandoned.

975 H. PAULUS, Paris. Pile driving engine with modifiable length of stroke of the ram. Dated March 23, 1868. This improved pile driving engine or rammer works without any loss of time for bringing down the catching hook, which usually carries up the ram or monkey. The inventor altogether does away with such hook, and carries up the ram by an endless chain, each link of which is capable of catching the point of a -shaped sliding bolt, suitably arranged for that purpose on the top of the ram directly the said ram has given its stroke.-Patent aban

doned.

976 J. BRONNER, Frankfort-on-the-Maine, Germany. Construction of gas burners. Dated March 23, 1868.

The patentee claims, first, the exclusive use of a slit as aperture to a gas burner, the top exterior surface of the head of which is concave or funnel-shaped, substantially as and for the purposes set forth. Second, the combination of two gas burners thus made; in other words, of two fish-tail slit burners to form a compound economic or double burner, or of one such fish-tail slit burner with an ordinary burner, substantially as described. Third, the use of the fish-tail slit burner head or insertion constructed and applied substantially as set forth.-Patent completed. 977 C. M DERMOTT, Devereux-court, London. Indelible pencil for marking linen, &c. Dated March 23, 1868.

The inventor has four methods of producing this indelible pencil. First, he takes a mixture of nitrate of silver, sulphate of baryta, plumbago, and gum. Second, a mixture of nitrate of silver, fuller's earth, plumbago, and gum. Third, a mixture of nitrate of silver, nitrate of lead, alumina or pipeclay, or any other clay or clayey substance,

received in the slot made in the side of the breech for its

981 W. R. LAKE, Southampton-buildings, Chancery-
lane. Metal ties or bands. (A communication). Dated
March 23, 1868.

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

982 C. DE BERGUE, Strand. Locomotive engines. Dated
March 23, 1868.
These improvements in locomotive engines consist in
constructing them with a pair of rocking shafts in line
one with the other with lever arins thereon, driven from
the direct action of the steam cylinders, and with other
necting rods, and through these directly or indirectly to
lever arms thereon delivering the so received power to con-
the engine wheels, and in addition to, or instead of, the
engine wheels delivering the power received by the firstly
mentioned lever arms to suitably flexible or jointed con-
necting or driving rods for transmitting power.
second improvement consists in constructing the tender
and carriages (either, or some, or all) with a continuous
system of flexible or jointed reciprocating connecting or
driving rods for transmitting to them the power they
receive from the locomotive, either, as firstly set forth or
otherwise, and with rocking shafts with lever arms upon
them for receiving motion from the said driving rods, and
with other lever arms upon and actuated by them for
driving the wheels of the tender and carriages (either, or
some, or all), and so converting them into driving wheels.
-Patent completed.

The

933 E. VIGNIER, Fowkes-buildings, London. Distilling and rectifying spirits. Dated March 23, 1868.

In carrying out this invention, the inventor proposes to filter the wash or liquor before it enters the still for the purpose of removing impurities therefrom, and he makes the said filter in two parts, so that the one shall be in action whilst the other is being cleaned by passing steam therethrough, which extracts the alcohol. The details of

the invention are voluminous.-Patent abandoned.

ascertaining temperature. The details of the invention are voluminous.-Patent abandoned.

985 A. V. NEWTON, Chancery-lane. Thrashing machines. (A communication.) Dated March 23, 1868. This invention is not described apart from the drawings. -Patent completed.

Brixton, Surrey. Holders for lamp shades or glasses. Dated 986 H. TREVERTON, Smithfield, and E. H. FOWLER, March 23, 1868.

The object here is to construct the frame or holder in such a manner that the glasses or shades may be divided into sections or plates of suitable form and convenient size, which may be placed in the frame in which, if desired, they may be held without the necessity of using springs or catches.-Patent abandoned.

987 J. S. FARMER, Kilburn, London. Transmitting signals between the parts of a railway train. Dated March 24,

1868.

employs a horizontally vibrating V-frame or lever of According to one part of this invention, the inventor suitable shape, having one end mounted on a stud near to the inner edge of one of the rails that, when fixed upon a sleeper or block, and placed sufficiently the arm is so inclined that its outer end or the point is sufficient space between the outer end and the rail thereof is in contact with or near to the rail, there to allow of the pendant end of a rod or bar from the under side of a carriage, brake-van, or engine to enter face of the vibrating frame or lever, to change its position, between them, and, by coming in contact with the inclined and cause it to move through a limited arc, whereby the other inclined face or outer arm of the vibrating frame or lever is made to present a still greater angle with one or both of the rails, and, in doing so, it will be set in a position to come in contact with any projection from the under side of guard's van or other carriage where it has been suitably arranged and disposed for the purpose of receiving the signal.-Patent abandoned.

