equal or unequal thickness, and such pattern or figure may be obtained on each side of the fabric from either the warp or the weft. When the pattern is to be obtained from the warp, such warp will be operated by the Jacquard, or otherwise, to obtain a like floating or satin pattern of the figures therefrom; and at the same time on each surface of the fabric, and to produce the different sizes of ribs, weft-threads of different thicknesses or quantities are employed. When the pattern is to be obtained from the weft, the operations will be conducted so as to obtain like floating of weft threads in place of warp on each surface of the fabric. Patent completed.

66

2943. L. D. OWEN. Improvements in manufacturing horse-shoe nails." (A communication.) Dated Dec. 24, 1858.

This consists of apparatus having suitable frame. work, with a shaft of proper strength and material hung thereon. On this shaft is an excentric, which may be made self-adjusting, and to such excentric the inventor attaches a chilled roller; on each revolution of the shaft the roller is made to strike the nail, rod, or iron a drawing or sliding blow from the head towards the point. The nail-rod having been passed in a red hot state between the two dies, and before the roller has made another revolution to give another such blow. One of the dies which is moveable is, by an excentric or cam, caused to strike such nail sideways or horizontally, the other die which is fixed acting as a block or anvil. The shaft may be arranged to move forwards and backwards or to be stationary. The nail-rod is made to pass through a holder which has a kind of jigger motion to prevent scales forming on the nail-rod, and the inventor gauges the required length of nail-rod by a spring connected with such holder; the holder and nail-rod are then drawn back by cams, and when the nail is formed it is cut off and finished at each end if necessary. Patent abandoned.

2944. E. FELLOWS. "An improved vent peg." Dated Dec. 24, 1858.

This consists of a metal peg or stopper made of a taper form with a screw upon it. Patent completed. 2945. D. EDLESTON. 66 Improvements in preparing and finishing textile fabrics, and in the ineans or apparatus employed therein." Dated Dec. 24,

1858.

This consists, 1, in folding the fabrics in the wet state, whereby a better "rigg" in the finish is obtained. 2, in crabbing byaseries of cylinders arranged and constructed so as to have an increase of surface speed either by increase of diameters respectively, or in the relative times of rotation, such cylinders being immersed in hot water. 3 in the adaptation of such cylinders to the drying of textile fabrics by having them made hollow, drawing away the hot water and introducing steam to the interior thereof. 4 in combining the folding or rigging with the drying in one process by passing the fabrie at its middle over the edge of a pulley or curved plate in a suitable position, by which the folding is effected and the fabric is then passed to the drying cylinder in the folded state. Patent completed.

Improvements

front part of the vehicle. The lever is connected | portion of about oz. (avoirdupois) of the powder
with a plain or other wheel having two circumferences per hour for each horse power. Patent completed.
inserted in the nave of one of the wheels of the 2954. J. RADLEY. "An improved cooking appa
vehicle, and the draught regulated thereupon by ratus." Dated Dec. 27, 1858.
the action of a self-acting and self-regulating lever
moving either backwards or forwards, according to the
weight affecting the same. Motion being given to a
pair of wheels connected with a self-acting and self-
regulating screw attached to the body of any such
vehicle, the draught on such vehicle resting upon
three wheels on either side, inserted in the frame work
of the vehicle, will be regulated and adjusted, and the
body or framework may be drawn by the screw either
backward or forward. Patent abandoned.

2949. J. LITTLE. "Improvements in lamps." Dated
Dec. 21, 1858.

This consists of a central oil reservoir suspended
from a rod attached to the ceiling or carried by a
pedestal. From this central reservoir branches ex-
tend laterally for carrying the burners. Each branch
terminates in a widened upward bend, to act as a
chamber for containing the wick as well as to receive
the oil in quantity sufficient to saturate the wick from
the central reservoir. On the top of this branch

chamber, there is screwed a wick-holder of any form
with a pinion or other elevator. Upon this wick-
holder there is fitted the actual burner, consisting of
a top cap-piece perforated at the sides to admit air to
pass in to aid combustion. Patent abandoned.
2950. J. H. JOHNSON. "Improvements in the
permanent way of railways." (A communication.)
Dated Dec. 24, 1858.

