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THE NEW METROPOLITAN MEAT AND POULTRY

MARKET, SMITHFIELD.

MR. HORACE JONES, ARCHITECT.-MESSRS. JOHN FOWLER AND T. MARR JOHNSON, ENGINEERS.

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FORTRESSES.
No. IX.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE "MECHANICS' MAGAZINE.'

1

rings have for their common centre the vertica iron shaft which forms the centre of the dise Owing to this peculiar arrangement, the disc OF battery is enabled to revolve round its vertical axis, without perceptibly changing the position where it is anchored. Let us now suppose the said battery, when in action, to revolve from left to right, the enemy being in front; then every fourth part of the revolution would bring two fresh guns to deliver their fire from almost precisely the same spot whence the fire of the preceding guns has been delivered, and in this manner there will be a continuous rapid fire delivered from one spot a fire so rapid as would be quite impossible to deliver from guns in position, owing to overheating, &c. The turning of the disc would be effected by machinery, but the recoil force of the guns would also considerably contribute towards that end, as owing to the position of the guns in the radial front the direction of their recoil force would coincide with the direction of the revolution.-I am, Sir, yours, &c., December 5.

G. J. GÜNTHER.

SOLAR HEAT.
SIR,-About a twelvemonth ago, you did me the

ciple, built on the Tyne, for the Government, the SUGGESTIONS ON THE DEFENCE "Cerberus," was launched from the building-yard of Messrs. Palmer and Co. (limited), Jarrow. She is of 500-horse power, and is intended for the colonies, having been designed by Mr. E. J. Reed, the Chief Constructor of the Navy. Her dimenSIR,-The strength and efficiency of a country's sions are:-Lengths between perpendiculars, coast and harbour defences should be quite in225ft.; length of keel per tonnage, 195ft. 7 in.; dependent of the direct and local (or "tactical") breadth extreme, 45ft. 2in.; depth of hold, 16ft. assistance derivable from a fleet of sea-going war6in.; burden in tons, O.M., 2107 23-94ths; moulded ships, because the proper work for a fleet is to depth, 18ft. Gin.; loading draft, 15ft. Gin., leaving attack the hostile fleet on the high sea, and otheronly 3ft. side exposed when in action. The turrets wise try to cripple the enemy's resources, as it are situated one at the fore end and the other at were, at their fountain head. The possibility the after end of the breastwork. Each turret is that the ships of a defeated and dispersed fleet 21ft. 3in. in diameter, and constructed of a shell skin may have to seek shelter in our seaports renders of 3-inch plates in two thicknesses, upon which is it so much the more necessary that the defensive built the backing of wood and the armour-plating, strength, both passive and active, of the latter of equal thickness to that in the other porti ons should be abundantly sufficient to defy the foe, of the ship. The turrets are revolving, being worked independent of any other assistance. It is not by auxiliary engines, and moving upon a centre the place here to make any remarks on the utility spindle of great strength. Each turret will be of large sea-going ships in naval sallies, in the manned with two 450-pounder Armstrong guns, pursuit of a retreating enemy who has been beaten each gun being 18 tons weight. To give additional off our coast, and other similar services. For a protection, however, to the men, the upper deck is successful coast defence, various floating structures, of greatly increased strength, to withstand the such as floating batteries, gunboats, &c., whose favour to insert in the MECHANICS MAGAZINE two battering of any raking shot. Alongside the base shape, size, draught of water, armament, &c., communications, one upon Heat, the other upon of the turrets, and fore and aft, are placed the berths would be carefully adapted to the local peculiarities the Intensity of Cold. In a portion of a theory and cabins of the officers and crow, providing acof the coast or harbour where they have to operate, imperfectly advanced, it was stated, that a sun is a commodation for thirteen officers, five engineers, would be almost indispensable. The famous primary body in an igneous or active state; in other twenty-five marines, fourteen stokers, and ninety"Skärenflotta" ("Cliff fleet "), which so efficiently words, a state of decomposition, whose decomposed eight seamen, making in all 155 men. Below the defended the coast of Scandinavia against superior parts are absorbed by the secondary and other bodies turrets and breastwork is a lower deck, on which hostile forces, is a well-known historical instance of the system. I have at last the satisfaction to find are arranged the usual store-rooms, powder maga- of a most judicious utilization of peculiar local fea- in the solar discoveries that have recently agitated zine, shot-rooms, &c. The hull of the "Cerberus tures; and Mr. Ericsson's bow-armoured raft gun- the scientific world, evidence so corroborative of the is divided by seven bulkheads, each being water-boats, of which the modern "Skärenflotta" will theory then laid down. I await with entire confidence the result of a more perfect observation.— tight, and the bottom of the ship is double, so that be composed, will doubtless, in case of need, prove am, Sir, yours, &c., H. SALOWAY. if the outer shell or skin should be damaged by any equally as formidable as their famous predecessors. 13, Standard-street, Dover-road, means, the water can only get into one tank or comDecember 5. partment, and so the safety of the ship and crew is secured. As a further protection in case of tempoiary damage, they are five of Downton's large pumps on board, and each pump is connected with the whole of the ship, and can be used in cases of fire. The "Cerberus" is ordered to be sent to Chatham, at which port she is to be fitted and completed, at the charge of the Melbourne Government, it being intended that she shall be sent to Australia.

MILITARY AND COLONIAL CART.

WE

I

HYDRAULICS.

SIR,-Would any of your correspondents be kind enough to tell me whether any books or table is published which gives the quantity of water delivered per second or minute by different sized pipes running full bore, and also under different heads of pressure.-I ani, Sir, yours, &c.,

December 5. H. H. [Box's "Practical Hydraulics," published by Messrs. Spon, 48, Charing-cross, contains exactly what "H. H." requires.—ED. M.M.]

WORKING GUNS.

