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JULY 8, 1859.]

SAMUEL AND NICHOLSON'S PATENT PADDLE-WHEEL CONDENSERS FOR MARINE ENGINES.

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working, 88 gallons per minute, being worked by 28 mm. The water cylinders of the steam fireengins contain 340 cubic inches, and, as it can be

readil worked at no less than 218 strokes per minut, it will thus be equal to three Brigade en

SAMUEL AND NICHOLSON'S

PATENT PADDLE-WHEEL CONDENSERS

FOR MARINE ENGINES.

donkey-engine into the condenser; H is a pipe
for supplying the fresh water from the bottom of
the condenser to the feed pump; I from whence
it is pumped through the pipe K into the fresh-
water boiler; L is the pump for supplying salt
Pipe M to the boiler B through the pipe N; O is
a cold-water pipe for the condenser to be used at
throw the cool water up to the condenser.
starting until the paddle-wheel has commenced to

gines t their ordinary rate of working. The have together obtained a patent for a very novel water introduced through the salt-water supply

MR. SAMUEL, C.E., of Great George-street, West-
minster, and Mr. Nicholson, engineer, of Bromley,
kind of condenser for marine steam-engines.
Their improvements relate to such engines as are
employed to drive or to work in the neighbourhood
of paddle wheels, water-wheels, or other apparatus
by which the agitation and dispersion of cold
water are produced in their ordinary working.
We will describe and illustrate the improvements
more particularly with reference to their applica-
tion to paddle-wheel steam vessels.

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW. THE Royal Agricultural Society has issued the following programme of their proceedings at the ensuing Warwick meeting:

The implement yard open from ten o'clock in
TUESDAY, July 12, and WEDNESDAY, July 13.-
the morning till six o'clock in the evening, on
Tuesday; and from seven o'clock in the morning
till six o'clock in the evening, on Wednesday; at
an admission-charge of 2s. 6d. for each person.
Machinery will be shown by the exhibitors at
work on each of these days.

award the prizes.
The judges to inspect the live stock, and to

rapidit with which steam can be generated is, of course,an important point in the construction of a mache required for duty on the most sudden emergeries, and this point had been well and satisfacrily ascertained before the trials of Friday last. Nevertherless, in the course of the experimen, it was demonstrated that a pressure of 10lb. stam could be generated in six minutes from the moment of lighting the fires; a high pressurevas obtained in 10 minutes, and the The invention consists primarily in the employengine us immediately in full work. Of course, ment of surface condensers of any approved form in the cae of an engine of such description being within the paddle-boxes, or otherwise by the side generally adopted, the fires would always be kept of or behind the paddle-wheel, in order that the laid, andighted while the horses were being har-water which the wheel, while in motion, is connessed; that the whole machine would be in tinually throwing up may be received upon or full motin on its way to a fire. Before the trial come in contact with the exterior of the condenthe boile was overcharged with water, part of sers and effect the condensation of the steam which we run out before the fire was lighted and within them. The invention further consists in found to e cold by the spectators. The jets used employing a supplementary or donkey-engine for were, and inch, in succession, the changes pumping the feed water into the boiler or boilers, and being acanplished by means of a stop-valve on a supplementary boiler, or boiler compartment, for each of th two lines of hose without stopping the generating from the salt water of the sea sufficient engine. his feature will be of great use at a steam to supply, when condensed, the waste of At one o'clock (or as soon after as all the fire. A last was placed on the bridge, the height water which occurs by leakage in the main engine judges shall have delivered in their awards, of from hig! water to top of mast being 82 feet; the and by other causes of loss. The feed pumps of which notice will be given) the public will be adheight atained by the jet was considered to be both the salt and the fresh-water boilers may be mitted into the cattle-yard on the payment of 5s.. 145 feet and the horizontal measured distance worked by the donkey-engine, which is itself each person, at the special entrances; members of 16 feet the inch jet went 120 feet perpendicu- ordinarily driven by steam from the salt water council and governors of the society being adla and 50 feet horizontal. Gentlemen from the boiler by preference. Air pumps may thus be dis-mitted by tickets to be purchased at the finance vrious insurance companies, and others interested pensed with, as the condensed steam from the department of the society at the show-yard; and infire-engines, were present. surface-condensers falls by its own gravity to the exhibitors of live-stock on producing their exfeed pumps. It is evident that where a screwhibitor's ticket. Arrangements have been made propeller and paddle-wheels are used in the same for distinguishing the animals that have won the vessel, the condensation of the whole of the steam prizes immediately the judges have made their used for giving motion to all of them may be awards. At eight o'clock in the evening the cattle effected by means of this improved arrangement yard will be closed. of condensers in connection with paddle-wheels.

At 6 F.M., on the 6th inst., a second trial took pice at the South Kensington Museum, in the jesence of Mr. Dilke, Mr. Cole, Captain Fowke, 1. Braidwood, and other scientific gentlemen. le engine was started under a pressure of 251b. i9 minutes from lighting the fire. The only iricator of height was a tree 70 feet high. The It was considered to be 150 feet in height, and thinch 130; the measured horizontal distance w: 168 feet with the inch jet. It was considered byhose who were present at both trials that the enge worked better at the second trial than at he first.

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Fig. 1 is a transverse section of so much of a paddle-wheel steamer as is necessary for the explanation of the manner in which they prefer to carry the invention into effect; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section, showing the condenser and arrangement of boilers and donkey-engine; AA are ordinary boilers; B is a supplementary salt-water boiler; Cis the condenser formed of side-plates a a and top and bottom plates bb; cc are a series of tubes open at both ends, and fitted steam-tight between the plates a a; D is a donkey-engine; E the exhaust pipe leading from the cylinder into the condenser; Fis the steam pipe leading from the salt-water boiler B into the donkey-engine; and G exhaust pipe conveying the steam from the

Public trials of the steam cultivators on land in

the neighbourhood of the city during such hours as the stewards may determine.

THURSDAY, 14.-The general show-yard of cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, and implements open to the public from six o'clock in the morning till six in the evening; admission 2s. 6d. each person.

.

FRIDAY, 15.-The general show-yard open to the public from six o'clock in the morning till six in the evening; admission 1s. each person.

General meeting of the members in the Shire
Hall at ten o'clock in the forenoon.
PRESIDENT.-His Grace the Duke of Marl-

borough.

STEWARDS OF DEPARTMENTS.

Cattle.-Mr. Robert Smith, Mr. Milward, Mr. W. Fisher Hobbs.

Implements.-Mr. Barnett, Mr. H. B. Caldwell, Mr. E. Pope, (Lord Leigh, Steward-Elect).

Cheese and Wool.-Mr. Thomas Pain.
Finance.-Mr. Raymond Barker, and Mr.
Wilson (of Stowlangtoft).