This consists in cutting notches or slots in the webs
or shanks of the rails at their ends, and in inserting
into such notches or slots wrought or cast iron joint
pieces of such a section as to enable them to fit ac-
curately into the slots, and at the same time to fit
against the sides or under the head of the rails at the
ends thereof. To afford facility for taking up the
rails certain of the rails, say every tenth rail, should
have the slot made of extra length, so as to admit of
the joint piece being slid along such slot, and conse-
quently unlocked from the adjoining rail end, when
the unlocked rail may be taken up. At these parts
the joint-pieces may be retained in their places when
locked by wooden wedge picces driven behind them
into the slot, and secured therein by a pin. Patent
completed.

2951. R. L. GIANDONATI. "Improvements in ornamenting leather cloth." Dated Dec. 24, 1858.

This consists in ornamenting leather cloth by printing ornamental designs thereon, either in colours, or in metallic powders, or foil, without any further manipulation or treatment. Patent abandoned.

2952. W. B. JOHNSON. "Improvements in the employment of gas for generating steam, and in engines connected therewith." Dated Dec. 21,

1858.

pur

the

This consists in certain methods of regulating the combustion of gas accordingly as more or less heat is required to be imparted to the boiler. For this pose the inventor employs the governor of the engine, and causes it to act upon cocks or other such appa ratus, so as to regulate the flow of gas. Also for the like purpose he causes the pressure or the temperature of the steam or water to act similarly to the governor. The invention also relates to the prevention of accidents arising from the water becoming deficient. In such cases he causes the supply of gas to be shut off or diminished by the water falling below a certain level. The invention further consists 2946. J. RAILTON and S. LANG. 66 in the application of a "master light," for regulating in looms. Dated Dec. 24, 1858. the burners after the supply has been shut off and This relates to looms in which a double "dobby" is reopened. There is also an arrangement of engines used for working the healds, and the invention conand boilers to be used in conjunction with boilers sists in the application of a single slide to work the heated by gas. The boiler is formed as a vertical double "dobby," which slide is moved to and fro cylinder of cast iron, with a concave bottom of horizontally by a toothed wheel or pinion gearing into To the side of this the cylinder is bolm of copper. a rack fixed to or forming part of the slide. The main shaft passes transversely over the boiler, carry. pattern cylinders are turned round by catches jointed ing the fly-wheel upon the opposite side of the to a lever put in motion by the slide. The pegs on cylinder. Patent completed. the pattern cylinders, or on the lattices passing over "An improved compo them, act on wires or tumblers connected to the slide,sition for the protection of certain metallic surfaces." and these wires or tumblers are hooked to catch hold (A communication.) Dated Dec. 27, 1858. of knives or hooked rods to which the healds are con- This consists in a combination of certain organic nected by cranks or cords passing over pulleys. and unorganic substances which, introduced into Patent completed. boilers, &c., prevents the deposit or incrustation. The following ingredients are employed in the preparation of 100 lbs. weight of this compound:-Oak bark, 24 lb.; salts of soda, 31 lb.; wood ash, 15 lb.; soda crystals, 24 lb.; ground linseed, 4 lb.; graphite, 1 lb. These substances being reduced to powder, and thoroughly incorporated, are laid aside in a dry place. When required for use, a given quantity is reduced to a semi-liquid consistence by hot water, to which is added about 2 lb. per cent. of tallow. The mixture is then passed into the generator in the pro.

2947. E. HUMPHRYS. "Improvements in brazing metal tubes in tube-plates and other metal surfaces to each other." Dated Dec. 24, 1858,

This consists in employing fluid metal in order to apply the requisite heat to melt the solder. Patent abandoned.

2918, A. SMITH. "Improvements in gigs, dog-carts, and other vehicles." Dated Dec. 24, 1858.

This consists in the application of a spring resting upon a lever, atfixed in or to the frame work of the

2953. M. A. F. MENNONS.

This apparatus is adapted to the operations of roasting, boiling, baking, stewing, frying, and steaming, and all these operations can be carried on at the same time with one moderate-sized fire, and with little attendance. A modification of the apparatus may be readily adapted to travel on wheels, in order to cook for an army on the march; it carries its own fuel and water, and in this case the rotary motion for the roasting cage may be derived from the wheels. Patent completed.

