ROLLER SKIDS FOR BOATS. There are doubtless few persons that reside on, or have visited our coasts, who have not frequently watched with interest the picturesque groups of fishermen and other boatmen hauling up their boats, and observed the contrivances by which that often laborious operation is made more easy of accomplishment-varying according to the size of the boat, the character of the beach, or mere local

custom.

At one place-as at Deal or Hastings, with their steep shingle beaches, large boats, and numerous bodies of boatmen-will be seen the long row of powerful capstans, by the aid of which the large decked or half-decked smack, hovelling boat, or trawler, is hauled up with comparative ease, yet seemingly reluctant to leave her native element, in which her weight is nothing, and in which she lives and moves, to hibernate, as it were, for a time with suspended life and animation, motionless on the land. There, also, it will have been observed that long flat boards of hard wood, with their upper surface greased, are placed under the boats when hauling up or launching, so as to reduce as much as possible the friction as they are dragged along.

At another place, as at Great Yarmouth or Lowestoft, with a flatter and sandy shore, their long and graceful

yawls and smaller craft are, for the most part, hauled up by hand alone, the numerous boatmen being banded together in companies, and mutually assisting each other in the operation. Here the friction of hauling up is lessened by employing small portable machines, consisting of a strong wooden frame with two or three iron rollers fixed in it, which is traversed by the boat's keel, she being held in an upright position by men at her sides.

Again, farther north, on the still flatter sands of Northumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire, where the threekeeled and graceful coble abounds, the fishermen, often aided by their wives and daughters, will be seen lifting them on the little wooden trucks, on which they are wheeled along on the hard and level strand.

Annexed are wood cuts of the "roller-skids" used by the Norfolk and Suffolk boatmen in hauling up their larger boats, and which have been adopted by the National Lifeboat Institution, and found valuable auxiliaries in hauling up its life-boats, saving much labour, trouble, and expense. There are three varieties of these skids used by the lifeboats of the Institution-one is the simple wooden frame with either two or three rollers in it (Fig. 1), which is sufficient on hard ground, moveable short boards being placed under it transversely where the beach is soft. A second (Fig. 2) is similar, but having its sleepers attached

to it beneath the rollers, which form is most convenient for placing under a boat whilst she is still in the water. Much labour is saved by hauling a heavy boat on the rollers whilst she is still partly water-borne, and it is awkward to place a detached board under a skid in the water, especially when the boat has much motion from the surf. A skid of this description can, by means of two short lines attached to it, as shown in the figure, be readily hauled under the stem or sternpost of a boat by two men or lads, one dragging by cach line. These lines should be of Manilla rope, which will float, and thus indicate the position of the skid when under water. Twoinch rope will be found a convenient size.

A third variety (Fig. 3) is a shorter skid, similar to the above, fitted to turn on a pivot-bolt fixed in a flat piece of wood, thus forming a portable turn-table, on which a boat, when hauled over it, can be turned round with very small power in any direction. The life-boats of the Institution are supplied with one of these turntables, with two of the second variety, or water-skids, for use in the water, and with two of the plain skips with detached sleepers. A less number would, however, be sufficient for ordinary use, unless for very large and heavy boats; and they are strongly recommended to the attention of the boatmen on those parts of the coast where they are not already employed.

Ďuring the past two years (1860-61), the National Lifeboat Institution has incurred expenses amounting to £22,650 on various life-boat establishments on the coasts of England, Scotland, and Ireland. In the same period the life-boats of the Institution have been instrumental in rescuing 500 persons from different shipwrecks on the coasts of the United Kingdom. For these and other lifeboat services, the Institution has voted £1,893 as rewards to the crews of the life-boats. It has also granted rewards amounting to £515 10s. for saving 373 shipwrecked persons by shore-boats and other means, making a total of 871 persons saved from a watery grave during the last two years. The number of lives saved by the life-boats of the Society and other means since its formation, is 12,293, for which services 82 gold medals, 704 silver medals, and £15,250 in cash have been paid in rewards. The Institution has also expended £57,200 on life-boats, life-boat transporting carriages, and boat houses. The public cannot but sympathise with the vigorous efforts now being made by this Institution to save the lives of shipwrecked crews. Their help was never more needed than at the present time, when, through the extraordinary exertions the Society has made within the past few years, it has now one hundred and twenty-one life-boats under its management, for the maintenance of which, in a state of thorough efficiency, a large permanent annual income is absolutely needed, if its humane mission is to be perpetuated. Contributions are received for the National Life-boat Institution by all the bankers in the United Kingdom, and by the Secretary, Richard Lewis, Esq., 14, John-street, Adelphi, W.C.

INDURATION OF STONE.