989 H. BURGESS, Battle, Sussex.

Rails for railways and

tramways. Dated March 24, 1868.
This invention consists in certain improvements in the
construction of rails for railways and tramways, whereby
greater strength is obtained in the junction thereof, whilst
they are rendered more capable of bearing the pressure
and strain to which they are subjected than rails as ordi-
The ends of the rails are respectively
narily constructed.
formed with a step or steps arranged in an oblique line,
so that, when two rails are placed end to end for the pur-
poses of connection, the steps fit into or overlap each
other. The rails thus connected are further secured by
being "fished" in the manner well known. -Patent aban-
doned.

Smoke

consuming fireplace or furnace. (A communication.) Dated
990 W. E. GEDGE, Wellington-street, Strand.
March 24, 1868.

This invention, consists, essentially, of a case intended to be filled with coal, and presenting at its lower part an opening by which escape the gases drawn by the chimney. In order that the fireplace may be smoke-consuming, it is necessary that this opening be lower than the layer of burning coal. The invention is not described apart from the drawings.-Patent completed.

991 W. R. BOOTHBY, Adelaide, S. Australia. Mechanism to produce rotary motion in engines. Dated March 24, 1868. From a point on the surface of a cylinder or drum of hard metal, right and left-handed grooves, worms, or threads are cut at a pitch equal, or nearly so, to the circumference of the cylinder, the length of the grooves, or the distance between the points of their intersection, being equal to one half the pitch. The ends of the grooves or threads are rounded off as they approach their points of intersection. This cylinder has a shaft through it, to which it is firmly fixed, the shaft being free to revolve in thrust blocks at each end of the cylinder. At an angle of 90deg, with each other, and parallel to the cylinder and shaft, two planed sides with steel faces are placed; within these slides are sliding blocks with axles through them, which point through the grooves of the cylinder towards the centre of the shaft, and have steel rollers on them free to work in the grooves of the cylinder; opposite the ends of the slides are placed cylinders with the ends of their piston rods firmly fixed into the sliding blocks, the one being at full power, or half way down one groove and slide when the other is at either end. Steam or other medium of power is admitted to act on either side of the piston by means of a smaller screw or cylinder with grooves placed on the end of the shafts nearest the cylinders, and having friction rollers working in the grooves attached to the ends of levers connected with the valve spindles. This smaller screw is free to revolve on the shaft through half a revolution, so that, by turning the same through that distance, the motion of the engine is reversed. With a flywheel the engine may be worked equally well with one piston and sliding block.-Patent abandoned. 992 T. W. FULLER, Leamington. March 24, 1868.

Carriages. Dated

buses or other close carriages provided with roof soats,
The patentee claims forming at the front end of omni-
a door opening inwards, and forming at the front of the

roof seats over the said door, being constructed and
described and illustrated,
arranged substantially as
whereby ladies or other persons may ascend to the roof
seats from the interior of the omuibus or carriage.—Patent
completed.

carriage a series of steps, the said door and steps, and the

Watches, chronometers, and clocks. 993 C. D. ABEL, Southampton-buildings, Chancery-lane. (A communication.) Dated March 24, 1868. This invention has for its object to prolong the action of watches, chronometers, and clocks, so as to cause them to go eighteen or twenty days without having to be wound up. For this purpose the ordinary spring and barrel are dispensed with, and are replaced by two spiral springs without barrels, situated in recesses formed in the pallet plate of the watch, chronometer, or clock. These springs are fixed at their outer ends, while the inner ends are attached to spindles, to which they impart their motion The essential object of the first part of this invention when wound up, acting, therefore, in a contrary manner consists in combining a barometer with an ordinary to the ordinary spring barrel. The spindles are connected pocket watch. The two instruments so combined show to two toothed wheels by means of spring pawls carried by the dial of the watch on one side of the case, and the dial the latter in gear with ratchet wheels fixed on the former, of the barometer on the opposite side, or one dial may be which toothed wheels are in gear with each other, while arranged for both purposes on one side of the instrument. one of them is at the same time made to actuate the The second part of the invention relates to the arrange-minute wheels and escapement of the watch or clock, by ment and construction of instruments to be employed for which means both springs are made to act in union upon

984 A. BARCLAY, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. Barometers and thermometers. Dated March 23, 1868.

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