2688. M. A. F. MENNONS. An improved manufacture of leather. (A communication). Dated Nov. 26, 1858. The object here is the production of a semi-transparent leather susceptible of many of the applications of ivory, bone, whalebone, and analogous materials. The raw hides are soaked in a solution of lime to remove the hair, &c., and are afterwards submitted to intense pressure. Patent abandoned.

2689. G. RICHARDSON. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for pressing bales of goods. (A communication.) Dated Nov. 26, 1858. Here it is proposed to arrange any required number of presses below the roadway of a railway siding. These presses consist of rams or pistons working in chambers of stone or wood and fitted each with a piston rod, the top of which carries an anti-friction roller, and projects, say feet above the level of the rails in the centre of the roadway. The chambers are fitted with side doors, and suitable fastenings for the facility of introducing the goods and removing the compressed bales, and the top and bottompressing surfaces are grooved to admit of bands being placed around the bales. The pistons of the presses are forced down by the travelling over them and along the line of a loaded truck having a bar or beam attached beneath it longitudinally in an inclined position, the highest end going first. As the truck passes along, the inclined bar passes over the several piston rods and depresses them. The pistons when compressed are held down by self-acting catches, which, when released by hand, allow the pistons to rise again by the action of counter-weights. Patent abandoned.

2690. T. B. HUBBELL and G. J. ROLLASON. Improved apparatus for brightening and polishing metal surfaces. Dated November 26, 1858.

This consists in forming polishing apparatuses by uniting several discs of leather, felt, &c., by sewing them together by one or more rows of stitches, the outer row being some distance from the periphery of the discs, so as to leave the outer edges of the discs open that they may hold between them the polishing powder. Patent abandoned.

2601. J. B. BOOTH. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for preparing, spinning, doubling, and winding cotton and other fibrous materials. Dated Nov. 26, 1858. This invention is not described apart from the drawings. Patent completed.

2692. W. RICHARDS. Improvements in the construction of gas-meters. Dated November 26, 1858.

This consists in constructing the measuring wheel or drum with chambers having a diminished capacity near the axle. The patentee attains this end by forming the wheel with sides inclining inwards towards the axle instead of making the sides parallel to each other; thus the great variation in the measuring capacity of the chambers at present experienced by the alteration of water line will be reduced to an inconsiderable amount. When using this construction of drum-wheel the part called the hollow cover can be made flat or concave (the conical space at the inlet side of the wheel allowing sufficient space for the insertion of the spout) and thus a broader drum than heretofore can be mounted in a given size of case. In addition to contracting the measuring chambers laterally near the axis of the drum he proposes to place the cross partitions which divide the wheel or drum into chambers at a much greater angle to the axis than heretofore, in order that the resistance to the water may be as uniform as possible, and he so arranges the inlet and outlet passages of each measuring chamber that the bulk of water entering by the inlet to displace the gas shall be as nearly as possible equal to that of gas replacing the water in the outlet. It further proposes to place a plumb valve at the back of the meter (the opposite side to that at which the float is situated), which will serve to prevent surreptitious abstraction of gas by the meter being tilted forward. Patent completed. 2693. P. GRIFFITHS and J. BRENNAND. Improvements in lubricators for introducing lubricating matter into steam cylinders and other chambers or parts under pressure. Dated November 26, 1858.

This invention is not described apart from the drawings. Patent completed. 2004. J. SPRATT. Improvements in the manufacture and strengthening of paper. Dated November 27, 1858.

This consists in combining yarn or threads with paper pulp while in the form of a sheet as it is formed in the paper-making machine for adding strength to the paper. In course paper wire is applied. Patent abandoned.

2695. J. TANGYE. An improvement in hydraulic presses. Dated November 27, 1858.

This consists in making the cistern in the base of the press, the said base being hollow. The invention is not described apart from the drawings. Patent completed. 2696. J. RAMSBOTTOM. Improvements in machinery or apparatus applicable to water metres, and to indicating and regulating the flow and pressure of fluids generally, and in obtaining motive power from the same. Dated Nov. 27, 1858.

Tais consists, 1, in constructing the valve and water ways so that whether the valve be flat, or plug shaped, relatively to each other the supply and exit ways shall be open whilst the valve shall traverse over one-third more space than was accomplished in the former mode of construction. 2. In constructing the valve in a slightly different manner, and in using it inverted as a seating, upon which a boss shall rotate containing a cavity of suitable size into which the fluid shall pass during a certain portion of the revolution, and out of which it shall escape for use during another portion of the revolution. The boss must be uitably ground upon the seating, and carry a wheel worked by a worm or pinion situated at right angles, such worm or pinion to be actuated by any motion, and the arrangement thus made available for lubrication. 3. In an improved arrangement if actuating valves by the expansive force of a series of two or more metals which are acted upon differently by the same temperature. Patent completed.

