C A JO [TRNAL OF PRACTICAL INFOBMATION IN ART, 8( ~ENCE, MECHANICS, AGRICULTURE, CHEMISTRY, AND MANUFACTURES VOL. 11.No. I. NEW SERIES. RU ,!RELS OSCILLATING PISTON ENGINE. amount of additional labor is expended and many new one hundred miles per hour, during darkness, will be annexed cuts represent a more novel steam engine changes made in her. The Winans cigar-steamer quoted among the most thrilling adventures ever experi- thar, we have seen for some time; Fig. 1 being a per- has been greatly changed since her first trip; it is said enced iu ballooning. speive view, and Fig. 2 a vertical section. The chum- that she now does tolerably well, but will do much better The Atlantic telegraph cable has become mythical. be, b, which performs the office of the cylinder of the when she is still further lengthened and otherwise altered. Efforts ~vcre lately made to raise more capital and under- oudinary engine, is formed by the semi-circular plates, B, Public attention has been directed to iron screw steamers take the construction and laying of a new cable, but and its fellow, and the curved plate, d, which closes the as offering inducements to our shipbuilders to enter into these we understand, have proved abortive of any good space between the other two. result, and probably such a The piston is the segment of gigantic enterprise m a y avieel oscillating upon the never be again attempted, or eent~r, C, and carrying the not for a number of years at curv~d plate, I), and the least. Improvement in the two abutments, e e, which construction of cables and in fit ateam-right betwecit the methods to obviate induction l)l~tes, B. Directly over the may yet lead to the laying cc ~ter, the abutment, C, is of another cable through the tened between the halates, entire ocean to Europe; but B, and is provided with at present the attention of packing at its lower end to telegraphers is fixed upon the lit steamtight the curved laying of short submarine plate, D, which rubs against cables, such as one through the packing in its oscilla- Behrings Straits, in the tions back and forth. The north-west, or that by way abutments, e e, are also pack- of Iceland, the Faroe and ed, and the edge of the Shethand Islands, to connect curved plate, D, is either the Old and New Worlds. packed or ground to fit Our countryman, Mr. Ta], steam-tight the inner stir- P. Shaffuer, has recently de- faces of the plates, B. E, livered a lecture on this sub- is the steam chest, hi and k, ject in Glasgow, Scotland. the induction ports, i and i, lie has made a survey of the exhaust ports, nn~ F, a the northern seas, and has a sliding valve which is con- charter, from the King of nected by the rod, k, and Denmark, for the right of lever, l~ with an eccentric way to carry the line through on the main shaft; this con- Iceland and Greenland. nection secures the oJ)ening Severe losses have been and closing of the ports ex~ aetly at each half revolution RUNXELS OSCILLATING PISTON ENGINE. experienced in the decease of eminent scientific person- of the fly wheel. The cut represents the induction port, competition with those of Scotland and England. Sev- ages. Humboldt, Brunel, Stephenson, Lardner and )l, open and the exhaust port, i, closed, while, of course, oral defects in the construction of such vessels have been Nichol, have paid the debt of nature during 1859, and the induction port, h, is closed, and the exhaust port, ~, discovered by the loss & two of their number which sud- three of these were men in the very vigor of life. Pres is open, and the piston is moving in the direction mdi- denhy went to pieces on rocky coasts; still these have cott and Irving, our great and gifted American writers, cated by the arro~v. When the piston reaches the afforded useful lessons for our nautical architects. are with us no more; death has been very busy among pesition shown by the dotted lines, the eccentric will The balloon voyage across the Atlantic has not yet great men. slide the valve so as to admit the steam against been accomplished; neither Professor Wise, La Moun- the opposite abutment, and open the exhaust port, UNIVERSAL DISINFECTANT. i, thus reversing the motion. The crank, H, shown We translate the following from the November number in dotted lines is rigidly secured to the shaft, C, of LInveatioa, published at Paris: and is connected to a crank on the shaft of the fly wheel Mr. Vaz exhibits some samples of a substance, sug- in a way to cause the fly wheel to revolve by the oscilla- gested by Mr. Moll, which has the property of almost tions of the crank, 11. instantaneously disinfecting putrefying matter, privy The patent for this invention was issued (through the vaults, & c. A very small quantity is required, and ex- Scientific American Patent Agency) on April 12, 1859, periments made at La Patrie, at the Imperial Asylum of and any further information in relation to it may be Vincennes, and by the Circle of the Scientific Press, obtained by addressing the inventor Mark Runkel, 172 have given the most satisfactory results. It is prepared Center-street, this city. Patents have also bcen secured for this invention in England, France and Belgium, as follows:Sulphate of iron and sulphate of alumina are through our agency. dissolved in water; the solution being of a strength of _____________ 550, This is evaporated for eight or ten hours in order DARK CLOUDS. to obtain a hard and compact cake which may be trans.. Combined with much success in 1859, there has also ported in sacks to great distances. During the evapora- been considerable disappointment experienced in some tion, S or 10 per cent of lime is mixed with the com enterprises which had excited much public hope. The pound, which is finally run into forms and dried perfectly in the air. After it is positively ascertained that it con.. Great Easternthe most wonderful effort in shipbuilding Cams no moisture, it is reduced to powder more or less ever attemptedhas not yet reached our shores; although, tam nor the redoubtable Lowe has yet achieved the fine, and delivered to the consumer, who may keep it for a period, we were all on the tip-toe of excite- grand problem ; but for all this, the flying efforts of the any length of time either in powder or in solution. meat in expectation of her arrival about three months past year furnish some of the most remarkable episodes This disinfectant has no odor, and it may be employed ago. Thus far she has not come up to the expectation in the history of ballooning. The perilous voyage frona for a great number of hygienic and domestic purposes. of anybody, a~r to the promises held out respecting what St. Louis to Lake Ontario, and the still more wonder- The sulphate of alumina is made by dissolving alumina she was to 0:; and a committee of inspection has just ful and dangerous aerial trip of La Mountain and had- in sulphuric acid. It is one of the constituents of all the :ouncel ~er unfit for an ocean voyage until a vast dock into the wilds of Canada, at the fearful velocity of alums. NEW YORK, JANUARY 2, 1860. THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. HISTORY OF THE HOT BLAST IN IRON ~1AKING. The use of the hot blast in smelting iron has proved to be one of the most original and valuable inventions on record. It is now employed in all countries, and its importance is felt and acknowledged everywhere. In our last volume, we presented an illustrated history of the apparatus for heating the blast, nnd it has afforded us pleasure to have received several letters expressing sincere satisfaction regarding the publication of that information. We now present something more relating to this invention, from the inventor himself, who is still living, which makes the matter doubly interesting. Our in- formation we obtain from a paper read before the Insti- tution of Mechanical Engineers (England) by Mr. Neilson, and lately published in the London Mechanics Magazine. Six or seven years before the invention of the hot blast was brought out, Mr. Neilson bad read an essay before the Glasgow Philosophical Society, on the best mode of taking out the moisture from the atmospheric air, in summer time, previous to its entrance into the tweers of iron fnrnaces, as it was found that the manu- facture of iron was much impaired in summer both in quality and quantity, and he had become satisfied that this was owing to the greater amount of moisture in the air at that season. His first proposed method was to pass the air through two long tunnels containing calcined lime, and thus dry it thoroughly (by the lime absorbing the moisture) on its passage to the cylinder of the blow- ing engine, but this plan was not put on trial. About this time his advice was asked by a friendMr. James Ewing, of the Muirkirk Iron-worksin regard to a blast furnace situated half a mile from the blowing engine, which did not obtain a sufficient supply of air at that distance, and of course did not make so much iron as two furnaces close to the blowing engine. It then oc- curred to him that, as air increased in volame according to its temperature, if it ~vere passed through a red hot vessel before entering the distant furnace, its volume wonld be increased, and it might be enabled to do more duty in the furnace. Being at that time engaged as engineer in the Glasgow Gas-works, he made an experi- ment upon the illuminating power of gas supplied by heated air, brought up by a tube close to the burner; and he found that, by this means, the combustion of the gas was rendered more perfect and intense, so that the illuminating power of the particles of carbon in the gas was greatly augmented. He then tried a similar experi- ment with a blacksmiths fire by blowing heated air into it, by which the fire was rendered most brilliant, and the heat exceedingly intense in comparison with another fire supplied with cold air in the usual manner. Having obtained such remarkable results on a small scale, it occurred to him that a similar increase in the intensity of heat could be obtained on a large scale in large blast furnaces; but being a gas-maker, he could not persuade iron-masters to allow him to make the necessary experi- ments. At that time there was great need of improve- maul in the working of iron furnaces, as many of them ~vere standing idle for want of the blast because they were unable to supply the necessary heat for smelting the iron, and unless 6 ($29.10) per tun could be obtained, no profit was realized. A strong prejudice then existed against meddling with the furnacesa sort of supersti- tious dread of change prevailed, owing to the great ignorance of furnace managers with respect to the real action going on in the furnace. Mr. Neilson at length succeeded, however, in inducing Mr. Charles Macintosh, of Glasgow, and Mr. Cohn Dunlop, of the Clyde Iron- works, to allow him to make an experiment. This was done, and although the air was only raised 500, it showed a marked difference in the scoriamore iron was obtained from the same quantity of ore than before. This only made him anxious to try his plan on a more enlarged and perfect scale, but he was still retarded by the iron- mastersthey objecting to any alteration in the furnace. In one instance, when he succeeded so far as to be allowed to heat the blast, he wanted to make a bend in the pipe to bring the air more closely to the sides of the heated metal and increase the area of heating surface, to elevate the temperature; but his request was refused, and it was asserted that if the pipe were bent the furnace would cease working. These prejudices proved serious obstacles to early success; and it was two or three years after this before he was allowed to put a bend in the main heating pipe. But after years of perseverance, he was at length enabled to work out the plea into a definite shape at the Clyde Iron-works of Mr. C. Dunlop, near Rutherglen, in Scotland. The invention of the hot blast in smelting iron consists solely in heating the blast between the engine-blower and the furnace, and it is not associated with any par- ticular construction of the intermediate heating appar- atus. This was the cause of the success which had attended the invention; and in this respect it had much similarity to that of his countryman, James Watt, who, in connection with the steam engine, invented the plan of condensing the steam in a separate vessel from the cylinder, and was successful in maintaining his inven- tion by not limiting it to any particular construction of condenser. Mr. Neilson was glad to say that the Eng- lish iron-masters bad stood by him in the attempts made, in the early times of the hot blast, to deprive him of the benefits of his invention; and to them he ~vas indebted for the successful issue of the severe contest he bud then gone through. Such is the substance of Mr. Neilsons paper. His invention is in very general use in this country, and it lies been the means of enabling us to smelt ores which, otherwise, would now have been lying in the earth as usehiss as the sand by the sea-shore. In Scotland it has been the means of enabling iron manufacturers to pro- duce pig iron, with a profit, for 2 Ifis. instead of 6 the former being less than one-half the price of what it was forty years ago. Mr. Neilson was not an iron manufacturer, hence he had great difficulties to over- come in introducing his invention; and had he taken out an American patent, it certainly would have been forfeited by our law (as discusscd by us on page 401 of our last volume), which would have been a case of great hardship and inju.stice. It seems that his own country- men tried to rob him of the benefits of his invention, but he triumphed over them through the sturdy support of English iron-masters; and he is now, in his old age, enjoying his otinun cam dignitate. PATENT RIGHTS. MESSRS. EDITORS :There is one feature about tle patent right business which I think is very reprehen- sible; I allude to the practice of patentees allowing manufacturers to use and introduce their patents on the articles of their manufacture. I speak now more parti- cularly about railroad cars. On most cars now running, there are half a dozen or more patent fixtures about them which railroad companies know nothing about when pur- chasing the cars. The modes operandi (seemingly at least) of the business is for patentees to get car manufac- turers to apply the patented fixtures on their cars. The railroad companies buy the cars, knowing nothing about the patents ; and if they afterwards build any cars for themselves, they usually build the same kind of cars, more for the sake of uniformity than anything else; and, of course, they use the patented fixtures, not because of any merit of the patent (for it may be some little insi~ni- ficant thing), but because they are ignorant of its being patented; and to make their cars uniform. Thus the patentees get their patents introduced throughout the country without expense to themselves. Then, a year or two before their patent expires, they are calling on rail- road companies for pay, and threatening injunctions, & c. The railroad companies then learn, for the first tiuce, o~ the existence of such a patent. I am in favor of inven- tors getting the most out of their inventions, but think they should let their patents stand on their own merits. For my part I never beard of a professional car manufac- turer being sued, or made to pay anything for building such cars, for such a practice would militate against the pecuniary interests of the patentees, who then might properly exclaim, Othellos occupations gone J. W. H. [Our correspondent has not given this subject a just consideration. He should have charged the railroad companies with the reprehensible conduct which he at- tribxutes to patentees. How can a patentee know before- hand uho is going to infringe his invention? and how can he claim damages for infringing his patent rights until they are infringed by such companies? The charges brought against patentees, by our correspondent, surprise us. He seems to consider it the duty of inventors to trudge round the country, informing railroad companies of their inventions, and warning them against infringe- ment. That is not their business, and the most of them could ill afford to do so. It is the duty of railroad com panies and others to inquire into the character of the cars, machines, or whatever else it may be, which they design to purchase or construct; they should see to it that they are not about to infringe a patent. When a person is going to purchase a house or a piece of land, doos he not have the County Clerks books examined carefully, to see if there is any encumbrance against tile object of his purchase? And why should it be other- wise with patented property? The Patent Office is a place of record for the sale, license, and issue of every patented article; it is one of its functions to supply such information upon the payment of requisite fees; and we therefore have no feeling for those corporations which our correspondent has so touchingly set up as being in- jured and afflicted parties. It is really ridiculous to blame inventors for permitting railroad companies to in- fringe their patents, when these parties do so without the inventors knowledge or ~vithout asking their consent. To say that such companies only adopt the improvements referred to, for the sak of uniformity, will not go down with us. We know it to be a fact that powerf~il corporations are very much given to appropriate the in- ventions of patentees, especially those whoni they con- sider to be poor men, and who may be baffled and fought out by lawsuits. We have no sympathy for them, because, if they are imposed upon in the use of an invention, they have an honest, just and fair remedy in a trial at common law, where the amount of damages is awarded according to the circumstances of the case. The superintendents, directors, engineers, car-builders, and others connected with railroads have no ground for pleading ignorance regarding inventions relating to their cars or machinery. The claims and lists of all patents issued have been published regularly every week in the columns of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN for the last 14 years; and had they desired to be posted up in the history and nature of inventions, they could have obtain- ed such information by becoming subscribers to our jour- nal. It is impossible for any person connected with the management of railroads or manufectories to keep well- informed in his business unless he rends our pages week- ly; they are the lights and the only records for full and correct information on the subject of patents in this coun- try. If such persons as railroad men, who are so much interested in improvements, shut their eyes upon the light, they alone are blameable. We thus write for their interests more than our own ; inventors rights are just and lawful, and should be enforced at all hazardsEns. PATENT LICENSES AND SUITS. A peculiar case relating to patents ~vas decided in the United States Circuit Court, this city, on the 15th inst. A suit was instituted some time ago by Mr. Charles Goodyear against James Bishop and others, to recover damages for infringing his patent; end lie brought the action against the defendants at the request of the Union Rubber Company, to whom he had given an ex- clusive license in the manufacture of certain kinds of vulcanized goods. Mr. Goodyear subsequently requested the suits to be discontinued, and moved for an order from the court to this effect, which motion was resisted by the company referred to, who claimed tile suit to he under their control and that they could continue it against Mr. Goodyears wishes. The decision was against the cent.- pany. It was held that, as a general rule, at common law, a choice in action cannot be so assigned as to allow the assignee to bring a suit at law upon it in his own name, and where he brings a suit in the name of the assignor, the assignor is not allowed to control it to his prejudice; that neither by the common law nor by the patent law can the Union Rubber Company be deemed to be assignees of this patent; neither has the whole property in it been parted with, nor an undivided part of the whole extent of the patent throughout the United States; they are merely hicenceesu and tile control of the patent remains in Goodyear, who gave them the license. Goodyear could surrender the patent to the Patent Office, and thus compel a discontinuance of time suit; and if he could effect it in tilat way, there is no reason why hue cannot in a muore direct way. The motion for a discontinuance was therefore granted. At the California State Fair which was held at Sacra- mento in October last, two fleeces of wool were exhibited, which we believe are the heaviest that ever were shorn in muttondom. One fleece weighed 43j lbs., the other 321 lbs., and the wool was fine and of a superior quality. 2 THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. THE SCIENCE OF SKATING. It is not only in what are called great inventions that we have made vast progress and improvement, but in every branch of manufacture, aud in every species of article used by the human family. We havc become, in the present practical age, great in small things, from the fabrication of a pin to the construction of a steamship. Articles of amusement, as well as those of daily use and necessity, have not been passed by unheeded. The humble skate, with which our youth enjoy themselves in the clear, cold days of wintergliding, with lightning foot, upon lake, pond and riverhas not been overlooked in the march of improvement. On page 112, Vol. I. (new series), SCIENTiFIc AMERICAN, we illustrated a skate constructed upon a new principle; and on another page of this number our readers will find a very novel one illustrated and described. The Holland skate, with the runner secured in a shoe- upper, appears to he growing in popular favor; and cer- tainly our old-thshioued skates have far too many troublesome straps about them. The runner which is coming into more general use is devoid of a groove on the face, and skaters assert that they can go much faster with it, but cannot turn so rapidly. The old curled-up point is also losing caste, and it is time that this feature (borroned from a Chinese mandarins slip- per) was entirely abandoned. \Ve have some reason to feel conceited of our skates in these days, when we compare them with those worn by our forefathers, about 700 years ago. An old London historian, describing the winter sports of the youth in that city in the twelfth century, says (about a frozen pond in Moorfields): Many young men play upon it some, striding as wide as they may, do slide swiftly; others make themselves seats of ice as great as a mill- stone; one sits down; many, hand in hand, do draw him, and one, slipping on a sudden, all fall together. Some tie bones to the;ir feet end nder their heels, and, shov ng thetuselves with a little picked stafl do slide as swiftly as a bird flycth in the air, or an arrow out of a cross-bow. Sometitnes two run together with poles, and hitting one the other, either one or both doth fall, not without hurtsome break their arms, some their legs but youth desireth of glory in this sortexerciseth itself against the time of ~var. These old-fashioned skate- runners were made of the shank bones of oxen, and yore highly polished. They are sometimes dug up now In the vicinity of London, and afford a useful lesson in regard to the progress we have made in making skates. A steel runner of a skate, such as that which no~v costs only a few cents, could not be thea obtained in famous London for love or money.~~ Skating is a most invigorating and pleasant winter amusement, and the authorities of New York have very wisely laid off a pond of 20 acres in the Central Park for such exercises. This pond was thus used last win- ter, and the scene was sometimes lively and brilliant. Several ladies appeared frequently on the ice, and rival- ed the young men in rapidity of motion and grace of evolution and it is expected that the scene will be in- tensely captivating and exciting this winter. All the youth in our land should learn to skateevery girl and boy within the domains of icedom. In several of the cities and villages on the Hudson river, very many of the ladies are excellent skaters; and we understand that ladies skating clubs have recently been formed in a great number of places. This movement is a sensible one, and deserves all praise; no winter exercise is more healthful. In Holland, all the Dutch lasses appear to skate as naturally as ducks take to water. Hundreds of them may be seen every morning in winter, sweeping on their skates along their frozen canals to market, with baskets upon their heads, which they manage to balance steadily, while they move as gracefully as posture-masters. SOAP PATENTS--SOAP WITHOUT BOILING If, according to Professor Liebig, the amount of sot used by a people may be taken as a very good index of its civilization, s~e undoubtedly must stand very high, as we believe there is more soap used in the United States than in any othes country. The great number of patents mssaed for various kinds of soap afford evidence that inventors still had this field open for improvements. The following are the specifications of two soap patents: 1.Patent issued to Stephen Strong, of Birmingham, Pa., on April 5, 1859. The nature of the improvement consists in compounding tallow or fat, rosin, caustic lye, carbonated lye or palm oil, slacked lime water and soda ashes, in the proportions as follows, to make rosin soap without boiling:Melt first 100 lbs. of tallow or fat with 200 lbs. of rosin, then heat this mass to 70~ or 80~ Ileamur, and add 150 lbs. of pure cold caustic lye; stir the mass well during the process, and when the whole is well combined, which will be in about from three to four minutes, add 75 lbs. of carbonated lye, and the result will be a fine, hard, light yellow soap. The entire process of saponification occupies from five to seven minutes. The process and ingredients may be varied as follows:Melt 100 lbs. of tallow or palm oil with 200 lbs. of rosin, heat the mass to 700 or 80~ Reamur, then slack 30 lbs. of lime in 190 lbs. of water, an(l in this milk of lime dissolve 80 lbs. of soda ash; strain this mixture through a seive into the melted fat and rosin, stirring the ~vhole during the process, and in about four to seven minutes, the result will be a fine, hard, yellow resin soap. By this process soap may be made cheaper and quicker; it is a simple method and very few fixtures are required for its manufacture. It contains an excess of soda, and is therefore capable of ~vashing well with hard water. By the use of lime in the second described method, the water of crystallization is so completely taken up in the soap that, unlike any other resin soap, it loses very little weight in dr-ing. itt makes a hard soap. IT.Patent granted to Augustus Miller, of Grafton, Ohio, on April 20, 1859. The nature of this improvement consists in the compounding of the ingredients as follows to produce a valuable soap for washing and toilet pur poses :Take 6 gallons of pure, soft water; 6 lbs. of Ger- man erasive soap: 1 lb. of soda; 4 oz. of sulphuric ether; 3 oz. of aqua ammonia; 2 oz. nitric ether; 2 oz. nitrate of potassa; 1 oz. of alum; 2 oz. of spirits of camphor; 2 oz. of gum resin. Unite them thus :Place the water in a metallic vessel of suitable size, and bring it. to the boil- ing point; then add the German soap, stir it till it is dissolved, then add the other ingredients named in the above order as enumerated. They require constant stir- ring for five minutes after all are added, ~vhea the com- pound may be poured out into suitable vessels to cool, or into molds, and the process is completed. The above quantities will make 50 lbs. of good, soft, chemical soap. COAL OIL MANUFACTURE. An approximative estimate of the quantity of illumi- nating coal oil manufactured daily in the United States, during the month ending December 31, 1859, exhibits the following figures: Name or place of works. Gals. Name or place of works. Gals. Downer, Boston, Mass 1,51)0 K. C. C. M. & 0. M. Ce., Glendon, Boston, Mass 1,000 Kanawhs, Va. East Cambridge, Mass 000 G. R. C. & 0. Co., Kanawba Page & Co., Macs Va 500 Suffolk, Mass lol Greer, Kanawha, Va 200 Portland, Maine 515 Staunton, Kanasvha, V Now Bedford :;jo Atlantic, Kanawha, Na Hartford, Ceun :oO Mayevills Co., Ky 400 Kerosene, Neiv York LolO Union Co., Ky 000 ~olmmbia New York 500 Ashland, Kg Carbo ~e v X oik 300 Covington, Ky N. Y C 0 Co New York 401) Breckiund~e, Ky 250 Empire Otite Nec Xork 200 Newport, I y ass Several others in Ns York 500 Eureka, Cincinnati, Ohio 000 Philadelpasa Ps 501) Rosecraus & Co., Cincinnati Ito Pittsburgh Ifeur firm) 2,000 Phmnix, Cincinnati 200 Great We~terii Onto 500 St. Lotus, Mo 200 Nesurk R son (Yin 2,500 Otherwise 1,500 Wheeho, Va CIX) Total u of gallons daily 22,750 We w id not assert that the estimate is quite correct some establishments are probably over, others under- rotod ~l eve that the sum total is a pretty close appruxi m ~t.i fi to the actual quantity of burning coal oils now macto c.aii- ~n this country. The produce of the oil springs has been omitted, as a reliable statement about their produce could not he procured. We svill now dra~v a few general conclusions. It is presumed there have been sold by the several manufacturers of coal oil lamps and burners from 250,000 to 300,000 dos. burners and lamps, of which about 150,000 dozens are in use, the balance being in the hands of dealers. A coal oil lamp will consume about four gallons of oil during the year. The amount of oil burned by the above 1, 800,000 lamps is consequently 7,200,000 gallons per year, or about 20,000 gallons every day. This shows that the amount of oil manufactured is in advance of the amount con- sumed. In order to make 22,750 gallons of burning oil it will require 75,000 gallons of crude coal oil, to make which requires 60,000 bushels of cannel coal. 3 It will cost, to build crude oil and refining works, to make the named quantity of oil each day, $3,000,000; but the actual outlay for the oil-works at present at work does not fall short of $8, 000,000. The value of chemicals used in the purification of coal oil will amount to over $2,000 per day. The number of barrels used to hold coal oil will be between 500 and 600, representing the value of $1,000 and the labor of 400 men. The value of the burning coal oil itself will amount to over $16,000 per day, or more than $5,0o0,00~ a year. All of this does not include heavy oil and paraffine, the sale of svhich is limited and uncertain. The number of workmen employed in the several coal oil-works in tlsis country will reach 2,000; that of the miners engaged in miniomg cannel, 700 or more. Besides this, there are a large force of men employed in making lamps, burners, wicks, chemicals, & c. If we take into mind that two years ago, there were only two or three oil-works in this eonntry, the above statements form a strong illustration of the impetuous energy with which the American mind takes up any branch of industry that promises to pay well. Asfar as coal oil is concerned, the rapidity with which the manu- facture of this beautiful illuminator has been propagated amounts (like the cultivation of the morzs.s sasdticaelis, some years ago) to a mania. APPLICATIONS FOR THE EXTENSION OW I PATENTS. Power Looms Jbr Carpet W~aving.Erastus B. Bige- low, of Massachusetts, obtained a patent dated Feb. 18, 1846, for a valuable improvement in looms for weaving carpets. The patent was re-issued during the same year, and embraces seven claims. He has applied for an extension of this patent for seven years, and the case is to be heard at the Patent Office Feb. 6th. The testi- mony (which must be in writing) will close at the Patent Office on Jan. 23d. Air Distrilssstors.Laban Morse and Whitman T. Lewis, of Athol, Mass., obtained a patent on May 16th, 1846, for an improvement in air-distributors for chambers of combustion. The petition in this case is to be heard at the Patent Office April 23d. The testimony closes on April 9th. This invention has been illustrated ma the ScIENTIFIc AMERICAN, and is extensively used for burn- ing tan and other refuse matter. Tea KettlesEzra Ripley, of Troy, N. Y., obtained a patent on March 14, 1846, for an improved tea kettle. He has applied for an extlnsion of his patent, and the peti- tion is to bs heard on Feb. 27th. The testimony closes on Feb. 14th. AMERICAN WHALEIItENSnow, is his Voyage to the Sotith Seas, pays the following just tribute to Amer- ican whalemen: Whaling is followed up principally by the Americans, who occasionally make their call at Stanley, but form their headquarters at New Island. isi the Western Falklands. Several very fine vessels have been known to cruise about these seas; and, from the many whalers I have in my different trips come across, I in; 4ne they do not find it a losing speculation. They are rough And hardy seamen, but much more intellectual and attentive to the science of the sea than would be supposed. A proof of this is seen in the varied inform- ation they send to the Hydrographic Department of their home government; and, indeed, in this respect, I can- not help saying that I think the whole of the American mercantile marine get ahead of as most considerably. As a class, they are a highly intelligent and competent body of men; their ships are a model to the eye, and a pride to a seamans heart; and, speaking of my own ex- perience, I have ever found much courtesy and ready aid extended to me, ~vhenever needed, by them. WE are indebted to W. B. Spies, editor of the Mia- issg Record, Pottaville, Pa., for copies of Judge Griers charge to the jury and remarks to the counsel in the case of Joseph Battin vs the Lehigh Coal Company, for infringement of the Coal-breaker patent. The whole effort of the learned judge seems to us partial and un- fair, and we propose at some future time to examine into the matter more fully. We hope we may. uposi further investigation, find our surmises not well founded. THE S(~JLNTIF[C AMERI(AN. MASKELLS SLIDE KEEL. Some time since we published a notice of an invention by Thomas Maskell, of Franklin, La., designed as an improvement on center-boards for vessels. After the publication of that notice, a gentleman of this city entered into correspondence with Mr. Maskell on the subject, the re~nlt of which was that Mr. M. came to this city, and after making arrangements with his cor- respondent, returned to Louisiana and submitted his plans to the governor of that State; thence he went to Waeliingtou and showed his plan to the Secretary of the Navy, who appointed a hoard of officers to examine it and report. Mr. Maskell next proceeded to Paris and snismited his ideas to the Society of Inventors and Artists of France. The committee of the United States Navy having reported favorably in regard to the plan, and a sloop of war being now in process of construction at the navy yard, in Philadelphia. we present a full illus- tration of the invention. It consists essentially in making a deep, narrow chan- nel, oc slit, in the bottom of the keel of a vessel, into which a feb hA i ~. uric 1 in ~nh manner that it may STEAM CARRIAGES FOR COMMON ROADS. In a recent article on this subject in the New York Daily Times a great umoont of strong faith is exhibited in the success of such agencies; and among other inter- esting information contained in it, we are informed that a British steam carriage for common roads is now in actual service in some part of the United States. It recommends their more general use, and rather stigma- tizes our people as being old fogyish in regard to iron steamships, puddled steel, steam agriculture, coal-burn- ing locomotives and steam carriages for common roads. The practicality of such engines has long ago been de- monstrated, just like electro-magetic engines, but their ability to operate successfully, and to operate economi- cally in competition with other agencies, are two differ- ent questions. Viewing this question in the economical light, it appears to us that there are scarcely 50 miles of road in this country where they could be employed suc- cessfully. In the well-paved streets of this city, a steam carriage might run very well and economically, and it would he hailed as a general benefactor if the crowds of animals which draw vehicles in our public thoroughfares and remunerate her owners. Soon after the ice strutk the Saratoga she commenced filling, and went down stern foremost in about 50 feet of water. As she was sinking, the hnwsers attached to her tow were thrown oft; and the captain, with the crew and passengers, escaped in a small boat. lie spent Sunday night on Barren K land, and was taken off yesterday.Albeay Eve. Jour Dec. 13. CITY BOILER INSPECTION. The committee of Councilmen (of this city), that was appointed some time ago to enquire into the expedi- ency of inspecting all steam boilers, have presented a re- port recommending the appointment of an Inspector at $1,500, and an Assistant Inspector at $1,000, whose duty it shall he to examine all the steam boilers of the city once a year, and give a certificate if everything is. found to he right, for which document the owner is to pay $10 to the Comptroller. The working of a boiler after the certificate has been refused will be made pun- ishable by fine. The receipts from the $10 fees are to pay the salaries and other expen~ If the inspection MASKELLS IItIPROVED SLIDE KEEL FOR SHIPS. be drawn in, in shallow water, and lowered down where ~vere superseded by safe steam carriages, hut until street time water is of sufficient depth. Fig. I is a side view of railroads are permitted to use steam horses, there is no the vessel and keel, and Fig. 2 a bottom view of the tise of advocating their employment for other purposes. keel looking up. In the keel, a a, a channel is cut, the Oar common turnpike roads, in their present condi- depth of which is shown fry the rlotted lines. Into this tion, do not seem to be fit for their successful operation. channel the false keel, d d, fits loosely, and may be It is well known that the defective permanent way of drawn into it by means of the rods, e e e, which pass up many of our railroads has been the cause of their fail- through the middle of the vessel to the deck, where I are to pay the great running expenses thereby entailed they are provided with screws and nuts, or other simitable for wear and tear, and the interest on the invested funds. device for raising and lowering them. The false keel or When this is the case on a railroad, where the resistance center-hoard, is supported at its ends by the pieces, c c, is so much reduced, that one horse can draw as macli as which are pivoted to it at one of their ends, and support- 10 on a common road, how can steam carriages be profit- ed at their op~)osite ends by the pins, b b, which pass ably employed on the latter? The concussions experi- through slots in them, as shown, this arrangement being enced in running, and the great amount of wear and tear manifestly to allow the pieces, c c, to slide longicudnally for breakages that would thus be involved, seem to pre- and thus permit the vertical motions of the false keel, d. sent insurmountable obstacles to their success. But as we In regard to the advantages of this arrangement, the have said essentially before, this is a question of profit inventor says, TIme nIrI-fashmioned sliding keel is objec- and loss entirely; and we therefore hope the English tionable, as the well or opening in which it slides runs steam carriage will have a fair trial, and that a candid fore-and-aft of tIme vessel for one-fourth or one-third of acid full report will be given to the community regarding her length, and requires the deck floors, beams and its performances. That roads can he made whereon such frames for that length to be cut entirely through, thereby steam carriages can be worked successfully, especially for much diminishmim~ig tIre strength of the hull. Time present drawing heavy loads, we have no doubt whatever. We plan requires no such emitting tlmrommgh; the hull is built have advocated the employment of properly constructed in tIme usual way, except the recess in the main keel. ~rnall locomotives for street railroads, as they can be as For vessels navigating the shallow rivers and hays of our easily managed as horses, and we would be glad to see southerir coart, tIme device amust Irrove valuable, partien- them adopted in place of the much-abused brute, under larly in the cotton district. every circumstances. We therefore hope that improve- Persons d~sirimmg further information in regard to this ments will he directed to the proper source for rendering sliding keel, may address the inventor at Franklin, La. them successful on common roads, namely, to improve the ______ roads first. SUBSTITUTE FOR C IITTA-PERCmLA. According to Dr. Kirr, when the hark of thre linden is boiled for some time in water, it becomes soft, supple, and susceptible of tak- ing all kinds of forms, which it preserves on hecoming hard by cooling. This property it presem-ves after hav- ing been used, so that it can b~ used again for different purposes; according to this, the hark of the linden may be to a certain extant substitmited for gutta-percha.