Clifford's letter, I certainly cannot view it as an objection to Captain Kynaston's method of disengaging, when there are probably no less than Show-Yard Refreshment.-Mr. Humberston, M.P. twelve men sitting idle in a boat, that one among Show-Yard Receipts.-Lord Portman, Mr. Wren their number should be told off to let go a rope in Hoskyns, Mr. Torr, and Mr. Wilson (of Stowlang-case of need, which acts as a reserve, or a safety toft); Mr. Milward, Mr. W. Fisher Hobbs. trigger, to meet the remote contingency of the General Arrangement of Show.-Mr. Brandreth proper disengaging line being foul, and thereGibbs. By order of the Council, fore may be the means of preserving life; in short, having, as it were, two strings to his bow, is a manifest advantage, and I think Mr. Clifford will do well to consider this; for if his boats, as now fitted, be lowered from a vessel going at any speed, and one of the pendants be jammed, the

.B. T. BRANDRETH GIBBS,
Hon. Acting Secretary, pro tem.

By the regulations of the society all persons admitted into the show-yard, or other places in the temporary occupation of the Society during the meeting, shall be subject to the rules, orders, and regulations of the Council.

BOAT-LOWERING APPARATUS.

TO THE EDITORS OF THE "MECHANICS' MAGAZINE."
GENTLEMEN,-Permit me to offer a few remarks

whose vessels have been fitted with his "lowering apparatus" for some length of time, rather than to those who have merely witnessed its working during the ordinary trials.

In the first place, with regard to the impracticability of adjusting the length of pendants to meet every contingency, I am ready to admit that the light-draught and the load-draught in a man-of-war vary but in a trifling degree with the

ordinary consumption of coal; on the other hand, in large mercantile steamers such as those of the Peninsular and Oriental and Royal Mail Companies, which are constantly under steam, and carry an ever-varying weight of cargo besides, the difference is material. Setting, however, these circumstances aside, Mr. Clifford quite overlooks the chief drift of my argument, namely, that a ship when pressed by canvas may have a considerable heel at the time it is necessary to lower a boat from one side or the other; the weather boat will consequently be raised several feet higher from the water's edge than the opposite one; it is hardly necessary to add that no adjustment of pendants could be adapted to meet these ever-fluctuating changes during a sea voyage.

crew have no immediate resource to save them-
selves from the imminent risk of destruction.

To avoid similar disasters I certainly would not

receive every invention which may tend to di-
minish the loss of human life.

I remain, Gentlemen, your obedient servant,
NAUTICUS.
July 2nd, 1859.

APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT IN
PHOTOGRAPHY.

TO THE EDITORS OF THE " MECHANICS MAGAZINE.”
GENTLEMEN,-Permit me through the medium
of your columns to suggest an improvement i
the use of artificial light in photographic oper
tions-a subject which appears to be attracting
much attention at present.

It is well-known that when solar light is an Having made distant allusion to a catastrophe oflyzed by the prism it is found that not only ar this kind, and been called upon by Mr. Clifford to light arranged in different proportions in different the three primary colours which compose whie substantiate my statement, I will do so, though with some reluctance. In May last a written docu- parts of the spectrum, so as to produce a grat ment came into my hand, which I have quoted variety of colours, but that the three principes on a letter of Mr. Charles Clifford which appears word for word "The ship Orwell, belonging to existing in the rays of the sun-light, heat, må in your last number. Whether or no I be held Messrs. Green, of London, had a boat fitted with actinism-are likewise each of them distributed competent to form a correct opinion on the sub-Clifford's lowering apparatus.' In lowering the unequally over the spectrum, appearing in greater intensity in some parts than others, so that ach ject, I would leave, with all due deference to the boat to pick up a man overboard, the fore-pendant colour is combined with a definite proportici of inventor himself, to the decision of those officers hung when the boat was at the water's edge, and each of the three principles. The red rays ave swamped her, drowning all her crew; this octhe greatest heating power; the lightest colar is curred on her last voyage to Australia." Every the yellow; while the blue rays are the mos decontradicted, but unfortunately I have it corroboone would be glad to find this deplorable event finite in both heating and illuminative povers, but are by far the richest in actinic or potorated also in writing on the testimony of Mr. Green's own officers by the hand of one of Mr. Clifford's colours obtained from sources other than th solar graphic power. This law prevails equaly in staunchest allies, and I think it a pity, therefore, that the former should put himself so much out of spectrum, and is applied practically in many of his way to challenge or deny the truth of a state-illumination, we select substances which by the the operations of daily life. Thus in arificial ment which I fear does not admit of the shadow combustion emit a large proportion of yellow of a doubt, the more so that it is not in human light; and when we wish to diminish to the reatest and that Mr. Clifford's plan has been already in the sun, for example, we observe it through the nature that our best efforts should be infallible, extent the apparant light of a luminous object, strumental in saving life. medium of a blue glass. In warming or apartments we make use of coals, &c., which by their advise Mr. Clifford to practise the dangerous ex-burning give a red light, the characteristicproperty periment for which, he says, his plan is so well of which is, that it contains a very great mount of adapted, that of attempting to drop his boat on radient heat, with but a comparatively small prothe top of a wave which he may encounter during portion of illuminative power (indeed the appearhis descent, or during the roll of a ship; however ance of a red object invariably conveys the mind free may be the working condition of his pendants a sensation of warmth). The single excetion is in round the roller and through their respective the selection of sources of artificial ligh for phosheaves, it must be a sluggish wave indeed, or the tographic purposes. In this case the objec aimed at ship must be an easy roller, whose rising or seems to be the production of a light of th greatest falling motion does not surpass the descent of a possible whiteness and intensity. But the blue boat released under such circumstances by the rays, and especially the violet, possess the greatest lowering rope being let go she will probably proportion of the photographic principe, and are drop into the trough of the sea in any case, or if at the same time the most deficient a heatin a pendant hangs or is carried away, a catastrophe and illuminative power, while the red nd yellow will be inevitable. Captain Kynaston, whose mode rays are almost entirely destitute of the photoof disengaging is instantaneous, and in the power graphic principle. And it is evidentlythis printof one man in the boat, and (contrary to Mr. ciple alone which is of service in a photographi Clifford's statement) perfectly independent of those operation, the others--the light especialybeinse who are lowering by the tackles, might probably an evil rather than otherwise if the objet in view practise this feat with impunity. be the production of a portrait, for the inconvenience and discomfort experienced by the sitter in consequence of too great an intensity of light almost invariably occasions distortion of the features. Why, then, is not a blue or a violet lig made use of? Such a light would be extremey powerful as a photographic agent, while its low illuminative and heating power would admit its being used in a very high degree of intense without creating discomfort to the eyes of either sitter or operator. It would doubtless be a "**. very difficult task to discover a composition whil would burn with a pure and intense violet ligh.

