dyes. The second mordant is made by triturating and mixing 1 part of alum with 2 parts of the residuum (sulphate of soda) of that mode of manufacturing nitric acid in which nitrate of soda is employed. Two and a quarter pounds of this mordant are equivalent to half that quantity of cream of tartar, and it is to be used in the same way. It is suitable for all olive and brown dyes. The third mordant is prepared by triturating and mixing together 5 parts of common salt, and 1 part of the residuum of the manufacture of sulphuric acid where nitrate of potash is employed. This mordant is to be used in the same proportions to cream of tartar as the second mordant, and it is applicable to black and dark colors only. The fourth mordant is formed by dissolving 6 parts of alumina, 3 parts of nitric acid, and 1 part of caustic ley of 240 Beaume in 20 quarts of boiling water. It may be used in dyers' baths for green dyes of all shades and fancy dyes, in the proportion of 1 pint for every 20 lbs. weight of the fabrics to be dyed.

APPLICATION OF HOT AIR TO THE SMELTING OF IRON.*

At the smelting furnace of Plous, in Wurtemburg, before employing the hot air, the consumption was 100 kilos (2 cwt.) of ore, 40 cubic feet (484) of charcoal, and the produce, under the old system, was 3,000 kilos, (3 tons,) while, with the hot air, it is on an average 3,750 kilos, (3 tons.) At Koningsbronn, in the same kingdom, to obtain 108 livres (1.17 cwt.) of bar iron with cold air, it required 20 cubic feet, (24.2 English cubic feet,) and with hot air only 17 cubic feet, (204.) The temperature to which the air is raised is, however, much inferior to the lowest standard in this country; for at Plous, according to Berthier, the temperature of the heated air is only 150° or 200°, (302° or 392 F.,) whilst, at the Clyde Iron Works, the usual test of the standard temperature is the melting point of lead, or 606° F. This is the lowest point to which the heat is allowed to fall, for it may in general be much higher; yet, even with this disadvantage in Germany, we see that the expenditure of the combustible matter has been reduced one-fourth, with a sensible increase of the product. The effect of the heated air has commonly been attributed to the absence of the cooling power, which was exercised by the cold air on its being introduced in contact with the heated contents of the furnace. Berthier denies that this is the mode in which it operates. He thinks that the phenomena which result from the employment of hot air proceed from the greater activity of the combustion in the furnace than when the air has not been previously heated; that is to say, that with the same weight of air there is more oxygen absorbed in the first case than in the second. If this opinion be correct, it follows that less of hot air will be required than of cold air for the combustion of an equal quantity of charcoal in the furnace, and that the air, which proceeds from the latter, being possessed of little oxygen, cannot support combustion. Now, the exhaustion of the oxygen in the air is a point of essential importance, when we wish to obtain a strong heat, for the nitrogen of the air only assists in producing a loss of a portion of the heat developed by combustion. Hence, the less air that is consumed, the less does this cause of cooling operate. Besides, the affinity of gas for solid substances is increased by the heating of the gas. It has been said that effects similar to those produced by heated air may be obtained by the employment of cold air sufficiently compressed; or, what would be extremely powerful, the use of hot air compressed to such a degree as experience might point out.

EFFECT OF MANUFACTURES IN PRODUCING WEALTH.

The following anecdote, taken from the History of Inventions, of the rise of the family of Sir Robert Peel, forcibly illustrates the effect of ingenuity and industry, when employed in manufactures. Robert Peel, the grandfather of the present distinguished British statesman, was an humble farmer of Lancashire. He is represented as a man of observant and inquiring mind--shrewd, intelligent, and energetic. He had noted the growing spirit of enterprise in manufactures, which were rapidly advancing in consequence of the improvements in machinery, and he determined to abandon farming and adapt himself to another business which promised to be more profitable. Having remarked the tedious process by which cotton wool was brought into a state for spinning by the common hand card, he invented the cylinder for doing the work better and

* The London Patent Journal, No. 180, November 3d, 1849.