---An- naive Med. dv lv 1laudre Orcideat. A new iron steamer, called the S. B. Sparrldirmg, has been added to the fleet belonging to the Baltimore and Boston Steamship Company. Tlre people of Baltimore seem to he moore enterprising than those of Boston in building stesrruers, as thoy own two-thirds of the stock belongimrr.~ to Lhi~ THE OLDEST STEAMBOAT KNOWNThe steamboat Saratoga, which was cut througlr by the ice on Sunday, and sunk, in the hay opposite New Ilamhurgh, was pro- bably the oldest steamboat known in the northern waters. She was hailt in 1825, by W. C. Redflehd, of New York, to rim to Hartford, Conn., and was then christened the Oliver Elswortlm. It was the first effort of Mr. Bedflehd in steamboat building, and, at that time, it was considered a highly successful experiment. In 1837, sIre was transferred to the Hudson river, where she ran for a long time as a passenger heat. About 1848, she changed hands, when she was re-built, lengthened, and her name changed to Saratoqa. From that date rip to the time of the disaster she has been employed in towing river craft between Trov ansi New York. She may .~. placad in a coadition to Ler~ ~m us more labor fee were $3 it wonlrl give, in tire aggregate, a some enspte for all the expeirses, and if coarpetent and lmene~t mets were appointed to fill tIre Inspectorship, tire ordirsane would not he Irard ripen boiler proI)rietors, and would confer benefit on the city in diminisiring the nimmiser ci beiler explosloirs. ~ ~ THE FRIGATE NIAGARA. This noble steam war vessel is laid up in the Brooklyn navy yard, and a report has been circulated that it is a failure as an efflrrtive ship for war purposes and that it is withdrawn from frirtirer active service. As tIre Niagara was built by thre late distiuguisired George Steers, and as it has frequently been pronounced a mnedel war ship, it is ratiser strange now to hear of its condemn- ation. We have heard it stated tirat aithougir its form is good for quick sailing, it is very defective in other respects. In proportion to its size it carried a very small armament, and while it exposed a mccii greater surface than a smaller frigate, it could imot carry so heavy a battery. On tIre other hand, it has been stated that tire unfavorable reports circirlated about the Niagara originated with government naval constructors; tlrey being envious on account of Mr. Steers having been selected, for iris abilities, to construct tIns vessel out of the usual routine of the navy departurent. We should like to know ~vhat tire facts are in this case. VEGETABLE TALaOW. Tire Agricultural Bureau of the Patent Office isas received specimens of vegetable tallow, known to botanists as rnyristica sebi/vra. It comes from a nut about the size of a nutmeg, full of meat, which being melted, becomes a yellowish tallow, excel- lent for candles. The plant is a native of Central and Soutir America, and naturally attains a irighit of 10 or 12 feet; it carries hrerbaceous flowers from July till Sep- tember, and makes so profuse a secretion of oily matter that this may be readily obtained from it, in tire form of fat, by immersing it in boiling water. II. L. Clarke, Esq., United States Minister at Guatenmala, writes that he has no doubt that this article might be collected and exported at considerable profit. It grows in inrmense quantities in the southern departments amrd irs Verapaz. It is susceptible of suds higir purification as to resetuble the finest sperm, is solid, and quite as trausnarent. A sample of this production, in tire nut and in the tallow. is now among the numerous collections of tlse Patent Office. The cultivation of it from tire seed will be tried at thee horticultural garden. -f J~i2 5 vS a THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. ~dcntific ~nw~i~an, ~SIUNN & COMPANY, Editors and Proprietors. PUBLISHED WERICLY At No. 37 Park-row (Park Biiihling), New York. 0. 1). MUNN, S. II. WALES, A. E. BEACL TERMSTwo Dollars per anuuxu.One Dollar in advance, andthe remainlor U OiX ui~~tiw. Siu~lo copico of the paper are on sale at the office of publication, and at all t hoporiodica oros in the United States and Canada. Sainpoon La,v, Son & Co., the AmerIcan Booksellers, No. 47 Lndgate Hill, London, England, are the Britioh Agents to receive subscrip- tions ibr the SemisTuna AancescAN. F~ See Prospectus on last page. No Traveling Agents employed. VOL. IL, No. I [NEW SERIEs.] Fsfteenth Year. NEW YORK, MONI~AY, JANUARY 2, 1860. PROGRESSIVE SCIENCE. T is only by comparison (that we are enabled to judge of change and pro- / gress. When the disk of j;[E ~ the sun appears above the eastern horizon and ushers in the light of morning, it seems, from momentary / __ observation, as if he would occupy the same position forever; but when a few hours have passed away, he appears in Ihe mid- heaven, and we know that our position with Isis has un- dergone a change. When a sapling oak is planted in spring-time, we cannot detect its growth and progress hour by hour; but, Inontli by month, and year after year, we can perceive it advancing from the shrub of a few feet in hight to the stately monarch of the forest. As it is with the motions of the planets and the growth of vegetation, so it is with the progress of mankind in any branch of knowledge. By taking a very brief period for examination, we are scarcely able to discover any change in science, philosophy and the arts; a moment for observation is like a grain of sand in forming a mountaina sohtary block ill constructing a pyramid. But as we laave arrived at the end of another year, and stand on the tlareshold of a new one, it may not be un- profitable to take a rapid survey of the past. Great original inventions, like the telegrapll, electro- typing and photography, are not numerous; they occur only at considerable intervi~ of time. During the year that has just gone, we cannot record any great discovery of a new class; but, although this is the case, we well know that some of those inventions which are called improvements are snore valuable than the leading ideas which suggested 111dB. The steam engine, tele- graph, and many other machines, were very crude in their early construction, and were only rendered really serviceable by subsequent improvements. The progress made in such contributions to science and the useful arts during the past year claallenges a comparison with any that Ilas preceded it. We 6pcned the new year of 1859 with an illu~tration, in the ScIENTIFIc AMERICAN, of a sleeping car for railroads, and we specially directed at- tention to the need of sucil an imlarovement for land travel by night. The result Ilas been the adoption of such coiaveniences on several of our railroads; and pas- sengers in tlacse may repose as soundly ~vhile traveling by night as in a Hudson river steamboat. Indeed, a re- cent English traveler, in describing his experience in America, was enthusiastic in his praises of1 night travel- ing on one of our railroads, and asserted that, in this featnre, we were far in advance of all nations. The lo- comotive steam plow also became a practical success in our cotlatry last year, and a new era in this branch of agricultu.re was inaugurated. For saving steam power, by regulating the proper supply according to the work to be performed, however variable, several cut-offs un- der the control of the governor, have been brought before the public through our columns, and a great econ- omy in fuel has been obtained by such improvements. Much attention has been devoted to improvements in portable gas apparatus, so as to secure the same advan- tages to academies, hotels, villages, factories, & c., that re enjoyed in large cities; and our c afford evi dence that great success has attended the efforts of inven- tors in this direction. In machinery for working in wood, the United States has held the highest position for~ many years; and our lathes for turning irregular forms, spool-turners, and scroll and molding-cutters, have been adopted in foreign countries. Still, in all such machin- ery, we are not yet perfect; we are still progressing, for we cannot recollect of any previous year in which so many wood-working machines .have been brought before the public through our paper. In agricultural machin- ery, great advances have also been made; there is scarcely a single operation on the farm, from washing the potatoes to milking the cows and grinding the corn, for which a machine eannot now be obtained. Every department of the useful arts has ~ieen enriched by our inventors in 1859, but time and space would fail us to particularize these; there has been no standing still the march has been onward, the progress manifest. No better proof could be adduced of progress in the useful arts than the number of patents which have been issued for inventions, as these are only granted upon the conditions embraced in the patent laws, of being new and useful improvements. We will only take the number of patents whose claims are published entire in our last volume, which covers a period of six months; this being sufficient for our purpose. The whole amount is 1,864, with 41 designs, which will give about 3,810 for the year. The greatest number of patents issued for any one class in the six months is 36 for corn and other seed planters; the next largest nIlluber is 32 for sewing machines; the next, 29 for harvesters; and the next 25 for washing machincssho~ving the ladies have been especially cared for. Agricultural machinery claimed the largest share of the inventors attention; and this is one of the best signs of progress that could have been presented, because agriculture is the foundation of all the other useful arts. We have made these statements for the encouragement of our inventors. The field of investigation is still mvide and inviting; and, from the progress made during tile past year, we have every rea- son to expect that science and art will move on in 1860 with as stately a nlarch as in any past year of the pre- sent century. THE HONORABLE JUDG1I~ MASOI~ AND THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. A hIGHLY IMPORTANT ARRANGEMENT. We find ourselves, on the first of January, 1860, con- ducting the most extensive and best arranged agency in the ,torld for the procuration oj American and foreign pateats. The confidence of the inventors oF this country has be- come so much concentrated in this office that, in looking over the record of the year past, we find the amount o business transacted by us is ullprecedented by any pre- vious year; and ~ve begin the new year with no signs of abatement. To manage successfully so large a business requires an amount of care and experience which few can appreciate, unless they personally visit our est bush- ment. Our determination has ever been to draw around us a force equal to any and every professional emer- gency that may arise; and we have no doubt that, with the accumulated resources at our command, we could easily transact the entire patent business of the United States. Our rapidly increasing business demands, at this time, increased facilities for its prosecution; and we are grat- ified to state to our clients, and to inventors and pat- entees generally, that the Hon. Judge Mason, of Iowa, the late Commissioner of Patents, has become asso- ciated with us, and will enter at once upon his duties at our home Office, No. 37 Park-row, this city. Thead- vent of Judge Mason will, of course, add very naateri- ally to the resources and capabilities of our est~tblish- meat. His mature and extended experience in patent matters will be of the greatest assistance in the prompt solution of the many questions connected with the pre- paration of patent docunacats for inventors, the prose- cution of patent cases, & c., that are so constantly brought before us. AN IMPROMPTU MILL-PIZK.A Kansas correspond- ent (T. Armore) states that a common sawmill file makes a good mill-pick. He says: Take a 10, 12 or 14..inch worn-out sawmill file, grind up its ends, and in- sert it into some suitable contrivance for holding it so- iare, and you have a flr~t-rate mill-pick. OUR PERSONALITY. In common with naost periodicals at this peculiar period of the year, we will be pardoned for saying sonic- thing about ourselfthe ScIENTIFIc AIIEHICANas a personality. But some caviler may say, What can you say about yourself? You are nothing hut paper and printers ink. Quite true, that is our compositien ; but is not ilac human body composed of mere dust? and yet it is a personality, for all that. The spirit breathes, and the mind communicates through us, as its instrument, both thoughts and feelings, and we hold converse with thousands, ~veekly, as sensibly and truly as if we spoke in audible language. We therefore, in view of these facts, consider ourself a personality; and, like any other in- telligent being, we require to be ho used, clothed and fed, For the first time in fifteen years, we have commenced a ne~v volume with the opening year, and during the one that has just gone, we have experienced several interest- ing episodes of life. We have cmerg~Jl from our old and time-honored dusky habitation, in Fulton-street, to our present spacious apartments in Park-ro~v; but we con- sider this promotion was no more than we deserved, on account of past faithful services and our incr.easeA re- spectability. We have also been provided with a new sisit of apparelof the best cloth in the market; our dimensions have been expanded to double size, our pow- ers of locomotion have been greatly increased, our circle or acquaintances has been enlarged one-third, and a number of other clever things, too numerous to men- tion, have been done for us. In taking a comparative view of our progress during the year 1859, we really feel considerably ~ in commencing the new year, and we enjoy naore vigor than ever before, to go on with cheerful heart to labor in our peculiar vocation. DEATH OF DE QUINCEY. The Scottish newspapers aunous~ce the death of Thos. DeQuincey, in lisa city of Edinburgls, on the 8th inst., at the age of 73 years. He was one of tile ablest essay. ists of the present age, and was generally known as the author of Confessiens of an English Opium-eater. He was deeply addicted to the use of opium, and gave to the world, many years ago, a series of sketelses, in which are detailed the peculiar imaginings of a persosa under the influence of that pernicious and peculiar drug. lie was a native of Manchester, England, but had lived for a number of years in Edinburgh, wlsere he enjoyed the com~)any ond gifted conversation of eminent men in that literary city. In person he was small, and had a feeble, withered appearance; hut his mind was powerful and his intellect keen; and it is remarkable that, al~ though his health was delicate, and he had s~vallowed immense quantities of opium, he yet lived beyond the conamon age of men, His works isave all been re-pub- lished in America. CAUSE OF SANDED COTTON. MEssRs. EnITons:I noticed in a late number of the ScIENTIPIG AMERICAN some remarks by you in relation to southern crops. Let me explain to you why tiacre is so much dirty and badly handled cotton sent to our mar- kets. I presume that no cotton planter prefers sending dirt or sand, nor do tlsey try to have it gathered with the cotton any more than possible, for market. When- ever we have large crops, it Inust necessarly be Isandled more roughly, or lost to a large anaeunt in the field. We, as planters, blanse tlse conaniissioa merchants for so much inferior cotton going into market, If they would make a greater ditherence in the price between fine and inferior cottons, you would hear no usore about dirty or badly handled cotton. Several years ago, nanny planters ~vent to considerable expense in trying to make fine cot- ton, but finding that those planters who took no pains whatever in handliug their cotton received nearly or quite as good a price, they very soon decided to try for quantity and not take so nauch time and labor in making fine cotton when it did not pay to do so. The trouble all begins with the commission merchants, in classifying our cotton; they should let each quality sell on its own merits, and not try to make a lot of fine cotton sell an iiaferior lot. Let the planters see and know that there is a great difference in the price of cotton, and I assure you the market will soon be well supplied with clean, good, and fitie cottons. The planters are not going to any ex- tin pains or expense to make fine cotton, when they know that they will not receive much, if any, higher prices than 5 THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. those who took no pains. I have been engaged in plant- ing and selling cotton for the last 20 years. These nrc my views and those of many of the most intelligent l)lanters in Louisiana and Mississippi. E. J. C. Centerville, Miss., Dec. 15, 1859. IMPROVED COTTON PRESS. For pressing hay, cotton, & e., the most perfect of all plans is the toggle joint, for the power increases with the increase of the resistance; but the difileulty of applying machinery to the continually-moving joint has caused presses of other varieties to be extensively used for these purposes. We here illustrate a device which seems to obviate the difficulty ~ery perfectly. A is the cotton in the bale box (the box, for clearness, not being represented), B, the follo~ver, and C C C C, the four arms of the toggle, which are made double or in pairs, as shown. The two rods, E E, which draw the joints, r ?, to- gether, and thus force up the follower, B, pass through nuts at the joints, r r, which nuts are fitted to turn in the joints as the inclination of the rods varies with the upward and down- ward motion of the joints. These rods have one a right hand and the other a left hand screw, and are each made in t~vo parts, which are connected at .a s by a universal joint. The short arm of each rod is secured in hearings, and carries on its end a pinion, which is connected h~ gearing to the policy, D. T~vo belts run in oppesite directions on loose pulleys on the same shaft with, and may l)e brought upon the pulley, D, alter- nately to carry the fol- lower up and down, as may be desired. It will he perceived that this is a suitable press for pressing cloth and other substances, as ~vell as cotton. A patent for this in- vention was obtained (through the agency of Munn & Co.), on August 16, 1859, for the inventor, M. B. Hand, of Handsboro, Miss. ; and persons (IC- siring further information in relation to it will please ad- dress hand & Co., at the above place, or S. C. Hills, No. 12 Platt-street, this city. AMERICAN INVENTIONS. We have certainly had some good inventions from America; and, if we were to credit American authori- ty, we might suppose that all we had in the way of use- ful machinery was invented there. We give proper credit for the cotton gin, hocs printing press, the card machine; the Wood-Manny reaping machine, Colts re- volvers, the gun-stock lathes in use at Enfleld, and what- ever else really good and ingenious ~ve may have taken at the hands of our clever cousinswho, by the way, had much rather be called smart than clever. In re- turn for these inventions, we have ~ven the locomotive, the steamship, the power loom, the self-acting mule, the planing machine, the shaping machine, gas-lighting and calico.printingwe have given the Americans the steam hammer, the hydraulic crane, the electrotype process and photography, and we ~have given them the most impor- tant inventions in the iron manufacture, besides showing them the use of iron in ships and bridges. As for the steamboat and electric telegraph, we claim their inven- tion equally with the Americans, end we hold Symiug- ton and Wheatstone in as high consideration as an Amer- ican would accord to Fulton and Morse.Loadon En- gineer. ENGLISH STEAMERS IN THE PACIFIC. The Pacific Steam Navigation Company (British) are about to place a powerful steam tug in the Bay of Panama, for the lighterage business, and their own purposes. The tug is to be built of steel, 120 feet long and 20 feet wide. She is to have a double engine, side wheels, and will measure 224 tons, drawing only 3 feet of water when loaded with 50 tuns of cargo and 50 passeugort and their luggage, with the usual quantity of ~peeie and mails. She is now being built at Liverpool, and is to be ready in January; but it is not yet determined whether to send her around Cape Horn, or via the Isthmus, in parts, to be put up at Panama. The Pacific Steam Navigation Company is also build- ing two screw steamers of iron, of about 1,000 tons re- gister, to be employed on the coast between Panama and Callao, and principally for freighting purposes. They are expected to reach the Pacific during the winter or early in the spring. The regular passenger steamers of the comp~oy ply between Panama and Valparaiso, touching at about sixteen intermediate ports. It is high time that our people were looking more closely into this mat- ter, or the English ~vill soon take the entire ocean steam traffic out of their management, and leave us dependent upon them for our mail carriage. HANDS IMPROVED COTTON PRESS. THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON PATENTS. The following Senators constitute the Committee on Patents, appointed by the present Congress :Mcssrs. Bigler of Pennsylvania, Thomson of Kentucky, Hemp- hill of Texas, Simmons of y~hode Island, and Trumbull of Illinois. On the 22d inst., S nator Mallory, of Florida, introduced a hill to promote the progress of the useful arts, or, in other ~vords, a bill to amend the Patent Laws. It affords us much gratification to record this fact as proceeding from a Senator whose constituents are but little eagagetl in manufacturing. It shows~ an appreciation, on his part, of the need of some reform In a system which has received from Congress, icr more than twenty years, nothing but the cold shoulder. We believe also that Senator Bigler will appreciate the importance of doing something with this matter. His constituents are among those most interested in patent law reform. THEORY OF THE CONSTITUTION OF STEEL. Unsatisfied with the common theory of steel being made with a combination of carbon and iron, Mr. J. Saunderson, an English manufacturer of this metal, has instituted some experiments with the following results: 1st. Wrought-iron heated in presence of carbon is not converted into steel. 2d. The transformation takes place when atmos- pheric air has access. 3d. Pure carbonic oxyd is without action. 4th. Ammouia or nitrate of ammonia are incapable of steeling iron. 5th. It is the same with the divers hydro-carhons employed pure. 6th. But the iron is steeled when we apply, at the same time, ammonia and defiant gas. 7th. The transformation can be effected by pure am- monia or sal ammoniac when a carbureted iron is em- ployed. 8th. Potassium or its vapor produces nothing, hut steel is produced when ferrocyanide of potassium is used. 9th. Pure cyanide of potassium succeeds as well as the ferrocyanide; this proves that the active principle does not reside in the iron of the ferrocyanide, from ~vhich Mr. Saunderson concludes that the transformation does not take place, except with the condition of a simultaneous occurrence of carbon and nitrogen. He adds that nitrogen is always found where iron passes into the state of steel, that it is so even in cementation that the vessels are not sufficienily tight to exclude the air, and consequently nitrogen which it contains. He recalls, on this occasion, the part played by the clippings of hides, shavings of horn and animal charcoal, which are frequently employed in the manufacture of steel. It is not obtained by dipping red-hot iron in pure olive oil, but is produced with fatprecisely because the latter is azotised, thanks to the animal membrane which it con- tainswhilst olive oil is free from nitrogen. WAx AND RosIN FOR PAINTINGTO oil coats there is this objection, that they require a comparatively long time to dry. When oil of turpentine is used, though it evaporates fast enough, it leaves the painting soft; and although, by the addition of some other substances, the drying may be hastened, it even then takes up too much time, and leads to the substitution of whitewash and other water colors. Mr. Alloys now proposes a mixture which yields a coat of paint that will dry as fast as whitewash, but leave as durable and elastic a ~oat as that of oil. To prepare it, instead of more linseed oil as usually, he adds to the paint, ground in oil, a solu- tion of wax and rosin in spirits of turpentine. The mix- ture thus prepared has the appearance of common cil paint, and acts like such. On the evaporation of tur- pentine, it leaves a coat sufficiently hard to bear gentle rubbing without coming off. Barreswil has reported some experiments with this mixture, and finds that, al- though it becomes sufficiently dry and hard after a time, it does not equal a good oil coating in this respect; but be has no doubt that, for some purposes, it ivill be found quite desirable. He gives the following formula for its prel)aration: 10 parts of pure yellow wax are dissolved in the same quantity of linseed oil, and 5 parts of rosin in S of spirits of turpentine, at a slow heat (in separate vessels) until quite liquid; when they are taken from the fire and mixed, with constant stirring, until they thicken. In this condition, tIme mixture serves for out-door and store-work. If to be applied with ground paints, it is thinned with spirits of tuny-ntinc, as veqmlred..Dis~g I icrs PO~pfCCACiC Joeeuai, 6 THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. WONDERFUL NEW INLAND SEA IN LOWER CALIFORIUA. The foHowing is taken from the Alta californian, and looks to us as if colored with the rose water of the Ara- bian Nights Entertainments. We however, give it for what it is worth: It is not generally known that a great laguna, or as it termed, an inland sea, exists in Lower California. Though a few natives and Indians have always been aware of the fact, it evidently is unknown to geographers, for in no published maps, from the earliest period down to the present time, is any sueh body of water laid down. That the lake exists there can he no question, as is cvL denced by whaling captains now in port. In length it reaches from latitude 260 40 to 280 4, or something less than one hundred miles, and in width extends from 40 to 50 miles, giving it an irregular shape. OnQ of our informants, Mr. Selim E. Woodworth, who has recently returned from that locality, gives us some interesting de- tails of this lake or bay. This body of water was first discovered for all practical purposes, by Capt. Seam- mon, of the whaling ship, Ocean Bird, of this port, who entered it three years ago, and quickly filled up his ship there. He found the ~vaters of this sea, as he terms it, abounding in whales, the females resorting thither be- tween December and April to calve, lie kept the dis- covery a secret, and on the following season ~vent there again, returning with the same success, and exciting the wonder of his compeers in the whaling business at his un- accountable luck. At last his mate, who had a brother commanding a whaler in the northern seas, wrote to the latter at the Sandwich Islands, informing him of the fact, and the nevs thus getting abroad, eighteen whalers came over from Honolulu last season, and some succeed- ed in effecting an entrance. Others were unable to do so, owing to the intricacy of the channeL Ship Black Warrior was lost in the attempt; and after that, part of the fleet, getting seared at the place, left, and never re- turned. Those that entered, however, last season, got well repaid for their enterprise, and the Ocean Bird, par- ticularly, made another good thing out of it. The news is now thoroughly circulated among the ~vhalers at Hono- lulu, and in a short time there will be over fifty vessels on the way there. The entrance is between low sand- pits, not more than a thousand yards apart. From this the lake opens at once, and presents a broad and fine- looking expanse of water. It abounds in seal and whale. Our informant, in speaking of the latter, re- marked that the place is alive with them. It is not likely that they will prove so abundant after the ap- proaching whaling fleet has killed off the co~v whales, or driven them away from their ancient haunts. The Mexican government,, quick to profit by the enterpi-ise of others, have already established an agent there, who ex- acts tunnage dues from all vessels entering for whaling purposes. The. waters being generally smooth, the fish- eries are pursued with ease and success. Several islands containing a vast amount of guano are also found there, and there are large deposits of pure salt. A VALUABLE TESTIMONIAL. GENTLEMEN :During the past three months I have employed you to prepare and prosecute six applications for patents, and I take pleasnre in stating that all these eases were granted without any essential alteration in the papers. In all my experience as an inventor, ~vhich covers a space of twenty-five years (my first patent was granted in 1834), I have never had applications so thor- oughly and so satisfactorily prepared. Any one con- templating to procure patents has but to visit your im- mense establishment, and watch the complete system which governs it throughoutas I have done from day to dayto be satisfied that it is the place, above all others, to apply for information and professional aid in alL matters pertaining to Letters Patent for iaventions. Tendering to you and your efficient corps of examiners my thanks for the courtesy and fidelity shown to me and to my business, I am, gentlemen, Your obliged friend, JOHN WEBSTER COCHRAN. New York, Dec 20, 1859. [Mr Cochran is a veteran inventor, and has probably patented as many inventions as any other man now liv- ing. His testimonial, therefore, is based apon the result of an extended experience..EDs~ THE GREAT EASTERN. The Great Ship Company, who own the steamship Great Eastern, have caused her to be thoroughly ex- amined by experts (no doubt of the highest position) who have made the following brief but weighty report: Great Eastern Steamship, Holyhead, Oct. 15. GENTLEMEN :In compliance with your request, we have made a complete survey of the Great Eastern, but, not having had time to prepare our detailed report, we beg to submit the following remarks upon the points re- ferred to in your letter, and some others which we think important you should bring under the consideration of the Board: With reference to the intimation that Mr. Russell alleges that his contract is completed, we mark that the hull of the ship to which our survey has been specially directed (exclusive of the engines) is not completed either as to the general scope or the details of the contract, as a first-class passenger ship, such as those of Cunards line or the Royal West India Mail Company, and that, in her present state, it would be imprudent to send her to sea on a lengthened voyage. We are unable at present to arrive at a definite opinion as to the cost of the works necessary for the com- pletion of the ship in all respects in accordance with the contract. The amount must be very large. We are un- able to state the amount of damages consequent on the delay in sending her to sea. We may remark generally, that, with the exception of a few cabins, the accommodations are by no means equal to the requirenients of a first-class passenger steam- er, such as Cunards line or the Royal West India Mail steamers, but are very inferiormaterials, workmanship and furniture. The accommodation for the officers and crew is by no means such as ought to have been provided and is required by the contract. The decks are not tight, and a great deal of inferior material and workmanship has been used in them. [here is no heating apparatus for warming the cabins in winter. There is a considerable amount of work which is ab- solutely necessary to be performed before the ship can he trusted on a lengthened voyage across the Atlantic, which work would require a considerable time to execute in an efficient manner, and even with this alone the ship would not be what the contract requires her to be; and defi- ciencies in other respects would he a constant source of expense and annoyance to the company. We are, gentlemen, your obedient servants, GEORGE BAYLEY. WILLIAM PATTERSON. JOHN JORDAN. THE NEW YANKEE SWINDLECertain swindlers in America, on seeing announcements in the papers of the death of wealthy individuals in England, have lately adopted the artful plan of addressing letters to the de- ceased parties, which letters have been so written as to induce the executors to believe that the writers were on intimate terms with those whom they addressed, and that they still believed they ~vere living. They invaria- bly alluded to the promises of the deceased to make re- mittances, and concluded with urging them to do so vithout delay. The executors, presuming that all was correct, as stated, have in many instances made the re- mittances; hut the recent exposure of the swindlers has hail the effect of thwarting their nefarious designs. We copy the above from, an English journal, and are rejoiced to know that the nefarious designs of Yan- kee swindlers are exposed and thwarted; but what can be said of those executors who presumed all was correct and actually remitted? Such verdancy is truly lamenta- ble, and ought to receive the attenilon of the proper au- thorities. If such swindles have been perpetrated (which we can scarcely believe), we venture to state that the Yankees were born in England, and knew the suscepti- bilities of those whom they addressed. To THE RIGHT !M. Babinet, of the Paris Observa- tory, has advanced before the Academy of Sciences the singular proposition that in all rivers left to themselves it is invariably the right bank that is washed by floods that is to say, it is the right bank which suffers the most friction ana the most destruction. He explains this by the dirretion and force of the earths rotation. His contradictors at the Academy admit that this may ho trun of rivers running north and south, but they deny the principle for those which run cast and west, in the direction of the earths rotation. M. Bahinet contends that even here the friction of the right bank is slightly greater than that of the left. Will some American pro- fessor take the trouble to reply to the French astrono- mer s proposition? For it is especially in America that it can be proved or disproved by actual observation. Paris Cor. of the New York Times. All nonsense! Our American rivers abraid their banks on both sides, right and left, aecording to the direc- tion of the current from the hard or soft nature of the banks. A COLUMN OF VARIETIES. Since the brilliant display of falling stars between tho 12th and 13th of November, 1833, it has been observed that this phenomenon is much more likely to be seen at that time of the year than at any other; and one learned astronomer, Olbers, has come to the conclusion that it is probable that the next great display will take place be- tween the 12th and 13th of November, 1867 Sir William herschel was of opinion that light required 2,000,000 years to reach the earth from the most remote luminous vapor visible through hiF 40-foot telescope. A locomotive running at the rate ~ 20 miles an hour, con- stantly, day and night, would occupy more than 500 years in passing from the the cart Is to sun; but light passes from the sun to the earth in 8 minutes In Lima (Peru) slight shocks of eai shquakes average 45 per year A company has been forIned in Haddam, Coun., for the purpose of manufacturing patent pocket umbrellas. This useful article will no longer be pabhic property At a railroad station, an old lady said to a very pompous look- ing gentleman, who was talking about steam communi-. cation: Pray, sir, what is steam ? Steam, maam, is, nhsteam is, nhnh! steam issteam ! I kne~v that chap couldnt tell ye, said a rough-looking fellow standing by; but steam is a bucket of water in a tro- inendous perspiration. The Victoria tubular bridge at Montreal, two miles in length, is a fixed fact. The first locomotive crossed over it on Nov. 24th, and it was opened for regular travel on Dec. 18th. The engineer is A. M. Ross, and the builder J. hodges. Its entire cost is $6, 500,000. There are 24 piers, composed of 3,000,000 blocks of solid masonry. The total weight of the tubes, which are all iron, is 8,000 tuns. The shipping pass under them. This is the last link in the Grand Trunk Railroad, 1,000 miles long and in run- ning order, the longest continuous line in the world It is estimated that the number of human beings on the earth is, 1,000 millions, of whom about 33 millions die every year, 91 thousand per day, 3,800 per hour, and 63 every minute. As the number of births is equal to that of the deaths, children are born into the world at the rate of one a second; consequently, reader, since you began this paragraph, several human souls have com- menced their immortal career It is said that there are not less than 8,064 languages spoken in the world rhere are mere than 1,000 different religions be- liefs prevailing among the children of men Many of the carriages running upon the Paris and Versailles aiid upon the Paris and Vincennes railroads are two stories in bight, having covered seats upon the roofs The French Government has ordained the systematic gathering of the sea-weed which is washed on the rocks of the coasts of Normandy and Brittany, to serve as wadding for artillery A most valuable discovery of diamonds has recently been made at the foot of the Ural Mountains, Russia. One specimen brought the lucky owner $60,000. There is every reason to believe that a mine of inex- haustible wealth has been discovered At the Phila- delphia Mint, in November, 3,300,000 of the nickel cent were coined. The Mint receives the Spanish coin in exchange for cents at rates which afford a large gain to the former The first mill in Manaynak, Philadel- phia, was erected about 40 years ago. Manaynuk is now called the Lowell of Pennsylvania, having more manufactories than any other town of its size in the State The Amsterdam Crystal Palace is to be corn- l)leted and opened in the year 1861. It ~viil be 400 feet in length, by 200 feet in width, and the central dome x~ill be 200 fcet in bight, at the junction of which will be a transept and a nave of the edifice. The structure is to be of iron and glass; but, as Holland is not famous for iron, it will be supplied by England It is stated that the Pacific Steam Navigation Company ~British) ~vihl soon place a steam tug in the Bay of Panama to be employed in lighterage business generally, as well as for their own purposes. The tug is to be built of steel, 120 feet long and 20 feet wide. She is to have a double engine, side wheels, and will measure 224 tuns, drawing only three feet of water when loaded with 50 .tuns of cargo and 50 passengers and their luggage with the usual qpantity of specie and mails. She is now being built at Liverpool, and is to be ready in January; but it is not yet determined whether to send her around Cape Horn, or via the Isthmus, in parts, to be put up at Panama The largest shell guns in our navy have a bore of eleven inches, 7 TilE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. I ~ 4A711 I, if 4..., I- ()j~,~//9 (S h 4,~~ C,3 ~ N I K K N N N N ~ K N K K N, K N N N K K .. 