The absence in Great Britain of any defensive floating structures specially adapted to the local peculiarities of the seaport or coast where they would be stationed, is probably owing to the over great reliance placed in the efficiency of the seagoing fleet. But a feeling of too great security is very frequently anything but a guaranty of safety. At Portsmouth, for example, without a sufficient supply of floating batteries, and an efficient system of submarine defences (chevaux de frise, &c.), an enterprising and spirited enemy, well furnished with shallow-going floating batteries and other similar "naval and siege structures," would soon E recently noticed a very good system of iron render the position of the garrisons of at least permanent way, invented by Mr. W. J. some of the works anything but pleasant. I believe Addis, executive engineer to the Local Fund I am not far wrong in stating that the superiority Works, Bombay. We now bring before our readers of floating batteries, properly so called, over seaanother practical invention by the same gentleman. going ships, would chiefly consist in the capacity cropping up every now and again. A few days ago, SIR,-It is very curious to see my old inventions This is a cart which he designed to meet the exi- of carrying the hoaviest armour and the heaviest on passing along the Strand, I observed, in the wingencies of the late Abyssinian War, and which com- and most destructive guns, combined with a dow of the "Engineer," a complete copy of my prises many essential points, and differs from any minimum of rolling, and hence a maximum of steadi- patent, No. 5, January 1, 1862, for working guns, a existing construction. The wheels are formed of ness of aim. The cruciform floating battery (with model of which system I had shown to Lord Palsegmentary parts of wrought iron, circumferenced the guns placed at the centre) proposed by Cap-merston and Sir George Cornewall Lewis in 1861. with wooden felloes, and tyred in the usual manner. tain Moody, would combine the above conditions I send you herewith the printed specification, from By this arrangement the shrinkage is reduced to in a very eminent degree. There may, however, which you will see at once that the ship called the a minimum, so that the wheels are better adapted be certain positions from which it might be for hot climates. Among other advantages, it is highly advantageous to be able to deliver a very calculated to be more durable than the ordinary rapid, and, at the same time, very steadily aimed wooden wheel, and runs much easier. The nave fire, for the which purpose a rapid replacement of is flush with the spokes and tyre, thereby lessening both guns and gunners, all to act in quick succesthe risk of collisions. The axles are two in number, sion on and from one and the same position, 9in. in length, and which work in two plummer would be highly desirable. In order now blocks fixed in the frames of the cart, and are easily fulfil those conditions, I would suggest the conarranged in case of damage. Another palpable struction of a "revolving disc battery." advantage is that the pole is so arranged as to admit of the cart being drawn back without the necessity of turning, while it can also be wholly withdrawn and passed through the centre of the box in the body of the cart, which contains a tent, monitor, with stern and stem of same shape, and specification, No. 584, February 22, 1866, for a similar

and it can also be used as a tent pole.

66

De Tigre," built by Napier, of Glasgow, is a fair copy. At the time my patent was first made publie kind enough to say that a ship on that plan would. in the MECHANICS' MAGAZINE, the shipbuilders were not sail. My opinion at that time was that she would not only sail well, but as a war ship would be very steady under fire; and wonder if the Messrs. like it. to Napier agree with me now: I must say it looks very

shall attempt to give a rough sketch of such a
To avoid encumbering you with diagrams, I
structure, by requesting the reader to look at the
longitudinal middle section of a central-turret

then to imagine a disc-shaped floating structure, all of whose vertical diametrical sections would THE MANUFACTURE OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS. resemble the section of such a monitor. Obviously, -A most interesting and instructive little work, such a disc-shaped monitor battery would possess describing briefly, but with great clearness, the rise a maximum of flotability, and hence be able to and progress of watch and clock making, has just been published by Mr. J. W. Benson, of 25, Old carry not only a large central battery of one or Bond-street, 99, Westbourne-grove, and the City more extra heavy guns, but also other "armourSteam Factory, 58 and 60, Ludgate-hill. The book, punchers" arranged on other parts of the disc. which is profusely illustrated, gives a full descrip- In one of my designs for a 10-gun "revolving disc tion of the various kinds of watches and clocks, battery," two large guns are arranged in the cenwith their prices, and no one should make a purchase tral battery, the eight remaining being divided in without visiting the above establishments or consult- four divisions of two guns each, and placed on the ing this truly valuable work. By its aid persons disc in such a manner that the four frontages of the residing in any part of the United Kingdom, India, said four divisions are the radial boundary lines of or the Colonies, are enabled to select for themselves the four quadrants of the circle, which would rethe watch best adapted for their use, and have it sent to them with perfect safety. Mr. Benson, who present the horizontal section or plan of the disc. holds the appointment to the Prince of Wales, sends Such a battery, when in action, should be anchored this pamphlet to any address on receipt of two postage stamps, and we cannot too strongly recommend it to the notice of the intending purchaser. LADVT.

in a well-chosen position, by means of at least
three stationary or harrow" anchors, connected
with the disc by as many cables, all of which are
looped to one or more central pivot rings, the which

I now observe in the MECHANICS' MAGAZINE of

the 20th a scheme by a Mr. Clerk to work guns by
a counterbalance, so as to raise the platform and
gun when required, and lower it again into the hold
of the ship to reload. I herewith send you my
invention, and shall be obliged by your noticing the
same in your paper.-I am, Sir, yours, &c.,
43, Mansell-street, Nov. 30.
J. WALKER.
[We have examined both specifications, and find
Mr. Walker's statement substantially correct.
embodies the general principles in both cases. In
working guns, he uses either one or two guns.
the latter case, the guns counterbalance each other,
one being loaded below while the other is being
fired in the battery or on deck.—ED. M.M.]

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THE SAFETY OF OUR COLLIERIES. SIR,-The work carried on underground by miners is such that they must ever be subject to occasional unforeseen accidents, but we shall never be in a position to reduce those so frequently caused by bad ventilation, ignorance, and mismanagement, until we can get rid of a wretched false economy introduced in former rude and quasi semi-barbarous times, when coal first began to be obtained from the bowels of the earth. A shaft was sunk as near as possible to the lowest dip of the coal measures, in order that

the underground water might flow to the sumph, or pump-well, and so drain the whole of the works. Thus far the operation was judicious, but when, instead of sinking a second, they came to divide the one shaft into two with a bratticed partition for both down and up cast, as well as for other purposes, a series of fatal errors was introduced. In the first place, fire-damp or impure hydrogen is lighter than atmospheric air, therefore a less power of ventilation will be required, when the upcast is sunk more towards the higher level of the strata; but the owners formerly would not go to the expense of sinking two shafts. In the second place, as exhaustion is considered the best mode of ventilation, and the furnace the cheapest, the custom is to put it half-way down the upcast, in order to save the expense of building a high chimney above ground, and so force the foul and explosive gases through the fire-bars, often the cause of accidents and stoppages.

In the third place, since the introduction of the safety lamp, that invaluable test of the state of the air of the mine, the men have been enabled to work in a poisonous atmosphere highly detrimental to health, and shortening by many years the duration of working life. It has indeed been observed that since the introduction of the lamp fatal accidents have been more frequent, but perhaps the great increase of collieries of late has not been sufficiently taken into consideration; probably the proportion is much the same, a proof that the lamp has been of no real benefit to the miner. More than all, it is highly improper to cause the life of the men to depend upon strictly carrying out minute regulations, upon their own carelessness or ignorance, as well as upon the perfect state of the lamp, itself subject to various

unavoidable, sometimes wilful accidents.

In order to conduct our collieries with safety and economy, the ventilation should be carried out so as to be totally independent of the miners themselves, who should be able to work as freely as above ground, save the unavoidable inconvenience of confined space to work in and liability to suffer from falls, which however are caused either by improper cutting or insufficient timbering. The fact is that the very prohibition of smoking below is a certain indication of bad or insufficient ventilation, and a law to compel owners and lessees to defray every incidental expense attending on or following colliery explosions, would be a most salutary move. merely throw out these few crude suggestions with the view of starting the subject.-I am, Sir, yours,

&c.,

Reading, December 10.