2955. T. STEVEN and T. Scorr. "Improvements in heating apparatus for culinary and warming pur poses, and in part applicable to steam boiler and other furnaces." Dated Dec. 27, 1858.

In a cooking range embodying some of these im provements the air is admitted through obliqu openings in a door or frame, such openings ber; formed by using Venetian or oblique bars, fixed o adjustable as regards their positions. The object is to cause the air to enter so as to thoroughly mix with

the fuel gases, and lessen the formation of smoke. In
making a boiler for a cooking range, or for eausing
the circulation of hot water in pipes for heating
apartments, it is preferred to form the bottom with
corrugations. The boiler is formed with flanges,
either solid or hollow, so as to constitute water
spaces. If the cooking range is of the close fire
class an independent flue or pipe is carried from
it a sufficient distance up the chimney of the
kitchen to obtain the requisite draught, without
closing up the throat of the chimney or applying
valves to it. The flue pipe has a valve to regulate the
draught. When cooking is suspended, the apparatus
is converted into an open fire-range by opening the
The invention also comprises
fire-door and cover.
various improvements in stoves of the Register or
Leamington class. Patent completed.

2956. J. SMETHURST. "Certain improvements in metallic pistons." Dated Dec. 27, 1858.

The object here is to render metallic pistons more elastic and easier of adjustment than heretofore. The inventor makes use of two packing rings, the inner circumferences of which are bevilled to fit a wedge ring, which is cut through in one place, or made in two or more parts, and is acted upon by an eccentric spring ring. The spring ring is made of cast-iron, and is cut through at one part. The spring ring must first be turned rather more in diameter than the internal diameter of the wedge ring or seg. ments to give the requisite elasticity. These pistons can be used either with or without adjusting screws to act on the wedge ring or segments. Patent completed.

2957. J. SHAW. "A new mechanical combination, called an indefinite fœd movement." Dated Dec. 27,

1858.

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

2958. W. A. GILBEE. "Improvements in treating fatty bodies and in the apparatus employed therein." (A communication.) Dated Dec. 27, 1858.

This consists, 1, in distilling neutral fat and fat acids at a regular temperature between 660° to 670° Fahrenheit in superheated steam. 2. In the employment in the distillation of neutral fats and fatty acids of an air-pump working with an intermittent motion in connection with the ordinary still and refrigerator for extracting the gases of distillation from the still as soon as formed, and by which a regular temperature between 660° and 670° Fahrenheit is maintained, the loss of the material by the ordinary process in great part avoided, and a good product obtained. Patent completed.

2959. J. MACPHERSON. "Improvements in solidifying the raspings and other waste of horns and hoofs, and in applying the process to the cementing of prepared horns, hoofs, and tortoiseshell." Dated Dec. 27, 1858.

This consists in subjecting the dust, shavings, raspings, &c., of animal horns and hoofs first to the action of moisture and heat, and afterwards to considerable mechanical pressure, whether to solidify the softened waste material, or to cement prepared pieces of horn to each other or to tortoiseshell. Patent completed.

2960. J. DAVIS. "An improved portable self gas. generating lamp. (A communication.) Dated Dec. 27, 1858.

This relates to hydro-carbon vapour-burners, and consists in the use of a heating or vaporising tube and retort charged with asbestos or any analogous material and carbonaceous fluid; ormond oil or other hydro-carbons, passing over the flame of a burner

The full titles of the patents in the above list can be asprovisional protections previously published. certained by referring back to their numbers in the list of

Opposition can be entered to the granting of a patent to any of the parties in the above list who have given notice of their intention to proceed, within twenty-one days from the pro-date of the Gazette in which the notice appears, by leaving at the Commissioners' office particulars in writing of the objection to the application.

THE

MECHANICS' MAGAZINE.

LONDON, FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1859.