2007. G. COLLIER. Improvements in means or apparatus employed in weaving. Dated November 27, 1858. The object here is the obtaining of an elastic beat up to

the batten or lay, capable of being varied in power or
degree. The links or arms which usually connect the lay
or batten to the crank or other means employed to
govern the extent of motion to the batten, in this case
connect the cranks, or equivalent to a separate arm or arms
rising from or near to the axis of the lay swords, so that
the batten or lay may, except when otherwise controlled,
be capable of considerable vibration, and the connection of
the batten or lay with the separate arm or arms, so as to
cause them to move together for the time required, is
effected by a lever or levers with catch or catches operated
by cams or tappets in such manner that the batten and
separate arm or arms moved together for a time, and then
by the batten being released, an elastic beat is obtained,
varying in power or degree with the time when, in the
rotation of the crank shaft, the batten becoming released.
The separate arm or arms may be connected with or with-
out hinge joint, and a spring or springs may be employed
to aid the motion of the batten in beating up. Also the
invention relates to effecting the motion to beat up by a
spring or springs, and in giving motion to the batten or
lay in the direction from the cloth by means of cams or
tappets acting upon links or connections from the batten
or lay, the links or connections being attached to the
batten or lay at or near where the links are usually con-
nected when using the ordinary crank motion. The in-
vention further relates to preventing the fabric from
creasing as it is taken by the work roller, by stretching the
fabric breadthwise by means of rollers with roughened
surfaces, or with the peripheries provided with teeth.
Patent abandoned.

2698. R. ALEXANDER. Improvements in treating, pre-
paring, and bleaching textile fabrics and other materials.
Dated November 27, 1858.

Here the fabrics are passed in an open sheet form slowly through steam chests, instead of being subjected to the boiling process. Patent completed.

2699. F. C. KINNEAR and D. POSENER. Improvements in the means of preserving life and property in navigation. Dated November 27, 1858.

This consists in the attachment of inflated air-tight tubes or bags to the internal or external sides of ships, &c. The material preferred for making the tubes or bags is that known as double texture or Mackintosh cloth. Patent abandoned.

2700. H. L. PATTINSON. Improvements in utilising the heat of slags of iron and other works. Dated November 27, 1858.

This consists in employing by the aid of suitable apparatus the waste heat of slags of iron in the heating of arciform and other fluids. The apparatus may be varied, but it is preferred that the hot slags should be caused to move through suitable channels, whilst the air or other fluid is contained in other contiguous channels, and by preference caused to move in an opposite direction to that in which the slags move. Patent completed.

2701. C. BURRELL. Improvements in traction engines and carriages. Dated November 27, 1858.

In constructing the wheels which run on the portable railways trough or double angle iron is used, so that there are two rows of iron spokes to each wheel, the outer ends of which are fixed to the trough iron or double angle iron ring, and there are openings or spaces through the trough or double angle iron for the passage between the two rows of spokes of the A formed bars or projections which connect the shoes constituting the portable railway with the wheel, the shoes being each formed with two parallel rails on their upper surfaces on which the tyre of the wheel runs, the A formed bar or projection being fixed to the shoe between such parallel rails and the guide irons, for such projections are fixed to the trough or double angle iron so as to come on each side of the projections. In gearing the main or driving shaft with the driving wheels pinions are affixed (one at each end of the driving shaft) which when in action gear into the cog wheels on the driving wheels of the carriage, and the boiler and engines are so carried by the axle of the driving wheels that they may be raised or lowered thereon by screws and levers, by which means both or either of the pinions on the main driving shaft may be put in gear with the cog wheels of the driving wheels of the carriage, or both the pinions may be out of gear with these cog wheels according as the end of the boiler is raised or lowered in respect to the main or driving shaft. Patent completed. 2702. G. B. SANDER. Improvements in jugs. Dated November 27, 1858.

This consists in applying to the covers of jugs a moveable
stop to prevent the cover rising further than is requisite to
allow the liquid to be poured out, but which can be turned
out of the way to allow of the cover being fully opened to
fill or clean the jug. Patent completed.

2703. W. TILLIE. An improvement in the manufacture
of shirts and shirt fronts. Dated November 27, 1858.
This consists in printing linen, &c., so that material for
the whole front part of a shirt, together with wristbands
and collars may be furnished by one breadth of cloth, the
front being without folds, but printed with any suitable
pattern, and the collar and wristbands being likewise orna-
mented. Patent abandoned.

2704. S. DIGGLE. Improvements in pattern chains or
other such apparatus used in weaving. Dated Nov. 27, 1858.
This relates to the pattern chains or other such apparatus
used for shifting the position of the shuttles in what are
commonly called "rising box looms," and also to other
pattern chains or similar apparatus used in fancy weaving
for shedding the warp, &c. The invention is not described
apart from the drawings. Patent completed.

2705. H. GERNER. Improvements in the mode of and apparatus for manufacturing gas for illumination and heating. Dated November 27, 1858.

The inventor mounts by preference a vertical retort in a furnace and fits the retort with one or more pipes for conducting thereto the material to be converted into gas. When making illuminating gas he uses a retort fitted with a pipe for supplying the liquid hydro-carbon to be converted into rich carburetted hydrogen gas, and also a second

pipe for supplying water which is intended to yield pure hydrogen. These pipes each terminate in a pierced coil, and the coils are surmounted with scrap iron, &c., which fills the retort about two-thirds full. Pressure being put upon the fluids by the elevation of the water and hydrocarbon tanks a continuous supply is afforded to the retort. These fluids flowing down their respective pipes and circulating round the coil find an exit through the perforations in the coils in the form of fine streams of vapour, which on coming in contact with the red hot scrap iron in the retort become converted into gas. The hydrogen gas obtained by the separation of the water into its elements is generated at the hottest part of the retort and travelling upwards it meets with the hydro-carbon gas, and mingling therewith takes up and chemically combines with the excess of carbon that would otherwise be deposited in the retort. The combined gases then pass off by a syphon pipe into a purifying vessel where they are cooled and made fit for burning. When manufacturing gas for heating purposes he dispenses with the use of the liquid hydro-carbon and the apparatus employed in supplying it to the retort and obtains the gas solely by the decomposition of water into its elements. Patent abandoned.