HENRY W. REVELEY.

I

LAWS OF TELEGRAPHY. SIR,-Being but little acquainted with the laws of telegraphy, I beg to ask the favour of an answer to the following queries:-In communicating between wo stations, say Ireland and Newfoundland, does e electric fluid pass from one shore to the other, and then back through the earth to the starting point, so as to complete the circuit, before the message can be received at its destination? If so, how was this law carried out in the case of the "Great Eastern" communicating with the shore, while laying the Atlantic Cable. An answer would oblige myself and one or two more of your readers.-I am, Sir, yours, &c.,

R. S. W.

35, Mason-street, New-cross, S.E., Dec. 8. [In telegraphy, the circuit must be completed by the earth or a return wire before signals can be received. In paying out from the "Great Eastern," or from any ship, the earth is usually made by a connection with the outside protecting iron wire of the cable. This is as efficacious as the earth connection on land.-Ed. M.M.]

advance.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. THE MECHANICS' MAGAZINE is sent post-free to subscribers of £1 1s. 84. yearly, or 10s. 10d. half-yearly payable in All literary communications should be addressed to the Editor of the MECHANICS' MAGAZINE. Letters relating to the advertising and publishing departments should be ad dressed to the publisher, Mr. R. Smiles, MECHANICS' MAGAZINE Office, 166, Fleet-street, London.

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 communications unaccompanied by the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for insertion, but as a proof of good

faith, ED. M. M.

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leetings for the Week.

year, at 7.30 p.m.

amounted to 2,600,000 dollars, and will reach 500,000 dollars in the current year. The wooden MON.-Society of Engineers.-The Annual General Meet-head-boards are decaying, and it is proposed to ing for the Election of Officers for the ensuing replace them with blocks of galvanized iron. Fifteen rolls of honour have been published, and 11 more are to follow. They will contain a list of the graves of nearly 200,000 soldiers identified, and of about 100,000 as yet unknown, but which existing records may identify. Careful records have been preserved of everything found with each body, and of all that could serve to identify it.

Royal Institute of British Architects.-Ordinary General Meeting. Professor T. H. Lewis on "Notes on the Celtic, Roman, Moorish, and other Architectural Remains in Algeria," at 8 p.m. Royal Geographical Society.-Dr. H. Blane on " A Journey in Western Abyssinia, from Metemma to the King's Camp in Damot," at 8.30 p.m. TUES.-The Institution of Civil Engineers.-Mr. Samuel THERE sailed the week before last from Cardiff Parker Bidder, juu., Assoc. Inst. C.E., on the steamer "Pacifico," which is the first sea-going "Machines Employed in Working and Break- steamer built at Gloucester. The "Pacifico" has been ing Down Coal, so as to Avoid the Use of Gun-built and engined by Messrs. Fielding and Platt, of powder," at 8 p.m.

Habal, Military, and Gunnery Items.and classed nine years in English Lloyds; built

A LETTER from Jerusalem announces that a great illumination lately took place in that city, on the occasion of an edict of the Sultan, liberating the Holy City for ever from military service and from all payments of taxes connected with the same. CAPTAIN W. HOUSTON STEWART, C.B., Superintendent of the dockyard and naval establishments at Chatham, left the dockyard last Saturday, after handing over the charge of that establishment to his successor Captain William C. Chamberlain, late flag captain of the "Asia," flag-ship of Rear-Admiral G. G. Wellesley, C.B., commanding the steam reserve at Portsmouth.

number of boys in Her Majesty's naval service on By a return recently issued, it appears that the the 1st of April, 1868, was 7,646, the number of which left the service from all causes during the year 1867-8 amounting to 550. The number of bona fide seamen on the 1st of April last was 19,456, coast-guard men on shore 3,080, and the number of bona fide seamen who left from all causes in the year 1867-8 was 3,558.

A SERIES of experiments on gunpowder is at present being carried out at Woolwich by the Ordnance Select Committee with the new chronoscope for measuring the velocity of projectiles within the bore of the gun, invented by Captain A. Noble, late of the Royal Artillery. The results hitherto obtained are preliminary, but have been attended with great of measuring the hundrehth-thousandth part of a success. The instrument has proved itself capable

second with great accuracy.

SOME important trials were made on Thursday and Friday week, at Shoeburyness by the Ordnance Select Committee, in reference to the new muzzleloading guns about to be introduced into the British and Indian services, and in respect to double shells for mountain warfare, particularly with reference to the more certain ignition of the fuzes, the length of the shells now in the service rendering the Tap of the flame over the front of the projectile very uncertain. Trial was also made of case shot for 600-pounder rifled guns, the effect being terrific. VICE-ADMIRAL SAMUEL PERKINS PRITCHARD died at his residence, Southend House, Southsea, on Monday week, in his eighty-second year. He was father of the present Captain Samuel Pritchard, R.N., and entered the navy, April 12, 1792, and served under the flags of Sir Richard King, the Hon. Wm. Cornwallis, Sir Roger Curtis, and Sir Charles Cotton. He was commander of the "Blenheim," taking the forts of the Bocca Tigris and operations against and capture of Canton in 1841, for which he was posted. He became retired rear-admiral July 29, 1861, and vice-admiral April 6, 1866.

the Atlas Iron Works, Gloucester, for a Liverpool firm, and is intended for towing purposes at Rio Janeiro. She is a wooden-built vessel, 102ft. long by 18ft. beam, and 8ft. depth of hold, coppered, under special survey, and exceedingly strong. Her machinery consists of a single-cylinder inverted engine. Cylinder 42in. diameter and 24in. stroke; steam jacketed, with surface condenser, and all modern improvements. The screw propeller is of gun metal, four bladed, and 7ft. diameter. The boiler has three furnaces and a superheater. The "Pacifico" on her trial trip, drew 74ft. forward and 9ft. aft., giving a speed of eleven knots per hour, on a low consumption of fuel.

Miscellanea..

ACCORDING to "La Presse," the decimal system is about to be adopted in Greece. The unit will be the dramma, equal in value to a franc, and its hundredth part will be called the septa or centime.

THE Consumption of coal in Italy at the preser.t time is estimated at upwards of eight millions of tons per annum, of the value of 360,000,000 francs (£14,400,000), the average cost per ton being 45francs.

THE number of visitors to the Patent Office Museum, South Kensington, for the week ending December 5, was 2,985. Total number since the opening of the Museum, free daily (May 12, 1858), 1,441,756.

A GIANT tree, of the Eucalyptus species, was felled lately in the Dandenong Ranges. At 1ft. from the ground the circumference was 69ft.; at 12ft. from the ground the diameter was 11ft. 4in.; at 78ft., diameter 9ft.; at 144ft., diameter, 8ft.; at 210ft., diameter 5ft. The tree was 330ft. high.