The one question which remains open seems to are at a loss to know how it is that further ex-
be whether or not wooden ships coated with periments have not already been instituted.
iron slabs of only one or two inches in thick-Sir Howard has made application, we believe,
ness would not meet most of the difficulties of for permission to have his plan carefully tested
the case.
If so, we could in a short time con- under his own superintendence on board a ship
vert some of our wooden walls into efficient of war; and when the eminent services already
vessels of this class; but it is nearly certain rendered by him to the navy are considered
that if any other nation should possess shell- and to these are added the promise of success
which the experiments just referred to afford,
there can be, we think, no reasonable, or even
justifiable, grounds for a refusal to his request.
The Quarterly Reviewer considers the defect in
question-the fouling of the screw-would be
cured by adopting an arrangement which, he
says, "has been used in the mercantile marine
"with perfect success for the last five or six

OUR NATIONAL DEFENCES.
Ir is a comforting thing to know that while so
many are deploring our want of national de-proof fleets, while we do not, they may be able
fences, so many are also telling us of innumer- to wrest the dominion of the seas from us by
able methods by which we may readily secure
the employment of this expedient alone. The
ourselves from attack. One informs us that cost of providing such ships must, of course, be
we may do this by building twice as many line- very considerable. The danger, however, is so
of-battle ships as we now have; another advises imminent that the outlay is indispensable to
us that half-a-dozen steam rams will make us
our safety, and not one hour should be lost in
safe; another, that five hundred gunboats will attempting to overtake our rivals. The money
answer the purpose; another, that fifty thousand spent in providing a squadron of six or seven
additional seamen are all that we need; of these ships would probably do more to ensure
another, that a marine militia manning gun-
our supremacy on the ocean than any other
rafts is the thing; another, that martello towers outlay which can at present be suggested. It
and land batteries alone need multiplication;
is true that the French vessels may not-indeed,
another, that railway batteries from point to
cannot-turn out to be first-rate sea-boats, nor
point of the coast would make us invulnerable; capable of being used on long voyages; but
another, that a large increase in our militia they certainly will be equal to a cruise across
force would be an ample safeguard; another, the Channel, and for covering a disembarkation
that a triplication of our standing army is alone of troops, and employed against shore batteries
would prove of the utmost importance. The
French therefore possess an arin which we do
not, and which we cannot have by any exertion"
within twelve months. If it proves as important
in practice as the best informed assume it to be
in theory, its absence may suffice to turn the
tide of battle against us.

desirable; and so on.

It would be mere pedantry in us to pretend that the question of our defences is a simple

one.

It is far from it; and he is a wise man who keeps his mind ready for the free reception of any new light that may break upon the subjeet. Such a man will have his eyes open to all that transpires in reference to our naval and military forces, and especially to the matériel of our army and navy. We have ourselves looked through very many of the numerous disquisitions which writers who know something and others who know nothing of the subject have written, and it may be of service to many of our readers if we say that the best of them is, in our judgment, that which appears in the July number of the Quarterly Review. This article is from the pen of a gentleman who has good grounds for speaking confidently on some of the important topics embraced by his remarks, and who has taken pains to acquire reliable information on others of which he may properly be supposed to have known less.

We observe with pleasure that the author of this able paper, while exceeding on some points the statements which we have made, on others most strongly enforces what we have frequently urged during the last six months. On the subject of iron-coated ships of war, for example, he writes much to the purpose. After alluding to the experiments which have been made in connection with this subject, and remarking that, as we have often said, we cannot hope to make our ships proof to solid wrought-iron shot, but have the means of making them shell-proof, he sys when this conviction was forced upon the Admiralty they began to stir themselves; "and, "after having obtained designs and tenders "from the six most eminent iron-shipbuilding "firms in England, they have given orders to a newly-formed 'Limited Liability Company,' "who, whatever their other qualifications, can by no possibility have the necessary experi"ence." If, however, he continues, they do execute their contract, this one vessel may be ready for sea in June next. It is said the Admiralty will then consider whether or not they ought to proceed further. In the meantime says our Reviewer-it would be difficult to find a single naval officer of ordinary intelligence who is not aware that the day of wooden Vessels of war is past, and that when two ships approach within fighting distance, one at least will be disabled, probably sunk or burnt, in a very few minutes. "In fact, nothing can keep "the seas but incombustible shell-proof vessels.

All this we have

often said before, and we only say it again be-
cause of the new interest which the Quarterly
has given the subject by reviving our statements,
and because the subject itself is of vital im-
portance to the nation.