Again, I am asked with reference to the old plan of lowering with tackles which Captain Kynaston still thinks it advisable to retain "What is to prevent one fall going by a run ?" I may put a similar question-What is to prevent one of Mr. Clifford's "single pendants," which may work stifly in the nip-sheaves, from going with a surge, and producing the same ill effects which the designer professes to avoid? It is true that both pendants being reeled upon the same cylinder will be released from it simultaneously; it does not, however, follow that they should traverse with the same facility through the sheaves, for the reason thus mentioned; one or the other may work stiffly for a while, and then become released with a surge, either carrying away with the jerk, or causing the boat to descend unevenly to the water's edge, as was fully exemplified in the last trial of the Exmouth, when the engines were stopped to avoid an accident. Mr. Clifford having desired me to produce an instance of a serious accident through the above cause, I am bound to give one. A few months ago Her Majesty's ship Renown was leading the line of the Channel squadron into Plymouth Sound, when a false alarm of a man overboard was raised; on this a crew jumped into one of the cutters, and a man had already commenced to lower, when one of the pendants broke with a surge, and the crew, gear, &c., were precipitated into the water, carrying away one of the davits at the same time; to remedy the disaster the opposite boat was ordered to be lowered, and, strange to say, precisely the same accident occurred, the davit, however, remaining entire.

With reference to another remark in Mr.

I do not consider Mr. Clifford is borne out in his statement, which attributes the fragility of some of his pendants to the neglect of any one particular dockyard; I believe never was invention more zealously and carefully worked out by our Dockyard executives. It must be borne in mind that a man-of-war has her boats in constant use, whereas emigrant and transport ships have seldom any occasion whatever to lower them; if, therefore, as Mr. Clifford states, no reports have reached their owners of broken gear, &c., the inventor has reason to rejoice, but the public at large will not receive the fact as a proof of the infallibility of his plan or the durability of his pendants.

In conclusion, I will add that the test of time is alone able to establish the merits of every plan, and in the meantime there is no reason in the world why two methods of saving life, which have already given proof of their efficiency, should not jog along amicably together, and not jostle each other like the two pitchers in the stream, in the hope of one becoming irretrievably smashed. There is surely room enough for both, and there are ships enough on the ocean with their living freights whose owners should gladly

I have not had the opportunity of investigamg the subject practically, and I am therefore indre to place it before your readers in the hope hat the suggestion may receive the consideratia o:" any one who may think it worth his while to:sue the subject further. In case the idea sbu'l not be a new one. I hope that my ignorane ci such a fact will prove a sacient excuse.

My attention was first drawn to the subjet y a lecture illustrative of Moule's method of ctaining photographs by artificial light, in wich a light of great whiteness and intensity is prluce 1 by the combustion of a chemical compositic; but I observed that the great intensity of the light

necessitated the interposition of a screen between the light and the face of the sitter, who afterwards remarked that the light was even with this precaution very oppressive.

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Your obedient servant,

FRANCIS H. BAKER.

Inland Revenue, Somerset House, 29th June, 1859

THE ARMSTRONG GUN.

TO THE EDITORS OF THE "MECHANICS' MAGAZINE."

GENTLEMEN,-As my son, Dr. H. Drake, has ansidered it right to call your attention to the gan known by the name of the "Armstrong gun," I beg to request the favour of being permitted to dfer a few remarks on the subject.

In your number 1779, of Saturday, September 1th, 1857, a letter appeared from me in explanation of the difficulties we had to contend with at Waolwich relative to this and a number of guns brought under discussion by official authority, before Sir William Armstrong by his own statemet, to which Dr. Drake calls attention, had Incertaken to propose the one in question; conquently, I will not occupy your space beyond necesity, in further explanation of those diffi

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As my son had visited Woolwich three times at a considerable disadvantage, I did not consider it advisable to trouble him with the description of the Armstrong gun when professionally made known to me in the early part of December; at fne same time I was not unmindful of my duty in claining the originality of the invention "instanter" at the War Department and Horse Guards; and I requested Major General Peel to allow me to place before him the manuscript invention, which he declined to inspect or allow it to be nspected by any one in his confidence at the War Office.

I then proposed to place it in the hands of a committe of professional gentlemen, and named Sir Chares Fox, Mr. William Fairbairn, Mr. Thomas howard, and Mr. James Nasmyth, or any others whom the Secretary at War might suggest, with permission to pay all expenses out of any award whch those gentleman might consider due under the circumstance of Dr. Drake having .officially sbmitted his gun to the select committee before Sir Villiam Armstrong, but which was also refused; and this, it must be understood, was before the Secretary at War had ordered it to be adopted in Her Majesty's service.

I lave the honour to be, Gentlemen,
. Your obedient humble servant,
JOHN POAD DRAKE.

bndon, June 22nd.

THE GREAT EASTERN. GNTLEMEN,-All those who feel anxious for the

acess of such a gigantic structure as this vessel presats, naturally ask the question if the best ways and means are being employed to produce such result? As regards the propelling means, such i most certainly not the case; in the first place, he employment of paddle-wheels destroys her usulness as a sailing vessel; which is the more to be regretted, as a ship of her size and structur might be expected to realize a speed beyond tat ever obtained. Her screw is not provided wih any means of raising it out of the waer; so that if the engine is at fault, or any cause prevents its employment, it must be dragged onvards at a great loss of speed; if anything fous or injures it, there is not any remedy, as the diftulties of examination, without a trunk over the crew, and proper means of lifting, are necessari increased from her size. Having two dis

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tinct propelling means, it necessarily offers the
opportunity of using either separately, but from
what has been shown, it has evidently not been
made available in this case.

A READER.