NOTWITHSTANDING the little attention given by the Italian peasantry to their bees, the produce of honey during the present year amounted in value to 1,385,000 francs, and that of wax to 1,590,000 francs. The best honey comes from Bormio, Empoli, and Otranto.

ENCLISH books of the value of 40,000 dollars, shipped to Montreal, and smuggled across the line, have been seized by the revenue officers in Cincinnati. Another shipment, of the value of 100,000 dollars, has been made from England, it is said. For this the officials are sharply watching.

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MR. DAVIDSON, merchant of Ningpo, presented on his departure for Europe with a pair of Wan-min-san, or "public umbrellas, as a mark of respect and esteem in which he was held by the Chinese. The honour is both great and unusual, he being the first foreigner on whom it has been conferred.

quality.

VICE-ADMIRAL SIR THOMAS SYMONDS, K.C.B., A REPORT from Dingle states that an extensive who has been appointed Commander-in-Chief of the and valuable bed of slate, extending over several Channel Squadron, is the son of the late Sir William hundred acres, has been discovered close to the sea Symonds, who for many years was the Surveyor of shore at Dunarlin, in the extreme west of Kerry, the Navy. Sir Thomas has the reputation of being and on the estate of Lord Ventry. Competent a very smart seaman and intelligent officer. Rear-authorities pronounce the material to be of the best Admiral Warden, C.B. (as anticipated by us, "Army and Navy Gazette," many weeks since), has been nominated to relieve Rear-Admiral Buckle, C.B., at Queenstown, who has been placed on the retired list, owing to his having attained the age of 65 years, although it is certainly a very green and vigorous old age.

LIVERPOOL was one of the first ports to adopt the Birkenhead, was use of iron in shipbuilding, and Mr. John Laird, of one of the earliest and most successful of iron shipbuilders. In 1837 Mehemet Ali placed an iron steamer built by him on the Nile, and about the same time he constructed the vessels in which Col. Chesney explored the Euphrates, and a set of transports for the Indus and the Sutlej. Shortly afterwards, the Quorra and the Alburca, in which Mr. M'Gregor Laird explored the Niger, were turned out, as well as the fine steam frigate Birkenhead, whose tragic fate on the coast of Africa, and the heroic conduct of the troops on board, have rendered her name historic.

GREAT attention has been paid in the United States to gathering and identifying the remains of soldiers who fell in the recent civil war. The Quartermaster-General reports the total number of graves 316, 233, and the occupants of 175,764, have been satisfactorily identified. The expenditure has

DURING the last postal quarter in America, 938,111 letters were received from and 1,063,650 letters were despatched to foreign countries, making a total of 2,001,761 letters having reference to the foreign correspondence with the United States. The postage received for these letters amounted to 260,399 dollars.

THE number of visitors to the South Kensington Museum during the week ending December 5, 1868, was-on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday, free, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 8,447; on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (admission 6d.), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1,318; total-9,765. Average of corresponding week in former years, 7,778. Total from the opening of the Museum-7,936,810.

MR. PEABODY has just given another munificent donation to the poor of London. In a letter addressed to Lord Stanley and the trustees appointed under the former deeds of gift, Mr. Peabody announces that he is desirous of adding to the fund a further sum of £100,000. Mr. Peabody's donations to the poor of London now amount to £350,000.

DURING November last 6,484 emigrants left the Mersey-5,592 in Government, and 892 in "short" ships, showing an increase of 181 as compared with the corresponding month of last year. As usual,

the United States absorbed the bulk of both sections, in all 6,020. Of the remainder, 157 went to Canada, 108 to Victoria, 108 to South America; 20 to China, 16 to the West Indies, and 55 to Africa.

THE negociations relative to the cession of the State railway of Berne to the Swiss Central Company have just been brought to a conclusion. The latter undertakes, during ten years, to work the lines Neuveiller-Bienne-Langnau, for an annual indemnity of 425,000 francs, to commence from the 1st of January, 1869. By the terms of this agreement, the canton of Berne realises a considerable profit, and frees itself from a charge which has weighed heavily on its finances for several years.

THE subscription list for the Cam Improvement has already assumed such proportions as to justify the committee in putting out the contract for deepening and widening the river from Jesus Sluice to Baitsbite, for £4,000. The Cam conservators have undertaken to cleanse the upper part of the river, and the Cambridge Improvement Commissioners are completing arrangements for diverting the sewage of the town from the river at a cost of from £7,000 to £8,000.

ONE of the most important mechanical establishments in Southern Italy is that of Peitzarsa at Naples, belonging to the Societa delle Industrie Meccaniche. These works employ about 1,250 persons, and are furnished with 300 machine tools driven by nine steam-engines, amounting in all to 88-horse power. At this establishment they make locomotive carriages and every description of railway plant, iron bridges, boilers, cranes, pumps, war material, and marine engines up to 500 horse-power.

A COMMUNICATION from the city of Hanover states that to imitate the cry of the cuckoo has become seditious in that State. Two young apprentices were the other day brought before the Court of Appeal by two Prussian gendarmes, who complained of being insulted by the note in question. After a series of vocal experiments, in which the counsel of the two parties took part, the Court quashed a sentence of imprisonment pronounced by an inferior tribunal, and set the two accused at liberty.

THE quantity of home-made spirits paying duty as retained for consumption in the United Kingdom in the three first quarters of the year 1868 has been 14,740,479 gallons, being 633,975 gallons less than in the corresponding period of 1867. The quantity in England was 8,041,531 gallons, showing a decrease of 5,561 gallons; in Scotland, 3,358,426 gallons, a decrease of 142,206 gallons; in Ireland, 3,340,522 gallons, a decrease of 486,208 gallons.

THE new tower of the parish church of Moirans, France, fell to the ground a few evenings back, doing considerable damage to the roof and nave. The cause of the disaster was the elevation of the structure without means being taken to strengthen the base, which at last gave way beneath the additional weight. Fortunately no person was in the building at the time, although only a few hours before the church was filled with persons assembled to hear the music of a choral society in celebration of St. Celia's day.

1677 R. FRYER, Manchester, and J. FRYER, St. John's Wood. Apparatus for tilling land. Dated May 21, 1868. This invention is not described apart from the drawings. -Patent completed.

May 21, 1868. 1678 J. STARLEY, Coventry. Sewing machinery. Dated This invention is not described apart from the drawings.