3 N ~1 K N I K 4. -N N, N KN -N,, / / /7..--. / I 4, N K, ,I~. I L~ki I -~ MACHINEItY DX?AA 1LA~NI OP THE LATE FAIR OF THE A1~IERICAN INSTITUTE. We present to our readers, this week, a large engrav- ing illustrating the Machinery Department of the recent fair of the American Institute. This portion of the ex- hibition, as well as the other portions, was less extensive than in some former years; hut in no previous year has so large a proportion of the exhibited improvements been of a rational and valuable character, affording one among many gratifying evidences of the rapidity with which a knowledge of .sound mechanical principles is being disseminated in the community. Our engraving does not include all the machines which were exhibited, hut it embraces the principal portion; and it gives a good idea of their arrangement, aiid of the general ap- pearance of this department of the fair. Beginning on the extreme left, No. 1 is the large boiler furnished by the managers of the Institute to sup- ply steam to those engines which were exhibited in operation. The steam pipes leading from this boiler to the several engines, as well as the line of shafting and belts by which the machines were driven, are omitted, in order to avoid the obscurity which they would cause in the view. 2. IV~odwurds Strom Pump; exhibited by C. & G. M. Woodward, No. 77 Beckman-street, this city. 3. A Fire Regulator; for regulating tIme fire in steam boiler furncces by the pressure of the steam. It oper- ates by opening and closing dampers. 4. Pressers Coadrasrr; exhibited by Thomas Presser & Son, No. 28 Plattstrcet, this city. The main object in exhibiting this condenser was to show, by occular demonstration, that the great desideratum of a recupera- tive supply of distilled water, to make up for the waste water from the boiler, is actually accomplished. Ihis condenser received a silver medal. 5. 3lrmrslmrills Blower; exhibited by C. P. Marshall, of Fitchburg, Mass. This blower is designed for smelt- ing furnaces, blacksmith shops, factories, ventilation, or any other purpose where a blast or draft is required. It consists in a series of spiral fins and stationary parti- lions, aimd is said to produce a very strong and steady blast. 6. Schultzs Patent Steam Engine; exhibited by C. A. Schultz, Neptune Iron-works, foot of Eighth-street, East river, this city. It was illustrated and described un page 201, Vol. I. (new series), SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. It received a large silver medal. 7. lVeymoths lVood-turaer; exhibited by A. D. Way- moth, of Fitchburg, Mass. This is briefly described omi ~age 301 of our last volume. Having received a silver medal at a previous exhibition, a diploma only ~vas awarded. 8. A Steare Fire Eugine with Carys Rotary Pump; cx- liibited by J. C. Gary, 240 Broadway, this city. It was awarded a gold medal, and is the best steam fire engine which has ever come to our notice. 9. Wrights & roll Saw; exhibited by Lysander Wright, of Newark, N. J. There is an elaborate de- scription of this saw on page 353, Vol. XI., SCIENTIFIC ASIERIcAN. It is a good invention. 10. Hoadleys Portable Steam Engine; exhibited by J. C. Hoadley, of Lawrence, Mass. This engine was de- scribed in our notices of the fair, on page 258, Vol. I. (new series). It received a large gold medal. ii. Porters Governor; exhibited by Charles P. Por- Par, No. 235 \Vcst 1hirteenth-street, this city. This cx- ceediughy prompt and sensitive governor was fuhhy illus- trated and described on page 36, Vol. XIV., SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. It received a silver medaL 12. Reynolds Engine; exhibited by II. A. Reynolds, of the Novelty Works, this city. This engine is de- scribed in our notices of the fair, on page 274, last vol- mae. It was awarded a diploma, having previously re- ceived a gold medal. 13. Schotts Knitting Alec/mine; exhibited by Fred. S~hott, Dean-street, near Grand-avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. 14. TIle Variety Ale/ding Machine; exhibited by S. NI. hamilton, of Baltimore, Md. This remarkable ma- chine was illustrated and fully described on page 329, Vol. I. (new series), SCIENTIFIC AMERIC& N. It received a large gold medal. 15. Fislm/cill Landing Companys Portable Steam En- giae; exhibited by the above company. This engine ~vas described in our notices of the fair, on page 258, Vol. I (new series). This company him nr~ agency in TilE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Ilmis city; amid therefore, for further information, address Fishkill Landing Company, at Fishkill, N. Y. 16. crosbys Blind Lath cud Roe/-wiring Machine, for inserting the little wire staples into the slats and rods of window blinds; and S. IV. lulls Miter Machine; both exhibited by Ransom Crosby, 358 Broad-street, Newark, N. J. 17. Allens Brie/c Machine; exlmibited by Lynch & Duren, No. 4 Erie Buildings, this city. It would re- quire other diagraums to make this maclame intelligible; and therefore persons desiring furtlaer inforumation are advised to correspond with the agents. 18. .Jealcins ,~. Policys Stream Trap; exhibited by E. T. Jenkins, No. 6 North Second-street, Wilhiamsburghm. This is a siumple little device for removing the condensed water in steans pipes used for heating buildings. A use- ful invention. 19. holmes & Festers Sterna Pump; exhibited by Dr. holmes, corner of South Eighth and Sixth-streets, Wil- liamnsburgh. It is particularly adapted to supplying steana boilers with water, though it is also claimed to be a superior pump for raising hot or cold molasses or sirup. 20. Audrews Rotary Pump; exhibited by W. D. An- drews, 414 Water-street, this city. This pump raises the water by centrifugal force, and has been noticed be- fore in our columns. It was awarded a large gold medal. 21. Burroaqhs Uncle/ag Alec/mine; exhibited by S. A. llcathi & Co., Imiventors Exchange, No. 37 Park-row, this city. The corks are forced through Conical steel thimbles into the necks of the bottles. This machine received a diploma. 22. Woods Pinning Machine; exhibited by Gray & Woodt, Boston, Mass. This is a combination of the Woodworth and Daniels planers in one machine. A full description ~vith a nmore elaborate illustration of this invention will soon appear in thac SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. It ~vas awarded a silver medal. 23. Sanfords Excelsior Mill; exhibited by J. A. Ben- net, 45 Gold-street, this city. It is a conical burr stone mill for grinding grain; and tIme agent will be happy to enlighten any person on tIme special merits of the mill, by being addressed as above. 24. Wagoners Rice-hulling Machiue; exhibited by S. A. Heath & Co., No. 37 Park-row, this city. A large bronze medal was a~varded to it. 25. Stanton & (ns Sugar Mill; exhibited by I. Stan- ton & Co., Newburgh, N. Y. These mills are made wholly of metal, boils with horizontal and vertical roll- ers, which are adjustable to give the cane any pressure desired. 26. Burronqhs Paper Cutter; exhibited by S. A. Heath & Co., No. 37 Park-row, thais city. This ma- chine was described and illustrated on page 233, Vol. L (new series), SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. It received a sil- ver medal. 27. Tie/mys Grooving Saw; exhibited by M. B. Tidey, of Newark, N. J. This is a stiff Circular saw, set diag- onally to the axle, for sawing grooves in boards or tim- ber. It makes handsome work. 28. Kaefers Mode of Transmitting Motion; exbibited by the Kae~er Power Company, whose office is in room No. 26 o~ the large building of the Harlem Railroad Company, corner of Center and White-streets, this city. This device was fully described and illustrated on page 240, Vol. I. (new series), SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. It received a large silver medal. 29. hluntoons Spiral Cutter; exhibited by Wui2ani hi. Cassidy, of Albany, N. Y. A brief description of this machine will be found on page 301, Vol. I. (new series), SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Jonathan Hanson, of Harlem, has purchased the patent right for New York, and is now, we understand, operating a machine. 30. Bensons Wiud and Water Wheel; exhibited by S. A. Heath & Co., No. 37 Park-row, this city. This machine was fully described and illustrated on page 136, Vol. I. (new series), SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. A diploma was awarded. 31.. Par/chnrsts Coumbination Timber, Board, Shingle, Lath, Clapboard mmd Sidimmy Mill; exhibited by B. E. Parkhnrst, of this city. A large silver medal was awarded to this machine. The Machinery Department of the fair was under the charge of S. W. Turrell (of the firm of S. W. Turrell & Co., 215 Center-street, this city), whose ability and energy in this capacity secured the unanimous approval of the exhihitr,rs, 55 weli as f the managers. __ 9 Our engraving was executed by Waters & Tilton, No. 90 Fulton-street, this city, patentees of the process for taking photograplms of the olijects to be represented di- rectly on the bloeks to be engraved, which greatly re- duces tile time and expense of preparing the drawings for the engraver. ROTTEN STONE. This is a useful yellow colored substance much em. ployed in scouring brass and tin by mixture with a little sweet oil, then finislaing off with some dry whiting. Very few persons know whacre it comes from, or of what it is composed. According to Professor Johustone, it is com- posed of silica, alumina and carbon. It is obtained from a ridge in Derbyshire, England, which is covered with drift 10 or 20 feet ihuick, consisting of brown clay, with manes of bhack marble, chert and rotten stone. The rotten stone is so soft whilst in the soil that the spade goes through it readily, but it haardens on exposure. TIme holes from which it is dug are only two feet deep in some places; at others, from six to eight. On examiniuig a series of specimens, Professor Johustone found that, while some were homogeneous, others hind a nucleus of black naarble. He then treated specinacus of thue black marble with weak acid, and found that on thue removal of the carbonate of hinme, there remained fromum 15 to 20 per cent of a sihicious substamuce perfectly like the natuiral rotten stone. He concluded that there existed in the soil some acid which penetrated it and dissolved out the calcarious matter of the rocks below. The agent in thais case might be the carbonic acid of the air, bromighat (lowia by rain; but there were instances mint capable of ex- planation by this agency alone, and attributable to other acids, which are produced under certain conditions, and exercise a much tvider influence. The bottoms of peat bogs present very strong evideuce of thue action of acids; time stone and clay are bleached and corroded, only sihi- cious and colorless materials being left. The source of the acid is here the same as iii the former instance; the vegetable matter growing on the surface produces in its decay substances ~vhich exert a chiemical action on thac subsoil, and escape by subterranean outlets, carrying away the materiahs dissolved in their progress. Aumotlier instance was afforded by the mineral Pigotite, fornacd in the caves of Cornwall by water dripping from the roof This water contains a pecular organic acid, derived from the soil of the moors, which dissolves the alumimia of tIme granite and combines with it. The organic acids are very numerous and different in composition, but agree in producing chemical action upon rocks. Thicy are pro- duced over the entire surface of the earth, especially over uncultivated tracts, and are the means provided by nature to dissolve the mineral footi of plaists; they am also amongst the chief cuscs of the exhaustion of soils. In the green sandstone strata of Surrey, England, known as firestone, thae rock is light and porous, and con- tains silica in a soluble state. Common sandstone quartz or rock crystal are not acted upon by potash or soda at ordinary temperatures, but 30 per cent. and sometimes 70 per cent of the silica in firestone may be dissolved. In all such cases the silica must have been originally in a state of chemical combination with lime, alumina, or something else, which has been subsequently removed. The silica in the rotten stone was sohuhhe, but black marble, in a bedded state, never was found comuverted into rotten stone. PLANTS PRESERVED FROM COLD BY ICETo lame- servc~ plants from the frost, it suffices to surround thuem with sonae virsels of water. The latter will freeze, and in the act of pass :g into the solid state set free a quan- tity of caloric sufficient to prevent the temperature of neighboring objects from falling below the freezimig point. Water while freezing gives up 75 to 80 per cent of heat, and this is the secret of Lecops system. Of course, no draft must be allowed to interfere. GOOD INvmcNTuoNs PAY. Messrs Pierce & Beardsley, of Castle Grove, Iowa, obtained a patent, through our agency, Oct. 4, 1859, for an improvement in tanning with cold hiquors. One of the parties writes to us as fol- lows: I noticed in your paper an account of some bfg sales made of patent rights. I think that we have done pretty well. Our sales have amounted to about $14,000, and we have not sold much territory. I sold about one- third the State of Missouri for $~, 000. We rejoice heartily to hear of their good fortun THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN FOREIGN NEWS AND MARKETS. Experiments have been made in testing the plates of the & teamer Royal CAarter, which ~vas recently wrecked, in order to discover their strength, as it was stated they were of very inferior iron, being what arc called boat plates. The experiments have resulted in provin~ the metal of the lilatte to be goodfar above the average strength. One plate of two inches long, by eleven-six- teenths of an inch broke with 82 tuns; and tho average strength of five plates tested was 20 tuns to the fifry-five- hundredth of an inch in thickness, or a little over 36 tuns to the inch. The sudden breaking to pieces of this vessel cannot be attributed to the metal plates. as has been reported. A ne~v field of inquiry is here opened in regard to the defective points of construction in iron ships; there is much ignorance prevalent on this subject. Mr. I. Trotman inventor of the best anchor ever used in England, states, in a letter to the London Times, that the cables of the Royal Gliarter cost only I 3s Cd ($3 27) per cwt., ~vhile the best ~cables cost nearly double that amount. This is an important fa2t; we again warn our shipowners to look to their English cables, as Mr. Trotman asserts that scarcely 1 par cent of the anchors and cables now sold in England to the mercantile marine would pass muster at the naval dockyards. While the war was going on in the Crimea, a great number of merchant ships ~vere ~vrecked in the Black Sea during a severe hurricane, by their anchors giving way, while not a single ~var vessel was lost; all the cables and anchors of the latter stood this practical test thoroughly. We think an effort has heen made in England to de- preciate the character ot Bordens American machine for making horse and mule shoes. The company (at Wolverhampton) which own the machine sued F. F. Stewart for the l)rico of a large lot of mule shoes rnann factured for South America, on contract. The l)ayment was refused on the ground that the metal of the shoes was defective, and the work very inferior ; neither the grooves nor holes were cut clear. Out of 600 pairs ex- amined scarcely one was fit for wear. This was admit- ted. but it was stated that the price was so boy that no better work nor moral could be afforded. They should not have taken a contract to damage the character of their machinery. In France most of the gate-keepers on the railroads are females, and ladies are also employed in most of the station ticket-offices. A commission appointed to ex- amine into their efficiency for such sit~satioi~~, in compari- son with men, have made a favorable report. Upon all the railroads of Great Britain there are now employed 110,000 persons. Some very large coal-burn- ing locomotives are being made at the works of Steven- son & Co., Newcastle, England, for the Great Northern Railroad. Their driving wheels are no less than 7~ feet in diameter, and their inclined grates 6 feet long. The Oriaoco, a steamship belonging to the West India Royal Mail Co., built of wood in 1852, end of 4,500 tons burden, is about to be broken up in London, her engines taken out and placed in a new iron hull. She has become completely rotten in eight years. There has been a great increase in the amount of wrought iron shipped to the United States this year. rho statistics lately published for the month of October place the value of the amount at $450,000double that for the same month last year. The value of English cutlery exported to America during the same month, was 20 per cent more than for the same period in 1858. The value of pig iron sent to the United States in October last year was only 2,133; for the same month this year it was 4,163 nearly double. The price of English her and bolt iron in Liverpool, per ton is 6 lOs; Staffordshire bars 7 lOs for shipping; Welsh rails on six months credit, 6 I 5s; Scotch pig iron (No.1), 2 13s; spelter 2 I I Os. Copper sheathin~ and cakes, 112. Block tin 135 h3st; Banca 134; tin plates from 1 lOs; to 1 lOs per box. Scotch pig iron is active and has somewhat advanced in price. Rails are steady but not active. An advance of one cent per lb. has been made in copper; tin, 1)0th in bars and plates, has an upward tendancy. The English metal market on the whole is in a very favor- able condition. NEW YORK MARKETS. CANnersSperm, esty, 35c. a 4Cc. per lb.; sperm, patent, Sea; wax, paratRoc, SOc.; adasoantios, city, 15c. a lic.; stearlc, 27 a 2 Co.u..Aothracite, $4.50; Liverpool orrel, $11; cannel, $12. Comwer..Refined ingots, 2Cc. per lb.; sheathing, 2Cc.; Taunten yellow metal, 2Cc. Coaoaoe.Manilla, American made, 83r~c. per lb.; Rope, Russia hemp, 1Cc. COTToNOrdinary, 5i~c. a 87~c.; good ordinary, 07cc. a 1Cc.; mid- dling. 1l0~c. a 113sc.; good middling, 11.lfc. a llkfe.; middling fair, DoMesTic Gooos.--Shireings brown, 30 inch per yard, Cc. a 7~c.; ehirtiugs, bleached, 20 aSS inch peryard, Cc. etc.; shirtings, bleached, ~9 a 14 inch per yard,7c. a 8oc.; sheetings, brown, 30 a 37 inch per yard ~ aS7~c.; eheetings bleached, 10 inch per yard, 7~c. a 15c.; calicoes, Cc. a lic. ; drilliogs, bleached, 30 inch per yard 8~c. a 1Cc.; cloths, 11 wool, $1.30 a $2.10; clotlo, cotton warp, 5Cc. a $1.17; cassimueres, c. a $l.37i~ satineto, 3Cc. a Cue.; flannels. 1Cc. a Ccc.; Canton flannels, bso,vn, 81Cc. a 14c. Dynvooeos Per ton, Rarwoed, $18 a $20; Camwood, $130; Fos- tic, Cuba, $3 a $17; Footic, Tampico $22 Fustie, Savanlila, $09 a $29; Fustie, Maracaibo, $01.50 a $19; Logwood, Laguans, $22 a $23; Logwood, Tabasco, $21; Logwosd, St. Domingo, $13 a $03.31); Log- wood, honduras, $16 a $17; Legwood, Jamaica, $12.32 a $13, LOins wood, $71 a $75; Sapan wood, $21. FLoexState, superfine brando, $5 a $5.05 ; Ohio, conhmon brands, $5.20 a 35.25; Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, ., $1.11 a $5.39; Genesee, extra brands, $5.72 $7.50; Missouri, $1.15 a $7.50; Canada, $1.32 a $0412; Richmond City, $0.50 a $7.25; Rye dour, fine, $3.00 a $2.90; cornmeal, $5.75. lIeMe.American undressed, $120 a $155; dressed, from $100 a $290. Jute, $27 a $09. Italian, $273. Russian clean, $100 a $200 per ton. Manilla, 0~c. per lb. Sisal, C~Cc. IsOSA-aUIelEn.Para, fine, 6Cc. per lb.: East India. SOc. INI)Ioo.Bengal, $1 a $1.13 per lb.; Madras, 7Cc. a 95c.; Maulils, COo, a $1.15; Guatemala, $1a $1.13. leoNPig, Scotch, per ton, $27.30 a $24; Bar, Swedes, ordinary sizes, $07 $90; Bar, English, cemmon, $42.50 a $43; Refined, $52 a $94; Sheet, Russia, lot quality, per lb., ll~c. a llhc.; Sb et, Eng- lish, single, double and treble, C3~c. a 3~c.; Anthracite pig, $24 par ton. lvoavPer lb., $1.25 a $1.00. LAnm5.Eaeteru, 1)00 90., $2.25. LEAOGalena, $3.00 per 100 lbs.; Gernean and English refined, $3.05; bar, sheet and pipe, 5~e. a Oc. per lb. LeaTuaa.O.slo slaughter, light, COc, a 3Cc. per lb.; Ode, medium, 7Cc. a 72c. ; Oak, lseav.-, 2Cc. a lie.; Oak, Ohio 23c. a 31c.; Hemlock, heavy, California, iCe, a 2Cc.; Ilemoleck, buff, He. a bc.; Cordo- van, Sac. a 62c.; Morocco, per dozen, $12 to $20.; Patent enam- eled, SOc. - 17c. per foot, light Shoep, meroeco finish, $7.30 a $0.10 per dozen.; Calf-skins, oak, 37c. a 6Cc.; hemlock, 5Cc. a 0Cc.; Belt- ing, oak, SIc. a Sic. ; hemlock, 2Cc. a ~c Lsare.Rockland, Ole. per bbl LuamnonTimbor, white pine, per SIt feet, $17.30; 3-ellow pine, $35 a $310; oak, $18 a $20; ceetern pine and spreice, $14 $l51C; White Pine, clear, $15 a $40; White Pine,select,$25a $10; White Pine, box, $14 a $10; White Pine, flooring, 1 inch dressed, tongued and grooved, $24.39 a $23; Yellow Pine, flooring, ~Cf inch, dressed, tongued and grooved, $29 a $32; White Pine Al bany beards, dressed, tongued . ndgrooved, $20 a $21; Black Wal- moot, good, $43; Black Walnut, Id qemality, $30; Cherry, good, $45; White Wood. chais plank, $12; White Wood, 1 inch, $23 a $23; Spruce Flooriog, 13~ inch, dressed, tongued ~d groeved, each, 22c.a Ode.; Spruce Beards, ICe. a 17e.; Hemlock Boards, 121Cc. a 14c.; 11cm- leek well strips, 1Cc. a lie. ; Sisingles, cedar, per M, $20 a $73; Shingles, cypress, $12 a $23; Staves, W. 0. pipe, light, $53 a $38; Staves, white oak, pipe, Imeavy, $73 a $00; Staves, white oak, pipe, culls, $39 a $35; Staves, do. hlmd., heavy, $70; Staves, do. bbl. light, $71) a $31; Staves, do. hbh. culls, $20; Mahogany~Sl.Domi0g0, fine crotches, lee foot, ISo. a 4~ .; St. Donaingo, ordinary do., 2Cc. a 25c.; Hooduras, fine, 121Cc. a lie.; Mexican, lIe. a ISe. N~ii.5.Cimt, I3~c. a O3toie. per lb.; Amnerlaun clinch, Sc. a 31Cc.; Ame icmsn hmorse-ebse, 141Cc OumsOlive, Marseilles, boekets and boxes, $7.:71 a$7.40; Olive, in casks, per gallon, $1.10 a $1.15; Paln~, per pound, Cc. a 9$~c.; Lin- seed, city niade, STe. a SOc. per gallon; linseed, Enghishm, 57c. a SOc.; wimale, fair to poling, 4Cc. a SIc.; whale, bleachmed SOc. a 6Cc.; speroc, crumfie, $1.35 a $149; sperm, oubleachmed winter, $1.41; lard oil, No. 1 wintem, 571Cc. a S27e.: red oil, city distilled, SIc.; Wadsworths refined rosain, 7Cc. a 4Cc.; Wadsworths boiled oil for painting. SIc. a 40e.; Wadsworths tanners improved Cud extra, ICe, a 4Cc.; Wads- worths machinery, SOc. a $1 ; can-mphene, 45e. a 47c.; fluid, 54e. a 5Cc PMaocs....Lithmargo, American, 7e. per lb.; lead, red, American, Te.; lead, wlmite, American. pume, in oil, Sc.; lead, white, Amoserican, pure, dry, 7~c.; zinc, white, Amem-ican, dm~, No. 1, Se.; zinc, white, French, dry, 7~c.: zinc, white, French, in oil. 01Cc.; ochre, groimmmd in oil, 4c a Cc.; Spanish brown, ground in oil, 4e.; Perle white, American, 7Cc. a 10Cc. per iCC lbs.: vernaillisn, Chinese, $1.1I1C a $1.22; Venetian p. N. C., $1.73 a $2.23 pe, coot.; chalk, $4 per ton. PL.xoTen.oe.PAaesBlue Nova Scotia. $1.75 per tim; white,$7.oO; calcuned, $1.20 per bhl. BosoNCommon, $1.09; per 110 lbs.: strained, No. 2, & e., $1.00 o $1.70; No. 1, per 2CC lbs. $1.75 a $2.50; white, $2.50 a $W; pale, $2 a $9.00. Soxe.B:oa a, per pound, Sc. a Sc.; Castile, 01Cc. a Ce.; Chemical olive, 70. a 71Cc. Scourge pletes, S~c. a 51Cc. pci lii STcOe..Enghislm east, i4c. a iCe, per lb.; German, 7e. a 1Cc.; Ana- erican sprino, lea 51Cc.; American blister, 41Cc. a 5~Ce. SeomacSleily, $70 a $39 per ton. TAC.u,oov.....Aneerican prices, 1f~.Ce. per lb. TracBanca, floe.; StraIts, 8cc. ; plates, $C.2o a $3.38 per box. Wore..~American, Saxsnv fleece, Sic, a 0Cc. per lb.~ American full blood moerino, 4Cc. a SIc.: extra., pulled, 4Cc. a Soc.; superfine, pulled, ICc. a 47e.; California, fine, nuwasimod, 24c. a Soc.; California, conemon, unwashed, iCe, a iCe.; Mexican, unwashed, lie, a 14c. ZuecSlmeete, 7e. a 71Cc. per hIs. TIme foregoimug rates indicate tIme stats of tIme New York markets up to Decamber COd. There has been a slight change in the prices of floor, cotton, resin and oil, but so small that no effect has been produced on the sales thereby. Little ~vihl be done in thee way of sales for a week or two, and until the results of the year 1859 are fairly understood by manufacturers and merchants so that they will be enabled to knoov how they stand in their business relations. A very confident feeling exists that a good spring business will be con- ducted. Thee foreign importations during December have been large, and it is difficult to account for this result, as it appears to be inaprudent speculation. In one week the importations amoonted in value to $5,155,000, against only $2,735,000 for the same period last year, while our exportations at the same time were only valued at $1,166,769, for general merchandise, and $673,223 of specie; total $1,839,992, leaving a debt against us of $3,315,108. There is but little demand for our grain and flour at present in the English macbeets, because great quantities, at low prices, have been supplied by ports on the Baltic. A NEW CHROME YELLOW. Umlder the above namne a yehboov color lees been for some time in commnerce ovhich is quite certaill to fimid mocha favor, althiougla its price is far higher theme that of the ordinary chrome yehiouv. It is of a splendid yellow, and differs essentially in its tint from tIme best samuples of chrome yellow. It is pulveruleat, of small specific gravity, hoses nothing in weiglet at a red heat, but becomes fran- sitorilv reddish brown, and is partially taken up by water without entirely dissolving in timat fluid. It dissolves ill muriatic and nitric acids; if the acid is poured over it in a concentrated state, a shiglet effervescence takes place. When prepared ovith but little acid the solution is some- what turbid, but does fiot leave any considerable portion when filtered. When lacated with alcohol, the solution in muriatic acid becomes intensely dark green; if more oulcohiol and then sulphuric acid be added, a white pre- cipitate is produced. Solution of sulphate of lime does not precipitate the solution of the color in muriatic acid, but this is done by sulphuric acid with or without tIme addition of alcohol. The reddish-yellow color of die solution in nitric acid cleanges by heating, with tlce addi- tion of alcohol, into a beautiful blue. If acetate of lead be added to the dilute solution in nitric acid, a heavy precipitate of the color of chromato of lead makes Psi appearance. If an exceca of lead were added, filtered, tiec excess of lead and tlec lime precipitated by sulphuric acid, alcohol added, filtered and evaporated, large quan- tities gave a residue, whicle, when dissolved in water anti n9ixed ovith chloride of platinum with thee addition of muriatic acid, furnishmed octahedra of platino-cbmloride of potassium. The investigation gave no magnesia or other bases except lime and potash. Of act do, besides tho chromicacid, whuichi ovas undoubtedly present from the preceding experiments, there was only a small quantity of sulphuric acid. XYhen the author mixed a hot saturated solution of bi-chromate of potashl ovith a saturated solution of chlor- ide of caleium, a precipitate was produced, which, whets ovashed and dried, was undistinguishable from the Stein.. buhi yelloov. Tbae substance gave 31 per cent to distilled water after short stirring. With nitrate of silver, thee yehhoov filtrate gave a red precipitate of chromate of silver, whicha was rapidly converted into white cheloride of silver on the addition of a foxy drops of muriatic acid. Sulphuric acid and alcohol produce a strong turbidity in the filtrate. Whaca boiled with reducing organic matters and muriatie acid, the yehloov filtrate loses its color, withoont, heowever, acquiring more than a tinge of green. Acetate of lead precipitates the yelboov filtrate oviih the color of chromato of lead. Chloride of platinum produces a very slight turbidity in the original filtrate. Even in 16 hours no precipitate is deposited. This yellow consists, therefore, of chromic acid, limo and potash; when stirred for a short time with cold water, it parts with chromate of lime. The poisonous qualities of chromic acid and its soluble salts, and the circumstance that the color parts whhs per- ceptible, ahhoughe not large quantities of chromic acid to cold ovater, render this yehhoxv an- extremely dangerous coloring matter, the employment of whmich, in confec- tionery and similar trades, must not be thought of. London Ghesoicel Gazette. IT will be seen by an advertisement in another column that the celebrated engravers, Messrs. Waters & Tilton, for to fmmrnish proofs of tile large engraving of the Machinery Department of the hate fair of the American Institute, at 50 cents each~ 10 THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. WEEKLY SUMI~IARY OF INVENTIONS. The following inventions are among the most useful improvements patented this week. For the claims to these inventions the reader is referred to the official list on another page: PIANOFORTES. In the construction of square pianofortes overstring- big, that is to say, the arrangement of the strings of a number of the lower notes in a tier above the others, has been adopted quite commonly and with great advan- tage, for the PIItl)05C5 of using larger strings, and a greater number of them, and of obtaining more space laterally between the strings, and a substantially similar system of stringing has been applied to upright piano- fortes; but owing to the form of the case, and arrange- ment of the key-board and action of grand pianofortcs some difficulties have seemed to present themselves in the way of applying the system to them. This invention consists in a certain arrangement of the strings of a grand l)ianoforte in two tiers whereby not only the same ad- vantageous results obtained in iiiaiiofortes of other forms by overstringing, are obtained in the grand form, but the bridges are biought nearer to the middle of the sound- board than they are in any other grand pianoforte. The credit of this contrivance is due to henry Steinway Jr., of this city. LEVER ESCAPEMENTS FOR WATCHES & C. The object of this invention is to obtain a longer movement, i e., a greater amount of revolution of the lialance for every vibration of the lever and pahlets, and a longer intermision of the movement of the scape wheel thaa is done by the lever escapement in common use and thereby to enable watches and clocks to be made to run for a greater length of time with the same number of wheels as arc commonly employed, or for the same length of time with a smaller number of wheels. The invention consists in providing the escapement lever with two or more forks to operate upon the same pin or cyliu- der attached to the balance ~vhcel for the purpose of giving to the balance two or inure pulsations in the same direction for every single vibration of the lever, and fur- nishing the escapement wheel with two sets of teeth oper- ating in combination with a single pair of pallets or otherwise in an equivalent manner providing for a du- plex actioii, thus making an escallement of novel charac- ter which may be termed the Duplex Lever Escape- Inent. The inventor of this improvement is Nathan Spicur, of Saint Paul, Miun. STEREOSCOIE APPARATUS. Seine very valuable improvements in the construction of stereoscopic boxes have been patented last week. The pictures are an~ uged in a long chain, back to back, so that one is upright, when the other is upside down, and these pictures are brought before the eve-glasses by means of a skeleton wheel that admits of exhibiting glass pictures as well as paper pictures. As the pictures pass over tlcis xvheel, they arrange themselves on the bottom of the box in the same order in which they were first introduced into the box, and by raising a sliding partition in the box and pushing the pile of pictures from one side of the box to the other, the chain of pictures is ready to exhibit its other side. The inventor of these improvements is Thionias C. Roche, of this city. MODE OF CASTiNG PIPE. This invention telates to an improvement in dry sand molding for casting small pipes, whose molds have hitherto been necessarily jointed in order to admit of blackivashing an(l to remove the belt or boss patterns. The object of the invention is to form the molds without joints for casting ~vith belts or bosses, and black~vash the same in a perfect manner. The patentees of this inven- tion are J. Firth and J. lughain, of Phillipsbnrgh, N. J. MAChINE roa PRESSING COTTON. The object of this invention is to obtain a sin~le and efficient device for expeditiously pressing cotton and other fibrous substances into sackssech substances as do not require or will not admit of being subjected to a very great pressure, but which, in order to economize in transportation and storage, require to be packed or com- pressed as much as possible without injury. The inven- tion is more especially designed for pressing into sacks sea-island or long-staple cotton, which, as is well knosvn, cannot be comlIressed into hales as the ordinary or short staple cotton, in consequence of the injury thet would be done to the fiber by the extreme pressure. The work of pre5sing long-staple cotton into sacks has hitherto been by a simple manual operation, consuming cemisider- able time and endangering the health of the operatives. These difficulties, it is believed, are fully obviated by this invention. This improvement was designed by Lewis S. Chichester, of this city TAP FOR CUTTING SCREWS. The object of this invention is to expedite the with- drasval of tile tap from its work after the latter has been performed, so as to save the time hitherto lost by the slow reverse withdrawal movement of tile tap in the screw cot by it, and consequently obviate tile necessity for the reversing gear hitherto necessarily employed in order to witiedraw tile tap. Tile inventors of tins improvement are W. & Ii. Foster, of this city. ISSUED FROM TILE UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FOR scmx wzxx EEc-snaG nzcasusmice 2e, 1510. (Ileperted Officially for the Scucerreic Assinemesas.] ~ Pamphlets giving foil particulars of the mode of applying ~or patents, size of model required, and much other information u,e- f$ to inventors, may be had gratis by addressing MUNN & CO., blishers of the Sesattiueac AennucAcs, New York. 26,464.John I. Arnafield, of Jamestown, N. C., for an Improved Apple-parer, Corer and Slicer: I claim the comhinatiou of the two levers, B C, connected by the link, b, one lever, B, being provided with the cutter, F, and tile other lever, C, naving one end fitted on the arbor, D, substantially as and for Chic purpooc set forth. [This invention relates to a peculiarity connected with the cutting or quartering device whereby the latter, by a simple means, is made to act very efficiently. The luvention consists in attaching the cut- ter that cuts or quarters the peeled apples to a lever wbich Is con- nected to another lever, one end of which is fitted on the arbor of the fork; the parts being so arranged that by actuating tile leverto whirls Chic cutter is attached for the purpose of cutting or quarterIng the pple, the oilier lever which is fitted on the fork arbor will move to- irards the cutter and bear against the inner end of the apple and force the same against tIme advancing cutter.] 26,465.John Angepurger, of Trenton, Ohio, for an Improvement in Cattle Pumps: I claim, first, The combination and arrangement of the platform, B, levers, N N, springs, f, weights, P rods, 0, and brake wheels, F, operating substantially as and for the purpose set forth. Second, The arrangement of the float, 1, rod, i, and valve, k in the lescribed combination with and relation to time bucket, k, and hinged platform, B, operating in the manner and for the purpose ex- plained. 26,466.John H. Bailey, of Sand Ford, md., for an Improvement in Locomotive Traction Vehicles: I claim drol The means employed for rotating or communicating posrer to the wheels, D D, to wit, the dxed pinion, p on the shaft, H, loose or sliding pinions, q q. wheel,, s, pinions, v, and toothed rims, me w, substentially as described. Second, The combination of time wheels, J B D, when applied to a trachioum engine, andarranged for joint operation, substantially as and for the purpose set forth. [This invention is more especially designed for agriculturat pur- poeco, such as tIme drawing of gang plows, harrows, seeding machines, & c. The invention consists in a peculiar arrangememut of the driving gear. and the umanner of applying the power thereto, wherebythe ma- chine is placed under the perfect control of the driver or attendant..] 26,467.S. W. Baker, of Providence, R. I., for anlm provement in Blankets for Printing: I claim a rubber er gutta-pereb or other elastic priatlog band or blanket having either rongheued selvagee or margins, or the whole of its surface roughened, substantially as set forth. 26,468.A. J. Bell, of Greennpsbnrgh, Ky., for an Improved Wrench: I claim thee combination of tieS jointed lever, F, wedge, E, and tooth, e, with the shidimeg jaw, D, and bar, A, as and for the purpose shown and described. [This invention coneists In att. ching a jointed lever to the movable or sliding jaw of ties wrench, and hmaving a wedge conneeted to said lever end a tooth, the stem of time wrencis being serrated or toothed, and time whole so arremuged that a very simple and durablc wrench is obtained, and one Cheat may be readily adjusted to suit various sized omits.] 26,469.Albert Betteley, of Boston, Mass., for an Im- i)ovement in Hoisting Machines: I claim, first, Bringing time car to a stop whenever (while ho mo- tion) its door may be opened, by causing the shipper rope to be pinched or held, eumbotantiahly as above described. Second the arrangement, smibstontiahis- use above specified, for cans- time carte be stoplued at proper times and phases; said rraneement consisting of cam, us, spring, 1, levers, K G, operating together and upon time sleipper cord. 26,470.Louis Brandt, of Indianola. Texas, for an Im- provement us thee Arrangement for Supplying Air to the Fisruaces of Steam Boilers from the Wheel houses of Steamers: I claIm supplying air sunder pressure to the fmurnace or furnaces of steamers by means of Clue peddle wised sad Clue peculiar cuirved pipe wills crater escape passage leading froum time casine em. huousine of time seine to time fire, or inmader the grates of the furnaces, substantially as and for time purposes set forthi. tTleis invention con& sts in conetructimug time paddle wheel Imomuse of a steamer in time form of a fan case, and Imaving an air tube lead dosca from said case sunder the grits hare of a furnace. As the paddle wheel revolves, the air raised by its blades is forced down the tube, and up througim the grate bars to the fire, and thsus a perfect cembus. tion of the coal effected under all circumstances on board of sea- going vessels or steamers. Thee air tube is novel in its form, being provided with a water escape, so that if any water is raised by the bladss it will, by its own gravity, fell back and pass off through the escape passage whihe time air descends. This is certainly a very good and cheap arrangenacot.] 26,471.B. Bridendoiph, of Clear Spring, Md., for an lusprovement in Corn-shellers: I clams Chic differential fecding aumd shelling screw, F, constructed as described, in combination arith time s mit or trunk, G, and fees wimeel, C, calico these several p arts arc arrimoged and operate to- gether in the manumer describesi for the purpose specified. [This invention consists in the employment or use of a corrugated and toothed face whusel, rotating screw and spout or trunk, so arrang- ed to operate that the desired work, to wit, the shelling of corn, may be performed very expeditiously and in a very perfect manner.] 26,472.Robert D. Brown, of Prattsbmsrgh, N. Y., for an Improvement in Wagon Brakes: I claba the combination and arrangement of the brake mechanism lever, ~, and conneching rod, F, when the latter is attached directly to thee front axle so as So be operated by the bsckward movement of time fl-out truck; the said movement being alloceed by time shot, II, him ties reach or coupling bar and the roller, G. in this bolster, substan- tially as set forth. 