THE CHANNEL FERRY AS PROPOSED BY MR. EVAN LEIGH.

NOTW our English engineers are de

TOTWITHSTANDING the disturbed state of

termined not to allow the subject of Channel intercommunication to be forgotten. They are continually urging their schemes upon the attention of the public and the authorities of the different government departments with the hope that something decisive will be done at the cessation of hostilities, either by France itself, or by this country, or more probably by the two combined. Mr. Evan Leigh, of Manchester, proposes to employ two boats, each about 500ft. long, having a deck width of 88ft., and built to draw about 5ft. of water when loaded. The decks are to be provided with a double line of rails, so that trains can be run on and off from either end, as

would be only £15.

Results. Taking the very moderate estimate of 100 passengers per trip, at three shillings each, and 100 tons of goods, at three shillings per ton, would leave a profit of £15 per trip, or £300 per day, over and above the interest of capital and working expenses. Trains would run on the boat, just the same as running into a railway station, and be despatched without a moment's delay, regardless of tides or weather, making passage in fifty minutes. Speed, comfort, safety, and frequency of passage cannot fail to increase the traffic enormously, far exceeding the above estimate, when a small additional outlay would enable boats to be despatched to Ostend and Boulogne, as well as Calais, from the Dover Ferry. Railways debouching on the coast would be enriched to a greater extent than the cost of the whole scheme.

figure number, and & be any integer less than 10, then,

(108) tu

has the same remainder to d as 10 t + u."

For (10-6) tu, when expanded by multiplication, becomes 10 t - 8t+u, or (10 t +u) -t; this latter expression only differs from 10 tu by an exact number of times 8, and, therefore, has the same remainders to d as 10 t + 26.

1, and so on.

19

U99 113 14.

(10-8)

=

n-1

412

-3

a + (10—8)"2 b + (10~8)" —3 +... (108) s+ (10-8)t + u,

if n the number of digits or figures in the

THE LONDON INSTITUTION. HERE exists at least one institution in this

in any term it must be treated in the way above indicated.

title, has not kept pace with the progressive spirit The remainder to any digit may be determined of the times, and whose resources are by no means by means of the expression (10-8)t + u with- fully developed or adequately utilised. It is the out the knowledge of any multiple of that digit. magnificent palatial structure occupying an When the arithmetical operation indicated by the admirable site in the oasis of eastern London formula (108) t + u is resorted to, however Finsbury Circus-and known as the London Instilarge the number may be that is operated upon, tution. The establishment possesses all the the said operation is repeated until only one digit material advantages necessary for making it a remains, thus yielding the remainder to & without most valuable intellectual and scientific adjunct to the performance of any division. When 9 the educational machinery of the capital of Engthe digits of the given number, reducing the re- year 1807, "for the advancement of literature, the operation consists merely of the addition of land. It was founded by Royal Charter, in the sult from time to time to a single figure as may science, and art." Its creation for such a purpose be requisite, also by addition; for other values of at that comparatively remote date reflects honour o less than 9 multiplication as well as addition is upon those who designed its formation, and who necessary. The name unitation has been given by their liberal subscriptions and persistent exto this class of operations, the remainders being ertion nurtured it into healthy and vigorous maunitates, and the divisor (8) the base. turity. The London Institution, as at present Operations upon remainders being analogous to existing, covers about 10,000 square feet of land, operations of the same kind upon dividends, an freehold and free of land tax, in one of the best parts operation (unitation) in which the base has any of the City of London. It comprises a truly noble value less than 10, and certain values above 10, pile of buildings, a library second only to that of becomes available to verify arithmetical opera- the British Museum in extent and value, it postions. Also the unitate of an unknown number sesses nearly £40,000 actual money in the funds, may be calculated from a known number, with and a total money income of £3,000 per annum. which it is connected by certain known operations. A moderate and fair computation would make the The following remarks will facilitate the prac-annual value of its land, and other property not tical use of the operations comprised under the above-mentioned formula, and will illustrate and suggest applications of the theorem that might otherwise remain dormant.