Mr. Frederic Ransome, of Ipswich, who has patented several processes for the production of artificial stone and for the preservation of natural stones liable to premature decay, has recently discovered a new and simple process, by which it is stated that some of the commonest and most abundant natural materials may be combined and formed into solid blocks of masonry, or moulded into works of art, at a cost comparatively trifling.

The peculiarity of Mr. Ransome's process for preserving stone consists in the production within the pores of the stone itself of silicate of lime--a stance which possesses the most enduring properties. has hitherto accomplished the induration by first ting the stone with a solution of the silicate of soda e glass), and by afterwards applying a solution of le of calcium (muriate of lime). Here double de

composition takes place, the silica combining with the calcium to form a solid silicate of lime, and the chlorine at the same time combining with the soda, forming chloride of sodium or common salt, which is removed by subsequent washings or otherwise. It was in noticing the enormous cohesive properties exhibited by the silicate of lime thus produced that Mr. Ransome was led to investigate the applicability of that material as an essential ingredient in the manufacture of stone itself, and the results of his experiments have been patented. The new process consists in mixing common sand, chalk, or other suitable mineral substances with a solution of silicate of soda into such a consistence that the mixture can be easily moulded into blocks or any other forms, rolled into sheets or slabs, or applied with a trowel as ordinary cement. Afterwards a solution of calcium is applied by means of a brush or by immersion, as may be most convenient. The patentee states that the effect is instantaneous, the material being immediately converted from a soft soluble substance into a hard insoluble compound, capable of resisting the influences of the most deleterious atmospheres, and possessing the property of gradually increasing in hardness with the lapse of time.

Amongst the advantages of this process it may be mentioned that the stone can in most cases be manufactured upon the spot, from materials obtained in the locality; that it can be moulded into any form or made in masses of any dimensions; that it is equally available for ornamental and decorative as for constructive purposes. It requires no artificial drying or burning, while it is in no way liable to shrinkage or distortion of any kind. It exhibits all the characteristic features and appearance of the best freestone, and can be produced of any desired tone of colour.

Dr. Edward Frankland, who was appointed by the Government to investigate the causes of decay of the new Houses of Parliament, says, speaking of the tests to which Mr. Ransome's new stone has been subjected :

-

"The chief object of these experiments was to expose the samples to influences similar to those to which the stones themselves would be subjected, when used for outside work in our large cities; but in order as far as possible to arrive, within a moderate time, at results which under ordinary circumstances would only be obtained after the lapse of many years, it was necessary to intensity those influences by presenting the various chemical re-agents to the stone more continuously, and in a more concentrated form than would be the case in the ordinary atmospheric degradation to which building stones are exposed.

The experiments were made in the following manner:-The samples were cut as nearly as possible of the same size and shape, and were well brushed with a hard brush. Each sample was then thoroughly dried at 212°, weighed, partially immersed in water until saturated, and again weighed; the porosity or absorptive power of the stone was thus determined. It was then suspended for forty-eight hours in a very large volume of each of the following acid solutions, the alteration in weight after cach immersion being separately estimated. Solution No. I, water containing 1 per cent. sulphuric acid; solution No. 2, water containing 2 per cent. sulphuric acid; solution No. 3, water containing per cent. sulphuric acid. The sample was then boiled with water until all acid was removed, and again weighed. Finally, it was dried at 212°, brushed with a hard brush, and the total degradation or loss since the first brushing was ascertained."

There was no loss with 2 per cent. or with 4 per cent. of dilute acid, and only the fractional portion of a single part, as shown in the total of degradation from all causes.

The comparisons in Dr. Frankland's table of experiments, whilst they point out the Portland, Whitby, Hare Hill, and Park Spring, as the natural stones best adapted to withstand the influences of town atmospheres, indicate Ransome's patent concrete as equal to the best of these in its power of resisting atmospheric degradation; and the newness of Ransome's stone (the specimens experimented

Mr. Ransome it still engaged in further experiments with this artificial stone, as to its powers to support a crushing weight, and to sustain strains under varying

conditions.

Proceedings of Institutions.