more expeditiously. He then became a calico printer. "He set to work, and with his own hands he cut away on blocks of wood, with such tools as he could command, till he had formed the figure of a parsley leaf. At the back of each of these blocks he put a handle, and a pin of strong wire at each of the former corners. He then got a tub, into which he put a colored mixture with a little alum in it. He then covered the tub with a woolen cloth, which sunk till it touched the coloring matter and became saturated with it. The white cloth was then stretched tightly across the table top, the woolen cloth was then touched with the face of the parsley leaf block, and as soon as the figure was fairly covered with the color, he placed it squarely on the cloth and struck it sharply with a mallet, so that the figure of the engraving was left upon the white calico. This process was repeated until the whole was completed. As soon as it was dry his wife and daughters set to work and ironed it with common smoothing irons." This was the original of calico-printing. Mr. Peel, not satisfied with this process, subsequently invented another machine, by which the labor was lightened and the work greatly facilitated. His new machine consisted "of an oblong frame, made with a smooth bottom and upright posts, and a rail on each side. Running from each side there was a roller, with a handle to turn it, and round the roller there was a rope wound spirally. Each end of the rope was fastened to an oblong deep box, as wide and as long as the frame. It was filled with bricks, and of course was heavy. The farmer had now a machine more forcible than the strength and warm iron of his wife and daughters. He wound his pieces of calico round smooth wooden rollers, which were placed under the box, and that being drawn backward and forward by means of the rope round the upper roller, the winch soon gave the requisite smoothness to the work. With this rude machine Mr. Peel laid the foundation of his success in life. The calicoes thus manufactured met with ready sale. His machine was afterward superseded by others of superior machinery, but he went on step by step until he became the head of one of the largest manufacturing houses in the country. His eldest son became connected with him in business. The tide of wealth flowed fast. His son became a baronet, and ranked among the wealthiest commoners in the kingdom, and his grandson, the prime minister of an empire whose power was never equaled.' This anecdote shows that humble origin is no bar to wealth or exalted station, when industry and integrity are combined with intelligence and perseverance.

THE MANUFACTURE OF VARNISHED LEATHER IN FRANCE.*

This process consists of two operations:-first, the preparation of the skin; and second, the varnishing of the leather thus dressed. In the preparation of the leather, linseed oil, made readily drying, by means of metallic oxides and salts, is employed as the basis. For each 22 gallons of linseed oil, 22 pounds of white lead and 22 pounds of litharge are employed, and the oil boiled with those ingredients until it has attained the consistence of a syrup. This preparation, mixed either with chalk or ochres, is applied to the leather by means of appropriate tools, and well worked into the pores; three or four layers are applied in succession, taking care to dry each layer thoroughly before the application of the next coating. Four or five coatings of the dried linseed oil, without the admixture of the earthy substances, are then given; the addition of very fine ivory black and some oil of turpentine is usually made to the oil. These coatings are put on very thin, and when carefully dried the leather is rubbed over with fine pummice-stone powder, to render the surface perfectly smooth and even, for the reception of the varnish. The varnish is composed as follows:-10 pounds of oil prepared as above, half a pound of asphalt or Jewish bitumen, 5 pounds of copal varnish, and 10 pounds of turpentine. The oil and asphalt are first boiled together, the copal varnish and the turpentine added afterward, and that mixture well stirred. Instead of asphalt, Prussian blue or ivory black may be employed. This varnish must be kept in a warm place for two or three weeks before it is fit for use. The greatest possible care must be taken both before and during the application of the varnish, to prevent the adherence of any dust to the leather. The leather, when varnished, must be put into drying stoves, heated to about 90° or more, according to the nature of the leather and the varnish employed. Some very fine specimens of leather prepared in this manner were exhibited at the recent exhibition of French industry at Paris.

* The London Patent Journal, November 3d, 1849.

RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE BROOM MANUFACTURE.

The following information, which has been supplied to us by a friend, says the Burlington Gazette, of the history and present extent of the "broom business" in this region, will no doubt be interesting to many of our readers, especially the ladies, all of whom will understand the truth of the maxim that a new broom sweeps clean.

About 1790, Benjamin Atkinson commenced the broom business in Byberry township, this county, raising the corn and manufacturing the broom. After a few years he took Bezaleel Croasdale into partnership, and they jointly had the trade altogether in their hands, until 1815 or 16, making the brooms, and entirely supplying the markets of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Lancaster, Trenton, and sometimes New York. A broom made in those days would be a curiosity to a modern broom-maker. Invariably round, with horn on the neck instead of twine, confined to its place by a wooden peg; and handle of oak, rough shaved with the drawing-knife! The brooms thus made commanded a high price, particularly during the war, when they sold for $4 20 per dozen, wholesale. Since that time the business has gradually increased, employing a great number of hands, and a large capital to carry it on in its various stages.