The general form of the notation to indicate the unitate of a number (x) to the base & is Us = y, in which y is necessarily equal to or less than 8. As U is the simplest series of unitates that are useful, the suffix is left out thus: U. Example: 28 (2525) = 16,604. U 1 (4-5)= U (135) = 8; also, U 16,604 8. U7∞ =

B =

=

U7 7 (U 742 — U7 25 ) = U7 7 (9-4)=7; also,

U7 16,604 7.

represented in its money income, some £5,000 a year, so that the London Institution exists at an annual cost of £8,000 per annum. This fine property belongs to about 800 proprietors, each of whom is either a subscriber or the representative of an original subscriber of nearly £80. By the condition of the charter, it is absolutely, and without any qualification or restriction, vested in the proprietors as personal property, and they have full power and authority to sell, alienate, charge, or otherwise dispose of it as they may think proper." ordinary principles of political economy, each If this important property were utilised on the share would be worth in the market at least £200.

It has been frequently observed, however, that peculiar phenomena develope themselves in chartered institutions, that the general meetings get neglected by members who are not personally acquainted with each other, that the business is hustled through in a cut and dried way, and that a small knot or clique of individuals become tion is no exception to the pernicious rule. It is their autocratic managers. The London Instituuow a sort of "pocket borough" or "no man's land," to which a title has been acquired by some thirty or forty years' squatting on the part of the present "managers." For many years past, the institution has been practically useless to the great body of proprietors, and as the managers refuse 1 positively to admit annual subscribers, such advantages as the institution may afford are of little actual use to the public. The self-elected managers decide for the proprietors the kind of intellectual food, in the shape of lectures, &c., which shall be provided for them and their families, and this is generally of the stalest and most indigestible character.

Series of unitates have remarkable properties which fit them for practical use in the verification of tables, &c. Recurrence is a general and most valuable rule with all series of unitates, and singular sequencos are common. The series (to the base 9) for the squares is 1, 4, 9, 7, 7, 9, 4, 1, 9, 1, 4, 9, &c. By means of the series for negative The lecture session for 1870-71 is about to compowers the unitates that correspond to certain mence, and we venture to predict-judging from circulating decimals may be assigned; for in-past observation and experience that the pro

make it a ludicrous and valueless abortion. To judge of modern progress in "literature, science, and art" by the exemplifications of it vouchsafed in the London Institution would be as wise a course as to consider the pack-horse and the roadway. Truly, the institution is a "slow coach," and to close one's eyes to the locomotive and the railthose who seek to accomplish a journey into the realms of knowledge by its agency have already reached the antipodes of wisdom. In thus criticising and censuring the present management of the licious motives, but, rather, inspired with a strong London Institution, we are not actuated by madesire to bring the establishment into harmony with public requirements. It is sad to see so monies, and its resources frittered away year after grand and worthy a shrine of science desecrated by the performance of ante-diluvian rites and cereyear without advantage to the rising generation.

There appears to us to be only one way in which the otherwise sure decadence of the institution may be arrested, and that is by the infusion of new blood into the management. Old fogeyism has held potent sway in its halls for many long years. It is high time that another power superseded its deleterious and baneful rule. The proprietors are by the charter before referred to invested with the privilege to elect whom they please as managers, and that without any restriction whatsoever. Let an organisation of the reforming body of proprietors, therefore, be forthwith commenced, and at the annual election of managers next year the results of the salutary movement may be made apparent to the somnolent occupants of the managerial chairs. In the bye laws of the institution it is arranged that a complete list of all proprietors who may have signified their intention to the managers to become candidates for any office shall be prepared and ready for delivery to each proprietor eight days at least before the annual election of officers. It need scarcely be added that these bye laws are entirely subordinate to the charter. Their obvious object, pulsory upon the electors, but merely recommenmoreover, is not to make the "house list" comdatory. The regulations are intended to serve the convenience of and to inform electors, and not to hamper their freedom and limit their choice of representatives. Under these circumstances, what can be more desirable than for the general body of proprietors, who do not wish to see their glorious institution further depreciated by bad or totally inadequate government, to coalesce and consult together for its elevation to its proper rank and step towards a wholesome reformation. Hitherto position? This, indeed, should be the preliminary a hole and corner system of arrangement for filling the various posts has obtained, and the voices and votes of independent proprietors have been silenced or neutralised. The present unorganised condition of the general body of proprietors requires first to be remedied, and then the well-known evils and shortcomings of the secret system of management would approach a termination. As the bane is apparent and patent so the antidote is not beyond reach. The salvation of a noble establishment depends upon the discovery and free use of that antidote.