2706. L. A. Possoz, Manufacturing alkalies, and obtaining simultaneously other chemical products. Dated November 29, 1858.

This consists principally in certain processes in which soda or potash is employed in the state of chlorides, sulphates, silicates, crude salts or other alkaline combinations. The salts being brought into the state of caustic potash or soda, the alkali is heated with organic substances azoted or not, and if azoted he obtains from them ammonia, but in any case he obtains oxalates, acetates, corbonates of potash or soda, which has not been hitherto accomplished. In this manufacture he does not use again the acetates and carbonates first used by submitting them each time to a new process of caustication to render them useful again, but he takes each time the caustic alkalie which he wants from the low priced salts, and obtains by his process acetates and carbonates cither by purifying them ready for sale in a commercial form, or using them to produce cyanures or other chemical products. Patent completed.

2707. G. OATES. Improvements in the manufacture of scissors. (A communication.) Dated November 29, 1858. This relates to the introduction of dies in the process of scissors making by which a uniform configuration of the sides or bows may be obtained, and elaborate ornamentation impressed upon them at a relatively small cost. invention is not described apart from the drawings. Patent completed.

The

2708. M. STARBUCK. A static pressure engine. Dated November 29, 1858.

This consists in the application of a static pressure to produce a continuous movement from which the static pressure (minus the friction of the engine) can be continually given off for moving any machinery to which the engine may be applied. Patent abandoned.

2709. F. S. PERRARE-MICHAL. Improvements in the manufacture of bridles (without bits and without curbchains) for riding, driving, or otherwise conducting horses. Dated November 29, 1858.

This bridle is constructed as follows:-The head stall is the same as those now in use, except the part called the nose-band, which has on the inside a small piece of steel, &c.; it is placed in the centre so as to press on the nose of the animal, the pressure being obtained by the connection it has with the apparatus intended to replace the bit, and by which the animal is guided. This apparatus consists of two pieces of steel, &c., connected together by a bar or bars of the same metal; one of these bars passes over the animal's nose, and acts as a lever lifting up and down; the other bar goes into the mouth, but does not in any way affect or press on the animal's mouth; the bar or lever passing over the nose has two rings to which are attached the reins, and it is by these reins that the lever is lifted up or down, and consequently pressed more or less on the animal's nose. The apparatus is fixed to the head stall by buckles, and at each side the branch of the apparatus enters into a long loop on either side of the head stall. Patent abandoned.

2710. G. COLLIER and W. NOBLE. Improvements in means or apparatus for the manufacture of spokes for carriage wheels, which improvements are also applicable to the cutting of wood for other purposes. Dated November 29, 1858.

Here the wood to be cut is held endwise as in a lathe, and so that rotary motion may be given to it, whilst it is acted upon by two rotary and traversing cutters. One of these cutters in its rotation during its traverse simply acts to reduce the outer surface of the wood to a cylindrical character. The other cutter is also capable of a motion in a direction to or from the wood to be cut, and a projection or follower from the sliding table supporting it is constantly borne towards a model spoke or other form being copied, and which is caused to rotate simultaneously with the wood to be cut, by which the article cut will by this second cutter be cut to the figure of the model. In order to give steadiness to the wood being cut especially towards the centre of its length, it passes through a fixed trace or support of a form suited to embrace the wood just after being operated upon by the first cutter, and before being acted upon by the second. The cutters employed for cutting spokes and such like articles are of a disc form with cutting edges formed across the periphery in an angular direction, and such cutting surface of each cutter is partly cylindrical and partly curved to a smaller diameter, so as to enable them progressively to cut from the outer surface to the depth desired, and the face of the cutter in the directionof its cutting is all round it, near its cutting edge, recessed or dished, so as to admit of sharpness at those parts. Patent completed.

2711. W. E. NEWTON. Improved expansion or cut-off gear for steam-engines. (A communication.) Dated November 29, 1858.

This consists in certain combinations of vibrating arms, vibrating links, rods, and lifters, whereby the "cut off"

valve is opened, and subsequently tripped by a continuation of the same movement by which the opening is effected. It further consists in certain devices operating in combination with the lifting and tripping apparatus for rendering the trip motion variable to cut off the steam at different points within the first half of the stroke of the engine. Patent completed.

2712. G. HADFIELD. Improvements in the construction of car-boys, barrels, and other vessels of capacity. Dated November 29, 1858.

Here the patentee makes the vessel which is to constitute the lining of any required shape, and surrounds it with staves which are bound together by hoops, and into the space between the inner vessel or lining and the casing or envelope he runs liquid asphalte, plaster of Paris, or other suitable filling which will unite or cement the parts together, and thus form a firm structure. Patent completed.

2713. W. PARSONS. Doing away with the smell arising from the melting fat, tallow, &c., and also for an improvement in stirring and straining the same. Dated November 29, 1858.

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

2714. C. HANCOCK. Certain improvements in the insulation and manufacture of electric telegraph wires and cables. Dated November 29, 1858.