Some idea of the present extent of the trade may be formed from the fact that Joseph Vansant, at his manufactory in the adjoining township of Bensalem, Bucks county, has made and sold two hundred and twenty-five thousand handles this season, and this quantity, probably, is not more than half the number made and used altogether. These handles are sold at $1 30 to $1 40 per hundred. The value of the twine used, on every broom is estimated at one-half a cent, and the labor for making two cents. The cost of cultivation of the corn is considered to be one-fourth greater than that of Indian corn. The yield is uncertain, varying according to the season: sometimes as many as 600 brooms per acre are produced, though probably from 300 to 400 might be set down an average crop, with 20 bushels of seed, worth as much as oats for feed. The largest quantity of brooms are made in the lower parts of Bucks and Montgomery counties, and the upper townships of Philadelphia county. Many are also made in Saucon, Lehigh County, in Delaware, and Lancaster counties, and in Salem county, New Jersey.

AN IMPROVEMENT IN MAUFACTURE OF VELVET.

The Paris correspondent of the Tribune says:-" There is no news of any great importance this week, except, perhaps, the discovery of a new machine for weaving velvet of large widths. Velvet is one of the richest and most beautiful tissues-the delight of woman's fancy, and therefore not indifferent to human happiness. A revolution in the world of velvet-weaving is a more pacific and not less progressive conquest than a revolution in the world of politics. It may, perhaps, disturb the interests of a few manufacturers, but nobody cares for such a class. They have no soldiers at command, and loan contractors can pursue their avocations just as well with new machines as with the old ones, so long as money will secure to them the profits of mechanical inventions. Hitherto velvet could only be produced in very narrow widths; the new invention of the Lyons manufacturer enables him to weave both plain and ornamental velvets, of any quality, from six to twenty-four feet in width, and I suppose of any length. This may possibly be no particular advantage for the cut of ladies' dresses; but when man's abode is elevated from the isolated and confined proportions of a few small rooms to a collected and associate dwelling, in which public concert rooms and drawing-rooms are added to the private family apartments, the beauty, and the comfort, and the humanizing influence of expensively rich velvet tapestry will be important to the dignity and the refinement of the universal multitude of priests and kings, of either sex and of all ages, who inhabit the new palaces of democratic loyalty."

INDIA RUBBER BUFFERS AND SPRINGS.

India rubber buffers and springs have now been introduced, says the London Builder, on upwards of fifty lines of railway, and stood the test of heat and cold, and wear and tear, so as to form a cheap and useful substitute for the old apparatus. Needing no cumberous extension beneath the wagon or carriage framing, they can be fitted to newly-built wagons, it is alleged, for about £4 108. a set, and the wear and tear of the old buffers, estimated on luggage trains at 50 to 60 per cent on their own much greater cost, thus reduced to 10 per cent. The material has also been tried for bearing springs, but has not hitherto come into use as such.

MERCANTITE MISCELLANIES.

THE MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF BOSTON.

We have received a copy of the thirtieth annual report of this excellent institution, exhibiting a general statement of its affairs and the policy which has guided its directors in the discharge of their official duties during the year ending on the 17th of April, 1850. Its affairs have evidently been managed with energy and judgment, and are encouraging and prosperous. The library has been enlarged by the addition of many valuable works by purchase and donation. The number of volumes in the catalogue, as per the previous report, was 5,819, and there has been added by purchase, 1,644, by donation, 98, by magazines and reviews bound, 76—making the present number 7,637. This increase to the library has cost the association $1,538, being an increase above the appropriations of the previous year for the same purpose of $967. The transfer-books show that the librarians have recorded as loaned to members during the year thirtyfour thousand nine hundred and sixty-seven volumes-a striking illustration that the advantages afforded are duly appreciated. Many additions have been made to the list of magazines and newspapers, and the reading-room is supplied with fourteen daily and sixty-nine weekly and semi-weekly newspapers. The number of members has been increased from 1,145, as per the report of last year, to 1,657. The finances of the association are in a healthy condition. It appears by the treasurer's annual report that the receipts during the year amounted to $4,697 32, to which add the balance from the last administration of $151 43, and we have a total of $4,848 75. The expenditures during the year amounted to $4,419 53, leaving in the treasury a balance on the retirement of the Board of $429 22, and the association entirely free from debt. The association has besides invested funds to the amount of $16,100, the contributions of the liberal and enlightened merchants of Boston. This fund will eventually be applied, as we understand, to the erection of a suitable edifice for the accommodation of the library and members of the association. A varied and highly interesting and instructive course of lectures was delivered during the last year, for which 1,617 tickets were issued, of which number 1,512 were taken by members. The receipts for the sale of tickets to the course amounted to $1,722, and the expenditures for lectures, hall, &c., to $1,274, leaving a net profit, which was paid into the treasury of the association, of $448.