66

years." This consists in placing the screw quite free of, and entirely behind the sternpost, instead of in an aperture in the deadwood of the vessel, and then, by making a joint or hinge in the screw shaft, it can be easily raised outside the vessel without being disconnected. In this position it is almost as little liable to be fouled as a paddle-wheel; but if the accident should happen, it can be cleared and lowered It is merely necesagain in a few minutes. 'sary," says the Reviewer, "that there should "be two sternposts instead of one, placed side by side, with a slit between them, up and down which the shaft can be moved with facility. The rudder is placed wholly below "the screw-shaft, and entirely out of danger. "Such an arrangement of the screw seems to get over all the known difficulties without any counteracting disadvantages, and why it is not adopted is one of those mysteries only "known to Admiralty Boards." If the Reviewer is right, and this plan-which was originated, we believe, by Mr. Scott Russell, and is in use -can be adapted to ships in some of his vessels— of war of all classes, its adoption would undoubtedly add enormously to their safety.

66

In discussing the probable effect of steam propulsion in favour of the attack or defence of our shores, the Reviewer adduces considerations which well deserve attention. He notices particularly the difficulty of blockading an enemy's Gunboats are a class of vessels upon which port by a steam fleet. As it is manifestly im- careful attention is bestowed in the article bepossible that a fleet can carry a sufficient quan- fore us. For defensive purposes they are of the tity of coal to blockade under steam alone, the utmost importance, and are by no means an exsquadron keeping the sea must be fully rigged; pensive expedient. In the good old times it while the enemy issuing from their cover under used to be estimated that every gun on board a steam, and if they please without masts and man-of-war cost £1,000. Owing to the changes spars, would have an immense advantage. This which steam has introduced this is now nearer last condition, of the issuing enemy being with- £2,500 in a line-of-battle ship, £3,000 in a firstout masts and spars, is a most important one. class frigate, and £3,500 in a corvette. The All will, as the Reviewer says, recollect the iron-coated ship building at Blackwall will cost dreadful fate of the steam-ship Prince in the not less than about £8,000 per gun! Whereas storm off Balaclava. She was a screw vessel a single-gun gun-boat can be built for £2,500, steaming successfully to windward, and in a and, if protected with iron, for at least as small few minutes would have been safe, when the a sum per gun as the large vessel of the same order was given to cut away the mizen for the kind. As the "light infantry of a fleet" to purpose of easing her. It fell overboard and protect harbours and prevent a landing, they fouled the screw, when she at once became an would be invaluable, and, what is very imporunmanageable wreck, and perished with all on tant, they can easily be built in private yards board. And why may it not be so in future in any number and in very much less time than naval actions? One shell in a mast will suffice would be required for a proportionate increase to send it by the board, and the screw will cer- of the regular navy. A thousand of them would tainly draw in some part of the wreck. If once certainly, as a subsidiary force, go further to the ropes become entangled with the screw, it render our shores free from insult than ten linemust either be disconnected, raised upon deck of-battle ships. They would also be far more and freed, or the vessel will become helpless, easily manned, being a class of vessel which and altogether incapable of moving or steering, our fishermen and coasting sailors would gladly So apparent is this danger, that many officers volunteer to serve in. A fleet of gunboats are inclined to recommend a recurrence to the would also be far less liable to disaster, for the old paddle-wheel instead of the screw-at least destruction of one or two would hardly be felt for small vessels, not requiring many guns. in a squadron. If overpowered, they could esSir Howard Douglas, as our readers know, pro-cape into creeks and shallows, where they could poses to greatly diminish the chances of evil in not be followed; and there is no class of warthis respect by altering the form of the leading fare, as the Reviewer says, which would tend so edges of the screw blades, shaping them so that much to bring out the best points of an Englishthey may act like knife-edges, and clear them-man's character and seamanship as a guerilla selves of ropes or other encumbrances. The warfare of this sort. A fleet of gunboats of our results of late experiments on the Doris pointed own would also enable us to defend Woolwich so strongly to other advantages associated with and London from an attack of foreign gunboats the changes proposed by Sir Howard, that we ascending the Thames. This we have no pre

sent means of doing. Tilbury and other land forts would be useless for such a purpose, for vessels under steam cannot be hit with any degree of certainty from the shore. We have it on the authority of Captain Coles, the designer of the Lady Nancy raft, that our gunboats were frequently attacked by Russian artillery from the shore during their expedition in the Sea of Azoff, but always with little or no effect. And no doubt French or other gunboats might traverse our rivers at high speed with the same impunity. A fleet of gunboats of our own would not only remedy this defect in our defences, but would also give us the power of carrying successful war into the hearts of hostile cities.