The patentee takes two strips of india-rubber, and having coated the inner surfaces of such strips with solution of india-rubber, he lays between them longitudinally the conducting wire or wires, and then presses the solutioned surfaces closely together either by the use of grooved rollers or otherwise. Or instead of two strips he uses a single strip of a greater and of sufficient width to enclose the conducting wire or wires, and having solutioned the same he presses and closes the same together longitudinally upon and around the conducting wire or wires. The patentee also insulates telegraph wires by laying upon them either spirally or longitudinally one or more strips, strands, or coverings of cloth, calico, &c., rendered waterproof and airproof by the usual means. There are various modifications included. Patent completed.

2715. J. LEA and W. A. SHERRING. Improvements in the treatment of vegetable fibres for the manufacture of paper, spinning, and other purposes. Dated Nov. 29, 1858.

This consists, 1, in subjecting the fibres after they have been boiled in a solution of caustic alkali, soda, potash, &c., and before they are bleached, to the action of a solution of chloride of lime, &c., and of acids containing sulphur or chlorine with or without the addition of soda. 2. In subjecting the fibres, after being treated as above, to the action of a heating engine, and also to the action of a solution of caustic soda or potash. The fibres are then bleached by the ordinary process. Patent abandoned.

2716. W. A. HENRY. Improvements in machinery or apparatus for attaching the soles and heels of boots and shoes to the upper leathers, and in the fastenings employed for that purpose. Dated Nov. 29, 1858.

The screw-inserting machine consists of a horizontal or vertical rotating spindle fitted with a driving pulley and capable of sliding freely in a longitudinal direction within its bearings during its rotation. The front or lower extemity of this spindle (according as it is placed horizontally or vertically) is fitted with nipping mechanism for holding the fastening to be inserted into the sole, such mechanism being actuated by a pair of double headed slotted plyers which grip two collars carried by the spindle, one collar being fast thereon and enabling the spindle to be slid to and fro in its bearings by hand, whilst the other collar is loose and capable of sliding freely along and revolving round the spindle. To this loose collar, according to one arrangement, is connected by a link one pair of the nippers which hold the fastenings, the connection being so arranged that on sliding the loose collar in one direction or the other it will cause the nippers to open or shut. Or in lieu of the above an inclined sliding collar may be used worked by plyers for acting upon the nippers. A slotted bracket serves as a guide to the plyers during its traverse by hand to and fro in following up the screw as it enters the sole, and in drawing back the spindle again to receive a fresh fastening. The last is held by a screw spindle in a tubular support capable of receiving the leg of the boot. This support turns in a collar in a sliding frame, which frame works in a second sliding frame, the direction of motion of the two slides being at right angles to each other. A rotary motion is imparted to the tubular support by hand direct, or by suitable gearing, and a stationary anti-friction pulley or fixed rest formed with a flange which bears upon the face of the sole is forced against it by a lever spring or weights so as to bring in close contact with each other the outer and inner sole and upper leather at the point where the screw is being inserted. This arrangement also enables the sole when rotated in conjunction with the slides above referred to, to present always the proper part to the action of the screw-inserting machine. One of the fastenings used consists of a short length of wire twisted into a helical form and has one end sharpened. Another form of fastening consists of a screw formed of wire slightly tapering with a gimblet point. Patent completed. 2717. J. H. JOHNSON, Improrements in locomotive engines. (A communication.) Dated Nov. 29, 1858. This relates to a construction of locomotive engines intended for steep gradients and sharp curves, and consists principally of a novel combination of the axles with the locomotive framing, and of an improved construction of framing whereby a transverse or lateral play is allowed to the hind axles and wheels, whilst the leading axles and wheels are stationary as regards lateral motion of their axle boxes. Patent completed.

2718. J. B. BLANJOT. Improved petticoats for ladies. Dated November 29, 1858.

This consists in constructing flounces or puffs on a petticoat made of horse hair, &c. These flounces or puffs are filled with down, feathers, or similar materials. Patent abandoned.

2719. L. A. NORMANDY, jun. Improvements in manufacturing files. (A communication.) Dated Nov. 29, 1858.

This consists in the use of two machines, the first of which replaces the smith, and the second cuts the files. The first is a species of rolling mill between the cylinders of which the blank files are passed. When these blank files have passed through the cylinders, which have grooves in their surface, they are nearly ready to be cut. The second machine consists principally of a slide rest on which the file is placed, and of a small hammer or stamper which strikes a chisel so as to cut the file. Patent abandoned.

2720. C. BEDELLS. Improvements in the manufacture of elastic fabrics, and in the machinery employed in this manufacture. Dated November 29, 1858.

Here the elastic fabric is manufactured by inserting a sheet of vulcanized india-rubber cemented on both sides between two other suitable fabrics. The operation is effected by suitably arranged rollers and drums. Patent completed.

Dated June 18, 1859.

1467. J. Luis, of Welbeck-st. A new system of wind-
mill. A communication from B. Z. Lethiers.
1468. J. Cox, of Wenlock-road, City-road, Engineer. Im-
provements in machinery or apparatus for cutting rags for
paper makers.

1469. A. Jeffery, of Commercial-road, Manufacturer. An
improved mode of giving rotary motion to projectiles fired
from rifled fire-arms.

1470. R. Bradshaw, of Camden Town, Dentist. Improvements in rotary steam-engines and pumps.

1471. R. Harper, Lace Maker, R. Stokes, Lace Maker, and T. Walker, Clock Maker, all of Derby. An improvement in the manufacture of chenille bonnet wreaths, and bonnet feathers.

1473. G. J. Parker, of Stoke Newington, Carpenter. A self-acting apparatus for giving alarm of fire, which is also useful in checking the same.