26,473.Henry F. Brown, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, for an Improvement in Skirt Supporters: I clams aim inaprovement in the supporter aforesaid by connecting tIme imoops or bands by a clasp or inflexible joint, substantially as de- scribed. 26,474.Joseph P. Buckhond, of Chicopee Falls, Mass., for an Improvement in Coal-siftems: I claim, first, A dumping or tipping sieve provided with a mnovalels tail-piece or gate so arranged that the tipping or slanting of time sieve causes the o ning of the end or side of the same for the free pass- age of the comul or ether substance sifted. Secomed, A combination of the scrolls, C C, and canus, D B, with time sieve, A, when arranged aued operating substantially in the mmmn. ner and for the purpose described. 56,475.Bethel Burton, of Brooklyn, N. Y., for an mm- provenaent in Breech-loading Fire- arms: I cimmim the construction and rehative msrrangenient of the breech- supporter, f, with the sliding breech, C, sectional screw, lt, and guide slot, 11, and pin, 12, substantially as set forum. 26,476.R. XV Carrier, of Shserburne, N. Y., for an Improveneent in Hold-backs: I claim mime combination and arrangement of the open bold-back loop or eye, pivoted lever stop bar wisichi has an extension or lineal on its hewer end, and the flat spring, substantially as and for the purposes set fortis. [This inveustion relates to an improvement in the usetal hoops or eyes that are attaclmed to the thills of vehicles Co receive time straps of the harness by wimich the vehicle is held back in descending hmihms. Time invention consists in having the icopo or eyes provided with yielding bars or stmids at timeir front sides, so that the straps may de teds theemeelves as time horse passes out of time Chills. Time object of the invention is to alloar the horse to be readily detached from the vehicle wheim necessary, and not permuit time hold-hack straps, as hitherto, to formic a positive connection with the tlmitis, which is us fruitful source of accident.] 26,477.S. W. Chamberlain, of Three Oaks, Mich., for an Improved Gate: I claim the arrangement and combination of the gates, A A, posts, B B, ames, B, links, N, and levers, F, in connection ceithi thee cords, im ii h and Ii, constructed and operated substantially as set fortim. [The Civo snugs of this gate are connected together by means of suitable levers in suds a way that timey swing open in opposite direc- Clone and that neither one cciii suave independemit of the other. By this means time effect of thee avind on the gate is exactly counter- balanced, so Chat time same operates witis equal facility on a windy as on a still day. When time gate is closed It is fastemeed by a clasp which also serves to retain time same ac-linen open, and whmicim Is operated by tIes sense cord tlmat serves to open and close the gate.] 26, 478.Mathew Chapman, of Greenfield, Mass., for. an Improvement in Attaching Ilandles to Cutlery: I claim securing hiandles to cutlery amid oilier tools or implements. by having a screw thread a fomm~d on time latin o B od psovided with plane longitudinal surAmees b in conuecciloim with tIme cyltoder or nut. C, fitted in Clue handle and leXinumered or compressed to lIt the scm-sw, a, and its plane surfaces, b, subsibotially as and for the pur - pose set forth. [Time object of this invention is to obviate time use of cemisent in se- earing handles to cutlery end various Cools, and to obtain a Cmi mind dinurable connection of tIme two pam-is by a very simple and economical means.] 26,479.John B. Coracell, of New York City, for at. Improveneent in Chic Construction of Vault Ligists: I elaine producing an ins ved illuminating imiate by tue peocess of combining the illumnisaliueg and nuetahlic portions of said plate criCk each other, substantially in the manner set forth. 26,480.C. XV. Cerm, of Carlinville, Ill., for an Im- provement in Steam Valves: I claim, first, Providing time extremity of the driving shaft, F. ic-itimin tIme steam clmest,arith a slot Co receive this head, k, of time valve, slem, and pemusit tIme seif-adjimotment of said head crithin the slot, as set forth. Second, Time arrangenasot of time screce- threads umpoum time valve and valve stens, substantially as shown, so that time valvo ceihl adjust it- self if time fi-iction becomes too great, as set forth. [Timis invention consists in a rotary aelve of novel form wimich may be constructed Co admit steam to time cylinder of time engine during time stroke of tIme limbo, within certain limits, as may be desired, and ce-hich prov~1es for a free exhaust during Chic crhmohe stroke of Chic pis- ton. It further consists in a certain mode of appb-lng the sCene of such valve that the valve osay be umade self-adjusting, to prevemmi too great friction betcieen its face and the seat on ce-hide it crorko.] 26,481 -Lolsis Michel Frantiois Doycre, of Pails, France, for an Improvement in Apparatus for pre- serving Grain. Patented in France Macohs 28, 1854: I claim the osethod of constructing or arronging air-tight chuamue- hers or granaries for time preservation of corn and other grain, as tic. fore described. 26,482.Nathaniel Drake, of Ne -ton, N,J., for an Ins- prevement in Stone-heading Wagons: I claim the empi,fmemiTI~r muse of ~.lme simaft, I), witle one or more drums, G, placed loosely on itlime shaft and firmunco being provided anus ratehels, in combinuetion acitim Clee pawlo, I, end lime adjueCablo bar, k, provided ac-ilim time puilleys, L Clue cnimole Imene epplied to a mousuted franse, and arranged sumbstanliallo as sued for the purpose set forth. [Time object of tists invention is to obtain a device timat cviii facilitate .LI THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAiN. the clearing of land from stones, those of large dimensions that cannot be lifted by hand. The invention consists in a peculiar arrangement of windlasses placed on a frame mounted on wheels and provided with paw~s devised in a novel way to effect the desired end.] 26,483.Joseph L. Dutton, Sen., of Philadelphia, Pa., for an Improvement in Anti-friction Boxes: I claim interposing between a revolving and stationary surface any convenient number of beveled anti-friction rollers so formed that the j action of each roller on which the revolving surface bears shall be arger in diameter than the portion or portions of the roller which bear on the stationary plate, as set forth. 213,484.Thaddens Fairbanks, of St. Johnsbury, Vt., for an Improvement in Platfc,rm Scales: I claim the arrangement and application of the yoke stirrups their concave steps or hearings and the pivots of the two multiplying and transmitting levers, substantially as specified; the whole being for the purpose and to operate as described. I also claini combining with the rod, I, and the yoke applied thereto, as described, the cap or bonnet, a2, the same being for the pn~5~zse as specified. 26,485.Thaddens Fairbanks, of St. Jolinshury, Vt., for an Improvemeni in Platform Scales: I claim supporting the the fulcrum of a transmitting lever D, by the platform oran extension therefrom, essentially as spccifiea. I also claim the combination of the rocker block with the stirrup link and the hearing pins or knife edges of the connected levers, C D, substantially as described. I also claim constructing the platform frame with the passages, al sO, through each of its end timbers and for the reception of the infe- rior arms of the multiplying levers, as described. And I also claim providing such platform with loop passages lead- ing downward out of the lever passages made in the end timbers, as and for the purpose described. 26, 486.Jolln Firth and John Ingbam, of Phillipsburgh, N. J., for an Improvement in Pipe Molm~Iing: We claim, first, The employment or use of the flexible or elastic ring, E, in connection with the body pattern, D, flasks, B C, and bot- tom plate, A, or its squivslent for the purpose specified. Second, Blackwashmng the molds by means of a brush, F, or an equivalent device, supplied with the black wash and passed through the molds, substantially as and for the purpose set forth. 26,487.Win. Foster and Robert Foster, of New York City, for an Improvement in Screw Taps: We claim the combination of the oblique-hacked taps, C, and slotted coibLe, B, with the tapering or conical stock, A, substantially as shown and deecribed, so thatoii turnisig the collar the cutting threads of time taps will he released from the nut, and thus inflow the tool tube with- drawn, all as specified. 26,488.Win. Frazier, of Hartford, Conn., for an urn- provenlent in Belt-fastenings: I claim the arrangement ot duplicate plates, A B, of raw hide 0r other flexible or suitable material, and in providing one (or both) of the plates, A B, with metallic hooks, D, which hooks are made to pass through the perforations in the belt. F, and in the plates, A or B, to connect and hold the two ends of the belt, F, together (in contra- distinction for time miss of the metallic plates, screws, lace-leather, & c.), substantially in time nianner and for the purpose described. 26,489.Dennis C. Gately, of Newtown, Conn., for an Iniprovement in the Manufacture of Caoutchouc Belting: 1 claim the method described of manufacturing belts or bands of India-rubber or gutta-percha, the sause cosisisting in placing them in contact with sheets or strips of paper or cloth, having a smooth enam- eled or polished surface, as set forth, and then heating them as de- scribed. 29,490.W. G. Goodale and R. L. T. Marsh, of Cen- tralia, Ill., for an Improvement in Steam Excava- tors: We claim, first, The combination, with a locomohive steam engine, of an earthm.slevator, J, or its equivalent, and suitable earth recepta- cles, or their equivalents, so that the machine may be moved by its own lower, under the guidance of an attendant, to~tlme spot to be ex- cavated; then be made to load itself and transport the load to the de- sired place for discharge, in this manner set forth. Second, The combination with an excavating machine, made as set forth, of a railroad track, 0, as shown, with or without the turn- tables, as set forth. rTbis invention consists in connecting with a suitable traction en- gine an elevating device, plow or excavator, end a railway for cars, provided with turn-tables, the whole being so arranged that a series of cars may be filled with earth, conveyed to the dumping-place, and their contents discharged with the greatest facility.] 26,491.D. B. Hale, of New York City, for an Im- provement in Skirt-supporters: I claim the waist, A, in combination with the extension. B, ex- panded by the insertion of hoops, b b b, having their ends connect- ed by tying them and forming entire circles, substantially In the manner and for the purposes set forth. 26,492.Hayward A. Harvey, of New York City, for an Improvement in Chairs for Railroads: I claim forming the chair with lips extending over the web or base of the rails, and with a groove or equivalent reception for a wedge, substantially as descrIbed; but this I only claim when combined with a wedge to be driven across the longitudinal plans of the rails, and passing under the base of the two rails to force and held thens imp against the lips of this chair, and to form a bass or m~eet for the base of the ends of the two sections of rails to rest on, substantially as and for the purpose specified. 26,493.Alexander Hay, of Philadelphia, Pa., for an Improvement in Shoes and Gaiters: I claim inserting in the shoe or gaiter at the points where it is to be fastened, a piece or pieces of elastic rubber cloth, for the purpose of fastening the shoe or gaiter with hooks and eyes, or buttons, or buckles, substantially as described, and thereby dispensing with shce strings. 26,494.Geo. V. Hazard, of Torrey, N. Y., fbr an Im- proved Door-fastener: I claim this part, A, constructed and arranged as and for the pur- poses set forth. 26, 495.Simpson S. Henderson of Oxford, Ohio, for a Rat Trap: I claim the combination of the springs, D, with cone spools, II, catch, a, detent, b, and bait wire, d, formIng the trigger, and striker, G; the whole operating substantially in the manner and for the pur- poses sst forth. 26,496.D. K. Kickok, of Morrisville, Vt., for an Im- proved Clothes-dryer: I claIm the internally-grooved huh, II, and spring catch, c, in com- bination with hollow-headed shaft, 5, headed pin, P, and securing cord, d, substantially as and for the purpose set forth, when arranged with hub, H, braces, B, arms, A, and cord, c. 26,497.Levi Es. Hill, of Greenport, N. Y., for an Im- provement in Hydro-earbon Vapor Apparatus: a claim the combiqation, with a vaporizing vessel, of the bellows, air-receiver and eduttion pipe, as shown, or in an equivalent manner, for the purposes set forth. tThls invention consists in a certain mode of arranging and apply- ing and combining two bellows, an air-receiver and a rotary shaft, driven by a weight and carrying tappet wheels for operating the bel- lows, whereby a constant supply of air is produced at a suitable uni- form pressure. It further consists in a certain arrangement of the blowing apparatus in combination with the vessel containing this by- din-carbon liquid, from which time vapor for changing the air is ob- tained, whereby a complete apparatus for vaporizing the liquid and charging the air with its vapor is brought within a small compass and into a very compact form.] 26,498.Edwin Hosmer, of Bedford, Mass., for an Im- provement in Stump-extractors: I claim the improved lever and book stump-extractor, as construct- ed with the conshInation of the holding tongue, H, and its supporter, K. and with each united by a universal joint, in manner and so as to enable the parts to operate substantially as specified. 26,499.Thomas W. Honchin, of Worcester, Mass., for a Machine for Cutting Paper: I claim the combinatIon and arrangement of the knife, H, slides, I I, and connecting bar, L, with coupling arms, J J, eccentrics, f f, and shaft, K, substantially as for the purposes set forfb. 26,500.Enoch Jacobs, of Cincinnati, Ohio, for an Improvement in Iron Plate Jail: I claim, in the construction of jails and prison houses, the improved iron walls for the same, consisting of the following pacts, arranged and united as set forth, to wit: the entire wall plates, A, having their edges closely abutting the joint plates, e, united to and uniting this plates, A, by rivets, i, which have their riveted ends in wards and commuter-sunk to the depth of the thickness of the plates, A; all In time manner and for the purposes set forth. 26, 501.William A. Kenrick aiid George H. Whitcher, of Boston, Mass., for an Improvement in Graving Docks: We claim the floating dock, A, and the stationary receiving basin or tank, B, in combination and as furnished, not only with one or more connection pipes and gates for this discharge of water from the dock into the tank, or vice versa, but with one or more passages and gates arranged in this tank, so as to either discharge water therefrom into tIme sea, or admit it to pass from the sea into the tank; all sub- stantially in manner and for time purpose as specified. And we also claim the elevating slide, a, in combination with a connection pipe of the dock, and a deep opening, e, made in the tank; the said slide being arranged therewith, and connected with the dock subacantially as specified. 26,50?.Henry Kipple and Jacob D. Bullock, of Phila- delphia, Pa., for an Improvement in Car Trucks: We claim the bolster, D, and platfocm, G, with the intervening ~prings, I. of awe suitable construction, in combination with the in- clined links, JIll, their sockets h and i, and the pins, a; the whole being arranged on tIme truck snhstantlahiy as set forth for the purposes specified. 26,503.John G. Kuaze, of New York City, for an Improvement in Pianofortes: I claim, first, Supporting the bridge, F, on cohmmnmns or distance pieces, n, to admit any number of braces for the hitch plate, D, be- tween the strings and the top of the sounding-board, and likewise to admit of a greater vibration of the soundIng-board, in the manner and for the purpose substantially as described. h Second, I claim the arramigement of additional braces, G, to the itch plate, D, situated between the strings and the top of the sound- ing-board, and connecting said braces with the braces, B, or the ivooden truss-work situated between the frame, A, in the manner and for the pmmrpose set forth. Third, I claim this application of a bottom sounding-hoard, P, when in connection with a lower metallic frame or hitch plate, L, covered with strings, in the manner and for the purpose substantially as de- scribed. Fourth, I claim the elastic spring brace. J, to connect the two sounding-boards together for the purpose substantially as described. Fifth, I claim the arrangement of the strings in two rows, with this use of a curved hammer line, in pianofortes where the action strikes this strings from above downwards, as set forth. 26,504.Richard S. Lawrence, of Hartford, Conn., for Improvement in Breech-loading Fire-arms: I claim, first, The combination of the detachable plate, B, between this barrel and the sliding breech, with the expanding ring, c c, sub- stantially as and for the purpose set forth. Second, In combination with the sliding breech and plates, I claim this hollow nipple, 1, situated in the center of the gas chamber, and prolectmne forward nearly or quits to the f e of the breech, substan- tially and for the purpose set forth. EThis invention relates to that description of breech-loading fire- arms which have what is commonly known as the sliding-breech. It consists in making the sliding breech of two pieces; one of which pieces, constituting the entire back of the breech, has in it a cylin drical cavity larger than the bore of the barrel, and the other of a hich, constituting the entire face, has a counter-sunk projection which enters and fits time said cavity in such a manner that the said projection combines with the said cavity to form a gas chamber in the rear of and of larger bore than the barrel, and communicating with the barrel by a suitable opening in the front part of the breesh, which admits the gases into the said chamber at each discharge, to force apart the two pieces of the breech, and cause the front pieces to form a perfect gas-tight joint with the rear end of the barrel; and thus, while preventing anyloes of the explosive force, preventing the corrosion of the face of the breech, and permitting it to slide with perfect freedom after frequently and quickly repeated firing. It fur- ther consists in the employment, in combination with the so con- structed breech, of a hollow cone situated in the center of the cavity of the rear portion of the breech and projecting nearly even with the front face of the breech, for the purpose of communicating the fire from the cap-or other priming to the cartridge or charge in an exact line with the center of the bore of the barreL] 26,505.James Little, of Evansville, md., for an Im- provement in Stave Machines: I claim the adjustable bed, n, in combination with the rod r and lever, r; all being constructed and arranged to operate snbst~n~iaiiy as and for the purposes set forth. 26,506.James A. Lowe, of New York City, for an Improvement in Water Traps: I claim the water trap shown, when cast without a seam (in lead or composition), as a new article of manufacture. 9 ~6,507.James J. ~Iapes, of Newark, N. J., for an Improvement in Fertilizers: I chaisn the production of the fertilizer for soils by the combination of dried blood vials the compound which I have herein specified, as my improved superphosphats of lime, or any equivalent therefor sub- stantially the same. 26, 508.M. R. Margerum and T. P. Marshall or Trenton, N. J., for an Improved Clasp for Hitching Straps: We claim the arrangement of the bole, H, and the key, K, in com- bination with the sliding part, A B, for fastening hitching straps, sub- stantially described and for the purpose set forth. 26,509.Charles Millar, of Utica, N. Y., for an Im- provement in Wood Screws: I claim construction of wood screws having a shank, or that portion of the wire hying beto-sen the thread and the head of the screw re- duced in its diameter, so that, without any enlargement o~ ~ orifice beyond that made by the stem, the screw mar he drivr~ with- ef~t increase of friction at the shac-. - thoot injum.n~ screw or to the hold thereof upon the f r~ud, am described 26,510.Geo. Miller and Caleb M. Andrews, of Provi- dence, R. I., for an Improvement in Washers: We claim me washer, constructed of a leather strip wound in cell form, and with or without the interposition of other substances he- to-ecu its convolutions, substantially as set forth. [This invention consists in forming the washers by winding heather strips of any convenient width in coil form, whereby the sides or faces of the washers present the grain or fiber of the leather endwiso to the running or working surfaces of articles to which they are ap- plied. The convolutions of the leather may be connected by cement; and, in certain cases where necessary, soft metal plates or other suitable substance may be interposed between this convolmitions in order to protect the leather from wear.] 26,511.G. W. Mitchell, of Jackson, Teun., for an ha- provement in Shuttles for Sewing Machines: I claim the shuttle formed with en open cavity tisromigh it in a transverse direction to its movement with a bobbin to fit the cavits- the heads of the bobbin forming a part of the sides of this shuttle, mimi being kept in position by the sides of the shuttle race or carrier, substantially as described and set forth. 26,512.Amos B. Morey, of St. Louis, Mo., for an Improvement in Platform Scales: I claim this specific arrangement of this braces, B B C C d e and f with the lever, A, and the head, H, as shown and described. 26,513.John Newell, of Lowell, Mass., for an Im- proved Nail Plate-feeder: I claim, first, In combination with a magazine for containing a pile of plates, an automatic driver that takes the under plate of this pile, and feeds it up toward the cuttem in regular succession, substantially as described. Second, I claim, in combination with this automatic driver the geared hub and segment and hinged lever, B, for turning and mov- ing the nall plate to the driver and to tIme cutters, substantially as de- scribed. Third, I claim, in combination with this driver or the carriage to which it is ~nnected, time lever, 5, with its several connected parts for itirowing out and hiolding out of gear time feeding devices while time driver is in tIme act of brin~ing up a fresh nail p late, as set fortlm. Fourth, I claim, in com%ination with time feeding shaft, and its grooves, 3 23, the pivoted switch, d, on tIme carriage, for time purpose of giving said carriage a rapid rotating and partial advanced niotion, and a slow feed umotion, substantially as set forth. 26,514.Crcsar neumann, of New York City, for an Improvement in Skeleton Skirts: I claim the e ring joint or hinge, arranged and constructed as spe- cified, by whic m the hoop can be contracted and expanded, suhatan. t~alhy in the manner and for the purposes set forth. 26,515.Carlton Newman, of Birmingham, Pa., for an Improvement in Preserve Cans: I claim the use of this loose or detached elastic band, when used In connection with this flaring run, e, or lid, b, rib or ridge, e, on, and groove, f, in, the neck of this jar, or this equivalents of said rim, ridge and groove, arranged, constructed and used as described and for the purpose set forth. 26,516.D. G. Olinsted, of Vicksbnrgh, Miss., for an Improvement in Cotton Gins: I claim, first, Feeding the cotton frito the roll box through a hull- ing grate, H, so as to exclude the principal hulls and trash, while the seed cotton is admitted as specified. Second, I claini this projections, f f, at the intersection of time riho of the ginning grate F, and extension, G, for ths p mirpeac of direct- ing the cotton past t~he seed space at this how-er edge of this hulling grate, H, in combination with said gnats, II. Third, I claim the arrangement of this air-directin~ partition, a, constructed substantially as described, in combination wills the hatchel cylinder, F, for this purpose specified, at ths same time dis- claiming its use in any other manner or connection. Fourth, I claim the extensions, o o, when am-ranged as continuations of the brush wings, d d, around the ends or heads of the brush cy- linder for the purpose specified; while I disclaim the use of wings or fans ou the ends of time brush cylinder unconnected with the brush wings, d d. 26,517.Charles G. Page and Ralph J. Falconer, of Washington, D. C., for an Improvement in Pipe Couplings: We claim combining the lateral or transverse movement of the male and female sections, a b, an endwise movement, to effect the tightening of said sections, as set forth. 26,518.Charles Grafton Page, of Washington, D. C., for an Improvement in Door Bolts: I claim the locking of bolts, when bolted or shut, by means of rotary handles moving with the belts, and operating subs principles set forth. tantiahly upon the 26, 159.Da Bois D. Parmelee, of Salem, Mass., as- signor to John A. Greene, of Beverley, Mass., for an Improvement in the Manufacture of Rubber Articles: I claim the employment, in thesnanufacture of india-rubber sheets, whether combined or not with cloth, and when the same are to be treated in the cold way to effect the change, as described, on either side of the tank containing the hermizing solution, of a feeding mechanism, so arranged and operated that the sheet may be fed in and out of this tank at a uniform rate, and free from injurIous handling and draft or strain, substantially in the manner andfor the purposes set forth. 20,520.William Patterson, of Constantine, Mich., for an Improved Machine for Forming Hubs: I claim, in combination with the swivel nut, i, having a yielding or adjustable collar, LY~uimmd cutter shaft for causing a shoulder in the plane parallel to the end of the hub, while the cutter is came and fed by an inolkied screw shaft, as described. I also claim the combination of the guiding spring bar, I, and Its adjusting screws, m n, with the slide2 D, center disk, G, and cutter shaft, for the purpose of boring out the interior of the hub and cutting off the ends of the spokes, and thereby prevent the latter from rest- ing and pressing unequally on the box or on the exposed part of the axle, as described. 26,52l.Calvin Pepper, of Albany, N. Y., for an Im- provement in Heating Apparatus: I claim the use of fine silicious sand for radiating heat according to the apphicatiomi thereof, substantiaihy as described, the radiation being principally from the sand, and the radiation from the sand coming from between the meshes of the fine wire gauze screen, or the open- ings of minutely perforated metal, or other solid substance, the metallic gauze or perforated metal being used for the purpose of re- taming the sand while admitting radiation through its meshes, and the sand being heated by fuel of wood, coal, gas, burning fluid, or other fuel, or from hot metal hot air, hot water, or steam in stoves, tubes, conductors, or other heating apparatus, substantially as de- scribed, and subject to the disclaimer and exceptions as stated. 26,522.Albion Ransom, of Albany, N. Y., for an Im- provement in Stoves: I claim the application to, and use with sheet or thin metal stoves, of an independent hood flue formed and fitted for attachment to such stoves, as described, and for the purposes set forth in the aeci. fication. 12 26,523.Abraham Reese, of Pittsburgh, Pa., for an Improvement in Rails for Street Railroads: I claim making iron rails for street railroads of the shape substan. i~ally as described, having on each side a head or projection at one edged of the rail, with a fiat base extending from the projection or head to tho other side, both sides or faces being finished alike, so that the rail may be noed either side up and reversed when one side is worn out. 26, 524.Celestin Ringel, of San Francisco, Cal., for an Improved Gold-washer: I claim the combination of a water wheel with a separating or re- ducing machine into one apparatus, by using the inner space 01 a wheel partis- or wholly inclosed as a receiver, dispensing in this manner with couplings or connections, and with a second vessel or receiver, which would have to be set in usotion by the water wheel, substantially as and for the purpose described 26,525.T. C. Roche, of New York City, for an un- proved Stereoscopic Apparatus: I claim first, The employment of a skeleton wheel, D, substan- tially as aescribed, for the purpose of bringing the pictures before the eye glasses. Second, Placing t.he pictures, C, together back to back, and so that one is upright when the other is upside down, substantially as and for the purpose specific d. Third, In conililnation with the chain of pictures, C. I claim the arrangement of the sliding partition, G, and door, F on the side and near to the bottom of the box, A, substantially as ana for the purpose set forth. 26,526.J. Hunter Sears, of Brantford, C. W., for an Improvement in Breech-loading Fire-arms: I claim combining and applying the hinged breech-piece, D, end the breech screw, E, substantiaiiy as specified, so that the force applied to a lever attached to the screw may serve to first withdraw the screw and afterwards throw out the breech-piece as described. [This Invention consists in a novel construction of and mode of ap- plying a movable breech, whereby very great facility for loading and a very tight and secure joint between the breech and barrel are ob- tained.] 26,527.Josiah Seymour, of Coventry, N. Y., for an Imluoveluent in Working Butter. I claim the construction and arrangement of the tray to retain the fluids when desired, in washing and working over butter. I also claim the manner of securing the tray to the platform or table, so as to be easily tipped up to drain off the fluids in cieaneing, the detacisable arch frame and rounded wedged shaped butter-work~r for spreading thin while salting, all in combination as specified and for the purposes set forth. 26,528.Geo. W. Slater, of New Haven, Conn., for an Improvement in Ships Stoves: I claim forming the joints, C D D1 of the thimbies, b, and sockets, c. attached respectively to the swinging flue, a, stove, A, and station- ary flue, C, substantially as and for the purpose set forth. (This invention consists in hanging the stove by means of adjust- able or independent thimbles, whereby said thimbles may be cast separately instead of ~vith the whole flue as formerly, and perfect joints obtained as ~rell as more durable ones, the invention also ad- mitting of a mere ready adjustment or fitting-up of the stove.) 26,529.Ananias Smith, of Niagara Falls, N. Y., for an Improvement in Surface Condensers for Steam Engines: I claim, first, The employment, in connection with a steam engine and its belier, of a revolving bucket whesi, arranged to receive the exhaust steam from the en gins, and made to rotate In a reverse direction to its issues In a cyiinder or vessei containing water, from which the boiler of the engine is fed, the exhaust steam being con- densed by direct impingement with and adding to mid feed water, essentialiy as specified. Second, The combination with the revolving bucket or wheel con- structed to receive the exhaust steam from the engine and c linder, or vessel containing the condensing liquid or feed water in w ugh the wheel rotates, and by direct contact with which water the exhaust steam is condensed, in the manner described, of a surface cooling apparatus, formed by providing said feed-water vessel with a jacket or tubes, or their equivalents, through which a cooling liquid is made to pass or circulate, free from admixture with the water in the vessel, that dlroetly effects the condensation of the steam, substanitally as specified. 26,530.Geo. Smith, of New York City, for an Im- provoenent in Pipe-nippers: I claim the combination with the slotted iever, A, of the movable claw, B, grooved p in, C, and holding spring, B, as shown and de- scribed, so that the claw may be readily removed from one side of the lever to the other, thus forming a right or left-handed instru- ment at pleasure, all as set forth. (This invention consists in combining a hook or claw with a stock or lever, in such a manner that cyiindrieal articles may be grasped firmly and turned by the application of the implement, and the latter also, wills one and the same claw or hook, made, by a very simple adjustment, capable of being applied to two different sized articles.] 26,531.Nathan Spicer, of St. Paul, Minn ., for an Improved Lever Escapement for Time-pieces: I claim the combination of the two sets of teeth on the scape wheel and the single pair of pallets., or their equivalent, with two or more forks on the lever operating upon and operated upon by a single pin or cylinder attached to the balance; the whole operating substantially as set forth for the purpose specified. 26,532.Henry Steinway, of New York City, for an Improvement in Grand Pianos: I claim the arrangement of the strings, b b, of the lower notes and those, c c, of the higher notes of a grand pizuoforte, substantially as and described. 26,533.Oren Stoddard, of Busti, N. Y., for an Im- proved Device for Feeding the Bolt in Shingle Machines: I claim the ratchets, ji, attached to the feed shafts, H II, provided each with alternate long and short teeth, and operated by the pawis, k k, and slide, K, from the knife-gate or frame, E, in the manner specified. [This invention relates to certain improvements in that class of shingle machines in which a reciprocating knife Is employed for riving the shingles from the bolt. The Invention consists, 1st, in so arranging the knife that the same may be made to operate with a straight cutter wills more or iess of a rolling cutting action, so that the cut may be regulated to suit the nature or character of the belt as regards the direction of Its grain, compactness, & a; it con- sists, 2d, in a novel arrangement of the feeding device for present- ing the belt obliquely and automatically to the knife, so that the shingles will be rived from the bolt in taper form; it consists, 3d, In a novel arrangement of the knife, whereby the same is made to act more efficiently for the purpose intended than those of usual construction.) 26,534.C. L. Maillant, of New York City, for an Im- proved Invalid Couch: I clalm the method of constructing an invalid conch, arranged and operating iii the manner and for the purposes set forth. THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. 26,535.Robert N. Tate, of New London, Conn., for an Improved Mast-scraper: I claim an implement or tool, composed of a steel plate, A, pro- vided with one or more concave edges and attached to a suitable tang or handle, to form a new and useful article of manufacture, for the purpose set forth. [The object of this invention is to obtain an implement that wul facilitate the scraping of the masts of vessels without Injuring or culling the same during the operation. This work is at present per- formed wills ordinary knives, and the operation is not oniy slow and tedious, but the masts are liable to he cut or scored in consequence of the comparatively straight edges of the knives acting against ~he convex surfaces of the meets.) 26,536.Joseph Theme, of New York City f provement in Sewing Machines: or an Im- I claim the specific arrangement of parts described for giving the appropriate motions to the needle bar and to the shuttle-driver. 26,537.E. L. Pratt, of Philadelphia, Pa., for an Im- provement in Thread Tensions for Sewing Machines: I claim separating and holding the coil, B, at the openings through which the thread, E, passes in and out from betureen it audits fellow, B, or support by means of the strips, B and D, or their substantial equivalents, for the purpose of allowing a flee passage of the said thread without causing friction on the openings, and for the better adjusting or changing tIme thread whilst the spring remains at the proper working tension, as described. 26,538.G. Tigneres, of Covington, La., for an Im- provement in Repeating Pistols: I claim the rack, t, and dog, u in combination with a sliding trigger, when arranged and operates as or substantially as and for the pom-poses set forth. I also claim, in combination with the plate, c, the arm, o, the bar, X, and the plate, a, when arranged and actuated on as do- senbed. 26,539.John G. Treadwell, of Albany, N .Y.,fornn Improvement in Gridirons: I claim the employment of this gauze wire screen, A, or its equiv- alent, the gi-idiron, C, and the cover, D, when the same are mused, sumbetantially as and for lice purpose specified. 26,540.Thos. Spur Whitman, of New York City, for an Improvement in Attaching Skates to Boots: I claim uniting the skate iron to the sohe of tIme best or shoe, essen- tially in the manner and for the purposes stated. [This inventioma will be found fully illustrated on another page of the present nuim r.) 26,541.Il. Wilvertli, of Caseyville, Ky., for an Im- proved Artificial Fuel: I claho a coniposition formed by mixing the mentioned ingredients together, In the propertionsand in the manner specified, for the pur- pose set forth. [Time object of this invention is to make use of those small pieces of coal, generally termed slake and considered so entirely worthless, that they they can be obtained at the mere cost of transportation. By mixing them with certain ingredients, they are converted into a good and cheap fueL] 26,542.FAward Wirths, of New York City, for an Im- prove in Skate-fastenings: I claim lIce mode of alt cuing the side pieces, B B, to the skate, A, for the purpose of adapting the same to eel of different sizes, when the same shall be arranged and operated as set forth. 26,543.Robert W. Wright, of New Haven, Cona., for an Improvement in Maclimes for Feeding-np, Cut- ting and Pasting Directions on Newspapers, & c.: I cisim, in combination with a strip or fillet of paper, on which the names or addresses are equl-distantly arranged, an internoittent feed motion and a prsting, cutting and carrying device, working automatically together, substantially as described and represented. 26,544.James R. Brown, of Boston, Mass., assignor to himself and J. Henry Norton, of Medford, Mass., for an Improved Pipe-cutter: I claim, as a new or improved article of manufacture, the pipe- cutting instrument as constructed with the hinged and recessed jaws, the movable cutter, the adjusting screw, and the spring shank or shanks extending from the jaws, and having a connection hook, or Its equivalent, all substantially as specified. 26,545.Thomas H. Burridge (assignor to himself and Thomas W. Ustick), of St. Louis, Mo., for an Im- provement in Printing Presses: I claim the direct application of steam power to the type table of a printing press, and In causing the same piston that actuates the said table to arrest the momentum thereof, substauttally as described. 26,546.Lewis S. Chichester (assignor to H. G. Evans), of New York City, for an Improvement in Cotton- packers: I claim pressing cotton and other fibrous sumbetances into sacks, H, by ptacing the same on a hollow cylinder, G, fitted over an apertsuro of correspondin~ diameter in the floorIng, A, and having clamps, I I beamin or pressing against the sack on the cylinder, and so arranged as to a~iow the sack to render or give over the cylinder under the pressure of a plunger, B, while pressing the substance into the sack, substantially as described. 26,547.Homer H. Dikeman (assignor to Ira Dikeman & Son), of New Haven, Coun., for an Improvement in Shifting Tops for Wagons: I claim the shifting slide or curtain rail, in combination with the jointed bows, when the whole is constructed, connected, and made to serve the purposes designed, substantially as described. 26, 548.W. D. Hall (assignor to the Quinnissiac Com- pany), of Hamden, Conn., for an Improvement in Fertilizers: I chaim preparing concentrated artificial manure by boiling fish in common fresh water, until the whole is thoroumghly cooked, then re- moving It from the vessel, and when smufficlently drained, sprinkling on It from one to three per cent (usually about two per cent) by weight of sulphuric acid, uuixiug thoroughly, and drying by solar or artificial heat when the whole Is effected substantially in the man- ner and by the process described. 