THERE are in the United Kingdom 90,668 miles of telegraph wire for public use, and 4,969 miles of wire used for the purposes of railway companies only. The number of miles of posts and underground lines constructed is 21,751 open to the public, and 285 used for railway purposes only; the average number of wires per mile is 4:16. There are 4,695-Patent completed. miles of submarine telegraph cables (of course including the Atlantic cables) connected with places in the United Kingdom, and 8,146 miles of wire; the average number of these wires per mile is 173. There are 3,381 telograph stations open to the public

THE following British railways each carried more than 1,000,000 tons of coal and minerals in 1867 :Blyth and Tyne, 2,062,309 tons; Caledonian, 5,566,072 tons; Furness, 1,843,820 tons; Glasgow and South-Western, 2,550,239 tons; Great Eastern, 1,083,537 tons; Great Northern, 2,415,723 tons; Great Western, 6,423,150 tons; Lancashire and Yorkshire, 4,567,795 tons; London and NorthWestern, 11,674,347 tons; Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire, 2,638,333 tons; Midland, 6,294,108 tons; Monmouthshire, 2,215,040 tons; North British, 4,325,923 tons; North-Eastern, 16,398,988 tons; North Staffordshire, 1,387,037 tons; Rhymney, 1,262,794 tons; and Taff Vale, 3,692,662 tons. Some of the least known railways have thus a very considerable mineral traffic.

1679 J. R. BATTY, Leeds. Saddles for frames used in the spinning of flax, &e. Dated May 21, 1868.

In spinning frames now in use the common adjusting saddle is worked by the guide of a stand-piece fixed on the beam of the spinning frame. These improvements consist in the employment of what the patentee calls a link saddle, which is constructed of three parts connected together by flexible joints, and is attached to the horizontal beam of the machine, and may be adapted to the spinning frame either with or without stands.-Patent completed.

1680 W. E. NEWTON, Chancery-lane. Governors for steam and other motive power engines. (A communication). Dated May 21, 1868.

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

1681 H. HALL and J. A. MASON, Burton-on-Trent. Apparatus for propelling vessels. Dated May 21, 1868.

The patentees claim employing hollow water-tight drums in combination with rigid or elastic webs or bands, as described, for propelling vessels.-Patent completed.

1682 F. E. B. BEAUMONT, the Garrick Club, and C. J. APPLEBY, Emerson-street, Southwark. Apparatus for drilling rock and stone for blasting and other purposes. Dated May 21, 1868.

The patentees claim arranging apparatus for drilling rock by means of diamond or gem drills, in such manner that the feed forward of the drill may be positive so long as the drill meets with no more resistance than it can

safely overcome, but that as soon as the resistance becomes excessive the abutment of the drill may yield slightly, and in doing so may separate the feed mechanism from the driving gear. They also claim the arranging appafor drilling rock and stone, substantially as described. -Patent completed.

1683 J. W. WHITTAKER, Great Lever, Bolton-le-Moors, Carding engines. Dated May 21, 1868.

THE total exports of coal from Belgium in the first eight months of this year, amounted to 2,249,378 tons, as compared with 2,187,900 tons in the corresponding period of 1867, and 2,508,207 tons in the corresponding period of 1866. The largest share of these "exports was made to France, which took 2,166,451 tons in the first eight months of this year, as compared with 2,116,451 tons in the correspond-ratus ing period of 1867, and 2,410,592 tons in the corresponding period of 1866. It is a singular fact, that the imports of coal into Belgium have been rather increasing of late years. They amounted in the first eight months of 1868 to 175,293 tons, against and rapidly rotated, as compared with the cylinder of an 269,221 tons in 1867, and 73,333 tons in 1866 (corre-ordinary carding engine, such rollers having interposed sponding periods). Of the coal imported into Bel- between them other rollers revolving more slowly, and gium, to August 31, this year, 63,761 tons came from so arranged that, having worked the fibre with one of the the United Kingdom, as compared with 92,337 tons rapid rollers, and taken fibre therefrom, they carry the in the year 1867, and 18,655 tons in 1866 (correspond-fibre so taken on and lay it upon the next rapid roller, and so on throughout the machine, as described, whatever be ing periods). the number of rapidly revolving rollers employed. He also claims constructing carding engines substantially as described.-Patent completed.

Patents for Subcutious.

ABRIDGED SPECIFICATIONS OF
PATENTS.

THE Abridged Specifications of Patents given below are classitled, 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 specifications 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 acknowledgment:

BOILERS AND FURNACES-1689, 1693, 1703, 1765 BUILDINGS AND BUILDING MATERIALS-1676, 1704, 1708 CHEMISTRY AND PHOTOGRAPHY-1725

CULTIVATION OF THE SOIL, including agricultural impleELECTRICAL APPARATUS-1750

ments and machines-1677, 1690, 1737, 1748, 1759, 1763

FOR Several days past-in consequence, no doubt, of the prevalence of heavy winds in the Channel-a porpoise of considerable dimensions has been disporting himself in the Thames; he was first seen on Sunday at Waterloo, and, gradually working his way up river, met his death yesterday forenoon, for when off Barnes Elms, some enterprising Hammer-FIBROUS FABRICS, including machinery for treating fibre, smith fishermen gave chase, and near Rose Cottage, the stranger was shot by a Mr. Williams. On Monday, too, several sea gulls were seen from Vauxhallbridge, and two were shot; none of them went above Pimlico.

A JAPANESE New Testament, translated and elited by the American missionaries, is now in course of publication in Japan. The English and Japanese are printed in parallel columns and in Roman type, an arrangement which will facilitate the mastery of both languages, enabling the natives to learn English and foreigners Japanese. There is no sound in the Japanese tongue which corresponds to either the letter or th. The former is expressed by substituting r, and the latter by s.

Ir appears from a Parliamentary return that the railway companies of the United Kingdom hold more than 289 square miles of land; 213-2 in England and Wales, 38.5 in Scotland, and 38 in Ireland. The quantity is one acre of every 273 in England and Wales, one of every 813 in Scotland, one of every 853 in Ireland; or, taking the United Kingdom as a whole, one of every 421 acres. The total is equal to 12-32 acres per lineal mile of railway, or an average width of land of 102ft. for every railway.

AT the general monthly meeting of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, held Monday, December 7, 1838, Sir Henry Holland, Bart., M.D., D.C.L., F.R.S., President, in the chair, Robert Douglas Hale, M.D, Frederick Gutteres Henriques, Esq., Edward Frankland, Esq., Ph.D., F.R.S., Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences, Paris, and Professor of Chemistry at the Royal School of Mines, George James Shaw, M.D., Captain the Hon. William Le Poer Trench, and John Peter Wilson, Esq., were elected members.

pulp, paper, &c.-1679, 1683, 1687, 1697, 1702, 1710, 1711, 1717, 1719, 1722, 1727, 1745, 1761

FOOD AND BEVERAGES, including the apparatus for proparing food for men and animals-1701, 1705, 1758, 1760 FURNITURE AND APPAREL, including household tiunsel, time-keepers, jewellery, musical instruments, &c16s8, 1706, 1735

GENERAL MACHINERY-1675, 1678, 1682, 1681, 1685, 1692, 1698, 1707, 1713, 1714, 1715, 1718, 1624, 1753, 1754, 1755 1764 LIGHTING, HEATING, AND VENTILATING-1695, 1729, 1751, METALS, including apparatus for their manufacture