1474. W. Clark, of Chancery-lane. An improved method of supplying furnaces with hot air. A communication from A. C. Fletcher and G. A. Redman.

1475. P. F. Aerts, of Brussels, Civil Engineer. Improved apparatus for lubricating railway rolling stock, and the moving parts of machinery.

1476. J. Ransley, of Islington, Carriage Builder. An im-, proved brake for retarding railway and other carriages. 1477. J. Ransley, of Islington, Carriage Builder. An improved omnibus.

Dated June 20, 1859.

1479. J. Cox, Saddler's Ironmonger, of Birmingham, and S. and M. Frankham, Spur Manufacturers, of Walsall. Certain improvements in spurs for military and general

use.

1480. R. Laming, of Hampstead. Improvements in purifying gas, and in obtaining and reproducing materials useful for that purpose.

1481. C. L. J. Dierickx, Director of the Paris Mint. Improvements in coining.

1482. J. Edwards, of Aldermanbury. Improvements in the manufacture of iron rails.

1483. A. V. Newton, of Chancery-lane. Improved apparatus for blowing off water from steam-boilers. A communication from J. H. Washington.

1484. A. J. Hawkes, of Jewin-crescent. An improved triturating apparatus.

1485. W. Rowan, Engineer, of Belfast. Improvements in the generation of steam.

1486. T. C. Clarkson, of Stamford-st., Blackfriars, Manufacturer. Improvements in the manufacture of boots, shoes, and other articles.

Dated June 21, 1859.

1487. A. P. How, of Mark-lane, Engineer. Improvements in self-supplying distilling apparatus, and in apparatus for cooking combined therewith.

1489. E. Gwyn, of Islington, Gas Engineer. Improvements in breech-loading fire-arms. A communication from H. Gross.

1491. W. E. Newton, of Chancery-lane. An improvement in tailors' and other shears. A communication from J. H. Roome.

1493. A. Parkes, of Birmingham. Improvements in the manufacture of cylinders and tubes of copper, and alloys of copper.

Dated June 22, 1859.

1497. R. Smith, of Longridge, near Preston, Manufacturer. Improvements in apparatus applicable to looms for weaving fancy fabrics.

1499. A. Barclay, of Kilmarnock, Engineer. Improvements in steam hammers and pile-driving machines.

1501. C. Clarini, of New York. Making wrought metal nails by machinery.

1503. F. X. Kukla, Chemist, of Pentonville-road. Improvements in projectiles.

1505. T. Moore, of Pimlico. Improvements in knapsacks and mess-tins.

PATENT APPLIED FOR WITH COMPLETE
SPECIFICATION.

1500. G. T. Bonsfield, of Brixton. Improvements in ap-
paratus for winding thread of cotton or linen, or other
fibrous materials, or sewing silk, or similar articles, upon
bobbins or spools. A communication from L. C. Ives. Dated
June 22nd, 1859,

NOTICES OF INTENTION TO PROCEED WITH

PATENTS.

(From the London Gazette, July 5, 1859.) 488. W. Gossage. Utilizing alkali-waste.

492. G. Davies. Evaporating saccharine liquids. A communication.

493. U. Scott. Carriages.

498. H. B. Barlow. Condensing steam. A communication.

514. R. Fielden, jun., and T. Fielden. Pickers for looms.

521. J. Hine. Joint.

524. F. Brignoles. Alcohol. A communication. 531. C. Hall and C. Hall, jun. Steam agricultural machinery.

534. W. Hodson. Rotatory engines.

537. T. Cloake. Stopping carriages.

541. J. Edwards. Stacking ware for firing.

554. E. Roche. Cigarettes.

557. J. H. Johnson. Grease boxes. A communication.
579. J. M. Dunlop. Cleaning fibres.

584, W. P. Savage. Excavating and depositing soil.
585. F. Verdeil and E. Michel. Madder.
599. J. L. Jullion and G. Pirie. Gelatine.
653. W. Clark. Electric lamps. A communication.
706. W. C. Cambridge. Chain harrow.
713. S. Leoni. Articles of tale.
739. J. Evans. Paper.
889. J. H. Young.
908. W. H. Barlow.
1272. N. S. Dodge.
1274. N. S. Dodge.

cation.

Setting up and distributing types.
Beams and girders.
India-rubber. A communication.
India-rubber goods. A communi-

1299. J. Reynolds. Propelling vessels.
1389. W. H. Dorman and C. Cowper. Traction engines.
1418. H. J. Nicoll. Trousers.

1448. C. Wilkinson. Twisting yarns.

1454. A. V. Newton. Casting tubes. A communication. 1455. J. Harmar and W. Parsons. Fire-arms.

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

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 date of the Gazette in which the notice appears, by leaving at the Commissioners' office particulars in writing of the ⚫bjection to the application.

LIST OF SEALED PATENTS.
Sealed July 1, 1859.

17. J. Harris.

19. G. Skinner and J. Whalley.

97. T. Elwell.
150. P. A. Viette.
150. H. Gallon, J. II.

29. W. Renton, T. Renton, Bean, and S. Lumb. and W. Binns.

33. J. B. Joyce.

34. W. Hood.

168. J. H. Johnson.

258. C. E. Amos and J. Francis.

312. S. D. Davison.

314. M. Smith.

884. W. E. Newton.

962. H. H. Vivian.

1056. J. and W. Stuart. 1136. J. H. Johnson. 1144. J. Frearson.

Sealed July 5, 1859.