26,549.B. F. Lee (assignor to the New York Rubber Company), of New York Oily, for an Improvement in India-rubber Belting: I claim, as a new and useful article of manufacture, the combina- tion belting or banding specified, and consisting of two om more thick- nesses or layems of fibrous material, cemented and quilted together, substantially as set forth. 26,550.Frederick Mathushek (assignor to himself and Wellington Wells), of New York City, for a Piano- forte Action: I claim the combination of the auxiliary jack, AD, the regulating screws, E F and J, the improved hammer butt, G, ad improved ar 13 rangement of the spiral spring, J, with the French action, arranged substantially as set forth. 26,55l.~D. D. Parmelee, of Salem, Mass., assignor to J. A. Greene, of Beverly, Mass., for an Improve- ment in Manufacture of India-rubber Hollow Molded Articles: I claim making hollow articles of india-rubber, or its equivalent or their conopomunds, when the same aro to be treated In the cold way, after molding to effect the change, as described, by shaping this am-ti- des in molds from bags formed of such rubber, and exbaustInc the sir froum between said molds mind the bags, sumbetantially as set forth 26, 552.Sylvanus Walker, of Boston, Mass., assignor to D. Vs~. Smith, of Somerville, Mass., for amo Ins- proved Boot Strap-fastener: I chaim the abeve-described boot strap-fastener, consisting of the plate or shield, C, and hollow mivets or eyelets, B, substantially as de- senhed. EXTENSION. Calvin B. Rogers, of Saybrook, Conn., for an Improve- ment in Machinery for Dressing Combs. Patented Dec. 20, 1845: I claim the manner in which I have arranged tics a paratna for carrying the plates between the cylinders, consisting o?tlms box B, the slide, N, wills hIs piece, and the wheel, C, ronuected by the ro~ 5, to the slide N, and to the shaft, D, by this small wheel c m, and the gripe, A A, heretofore described and seen in Figs. 1 and I, operathug sohsetantlally as before stated. I clams the manner in which I have ari-anged the lop bed, 61, wlcerehy plates varying in thickness are equmally scraped, not redmic- lug this thickness of one more than another, said arrangement consist- ing of the spring, S, as seen in Fig. 5, and the position of said bed wills its space., A B, as seen in Fig. 7. I claim the manner mu which I lcave arranged lice cicisels for scrap- ing, smoothing amid shaping tIme plate, said arrangement consisting of the levers, J and J mu, the croespicees, L L, and the apparmmtmms for cc- curing Ihe chisels to lIce croespieces seen ut P. 1, FIg. 8, and for se- curing the crosepieces to the levers, as semis at u n n n Fig I or at II H, Fig. 8, mind for lIce movement up or miourms for tho~ sainehy time screws as seen at L i Li, Fig. 8. I chum tIme ucausner in which I have am-ranged the bex F to receive rise plates froum lice top bed G. consisting of tics sprimig, I, on the mu- rIsc side of the lid seen in Fig. 6, and lice bed with it.s tapering mod. x clasped by time springs, r r, umfier the said box, operehing as before stated. And I hereby declame that I do not intend by thrse claims to limit myself to the exact form or amvan~ement of the respective pares and combinations es desci-ibed and represemited; but to vmury thiese mrs I may deem expemmient, while sumeb arramigement and esuobluathemus are sumbotanliahly the same with those umade knowu RE-ISsUEs. D. M. Cook, of Mansfield, Ohio, for an Improvement in Pans for Evaporating Cane Juice. Patented Jimumo 22, 1858- I claim, first, The combination with a firs fus-nace of asusgar evaum. orating pan, when said pan is construmeted and arranged so as to al- lois- of is continumous circulation of lIce sirup in an indirect comurse over hIs surface, during the process of beiling, substantially as amid for this purposes set forth. Second, So arranging the pan on the furnace, that a portion of its bottom sums-face near each side shall not be exicosed to this dhrect Iced of this fumi-nace, and thins while theintermedlate surface of the bottom of the pan is intensely heated, theother portions remain comparative- ly cool, substantially as and for the pum-poess set tom-tim. Ticird, Retarding the escape of the sim-up, or facilitating its esce1ce, either by giving the pan a vibrating nielson, or a greater or lees in- clination, substantially as and for the purposes set forth. Fourth, An evaporating apparatus which allows of a clrcumlation of tIme stream of sirump, boils it at this center of the can and cools it at the sides of the same and affuird facilities for regulating the flow of tics steam, substanttally as and for the pun ses set fortlm. [This Invention consists in boiling sugar juice while In motion or circulating, so as to avoid scorching. The apparatus enmployed gives the flowing stecam of sugar juIce an indirect circutlation, boils it at the center of the pan, and cools It at the sides of the same, and thus ensures a perfect boiling, causes a deposit of this scum and feculent matter, and allows of this same being conveniently removed. Every facility for retarding or increasing the flow of juice is obtained, mmcd the whole apparatus, with fmurnac-e attached, Is portable. This is a very valuable invention.) Erastus Stebbins, of Chicopee, Mass., for an Improve- ment in Stop Cocks. Patented April 19, 1859: I claim tIme arrangement and combination of the collar, I, fiexihmie washer, H, washer, 61, as and for the purpose described. Second The chambered square nut om- valve, when its seat is form- ed in thebody of the cock mu the manner substantlaihy as and for the purpose descrlbsd. Win. L. Williams, of New York City, for an Improved Machine for Splitting Firewood. Patented April 19, 1859: I claim, first. Feeding the wood to be split, by the endless chain, I I, when so arranged that the chain can receive a lateral movement, for the purposes and as specified. Second, In combination with the endless chain to feed the wood as aforesaid, I claim the rollers, j j, for permitting a lateral movement and taking up any slack as set forth Third, I claim the yielding pawls, h h, In combination with the feeding chains, I I, for permitting backward movenmeut to the wood as the knife enters the same, thereby preventing the wedging of the wood or injury to the pacts, asset fortlm. Fourth, I claim the spurs, f, to give lateral motion to the chain, I I, in combination with the arnie, d. and yielfiiumg connection to the rods, h b, as desci-Ibad and shown. Fifth, I claim the yielding end pieces, 11, to regulate the delivery and sustain the wood while being split, and prevent this same falling over before being separated by the second cut, as specified. DESIGNS. 0. T. Bragg and M. Burrowe, of St. Louis, Mo., for a Design for a Trade-mark. Thos. Lincoln and Saml. Lincoln~ of Provldence. R. I., for a Design for a Trade-mark for Soap-boxes. Jeremiah Meyer, of New York City, assignor to Alden Sampson, of Manchester, Maine, for a Design for .Floor Gilcloths, Carpets, & c. E. J. Ney (assignor to the Lowell Manufacturing Com- pany) of Lowell, Mass., for a Design for Carpets, & c. (2 cases). Garrettson Smith and Henry Brown (assignors to J. G. Abbott), of Philadelphia, Pa., for a Design for Parlor Stoves. H. G. Thompson, of New York City, assignor to the Hartford Carpet Company, of Hartford, Conn., for a Desig~ for Carpet Patterns. (5 cases.) TUE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. & ~ L. L. G., of N. Xr.~To obtain a snitable clock oil that will not congeal, agitate in a bottle some of the boot sperm oil, or what is better, poppy oil, with one-fourth its weight of alcohol, when a sedinoent will fall to the bottom. The clear which is left is the oil--mostly glycerinewhich is suitable for clock-work. TI. N. M., of Del.We do not think that graphite paint would bo suitable for your cement ciotern, to contain tlse chloride of lime. As the cioteros leales badly, lbs only safe mode foryon now to puroue is to give it another coat of cement on the interior, and allow it to set perfectly before you introduse the bleaching- powder. A. II. B., of VaYou state that some red flanuelo poison the skin, causing itto break out isoto boils, and that a num- her of ecroons in your neighborhood have been infected in this manner, and you wiols to know what will remuove the poison. There is us virus in ttse color of the coummon red flannel which should produce suds effects. It is dyed with bc and tise hydro-chiorate of tin, and is washed thoroughly before being made up for market. By boiling white or red flannel for one or two hoosro in soft water be- fore it Is worn, any infectious matter contained in it cviii be de- stroyed by the high tensperature, amid the boiling action will aloe prevemot the wool fulling up afterwards when wasised. We do not propose any remedy for the cutaneous disease referred to, ex- cept sponging the infected parts wills warns vinegaran old and excellent remedy, too munch neglected at present. II. G., of PaUpon proceeding to examine yonr re- jected case at the Patent Office, we fosond that your former agent had, by virtue of a power-of-attorney, which you probably unwit- tingly sigased, withdrawn the application, and pocketed use $20. This leaves you us other alternative but to begin anew. We re- peat our caution to all inventors not to sign away their right to any a2ont to withdraw the $20; then they will be safe sgainst suds eharp practlc, whicis is hut too cousmon. An agent of integrity does not care a straw for authos-ity to simply witlodraw from the Treasosry the $211 rotoornable on rejected cases. If be has that an- tisority. he will not abuse it; but it affords him no advantage what- ever in the successful prosecution of the case. A few fellsws of the baser sort usay squirm under this advice; but all reputable agents will nudes-stand our remarks as in no way reflecting uposs their relations with tlssir clients. Our purpose is to protect inven- tors against wrong-doers. B. H. M,, of N. H.We have not the honor of an ac- qomaintance wills a single manager of a circus or menagerie com- pany, and cannot advise you of the best mode to pursue in getting access to tisens. I. S. C., of TeunThe arrangement you propose to 3bviate lbs lifting of back-water, csmnson to paddle wheels nsw in use, doss not suggest a proper remedy for the supposed difficulty. Wisat you would gain ~ changing the position of the buckets, as Ilsey leave and enter the water, would be more than lost by the im- mense amount of friction caused by the gearing wisich you propose Is employ. More than lisle, however, your plan is not new. A. I. B., of KyWe wrote to yon several days ego that we load succeeded in securing a patent for your wrench. Our letter you have doubtless received before Ibis. In reference to that fungus: wisen we inquired as to the probable amount of whit- tling done in the case, we did not design to imply anything against your in integrity the matter. Our object was to slam-I a searcising inquiry Into all the facts of 11cc case. S. B. S., of Vt.Fultons first trip in a steambeat on lbs Hudson was made on August 7, 1807. S. C. S., of mdThe gyroscope is no paradox or mystery; all its motions result from the single property of inertia. A body revolving in any pIano is held by inertia in the plane of its revolution, and can be removed from it only by a force propor- tioned to the momentum of the revolving body. The reason wlsy a top, tlsrown to time floor while rotating rapidly, travels round in a spiral track, we suppose to be Ilmat lIce end of Ilme spindle has an appreciable size, and acts as a wheel; and as the property of iner- tia, acting in a manner similar to its action in time gyroscope, caissee the top to assume an upright position, the spindle turns in constant- ly-decreasing circles, giving Ins spiral form to the track. McG., of C. E.In Vol. II., of the ScIENTIFIc AMER- ICAN, we pubhielsed a tubular connection for cacrying off smoke and cinders backwards to tlse rear of the train. It Is, in its general characteristics, precisely like your plan. E. S. B., of N. Y.We do not think you have any en- conragemont to proceed with your rocking-horse. The ens you re- fer 10 is a fell anticipation of your plan. L. B., of Ohio.Tlae cheapest mode of preserving the beams of your ground floor from rotting is by charring their smmr- feces or putting on a coat of coal tar. A concrete floor of hydraulic consent and gravel would be the best yooo could put down; but you say it would be too expensive. By painting your sleepers with graphite point, their durability will also be greatly Increased. H. P. B., of PaThere is a good article on the art of bleaching in the New American Encyclopradia. There is no work on calico printimog published up to Ihe practise oC the present day; but Parnells Chemistry, published In London some years ago, is very good authority for eli colors requiring mordants. We do not know Its price. S. M., of Ohio.The cheapest method of insulating tel- egraph cables is with a coat of gulta-percha. To our knowledge, there is no tlsorough work on electro-magnetism published. It will be much cheaper to loavo your propeller toorned in Sandusky than Bent to this city. Communicate with J. B. Kitahing, corner of Duane and 1-Iudson-streets, this city; state the power of Ericosoms engine you want. and he will tell yoms the price. XV. L. B., of V 1.The turbine wheel to which you re- fer, that was to be driven by a stream of waler forced through it by a steam engine, and that bad Its origin in Newark, N. J., is non cat inventus. L. F., of N. Y.For a horizontal dialtlsrit is, omsu isa which thaplane of the dial is parallel to the horizonthe style or edge which casts lisa olmadow mood be parallel to time axis of the earth; in other words, mmmcl point exactly to the pole of lIce heavens. Thus, the angle whicis the style makes with time plans of tIme dimol corresponds witis the latitude. Tise angles of time hour lines may ho computed from this theorem: as is time radius to time sine of thee latItude, 50 is the tangent of time hour from noon (rock- ing 15~ to the hour) to the tangent of the beam- angle from the coos- br. We give you these angles for latitudes 42~ and 470 Morning. Aftem-noon. 420. 470 XI. I. 100 10 100 27 X. II. 210 7 2l~ 20 IX. III. 310 47 140 1 VIII. IV. 490 17 4i)~ 41 VII. V. Coo ii eso 17 Vi VI. 900 9)0 We knew of no small work on the subject of dials. W. T. M., of Ala.The best way to treat new imon wire to prevent it fm-om rusting, is to steep it in hot linseed oil for a feor Imomors; then take it out and allow it to dry perfectly before it is pool up. Thmc oil, when it beconses dry, forums an impenetrable varmoish. Ac your crire is already pest up in trellis-work, and is now rusting fast, the beet way for you to treat it is to go over it crith a cloth dip- pad in loot oil, dracclng the wire between the cloth through your band. The oil a-ill ucucile critic tise roost, and form a durable dark. red paint; and, ~ time mode deoco-ibed, you can apply the oil quickly and equally to all aides of the wire. At the joints, you may have to mmcc a broods for time oil. M. D - D -, of N. Y.Ground quartz obtained from white sand,if hailed for a considerable period too a stromog camootic lye made from carbonate of soda and lime, will be dicsolved, and farm what le called solomble glass, liqocid flint, & c. It is a soluble compo- sition, and is unfit for being usefoolly applied to surfaces of bomild. hugs exposed brains. The method of liquifying quartz, so as to Imave it in excess (instead of an exceas of alkail), as described los our coloomus a fece weeks ago, is done, by a peculiar apparatus, at. time works of Mr. Hardinge, near this city. The quartz is dissolved by very intense heat, and tIme liquid is not sohumble. It ;s therefore applicable as cement, and weli adapted for ocotoide crock. T. R., of Texas.We have never stated tlsal an ex- plosive gas was generated in ste. na boilers on account of the absence of hydrogen gas; sods a mesult could not take place. Year practice of freqosently stopping Ilce crater supply and ailooving the poomup to force in air for Ibree or four leours on a strelcic is danger- ommo; becamuse, if hydrogen is ever generated in the boiler by time crater becoming too locc- and the plates red hot, the air will finornish sonme oxygen to umnite wills time loydrogen and c. use an expl ion. Veins ougiot abc-aye to keep 11cc food pump moving crith crater, how- ever small time quantity required; Ilsis is 11cc safe mode. H. H.B -, of N. J.You say: Load a five-horgo power etosm engine so that it can make only loom revolmo ens per minute, witim 50 lbs. per inch pressure; Iloen apply water in place of steam, critis the same amounl of pressure, will it uct give time same amocont of wer? Will not time door speed of the engine give the crater time to operate its full power on lIce piston Imead? We answer: The slocrer the speed the nearer, of comorse, cviii crater come to equaling tIcs poorer of steam. Still, thcre is a diflerence, timeoretically, and crc presume there orould be in practice. The flocr of Ilse crater is not so rapid tisrougim the ports, and as it croujld take msre pounds of crater to fill the cylinder tican of steam, the inertia of the water would be greater, and it cromold start more elocely at each stroke; fr-em the same reason, aloe, its flow into the cylinder would reqocire to be stepped mere gently by a slower closing of Ilse valves. 0. U. T., of N. Y.It is difficult to remove lamp oil fesm cvhite marble after it has once become dry. Strong soap suds and alcohel cviii remove some of it from the surface; but if 11cc oil Isas been colored, the stain is liable to remain. Another melbod is sometimes effectual, viz., take come soapotouco dust and place it on lisa top of Ilso oil stain, then lay a sheet of blotling paper over it and on the top of this a warm flat ironnot too hot. Aihoor the iroo~ to remain until it is cool; heat it again, place it on the marble, and do the same tcro or three times, orhen the heat will penetrate to tide marble and warm lbs ohi, which cviii then be aboorbed by the dooct When polisised marble lable taps have been ovet orith water or ano~ other liquid, they sisould ho rubbed afterwards with 000500 flue wimiting and a oracotis piece of cork to restore the polisho; and lastly, tlcey should ha oriped orith a piece of silk or soft buff leatiser. A. G., of PaSeveral devices have been employed for obviatIng the dead points in the crank movement of a steam engine, so as to dispense with a fly-orheel, but they all proved to be greater eviIs than those they were designed to remedy. The disks of chain pumps have been packed with rings of leather and India. ruobber for the purpose of working tight in the tube and preventing the water flowing back, so as to h ye lIce water aloc-ays at the spout when cousmencing to draw. An elastic tube has also been employed to effect the same object, and a patent oras granted for sucis an arrangement to E. Morris, of Burlington, N. J., on Feb. 10, 1857. Money Received At the Scientific American Office on account of Patent Office business, for the week ending Saturday, Dec. 24, 1859: G. L., of N. Y., $10; N. L., of Coun., $211; 13. L. F., of Pa, $10: J. 11. E., of La., $10: F. D., of Conn., $711; A. B., of N. V., $11; F- B,of N. V., $12; H. L. C., of Teun., $70; J. S. S., of Pa., $20; C W., of N. J., $30; A. G. M., of N. V., $25: 13. W. J., Jm., of It. 1 $30; E. A. S., of Pa., $25; B. S. S., of Pa., $35; I. 51. C., of N. V., $250; C. A. S., of N. J., $5; J. F., of Ky., $25; G. L. S., of N. V., $111; S. C., of Macs., $25; G. M. B., of N. V., $70 XV. G. C., of N. V., $275; M. A. H., Jr., of Ill., $30; T. M., of N. Y. $25; E. B., of N. V., $23: L. B., of Cal., $270; B. S. II., of 12. I., ~45: C. W. B., of Fla., $10: 0. C. K., of Pa., $15; W. McC. of N. V., $25: C. B., of Mass., $75: P. C. C., in., of N. II., $70; W. II. G., of N. H., $Io; K. ~ S., of N. V., $70; H. P.., of N. V., $70; P. A.. of N.Y., $10; D.D.S..ofN.J.,$2o; C.J.Von V., ofN.V., $7: L. B., of Mich., $~5; J. A., of Es.. $71); I. (7. T.. of Ohis. $10; V. 0. Ic J. 17. 5., of Pa., $10; (7. K., of N. V., $23: H. A. H., of N. V., $10; XV. A. P ofVt $7o~ A C. B., ofPa., $10: C H. S., of Coon., $70; 7. C., of~ionn., $3t1; \V.S. & Co., of Ohio, $10; (7.N. & G. IL, of Coun., $25. Specifications, drawings and models belonging to par tics orith time following initials have been forwarded to the Patent Office duinring the weelc ending Satoorday, Dec. 24, 2850 B. 5.11. of 17. I.; XV. Ii. G. of N. II.; S. C. of Mass.; C. A. S. of N. J.; E. A. Sof Pa.; J. RH. of N.Y.; A. G.M.of N. V.; J. W.N. of Russia; D. B. S., of N. .7.; 0. H. of N. V.; 0. C. K. of Pa.; J. 11. G.ofN. V.; W. B.B.ofN.V.; TM ofN V LB. ofN. V.; P.C. of N. V.; T. C. 17. of Wis.; H. P. W. of R. I.; G. N. H. of N. V.; 17. P. of Pa.; G. N. & (7. H., of Comm.; C. II. P., of Mieb.; L. & B,, of Mich.; H. A. 11., of N. V.; W. S. Ic Co., of 01mb. Literary No47ceo. Tune QUARTERLY R~vnexvs.Leonard Scott & Co., No. 54 Gold street, poblo~h~ ,s. At time eoumrnencomont of a nose year, a favorable olmporimouto ha ~reseuted to subscribe for lime Westminster, Lohmubugh, 7ccrtio Britisim and London -, reviecreIlce rble~t mu the 1 uglislo languace, mud re-pininbhioioed fincuc advanced sheeta June hoot nummobOr of tim~ London Rerleor con- talus an article on Toade Strike, ochiclo is tIme best ore lsave ec-so- read on lice subject Thme omobocriptiomo price of time foinor revicors and Blackoosod ma $i nor aununo; in England the price is $21. A TALE OF TXVO CuossWo have received frons Mescos. T. os., of Philodelpimia, a copy of this, tine mutest crook of (t~rmco Dr no. We era hocepared to 5a3-having read limis story me ml moo~ams limo a oo-eekly journalIloat it is omoc of time best efforts of ito musceomiooms scothmom It c-sum be procured in timis city of Dick & Fitzgerald. 71 sam 1 01cm o m are time publielmers of Dicloens entire crocks. Boocts FOE THE YOUNG Nothing can be more gralifyine to time Cloristian, tIme plmmlantlmmopm t asod the pairiet those lice great care and ctstommtiou ocimmchs mc noor being paid to books mood serial pmintshicsmtions for the young The elmelves of oum respectable book slorso are well filled with mulere hun reading for time utile folks at hoome; and entice huolidays, oc hal ucome appropriate gift for timem timan a good book? We cave receoc ed from Xhecscs. Rococo. Taggard & Chinese, Boston, thoree hooks, entitled Pictures from limo history of the Soc-iso ; Ominr Suomus c 1-louse, end 00 bat ma emnid amod done iso it Tise Life of Whoilemoose XVoodchmock, icc km do Fannuins, mm immomorous story: crell iliinmotrated. Tisess cuteseelco books can he pmwcured from Messrs. Sheldon & Co., No 115 Naocu street, this city. HINTS TO OUR READERS. VOLUME I., BOUNDPersons desiring the first volume of the New Series of the Scmmmxvovoc AMEameAss can be sup- plied at tlse office of publication. and by all tloe periodical dealers. Price, $1.50; by usail, $1.60. The volume In sheets, complete, can he furnished by mail. Price $1. BINDINGWe are psepared to bind thee vohisme, jell closed (Vol. I., Neor Somlee) in Icandooms muslin covers, with ii- homminusted sides, and to finmrnieh covers for ether binders. Price for binding, 50 coats. Pm-icc for covers by maih, 50 cents; by express, or delivered at lIce office, 40 conts.! INVARIABLE RULEIt is an established ride of this office to stop sending lIce papsr cohen the blase for orimicls it coas prepald loss expired, and the publishers cviii not deviate from Inset stand- ing rule in any instance. PATENT CLAIMsPersons desiring the claim of any in- vention orhiclo icas been patented within 24 years can obtain a copy by addressing a note Is this office, stating the name of the pateebso, and date of patent when known, and enclosing $1 as foe for copying. INVENTORS SENDING MODELS to our address should al- crays enclose the express receipt, showing that lbs transit expenses loave been pre id. By obsem-ving this rule ore are able, in a great majority of cases, to prevent the collection of double charges. Express cempanies, either tlsromoghs carelessness or design, often neg- lect to mark Ilceir paid packages, and those, ovitimout tboc receipt to confront Ilsem, they mulct Ilseir cuetoneers at each end e( tbce route. Locte oust for Ilmem! GIVE INTELLIGIBLE DIREcTIONsWe often receive let- ters orith money Inclosed, requssling the paper sent for tIcs amoumnt of the enclosusre, but no name of Stale given, and often oritlm time name of the post-sffico also omitted. Persons should be cacefrmh to oc-mits their names plainly when they address pomblishems, and to name the post-office at whicls they wish to receive their paper, and the State in orhich the poot-offico is located. SUBScRIBEIIs to the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN who fail to get their papers regularly will oblige the publishers by stating their cousplaints in orriting. These orhe may imave missed certain num- bers can have them supplied by addressing a note to the office of publication. Rates of Affverosing. Tnn7rY CENTS per line for CecIl and cve~-y insertion, payable in advance. To enable all to understand boor to calculate the amount Ilesy must esud orhen Ilcey criols advertisements pub. lished, we will explain Ihatten werds average one line. Engs-avings cc-ill not he adnoitted into our advertising columns; and, as here- tofore, the pinobhishers reserve to themselves the right to reject any advertisement sent for publication. OR THE DEAFFOR THE DEAF.FOR THE LDEAF.Arstttctal ears. Entirely concealed CoIl st or ad- dress HASLAM BEOS., No. 429 Breadoray, New York, foi a fir scriptive end liluetrated circuolar. on OR SALEAN 8-HORSE UPRIGHT STEAM F engine, boier, conoice ii. dcc. All in good running order. Apply to H. B. MATHEB, Conn. 1 8 T ODP~IA~IdNANUFACTURERS~BROWN FERD. F. MAYER, Beekman-etreet, up stairs, New Vorki ONJURINGTHE WHOLE ART OF CON juorseg made easy, with foinii directions for perforusing 150 of the most wonderful and esleundi feats of bmocus-pecinins, sieisclst. of-hand, ventrilequism end legerd main. Profrin c sIr illustrated. Price 15 cents; sent postpaid. Address 51. M. SANBORN, Brashmer Falls, N. V. 1 OR SALETWELVE VOLUMES OF THE SCI- F ENTIFIC AMERICAN. from Vol. III. to Vol. XIV., bocIms- dcc. hound and in ~ood order. Price $2 per volume. Address PATRICK ~IASTERSON, corner of Dove and Dorclsester.streots, Soinotle Boeton, Mesa. THE PRACTICAL HAND-RAILER, OR HAND- RAILING SIMPLIFIED AND HARE EASY..~Bv II. C. Coon (decesced), architect and bomilder. Lees lines than in any osicer oroclc yet pooblIshed, end a saving in labor end material of at leset 50 per cent. Sent ho- sosil fr-es 01 the redooced price of $1. Address FRANKLIN COEN. hex 421 Pest-office. Wbceeling, Vs. The opinion of (7. XV. Moors, of Wellsbssrc, Va.: Its simplicit wills many ether advontages, recommend it to every humilder car- pentem-, dcc., in lbs country. It is truly a crock to sinopply the ~reeI crants of thoo mecloenic. I 14 THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. m HE SECRET OUT; OR 1,000 TRICKS WITh L (,ARDh JOy the author of The Sociable, The Magicians Own 13)0k Parlor Theatricalo, & c. Large I 2ino., cloth, gilt side and back Price $ A bock which explains all the tricke and de- ceptions with p1 eying cards ever kiiown or invented, and givee, besides, a gieat miny neir and interesting oneo; the whole baing described so accurately and carefully, with engravings to illustrate them that an b d an easily learn how to practice these tricks. Thi book contains in addition to its nonirrous card tricks, abovo do- scribad, lull and easily understood explanations of come two hundred ~.nd furly of the niost curious, aniusing and interesting sleight-of- liaiid amid legeidenmaiia tricks ever invented, and which are illus- trated by engravings, to naake each trick iinderoteod with ease. As a book for a holiday present, it cannot be surpassed; beimig printed in tue finest nianner, illustrated by about 350 engravings, and bound in a hiandsoIuc gilt bindiiig. It contains about 400 pages, and the price is One Dollar r copy. For sale by all booksellers. Single co pies sent by snail, postpaid. Scud cash orderto DICK Se FITZGERALD, No. 18 Ann-street, New York. 25 2 IATANTEDVOLS. I., II. AND III. OF TILE ~V SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. C. A. SHAW, Jliddeford, Maine. 25 4C A LEX. STOCKMAR, MACHINIST, NO. lot lI. Duane-street, New York. Inventors models amid sewing- machines. 25 12 WILLIAM E. RICE, HOLYOKE, MASS., MANU- VT facturer of Cast Steel Wire, drawn uniform in sizo end of extra quality, for needle inaker; also Steel Crinoline Wire eiid Refined Iron sTirs of all sizes and for any use. 25 6 PORTABLE STEAM-ENGINES, COMBINING J. the numuximnuna of elficieuucy u urability and eceusenmy with the minimum of weight and price. i~hey received the lar~ e geld medal of the American Institnec, at their late fisir, as the best Porlable Steam-engine. Descriptive circulars sent on application. Address J. C. HOADLEY, Lawrence, Mass. 25 ida LOR SALE A LARGE AND VALUABLE J. Punching aiid Shearing Machine; eight, 25,000 lbs.; secouid- band, and in perfect order. Descrilution nd photograph, with price and terms, ssnt on application. Address J. C. HOADLEY, Lawrence, Mass. 25 $5 THE BUILDING NEWSA WEEKLY JOUR- nal foi the Builder, Am-chitect and Deeler in Real Estate; $2 per annum. Published by JOHN H1LLYER, 120 John-street, New York. GREAT CURIOSITY. PARTICULARS SENT free. Agents iranted. SIIAW & CLARK. 243w Biddefoid, Maine. C~ IL! OIL! OIL !FOR RAILROADS, STEAM- .1 ore, and for Machinery and Duruuing. Peuises Improved Ma. chineug and Buraing Oil irill save fifty per cent., and will net mimi. This Oil possesses qualities vit.-illy essential for lubricatIng and bum ci- lug, and found in no other oil. It is otlered to the public upon the moat reliable, Ihoroughi aad practical test. Our niost skillful engi- users and niachilnists puonounce it superior to and cheaper than ausy othem-, and thus only oil that is in all cases reliable amid wlh 1 notg ems. This Sc NTiFiO AsizaucAos, after several tests, pronounces it superior to any oilier they have ever tused for machinery. For sale only by the Inventor and Manufacturer, F. S. PEASE, No. 61 Main-street, Ihuuffuulo, N. Y. N. BReliable orders filled for any part of the United States end Europe. 14 13 U OMINY MILLSTHE UNDERSIGNED IS mantufacturing Fumhurneys Inuproved Self-feeding, discharging and Separustiug liominy Mill. For nulls or righuto. umddress 10 1I~ J. DONALDSON, Rockford, Ill. ~Q() AGENTS WANT ED-TO SELL FOUR ~7e 550W inventions. Agents have made over $OYu,(hCO on one-bet r thou all oilier sImilar mu encies. Seoul femur stamps and get 80 pages particulars, gratis. EPHRAIM BROWN, Lowell, Mass. 17 J3 F OR SALE OR TO RENTON MOST FAVOR- able terms, an Agricultural Foundry and Machine Shop, in good working eider, saving a well-established buishness and requsirluig a small capital. Address E. J. J3IJRRALL or H. C. SCSIELL, Geneva, N.Y. 21 4~ JRON PLANERS, ENGINE LATHES, AND OTHER .1.. Machinists Tools, of susperior quotity, on hand and finishing, and for sale low; also llama-issue Grain Mills. For desci-iptive circular, address New Haven Manufacturluig Co., New haven, Coun. 14 11 NE~ YORK MACHINERY DEPOTMILBANK ANNAN (smucreseors to A. L. Ackermasm), manufeetuurers and dealeus in Wooulwerthi Plauiers, Wicks Patent lie-sawing Macnines; Sash, Door and Blind Machuinemy, Steans-enciumes and Boihers, Ma. chuiniots Tools, Files, Leather and Rumluber-belting, and findings of every description, No. 212 Pearl-street, Nose York. 9 24~ TrHE FOLLOWING VILLAGE GAS-WORKS ARE now erecting uumider this Aumbin system, viz.:For tIme cit.y oh San Antonio, Texuis; for this villages of B:uth, N. Y.; Platteburghm, N. Y.; Gloveroville, N. V. (changed fl-em mosium works) ; Rutland, Vt.; Dover, Del.; Jersey Shuore, Pa.; Flenahugeon, N. J.: Gucenshoro, N C.; and Point LevI, Canada. Fur reference to this Aushmin vilhage works erected luist year and Chile sprino. where beth consumers and stockholders are satisfied, supply to the Aembun Company, No. 44 State street, Albany, N. Y. 15 12 APES AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT AND lvi. Seed Warehouse, Wholcoaho and Rstalh. All improved and atanulard varieties of Agricultuiral Machinery and Implensents. Or- des-s fuemna corresimondents pruunuptly attended to, and specisul attention given to low couutracto fur fucight. CJTAIILES V. MAPES, 24 if 118 and 110 Nassau and 11 Beckman-streets, Neur York. ALFRED MARSH & CO., 241 BROADWAY, ~1. New Yorkhinehneeu-s and Contractors for tIme erection sf Coal or Rosin Gas-seem-leo; Puoprietors and Manumfuucluuu-ero of Mom-ohms Pot- ent Rosin or Sumnhught Gas-so-orko. potentesh 1551 and 18il in time United States, Canadas and Europe. Thuese so-orks ore time om~hs- ones in cx- ~stence that an be operated any length of tins., continimomusho-, osith- Cut openhng tIme retorts, and sehihouut the least deposit of emurhonsceosue Inattem either in time retorts or pipes; producIng the cheenest and imest illumnulnating gas. See SCsESSTiFaOAMEIuIOAN, page 224, Vol. 1. 20 7* IATOODWORTII PTiANER.SII?ON FRAMES TO VT phaae jO to 24 Inches ovide, at $00 to $110. For otis by S. C. HILLS, No. 12 Platt-strect, New York. 1 if J MPORTANT TO INVENTORS! ! OUR FACILI- ties for neecutistino lime eel-s of patents as-s second to muons in thus Uumited Sisutee. Our exhithition rooms are vhsited dolls ho capileVets, toasheenmen, end those ecu-king to invest in potents. Those sshuo sure not olreodu~ fiumihiam svhth ems locality and fscihitio to sell patu-nto, ale reqmmssted to send for a circular. S. A. HI(ATII & Cli.. No. 17 Park-row, New York. C AS COOKING STOVESEVERY VARIETY ~ for farshig pius-poses, losing tIme common cooking umienoils. Fsn,hi-o of 5o-o neresos as-s cooking for five cents per day. Address Br. II. B. MUSGRAVE, CincInnati, Ommuo. p ATENT EXTENSIONSALL PATENTS FOR I. Inventions, printed by time United States duui-ing lIme cam 1 soul expire by timeir osen lhusitatiouue doming tIme cumureuut a eumr C 6 UNLeSs cxvxxnm ACOmuCOsNO ye LAW. Time stumiuute provudee 5or the extension of Puitents for an additioumeul forum of SEVEN Xi APe the grant being umiade to tOe inventer huinmeelt or if deceased to hum heum and adummimuistrators. The ExTEOmsmun ye am mores seslel~ to the bcnch-t of time inveuiter or hits heirs. Asoigimees or 00-nero of rights umudur time first term of the Patent have no riglute sehatever in the e tended terns. The inventor or hulo heirs ummul-, lisseever, sell their mnterets mu tIme Extenoion prior to tIme grant thereof, hum os-hichi onee the Exicuded Patent, whmeui gm-outed, becomes the exchmusive property of seuch puir- chaser. A~uplications for Extensions umust be nuede at the Patent Otilce at least iS days prior to Clue extension of the Patent. Time Un- demoigned, having had great experiemuce in Puitent humoiness, will pm-onmptly preimare time various docuuuments and proceenee Extension rises on immoderate terme. For fuirtimer ilifem-uOatisn uioarcs MUNN & CO., Solicitors of Patent No. 17 Park-rosy (Scientific Anmes-ican Olbec), Nosy York. yj ACHINE BELTING, STEAM PACKING, EN- IVJ.. GIN~ hOSEThe onpomiority of these articles, nianufac- tuirad of vulcanized rubber, to estushhiehed. Every belt si-ill be scar- ranted sep mines to leather, at one-timird less pm-ice. Time Steans Pack- mug us umade mu every variety, and storm-outed to etamid Its dee of heat Ihe lOose never needs oilimmg, and is seun-rauuted to stanJ ~ny ucqiuumed luiesoume, together seith all varieties of rubber adapted to nuecimanucal plilpoces. Directions, prices, & c., can be obtaimied by sumaul om othuoro se t our si-arelmomuse. NEW YORK BELTING AND PACKING COMPANY. JOIIN II. CIIEEVElI, Treaseurem- 1 Nos. 17 amid 10 Park-rose, Nosy York. B~LER FLUES FROM 1 1-4 INCH TO 7 INCH- outside diameter, cist to ammy length desired, promptly furn- niehued by JAMES 0. MORSE CO., 7 tf No. Cli John-street, New York. (~UILD & GARRISONS STEAM PUMPS FOR all kinds of independent Steam Plunupin , fom sale at 55 nd 57 st-street, Williamnsbumrglm, L. I., and 74 Beekuiinan-ehreet, Ness- York. 14 18 GUILD, GAIIRISON & CO. IATROUGHT IRON PIPE, FROM ONE-EIGHTH TV of an inch to six inclines bore; Galvanized It-on luipe, (a substi- tuste for leed,) Steam Whistles, Stop Valves and Cocks, and a great variety of Fittings and Fixtuires for Steam, Gas, and Watem-, sold at syluelesate and retail. Store and Mantuf tory, No. 76 John-street, and Nos. 29, Ii and 13 PlaCt-street, New Yet-k. Ctf JAMES 0. MORSE & CO. JUST PUBLISHEDENGINEERING PRECE- 5) DENTS for STEAM MACHINERY. By B. F. lens-no eon, Chief Engineer of United States N vy. Vol. I., Scress- puepehlers, km., illutotrateul, $1.25; Vol. Ii., Boib-re, Sec., i-Jib seven plates, $1511. BAILLIERE BROTHERS, Publisimers, No. 440 Broedway, Ness- York. 1 1eosv ~ TEAM ENGINE ]~OR SALE-HORIZONTAL, EJ five-feet stroke, fifteen-inch cylinder, upright boiler; adaisted to se-cu-md fetch; btut little used. Will he sold osm vets~ moderate ternas for eashi or spprove~ paper. For particulars address E. N. LESLIE, Skumneatoles, N. V. 1 4 m HE UNDERSIGNED, NOT BEING POSSESSED L of suifficient means to get hut. improvement on thus. musut-hehut tuulsiuhor boiher imatented, oct11 ecu it tenpatenled. Address THOMAS BANTA, Haveratraw, Rockland county, N. V. PROOF IMPRESSIONS, ON TINTED .PAPER, I of tIme Machinery at the Fusir of this American Iuuotittuse, as re- hinesented by the engraving pobhiaheul to this SoizN to Au~neosioAw, mov be ebtained on application to WATERS & TILTON, No. .50 Irnltsim~street, Ness- York. Price, 10 cents each. 1 S PLATE GLASSTO MANUFACTURERS OF I. GLASSHaving Immurchased the patent riehi for umaclilnemy to smurn roughu plate into poliuhmeul isl to glees, I mequmeot parties able to prodmucs romtghi pluto of a quality desirable for esuchi purpose, to send pm-ices for cussis and eamimles shoseliug the color. flue qusuntiem- woutidbe1e,m5Oss~uare feet mind upwsrds every umorstlu. WILLIAM No. 11 South Wilhioun-atreet, Ness- York. 1 2 WANTEDAN EXPERIENCED WORKMAN, VT to nuako sesring machines needles. Addin-ess XV. H. 1., box 115 B mningimam Post-office, Coon. 1 c OR SALE OR RENTA SUBSTANTIAL FOUR F story brick factory, 70 by 11 feet, with steam engine and boilers h151.lmorse poorer), nearly ness-; a svharf anul lam- o river fl-out on thus Dehasrare, together with seven dwelling honoes, stable, sterehomuso, Sec.; I. sittuateel tlmree urdles from Camden, oppoeite Philadelphia. Apply to SAMUEL ROSS, Camden, N. J. 1 2 ~ATEMT MACHINERY AGENCY.PARTjE~ I.. eccuring patents for any etude would do soell to addrees us h~ letter. Patents purchased in wimole or in hart, or articles psiented sold on commission. THOS. J. SPEAR & CO., box S., Post-office, or No. 137 or 177 Caumal-street, New Orleans, La. 1 4 y[ ILLER & SAWYERS SELL PArENT RIGHTS on commission. Address Mempimis, Teun. 1 2 A RT OF DYRINGIQO RECEIPTS, FULL DI- LX rections, 411 pages; mailed, postpaid, luau 25 cents, stomps or cm-lu. Address DANlEL CONGER, Wolcott, Wayne county, N. V. 12 SALE, WITh IMMEDIATE POSSESSION GREEN, Wumeer- ford, Noufalte county, C. XV. 1 7 CI-IRONOMETERS, FINE WATCHES, NAUTI- i..) CAL AND ASTRON()MPCAT. 