LORD CARLINGFORD ON THE GRIFFITH'S
SCREW.

a patent for cutting off the corners of the Carlingford screw; but it is neither for the spherical boss, for that is only required when the part of the vessel where it is applied is not wide or large enough to cover its front centre, to prevent that part from presenting a flat surface to the water; nor is it the edges of the screw that is of so much importance, but that which is of importance, and for VISCOUNT CARLINGFORD requests us to give place which I claim the discovery of the screw now univerto the following letters, addressed originally to the extremity to its centre, which I discovered should sally adopted, is that of the proportion of pitch from the editor of the Engineer. Our contemporary be one-sixth taken from its centre line, which you doubtless had his own sufficient reasons for reject-published for me, and the problem of which you subing them, but as these reasons do not appear to us, mitted for me to the scientific world. All the other and as we see nothing particularly objectionable details are not worth noticing, being very trivial to in the letters, we willingly insert them, parti- the real discovery, which has re-established confidence cularly as Lord Carlingford deems their insertion in the screw-propeller, that had been totally lost up of importance to his claims as an inventor. to the very time I presented my discovery to the Admiralty; but I consider this manner of giving inleave to request you will give publicity to the letter I GENTLEMEN,-As a matter of justice I must beg sidious replies to my letters, instead of inserting them, addressed to you previous to your publication of the that which I had stated; but first insert them, and to be very unfair, leaving erroneous impressions of 10th inst., for I cannot submit to the insidious then reply whatever you please. I must still insist that manner of attempting to supersede my discovery of the principle of "The Griffith Screw," which I read the true principle of the screw propeller, which I the account of, was experimented principally on its presented to the country and the world, and which has different variations of pitch, first on one pitch, then caused a revolution in navigation, and has all but put on a sharper pitch, and finally to be tried on a medium down the paddle-wheels, except on rivers. The public pitch; this every person can see on referring to the know its value, and I will not allow any person to report; but I say again publish my letters, and they attempt to rob me of the honour of having dis- will speak for themselves, they are scientific, and In explain the true principle of the screw-propeller, covered it without protesting against them. your article on the subject you say, "The spheri- which has done wonders, and yet is still very little cal boss, which is one of the distinctive features understood, as seen by the account given of the late of the Griffith propeller," this may be the case, trials with "The Griffith Screw." but it is also the case with the Carlingford screw, and to which I afterwards added a horn in continuation, to be used when required to be placed in front; so that the spherical boss is no novelty whatever, nor would the hour-glass shape of boss be either a novelty, while the contrivance to alter the the screw altogether, as described in my letter above pitch proves a total ignorance of the principle of referred to. So the mere cutting of the corners of the screw which I have done long since, and the mere increase of size of the screw towards the centre cannot constitute a right to a patent, for that does not touch in the slightest degree the real principle of the which must be for ever adhered to whatever in

screw,

crease or alteration is given to its edge or size at any
part. I cannot admit the correctness of your remark
in reply to my letter, "that Mr. Griffith condemns
the whole family of the feathering screws," when he
claims the improvement of making the ends of his
screw more feathered by clipping off the corners. The
account I read in the papers distinctly states that the
invention principally consists in the power of altering
the pitch. Now the clipping of the corners is merely
to obtain a sharper or more obtuse angle to the edges
the most effective part of the screw, but which can be
of the blades, and it is done at the sacrifice of part of
better obtained by giving the edges the fish-bone or
saw form to proceed through the water and leave it,
which is without exception the principle of nature.
I therefore repeat, and request as a point of justice,
that you will publish my letter here referred to, as
well as this one, for of course the only object for the
public is to know the truth, and the entire truth.
discovery remind me of the fable of Florian, where
These attempts to deprive me of the honour of my
the butterfly is envied for his wings, yet the clipping of
the corners will not destroy them.
I remain, gentlemen,

Your obedient servant,

CARLINGFORD.

Swift's Heath, Kilkenny, June 18, 1859.
GENTLEMEN,-If you refer to my last letter you
will perceive that you are mistaken in saying that I
claim the invention of the spherical boss, one of so
form as well as I did others; many persons may have
little consequence; I merely said that I adopted that
done so before me. I only stated my having given it
that form to show it was no novelty, and such also
appears from your statement. Then, I ask, what
novelty or what improvement has Mr. Griffith made
for which he proposes taking a patent? I can only see
the adjustable pitch, which, as I before stated to you,
proves a total ignorance of the principle of the
screw. It is not possible that he means to take

The letter in question states that any alteration of the
pitch of the screw must destroy at once the required pro-
centre as much as at the extremities; the due proportion
portion of pitch, as of course it would be diverted at the
of pitch would consequently be lost, for it should be
diverted six times more at the extremities, which would
be impossible to accomplish, and at the same time give
firmness to the screw, and even if accomplished of no use
whatever.

I remain, gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
CARLINGFORD..

Swift's Heath; Kilkenny, 27th June, 1859.

Proceedings of Societies.

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL OF ENGLAND.

June 29.-At a weekly council held this day, CoChalloner, Trustee, in the chair, the names of candid dates for election were read. Dr. Voelcker submitted to the Council an analysis of a Mangel Wurzel which was grown in 1857, and has been kept for nearly two years in an apparently sound condition. A communica tion was read by Mr. Charles Fulbrook, of Dallington, Hurst Green, giving the result of his investigations of the laws governing the wet and dry seasons occasionally experienced in this country. On the motion of Lord Feversham, seconded by the Hon. Wm. Cavendish, this communication was referred to the Journal Committee, and the thanks of the Council were ordered to be conveyed to Mr. Fulbrook. M. transmitted to the Council programmes of the special Tisserand, Inspector of the Imperial Farms of France, international competition of reaping machines, to take place at the Imperial Farm of Fouilleuse, near St. Cloud, between July 20th and 25th next. The certi ficates of entry to be sent by exhibitors to his Excellency the Minister of Agriculture, 78 bis, Rue de Varennes, Paris, on or before July 10th. The following communications were also received from Mr. Chas. Royal Dublin Society respecting the Condition of W. Hamilton: a Schedule of Queries issued by the Farm Labourers; the Journal of the Agricultural Society of Alger, and the Journal of the Central Agricultural Society of Belgium, for all of which the thanks of the Council were ordered. Mr. H. Tucker, from the New York States Agricultural Society, presented a letter deputing him to attend on behalf of that Society at the Warwick Show. The Chairman assured Mr. Tucker that the officers of the Society would afford him every facility in their power to enable him to inspect the trials and general ex

hibition.

THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

June 22.-Sir C. Lyell, Vice-President, in the nications were read:-1. "Further Observations on Chair. Adjourned Meeting.-The following commuthe Ossiferous Caves near Palermo." By. Dr. Falcowords the results of the examination of the bone-cave ner, F.R.S., V.P.G.S. 2. Mr. Prestwich gave in a few at Brixham in Devonshire. 3. "Observations on a