1696, 1716

MISCELLANEOUS-1694, 1700, 1728, 1730, 1738, 1739, 1740, ROADS AND VEHICLES, including railway plant and riages, saddlery, and harness, &c.-1720, 1721, 1742, 1743

1746, 1747, 1749, 1752, 1757, 1762

1723, 1726, 1756

car

1731,

SHIPS AND BOATS, including their fittings-1681, 1709, STEAM ENGINES-1680, 1691, 1699, 1712, 1732, 1734, 1741

WARFARE-1686, 1733, 1736, 1744

The patentee claims constructing carding engines with a series of rollers, which should be of small diameter,

1684 R. RAYNER, Lower Clapton. Frictional gearing. (A communication.) Dated May 21, 1868.

This invention consists in constructing or forming the working face or faces of friction wheels or gearing of one or more layers of india-rubber, or other soft and elastic material, in combination with a protecting layer of leather, felt, or other flexible or rigid material, in such a manner that a more efficient friction surface is obtained, which effectually prevents the friction wheels or pulleys slipping when in contact.-Patent abandoned.

1685 A. M. CLARK, Chancery-lane, London. Differential gearing applicable to lifting jacks, cranes, windlasses, &c. (A communication). Dated May 21, 1868. This invention is not described apart from the drawings. -Patent abandoned. Central fire

1686 C. FUSNOT, Curighemlez, Bruxelles, cartridges. Dated May 22, 1863.

The object of this invention is to simplify the construction and manufacture of central-fire cartridges, exploding either by the percussion of a hammer, or of a pin or striker, and applicable to guns, rifles, and revolvers. In carrying out the invention, the patentee makes the cartridge bottom or the cartridge case of one piece, as described in the speciflcation of letters patent granted to him hacking ring or washer, the copper cup, the pin or needle, October 22, 1863 (No. 2597), and dispenses with the internal and the paper cylinder supporting the igniting portion of the cartridge. The cartridge bottom carries the cap externally in a central hollow or sink, in the centre of which is formed a projection or nipple on which the deflagration of the fulminate is effected, two or more vent holes serving to communicate the fire from the cap to the charge. The cartridge bottom is made of one piece, and of any suitable metal, by means of a stamping machine and dies. The base of the cartridge bottom is made by an improved process, and by which a cleanly cut dise with a rim or projecion is obtained, and by which he dispenses with a plate now employed in the Boxer cartridge. This improved process consists in placing at the end of a punch a piece of cardboard, india-rubber, or other elastic material, and forcing the punch to the end of its stroke, so as to press heavily on the cardboard or india-rubber, and cause it to expand, thereby producing in the interior a hollow which forms the projection or rim on the outside.—Patent completed.

1687 C. D. ABEL, Southampton-buildings, Chancerylane. Drawing cop and other threads through shuttle holes and eyes. (A communication). Dated May 22, 1868.

This invention consists in drawing cop and other threads through the holes or eyes of shuttles by means of a mechanically or artificially produced vacuum, suction, or current of air, instead of by the present mode of drawing the thread through by the suction produced by the breath of the operator.-Patent completed.

1688 C. MOLE, Farringdon-road. Manufacture of boots. Dated May 22, 1868. This invention is not described apart from the drawings.

1674 Provisional protection has not been granted for this invention. 1675 T. G. MESSENGER, Loughboro', Leicester. Fireengines or double action pumps. Dated May 21, 1868. This invention consists of an engine or pump in which there is a base or body (made of cast iron or other material) having spaces in it, which spaces convey the water or other liquid from valves to each end of a cylinder made of brass or other malleable or suitable material, and placed a solid plunger. When this plunger is moved, the water horizontally or perpendicularly, in which cylinder works-Patent completed. or other liquid is forced through other valves into an air vessel, and thence to a jet or spout.-Patent completed. 1676 J. REVILL, Walmer-crescent, Notting-hill. Revolving or coiling shutters. Dated May 21, 1868 This invention consists in making each lath with a rule joint, whereby the whole shutter will appear flush on its surface. The laths are connected by chains, gutta-percha, leather, string, or cords passed through holes in each lath about two feet distant.-Patent completed.

1689 W. E. NEWTON, Chancery-lane. London.

bars. (A communication.) Dated May 22, 1868.

Grate

The patentee claims, first, constructing grate bars with fuel points or rests formed by transverse recesses of a conical or tapering character, so as to give an increasing and establishing air heating points, as set forth. Second, width of opening below relatively to their mouths or teps, he claims in combination with the fuel points and air ducts or recesses to the bar certain channels or ways, as and for the purpose or purposes set forth. Third, he

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claims the arrangement of the channels or ways alternately
or successively on opposite sides of the bar for operation
in combination with the air ducts or recesses and fuel
points, as described.-Patent completed.

1690 C. J. FOSTER, Maldon, Essex. Improvements in
obtaining the transverse reciprocating motions of the cutter bar
in reaping, mowing, and other similar agricultural machines,
and improvements in wheels for agricultural machines. Dated
May 22, 1868.
This invention relates to certain improvements in
machines for reaping, mowing, and other agricultural
uses, the object being, first, to dispense with geared or
toothed wheels for operating the traverse reciprocating
motions; and, second, to enable the motor wheels to obtain
a better adhesion with the ground, and to prevent their
slip.-Patent abandoned.

1691 A. M. CLARK, Chancery-lano. Rotary steam engines.
(A communication). Dated May 22, 1868.
The patentee claims the improved arrangements of
rotary engines described and illustrated in the drawings,
the principle consisting in the simultaneous rotation of the
piston and cylinder, which are coupled together on different
axes.-Patent completed.

1692 J. OURY, Blois, France. Apparatus for measuring
liquids or gases, &c. Dated May 22, 1868.
This invention is not described apart from the drawings.
-Patent completed.

1693 C. DELAFIELD, Factory Ville, Richmond, New York, U.S.A. Furnaces to be used in oxidizing lead or in the manufacture of litharge. Dated May 22, 1868

This invention is not described apart from the drawings.

-Patent completed.

1694 R. K. BOWLEY, Upper Sydenham, Kent. Floral devices. (A communication). Dated May 22, 1868.

This invention consists of a peculiar combination of
plant or bouquet holder and water jet, the jet being so
situate and shaped in reference to the form of flower
holder as to throw a sheet or thin film of water over the

holder when charged with the bouquet, thereby causing
the bouquet to appear as if it were covered by a glass shade.
-Patent abandoned.

1695 E. JONES, Bristol. Shadowless lamps. (A commu-
nication). Dated May 23, 1868.

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

1696 J. J. HARROP, Manchester, and W. CORBETT,
Clayton, near Manchester, Production of iron and steel from
ores and from waste products containing iron. Dated May 22,
1868.