3NsTUg7ut~NTg, & -cD. EGGERT & SON. Ne. 2s.. Peari-street, Nes,- York, offer on favorshhe terms fis-et-clsso Mas-ine, Siderisi and Pocket. Chroulometers; shso, phain and Ones- quality of Wetches~ seith near eeries train, so Ohs- rotugiuly adjusted as to be mmnsifeeted Ims an-- elmanme of temiasratisre exercise or posithon in the pocket; Astronomical Cloctes, Transit In- otuamments, Standard and Seif-Regiateijug Thermometer1, Barome- ters, & c. 1 ileow fl ACHINERY.5. C. hILLS, NO. 12 PLATT- LV Ness- York. dealer in Stessm.enm-ines. Boihers, Planers, Lathes, Chsmcics, Britle, Puimps: Moretoine. Truesming and Sash )tou-loinee,X5oodsssrthms and DamiehsPtsncre.Bs-iesPuunchmc.s. Presses sund Sheess: Coh end Ces Mihis; Harrieous Grist Mills; Johunsons Shingle Mills; Belting, Oil, Sec. 2 slss- 3ur ~caebtuu~i fur ~r~n~cr. Grfmotcr, hecId~c utifot mit bce etsgli~eticn P~rsdme Iluclousot fumob, fienen hIre Tlithlscilungcn in tee besuhleben T)era& c machen. R0i~cn hen (hefin~ blunlum mit fnr3en, tentli~ lcI~eieheIeum Jlcklsecilszttgcum IseliHue maui ~ut sbecjjireuu en ~ ~ati Echo, Pct~-ijee0. Ilum tee ~fice isis-b teul4ch) (le~(re~en. 15 P ORTFRS CEN IiRIFUGAL GOVERNOR.PAT em- I lemlyiC, ii ; re-issued June 21, hUmS. Ness- York, Dec. 8, 1 0. Mum. hYoreme Dear sir: Our engine, before your govem-nor seas applied, sees omubject to censtauit a-auiuitions of speed, hut durimme the tour omenhimo Ihust it has beesi attached, has beeui a mom-s-el of rogautam-- it3-. rime extreume changes of load do not p reduce a naenwntary vau-iation exceeding cute revolution to one hundred. Timesugh time 5overnor is -ensibly affected by chuamuges of epeud of less thuams ens revolution in five hondred, it muever eacillatee, but stands neatly umetiosmless when this I d is uniform. Any one is sceleome to call at our Chumumpuon Sate Manufactory, corner of Nintim-avenume and Fourteenth-street, and see thiat these otatements are saithuin the truuth. We have not lined to touch the governor aince it was jumut mull. Yours, S. C. Heamoso & Co., No. 211 Broadway, New York. A new testimonial oct11 appear imi this islame esehm secek. Every 5overosr is warranted to mauntain a speed so nearly uniform that the eye cannot detect any variation. Orsieme prommiptly smupplied; valves tum-nishied. A liberal discount slimusred to agents and to engine builders. Send ibm- a circulam-. CI-IARLES T. PORTER, 1 No. 211 West Thuis-tcentlm.street, Ness- Yes-k. ITS PRODUCTS.A CHEMIST, ss-ithu practical eximerience in time manufacimure of time vuim-leus products fl-em coals, still attend to time em-cetiuzo of seem-ks fee, and to- otroction of persons in lIme detail of tlue manufactamue of all the mmuu-ketable isroduucts fm-em cemmis, us any- part sut time counts-c, on reasooshle terums. For particulars address H. HALVORSON, ~ortlu Cambridge, Mass. 1 4 MACHINISTS TOOLS FOR SALEONE BOLT- cutting maclime, with taps and dies ump to 1 inch diameter; one planing machine, plans Ce test isug amid 5 feet 2 toclues wide sceighut shout 24 tuna; one slide haute, 16 feet long, sad is-ill turn inches diameter: one slide lathe 111 feet long, and intl turn 211 inches diameter; one slide lathe 12 feet iesg, and seth tumen 53 induce dhas~- eser; one slide lailme 6 feet long, and scill tnt-n 16 inches diemeter. Time above hailmes are all bssck-ceared and scm-sw-cutting. scitli ceunter luafta and immulleys complete. One band hat hue 8 feet long, oss-ings hS iuuches dismeter; back-geared, with counter shafie, Sec. One smnaU homing null; toss simop cranes complete. All the above mechilnes are of the first class, and in perfect order. Apply to CHARLES Au-. COPELAND, No. 112 Broadway. ~ 1 4 CHARLES W. COPELAND, CONSULTING AND Sutimerintending Engineer No. 122 Broadway, New York, Plans and specifications prepered. ~teanm vessels end steam enytnes, both ness- and second-luaud, for sale. Also, se-ire rope, a am and water gages, indicators, See., Sec. 1 111 BOXWOOD. A PRIME LOT OF SELECTED Tuirkey Boxwood (suitable for Wood Eugmavers, Rule Molters, h-lane Makers and others) for sale; the seholo or in hots to suit pus-- chasero, by J. & G. H. Walkei-. No. 182 Center-ate-oct New York. 1 311 OABD & WIGGINS STEAM TRAP VALVE, ii.. for relieving steam pipes of condensed seater, and keeping back the stem Paevtnnmecz, ~. L At the factory of E. M. Chaffee & Co., oil le esucemutrated be the uss of steam at a high temperature sod pressure, anul 1cm tIme pin-pose of megulating time escape of tho condensed se-aCer fm-em time steusmn pipes, one of Ho d & Wiggine tumproved Cusp valves is suoss- employed, solmIchi iuisures a steady- floss- of Cite os-stem- soitluosut the shigimiest sees pe of steam; and its eperatico ie so ~uerfect, linaC it leaves notisin g Cobs destred for such a pom-Imose. As to sconoomy, time susbacribem- believes it to be very greet, whirls, is etimem- so-itli his coumpacineos and efficiency-, are in lila opinion, great recommendations for its adoption and use. E. M. CasAmaxsu. For Clue Ti-apa or illustrated circuhare, address HOARD & WIG. GIN, Providence, B. I. 1* ENGRAVING BY A NEW PROCESS. TV Pltotogresmluine (by Prices pateouh directly en the block of os-cod and engrav1ng times-strom menu-es a issue IlSi spective, deeirabls in sit kinmis of en0 ao-hnge, but mere potucuulshc- 1mm mechmaulcel us present ilOil. Bias-ems of phmotographms los-carded by omahi, emun be magnified or remituced lmy this imrrscssi siulls pesfert acrus-scy. Tinted envelo s deetened and c-oem ved b~ e5u,li tol aiim is We arc happy to announce, for tIme benefit of timess soushming e-igmnel designs, ubot ose have serum-ed time service of Mm- Forbes, ohio has, lerhisups, no eutpcm-ier as a dramuglutsuman, and huho cehebrute as usa art et is too goner- ally knosen to need ceuurume-ut from-n us WAfERS & TILTON, No. 90 Fulton-aimeot, Ness- York. 1 3 UILDERS! CARPENTERS! ARCHITECTS! B See thus puoctical illustralions in time Archuiteots amid Median- lu-s Jomurnal. Copy nuatled for 5 cents, by A. IIARTHILL, No. 12$ Fulton-street, Ness- York. 1 2 F OR $75I WILL SELL 14 VOLUMES (NO. I. to No. XIV.), unbetlnd, of thus SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN minus ten numb sm-s. A. NICKIIRSON, Jr., East Boston5 Mass. 1 21 Oo AGENTS WANTEDTO ENGAGE IN AN V.P Imonos-ahie hsmsiueese, setmicim as-s fl-cm $71 Cs $1 per des-. For particulars address St. XL SANB OYIN, Brasher F ails, N. V. 1 2 AP~~LS BEFORE THE JUDGES OF THE S Diotrict (louis-i. frons the final decisions of the Patent Office, in Rejected Cases, Interferences. Sec., are piooerutsd by the undersigned on moderate Ceo-me. MUNN & CO., Solicitors of Patents, No. 17 Park-s-sos- (Srlentiitc American Offico), Nose X sm-k. AMERICAN WATER-WHEEL COMPANY Sole. Xtanttfactttrera of ITem-s-ens Tim,-bine Wumtes--os-hseeis (War- ren & Damons pateni), Boston, Mass. This orheel shill stands at thee head for cm-eat economy in os aCes- Over 6011 are now ohues-muting seithm 0reat success, the ss-eater oem-C of sehicim sm-s in cotton and seosien fac- tories. With ha modern ump-ovemeots, it cannot t ens-passed. A pomphiet pusluhished ho- the commusne, containing a treatise on Hy- draulics, Tsulmlee of Po es-, Pu -cee Sec., so-ill be sent Cs all applicants (two stsmps inclosed) ~t ma the sohueci for the Noitim, heresies cc does suet affect it; fur Clue Souti-, Iwcsuse it is simple, and requires tot little skill to attach and operate it - for the so-em-id. 1mm-s-amuse it genes-- ates more avehishuls poss-er thuan ams~- water-wheel in existence. Ad- dress A. WARREN A~ent No II Exrhangc-stm-sot. Boston, Mees. 24 6 ~OR SALESCIENTIFIC AMERICANVOLS. las-and: pries- $76. Also in sheets, Vols. III. (01 numbers); iT., X,, VI., VII., VIII., XI. and XII. (a feso nunshers umiesing fl-em each volume): Vols. IX., X., XIII. and XIV. complete; p rice 500. Ahso ehmoiut 2C11 odd nmmbes-m 1mm Vole. III., IV., V., IV., VII., VIII., IX., X.. XI.. XII., XIII., XIV. Also, Vol. X.. cemohe-te in sheets. Ales, Vol. VII. complete, bound. Address GEO. PARKER, Ness-ark, N.J. 1 G RI C U L T U R E.WANTEDAN ACTIVE a pas-insi- to eneace in the monofegimire of a fertilizer, patented Ammo. 9. leIti; slupem-ism- to guano, iou-educing more grain at one-fifths thus c-sot. Two years of experimeilta imave peeved those results. Patent s-hoists for sale by Stats or coutnt.~. Address K. B., Fertilizer Patentee, Pooleovihie, Montgomery romunty, Md. 1 5~ A MESSIEURS LES INVENTEURSAVIS IM- portantlu-s inventemuro mmon familiere aver la tongue Anglaise, et qmini prefererohent noems conmnmnniqutssu- hours inventions en Fm-curate, pemuvent none adds-ossem- dons leims- iangue netale. Envoyez noums cog desein cC tune dlscuiption concise pour notre examen. Toutes rem- ummionications scm-out s-sines en confidence. MIi7NN CO., Scientific American Office, No. 17 Pam-k-row, New Yes-k. T1JI~ (TV iL~j(i A:4Ku~ieAN. WHITMANS MAGIC SKATE. not partal-ing of any dish ostensibly containing rice. It Since skating has become so fashionable among ladies appeared on investik atie n, that. some white soup, with and gentlemen, the demand for skates has increased which he had commenced his dinner, had been thickened enormously; and this increased demand has. naturally with ground rice. A gentleman who, as in the proceed- turned the attention of inventors to improvements in ing case, could not cat rice without being suflocated, the article. The annexed cut represents a plan for fas- took luncheon with a friend in chambers. The fisre was toning the skate to the boot or shoe, certainly surpassing simplebread, cheese and bottled beer. On the usual in fiscilitv anything hretofbre devised. symptoms of rice-poisoning seizing him, he informed his A block of metal, a, Fig. 3, is inserted into the sole of friend of the peculiarity of Coestilotion. The 5V1nltoIViS the boot at the bill 0f the foot., and firmly ihtcned. A were exidained by the circumstance of a few grains cf hook, 6. with wings as represented in Fig. 1, is bolted to rice having been put into each bottle of beer for the pur- the upper edge of tIme skate runner, and this hook may pose of xcin me u secondary fermentation. A g utle be slipped with a turning motion into the block, a, under man, seine time since under my treatment for stricture. he pin e, thus holding the forward part of the skate informed me that he could not eat figs without expe very firmly to the boot. Upon the heel is fastened the plate of metal shown at c, Figs. 1, 2, and 4; Fig. 2 being a vertical and Fig. 4 a horizontal section. This plate, c, has a dovetail groore running up the forward edge of the heel, and into this groove fits the projection on. the plate, d, which is bolted to the back end of the runner. At the inner side of the groove, a slot, i, is formed to receive the latch, a, which slides back and forth through a slot in tile block, d, and is pressed inward by a stiff spring, o. Thus it will be seen that the skate is fastened to the boot, by turning the 1100k at the ball into the block, a, and simply pressing the block, d, against the heel of the boot, so as to slide the dovetail projection into its groove, and to spring the latch into its catch. To remove the skate, the spring, o, is pressed forward so as to draw the latch, a, from its hold, when the skate is taken off by a single motion of the hand. A patent for this invention was obtained, through tIme Scientific American Patent A~ncv, Dec. 20, 1859, and persons desiring ferther information in relation to it ma~ address the inventor, T. S. Whitman, No. 72 Beaver- street, this city. IDIOSINCRASIES OF FOOD. TIme assistant-surgeon to the Middlesex Hospital, (Mr. Mono) says: Instances of the poisonous effects, on certain constitutions, of drugs ordinarily of moderate action are not nnficnilimr in meihical practice. Ipeeacu- anha is, perhaps, one of time best examples of a drug that, even in a state of time minutest sul)division, is ca- pable of prodacing, idiosvncmmatically, extreme results. But some articles of diet also are, to individ.nals, poison- ens; a numerous class of persons might be easily found, tIme members of wimich eccild not take, without inmnven- ience, one or other of the various elementary substances. rime object of this communication is, Im owever, not to discuss tIme physiological questions which naturally arise in the concideration of such a subject; it is rather to offer an installment of fmcts. J. M., an occasional pa- tient, cannot eat rice in any shape without extrenme dis- tress. From time description given of his symptoms, I believe spaimnodic asthma to be tile cause of his discom- fort. On one occasion, when at a dinner party, he felt time symptoms of rice-poisoning coming on, and was, as usual, obliged to retire from the timble, although he Imad rieneing a most umapleasant formication of the palate and fauces; and that the fine dust from split peas produced the same sensation, accompanied by a running at the nose. The father of this gentlemen suffers front hay- fever at certain seasons. Mr. P., himself a gentleman of a peculiarly nervous temperament, states that his father cannot endure the sensation produced by handling a russet apple. lie also communicated to me the case of Mr. T., who cannot remain in a room in which there is a cooked hare, on account of the peculiar effect produced on his system. Miss , after eating eggs, suffers from swelling of the tongue and tlmroat, accompanied by an alarming illness. Miss ; in this case somewhat similar effects following time taking of honey of any kind, and especially honey-combs into the stomach, imamely, swelling of the tongue, frothing of the mouth, and blueness of the flngers.CImarleseoa Medical Jouraal. COAL Miesa NUNDATED.About ten days since, while the miners in Andrews & Hitchcocks, Thorn lull bank, near Yommngstown, Allegimany county, Pa., were engaged in digging coal, they were suddenly startled by a torrent of water, which broke in upon tlmem from one end of time mine, proceeding, as is supposed, from a vast subterranean basin that Imad been suddenly tapped. So rapidly did the water pour in, tlmat in less than twenty four. hours, an area of ciglmt acres in extent, and five feet in imight, was filled from floor to ceiling, totally suspend- ing the operations of the workmen. Two large pumps, worked by steam, and. each capable of discharging sixteen barrcl~ of water per minute, have been actively engaged, night amid day, during the past week, in exhausting the water, and, on Tuesday, it Imad been lowered some 24 inclmes.United States Gazette. Several experiments have lately been made near Lon- don, with what is called Silas Imsdestmuctible Signal Lights. These lights, when thrown upon the water, float freely, are not extinguished, and throw out a most intense light which is reflected to a great distance. Even when sunk in the water, they burn for a consider- able period, sending out brilliant rays. Such lights must be very useful for vessels at sea. INVENTORS, MA(;JJlxIsTs, MILJAYIIIGIIf8, AM) M AMTFACTUJtERS, Time SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN is a paper pecimliamly adapted to all pSIseils engaged in these pursuits, simile to time Farmer, Itoimme. keeper, and Man-of-Science, it wilt be found of equal interest and 1150. Time SCIENTIFIC AMEttSCAN has been rumbliotmed Focra~s Y ass, and has time targest circulation of any-journal of its class to time world. It is imidispensalmle to time Inventor sod Patentee; each number containing a complete official list of time claims of all the patents issued cacti week at time United States Patemit Office, besides cimmisorate smotices of time macst important mnvemitions, many- of wiuicim are accompanied with engravin~s executed in time imighest degree em perfection. To time Meelmanic and Manmmfactimrer time SCIENTIFIC AMERI- CAN is imrorrmmnt, as every miemmimber treats of matters perimminiug to their business, and as often as may be deemed necessary a column or two omi time metal and immomber amimikels mciii be given; thus com- prising, in a useful, practical, scientiSo paper a Price Cumement wimich can be relied upon. The SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN is pumblisimed weekly in a torm suitable for binding, escim nuumbem- contaimming sixtecum pages of letter- press, with ummumeusums llmmetratmommo, making a yearly yohmme of 522 pages of useful mmmtter net contained in any- otimer paper. Terms. Two volume, will be issumed emmeli year; but there will be rio CiIANOF. m Tiimm TraSms em scuscuimi-ciON, as time two yearly volimumee te- ether wiil be Two Dollars ii Year, or Omme l)ellumr tsr Six Meutims. Club Rates. Five Copies, for Six Moumiho..... - . . $4 Ten Copies, tsr Six Mommilme $3 Ten Copies for Twelve Month~ $15 Fifteen Copies fom Is dye Months $22 Twenty Copmr~ fom Tumeive Months $28 For all climbs of Tim cuts and over, the yearly subscription is only 5t 40. Nammies cami be ~ent, in at. duCerent times mind froom different Post-offices. Specimeum copies s-ill be sent gm-ails to any- mart of time Country. Ssuthern, A estern and Canadian money om- Post-office etemaps taken at par for ~mmb~ci-mptmone Canmmdiams subscribers wili please to remit twenty--six cents extm-u on each years smmbscriptimmn to pre-psy pOstage. When persons eider time Sonmycrul-Ic AuummesicAs they- elmommidhe cam-c. ful to give the name of time Post-office, Commimix-, and Slaic to wimi they- wish the paper sent. And ms-lien they cluamige their residence, and wish their paper changed accordingly, timey should state time imame ot time Post-office where they- have been receiving it, and that wimem e they- mu ish it sent in future. IMPORTANT TO INVENTORS. MERICAN AND FOP5FIGN I~ATENT SOLICI- A TOESMessrs. MITNN 5; Cl)., Propuietors of itme ScusiNTlYme AMnIICAN continue to proemuue Pustents for Inventors iii time United States 5fld all foreign countries oum time most liberuui teums. Our expe- rience is of tiiirteen y-cars standing -mod our fucillijys are ummiequmaled by- any- other Agency- in time world, the long expem-iehce we have had in preparing Specifications mind Drawin~s lines rendered us perfectly conversant with the mode of doing business at thus United States Patent Office, and with muost of the inventions mrlmich have been pet- emmted. Jufom-muition concerning time pateutabiiity- of inventions is fmeely- given, without cimarge, on sending a model or drawing and description to this office. Consultation may be lied mvitb the 11cm, betmecen NINE and moua ocl k, daily-, at timeir PimiNco-AL Ore-incus, No. 51 PAImmi Row, Nmsw Yomuc. We huave also estabhisimed a BeAcemI 0 mum iii the Cnw OF WASIImNOTON, on the commucusim em- F Asia Ssvmaevmm-svmumem-cs, opposit.s the United States Patent Office. This office is under the genenul simper- intendence of one of time firm, emuul is in daily communication with time Principal Otlice in Ness- York, and personal attention mviii be given at the Patent Office to all such cases am may rc~uire it. Inventors and otlmers s-his may visit Washmimigton, Imaving bmmsmness at tIme Patent Office, are cordially- invited to call at our office. ~~s are very extensively- engaged in thue preparation and stein-leg of Patents in this various European countm-ies. For thue transaction of this business -we have Offices at Nos. 65 Clmancery Lane, 1-ondon; Ii) Bo~l~~~d St. Mam-ttmi, Paris and 26 Rue des mcpemsnniers, Lirumeseis. We think sue may safely say- tbat three-fourths of all time Euro peso Patents secmmred to American citizens are procured though soc Agency. Inventors will do well to bear in mied that tIme English aw 4oes mist limit the issue of Patents to Inventors. Any one can take olt a Patent there. A pamphlet of information concerning the pro r course to be usnr- sued in obtaining Patents thursugh our Agency-, the reqimirements of else Pateume Office, & c., may- be 1usd gratis upon application at the Principal Office or sillier of the liranelmes. A e also fmam-nishmaCiren- tar of mnfoumnation a ut Foreign Patents. The annexed letters fi-om time last tins-s Commissioners of Patents us-e commend to this perusal of all persons interested in obtaining Patents: Meesce. Mi-s-s & Co. :I take pleasure in stating that s-bile I held tIme office of Commissioner of Patents, MORE ThAN ONiS-mOcumi OF ALL msi soar as OF Tim - os-s-mum cane tluroumchu yommr huands. I have no doubt that time pumbiic confidence t~uuus indicusteul lies been fulls- de- served, as I have elms-am-s observed, ii all your intercourse with tIme Ohlice, a marked degree of promptuses, skill and fidelity to this iii- terests ot your employers. Yours, very-tmtruly-, CIIAS. MASON. Immediately after the appointment ef Mr. liolt to thue office of Postmaster-Generel of this United Stat5s, hue eddrsased to us time subiolned very gratifying testimonial: Messrs. M & Co. sIt effiurds nine much pleasuice to bear testi- mony to tIme able and efficient manner in whileb y-oo disctuacgcd your duties as Solicitors of Patents while I hued the honor of holding the office of Commissioner. Youmr business muss vem-y- large, end you sus- tained (and, I doubt not, jumetly desem-ved) the reputation of energy-, marked ability-, and uncompromising fideilty in performing your pro- fessional engagements. Veiny ceapccttumlls-, Yommr obediem~t servant, J. LIOLT. Communications and renmitiances should be addressed to MUNN & CO. Publishers. No. 37 Park-resin, New York. \ 16 -~ Au; C Kim I / us WhITMANS IMPROVED MAGIC SKATE.

\T01~ 11.No. 2. NEW YORK, JANUARY 7, 18(30. NEW SPRIES. improvements which may be made in them, to secure either greater simplicity or more accurate operation. The annexed cuts represent a machine which jo.~scs.ses IMPROVED ShIN GLE MACHINE. ward motion of the carriage is resumed. When it is j block after cach shingle is cut, by which the block is Notwithstanding all the ingenuity which has been cx- desired to stem the motions of the carriage to put on a placed in position for cutting the succeeding shingle, is pended on shingle-making machines, and notwithstanding block, wi:~eut stepping the rotary motions of the saw or illustrated in Figs. I and 4. The timber, B, to which the the apparent perfection with which some of them work, of the pinion. ; the catch, ;; on the rod, r, is moved block, A, is clamped, is fastened at its ends upon two our inventors still discover racks, t and t, which slide in smooth grooves fastened to the solid parts of the ma- chine. One of these racks is represented in Fig. 4, and its fellow is precisely- similar. The cam, a, is secured rigidly several novel arrangements, to the end of a rod which wuich is very simple. and i~ turned one-fourth of a produces admirable work. revolution at the end of each I~ig. is a perspective ~i~- backward passage of the car- of the maclime, A iteiug the riage, hy means of a spiral block in the act of being groove in a cylinder which is sawed into shingles, B the fastened upon it, coming in saw and C the movable car- contact with a pin or spring riage to which the block, A, svlsieh is rigidly secured to h clamped. The feed motion, the solid parts of the ma Jy which the block is moved chine. As the cam, e, is to the saw as the latter takes turned it presses down the off the shingle, is etlbcted spring catch, v, and slides by means of the pinion, ,j along the rack, t, one cog. Fig. 8, which meshes into allowing the catch to return to the rack, k, which rack is its hold upon the rack. At the pivoted at its left hiami opposite end of the rod, a cain end to the carriage, C the similar to a is fastened at revolutions f tile pinion iight angles with a, so that, sliding the carriage along the when the succeeding passage wars, / / to tile left. llte of tile carriage turns the two flat pius or Stilds, sa and rod, it is merely brought in ii, are driven firmly itito the position ready to act while side of the rack, k, and pro- the cam at the opposite end jeet under the metal plate, o, of the rod moves its rack, which is firmly secttretl to tile the spring catch, t, holding sOli(l parts of the is~ahine, meanwhile the rack, t, trom and t!cns the rack is held moving. Thus, the two down in gear with the pinion; ends of the timber, B, are hut when the forward motion moved forward alternately, of the rack Ims carried the feeding the block laterally to stud, ni, from under the plate, o, the weighted lever, p, horizontally sidewise so that the latch, s, which is pivoted I the saw in a manner to cut the shingles of the propel hy pressing upwards against tile studs, in and a, lifts tile to the rack, 12, may seize uron the catch, ~ as the rack, I wedge-shaped form. The mode in which the block is rack, o. out of gear witil the clamped to the side of the pinion, j, and thus the for- timber, B, forms a material ward motion of the car portion of this invention, riage is stopped. Fhie stttd, at. and is illustrated in Fig. 2. instead of heitig driven The cla~vs or dogs, li/i, arc firmly into the side of the rack attached to the racks, i i. as stated, is, in fact, she bent which gear into tile pinion, end of a long rod reaching ____ ____ Iiq. ~- f: the axle of this pinion from tile end of the machine, - passes through tlse timber, ~vhichi passes through a slot 4. B, and has a hiatidhe upon its in the rack anti mar he -________________ ~ end, as shown in Fig. I, bx slipped longitudinally to ad ~ ~ ~vltieis the ~ may be just the stopping paint of the __________________________________ _________________________________________________________ turned, and thitis She dogs forward passage of the car- ~r tire carried apart to receive riage to the length of the ~ the block and then brotight shingleblock. The sveight, D, with force against its ends, where thley are held by the is attached by a rope to the carriage, and is conse(~uently ratchet wheel, e, and spring drawn up as the carriage moves forward ; but when the 12, - ci d that 5i~ ra~ h. mey be pre~-ented from f~lhin~ catch, c. F is a revolving plane for jointing time edges pinion, j, is released from its hold on the carriage by the hiftimig of tile rack, o, She weight, D draws the carice ,~. f the shingles. The inventor says that one man only ~g , is required to operate this machine, and that wish it he i)ringing I can saw and joint 1,000 shingles per hour, producing as back to the right, time left end of the Idock again to the edge of the saw. In this hiackivard passage, the i handsomely san-ed shingles as ever were made. Sttldhi, so and a, shidle along on the tipper edge of tile ~{\ ~ A patent for this invention was issnedl shnoughm the 0, thins holding the rack clear from the piniOn, /, Jfj~~ ~r1~ ________ 0 Plate, a, slides from off the end of tlw plate, ~, it! ~ cientifle American Patent Agency, July 13, 1858, and mersens desiring further information in relation to it will when the rack fidhs a~au into g-ear with tile pinion. I, hea~ address she ins enters. Brastits Ilall and Joel F and the r~tatim~ of tt/ ha~ r hieing continuous, the for i into gear wish the pinion, j tho lateral laotian of 5i~ d~5c;-. a. cC Lao i:inioli hi. N. Y. ti55i5flThItj%fl515~51flfl~~ A ~J0URNAL OF PRACTICAL INFORMATION IN ART, SCIENCE, MECHANICS, AGRICULTURE, CHEMISTRY, AND MANUFACTURES HALL & STEWA~T~ ~ITX1TGLE MACHINE. THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. TIlE NORTH ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH LINE. Oar countryman, Col. T. P. Shaffner, has been as- tonishing the douce people of Glasgow, Scotland, with his cuterprise and adventures in the northern seas and Green- land. It is ~vell known that Col. Shaffner has obtained a charter front the King of Denmark to mn a telegraph line through Greenland (part of the way) and to occupy Iceland as a station for his proposed telegraph route of several short cables to avoid a long submarine circuit. To determine the practical character of his northern route he chartered a vesselthe iYyemaaand, with a compe- tent crew, ~vent on a survey in August last. lie has accomplished his object, and Itas arrived in the Scottisit commercial metropolis, where, on the 28th of November he delivered a lecture on his adventures, before a very large audience in the Merchants hall of Glasgow. We will condense the leading features of his lecture which has been reported very fully in the Herald of that city. Cal. Shaffaer was introduced to the audience by the Dean of Guild, who paid him a very high complintent for his enterprise and daring. The lecturer stated he lied no pecuniary object in view; his aim was to communi- cate personal knowledge of the subject. In 1853, he commenced to devote his energies to the construction of a telegraph line between Enrope. and America. In the latter part of 1853, said he, I commenced to advo- cate the practicability of laying a cable in time ocean. That was the first point for considerationWas it possi- ble to lay a cable in the deep sea? TIme next ~vasWas it practicable to work a cable in tIme deep sea? The latter I admitted; the first was a point of discussion. I dared not venture my reputation as a telegrapher, at that time, to deal heavily with the question. I had no doubt of the practicability of laying a submarine electric cable on the bottom of the ocean, and I had to fight for that point. Telegraphers assailed me in every direction in re- gard to itso much so titat the most prominent gentle- men engaged in the telegraphing at that time, made such a remark as this (as ~vill be found in the American prints): Would Mr. Shaffner risk a cable, such as we find necessary to span inland waters a mile in length, where they Itave a soft sandy bottom, as is usually found, to the caprice and unknown powers of the ocean where the heaviest cable ~vould float, without gravity, to reach the oceans bed? Such was the opinion enter- tained at that time by telegraphers in America. I can find no report of scientific telegraphers advocating that the measure was practicable. About the same time, and after satisfying my friends, that it was possible to lay a cable at the bottom of the sea, arose a philosophical ques- tion denominated among telegraphers tIme retardation of the electric current in sub-aqueous conductorsthat is to say, that when a current of electricity is transmitted through a wire in a submarine cable, there is a power in nature which arrests that current ~vhich you propose to transmit; hence it requires more or less time for it to get to its termination. On air lines we have nothing of that khtd. When Faraday then discovered that a submarine cable became like a long Leyden jar, Col. Shaffuer ~vas perfectly convinced that a telegraph cable between New- foundland and Ireland was impracticable for commercial purposes; and in 1854 he visited Europe for the express putpose of satisfying himself of the correctness of his views; and the Atlantic cable has since that time more than confirmed them. He early advocated a northern route, but he was ridiculed for advancing such opinions. People said that icebergs and currents would sweep away the best cable that could possibly be laid. To remove such opinions was the object of his late reseauehes in the northern seas; and on the 29th of August, 1859, lie left Boston, provided with very perfect apparatuses both for surveying and sounding, and proceeded northward through Belleisle Straits to tIme coast of Labrador, where he explored various inlets and bays, and came to the conclusion that the best starting point for the cable would be between the 54th and 55th degrees of north latitude. From thence lie shaped his course to Green- land, a distance of about 500 miles, and found that the greatest depth was 2,000 fathoms. The hottont gradu- ally sinks as it recedes from the west, until about 100 miles from Labrador, where it is found at 1840 fathoms. After this a basis of nearly the same depth succeeds un- til witlmin 80 miles or so of the Greenland coast, when it sinks to 2,000 fathoms, and from thence rises somewhat abruptly. The ascent, however, does not terminate at the coast line, but continues up the Jjords or bays, o. which there are several along the coast. These fords are, in fact, exceedingly numerous all along the Green- land shores, extetuding even as far as 50 miles inland, and tire never frozen. Having finished his sounding op~ erations, Col. Shatiner next proceeded to examine the coast as far north as 03 degrees, and then struck out for the interior, in order practically to ascertain how far the country was adapted for laying the wires, and came to the conclusion that the thing could be done wititout the great destructive effect which it was hitherto supposed would ensue from the frost. He penetrated into the in- terior, and found the climate far milder thaa he expect- ed. During the sojourn of the exploring party in Green- land, they were most hospitably received at all the places they visited; illuminations evemi, in some places, hmavimug been got up ims honor of their arrival. After surveying the southern coasts of the country, they proceeded to the east, which is of a simnilar character to the ~vest. From thence the bottom makes an abrupt descent at rather over the angle of 45 degrees until a short distance from shore, whence there is mtmeh more gradual ascent un- til Icelammd, 200 miles oft is reached. The remainder of the voyage showed 800 to 1,000 fathoms depth from this island past the Faroes to Cape Wrath, in Sutherland- shire; the submersion of the cable being 272 and 200 miles re~pectively. Col. Shaffuer concluded his lecture by showing a num- ber of Esquimaux curiosities, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to him by the meeting. FRANKLINITE METAL. Our attention has been directed by two correspondents to an article on time above subject, published on page 398, Vol. I. (new series) of the SCIENTIFIC AMERIcAN, which we copied from and credited to the Ne~v Ameri- can Cyclopedia. We are informed that a nuamber of the statements in that article are incorrect, and proof is furnished us to confirm the veracity of the objections made to their reliability. We will point out the state- ments and ideas to which the objections refer, and then present the evidence against them. First: In the article referred to, time credit of first suc- cessfully working the Franklinite ore with anthracite is given to Mr. E. Post, of Stanhope, N. J., and Mr. C. E. Detmold, of the New Jersey Zinc Company; and the idea conveyed is, that Mr. Post is the imiventor of the method. Second: It is also stated that the Franklinite ore at Mine Hill, N. J., is so unfit for metallurgical purposes that attempts to smelt it were unsuccessful and the works abandoned. In answer to the first paragraph, as a correction, we are informed that the experimemits undertaken at Stan- hope were projected by Mr. Thaddeus Selleck, of Win- chester, Conn., who was engaged for this purpose by the Zinc Conipany at Newark, N. J., and that he is the in- ventor of the process whereby the Franklinite ore ~vas first smelted successfully to obtaimi the metal. He was granted a patent for this invention on Jan. 30, 1855, and it was issued after a severe contest in the Patent Office. He produced ample testimony regarding the originality of the invention. We have examined this patent, and the claim is for the process of reducing Frattklinite ore to obtain iron and the white oxyd of zinc by working it under a light head in a vertical walled, low cupola furnace. The furnace described in the Cyclopedia, which is now employed for smelting the Franklinite, is stated to be 18 feet highs. This is a light head, as the common iron furnaces are about 40 feet highs; it therefore embuaces the leading idea in Mr. Sehleeks patent. Time dra~ving in thse patent represents a low cupola furnace with a dome-shaped top, and it has oblique air channels near the upper surface of the charge for injecting air into the top of the fire to produce perfect combustion by uniting with the carbonic oxyd, This arrangement also furnishes oxygen for the zinc; a more intense heat is time result, and the furnace never chokes up at tIme mouth. We are told that this furnace and process were perfectly successful, excepting in one feature, viz.: the oxyd of zinc produced was a beautiful durable yellow instead of a white paint. The reduction of the ferruginous part of the ore to metal was all that could be expected, and it was the light head of the furnace which secured the d2sired results. XVe have only to state, in regard to the second state- macnt referred to, that the smelting of the ore at Mine Hill was as successful as could be expected; and it was not on account of the ores that the works were abandoned, but difficulties in the company o~vning the mine. Time ore is capable of producing a good Frankhinite metal with a properly constructed furnace. The pig metal obtained by the smelting of Franklinit~ ore is very different from pig iroms; it has time qualities of a peculiar alloy. In color it is much wititer than iron, and when cold, it is much harder; in ilmis respect it resembles steel and specula metal. It melts at a muelt lower temperature than iron, and it flows something like tin. Thus, take a piece of this metal, and put some borax on a piece of iron, and lay the Frankhinite on thie top of this; pat it into a blacksmiths fire and it will melt, flow over it, and adhere to the iron more firmly than any two pieces of metal brazed together. Mr. Sehleck ob- tained a patent on July 5, 1859, for coating the surfaces of iron with Frankhinite metal in thsis manner. Applied to the sharp heel-pieces of horse-shoes it forms a dumable thin sharp edge, as it is harder than tIme iran; and as the latter ~vears faster, time heel corks never grow dull, as in common horse-shoes. rhine Frarmkhinite nietal may also be thins brazed on faggots of iron and rolled out into plates, so as to leave a very hard surface that will protect the iron from rusting so rapidly, and at thse same time add to its strengths. Iron plates thus niade may be superior to the thin steel plates which are now coming into use in England in shipbuilding; but it will require experiments to determine this, and we earnestly suggest that they be made. If successful, it wihl be of great benefit to this country, becatuse the Frammkhinite ore is exclusively Americanall that has yet been found in other parts of the world is not worth mentioning. It alloys ~vith copper, welds with iron, and is adapted for coating tlse treads of wheels, the tops of rails and the edges of toohs. About 5 lbs. of Franklinite mactal smnelted in a crucible (in the usual manner) with 100 lbs. of wrought iron will make very good steel. This peculiar metal deserves more public attention ilsan it has yet received. WATER PURIFIED FROM LEAD. In ans~ver to the inquiries addressed by time British Trinity House Board to Professor Faraday, relative to the sanatory condition of time ~vater used by lighthouse- keepers, and the best methods of purifying the samne, so as to be fit for drinking and cooking purposes, the profes- sor remarks : As lighthouses are often of necessity placed in situations where water is obtaimmed with diffi- culty, those who keep theus are freqmsently dependent, more or less, upon that which is gathered front rain fall- ing upon the leaden roofs, galleries, and guttets of the towers and cottages occupied as dwellings, Now, the salt of the sea spray, which oftems reaches these roofs, & c., even when they are half a mile or more from time shore, causes the rain water which falls upon tisem to dissolve a portion of the lead, which is larger or smaller under different circumstances, and at times rises up to a psan- tity injurious to health and poisonous. The water tlsus contaminated by lead, or rather chloride of head, is pecu~ liar in this, that it does not lose time poisoning sub- stances either by boiling or by exposure to air, for the nietal remains soluble after one or both of these pro- cesses. He has ascertained that if a little whiting or pulverized chalk (carbonate of lime) ~vere added to suds water, and time whole shaken or stirred together, the lead immediate- ly assumed the insoluble state; so that when the water was eltiser filtered or left to settle, the clear fluid was ob- taimmed in a perfectly pure and salubrious condition. The process of purification is therefore exceedingly simple, for if some powdered chalk or whiting is put into tIme cistern in which rain water is collected, and stirred up occasion- ally after rain, the water may, with the greatest facihity, be obtained in a state fit for all culinary and domestic purposes. OPTIcAL IN5TRUMEi~T5.In reply to everyday immqui- ries on this subject, we would inform our correspondents that H. Shharbaum & Co., No. 300 Broadway, tisis city, are manumfacturers and have an assortment of optical in- struments, thermometers, barometers, small steam and electric engines, for experinmental purposes, & c., wlsichi we believe they sell quite as low as any other dealers in their line. 18 THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. REPOET OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR. The following are two extracts from the report of the Secretary of the InteriorHon. J. Thompson. They do honor to his head and heart, and ivill be found very interesting to Our inventors and farmers: UATENT OFFICE. The record of the operations of the Patent Office dur- ing the past year furnishes, as usual, a most satisfactory exhibit of the steady progress of our country in the ap- plication of science to the arts. During the three