Flint-implement recently discovered in a bed of Gravel at Saint-Acheul, near Amiens." By John Wickham Flower, Esq. (Communicated by Joseph Prestwich, of the chalk at St. Acheul is composed of water-worn Esq., F.G.S.) The gravel capping a slight elevation chalk-flints, and is about 10 feet thick; above it is a 6 in.), and brick-earth (11 feet 9 in.) In this gravel thin band of sand, surmounted by sandy beds (3 feet the remains of elephant, horse, and deer have been

found, with land and fresh-water shells of recent species. considerable extent, were the surest guides to me- He had no hesitation in declaring that but for the From the gravel Mr. Flower dug out a flint-imple- chanical men of to-day. The forms of boilers, areas of war everything was prepared and success was certain. ment, shaped like a spear-head, at about 18 inches fire-grate, and perfect and imperfect combustion of A guarantee fund to the amount of £250,000 was so from the face of the pit, and 16 feet from the surface fuel, occupied much of Mr. Stabler's paper. His con- far advanced that he felt certain it would have been of the ground. Mr. Flower in this communication clusions being that the "economical formation of completed immediately after the list had been made pointed out evidences to prove that this and many steam" depends on perfect combustion, and the public. Therefore, whenever peace should be happily other similar flint-implements obtained from the same absorbing and transmitting powers of boilers. Com-declared, he trusted that whoever might be in power gravel were really the result of human manufacture, bustion might be perfect, but the absorption of a in the Society-for his term of office expired on the at me previous to the deposition of the gravel in boiler might be inferior, and then the evaporation of following day-would bring forward this movement its present place. Mr. Flower's visit to St. Acheul water would be at a low rate as compared with the again, and that in 1862 or 1863 they would have a was made in company with Messrs. Prestwich, God-consumption of fuel. To construct a boiler with Universal Exhibition, which would be equally if not win-Austen, and Mylne, with a view to verify the rapidly-absorbing materials was one of the great, more successful than that of 1851. discoveries made respecting the occurrence of flint-principles aimed at by the engineers of our time. implements in the gravels and peat of the Somme Mr. Stabler spoke of the proportions necessary for Valley by M. Boucher de Perthies, of Amiens. [A boilers of marine, stationary, and locomotive engines, large collection of Osseous remains and Flint-objects and ended his remarks by inviting his brother from the Grotto di Maccagnone, and others from San members to think out for themselves the great quesCiro were exhibited; also specimens of Flint-objects tion of steam economy, upon which wide differences of from Brixham Cave, the gravel of Amiens, &c., and a opinion still existed. series of Flint-implements from Arabia, North America, Mexico, &c.] The next meeting of the Society will be held November 2nd, 1859.

ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY.

The closing meeting of the Session of this Society, numerously attended, was held on Monday evening at Burlington House; the Earl of Ripon, President, in the chair. Presentations.-S. W. Silver and Christian Hellmann, Esqs., were presented upon their election. Elections.-The Duke of Newcastle, the Earls of Elgin and Airlie, the Hon. Robert Marsham, Sir Hercules G. R. Robinson (Governor of Hong Kong), Major Henry Cracroft, Captain Phillip D. Margesson, R.A., George Barclay, Frederick W. Bigge, H. Austin Bruce, M.P., R. A. Osborn Dalyell (Consul at Erzerúm), George Fitzroy, William Fryer, Charles P. Grenfell, M.P., W. Vernon Harcourt, and William H. Smith, Esqs., were eiected Fellows. Proposals.-Professor Otto Struve, of St. Petersburg, as a corresponding member; Lord Henry Scott, Sir Edward Borough, Bart., the Rev. Charles Oakley, M.A., Henry Duckworth, George Gammie, Charles Marett, M.A., and Francis Tagart, Esqs., were proposed as candidates for election. Er. bitions. Several drawings and photo-lithographs illustrating the scenery and physical geography of the highest parts of the Himalayas, by the Messrs. Schlagintweit; and a mechanical and magnetic Compass, invented by Mr. Maillard, were exhibited to the inceting. Accessions.-Sir John Rennie's work on the "Plymouth Breakwater," presented by the author; Humboldt's "Travels," Cosmos," and Aspects of Nature," presented by H. G. Bohn, Esq., F.R.G.S.; Dr. Lange's map of the Mediterranean, and Stanford's library map of Australasia, were among the late accessions to the Library and Map-rooms. The papers read were:-1. Notes on a Voyage to New Cuinea, by Alfred R. Wallace, Esq., F.R.G.S. 2. Remarks on Portuguese Journeys in Central Africa. Py James Macqueen, Esq., F.R.G.S. After some servations from Captain Burton in reply to Mr. Macqueen, Major Palmer, F.R.G.S., read: 3. Notes on the Island of St. Helena," to accompany his new map of that island. At the suggestion of Sir Roderick Murchison, who introduced them with allusions to their travels, one of the brothers Schlaginweit offered remarks in explanation of their drawings in the Himalayas; and the President having proposed a vote of thanks to the authorities of the University of London and of the Royal Society for the use of their large hall during the past session, the meeting adjourned to November 14.

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ASSOCIATION OF FOREMEN ENGINEERS.

July 2.-The usual monthly meeting of the Association of Foremen Engineers took place at their temporary rooms in the City. Mr. Joseph Newton presided over a large assemblage of members, drawn together by the announcement previously made that Mr. Stabler would read a paper on the "Economical Formation of Steam.

The business of the evening commenced with the bringing up of the auditors' report for the half-year past, and its reception by vote on the part of the associates. Four committee-men were also elected in place of those who retired by rotation, and this, with some minor matters, brought 9 o'clock-the appointed hour for lectures and paper-reading, and when the friends of members are also admitted. Mr. Newton having now called upon Mr. Stabler to proceed with his task, at once commenced it. He said, in reviewing the numerous contrivances for the cheap generation of steam which had followed the wondrous inventions of Watt and of those unrecognised great men who quietly assisted him in his study and in his workshop that so far as the character and properties of steam were concerned, little had been discovered that was not known to Watt himself. His rules and data, to a

The Emperor Napoleon is making free (and fair) use of balloons in his operations against the Austrian armies in Italy. This fact has called forth a letter from Mr. Coxwell (to whom we made reference a few weeks since), in which he says:-"Ever since the Russian war, and, indeed, during that calamity, I have laboured single-handed in endeavouring to pro. A discussion followed, in which Messrs. Aydon, voke the attention of our Government, our scientific Briggs, and others joined; and after a vote of thanks men, and the English press to the importance of aerial to Mr. Stabler had been unanimously given, and an observatories. As the idea just begins to engage announcement made of Mr. Galloway's intention to public notice at the present moment, it may not be read a paper at the August meeting on "The Super-uninteresting to simply correct one or two erroneous heating of Steam," Mr. Newton declared the meeting

to be dissolved.

Our Weekly Gossip.

Ir is a singular fact that in giving the return of
coinage executed during the year 1858, almost all our
contemporaries, from the Times downwards, fell into
error as to the quantities of pence, halfpence, and
farthings produced at the Mint. Reference to the
columns of last week's MECHANICS' MAGAZINE will
enable the public to correct that error. In ex amining
the Government report on the subject, it is evident
that other journals have mistaken the number of
pounds in value of copper coins struck, for the number
of pieces produced, a circumstance which of course
makes their statistics inaccurate, to the extent of
several millions of coins.