When the London Institution was founded, and for many years afterwards, it occupied a position in the midst of an opulent community. Railways did not exist, and the merchant and his family were content, and in a manner compelled, to reside in or near the City. Hence, the library and the lecture room of the institution were chosen retreats wherein to spend leisure hours profitably and pleasurably. Suburban residences have now temptations too strong for persons of this class to

resist, and the halls of science in Finsbury Circus know their presence no more. What remains, then, but to modify the original plans of the promoters of the institution, and to alter its attractions and its terms of membership so as to suit the altered character of the inhabitants of the locality in which it is placed?

There are in the localities lying east of Finsbury Circus many extensive engineering establishments to which are attached bosts of students and apprentices. Railways, which have transferred merchants, professional men, and other original supporters of the London Institution, to suburban and country domiciles, have made it accessible to the youthful devotees of mechanical science just named. Were the managers of the institution to consider these circumstances and to imitate the policy of those who govern the Society of Arts new life and vigour would be speedily imparted to the Finsbury establishment, and the engineering world derive advantage from the change. As it is, engineers and mechanics of the future who are graduating in the workshops and drawing offices of the East are compelled to seek mental aliment in the scientific groves of the West, and the London Institution is a waste, a desert.

Under a liberal and enlightened board of management, unfettered by precedent and tradition, the London Institution, wealthy as it is, and admirably adapted in all ways for such a purpose, would become a bright centre of intellectual and scientific intelligence, whence rays of genius and knowledge must radiate, and an honour to the eastern districts of the metropolis. As it is, it is a "dead letter"-a monument to past munificence, a valuable instrument out of tune.

Why should it be necessary for every would-be participant in the advantages of the London Institution to become a shareholder in the concern? and why may not annual or half-yearly subscribers be admitted as in other societies of a cognate kind? These and many other questions of vital consequence to the well-being of the establishment, and bearing upon its future influence for good, might well be discussed by an organised number of energetic and practical proprietors.

In view of the possibility of our advice being taken we would indicate some preliminary objects for the attention of a revivalist gathering such as has been suggested, and which owe their origin to the mind of a bona fide proprietor:

1. To investigate the history of the institution, so as to ascertain exactly the facts bearing upon its present impotent condition and the precise rights, privileges, and powers to which the proprietors are entitled under the Charter Act and Bye-Laws.

2. To concert measures for assisting the general proprietors to obtain a proper voice in the administration of its affairs without stumbling over points of form, and to gradually amalgamate the present body of managers with other members of the proprietary.

preservation of the ship's papers is the first According to an official report, the Russian thought which enters a captain's mind when he fleet consisted last year of 290 steamers, having sees the approaching doom of the ship under his 38,000 horse power, with 2,205 guns, besides 29 control, and he is often puzzled as to what case or sailing vessels with 65 guns. The greater and more receptacle he should take wherein they would be formidable part of this navy was stationed in the safe and free from spoliation by water when Baltic. The Black Sea fleet numbered 43; the thrown overboard, so that much valuable time is Caspian, 30; the Siberian or Pacific, 30; and lost in the selection from among the numerous the Lake Aral or Turkistan squadron, 11 articles at hand. In order to obviate the diffi- vessels. The rest of the ships were either culty above mentioned and to render a receptacle stationed at Kronstadt and Sweaborg or engaged available at all times Mr. J. Black, of Bennet- in cruising in European waters. street, Greenwich, has contrived a sea messenger The iron-clad fleet of war consisted at the comof a spherical shape, as shown in the accompany-mencement of 1868 of 24 vessels, with an aggregate ing engraving. The messenger is to be kept of 149 guns.

4. To take counsel's opinion upon the pretensions of the present managerial Board to prevent the proprietors from electing new managers who may not be nominees of the Board-pretensions which go to make the latter almost irresponsible. These form in themselves a goodly list of questions for discussion and deliberation, but they would be doubtlessly supplemented by many others which would naturally spring from their

solution.

It is in the direct interest of the scientific, artistic, literary, and mechanical sections of the community that we open up the subject of the London Institution and its efféte management. Our columns will be open, therefore, to communications and propositions from correspondents who may wish to justify the management as it is or to assist in effecting its amendment.