quarters ending September 30, 1859, five thousand one hundred an(l sixty-seven appli- cations for new patents were received; eight hundred anil thirteen caveats filed, and three thousand three hun- dred and thirty-four patents issued and re-issued. By a reference to my report of last year, it will be seen there has been an increase in the business of the office for the past nine months, over the corresponding months of 1858, of one thousand and seventy-six appli- cations for patents, one hundred and seven caveats, and five hundred and eighteen patents granted. The receipts for the three quarters were $188,538 77, being an increase of 37,554 86 over the corresponding period of last year. The expenditures were $157,101 15, leaving a surplus on hand of $31,437 62. Congress in its last session, in making provision for the publication of the mechanical portion of the Patent Office report, directed the Secretary of the Interior to cause the report to be prepared and submitted in such manner as that the plates and drawings necessary to illus- trate each subject shall be inserted so as to comprise the entire report in one volume, not to exceed eight hun- dred pages. With an anxious desire to comply in all respccts with the expressed will of Congress, I have given to the subject unusual attention. The plates without descriptions and claims would be unintelligible; the descriptions and claims would be of no value. The plates reduced to the smallest possible dimensions, an~l the descriptions and claims drawn up without a single redundant word, printed in the type required for all Con- gressional documents, will necessarily occupy snore space than eight hundred pages. A literal compliance with the law is, therefore, a physical impossibility. Yielding to the necessities of the case, I have directed the plates to be prepared with the greatest possible economy of space, and the descriptions and claims with the utmost brevity consistent with perspicuity, and submit the matter to the consideration of Congress, with a frank admission that the law has not been obeyed because it reqired an impossibility. The principle upon which the Patent Office was organ- ized, and has been conducted up to this time, is, that its business should produce so much in the way of fees as ~vould prove snfficient to defray its necessary expenses. It has developed no burden upon the Treasury of the United States. It sustains itself; and for this reason its friends have felt the greater confidence in appealing to Congress for such legislation as may be required to per- fect its organization. For several successive years the attention of Congress has been earnestly invoked to the necessity of certain amendments in the existing laws, which experience has proved to be highly important, if not absolutely necessary. The committees of Congress to whom the subject has been referred have uniformly approved these amendments, and reported in favor of their adoption; but in every ease Congress has failed to consider and act upon the reports. An increase of the business of the bureau, without a corresponding increase of force to manage it, results necessarily in one or two serious evils; either, on the one hand, vexatious delay, or, on the other, hasty and imperfect examinations of applications for patents. A few facts will suffice to illustrate this: In 1855 when the examining force of the bureau was increased to its pres- cut number, there ~vere four thousand four hundred and thirty-five applications for patents. The number of ap- plications for the year 1859, taking the average number of applications per month for the past ten months as the basis of the estimate, will be six thousand nine hundred; showing an increase of business for 1859 over 1855 of two thousand four hundred and sixty-five cases. In 1855 each examining room disposed of three hundred and sixty-nine applications; in 1859 each examining room will dispose of five hundred and seventy-five cases, being an increase in the amount of labor performed of fifty-five per cent. To this it may be added that the labor of making a thorough examination of any application for a patent increases from year to year somewhat in proportion to the similar applications previously received. Under these circumstances it is impossible for the office to do full justice in the transaction of its business either to itself or to tIme public. This is not right. The income of the office is amply sufficient to meet all the expenses which may be incurred in re-organizing it upon such a basis as will give it the greatest efficiency, and enable it to meet promptly all the demands of the country. The inventors pay for having their business done, and it is therefore but simple justice that it should be done .with a proper and careful examination, and ~vithout unnecessary delay. It would be judicious, then, in Congress to authorize the appointment, from time to time, of such additional examiners, and first assistant-examiners as may be required to transact the business of the office with dispatch, provided the annual expenses of the office shall in no case exceed the annual receipts. I take occasion here to renew the recommendation, contained in may report of 1857, that the fees required from British subjects should be reduced. Her Britannic Majestys representative at Washington has recently called the attention of this government to this subject. In the kingdom of Great Britain no discrimination is now made between American citizens amid British subjects. I think this courtesy should be reciprocated, and that, in respect to office fees, British subjects should be placed on the same footing as citizens of the United States. Long experience and great familiarity with the work- ing of this important bureau induce me to renew, not only the preceeding but all the recommendations con- tained in my previous reports, with still greater confi- dence in their propriety and correctness; and I must add that the inventors of our country, now grown to be a large, worthy and most useful class, have a right to claim a share of the time and attention of the law- making branch of the government, and to complain when their interests and business are wholly neglected or over- looked. AGEIcIJLTUIIE. The following is the more important part of the report relating to this topic The last Congress having greatly reduced the appro- priations below former estimates, the policy of distribu- ting seeds of domestic growth was abandoned, and no portion of the appropriation has been expended for their purchase. It is believed to be both xvise and just to con- fine operations to the purchase and distribution of such varieties of plants, seeds, cuttings, & c., as have not al- ready been introduced into the country. The tea seed has been introduced from China, and germinated in houses prepared for that purpose in Wash- ington. The step next to be taken is to convey the plants to suitable localities, and to cause them to be tested under the supervision of intelligent and responsi- ble persons. This will be done at the earliest practicable period, and with no apprehension as to their successful growth in all cases in which proper attention shall be given. The successful cultivation of the vine in this country no longer remains an experiment. The breadth of land planted in vineyards is every day extending, and the yield is large and remunerative. The estimate is that we no~v have more than eleven thousand acres devoted to this culture; and while the product of some vine- yards, in the most favorable season, has been eight hun- dred gallons to the acre, the average crop per acre of the whole country will compare favorably with that of the most successful ~vine-producing countries of Europe, and its value is five or six hundred per cent greater at the several places of production. The different species of native grapes have been sought for, and, as far as practi- cable, the value of each for the manufacture of wine has been tested by chemical analysis. The modes of culti- vation, and the processes of making and preserving wine, have been examined, and much interesting and valuable information obtained. A large number of cuttings, of the best and most approved varieties, have been prepared for distribution. Steps have been taken to introduce from foreign coun- tries a variety of seeds, plants and trees, which may be usefully cultivated and grown in this country. A number of scientific gentlemen in various parts of the United States have been engaged for sevaral years past, without compensation, in making meteorological ob- servations, which have been regularly communicated to the Patent Office; the necessary instruments being pro- vided at the joint expense of the Patent Office and the Smithsonian Institution. To reduce these observations to a condensed tabular form has involved an expenditure which has also been jointly sustained. These observa- tions, thus condensed, are now ready for the press, and will accompany the annual report of the Commissioner of Patents. They exhibit the mean temperature of the seasons in different parts of the country, and thus fur- nish data esteemed of high importance in scientific agri- culture, and as of great value in supplying the facts on which are based important theories of the winds and storms that sweep over the continent. In justice to the gentlemen who have devoted their time and labor in this behalf, these tables should be printed; but whether the expense should be defrayed by the Smithsonian Institution or by the government is a question submitted to the determination of Congress. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, We give a few interesting extracts from the Report of the Secretary of War, as they relate to inventions, the arts and sciences: ORDNANCE, ARMS AND EQUIPMENTS. I have ordered the estimates from the Bureau of Ord- nance to be made mainly in conformity to the policy which the action of the last Congress seemed to indicate by its appropriations. I cannot forbear to express the opinion, however, that to abridge the manufacture of arms is, to say the least, a measure of very doubtful economy, and may prove in the end to be both danger- ous and expensive. A foreign war would create an im- mediate demand for an immense number of arms, proba- bly enough, nearly, to strip all our arsenals, and to re- quire the purchase of further supplies from private man- ufacturers, at ~vhose mercy the government would be in the emergencies of war. That constant progress in the improvement of arms and other appliances of warfare ~vhich has of late char- acterized the military service of other nations, has been, up to this time, no less active in ours. The experiments which have been in progress for some time past to ascer- tain the fitness of iron for the construction of gun car- riages for sea-coast and garrison cannon, have resulted in complete success. They demonstrate the practicability 01 using iron in place of wood for the fabrication of such carriages, not only to very great advantages in point 01 economy, but also in quality. The ultimate saving to the country by this manufacture can hardly be estimated. Gun carriages heretofore have been not only expensive, but it has been found impossible to preserve the wood ol which they were constructed from decay; so that each gun in all our forts must be remounted once every ten years to be fit for service. The substitution of iron for wood has remedied this perfectly, and the gun carriage may now be considered as indestructible. Models of wrought-iron sea-coast and garrison carriages have accord- ingly been adopted, and iron will be used in their fabri- cation hereafter. Improvement has been introduced, also, in the forms of cannons, greatly increasing their endurance under repeated discharges, and rendering them consequently more reliable for service. In view of the not na- frequent accidents from the bursting of iron cannon, and the disastrous consequences that may result there- fiom, it is important that the adopted models should be the best adapted for strength, and that none but the best material should be used in, and the best processes applied to, their fabrication. Experiments to ascertain tIme best model have been instituted and carried on with satisfac- tory results. They are still in progress, with special re- ference to a class of cannon of heavier caliber, for the snore complete determination of the best mode of distri- buting the given weight of metal throughout the dif- erent parts of the cannon so as to obtain the greatest strength. The subject of rifled cannon and projectiles has re- ceived much attention, and careful experiments have- been instituted to test a variety of such contrivances. It is not deemed advisable to proceed to the manufacture of such cannon, beyond those required for experimental purposes, until full and fair trials shall have demonstrated, practically, which of the various inventions possesses 19 THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. most advantages, or whether a combination of the ad- gronnd of economy. The post of West Point has been vantages peculiar to several of them may not furnish the lighted in this manner with satisfactory results. best government model EXPLORATIONSkRTE5IAN WELLS. J3REECI1~LOAL)INO ARMS. A second expedition was scnt into the Territory of Under the appropriations heretofore made by Congress Nebraska to explore certain tributaries of the Yellow to cacoura~e exl)erimentS in breech-loading arms, very Stone, the sources of that river, and of the Missouri. A important results have been arrived at. The ingenuity portion of its labors has been accomplished, and the op- and invention displayed upon the subject are truly sur- erations will be resumed in the ensuing spring. prising, and it is risking little to say that the arm has A large amount of geographical and scientific inform- been nearly if not entirely perfected by several of these ation has been added, at small cost, through the labors plans. These arms commend themselves very strongly of the different field parties, to our knowledge of the re- by their great range and accuracy at long distances; for sources of the regions wcst of the Mississippi. Consrd- the rapidity with which they can be fired, and thcir cx- erable tracts of country yet remain unknown, and thse emption from injury by exposure to long continued rains, economy of continuing these explorations is evident when With the best breech-loading ann, one ~kihlful man it is considered that they may open the country to travel, would be equal to two, l)robably three, armed with the develop its mineral and ogricuittiral wealth, shorten and ordinary muzzle-loading gnu. True policy requires that afford new information concerning emigrant routes, and steps should be taken to introduce these arms gradually designate those portions of the wild territory that are sus- into our service, and to this end preparatiosXs ought to ceptible of settlement. be made for their manufacture in the public arsenals. I would respectfully invite your attention to the report CAMELS AS snips or TilE DESERT. of Lient. Michler, who, under assignment of the War Th& experiments thus far made (and they are pretty Department, was engaged upon the survey of an inter- full) demonstrate that camels constitute a most useful oceanic ship canal near the Isthmus of Darien, rid the and economical means of transportation for men an(l sup- Atrato and Truando rivers. Since his return from the plies, throughout the great deserts and barren regions of scene of his field operations, considerable progress has our interior. A camel will go safely with its burden over been made in the reduction of observations and preparing ground so rough and precipitous tirat a mule will scarcely the maps, until the want of means compelled him him to pass over it unladen without assistance. They require. suspend progress and discharge the computers and no forage but what they gather in the most sterile and draughtsmen. The valuable information procured by barren parts of our continent, and for many days to Lient. Miebler should not be left in its unfinished condi- gethier live conveniently ;vithout water. An abundant sul) tion in the archives of the bureau, to prevent which a ply of these animals would, beyond all doubt, enable our army to give greater and prompter protection to our frou tiers, and to all our interoceanic routes, than three times their cost expended in any other way. As a measure of economy and efficiency, I cannot too strongly recom- mend tIme purchase of a full supply tQ the favorable con- sideration of Congress. MILITARY SIGNALS. Assistant-surgeon Albert J. Myer, of the medical corps of the army, having submitted to this department a system of military signals for tIme purpose of communi- cating intelligence or orders between distant points of land, a board was convened in March last to examine into its merits. The board reported favorably to the adoption of this plan fur the uses of the army. A series of experiments with tile field signals, instituted under special instructions frous this drpartinent, have developed results which piomnise to be of value to the service. With an equipment simple, strong, weighing but sixteen pounds, and so compact as to be readily carried from place to place by a soldier mounted or Oil foot, which me- quires for its use but a single man, communication has been kept up nud messages transmitted by day, and at night, a distance of fifteen miles. Messages have been sent five miles witllout any apparatus specially provided for the purpose. For the distances at which COmlllumlication by signals would be isceded for military uses, the plan appears to be ready and reliable. The trials in progress give reason to believe that by the use of such signals thlere may he se- cured to tIme service a mode of communication more easy, safe and available than any hitherto kno~vn. I[ORTIEICATION5 AND GAS-LIGHT TiIEIIEFOa. I regard the statistics of the combined naval and mil- itary operations of the French in tile recent Italian war as indications of tIme correctness of my estimate of cur danger from such attacks, and as warranting tIle renew- id of my recommendation to Congress to take steps to- ward carrying out the plan sketched in nmy last ep~t fcc the defense of New York, in Ilarticidar, from such at- 8empts. The appended memoir on American Fortifica- tion, prepared at my instance by Licut. Morton, of the engineer corps, explains tIle details of tIle plan in ques- tion, with the aid of an accurate topographical map. It also contains an analysis of the general subject of coast defense. which I deem wortlly of your notice. It is eminently desirable that our completed perma- nent forts silould be lit with gas, and I recommend that a small appropriation be made to imltroduce it into the most important ones without delay. By that improvement the risk would be diminished of accidental fires breaking out in tIle officers quarters or tIle barracks, now to be small appropriation will be required. The wagon road upon the thirty-fifth parallel, reaching from Fort Smith, Arkansas, to the Colorado of the West is completed as far as tIme appropriation would do it. It is now sufficient for any travel of troops, military sup- plies or immigrants. Tlmis route abounds in grass and ~vater, offering very great advantages at this time for travel, which will be still further enhanced when th~ posts contemplated shall have been added to those al- ready on the line. The experiment of sinking artesian wells upon public lands has been further prosecuted, but still without at- taining the desired results, and tIme appropriation for the object having become exhausted, it ~vas directed that the work should be suspended. The details of tIme ex- periments are set forth in the accompanying reports. It may be considered now as demonstrated that to bring water from subterranean streams, to overflow the sur- faces of the great western plains, is, for any reasonable amount of expenditure, impracticable. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE TPEASURY. It is a very curious circumstance that, in this long and elaborate report, there is no clear statement of the total receipts and expenditures for the year, or of the amount of the public debt. There are, however, data from which the first of these important facts may be obtained, and we have taken the trouble to put them together for the convenience of our readers. The revenue of the government for the year ending June 80, 1859, was Customs $19,565,524 75 Public Lands 1,756,657 50 Miscellaneous -. 2,082,559 El Total $54,405,071 01 The expenditures for the same period were Civil foreign intercourse and miscellaneous $27,675,820 94 Interior Department (Indians and pensions) 4,757,972 60 War Department 27,247.822 38 Navy Department 14,712610 21 Tht~ . $00,746,226 13 Years n~t $12,041,155 12 There are a number of figures given in regard to the public debt, but in such a manner that we are unable to understand them with certainty; and we accordingly await the receipt of the schedule which presents a full statement of all tIme items and the amount, before attempting to give our readers the simple truth in regard to this important matter. TIme fact that the national debtwhatever its amountwas increased during the last fiscal year more than $12,000,000, in a time of pro- found peace, is disgraceful to the government, and in- duces us to respond heartily to time recommendation of the President, that some efficient means should he appr.ehmendcd from the vicinity of tIme amagazines. The adopted to stop this ruinous practice of borrowing. We introduction 1lropoce(1 may also be recommended on time do not want to see the capital of tIme countryeven now insufficient for the demands of businessabsorbed in the maelstrom of an ever-growing public debt, and time industry of our people saddled with the support of a host of idle fund-holders, such as those under which time nations of Europe are staggering, The total imports for the year were .338,768,130, whilst the exports for the same period were $356, 789,462. REPORT OF THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL. From the able report om Postmaster-general Holt, we learn that tIme expenses of tIme department for the year ending June 30, 1859, were $14,964,493 33, while the revenue anmounted to $7,968,484 07; showing an ex- cess of expenditures over receipts of $6,m996,009 26. This enormous annual deficit Mr. Holt proposes to re- duce in accordance with the following plans and esti- mates: Iletreuchnients already adopted, mostly in time subsidies to eteamehips $1,579,221 00 Abomition of time frankiimg privilege 1,800,000 00 Reduction in time exorbitant pay of railroads 1,084,558 Os Overland umails to California and Utah 1,229,756 76 Total $5,653, ~5 76 The last itemthe overland mailsthe Postmaster- general proposes that time government should pay from the Treasury, as they have been established for purposes of state policy, and yield no revenue to speak of. The remaining deficit of $1,342,473 90, Mr. Ilolt thinks would be overcome in a few years by thse increase of me- ceipts, and by the adoption of still further practicable curtailmnents; and thus this great and important, depart- ment of the government might be restored to the inde- pendent, self-sustaining position which it always occu- pied until witlmia a few years. We cordially endorse time recommendation of tisese reforms. THE LIME LIGHT AT THE LONDON CRYSTAL PALACE. The gas monopoly of the day is becoming so obnoxious that the introduction of any improvement in artificial light that can break in upon the present system will be sure to meet with public encouragement. This is very likely to be brought about by the Limne Light Company, whose brilliant light was exhibited at the Crystal Palace, a fesv evenings ago, before a large company of professional gentlemen. Time power of this lime light is immensely in advance of the gas, which presents a very dull and miserable effect in contrast. The present Trinity House lamp, assisted by the most powerful reflectors, transmits light to about twenty miles, while the lime light, under similar circumstances, can be seen at a distance of ninety- five miles. On the evening in question one of these liglmts ~vas placed in the Crystal Place, at the end of the long transept, and emitted a light so intense as to illumine tise whsole length of the building, so that tIme smallest print commid be read with the greatest ease at the extreme end. Time great advantages of this light over the electric and other lights are its volume and continuity, as well as its economy, being the cheapest of any known light. It is admirably adapted for coast lights, for which we now pay 353,000 a yeam, one-half of which may be saved by tlme lime light. [A correspondent.sends us the above which line says line cut from an English~ paper; and asks us how the light is produced. The lime lightcalcium hightDrummond lightas it Isas b,een variously named, is produced by the burning of a bit of lime in thmc flame of the compound blow-pipe. It lmas been known many years, and various efforts have been made to turn it to a practical use, but witlmout success. One of the difficulties has been the delicacy of time manipulations required to keep up the supply of gases. The compound blow-pipe consists of two reservoirs, one of pure oxygen and one of pure hy- drogen, within a small pipe leading from eacim so as to bring the gases together just before tlmey issue from the jet. In volume twice as many gallons of hydrogen are required as of oxygen, thouglm as oxygen is sixteen times heavier tlman imydrogen, the wciglmt of the oxygen con- sumed is eiglmt times that of the hydrogen. The result of time combustion is pure water. The compound blow- ppe was invented by Dr. Hare, of Philadelphia, and it produces the most intense artficial heat known. If the lime highst will succeed anywlmere, the Crystal Palace at Sydeulmam is just the place for it, as a large quantity of light, is required, and a chemist competent to perform the necessary delicate manipulations may be profitably em- ploved. Ens. 20 TIlE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. BAYLEYS RAILROAD JOINT AND SPIKE. The invention which we here illustrate is worthy the attention of engineers and superintendents cf railroads it comprises a new form for the rail, a nec tievice for securing the joints, and an improved spike head. The form of the rail is that which would be prodnced by splitting the common T~rail vertically in the middle, reversing the outside half. astd nI;seiu~ I lie two ~ together this farina a symmetrical rail with a narrow thick lip, a, at the top on the inside, au(l and a hroad thin lip, fi, on the outside, furnishing a titus table for the wheel, and with a nar- row thick lip, c, at the hot tom on the outatije, and a wi(le thin lip. d, on tie iii sitleinakint. a broad base fur the rat 1 Fbi rail having the same forni at top and bottom, is reversible, so that when the top becomes worn too usuch for use, it many be turned over attd used as long with the oppoatte edge aider- niost. br thsteittn the euds the rails together. the plate A, is fashioned to tit she rstitsi(le of tile rails and is bolted to them as shown in Pig. I, l tie iuic5 far tile liolts being elongated to permit the expatisions null con t eactions of the rails. To prevent tile nttts on tue bolts frons tnrnin~ the blocks, B null C, are pittee(l snugly under thetis sud secured by tile spikes, cued q. The spike heed i~ made of the solid atad slOP~ ioit5t shown in Fig. 2 tool is provided witil a iookc .t t J~ din lv ~vlncli it at ix I~ di swis from tile tie by useaus a cmos Isar xxidiont snitux Tlsis tax cut ion is protected by too h ten seed through th~ Scientific American 1? stent A~encv one dated Nox 1 18 )9, and tise other Dee 1, 1859, and person. uesirina tin timet information in rnlation to it ~sili address the invente Cr Vs n lit~ los , ~t Brashear. La. Patents have ii., I ii met in I oInsd for thh inve tition. OUR STEAM MsiF I N& INF~ A large tire oceurn 1 to fl~ he mn street, this cdx, Oil the iimorniIig of Thuraita i a t In n hitch the papet warehouse of Cyrus Vt Ix icid title erti c e btt~lditws were entirely consumed At tide toaflagrat ion two new steam fire engines ealsibited their superiority as fire-ex- tinguishers in a most gratifying inaisner. Tile JIahlot 32 lbs of oxygen to entirely consume a stove xveighiing 82 lbs Now 100 cubic feet of air weighs about 122 ottaces avoirdupois, of whiels the oxygen forms about 28 otmnces. It would consequently take till the oxygen in 1, 800 cubic feet of air to entirely consume a stove weighting 82 lbs. A stove heated red-lint and exposed to tile miir would certainly last as long as 1 0 months, anti if it ivete completely burned its 300 days it would con- SttttsO the oxv~en in six etubic of air day. feet per Lavoisior and Sir T1t~mphroy l)avy estimated that a giown person cotisisetics 24 cubic feet of Oxygen per day, which THE CHEMISTRY OF TANNING. MEssas. EnmTorts:I noticed on page 411, Vol. I. (new series) of the SotExTirte AMEEIoAer, that A. F. 0. of Albany, states certain results witlsout assigning a cause. TIse effect produced be electricity on Isides while in the ~~ bait is to soften and rot them. That the entire pro. cess of converting animal gelatine into leather (except th~ finishing) is purely a chemical transaction, I think may be fully established, liy the simple fact that no mechanical appliances cats convert imides and skins into le-ithor witlsout the aid of chemical combiatition. We code that various mechanical msrrangememsts are (I m.ucessary to tlme production of leathei, chimer as a pre- ~ story or as a completion of the loather, atter we have asrived at a chemical chtmge. The use of lime do the pssrposes of liepihmting, tmncl the process of baiting ammi tsntsin~ following, tire all olmemni cal. Lime acts thc ssmc l~x ens time hide fat the purpose of heoseniimg tise hi in ~I lie se of hen nitanisre, uric acid, for the purpose, a~ to. nonly said, of ii taking out the lime, i~ a cn~amcai t~lOrl5iOn of time uric acid on die lime for use purpo~e is4 s~tmtr tiring time lime in time hide Isefore tanning. TIme effect of OlCOtitcit~ cucrated from mm battery, or ttnsoslslscrie electricity its time hitase isait or taint xat, is tO concemstmate time action of tIme lime in loosening, and tlw acid in baititsg, anti thte tan in tanning, in cads atmd is lie piamttiiv cotitaimmed in Il 5 esthic thur ci ,om uuit- ix emy case objectionable. Atmospiserie electricity diii sequtently it womild repmx to at least 19 red-hot rciaves to tag the process of bait utsixetsallv acceleintes anti coa- horn the air as fioa~ as tome pair of lutman lnn~s v~ ceatmates time aetious of time acid, rottitsg thin hide in spots, hmaxe made a safe estitimate, amad it is probable that q wottld laxi, asmmchu itunger thaim teum amouths, mind theseame ihiat t ~ 9 it 100 StOICS would not consume oxen as itmet P tIme lte~titintt of one man Tb1 ii ate nlei comssiderations. hoiveves, to bc taheen ilitO ii ~O51 un c.iimmaating lime effects of red-hant iron on time .lnrrusn ~s ,tum. heat from ivarmn iron, behoxv tite tetnpewiuie t lii I it is htmasinous, passes through cms linus ot toil alt a~ freely as any other Iteat, btmt this heat will ant pas~ tbouagh glass. ishile that fiom red-isot iron xxill showing tlmat thiete is a differetace ii5 mIte tmattmrn of heat comiimg front red-hot lion and that front iron at a lower tensperature. It muny be that tIme elfeets of thsese different kinds of hear uspota th~ humman ssstetn ate as different as their ertisets mupon glass. Tlmc usode in xvhich heat oper. toe impots the various misoeta of ommr bodies is very inysterinuas, and if there D stsfficiemst cyttuenee tlmat heat front ted-hunt iroms is iimjurioims to oumr health, time tutuhy phuihosoplaical umetlmod is to accept tIme set atmd act upoms it, xvhuethmer ixe cats fitsd isluat is called an exrlauatioa or not tesu(belongitmg to Lts~tn I No. 8,) dc octs Imy huatuth, auth weighiag Oiiiy ft i) shrew two st~eamtm~ 01 of 1~thi inch each, h~ir dint ~t0 gallons pci rum ml Muss SucxTtxrm CAtuNix-ALCmowde etsjoyed liens and the Niagaraa .chi mop it uthiresv two atmeatass 01 sels es happily by skathsg at thin Central Park last neck. I ~ melt ends, beitig ibotur i0 uhloims per muitmut (St e Aithiotughi the weather sm-as sex-erehy cold, time ice was of these emsgines dOtOuuiOticOt orkitig at S A. Ni. iidh .pie.tdid astd the ammitisal spitits tiptop. Statenteats tIme otlser at Ii A. I mu 1 imex-er ceased petepmitg ..~. e beets made that ahosmt 600000 naits of skates have until thme fire was cotimpl lv ~nbdtucd bciisg kent COO- beau sold its timis city since the Isresent wititer contistenced, stantly working, fos nesihy ten hmotmrs. The firemmien ho an 1 tIme ree~ntly patented icinds scents to be great favor- were engaged on the hsatmd engines at time fime smete soomi tt~i Thu Pls;t delphuit Ledge gives the Nexv Yorkers a hausted as thin day was bitteuly odd; bitt time steans tile- p cC of its tc~bit~s its te~atd to skating as fohlosss: chine never gets tired. Tltese engines were built b Lee & N cmv X oil boasts of lien ~0 a en skathmmg pond, at time Lamed, of this city, ammd tire cads provided smiths c isik cauceix lmicer lImits sotne of our brick imonds tary ptmmp. It affords as piom~mire to see tlmcse at ~. ~- It to eutecuss ot Imat utx x t~ is kumoss what skatitmg is. adopted lay our heroic fiettrucn. until I x ui I mulmdehpo m itt smiuttet-, chien times During tIme titman time tire wtsx riugliag. tilt. xi . t xli II fur. us Oset for mm humuntired Is iles Phiiauielphia kitidly telegiapimed to the ~fs~ ~e I .. mmd umnuighi itt otil jr till the citizeums tsf the York, thumit, if help were xxamsted, two steausm tue minguic- Itmaumeit S ummettopohi bitt -umficient b~sides for all the were ready to stmiit to mussist its extiu0i 1 5 oumfi 5~ tMS ima time Uumbau. If the Matmitit tens Isiauudet goes gration. Time sahime rut loss Simstautil a ~ etav os-er m 20-acre skmmtiimg. potid, whuat ivoudd lie do .~500, 000 it would Immive been dotibi tim m u o xxi tim time Seistdyk ill, Wiestihicken, llohhattchets Creek. ashieved, btut for tite steam cmmgitte~ mitt1 time Iiummm(hueuhs of otimer sources of eajoxnmemtt of that _________ ex-euvise whmiehm the vomit of Hill oleiphmims has-c inst thucir DOES A~ RED-HOT STOVE BUrN r~Tn UB t)tiiti.a.5~. There is a very comnuoti umotion tAint if ~tuvc a ti ~ ~ minces are heated retlItot, the imout xxuhl coussb I a itmi tili t smastsievmeecs MEATA enime. mmci... xi mum feetmm oxygen of time aim, in othser xsnrds Outta ii intl reumd~r t Id ebutigli, Pins., says :~i It is not ~enemahir lumnxvn that mmnfit for breathing. If xve examune 110 eu- xe lnu fuceht aseat asas- be pro~merhy coveteti xxuth tilt and pickle, that this idea is trite to so samxshl an es-stent am to ike t and me ala thmere for time mmsmuai k tb of It e. msnd vet of no practical importance. The cotmtaomiul 51 oti ii , tpotl after being stamoked, front CYpotmure ~iui lit picisle, form-eh by buimnitig iron its atmospumet-te . retummuilm- to too great a degree of cold. Ft cit muat mu ill treeze its the black oxvd, xvhmichs consists ot tmmre~ cemmis lotus of silt pickle as soon as tIme temper.ttmm~ tlt time imickle is iron aad fotur of oxygen, (Fe s 0 -) ths-t us Q IL or suinffi iron to 32 lbs. of oxygen. Couisequmen Ic m yttmJ q ~e- ciently low to freeze fresls octet and o lotte as nacat n macins flumme~a it. scill take saP v~ s ~n I fitsahhv irretrievably damaging thin whole pack; the same resumic attetscls a lotig hsmnaersiout ~it the haaithri~ solutiort, aduichi is OltS chmemssicah reason mit least for time lack of duutabilitv its leathmer exlsnsccl to time tidbit of electricity, rise cause (iifleOtiOits asmix- lie raised to time tuse of matins salts, acids. & e.. that ama useil thr time Imuirpose of saving ttme us ianmsitmg, also the utse of chmlnriuma (tsmtmrictie sicud), nutS autism, mis a preparcmtomy to tatsmsiimg ; lime last imarmmel tumog.s nil is time tornt of autism anui salt, are exocedineus 0bj~etionable. either mine preparatoly or for tciillfJ utmot tlntmitmg) its ititmoductina as a preparatory tasut tail tom the gootl reasout uimmlt the oomssbiaatiomms are ~bresd not lane-el clietmaical coummhutttattomts. W, S. ill. Chevelaii~h. Ohio. Dee. ml. iPSO. Fmxue;ciis. Coxesuvioc; or TImE CIIEAT E~sTEiiN. F lie shtareiseltlers of tIme (itet Testes, are sitskimag itito atm asinfumi state of tiepiessioti. The susrveynrs teport de elates that usot less tItan ~25 0,000 misore asust be ex petinded upois Item before she cams be fairly said to he in a fit stmmte for necais voy-agee. Thin new oonapany is said to be ii5 debt, musS 1mev shsames are at ~o loins a figumme thimit timey eami only be thealt its at a mumiminotus loss. Some of time prohmriotots. it is risussomeci, oontettspltite iatituting ~mroceediimgs thu-ought time Board of Trade, or in equity, to nhstmmits a fmmll acecitmist of time stesvardsliip of time board of tss.aa5emstetat. Sonmethsitmg xxihl hmumxe ttj be done, austi that itasussediatoix-. Time sismmroe are tjumoted at one-half, iviths otme paid imp. It is scipposed timat aitothem tinew corn- pany will be fortmted, itt order to get rid of the present bonid of asanagensent, and thmems, by the issue of 100,000 Isrefemeuce shames, to taise $500,000 atore, conaplete the vessel riast off mel sot Item to buinsiusess. Up In this time 155 0t 000.000. lit u Vs s rmmuxut.Tlme fist sex-etc coltl xxeathmei tilat ne lims e jmeteucecl this sm-utter, caine umpon us on Iumcs- lay uuehir tl~ thi tult. Wedumesmiav mmaortsing at 6 oclock tIme tiemmoamel stood at -em-n en Bmoekhyn Ilighsts, auth tins Imsursj~y unounine it xxas 70 low-cr don-n still. P Oi50in55 front time city megiosme of tIme Nnorthwest say they exptttence k e scm 1eusation of cmdd in Ness Ynrhc city n-iris thin thetmometer at zero than in St. Paul, Mitsui., inst fiV Il~I I A am1 . in-mm CALmrOmts-mA.J. Cd. Cite-son, wiititmg dons Sn F.aacmsco, bestows mupoms its the fohioxsimsg imappy corn ommt5se~t If time editors of thine ScmEeuTmrue Aatsemtt- c..e mayo enjoycti mime pi-oduction of time insexv set-ice Imalf a nunet as time machers have hmeti pleasure and instruction from its pet tinsal, it can no longer be said that the cdi ton-si chines u cushminned xvitlm timortas. TIne xemx idea. ninutut be cor-moeted OOsoiett. 