The weekly exercises of declamation, debate, and composition, projected some time since, appear to have been ably sustained. In alluding to the stated meetings the Committee in charge of these exercises realize the force of the truthful words spoken by one of their own members, at the dedication of the rooms which the association now occupy :

"So strong are my convictions of the utility of these exercises that I am compelled to admit that we could better afford to forego our public lectures, to sink our fund, yes, even to lose these new and beautiful rooms, and ask the Legislature to take back their parchment charter, with its honored autographs, than to give up the frequent gatherings, where mind meets mind, truth and error grapple, where character is developed, talents find the standard of their influence, where mental culture is the natural growth of action, and where the young mind is brought in close proximity with all shades of opinion, and every variety of character; where contact with living men is the school, and animated nature the best instructor."

Classes in the French and Spanish languages, and in penmanship and book-keeping' have been organized, under teachers of ability in their profession. The directors acknowledge their indebtedness to Samuel Topliff, Esq., for a donation of eighty-four articles of curiosities; many of them rare and valuable. In conclusion, it appears from

the report that the past, beyond all former years in the society's history, has been eminently successful, whether we regard the regular financial receipts, increase of members, or valuable additions to the library.

The following is a list of the officers of the association elected at the annual meeting on the 17th of April, 1850, for the years 1850 and 1851 :

William H. Kennard, President. Elihu C. Baker, Vice President. H. P. Chamberlain, Corresponding Secretary. C. R. Patten, Recording Secretary. Lyman H. Tasker, Treasurer. Thomas S. Waterman, James A. Woolson, Theodore Stanwood, Jr., Charles W. Wright, William A. Walker, John C. Proctor, Jr., George E. Learnard, O. H, Dutton, Directors. Daniel N. Haskell, Thomas J. Allen, Elliot C. Cowdin, Warren Sawyer, Francis G. Allen, Trustees. Charles H. Allen, William H. Kennard, Elihu. C. Baker, James P. Walker, George S. Blanchard, Committee on Lectures.

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LAW SCHOOL IN THE SOUTH.*

There are Professorships of Law, we believe, in the University of Virginia. Whether they are filled or not we cannot say, nor do we know if instruction is actually given there at present. It was certainly part of Mr. Jefferson's plan. With this exception, if it be one, we believe there is not one Law School at the South, nor are there any facilities afforded the southern student of pursuing at home the study of the law under those advantages which oral instruction, the argument of moot cases, and the other usual exercises of a law school undoubtedly afford.

These advantages are accurately and ably stated in the Prospectus of a Law School to be conducted by the Hon. Benj. F. Porter. The superiority of law-school instruction over private reading, or the miscellaneous and random studies of a law office, is forcibly illustrated. A law office is certainly no place for mastering legal principles, however useful for learning the tools, the mechanics of the profession.

Mr. Porter proposes to establish his School at Charleston, although during the heat of the southern summer a class will be taught at Rome, in the mountain region of Georgia, which is described as a most delighful and healthful locality. Mr. Porter very liberally proposes to admit a number of students, whose means will not enable them to defray the expenses of tuition, into his class gratis. What an opening does such liberality afford for some soul of genius and poverty-one of those

"Quorum virtutibus obstat,

Res angusta domi,"

some Mill-boy of the Slashes and future Henry Clay.

The School will open at Charleston in the coming November, and the southern student will have an opportunity of enjoying the advantages of a law-school without going a thousand miles from home, and will not be compelled to face at the same time the ruggedness of the law-and of a northern winter.

To the reader of the Merchant's Magazine the name of Mr. Porter is familiar, as that of the contributor of numerous learned articles, more particularly on topics of commercial law. If any further evidence of his talent is needed, it is furnished in superabundance, by the numerous testimonials appended to the Prospectus, from professors and gentlemen of attainment at the South, who speak from personal knowledge, and in the highest terms. And we wish to add our own testimony, as well as our best wishes, for the success of this undertaking.

THE ENGLISH MERCHANT AND THE SPANISH BEGGAR.

An English merchant in the neighborhood of Madrid, having no money in his pocket, gave a handful of cigars to a beggar: the poorest Spaniard will be more gratified with a cigar than with money, as it is a compliment. Three years afterward, this merchant was seized near his country-house by a band of robbers. While they were settling his ransom they were joined by an absent comrade, who instantly dismounted, and, approaching the Englishman, saluted him, and asked if he did not remember having given at such a place and time a handful of cigars to a beggar; then turning to his comrades he said, "This is my benefactor-whoever lays a hand on him lays it on me."

Prospectus of a Law School, to be conducted by Benjamin L. Porter. Charleston; 1850.