HASTINGS MECHANICS' INSTITUTION.-The report laid bebefore the annual meeting, held May 7th, says:-The lecture session just concluded is the most important feature of this year's operations. The following is a list of the lectures delivered: Remains of Extinct Animals," B. W. Hawkins, Esq.; "Literary Reading," R. Butler, Esq.; "School of Nature," Dr. Moore; "The Moon," Rev. T. Harding; "Poets in Action," J. Saunders, Esq.; "The Honey Bee," Dr. Hale; "The Poetry of Wordsworth," Rev. R. W. Jones; "Daniel Defoe," G. Dawson, Esq.; "Trade of Israel on the Red Sea," S. Sharpe, Esq.; "Washington and his Times," W. D. Lucas-Shadwell, Esq.; "Julius Cæsar," Mr. T. Edwards; Oxy-Hydrogen Microscope," J. Kilburn, Esq.; "Napoleon the First," E. Harcourt, Esq.; "Useful Plants," Mr. W. King; "The Arctic Regions," J. G. Fitch, Esq.; "George Stephenson," Mrs. Balfour; " Comets," Rev. T. Harding; "The Pulpit, the Bar, and the Press," Rev. J. C. Fishbourne. The Committee regret to state that the serious illness of F. North, Esq., M.P., prevented him from favouring the members with a promised lecture on "Republics; Ancient, and Modern." The Committee feel much indebted to to the gentlemen who so readily gave their time and talents for the benefit of the Institution. The lectures were all well attended. The receipts of the lectures were £14 188. 9d., and the expenditure £30 10s. 6d., so that the average cost of each lecture was 17s. 1d. During the past quarter the number of persons elected members was 9, and the number who declined 63; the present number is 312. During the whole year 137 have joined the Institution, and 151 have left. During the past quarter 653 books have been in circulation. The volumes issued during the year have been 2,050. The Committee feel some doubt as to whether it would be advisable to subscribe to some London library, so as to procure a constant supply of new books. After giving the question due consideration, they have decided that it would be better to spend any surplus funds they may have at their disposal in additions | to the library, rather than adopt such course. They have thus been enabled to purchase 33 volumes of new books, which are eagerly sought after by the members. The reading-room is well supplied with daily and weekly

and the expenditure £181 88. 1d. The Institution begins the year with not a debt unpaid. The subject of classes is one that the Committee cannot report upon as favourably as they could wish. The partition for forming the class-room is perfect in its workings, but students are not forthcoming to fill the classes. Mons. Petitfourt, at the commencement of the session, offered to take charge of a French class, and the class was formed, but in a few weeks it was discontinued for the want of members. It is a source of deep regret that the young men amongst the members should not appreciate the first-class instruction they would receive in the study of a language that is now so much spoken. A class for English grammar has been carried on through the winter under Mr. T. Edwards; and although the Superintendent was very energetic, and used every means in his power to induce young men to join, but two or three met each evening. A writing class has met on Wednesday evenings, under the superintendence of Mr. Avery, but the average attendance at that class has been no more than five. An arithmetic class, conducted by Mr. F. Womersley, has met on Thursday evenings; the average attendance at this class has been four. The superintendents of these classes, however, report that, although the attendance is small, the progress made by the students is satisfactory; and that the superintendents are not discouraged, but will, with the return of autumn, have great pleasure in being as useful as they can to the Institution. A discussion having arisen at the last quarterly meeting, as to the advisability of subscribing to the National Fund for erecting a Monument to the late Prince Concert, a motion was carried recommending the Committee to prepare subscription-lists for the members. The Committee duly considered the recommendation, but a Local Memorial Fund being then about to be raised, they thought it would not be just to interfere with that effort, especially as it appeared probable that the members of the Institution would subscribe to the Local Fund in preference to forwarding their subscriptions to the Society of Arts for the National Memorial. The Committee also felt that they should not like to see the Hastings Institution represented by a small amount; on these grounds they decided to let the matter rest. In concluding the report the Committee congratulate the members on the continued prosperity of the Institution.

ROYSTON INSTITUTE.-The last report states that the Committee regret that, during the past year, they experienced great difficulties, which compelled them in the latter portion of the year to abstain from all but absolutely necessary expenses; and they rejoice to report that by exercising a sound economy they can now show a more favourable result at the close of the year than they at one time anticipated. It is difficult to account for any decline in the