S d s d S d s d Is d 3 d 2661 0 S 26760 3 26900 3 27040 5 27180 527320 3 2662 10 26770 3 26910 10 27050 3 27191 02733 1 1 2663 0 6 26780 6 2692 0 10 27060 4 2720 4 27340 6 2664 0 3 26790 7 2693 0 7 27070 627210 8 27350 3 2665 0 3 2680 0 10 2694 0 327080 327220 3 2736,0 10 2666 1 0 26810 5 26950 5 2709 0 3 275 1 7 27370 3 2668 0 3 26820 3 26960 7 27101 7 10 3 27380 6 2669 0 11 2683 0 6 2697 0 3 27110 7 27 26700 3 2684 0 3 2698 1 4 27120 9 272 0 2671 0 3 2683 0 3 2699 0 327130 9 27270 26720 4 2686 0 3 27000 3 27140 4 27280 2673,0 3 2687 1 3 2701 1 127150 8 27290 26741 026880 3 27020 10 2716 0 11 2730 2675 0 10 2689 0 3 27030 3 27170 10 2731

FRIGATES:
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Galatea
CORVETTES:

Jason

SLOOPS:

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of 51 guns and 600 H. P.
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of 21 guns and 400 H. P.

66

"unforeseen contingency should arise, there "would be built of line-of-battle ships 19,606 tons; frigates, 15,897; corvettes, 5,130; sloops and gun-vessels, 5,651; total, 46,284, or more than double the tonnage built last year. During the present year we were converting five sail of the line and four 50-gun frigates. This was entirely exclusive of con"tract built ships. Of marine engines we had at present in course of construction 14,570 "horse power, and orders had been given for "2,160-horse power more, making a total of "16,730-horse power."

66

Whether Sir Charles Wood will deem this

THE best friends of the late Government cannot deny that Sir John Pakington displayed too little regard for the reputation of his predecessor. To those who know nothing of dock- The Charybdis yard operations he successfully commended himself as a very remarkable contrast to Sir Charles Wood; and we doubt not many permysterious statement sufficient to "put an end sons even to this moment imagine that Sir "to these discussions" appears extremely doubtJohn gave us numerous line-of-battle ships as a clear increase upon what we should have had Here, then, we find that, in plain language, ful. We are rather disposed to think he will we have gained the St. George, Neptune, Tra- deem the statements which we have ourselves had Sir Charles remained in power. But this falgar, and Queen, at the expense of the Bac-given above much more satisfactory and conis an altogether vain belief. The work which chante, Galatea, Charybdis, Jason, Rinaldo, elusive. Sir John Pakington seemed scarcely can be done in the Royal Dockyards, with the Greyhound, and Pantaloon. In other words, convinced by Lord Paget's argument, for he ordinary staff of workmen, does not vary we have four converted line-of-battle ships deemed it necessary again to repeat, by way of with changes at the Admiralty Board. If we put extra strength upon one class of vessels we carrying 356 guns, and engines of 2,000 horse- reply, the oft-told tale of his own disinterestedmust take it off another. This is very well unness and perfect freedom from everything like power, in place of two frigates, two corvettes, and three sloops carrying 164 guns and engines, self-laudation, and even from party feeling, in derstood by persons experienced in dockyard of 2,750 horse-power. We do not intend to connection with the great question of our economy or dockyard extravagance, if any assert or imply that the exchange was unadvis- defences. prefer that term-and, of course, by no one better than by Sir Charles Wood himself. Norable, although, seeing that the French beat us was it to be expected that, with his knowledge battle ships, grave doubts may fairly be entermore in respect to frigates than of line-ofof the subject, Sir Charles should allow himself tained on that point. But what we do wish to to remain long under a cloud which a simple have understood is, that Sir John Pakington, fact or two was amply sufficient to disperse. notwithstanding all his boasting, has really Hence we were not in the least astonished when we had placed in our hands a printed official given us no miraculous increase of ships of war. paper entitled "A Return to an Order of the So many mistakes are made, and so much false Honourable the House of Commons, dated intelligence is propagated on this topic, that we "6th July, 1859," of the "ships and vessels deem it proper to aid in dispelling all illusions "added to the navy between the 31st March, “1858, and 1st June, 1959, distinguishing those

the strength of any argument which may be
There is, however, one fact which will diminish
fact that the general scheme of works got out
upon this "Return"; and that is the
In
by the Admiralty is never fully carried out.
theory the year's work is always greater than
it is in practice. This must not be forgotten,
or injustice will be done to Sir John Pakington.
It might fairly have been expected that the
debate of Friday evening last on the navy esti-
mates would have thrown a little additional
light upon this subject had any member less
young in officialism than Lord Clarence Paget
moved the consideration of the estimates in
committee. But his transition from the most
extravagant of all fault-finders to that of chief
little was to be anticipated from him beyond an
fault-defender has been made so recently that
attempt to get through his business as smoothly
as possible. The following is his curious way
of settling the question :-

"They had often heard little disputes between of 101 guns and 800 H. P. "high authorities as to the number of ships "which had been built by this or that Govern"ment. He remembered that the right hon. "baronet opposite (Sir J. Pakington) claimed some line-of-battle ships which were the pro"perty of his right hon. friend the Secretary of "State for India. They were built almost en'tirely while the latter right hon. baronet was "in office; but, as they were finished under the "administration of the right hon. baronet the "member for Droitwich, he claimed them as 'having been built during his time. For the purpose of putting an end to these discussions, "and giving the House an idea of what build"ing was really carried on in our dockyards, he "had endeavoured to ascertain what amount of "tonnage was built there in a year. During "the past year, 1858-9, we had built there of "line-of-battle ships 10,604 tons; frigates, 20 guns and 500 II. P. 5,851; corvettes, 1,193; sloops and gun vessels, 1,511; total, 19,159 tons. If the scheme "of the Government were carried out, and no

of 22 guns and 400 H. P.