The directers of the Great Northern Railway
having consented, from the 1st of July last, to allow
the produce of the various South Yorkshire Collieries
to be sold with the name of the colliery, and unmixed
with any other coal, the owners of the best coal
naturally regarded this as a very great advantage,
and resolved to celebrate this separation of qualities
by conveying to their collieries and back eight hun-
dred members of the press, the London coal trade, and
others, in order to afford them an opportunity of
seeing the source of supply and the mode of working
the coal in the pit. Of this arrangement we availed
ourselves on Wednesday last, proceeding from town
early in the morning, and visiting the Lund Hill, the
Edmund Main, and the Oaks collieries, returning to
town via Doncaster in the evening. The Lund Hill
colliery we descended, (the depth being 660 feet) and
had the very doubtful satisfaction of marching, Davy
in hand, through some mile or two of passages, mainly
of about three feet in height. As our pace was some-
what rapid, and as it had to be kept up while we were
doubled down into the dwarfish height of, say, 40
inches, we did not find the visit particularly ex-
hilarating. We subsequently descended the Edmund
Main, however, but finding the shaft wetter than was
agreeable, we declined entering upon further sub-
terranean exploration, and allowed ourselves to be
run up to the sunshine again. Another short trip
next carried us to the Oaks, the splendid winding
engine of which attracted all our attention; and a
still further trip delivered us at Barnsley, where wel-
come ablutions and other creature comforts were
happily procured. Here Mr. Carter, of the well-
known firm of Carter, Brothers, gave us a run through
their extensive linen fabric factory, in which we were
so fortunate as to find in operation a loom which will
make a fabric no less than five yards wide-the
largest loom of the kind in the world, we believe.
The shuttle seems fairly to tire in crossing it. We
must not omit to state that Mr. Plimsoll, junr., of the
King's Cross Station, managed the whole trip with
exemplary skill and suavity, and as the merits of the
South Yorkshire coal, both as a steam coal, a gas coal,
and a house coal-different kinds, of course-seemed
to impress many of the visitors, we doubt not he will
find his anxiety and urbanity rewarded.

In his speech at the anniversary dinner of the Society of Arts, held last week, the Chairman of Council (Mr. C. Wentworth Dilke), afforded some useful information respecting the proposed Exhibition of 1861. From his remarks, it appears that the project for that Exhibition was not stopped. Circumstances over which they had no control had unhappily produced continental war; but he ventured to say that the proposed Exhibition was simply postponed.

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notions as to the modus operandi with war balloons. In the Aerostatic Magazine for this year I devoce a chapter to Balloons for Reconnoitring,' but as extracts may be too lengthy I will briefly observe that balloons may be used with long wire ropes attached (kite fashion) without being let go, which might endanger their falling in an enemy's camp. 2. There is no real necessity that the balloon should be within close range of large or small shot, as an angle of elevation proportioned to the distance would afford the required information. 3. Hydrogen gas, generated by the decomposition of water, would enable balloons to be inflated in whatever locality desirable. Balloons may also be made the vehicles of laying a temporary electric wire or thread in any direction required. A large revolving drum beneath the car might contain many miles of thin wire, and pay it out as desired. Certain indications would be required to mark its coarse, but this could be easily managed. In this way a network of electrical communication might be established. Like spiders the balloon could spin away in various directions, and if one part of the web gave way the main lines might be depended upon to convey intelligence."

the Committee of Council on Education:-My Lords The following Minute has been recently passed by proceed to revise the Minutes which have been passed in the Science and Art Department for the encouragement of scientific instruction among the industrial classes of this country who have already received primary education. I. All former Minues relating to Science or Trade Schools, and Scientite class instruction, except those referring to Navigation, Public Lectures, and the training of Teachers (18 hereafter appended), are hereby cancelled, and the following regulations are substituted in their plac. II. The Science and Art Department will hereafter assist the industrial classes of this country in supplying themselves with instruction in the rudiments d-1, Practical and Descriptive Geometry, with Mechanical and Machine Drawing and Building Construction; 2, Physics; 3, Chemistry; 4, Geology and Mineralogy (applied to Mining); 5, Natural History, by augmentation grants in aid of salary to competent Teachers, grants for apparatus, etc. III. Any School or Science and by payments and prizes on successful results, and Class either existing or about to be established and duly approved by the Science and Art Department, Teacher, or for the certification of any Teacher, ir any may apply, through its Managers, for a Certificcted one or more of the above-named branches of Science IV. Examinations for certificates of three grades ofcompetency to teach any of the above-named Sciencs will be held annually by the Department, in the las week of November, in the Metropolis, as follows:-Nos. 1, 2, and 5 at South Kensington; No. 3 at the Royal College of Chemistry, Oxford-street; No. 4 at the School of Mines, Jermyn-street. V. Annua grants, in augmentation of salaries of Teachers so certified to teach in any of the above-mentioned Sciaces, will be given as follows:-For the 1st grade of competency, £20; for the 2nd grade of competency, £5; for the 3rd grade of competency, £10. Any Teacher holding a certificate of competency to give primarynstruction will receive, from the Science and Art Department, a attached to such certificate, in addition to the grants sum equal to the augmentation grant which has been

above-mentioned.

made while the Teacher is giving instruction in a VI. Such grants vill only be School or Science Class for the industrial classes, approved by the Department. VII. The Department will require that suitable premises shall be found and

See Vol. I. (New Series), p. 352.

maintained at the cost of the locality where the School or Class is held; that the names of ten students shall be entered whose fees for half a year shall have been paid in advance; and that the local Managers shall guarantee, for the support of the Schools and Teachers, from fees or local funds, a sum at least equal to the grants so long as they shall be paid. If at any time neither fees of pupils nor local funds cover the requisite amount, it must be inferred that there is no demand for instruction in the abovenamed Sciences in that locality, which the Govern ment is justified in aiding; and the assistance of the Department will be withdrawn. VIII. Every School or Class having a certified teacher will be inspected and examined once a year by the Department, and Queen's prizes of an honorary kind will be awarded to successful students. IX. Payments will be made to the teacher on each first-class Queen's prize obtained by the student, £3; on each second-class, £2; and on each third-class, £1. X. A grant towards the purchase of apparatus, fittings, diagrams, etc., of 50 per cent. on the cost of them, will continue to be afforded to Schools and Classes in Mechanics' and similar Institutions.

Patents for Inventions.

ABRIDGED SPECIFICATIONS OF PATENTS. THE abridged Specifications of Patents given below are classified, according to the subjects 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 abridgements 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 acknowledgement :STEAM ENGINES, &c., 2674, 2686, 2693, 2708, 2711, 2717. BOILERS AND THEIR FURNACES, 2641, 2656, 2658. ROADS AND VEHICLES, including railway plant and carriages, saddlery and harness, &c., 2646, 2701, 2709, 2710. SHIPS AND BOATS, including their fittings, 2640, 2651, 2671, 2699.