|

almost say sin-of connecting these two build-
ings by blank brick walls has been perpetrated;
and thus on three sides the beauty of a large
and costly edifice has been not only marred, but
destroyed altogether. Again; until recently
the entire harbour-face of the same dockyard
consisted of a continuous line of granite wall,
straight and uniform from end to end, and re-
lieved by breaks at the basin entrances. Lately,
however, a black wooden structure has been
built out into the harbour near the middle, and
now stands there an annoying and enduring
defacement of what was before pleasant to
behold.

But let it not be supposed for a moment that egregiously bad taste is the only, or the worst, thing we have to charge the Department of the THE NEW WORKS DEPARTMENT OF Director of Works with. A man may have no THE ADMIRALTY.

THERE are many men who possess, or affect, an imperial tone who have nothing imperial in their faculties. While too haughty to take counsel of others, they have not the ability to do wisely of themselves. There are many small administrators of this kind in office, and we pay very dearly for them. Indeed such men are in every department of the Government putting terrible burdens upon our shoulders, even if they are not, as some suppose, jeopardising the very power and honour of the nation. There is not a man of any observation among our readers who has not been more or less pained and chagrined by the acts or the no-acts, the folly or the supineness, of such officials.

-mon

stood up on end upon a shallow layer of concrete! The consequence is, as the carriage wheels roll along, little block after little block sinks beneath them, and every succeeding block of course becomes an obstacle to the carriage's progress. Three times the power which would be sufficient to move it over a hard and firm road is consequently required, and the road-way itself, although new in many parts, is already so rugged as to be little or no better, or more suitable for the purpose, than the stone road-way before us here in Fleet-street! No one, if he should think our statement of facts too bad to believe, need receive it simply upon our allegation. He can go to the dockyard, and walk over the ground himself, and gradually-for it takes time to do it-gradually, we say, persuade himself that what he sees is real and true.

So bad is the management of this department of new works now under notice, that even Mr. Murray, although he had so much that was strange of his own to discourse upon, could not help going out of his way to attack it in his late manifesto. He says:-"With respect to "new works, the Committee found a general "expression of dissatisfaction on the part of the "practical officers, both as to the opportunities "afforded to them for expressing their opinions