support given to the Institute. Until the past quarter (when the number of members was increasing through the attraction of the classes) the members subscribing to the reading-room were considerably less than in 1860. Possibly the attractions of the reading-room were not so great through the cheapness of newspapers, which are now within the reach of the poorest member of society. The total expenditure last year was £54 19s.; this sum added to the debt at the commencement of the year, gives a total of £62 19s. 34d.; but the income was only £61 17s. 9d., still feaving a deficiency of £1 1s. 6d. The members and subscribers of 1861 were:-32 life members, 2 honorary members, 140 ordinary members, 52 admitted to the lectures by means of family tickets, 2 subscribers for the lectures only, and 14 for the readingroom alone-total 242, being one less than in the previous year. The total sum subscribed, however, was about £5 less. Of the ordinary members 65 belonged to the class of mechanics, domestic servants, and young persons -an increase of 2 on the previous year. Eight lectures and entertainments were given during the year, to which free admission was granted :-On "George Stephenson" (gratuitous), Rev. E. Wrenford; "Charlotte Bronte," Mrs. Balfour; "A Musical Entertainment," Mr. and Mrs. Cooper; "Human Hand" (gratuitous), Dr. Humphry, of Cambridge; "Acoustics," Mr. Wheeler; "The Earth's Magnetism and the Sun's Spots," Mr. Hunt; "Africa" (two, gratuitous), Rev. W. Monk. The members were also admitted at half-price to an Oration" by Mr. Langdon Davies. The meeting for competitive trials of skill in the games of chess and draughts was presided over by the Rev. H. W. Hodgson, of Ashwell. Fourteen volumes of books were purchased and added to the library, through the liberality of Joseph Beldam, Esq. Members making use of the library were 97; evenings for issuing books, 52; volumes issued, 1,933; volumes renewed, 669-- total number of volumes, 2,602-average each evening, 50. Ninety members subscribed to the reading-room during the year. The classes formed last October have been highly successful. The Committee feel deeply indebted to the Rev. R. Shaen and Mr. Isaac Beale for their liberality in conducting them.

Royal Inst., 4. Rev. G. Butler, "On the Art of the Last Century."

WED....Microscopical. 8.

Literary Fund, 3.

Royal Soc. of Literature, 84.

Archæological Assoc., 8.

THURS... Philological, 8.

197. Fire Engines, etc. (Bills of Mortality)-Return. 201. Game Laws, etc. and Game Laws-Returns. 208. Army (Effectives)-Return.

211. Railway and Canal Bills Committee-Sixth Report. 205. Agricultural Statistics-Return.

100. Bill-Public Works and Harbours Act Amendment.
Delivered on 9th May, 1862.

188. Cunard Mail Steamers-Returns.
191. Registry of Deeds Office (Dublin)-Return.
207. Sugar Duties-Return.

98. Bills-Merchandise Marks (as amended by the Select Committee.)

101.

102. 103. 104.

Bills-Transfer of Land.

Declaration of Title.

Security of Purchasers.

Real Property (Title of Purchasers).

United States (Political Arrests)-Extract of a Despatch.

Delivered on 10th and 12th May, 1862.

140. Post Office Savings Banks-Account of Deposits, etc.
203. Post Office Savings Banks-Returns.
217. Merchant Seamen's Fund-Account.

221. Fires in the Metropolis-Report from Committee.
105. Bill-Landed Property Improvement (Ireland) Acts Amend-

APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS AND PROTECTION ALLOWED.

[From Gazette, May 23rd, 1862.]
Dated 13th May, 1862.

1436. J. B. Sardy, London-Imp. in the construction of ships of war and other vessels.

1438. A. Wormull, Old Fish street-Imp. in trepanning instruments. 1440. J. H. Johnson, 47, Lincoln's inn-fields-Imp. in the purification of colza, rape, and other oils. (A com.)

1442. J. Sivewright, Ravenhead, St. Helen's, Lancashire-Imp. in the manufacture of polished plate glass. 1446. R. A. Brooman, 166, Fleet-street-Împ. in louvre blinds or shutters. (A com.)

Dated 14th May, 1862.

FRI.......Astronomical, 8.

Royal Inst., 8. Sir Henry Rawlinson, "On Cuneiform Writing and the way to read it."

SAT.......Royal Botanic, 34.

Par Numb.

Royal Inst., 3. Dr. T. Anderson, "On Agricultural Chemistry."

PARLIAMENTARY REPORTS.

SESSIONAL PRINTED PAPERS. Delivered on 7th May, 1862.

arms.

1460. J. C. Brant, 69, Forston-street, City-road-basin-Imp. in the construction of armour-plated ships, and in cements or compositions for uniting iron to iron, and for uniting other substances, which compositions may also be used for caulking and for coating ships' bottoms.

Dated 15th May, 1862.

1462. J. Fletcher and J. W. Fuller, Salford-Imp. in machinery for rolling, bending, and planing metals.

1464. G. H. Sanborn, 100, Fleet-street-Imp. in machinery for spinning. (A com.)

1466. J. P. Jouvin, Rochefort-sur-Mer, France-An improved process for preserving iron-plated and other vessels and metallic articles from oxidation, and preventing ships' bottoms from fouling.

1468. W. Sissons, Kingston-upon-Hull-Imp. in machinery for driving piles by means of steam hammers.

1470. J. Stone, High-street, Deptford-Imp. in Downton's ship bilge pump and fire engines.

1472. J. Wright, 42, Bridge-street, Blackfriars-Imp. in machinery for digging, excavating, and removing earth, gravel, and such like substances. (A com.)

1474. C. Tress, Blackfriars-road-Imp. in the manufacture of hats, helmets, bonnets, or caps.