1705 T. J. BAKER, Farndon, near Newark. Manufacture
of wheat and other grain into flour. Dated May 25, 1868.
This invention consists, first, in a new form of feeder,
by which the patentee is enabled to regulate the feed in
exact proportion to the velocity of the stones. The second
improvement consists in using a double blast to aid in
grinding and cooling the stones and meal jointly. The
third improvement consists in placing a flexible tube
in the meal spout through which the meal is caused to
descend, so that when working with an exhaust the
patentee gains a greater strength of exhaust than hereto-
fore. The fourth improvement consists in a new method
of building the millstone.-Patent completed.

1706 H. W. EVERARD, Manchester. Braces. Dated
May 25, 1868.
The chief feature of this invention consists in forming
the button hole in the elastic material or webbing em-
ployed for "braces," and in covering or binding the edges
of such button hole, and securing such binding both to the
webbing and to an extra piece of leather or material at
the back, in contradistinction to forming button holes
and binding them in "tabs" or extra pieces to be sewn
on to the attaching end of elastic "braces."-Patent aban-
doned.

1707 E. HUNT, Glasgow. Obtaining motive power. Dated
May 25, 1868.
This invention has for its object to economize fuel in
obtaining motive power by means of steam or other
similarly liqueflable vapour, and it comprises arrange-
ments whereby steam from a low pressure receiver or
engine, and is then wholly or in part returned to the low
boiler is made to actuate any convenient kind of steam
pressure receiver by means of a jet or jets of steam from
a high pressure boiler or receiver.-Patent completed.
1708 T. CRAIG, Carey-street, Lincoln's Inn, Hanging
and supporting windows, doors, shutters, &c. Dated May 25,
1868.

1714 H. FERGUSON, South Wharf-road, Paddington, and A. MULVEY, Kilburn. Machinery for cutting tenons and shoulders. Dated May 25, 1868.

This invention relates to certain improvements in ma chinery for cutting tenons and shoulders of rails or other work in wood, whereby the use of saws is entirely dispensed with, and the tenon and shoulder are cut at one operation.-Patent abandoned.

1715 W. H. KENT, St. George's-place, Knightsbridge. Machinery for fluting, crimping, and puffing fabrics. (A communication). Dated May 25, 1868.

Here a pair of rollers is employed, having upon them at intervals rings of cog-like teeth which gear together. The toothed rings on each roller are arranged in pairs, and the two rings of each pair of rings are at a short distance apart; between them the peripheries of the rollers are not in contact, and they receive at these points adjustable pressers of an S-line form; each presser partly encircles the two rollers, passing around somewhat less than a quarter of the circumference of each of them. Between the pairs of toothed rings on the rollers the distances are longer, and here also the peripheries of the rollers are not in contact, but there are no pressers. In front of the rollers is a fixed guide, consisting of a top and bottom plate set at a short distance apart; the parts of the guide which stand between the pairs of rings are curved or arched. The operation of this arrangement of parts will be obvious to those conversant with similar machinery.-Patent completed. 1716 W. W. R. and M. W. JOHNSON, Limehouse. Manufacture of sheets of lead or tin, &c. Dated May 25, 1868.

This invention has for its object the imparting to the these metals, a slightly roughened surface, which not only surface of sheets of lead or tin, or alloys or compound of gives to the surface of the sheets an appearance similar to deadened or frosted silver, but also facilitates the uniting one sheet to another by a solder joint.-Patent abandoned.

1717 J. SCOFFERN, New North-street, Finsbury. Treating paper and woven fabrics to produce therefrom waterproof sheets and slabs. Dated May 25, 1868.

This inventton consists in cutting a groove in one or
other fittings to any required depth or width, and insert-ammonia as a cement, but the use of the same in connec-
both sides of either the sash or frame of the window or
The patentee states that he does not claim copperized
ing therein one or more loose or detached rollers or wheels tion with roller or straight edge pressure acting upon
of india-rubber, or any other elastic substance or compound fabrics partially dissolved by immersion in a bath of cop-
of any required dimensions, which, when the window is put
and form a kind of flat wedge when at rest capable of
and fixed on its place, are to a certain extent compressed perized ammonia.-Patent completed.
maintaining the sash in any position to which it may be
moved.-Patent abandoned.

1709 P. CAMERON, Glasgow. Ships' compasses. Dated
May 25, 1868.
This invention consists in a method of manufacturing
This invention consists in obtaining a strong directive
iron and steel whereby the patentees are enabled to dis-power by employing a sheet or disc of steel or iron mag-
pense with the usual blast furnace operation, and to make netized according to the reed or fibre of the said steel or
steel direct during the reduction of the ores and other sub-iron. The disc or sheet is suspended between centres, and
stances. For this purpose they treat the said ores, waste
is also arranged that it may rest on pivots horizontally, in
from the manufacture of sulphuric acid, from iron pyrites, which position it at once indicates the dip when passing
hammer slag, and forge cinders, or other such substances
transverse to the magnetic line, and when moved relatively
to east or west it assumes an upright position; the compass
containing iron, with the waste product which forms the
black ashy residue in the manufacture of prussiate of card being attached to it, the true bearings are indicated.
potash, and also with crude creosote or other mineral oil Surrounding the instrument there is a movable circle or
card marked with the degrees and points of the compass,
well known to be of the same family group.-Patent com-
which, when moved to the cardinal points, indicates the
pleted.
ships true course. The outer bowl of the compass, in place
of being suspended, as hitherto, is hung by springs, so that
the instrument may be less affected by the vibrations and
tremor of the ship.-Patent completed.

1697 J. HIGGINS, Salford. Machinery for spinning and
doubling cotton, &c. Dated May 23, 1868.

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

1698 J. FLETCHER, Bow, Middlesex. Revolving retorts for
the manufacture and reburning of animal charcoal. Dated
May 23, 1868.

This invention consists in an improved arrangement of fittings for the interior of revolving retorts, by which the charcoal operated upon is more extensively and more equally distributed over the surface of the retort than by the present arrangements of fittings in retorts, the increased heating surface with which the charcoal is brought in contact greatly facilitating the process. The invention is not fully described apart from the drawings.

-Patent completed.

1699 E. W. DE RUSETT, Lewisham. Improvements in engines worked by steam, or other motive fluid, specially applicable to steam pumps. Dated May 23, 1868.

The object of this invention is to produce the return or
lifting stroke of the pump piston and steam piston of
single acting steam pumps by steam of a lower pressure
than that which produces the forcing stroke of the said
pistons. The invention is not described apart from the
drawings.-Patent completed.

1700 T. ASHFORD, Birmingham. Gas tube hooks or
fastenings. Dated May 23, 1868.
This invention consists in the construction and arrange-
ment of certain parts of machinery for the manufacture
of gas tube hooks or fastenings from heated strip iron,
whereby the cutting off of the blank, and the piercing of
the notch or shoulder end of the blank, are effected in the
same machine, and an unbent gas hook or fastening made
at each stroke of the machine.-Patent abandoned.