The Icarus
of 11 guns and 150 II. P.
The screw ships added in consequence of the
subsequent orders of Sir John Pakington

66

LORD CLARENCE PAGET ON THE

NAVY.

THE promulgation of an official justification for the enormously increased navy estimates of the ensuing year devolved upon Lord Clarence Paget on Friday last. Rabid reformers always become the very worst red-tapists when projected into office; consequently, we expected but little from the new Secretary to the Admiralty, and we have not to complain, therefore, of any disappointment.

So far as our immediate professional interest sarily do, all considerations of the manning and in the subject goes-disregarding, as we necesdisposal of our ships-the tale is soon told. After informing us that the Government at this moment have 10 sail-of-the-line ready for commission; that they will have three more in the autumn; and that there is one under repair, so that the total of the line-of-battle ships and screw-ships of the line now afloat was 40; and further, that the Admiralty are building 10 more ships of the line, and have six more in process of conversion, making a grand total of 56 sail-of-the-line, of which there will be, at the end of the financial year, 50 sail-of-the-line afloat, Lord Paget said he was about to depart a little from the rules of the Admiralty. He had

always observed that the Admiralty were willing enough to look at the present, but that they were always reluctant to say anything about the future. They spoke of the future in

a

guarded manner, as if they were afraid they should not be able to do what they said they would do. It was, of course, impossible for a Board of Admiralty to say positively what they would be able to do in the course of the current year. There were always various contingencies of repair that could not be exactly calculated; but, as a general rule, he believed that if a little more method were introduced, they would be able to arrive at a very fair average of the number of men who would be wanted for repairs, and that they would not be obliged to take the men who were building ships to repair others. This was one of the questions which the noble Duke at the head of the Admiralty, and the Board of Admiralty, would take into their serious consideration. He (Lord Paget) believed there would be no necessity to take away the hands from the building departments to the ships, which he hoped the Admiralty would be able to build, and he trusted that, at the end of the financial year, there would be 50

ships of the line afloat, 37 frigates, and 140 | up to the month of October. It would be very | the disputants to facts, and made them the corvettes, sloops, and gun vessels-50 sail-of-theline, independent of the block-ships.

unwise that that body of men should be dis-
charged, when the short days of winter were
coming on, when over the country work was
scarce, and, moreover, when there would still
remain in the dockyards a vast amount of work
to be done; and therefore the Government had
resolved to keep them on till the end of the
financial year, and to ask for an additional sum
of £100,000 on that account. This was a suffi-
cient answer to the statements which had been

But we are not, according to Lord Clarence Paget, to suppose that our naval strength is limited to these ships and vessels. From a return moved for by the hon. member for Penryn a few days ago it appeared that the number of steamers over 1,000 tons was 159, that the total number of registered steamers was 1,854, and that there were 231 steam vessels in the merchant navy, any of which might be armed with Armstrong's guns, and which would prove a valuable addition to the defences of the country. There was another source from which the navy of this country might be very largely increased at any moment-viz., the ships from the mer-in chant yards. He produced a return which could not but be interesting to the House. There were 10,000 shipwrights in Great Britain in addition to those employed in the Royal dockyards. Now, the old shipwright maxim was that 1,000 shipwrights would build eight ships of 1,000 tons in 12 months; consequently 10,000 men would build 80 corvettes of 1,000 tons each in 12 months, or between six and seven corvettes per month. If we were pressed for ships there could be no doubt that, giving the shipwrights a little while, say four months, to start with, they would be able to build halfa-dozen very large corvettes per month in the merchant yards, and the steam machinery that could be produced would be in proportion. His (Lord Paget's) object was to show what the public were, he thought, anxious to know-whether this country was really in a state that befitted its honour and dignity. He believed that the navy was now in that state.

recon

The next portion of Lord Paget's speech which invites our notice is that relating to the employment of extra shipwrights in our dockyards during the ensuing year. Besides the ordinary wages of shipwrights there was an extraordinary charge, called by him the " struction" charge. There was also a large sum in the supplemental estimates under the head of wages to artificers. He explained the history of this transaction as follows:-Up to March last the men in the dockyards were working in the usual way on day pay. But in March the late Government thought fit to commence a system of task and job work, and also to enter a considerable number of additional artificers. There were 1,484 shipwrights entered in addition to a corresponding number of other work

men.

In April, again, the late First Lord of the Admiralty considered it important, probably from circumstances connected with foreign affairs, to make additional exertions; and then commenced a system of over-hours, that was to say, besides the institution of task and job work, men were allowed to work over hours, and so the dockyards went on until May, when there came a large increase of no less than 1,350 shipwrights and other artificers and labourers; making a total of 17,690 workmen now employed in the dockyards against 14,128 employed in the month of March. This was a very great increase, and he (Lord Paget) believed that the increase was absolutely necessary. He thought that Sir John Pakington deserved the gratitude of the country for having taken this matter in hand, and for having come to the decision of raising the amount of workmen in the dockyards with the least possible delay. The present Government, on coming into office, looked very carefully over this vote, and they sent for the Surveyor of the Navy, Sir B. Walker, and asked very particularly for what period this additional expense would provide pay for the additional men; and Sir B. Walker stated that it would only pay the men

66

66

excited advocates of fanciful theories, rather than philosophical students in search of the truth. Calmly, and apart from any pugilistic thoughts, would we touch the decimal question, and having last week given something like an historical résumé of the agitation in favour of it, now proceed to remark upon the report which, for the moment, seems to have extinguished that agitation.