IMPROVED SEA MESSENGER. HE foundering of a ship with all hands at sea same time we must not be indifferent and lay too much confidence in the strength of a vessel, and think she would ride through the roughest weather or the strongest gale. To be prepared s a motto we should all adopt, and it is perhaps the only one the captain of a vessel should have, considering the dangers he has to pass through. The

with blades like a screw propeller. This nut is screwed down upon the sphere with a slight grip, so that should the vessel go down the rush of water against the blades will unscrew it, and allow the sphere to rise up the stem and free itself. The capacity of the sphere is sufficient to hold the ship's papers and jewels or other property of great value and small compass on board, and these would be kept quite dry by the close fit the cover obtains through an india-rubber flange pressing upon the mouth, against which it is kept by the power of the spring or ring before referred to. The value of the invention will be readily understood; it requires no preparation or care on the part of any person on board. All that has to be done is to place the papers, &c. inside, and then close up the opening, when it is free to release itself as before named.

We have no doubt of the utility of this invention, and should be glad to hear of its introduction into the merchant service as well as into the Navy; its cost would be very small, and the space it occupied would be nothing compared with

its value in actual service.

66

The largest of the ironclads are two armed frigates, the "Sevastopol" and "Pojarski." The Sevastopol" nearly equals the British ironclads "Black Prince" and "Warrior" in her dimensions, and exceeds those of the French "Gloire" and "Normandie." At the time of flotation the Sevastopol" measured 300ft. in length, and her greatest breadth is 52ft. 3in. The ship draws 26ft. at the poop and 24ft. at the chains. Her plates are 4 in. thick, fastened to a double coating of teak from 6in. to 9in. thick.

Her engines have a nominal force of 800-horse power, and she is armed with steel guns of the greatest calibre. Her prow has a beak of a formidable kind attached to it. The "Pojarski's" armament is placed in a central battery, occupying about 80ft. on the length of the gun-deck, both sides and ends being completely armour-clad. The armament consists of eight 300-pounder steel guns, four on each broadside.

The Imperial navy was manned at the beginning of 1867 by 60,230 sailors and marines, under the command of 3,791 officers, among whom are 119 admirals and generals.

Russia controls in time of war an army of more than 1,000,000 soldiers, while she has a navy I capable of obstructing commerce and inflicting extensive injury on an enemy. The annual expenditure for the army is 80,000,000 dollars, and for the navy 15,000,000 dollars.

Russia has been rapidly adapting herself to the present system of warfare. The army was to have been fully supplied with new weapons by April last, and by the end of the year the War Department would have at its disposal 695,000 breechloaders-622,000 according to the Krink system, and the rest according to the Berdan.

The artillery branch of the service has received special attention. The mountain and field artillery are now completely supplied with improved bronze guns of calibre from 3 to 9, rifled, breech-loading, and mounted on iron carriages. The siege and battery guns for the attack or defence of fortified places and the coasts comprise rifled mortars and guns from 8-inch to to 11-inch calibre, throwing projectiles up to 550lb. The use of prismatic powder is now general, and the manufacture is being extensively carried on at the Okhta Works. The foundries of St. Petersburg, Briansk, and Petrozadovsk are capable of supplying 800 cannons per year. The factory at Vassili Ostrow already turns out 300,000 cartridges per diem, and will shortly be able to furnish 500,000. The small-arms manufactories are able to transform in twenty-four hours 2,000 muskets of the old pattern to the rapid firing system of Kruka, and the number of continuous fire mitrailleuses, whose range exceeds that of infantry weapons, is amply sufficient for all eventualities. New establishments are being formed at Krasno-Selo, Riga, Moscow, Warsaw, Wilna, Kharkow, Kazan, Odessa, and in the Caucasus. Finally, the Academy of Artillery, of which Lieutenant-General Platow is the director, is in a perfectly satisfactory state, as is shown by the constantly increasing standard of instruction among the cadets, sub-officers and troops. The Imperial Corps of Engineers, at the head of which are placed the Grand Duke Nicholas and General Todleben, is also progressive, and its literature, as well as the works executed by the corps, tend to show the immense progress which military science is making in Russia. New defences in iron are to be placed at Kronstadt, to All the resist the attack of iron-clad vessels. pontoon detachments have been provided with iron boats, and 1,000 submarine torpedoes are now manufactured annually.-" New York Army and Navy Journal."

THE number of visitors to the Patent Office

Museum, South Kensington, for the week ending October 15, 1870, was 7,671. Total number since the opening of the Museum, free daily (May 12, 1858), 1,894,974.