1701 W. SECK, Richmond-terrace, Clapham-road. Kilns
or apparatus applicable to the drying or treating of grain for
the manufacture of mall. Dated May 23, 1868.
This invention relates to an arrangement of apparatus
in which the grain, after having been steeped or moistened
in the ordinary manner, is laid upon a series of shelves or
trays and subjected to a current or currents of heated air.
-Patent completed.

1702 J. S. RICHARD, Paris. Apparatus for stopping the
motions of spinning machinery, and machinery for manu-
facturing textile fabrics when a thread breaks or a bobbin is
exhausted, or the tension of a thread is too great. Dated May 23,
The documents relating to this invention are with
the law officer under objection, and cannot at present be

1868.

seen.

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1710 F. HARGREAVES and J. R. COLLINS, Bradford. Looms. Dated May 25, 1868.

The patentees claim, first, the application and use of a roller covered with india-rubber, alone or in combination with other material, to act in conjunction with the warp beam for holding and letting off the warp as required. Second, the combination and arrangement of apparatus for effecting the let-off, actuated by the lathe sword, substantially as shown and described. Third, the application and use of india-rubber, alone or in combination with other material, as a covering to the taking-up roller to act in conjunction with the piece-beam.-Patent completed.

1711 S. A. SMITH, Walton-le-Dale, Lancashire. Carding engines. Dated May 25, 1868.

This invention consists in an improved mode of removing the fly or waste from under the carding engine, that is, from under the doffer, main cylinder, and "licker-in," by a mechanical or self-acting motion, and coiling or lapping it up in the form of a coil or lap, in such a manner that the fly or waste is prevented from accumulating under the carding engine, or under the doffer, main cylinder, and licker-in. The mode of carrying out this invention is by means of a travelling lattice or apron placed under the carding engine, the said lattice or apron being made to carry off the waste or fly, and enable it to be coiled or lapped underneath the lap of cotton supplying the carding engine, or in any other convenient position.-Patent completed.

1718 J. E. HOLMES, Ruabon, North Wales. Machinery for cutting or dressing stone. Dated May 25, 1868. This invention is not described apart from the drawings. -Patent completed.

1719 H. L. A. LIPPENS, Southampton-buildings, ChanLooms. Dated May 25, 1868. cery-lane. Power loom weaving has hitherto been imperfect in so far that the production of a regular and continuous web has not been practicable, because the roller on which the warp is wound, as hitherto arranged, does not deliver the exact quantity of thread necessary to make the web with the same number of threads in the warp as in the weft, which is the perfection of weaving, and the present invention consists in the employment of improved apparatus whereby this difficulty is obviated.-Patent abandoned.

1720 H. A. DUFRENE, South-street, Finsbury, London. Construction of railway wheels, pistons, and other articles made of wrought iron. (A communication). Dated May 25, 1868. This invention consists in employing crude iron taken direct from the puddling furnace, and submitting it to suitable pressure in moulds.-Patent abandoned.

1721 W. R. LAKE, Southampton-buildings, Chancerylane. Horses' harness. (A communication). Dated May 25, 1868.

This invention consists in the employment of indiarubber or its compounds for the bearing surfaces of collars, saddles, and pads, and also in the employment of a coating of india-rubber, or other waterproof material, between the stuffing of such collars, saddles, or pads and their covering.-Patent completed.

1722 J. FERRABEE, Briscombe Port Mills, near Stroud,

Gloucester. Machinery for feeding carding engines. Dated

May 26, 1868.

The patentee claims, first, the application of the vibrating frame described, with its apron, laying rollers, and rail to an "Apperley feed," for the purpose of supporting and laying the sliver without stretching in diagonal layers, one overlapping the other in a zigzag direction. And, second, the arrangement of parts and mechanism described for giving motion simultaneously to a cross apron of a carder, and to the rolls or apron which receive the sliver and the "traveller" of the feed of another carder, together with the mode of varying the speed by means of cone pulleys, whether used in connection with an "Apperley_feed," or otherwise, or any mere modification thereof.-Patent completed.

1723 H. J. BAKEWELL, Devonport. Apparatus for steering ships. Dated May 26, 1868.

This invention consists in the application of differential wheels or pulleys in connection with the hand wheel of the helmsman, and a chain wheel on the rudder post, so as to obtain increased leverage and perfect control over the rudder, which, by this means, may be maintained firmly in any position in which it may be placed.-Patent completed.

1724 J. ADAMS, Cork. Washing or cleansing casks or barrels. Dated May 26, 1868.

These improvements have relation to that particular class of machines wherein casks or barrels are caused to

1712 A. M. CLARK, Chancery-lane. Rotary engines. (A
communication). Dated May 25, 1868.
The chief features of novelty in the rotary engine of this
invention consists, first, in the peculiar construction and
arrangement of the piston on an entirely new principle
Second, in the mode of reversing by means of a simple
arrangement. The piston is constructed as follows:-The
inventor describes two circles, the one true and the other
slightly elongated, and gives them a common centre, and
an equal diameter. He divides the true circle into a cer-
tain number of parts, from which he draws radial lines, and
by increasing the length of these lines to a certain extent
ing them on the opposite half of the circumference to an
for one-half the circumference of the circle, and diminish-rotation of the main or driving shaft on which the ma-
equal extent, he obtains a heart-shaped curve, having the
same diameter as the true circle. If in a circle thus formed
he places a piston having a length equal to the diameter
of the said circle, it may be made to follow in its motion the
outline of the curve, and so produce a combined rotary
and to-and-fro motion. The reversing motion is obtained
in this apparatus by means of a slide provided with port
so as to alter the admission and escape of the steam.-
Patent abandoned.

1713 A. M. CLARK, Chancery-lane. Obtaining and applying motive power. (A communication). Dated May 25, 1868. Here the patentee proposes to employ spiral steel spring power as a substitute for the elastic force of steam, water, air, or other fluids or material force whatsoever, the invention consisting in the mode of applying the springs as a motive power.-Patent completed.

revolve end over end, and in the direction of their circumference, as well as every intermediate position, by the chinery is suspended. The present patentee forms two circular frames or rims, one fitting within the other, the inner frame being fitted to move freely around the circumference of the outer frame, and resting upon suitable bearing plates attached thereto. In two suitable standards the the direction of its diameter; one shaft is fixed to the outer circular frame is suspended on two main shafts in outer circular frame, and revolves with it, whilst the other shaft is stationary, and the outer circular frame revolves upon it. On the inner end of the stationary shaft which projects within the outer circular frame a pinion is fixed, whilst on the other end is a ratchet wheel into which a pawl stop gears, by which the shaft is prevented moving in one direction, though free to move in the opposite, whilst the outer circular frame revolves upon it. On the circumference of the inner frame he forms, or attaches thereto, a spur wheel, extending entirely round the periphery, which gears into the pinion on the stationary shaft. On the

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