CULTIVATION OF THE SOIL, including agricultural and horticultural implements and machines. None. FOOD AND BEVERAGES, including apparatus for preparing food for men and animals, 2652, 2665. FIBROUS FABRICs, including machinery for treating fibres, pulp, paper, &c., 2647, 2654, 2657, 2661, 2677, 2679, 2684, $191, 2694, 2697, 2698, 2704, 2715, 2720. BUILDINGS AND BUILDING MATERIALS, including sewers, drain-pipes, brick and tile machines, &c., 2642, 2643, 2675. LIGHTING, HEATING, AND VENTILATING, 2659, 2662, 2669, 2673, 2680, 2692, 2705.

PURNITURE AND APPAREL, including household utensils, time-keepers, jewellery, musical instruments, &c., 2642,

2576, 2678, 2683, 2687, 2703, 2718.

METALS, including apparatus for their manufacture, 2700.
CHEMISTRY AND PHOTOGRAPHY, 2644, 2649, 2667, 2682, 2706.
ELECTRICAL APPARATUS, 2670, 2714.
WARFARE, 266-4, 2668.

LETTER PRESS PRINTING &c. None.
MISCELLANEOUS, 2645, 2648, 2650, 2653, 2655, 2660, 2663,
2666, 2667, 2672, 2677, 2678, 2681, 2682, 2685, 2688, 2689,
2690, 2693, 2694, 2695, 2696, 2702, 2707, 2709, 2712, 2713,
2715, 2716, 2719.

2640. H. JORDAN. Improvements applicable to navigable ressels. Dated November 20, 1858.

Tais comprises various novel features in the build and rig of iron and wooden ships, the details of which are too voluminous to find space in our pages. Patent completed. 2641. D. EVANS. Improvements in tubular steam-boilers and fire-places or furnaces used therewith. Dated November 20, 1858.

In constructing a tubular steam-boiler, the patentee forms across the fire-box a horizontal or somewhat inelined water-chamber, open to the sides of the fire-box and also to the body of the boiler. Through this water-chamber numerous tubes pass, the ends of which are respectively fixed in the upper and lower plates of the chamber. The upper surface of the chamber is to receive the fuel, and the draft is caused to pass down through the fuel and down through the tubes into a chamber below, and thence the products of combustion pass through numerous horizontal, inclined, or upright tubes through the body of the boiler into the chimney. To heat water in a separate tank, or in the tender of a locomotive engine, an arrangement of hollow or tubular fire-bars is used. Patent completed. $42. L. PERCIVALL and J. HOUGHTON. Improvements in attaching knobs of glass, china, and earthenware, to the spindles of locks and latches, and to drawers and other articles. Dated November 20, 1858.

The inventors make that part of the spindle which enters the knob of any other than a cylindrical form. A screw passed from the front of the knob engages in the end of the spindle, and fixes the knob thereon. A washer and socket may be put on to the spindle between the shoulder of the snob and the lock or latch to prevent friction of the shoulder of the knob against the door. There is also an arrangement for attaching knobs when rotary motion in the knob is not required. Patent abandoned.

2643. J. Yorso. Improvements in fastenings for window aashes and casements, and in chain used in suspending. Dated November 20, 1858. This consists, 1, in applying locking mechanism to

window sashes, &c.; 2, in making chain for suspending | other varieties may be obtained, which can be still further window sashes, &c., of alternate cast, single links, and wrought or stamped double links, the said links being jointed together by pins. Patent completed.

varied as desired, according to the number of times the fabric is allowed to pass through the machine. A bright

finish or lustre is given to the fabric by the rubbing action of the two surfaces of the roller and bowl. Patent com

2644. H. SWAN. Improvements in stereoscopes and other optical instruments, and in stands or supports for stereo-pleted. scopes. Dated November 20, 1858.

In arranging steoroscopes, the standard, which connects the stage of the instrument with the frame in which the glasses are fixed, is divided transversely into two parts, and in one of these parts two projecting wires or prongs are fixed and these enter corresponding holes in the other part. The holes are lined with cloth so that sufficient friction may be offered to the sliding of the prongs in the holes to retain them in any position in which they may be placed. When the instrument is in use it is held by a button attached to the lower part of the standard, and the adjustment of the distance between the picture and the glasses is effected by placing the end of the thumb in a recess formed in the upper portion of the standard, moving it up or down till the proper distance is found. The portions of the standard may be either rigidly fixed to the stage and to the frame of the glasses, or may be attached

by hinges furnished with springs similar to the springs of a pocket knife. There are other arrangements included. Patent abandoned.

2645. H. BODEN and T. COOPER. Improvements in platting or braiding machinery. Dated November 20, 1858. Provisional protection has not been granted for this invention. Patent abandoned. 2646. H. GARDINER. Improvements in the compound axle hub and wheel for railroad cars. Dated Nov. 20, 1858. This consists, 1, in having the joints of the compound axle within the hub and within the line of pressure upon the wheel, and in constructing and arranging the parts constituting the hub in connection with a cylindrical sleeve or case (also within the hnb) over the joint, so as to hold the parts together with sufficient strength, and so as to permit the wheels to turn independently of each other and of the main part of the axle, and for the most part to permit the two wheels and the whole compound axle to make their rotation together. 2. In constructing the hub and combining the parts of the hub and the plates so that the wheel plates are set into a mortice between the rings constituting the sections of the hub, while the exterior or edges of the wheel plates are upset so as to secure and hold the tyre very firmly. 3. In adapting a wheel constructed of a solid hub to the compound axle with the joint within the hub. Patent completed.

2647. C. H. MELLOR. An improved manufacture of woven fabrics. Dated November 22, 1858.

This consists in combining honeycomb weaving with plain, twilled, fancy, or double weaving. Patent abandoned.

2648. R. NELSON. Inprovements in apparatus for raising and lifting water and other liquids. Dated

November 22, 1858.

Here the patentee obtains a vacuum by the ignition of heated hydro-carbon fluids, such as turpentine, naptha, and alcohol. The invention is not described apart from the drawings. Patent completed.

2649. F. A. THEROULDE, Improvements in obtaining salts and products from the ashes of marine plants. Dated November 22, 1858.

Here a concentrated solution is prepared from the ashes by causing successive quantities of water to pass through successive layers of ash. Patent completed.

2650. S. W. JOHNSON and J. VARLEY. Improvements in pressure and vacuum gauges. Dated November 22, 1858. This invention was described and illustrated at page 74 of the MECHANICS' MAGAZINE. (New Series.) Patent completed.