66

66

66

66

soul for art, even in its most manifest forms, and yet know how to dispose of space judiciously, to build a workshop efficiently, or to lay a roadway securely. These things, however, or at least some of them, seem to be beyond the ability of the Director of Works and his people. If any man with two eyes in his head, -or indeed a man with one eye, or even "halfan-eye"--will take the trouble to walk through Sheerness Dockyard just now, he will see plainly enough that the laying down of a road on works intended for their use, and the for a wheeled truck to run upon is an under"little attention paid to their representations taking that Colonel Green and Mr. Scamp, or "when made; and the Committee feel obliged their subordinates, are not yet in a position to 66 to express their opinion that much loss has reaccomplish satisfactorily. In that yard a very "sulted to the service from this cause. At the excellent and economical system of transporting same time, opportunities appear to have been Now, we do not wish to bear hardly upon and storing boilers has been devised and introgiven to the practical officers occasionally to any man or men, but the time has come for us duced by Mr. Blaxland, the Chief Engineer of the state their views; but from this having been to say that the New Works Department of the establishment. The boilers of many of the steam done generally in a cursory manner in converAdmiralty seems to be managed with too much ships now continually lying in the dockyard or "sation, and the opinions having been given hauteur and too little knowledge. From many harbour at that port have in many instances to "hastily, and sometimes, perhaps, not underquarters, and for a long period, we have received be transported to and from the factory for repair, "stood, or not appreciated, the result has been complaints of the manner in which the build- and when their repairs are completed have to very unsatisfactory. Perfection in arrangeings, roads, and other like constructions have be stood aside, often in considerable numbers,❝ments, and consequent economy in manutacbeen carried out in our dockyards, under the until they are again required for use on board "turing, depends much upon the details of the management of Colonel Green and his assistant, ship. The transport of these boilers by means "buildings in which the work is to be carried Mr. Scamp. It would really appearof the ordinary appliances of the dockyard was on; but the Committee have found that many strous as the statement may seem-that it is found to cost so much for labour, and to be at"buildings have been far advanced before the the habit of these gentlemen to conduct their tended by so much delay, that Mr. Blaxland "details were determined upon, and inconveworks with little or no reference to the desires, set about proposing a remedy. He has accord"nience in the position of the necessary adjunct or even to the necessities, of the officers for ingly devised a pair of trucks or carriages, of buildings and other evils have resulted. The whose uses they are intended. For example, a which the lighter runs off and on the heavier, "practice prevails of the clerk of the works man of plain sense would suppose that if a upon rails. When a boiler is to be removed the 66 being directed to consult with the other building, or set of buildings, is to be erected upper carriage is run in beneath it upon rails,"officers and make out plans, and these plans for the use of the factory in a dockyard, the and the weight of the boiler is received upon it. chief engineer of that factory would be con- This upper carriage, with the boiler upon it, sulted upon all the main and most of the minor then retraverses the rails, and is received upon features of the work, since it is he who has exthe main carriage which bears it away to the perienced the necessity of what is wanted, and storing ground. There are many and great adit is he also who will have to put it in operation vantages attending this system, one of the chief This is not a very luminous statement, but it when it is constructed. But not so: the two being the extreme facility with which the gentlemen at Somerset House, being men of boilers when stored could be got at and hurried reaches, however indirectly, the point we are aiming at; and for the sake of backing up uncommon sense, consider themselves the pro-away to the ship in case of an emergency, every facts which we have seen with our own eyes, per, and too often the only, persons whose thing which facilitates operations of this kind we do not mind raising even Mr. Murray's reknowledge is to be made available, and whose being of great value in these times. Another wills are to be consulted. The fruit of all this similar and equally important advantage attend-port to momentary importance. There need be no fear of its speedily sinking again to its due is, that of late years our great and costly dock-ing the plan is, that pairs or sets of boilers can obscurity. yards have been cut about and blocked up in be readily placed in their proper relative posia most remarkable manner. In Sheerness tions on the storing ground, and there have all Dockyard, for example, of which we know per- their pipes and other appliances fitted to them, haps more than any other, some truly abomin- so as to be fully ready in all respects to be put able changes have been made, especially in the together for service at the shortest notice. architecture of the place. A few years since the centre of the yard was occupied by a large and noble four-sided brick building, used as a storehouse. This building stood quite alone, and at a sufficient distance from all others to produce its full architectural effect, which was very imposing. At a short distance from it stood the blacksmiths' forge-a building, of course, of a totally different style and character, but not sufficiently near to break the unity of effect which the larger structure produced. Of late years, however, the gross folly-one might

Now this arrangement, which reflects great
credit upon its author, and is calculated to save
the country much expense, requires, manifestly,
that a road suitable for the main carriage to run
upon from place to place should be laid down.
The construction of such a road was accordingly
undertaken by the Director of Works; and how
does the reader suppose this gentleman and
his colleagues have formed it?
amount of wisdom which it requires a great
stretch of faculty to duly appreciate, they have
constructed it of small detached blocks of wood

With an

"have then been forwarded and final plans "have been sent down from London, and the contract taken and the work begun, without "any of the officers, for whose use the works were intended, having seen them."

THE BUILDERS' STRIKE.

BOTH men and masters have an undoubted right to combine for the management of their own affairs; but union is strength, and when men are very strong they are exceedingly likely to abuse their influence. Workmen, who have been very fond of combining of late years, have undoubtedly gone very wrong in this respect. Without discussing doubtful details, we may mention one great instance of their tyranny: they constantly refuse to work with men who have not joined their trade societies. In many instances they have struck work simply because a non-society workınan has had employment given him by the master.