In the first place, as it appears to us, the Commade, that the present Government intended mission was far too limited as regards the number to cut down the expenditure in the dockyards, of its members. Three gentlemen only, however and to cease the efforts which were being made talented, were not competent to deal with the to put our navy upon a proper footing. weighty business intrusted to them, and the retireThe new Secretary's speech was most meagrement of Lord Monteagle before any but the prereference to ships building by contract, and liminary report was agreed upon, made the to new works, improvements, &c. The sub- court still more inadequate to the task. It is stance of it was, "The sum taken in the original not likely that any disparagement of so eminent "estimates for ships building by contract was a man as Lord Overstone will find utterance £252,000, which was the first instalment for here. Noble by reason of his vast ability as by two iron-cased frigates, one of which would his rank, his lordship's fame is beyond detrac"be launched on the 18th of April next the tion. We cannot regard Lord Overstone's re "total cost of which he was not then in a posi- port nevertheless-for virtually the final report of "tion to state. In addition to this sum there the Commission is his alone-we cannot regard was in the supplemental estimates a vote for his report as decisive of the fate of decimalizaeighteen gun vessels of a very superior class, tion in England. Unlike the Saturday Review, "which were to be built by contract. With we consider the question of pound and mil "regard to vote No. 11 for new works, improve- still as an open one, and shall endeavour, by ments, and repairs, the new Board of Ad- making some perforations in his lordship's remiralty, having had no time to visit the port, to let in a little more light on the vexed "different dockyards, had formed no indepen-subject. "dent judgment. Each year we built larger "ships, and consequently had to enlarge our "docks; and he supposed we should go on in "the same way until there came a change, and "ships were reduced in size." From this we conclude that a second "steam ram"-as newspaper writers are so fond of calling the vessel now building on the Thames-is not to be undertaken this year. No further attempt is, it appears, to be made with the view of resisting those formidable "frégates blindées" which the French are building with all despatch.

66

DECIMAL COINAGE.

Perhaps there is no one man who has so thoroughly considered the question of decimal coinage as Sir John Bowring, who, we rejoice to see, has returned home after the successful accomplishment of one of the most arduous tasks which could fall to the lot of a statesman, and who we trust will not fail to meet a due reward at the hands of his countrymen. Sir John Bowring, it will be remembered, published in 1854 a work on the decimal coinage, and the amount of laborious research and of scientific acumen which his book displayed places its author almost at the head of the supporters of the decimal system. Back to the very infancy of civilization in the nations of antiquity does Sir John look for evidence of the superiority of the decimal scale of notation, whilst the Scriptures themselves are put under contribution in support of his arguments. With this ancient data we, however, are not intending to load our columns. It will be enough for us to prove that, in the present position of commercial affairs in England, the introduction of a decimal system

of coins would be a boon.

IN pursuing further the question of a decimal
coinage, let it not be supposed that we are
wedded to the idea that its introduction is an
absolute necessity, because such is not the case.
It has been shown in these columns that there
exists an urgent need of a mechanical reform in
regard to the silver and copper currencies of the
kingdom, and the consideration naturally arises,
"Is it not prudent in conjunction with that
mechanical reform, which must be effected, to
reform altogether the scale upon which those
We have seen that the great arguments of
currencies are based?" If it can be demon- most of those who are opposed to the reform or
strated by Lord Overstone, or Lord Anybody, remodelling of the coinage upon the decimal
that in making choice of a new metallic currency, system, are the amount of confusion which the
and dismissing altogether prejudice, old associa- act of transition would create, and the vexation
tions, and habit from interference with the and loss which would fall upon the small shop-
subject, it would be advisable to copy the keeping classes. In our opinion, these evils
present antiquated duodecimal system, and per- would be found more imaginary by far than
petuate it if we say this can be incontestably real. Those amongst us who have travelled on
demonstrated, then are we duodecimalists the Continent are quite aware of the facility
too! Hitherto, this assuredly has not been with which one falls into the method of cal-
done, and, in spite of the final report of the last culating the cost of everything in the monies of
Decimal Coinage Commissioners, there are in the particular countries through which he passes.
both Houses of Parliament, and in the monetary Even our friends the "navvies," that useful body
and commercial sections of the community, of men, to whom not only England but the world
many who dispute altogether the superiority of is largely indebted the "navvies" have been
the existing system to that of the pound and found to possess, after one or two lessons, the
mil, as proposed by Sir John Wrottesley in 'cuteness necessary for preventing their being
1824, and supported by a long train of scientific victimised by the natives of those remote dis-
men since. It is not in the spirit of contro-tricts of Europe where they have been en-
versy that the matter is here introduced; there gaged in their useful occupations, and where
has been too much controversy already. Decimal decimal coinages existed. Engineers and con-
systems for there have been several placed tractors have furnished abundant evidence on
before the public-were discussed, written about, this head.
and lectured upon with a species of literary and
mutual pounding and milling which blinded

In the "draft report" of Lord Overstone, facts of this kind-which to our thinking are the