2651. A. V. NEWTON. Improved apparatus for propelling and steering vessels. (A communication.) Dated November 22, 1858.

The object here is to effect the steering of the vessel by the propeller itself, the axis of which is made moveable for the purpose. Patent completed.

2652. E. H. BENTALL. An improvement in the construction of turnip-cutters. Dated November 22, 1858.

This relates to a method of discharging the dirt and the chips made in turnip-cutters so that they may be collected separately from the other and clean portions of the cut root or turnip. The invention applies chiefly to the gardener or barrel turnip-cutter, and consists in providing it with an additional spout or discharge to receive and convey away those portions of the root that do not pass through the knives, and find their way into the barrel, but lie outside the barrel until they are discharged. Patent completed.

2653. T SPENCER. Improvements in the manufacture or construction of springs. Dated November 22, 1858.

This relates, 1, to "Baillies" volute springs, and consists in forming the coils with ribs or projections upon them for strengthening the coils and preventing them from pressing or rubbing their whole surface upon each other when the spring is being compressed. It relates, 2, to laminated springs, and consists in dispensing with the slits and studs, or ribs, by forming at the ends of the plates small hollow ribs or projections, the underside, or cavity, formed in making these ribs upon the upper plates fitting upon the ribs or projections upon the under plates or vice versa. Patent completed.

2654. W. RALSTON. Improvements in embossing and finishing woven fabrics, and in the machinery or apparatus employed therein. Dated November 23, 1858.

The patentee employs a roller of wood or metal, and grooves or indents upon it any desired design, and causes it to revolve with a bowl or bowls of paper, &c. He gives the circumference of the pattern roller a quicker motion than the circumference of one of the bowls, so as to obtain a frictional action upon the surface of the fabric as well as pressure, so that if the fabric is moved transversely when fed to the machine, an indefinite number of watering patterns may be given to the fabric at one operation or passage; but if two operations be given, moire antique or

2655. W. H. Dawes. An improvement in forge hammers, and in the anvils used with forge hammers and squeezers. Dated Nov. 23, 1858.

Here the patentee makes a series of channels or passages in the tools of the said hammers and anvils, the chambers, &c., being made in a plane parallel to that of the working surface, and as near the surface as possible. By causing water to circulate through the channels, &c., the forge hammer and anvils are kept cool. Patent completed.

2656. W. GORMAN. Improvements in furnaces and in the combustion of fuel, and in apparatus connected therewith. Dated Nov. 23, 1858.

This relates to a process of burning gaseous fuel in draught furnaces, such as are usually employed for generating steam in steam boilers, and consists in preventing air from getting up through the incandescent or highlyheated coke lying on the grate bars when a fresh charge of

coal is laid on, and while the gaseous or more volatile part of the coal is being evolved. The stopping or limiting of the access of air to the coke undergoing combustion prevents the production of carbonic acid gas which ordinarily mingles with and prevents or injures the combustion of those gases which are being evolved from the superincumbent fresh charge of fuel. The furnace is thus converted into a kind of gas retort, and it is only necessary to supply sufficient air for the combustion of the gases arising from the newly-laid-on coals by the heat of the coke. Air may be admitted above the fire at the door, bridges, or sides of the furnace to assist in the combustion of the gases. Patent completed.

2657. J. FAIRWEATHER. Improvements in weaving bags, sacks, and other tubular fabrics. Dated Nov. 23, 1858.

This refers to bags or sacks for guano, grain, coals, &c., which are mostly made of "jute," or a combination of jute with tow or flax, and frequently with coloured stripes or cotton selvages. The inventor proposes, 1, to employ two sets of warps, and to weave the fabrics double, and either with or without a cord or cords or band of any kind being woven in the cloth at that part of it where the seam usually exists. These cords or bands will give strength and shape to the bag or sack, and they may be formed with loops for hanging or lifting the sack when full; or the cords may be used for tying the mouth of the sack. 2. He proposes to weave one, two, three or more sacks at the same time by weaving a strip or strips of united cloth (that is, weaving the two warps together) between each sack and cutting it after it is woven. Patent abandoned.

2658. N. F. BOREIKO DE CHODZKO. A smoke-preventing apparatus. Dated Nov. 23, 1858.

This relates to an arrangement of coking apparatus to be applied to the upper portion of the front end or mouth of a steam boiler or other furnace of a similar construction, whereby the fresh charge of green fuel is freed from its smoke and combustible gases and coked before being introduced into the body of the furnace. The apparatus consists of a closed chamber placed at the upper part of the front of the furnace, fitted with feeding doors, and supplied with one or more reversing grates upon which the green fuel is deposited. These grates turn upon centres, and are each provided with a hollow shaft which constitutes the turning axis of the grate. To facilitate the turning or reversing of the grates a handle is fitted on to the front end of each hollow axis. The object of making the axis hollow is to enable a supply of air to enter through such axis into the furnace immediately hehind the coking compartment, at which point a deflecting plate is fitted for deflecting such air with the smoke and gases from the green fuel down on to the incandescent fuel in the body of the furThe charge having been coked, the grates are reversed, whereupon it falls into the dead plate and is pushed forward into the furnace. Patent abandoned.

nace.

2659. A. V. NEWTON. Improvements in retorts for generating illuminating gas. (A communication.) Dated Nov. 23, 1858.

This relates to a novel construction of upright retort, which presents a very large internal heated surface, so arranged as to cause the fluid substance from which the gas is to be generated to be received on a portion of the surface of the retort that is but moderately heated, and to be conveyed gradually from the coolest to the hottest part of the retort, thereby preventing the distillation of the gasmaking material into volatile oil, and preventing in a great degree its carbonization on the surface of the retort. The retort is fitted with a helical or screw-like column, having a central tube in which are lateral openings between the threads of the column. A case or cover fits closely to and around the surfaces of these threads, and combines with the column to make a helical passage. The column is supported upon feet which rest on the bottom of the retort, and the case or cover has an opening or openings between it and the bottom of the retort. In the cover of the retort an opening is made and fitted with a lid, which is sealed or luted with fusible alloy, but which can be taken off to admit air to the retort, to burn out any residuary matters which may be deposited on the interior surfaces of the retort in the gas-making process, thereby obviating the necessity of removing the entire head or cover of the retort. Patent abandoned.

2660. A. V. NEWTON. Improved machinery for sweeping floors. Dated November 23, 1858.

This invention consists in hanging a revolving brush at or near one of its journals in a bridle, and attaching the opposite end of the same bridle at such a point on the case of the machine between the centre of the driving wheel and the other journal of the brush as to make the machine self-adjusting, that is, so that the driving power applied to the wheel shall exceed under all circumstances the friction of the whole brush on the carpet over which it may be traversed, thereby enabling the machine to sweep as lightly or as heavily as may be desired: the peculiarity of this ar

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