21 NI3W RAILROAD JOINT AND ~Pi1~~2. THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. NEW METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AMMONIA. We reprint from the Journal of the Society qf Arts, (London) the following able article, which was written by Mr. Alex. Williams, and discusses a subject of great consequence to our country. If we could obtain cheap ammonia, guano would very soon fall in price, as it is the principal fertilizing ingredient in it: The importance of ammonia and its sister compound, nitric acid, in an agricultural point of view, as forming probably the chief sources whence the nitrogen of plants is obtained, and the high commercial price of compounds containing either of these substances, have led practical chemists to look upon any new method of obtaining them as one of the great desiderata of the day. The atmosphere, with its water, contains the elements necessary for the formation both of ammonia and nitric acid, and during the passage of electricity both are formed; but so far as our present knowledge extends,and from a long series of experiments on the subject, I am led to believe that it will be sou~e time ere the Societys premium will be claimed for the production of am- monia or nitric acid Jroaz their elements, by methods which would admit of practicc.l application. After having been engaged for many years in experi- ments on this subject, I have arrived at the conclusion that., except under peculiar circumstances, nitrogen and hydrogen in their gaseous or elementary state will not combine together in sufficient quantities to be commer- cially available. To make them unite in any quantity it is necessary that the nitrogen should, in its nascent state, be brought in contact with the hydrogen, when union will take place, but this combination is much more readily effected if both be in their nascent state. To obtain nascent nitrogen it is. of course, necessary to decompose one of its compounds, and thus far I had only arrived at the same conclusion as every one else. The ot~ject of this paper is to direct attention to a bye- product of one of our most important chemical manufac- tories, which is exactly adapted to our purpose. The animal and vegetable kingdoms have been so thor- oughly searched by the shoals of manure manufacturers ~.f this and other countries, that the discovery of any 110w nitrogen compound in these kingdoms seems to be altogether improbable; one is therefore naturally led to the mineral kingdom, and our ideas as naturally become fixed on nitrate of soda as the cheapest source. It has been known for years that nitric acid, or other com- pounds of nitrogen and oxygen, could be converted into ammonia, and therefore the use of a nitrate would pre- sent no novelty; but if we can obtain the nascent nitro- gen from nitrate of soda as a bye-product, we shall have made a grand step towards facilitating the manufacture of ammonia. This, I believe, I have accomplished. Of the thou- sands of tuns of nitrate soda annually imported into this country, I have been told, on good authority, that about half is used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid. it is well known that sulphuric acid is usually manufactured in a large leaden chamber having attached to it a burner where sulphur is kept constantly burning, by which it is converted into sulphurous acid. The great difficulty Of the manufacture is to give another atom of oxygen to this sulphurous acid (S 02 ) to convert it into sulphuric acid (S O~ ), and it is for this purpose that the nitrate of soda (cubic nitre) is used, and usually in the following manner One or more movable iron pots are placed in the burner, Into each of these pots is put, as often as required, a few pounds of nitrate of soda, and ~vith a sufficient quantity of sulphuric acid to decompose it Sulphate of soda (salt cake) remains in the pot, ~vhilst nitric acid and probably other compounds of nitrogen and oxygen pass with the sulphurous acid into the leaden chamber. The sulphurous acid ( 5 02 ) gains an ad- ditional atom of oxygen from the nitrogen compounds, and becomes converted into sulphuric acid( 5 0~ ) which, with water afforded by steam jet or otherwise, condenses as a liquid at the bottom of the chamber, ~vhilst a quan- tity of gas escapes. Such is a rough sketch of the first part of the process usually adopted for making sulphuric acid or oil of vitri- ol, and the gas which escapes from the vitriol chamber must now be the sul~ject of our inquiry, On referring to Dr. Ure, our great authority on manu- facturing chemistry, I found that he asserts that in a pro- perly working chamber nothing hut nitrogen gas should escape; in fact, that the whole of the oxygen should be taken up, and that the nitrogen should be reduced to its elementary condition. This, although the generally re- ceived opinion of the manufacturing chemists of the pres- ent day, appeared to me fallacious; as, on considering theaffinities, I did not think it probable that suiphurous acid, although it is known to form a compound with ni- tric oxyd. ( N 02 ), should, under the circumstances oc- curring in the vitriol chambers, be able to decompose it. Experiments were immediately instituted to ascertain the truth, and they led to the knowledge of the fact that a chemical compound of nitrogen and oxygen was escap- ing, and not free nitrogen. What particular compound of nitrogen and oxygen it is has not been ascertained, as the fact of its being a chemical compound was sufficient for the purpose intended,viz., of applying this waste pro- duct for the manufacture of ammonia. At the commencement of the year 1856, I transferred a portion of the gases escaping from a vitriol chamber to my own laboratory, and there and then succeeded in con- verting them into ammonia. This was an important step, but I did not feel satisfied until I had tried the process on a large scale; therefore, in November in the same year, an arrangement was en- tered into, for this purpose, with Messrs. Lewis and Pol- lard, of Pontarda~ve Vitriol Works, whose kind assistance in the matter I take this opportunity of acknowledging. The apparatus fitted-up ~vas of the following descrip- tion :A furnace was built above the exit tube of one of their vitriol chambers, and a brick gas retort, about 14 inches in diameter, 8 feet long, and open at both ends, was passed through its whole length. This retort was filled with charcoal, and kept at a red heat; the exit tube of the chamber, and a steam jet to supply the hy- drogen, ivere attached to one end, whilst to the other end was fixed an upright leaden cylinder filled with coke, and moistened with diluted sulphuric acid. On pass- ing the waste gases and steam through the retort contain- ing red hot charcoal, both were decomposed, the oxygen of each uniting with the charcoal to form carbonic acid (C 02); the nitrogen and hydrogen combining to form ammonia (N 1-14 0, or, without water, N H~ ); then to- gether, probably forming carbonate of ammonia (N H4 Oi C 02 ) which was again decomposed by diluted sulphuric acid, the sulphate of ammonia being found re- maining in solution. This solution was then evaporated, and in July, 1857, I first had the pleasure of obtaining any quantity of crystals of sulphate of ammonia, by this process, from a vitriol chamber in actual work. It was the intention at that time to have secured the invention by patent, and therefore, when the above com- paratively rough result had been obtained, the further prosecution of the experiments to ascertain yield, & c., was not proceeded with, lest the process should become public. Several circumstances have since prevented their renewal. I therefore merely wish t.o offer the process, as it is, to those interested in the mrtter, hoping some one else may apply it more profitably than I have, and feel- ing sure thatas there seems no reason why it should not be successfully carried outit will be the means of advancing the arts, manufactures, and commerce of this country, by increasing the supply of one of our most valuable fertilizers. Perhaps it may be thought that the process is only adapted to such gases as escape directly from the cham- ber, and that, if any of the late improvements as coke cylinders, & c., be used, it cannot be applied; but provid- ed the assertion be correct that suiphurous acid is incapa ble of reducing compounds of nitrogen and oxygen to their elementary state, then the process will be available after all of these improvements have been carried out, and not only to the waste gases, but also, by a slight modification, to any nitrogen compounds that may have been absorbed by the dilute sulphuric acid, and be given off in its evaporation, so that really a very minute por- tion only of the nitrogen contained in the nitrate of soda need be lost. With regard to the quantity obtainable by these means, I have not as yet been able to ascertain with certainty the amount of nitrate of soda imported, but, as already stated, it appears probable that about half of the whole quantity arriving in this country is used in the manufac- ture of the oil of vitriol, or sulphuric acid. Now, every thousand tons of this cubic nitre, allowing 10 per cent. for impurities, would, if the whole of its nitrogen were converted into chloride of mmonia (N 114 0), yield about 565 tuns of this substance, which, at 30 per tt.n, would be worth nearly 17,000, and there are, doubtless, many thousands of tune of ntirate of soda used by the vitriol makers of this country. Although these figures give, of course, no approxima- tion to the practical yield likely to be afibrded by this process, yet they enable us to form a very good idea of the enormous amount of valuable material daily wasted. The process suggested, or some modification cf it, may render this waste unnecessary, and thus save the pocket of the manufacturer and at the same time bene- fit the public. RECIPES FOR MAKING FANCY INKS. The following are a few recipes for making uncommon inks, which may be used by fancy writers; and as they are not to be found on sale, they must be very useful to some of our readers: Gold inkMosaic gold, 2 parts; gum arabic, 1 part; are rubbed up with water until reduced to a proper con- dition. Silver Ink. Triturate in a mortar equal parts of sil- ver foil and sulphate of potassa, until reduced to a fine powder; then wash out the salt, and mix the residue with a musilage of equal parts of gum arabic and water. Brown InkDigest powdered catechu, 4 parts, with water, 60 parts, for some hours; filter and add sufficient of a solution of biebromate of potassa, 1 part in 16 of water. Yellow Jak.Macerate gamboge, 1 p. rt (or 1k); alum, ~ part; gum arabic, 1 part, in acetic acid, 1 part; and water, 24 parts. Blue Ink.Triturate best Prussian blue, 6 parIs, wifr a solution of 1 part of oxalie acid in 6 of water, and to wards the end of a quarter of an hour or so, add gre dually gum arabic, 18 parts, and water, 280. Pour of clear. Bed Inksi. Pernambuco wood, 4 parts ; alum and cream of tartar, of each, 1 part, with P0 of water ; boil down to 16 parts, let stand, pour off, filter and disscivc in the liquid gum arabic, 1~ parts, white sugar, 1 part. 2. Digest powdered cochineal, 8 parts, and sal tartar. 16 parts in 144 of water,, for. 24 hours. Then boil up with powdered (potash) alum, 4 parts, and add 24 of cream of tartar, with 3 parts of tartaric acid, and when effervescence has ceased, another part of the acid, or enough to produce the color. Let cool, filter, and boil the residue on the filter with 1 2 parts of water; filter again, mix the liquids and dissolve in them 24 parts of gum arabic, and lastly 1 part of oil of cloves. No iron 3 vessels must be used in this process. 3. Digest powdered cochineal, 16 parts; oxahic acid, 2 parts; dilute acetic acid, 80 parts; distilled water, 40 parts for 36 hours. Then add powdered alum, 1 part; gum arabic, 1 to 10, shake up, let stand for 12 hours and strain. 4. Dissolve 1 part of cartoine in 8 to 10 parts of aqua ammonia, and add mucilage of gain arabic sufficient to reduce it properly. Violet Ink.8 parts of logwood and 64 parts of water; boil down to onc-lsalf~ then strain and add 1 part of chloride of tin. Green Inksi. Digest 1 part of gamboge with from 7 to 10 parts of the blue ink. 2. To powdered hiebromate of potassa, 8 parts, con- tained in a porcelain dish, add oil of vitriol, 8 parts, previously diluted ~vith 64 of water; then heat and while evaporating add gradually 24 parts of alcohol, and re- duce to 56 parts, which filter, and in the clear liqttid dis- solve 8 parts of gum arabic. Crimson InkA beautiful crimson ink is made by mixing red ink, No. 1, with the violet ink; about equal parts will answer. The parts given are those of weight, not measure. The mucilage of gum arabic prevents the fine particles of color falling to the bottom in the form of a sedhoent. Sugar gives to inks a glossy appearance, but very little of it should be used, as it is liable to make the ink sticky. Owx advertising page exhibits, every week, a te she and first-class testimonial to the excellence of Me. srs. Hoard & Wiggins celebrated Steam Trap Valve and we are informed that dozens f commcpdatory letters are receive weekly by that firm. 22 CIRCULATION OP GOVERNMENT BOOKS. Hon. John B. Alley, who represents the Sixth Con- ecessional district of Massachusetts, has poblished the following card addressed to his constituents: I have rcceivcd many letters from persons in my dis- trict, asking me to for~vard to them Patent Office Reports and other public doenments. In order that all may un- derstand the reason that they are not furnished, as de- sired, I wonid state, in the first place, that all the puhlic documents issued prior to the commencement of the present session of Congress were sent to my predecessor, whieh he had a legal right to claim. There will he hut cry few more issued before July or August next. In the second place, I am opposed to this whole system of distributing these Congressional works to private individ sals. They arc laroduced at nn enormous expense to the government. The cost of printing and stationery for Congress, the last six years, amounts to the incredible sum of more than five millions of dollars. Each mem- her of the last Congress received over 2,500 copies of hooks, costing the government nearly as much as the amount of their whole salaries. The customary dis- position of documents heretofore, in sending to partisan favorites, personal friends, and relatives, is, in myjudg- ment a l)ervclsion of the avowed objects of the act ref distribution; and my vote and influence shall never be wanting to reduce appropria ions for this purpose. I propose, in order to carry out the design and secure the Olijects for which the power of distribution is given to nacachers of Congress, to send to every newspaper in my rThstrict a copy of everything issued by Congress, as these works are of such a character generally that every cdi- to], whose business it is to enlighten tho public, finds them valuable as works of reference; also to all public libraries, where such works ought always to he found also to agrcuitural societies or farmers clubs, and to the reeveral cities and towns in proportion to the number of inhabitants in each, to be placed at the public archives, where they will be accessible to all who choose to peruse them. In this way the whole people will be served, as they ought to be in such a matter as this, without per end favor or distinction of party. AMOUNT OF TANNING IN SOME MATE- RIALS. The following table we have taken from the Irish .Agncultloel Review, whose editor is an excellent chemist. The names, Mulli~au and Dowling, are those of two chemical students belonging to the Museum of Irish In- dustry in Dublin. Their analysis is quite recent, and V be very interesting and useful Per cent. Oak bark formation, 105 years old 5 Ii young ~3:itish, 50 year~ old 0 91) age about iS ear~ S Pt 70 yeoo C 1 Southampo, ace n2ht al y, 0 80 coppice, iecked eatilIli 19 35 Irish, pickd earn le Ia yr e 50 Oak, CU ,white inner hart Oak. em, white inner bark 1~ I) Oak, yennr . colored or mu1 11e be 1 .~ ~() entire hark.. 05 spring cut bai Oak hark, Belgian paper bye cop p el 10 74 light Eochurgh 10 Manosa eark Munoos hark 31 51 Willow l)ark Loire ter, white je are, balk 15 10) cold or juiddlg brk 7 if) entire ark 6 0) weeping eS 40 Larch hark Larch bark 5 go Cork tree hork P 16 Hemlock birk 17.92 Divi-Dri 29.00 l.)ivll)ivi . Valonma Smyne t470 Merabolamno opt Shumac .19.35 Pale2ino 04:37 PaIrmo 16.20 Mv~ara 1(1.41) Crolina 5.00 ~ irginion 30.00 (ip.hechr Domloag, light coloc 6.32 V 1e,Yi, Slomhae, light color 55.01) Pege, dark brown cole 43.83 honed HOP to our tanners: Authority. Cr. Muller. Cr. Muller. Mulligan saIl Dowliag. Melli3an and l)owling. Mulligan and l)owling. Mulligan and Dowling. Mulligan md Dowliug. Mulligan and Dowitag. Cadet do Gassincourt. Sir I-I. Davy. Sir it. Davy. Sir ii. Davy. Sir H l)aa and Geiger. Sn H Dcxi Molliran and Dowling. Mulbren and Dowliug. Mclii an and Dowling. Cr Miillci Miilli an and Dooling. tel ei Mellon end Dowling. Sn IT Davy Sir H Dix Sn 11 Davy (idet de Goraincourt. Mull ~an and Dowling. Sr H Dave Melb~au and Dewliag. Molliasa and Dowliug. Mclii an and Dowling. G Muller Melb~an and Dowling. Miilliu- in and Dowling. Cr 7euliei Mullion and Dowling. Sn II Davy Freak (adet etc Gaso aceurt. (niet do Gariacourt. Melliran and Dowling. Sic 15 Day Mdli. in end Dowling. Sn II Davy RESIN OIL FOR STEAMERS. MEssRs. EnlToas:In your article on Oil Fuel for 8tealners (page 415, Vol. 1, new series, ScssrNTsric AsiseascAx) you appear to have given your attention to only one kind of oil, as the cheapest and best: and von overlooked what I know to be the great desideratum crude resin oil. My attention for two years past loss been turned towards its introduction for the purpose pained, the difficulty was its method of application. Crude (or first run ) resin oil can be made in New York, fliE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. alId pay the manufacturer (resin costing $1 60 for each 280 lbs.) at 10 cents per gallon. At the South, it can be made at 6 cents per gallon; tlac manufacturer retaining the naphtha, which is more valuable than the oil. The amount of carbon contained in resin oil, com- pared with that of coal oil, is much greater; it is free from the offensive smell that even the pretended deodor- ized kerosene oil will retain, and in the coldest weather it temains limped, while the crude coal oil must be cut out with a shovel, or steamed out of barrels. Coal oil is more easily treated for light, and is a better lubricator than resin oil; but the latter is used as a mixer for lubricators, for paint oils, for tanners oils wool anil lilinters oils; bitt in fact it is good only for fuel, and in that capacity it is unapproachable on account of its cheapness, amount of carbon, and not unpleasant smell, when freed from its naphtba.. In these remarks my deductions are made from pructice, not theory, and I think you will only have to start the movement in your widely-circulated and justly-appreciated journal, and let the practical men introduce it. H. H. I. Brooklyn, N. Y., Jan. 3,1860. TELEGRAPHS AND RAILROADS IN RussIARussia is making great progress. Her railroads and telegraph lilIes, whiela are tlae chief works undertaken since the ter ruination of the war with the western powers, arc cvi- clensly designed chiefly to supply a want that was greatly felt by her during the progress of Ilostilitics. There arc nosy railroads from St. Petersburgh to Moscow, 398 mile atid I0okolI 1 70, besides the short lines frena the capi- tal to Peterhoff and Pavlovsk, and that from Warsaw to Tshentokhoff, on the Russian frontier, and 25 versts beyond, the total length of which is 182 miles. Other lines are in course of construction, or projected, from Pokoff to Warsaw, 462 miles, completing the railroad communication between the capital of the empire and that of Poland; from Dunaburg to Rigs, 145 miles, to be afterwards continued to Libau, 53 miles further; and from Moscow, to Theodosia, 990 miles. Telegraphic communication already exists between St. Petersburg and Cronstadt, Abe, Liban. Kowas, Keycef and Sine- lalieropol, and between Nicholsieff and Odessa. There 14 One feature that presents a peculiar interest for the United States, namely, tIle Russian government has just given its sanction to a grand scheme for connecting St. Petersburg and Nosy York by telegraph, in New Arela- angel and Bebrings Straits, having stations at the Amoor, Irkutek, and other central points on the was-, across the vast continents of eastern Europe and Asia. The Aneerican section of the line will unite New York Ilud San Francisco. MAUVE DYEThis dye was invented by Mr. Per- kins, of Greenford Green, near London. It is prepared by taking equal proportions of sulphate of aniline and bi-chromate of potash, dissolving them in evater, mixing and allosviag them to stand for several hours. The whole is then thrown upon a filter, and the black preci- pitate which is formed is washed and dried. This black substance is then digested in coal-tar naphtha, to extract a brown resinous substance; and finally digested with alcohol to dissolve out the coloring matter, which is left behind on distilling off the spirit, as a coppery friable mass. Tlais is the dyeing agent producing all the vari- eties of purples known by the name of monte. The par- ticularity of these purples consists in the peculiar blend- ing of the red and blue of which they are constituted. These hues admit of almost infinite variation ; conse- quently, we may have many varieties of red mauve, and as many of blue mauve, and any depth of tint can be secured. The perusanence of these combinations is their strongest reeommnendation.~Longoe paper. SotTuteaN DEMAND FOIt MACHINEIIY.As one of the results of the existing excitement in the political affairs of the country cyhich now so unhappily prevails, there has sprung up from the southern States an unusual deusand for machinery of various kinds; and if northern maunfeeturers desire to make themselves known through out the South, they cannot find a more sure medium of communication than through the columns of the SoiRee- TIFIO AsmEascAss, xvhich circulates very widely in all the southern States. We have had, within a few days past, aplolications for machinery for making cotton and evoolen goods, paper, brooms, chairs sicools, bobbins, and a variety of other articles of northerie mainsfacture which are very largely consumed at the South. CeO ~15 A COLUAN OF VARIETIES. lron may be cast upon brass, so that both will be per- fectly united, by ftision. For this purpose, the brass part of the compound casting must be made with a large proportion of copper, so as to be very hard. When that part (already cast separately, and cooled before pouring the iron) is placed in its proper position in the mold, the iron may be poured in the usual insane In some of the locomotive boilers made by Mr. Allan, of the Scot- tish Central Railway, tIle fire-box is a cyhindi-ical con- tinuation of the boiler, and is wholly surrounded by a seater space, with the exception of an openiuw like a man-hole, for the admission of air to the internal grate. A cylindrical boiler, four feet in diameter, with an internal flue, has been made with welded joints through- ottt, not one rivet being used. The plates evere of 7-16 inch iron, and the boiler was tested, without leakage, to a pressure of 150 lbs. per square inch Owing to the prevalence of westerly winds and the influence of the Gulf Stream, the sycetward steamship passage betes-cen Europe and Aneerica genetally occupies about one-tenth or one-eighth more time than the eastevard passage Some of the cannon cast at Adrianople, in tile middle of the fifteenth century, were capable of throwing stone shot of 600 lbs. weight. Larger calibers, capable of throeving granite shot of 1, 200 lbs., evere afterse-ards cast. In testing a 10-inch (or 130 lb.) gun at Deal, in England, it was found that 6 lbs. oct of 32 lbs. of posy- der sc-crc blosvn out of lice gina unignited, anti that thee range evith 32 lbs. se-as less than witla 26 lbs The Ge-eat .Eosteuu steamship has cost neatly ~5,000,0O0; the company that built her got tired of expending money and sold leer for less tItan leslf her cost to a nosy cone- pany; and the stock of the new company is ness- selling for 50 edIts on the dollar In the engines of the Eac- hish steamer Thetis, the steam is expanded to 15 liners its original volunec; the boiler pressure beiseg 115 lb. per square inch, and the condensation being effected he- superficial contact. The consumpiion of coal per Incise- power, pci- heour, svas found by Professor Rankiac to he bitt 1.018 lb. ; being 230 lbs. per bomtr for 226 loot-ce- posver In thee case of a fatal brudee- eNleloolon which occurred at Toronto, Canada, in I te~i iltee eo;roteet-o jur~- stated in their serdiet, theat the inti-oductiorm cf imerits 01 Ivine, oatmeal and sal ammonia into the boilci-, for Ille pstrpose of removing the scale, bad caused the syater to foam, thereby deceiving the firemen as to tilC true scaLe- level, and thus leading to thee explosion The Winans steamer has made a ti-id trip, and is to be lengthened thus removing the propeller fione the center, as see ad- vised The latest coal-burning engines of tiac Lomedon and Southsvestern Railway, having tubes of but 22 inches (1 foot 10 inches in lengthl), Isave bust 200 square feet of tube surface. The fire-box surf~ee is 107 equare feet, besides 75 squsare feet in the combustion chamber. These engines, syitha I 5-lucIa cylinders, 21-inch sti-oke, and 6-feet 6-inch svhcels, arc understood to make aie abundance of steam, evaporating from 80 to 100 cubic feet of water per hour A remarkable proportion of evaporation to the extent of heating ens-face cmployed was reported by Daniel Gooch, in 1845. The engine ixioa, 97 square feet of fire-box surface, and 135 tubes, 2 inches diameter slid 10 feet thsree inelecs long, presenting 724 squcare feet of exterior surface, evaported 200 cubic feet of seater per hour. This is about twice the usual evapom-ation per unit of heating surface The se-idest archa of masonly nosy standing is on the line of the Washington Aqueduct. Thee aqueduct bridge os-er Cabin Johns Creek has a single grameite urell cf 224 feet span. Thee next widest masonry sicaus is that of Grosvenor Bridge, over the Dee, at Chester, thee svidtho of opening beiusg 200 feet An imichine of I in 26, on one of the Belian railnays near Liege, at fist scom-kod by stationary power, sync afterwards ss-omhred by loconee- tiyes ; but neore recently, stati oieary olegines have been again resorted to, as being the best and neost efficient. At Posen, Pi-ussia, is a ralissay, I mile 2(01 yards in lepgh, consisting of a single line of iron bars sup- ported upon colusnens, thee carriages Icing suspriederl at the sides from the axles of large ss-heels mania amour thee rails Photogi-aphie apparatus has been losverc~ to, and photographic impressions taken at, a depth of three fathoms in Weyinoutha ham-bet, Enghsied An ingot of east steel, exhibited at the Paris Exhibition of 1855, by Frederick Krupp, of Essen, Rhenish Prussia, weighed 11,030 lbs. THE .SCIENTfr It AMERICAN. ULLMANS HYGROMETER. The quantity of aqueous vapor in the atmosphere is constantly varying; evaporation from seas and lakes, and the combustion of inflammable substances are con- stantly adding to it, while the deposits of rain, snow, hail, and dew in some portions of the earth are perpet- ually removing it. In meteorological observations, it is very important to ascertain the proportion of aqueous vapor in the atmosphere at stated and frequent periods, and much ingenuity has been expended in the invention of convenient instruments for this purpose. For the use of scientific institutions Masons hy- grometer has nearly or quite super- seded all others; when carefully psotected and kept in order it oper- ates admirably, but it is expensive, does not bear low temperature, and is open to other objections. The hygrometer which we here illus- trate may probably be made as simple as any of which it is possible to conceive. There are certain plants such as the clialiajin or clmalman of Arabia, and thc gercmn~aom erodinm of this country and Europe, which have attached to the capsules of their seeds, long tail-like appen- dages of a spiral form, which tend to twist and untwist as the air in which they are placed contains more or less moisture; and the hygro- meter represented iu the annexed cuts consists simply of one of these vegetable spirals, placed in a suit- able box, and furnished with a light in dcx and a dial plate, to indicate its degree of torsion as that varies with the dampness of the air. A B (Fig. 1) is the box with the dial plate and index, I. In Fig. 2, d, is the spiral tail-like appendage of the capsule of the Arabian chahan, fastened by a bit of cement to the bottom, a, of the box, and supporting the light index, f at its upper end abeve the dial plate, b. J, j, are holes for the admission of air to the box, and 4, is a glass for protecting the index. A small collet, g, presevers the point of the capsule from displace- macnt. Dry air causes the vegetable spiral here described to twist, while moisture diminishes the torsion. It forms an exceedingly cheap and simple hygrometer; and Professors Henry of the Smithsonian Institute, Draper of tile New York University Medical College, and J. Lawrence Smith, have born testimony to its sensitiveness and reliability. The patent for this invention was issued, through the Scientific American Patent Agency, Sept. 13, 1859, and any further information in relation to it may be obtained by addressing tile inventor, Louis S. UlIman, at Columbia, Teun. IMPROVED CATCH BOLT. The object of the invention here illustrated, is to diminish tile fric- tion, wear and noise caused in shutting doors furnished with spring bolt locks or latches. To the bolt, D, the lever, C, is pivoted at a so that when tile lever, C, is forced back, it carries the bolt with it. The front convex end of the lever, C, extends a little beyond the end of the bolt, so that it, instead of the bolt, may strike the nosing in closing the door. As the door is closed and the convex end, d, of the lever is pressed against the nosing, the projection on the back of the level is forced through the slot, f in time lock, and the curved edge, c, of this projection is pressed against the edge, e, of the slot, tllus forcing back the lever, C, and with it the bolt, D. It will be seen that this pres- sure of a concave surface, accompanied by the laterally yielding motion Gf the lever, is attended with much less jar and friction than rein~ts from the ordinary bolt striking the nosing. wimen the bolt is firmly hehi from any yielding side motion. The parts are intended to be cast so as to be put together without any drilling or rivet- ing whatever. The patent for this invention was obtained through the Scientific American Patent Agency, Nov. 20, 1859, and persons desiring further information in relation to it will please address tile lilventor, William Salisbury, at Wheeling, Va. ULLMMFS I~IPROVEfl HYGRO~IETER, PHILADELPHIA-BUILT WAR STEAMERS. The Philadelphia people claim to be the best builders of war steamers in tlle country. The Philadelphia ledger, of the 29th ult., says: It is a matter which we can refer to without laying ourselves open to the im- putation of boasting, that the Philadelphia Navy Yard builds the best and most efficient vessels of war of any naval station in the country. The Wa& asls is a splendid SALISBU~YS IR~PROV~D CATCH BOLT. success, wilile the Niaqerc, built at New York, under George Steers direction. is a miserable failure. The Minnesota, built at one of the southern ports, has the dry rot already. The Lancaster, another of our steamers. has just shown herself to be a fast sailer. The German towa, built Imeme, beats all the sloops-of-war of time same class in the navy. The Powaee is another fimle steamer built here, wilich will soon add to time fame of her con- structor. Time Iroquois, built at New York, has just made liar trial trip, and, ~vimh only a portion of her armament, is described as a wet boat, and stron0ly inclined to roll, and it is a question whether or not her armament is too heavy, and calculated to weaken her amidslsip~, and make her top-heavy with tee munch metal. As con- firmatory news in this opinion, the steam sloop-of-war Yaroqanset. Juilt et Norfolk. returned froul a second trial trip on the 28th nIt., and it was telegraphed to this city that her performances were very unsatisfactory. It is said that she was thoroughly tested, and competent officers were on board. Her machinery was defective, and the greatest speed attained was 7~ knots an hour. DURABILITY OF AMERICAN SHIPS. In connection with this subject, we have received a pamphlet from Mr. Donald McKay, the eminent shipbuilder in Boston, who has just returned from Europe, and who, while in England, has been endeavoring to remove the prejudices of the ruling merchants in that country regarding the dura- bility and strength of American- built timber vessels. The ruling merchants, who exercise great in- fluence in regard to the character of ships in England, are those who form Lloyds Committee. These Ilave entertained the notion that ships built of American timber such as live oak, white oak and pitch pineare inferior in durability, efficiency and safety to those built of English oak. Mr. McKays pampiller, which is extracted from the manuscript of a work on naval architecture he is about to publish, contains statistics relating to the durability of American vessels, which prove conclusively that they are at least equal in durability to En0lish vessels, aud it is well known they are superior in many respectsspeed being an important one. Of the age of our war yes els 9 line-of-battle ships average 38~ years; S frigates have been in service for 26 years; 19 sloops 22; 4 brigs 20; 9 steamers 14~ years. Live oak is used ex- clusively for tile frames of our war ships, and it is con- sidered by all naval men to be almost imperishable. The tensile strengths of American white oak is 11,501 lbs. per square inch; that of English oak 10,224 lbs.; the transverse strength of the former oak is 1699 lbs. that of the latter 1629 lbs. The American oak is lighter than the British and yet it is stronger. Of 102 of our merellant ships tileir average age i~ 24 years; of 40 barks 25k; of 54 brigs 25 years; and of 12 steamers 1S~ years. The term assigned as to the aver- age duration of Britisil war ships is 15 years, after which they require complete and extensive repairs. Mr. McKay considers that the navy of England cannot present such satisfactory results of durability as the American one, and he undoubt- edly is correct. A very general opinion prevails that American-built ships are not so strong as the British. This is very erroneous and should be corrected. Our ships are in general veiny muds stronger than tile Emiglish tiumber 5l11p5 of the same class, and Britisht merchants concede this. Some of the best ships, now in the British mercantile navy, were built in the United States. TIme colonies of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. also built some splendid ships for ~n~lh a ad Scotch mar- chants. About one-third of the roof of the Union Railroad depot fell at Troy, N. Y., on the morning of the 30th ult. The cause of tile accidemet was time contraction of the iron chords of the arch by the intense cold. This depot is the largest in our country we believe. Time suspension bridge over the Dordogne, at Cnbzac near Bordeaux, has five spans of 400 feet each, 125 feet above high water. Thmere are also 2,000 feet of stone arcades amid embankments on each side. nmaking the entire length of the structure 6,000 feet. 24 C THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. ~dcntific ~n~evican+ I4TJNN & COMPANY, Editors and Proprietors. PUBLISHED WEEKLY At No. 37 Park-row (Park Building), New York. 0. D. MUNN, S. IL WALES. A. E. BEACH. TERMSTwo Dollars per aunum.One Dollar in advance, audthe remainder in cix months. Single copies of the paper are on sale at the olhce of publication. and at all the periodical stoics in the Uuited Stales aud Canada. Sampson Low, Son & Co., theAmerican Booksellers, No. 47 Ludgate lull, london En land, are the British Agente to receive subscrip- tions for the ~cIE5TWiC AMEinCAN. l~ See Prospectus on last page. No Traveling Agents employed. VOL. II., No. 2 [NEW SERIES.] Fsfteenth Y& ss. NEW YORK, SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 1860. STEAM ENGINEERING IN 1860. HERE is no subject of greater importance to the comulercial, manufacturing and engincering community, than that of saving ~ fuel. That man who makes one pound of coal do the work of two, in driving machiiiery, is _ equally as great a benefactor as he who has made two ears of grain come forth from ground where osly one ~vas raised before. This asser- tion is more especially true as it relates to steam- ships, because every tun of coal saved in one of these is not only a direct gain, but affords a double benefit, as it also permits, in the same proportion, a ga.: In carrying payable cargo. Thus, in a voyage from New X o~k to Liverpool, it requires 100 tuBs of coal per diem for tile largest steamers; BOW, if tllis amount were reduced one half, and the same speed and power maintained in the engines, a saving of $2,000 for coal at $4 per tunwould be secured in ten days, besides a paying cargo of 500 tuns added to the profits. This sin,,le example will show the immense benefits resulting from the saving of fuel. But some persons appear to have considered the steam engine perfected; hence they have sought to obtain other and more economical motors to supersede it. Again and again we have called attention to the fact that most steam engines did not give out more than about one-fourth of the power in the fuel which was consumed to drive them; and while this was the case, there was vast room for improvement. We are happy to say that very great improvements have been chronicled during the past year, and we commence 1860 with a decided advance in steam engineering. On page 125, Vol. XIV. (old series) of the ScIENTIFIc AMERICAN, we earnestly invited the attention of marine engineers to the performances of steamers belonging to a British company running between Valparaiso and Panama; and we stated that they were doing as much dnty as most other steamers of the same capacity and power, with one half the amount of fuel. During the year 1859, more facts have come to light regarding these vessels Three steamSllips on tllis route, named the 6~allao, Lisna and Bogota, each 245 feet long, 30 feet broad and 23 feet deeppretty large vesselswere originally fitted with the first-class ordinary lnarine engines. With these they used to consume 1,150 tons of coal per round trip and as coals cost 10 per tun in that region, it was a question of vital importance to decrease tile amount and still maintain the same power and speed. This was undertaken by Messrs. Elder & Randolph, engineers, of Glasgow, by removing the old engines and replacing them with new and highly expanding ones. These are peculiar and deserve a short description: Each engine has two cylinders; one is small, of 25 inches diameter, and receives the steam first at 42 lbs. pressure, which is cut off at one-third of the stroke and is allowed to expand to three times its volume; then it exhausts into a large cylinder of three times its capacity, and is thus expanded to nine times its volume; becoming gradually reduced in pressure to 4 2-3 lbs. before it ex- hausts into the condenser. With this class of engines these vessels now use only one-half the fuel they formerly consumed, and yet maintain the same power. The cyl- inders of the engines have jackets, and the small cylinder especially is kept at a temperature (on the outside) of 4000 Fnh by superheated steam, so as to prevent any condensation in the inside. The eduction valve of the small cylinder also answers for the induction to the large cylinder; each is of five feet stroke. The educ- tion port remains open during the entire stroke of the piston, thus giving free egress to the steam. We have no marine engines of this character in any of our steamers or river boats, in fact, we have paid too little attention to the saving of fuel, and there are some engineers who contend that no saving can be effected by high expansion. Either one or two of our old North river l)oats were fitted with Woolfes double cylinders; and we believe that no gain was experienced in them over single cylinders of large capacity for expansion; but our engineers must try steam jackets and superheated steam, in 1860 and see what ne~v results they will secure. Another great saving in fuel has also been effected in the use of combined saturated and superheated steam, according to the patent of the Messrs. Wethered, of Bal- timore, Md., which was illustrated on page 45, Vol. X. (old series) of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. This system has been applied to the British royal mail steamship Aeon, running from Southampton to Brazil, and ~vith such success that the company report a saving of 30 per cent in fuel. This steamer has now run 125,000 miles with the superheating apparatus on board, and the tubes are nearly as good to-day as when first put in. Several of the steamships of the British navy have also had this system applied to them, and it has given satisfac- tion It has now engaged so much favorable attention in England that one of the firm finds it necessary to remain constantly in that country. On the continent of Europe, also, several steamboats running on the Danube now use the Wethered system of steam; and yet it is remarkable that, while this improvement is extending in the Old World, and is very favorably regarded there, it is but little known at home. One of the large steamboats on the Chesapeake Bay is now being fitted-up with this arrangement; but this is the only application of it (known to us) upon a scale worthy of consideration in our country. The ill-fated Arctic, of the Collins line, ~vas provided with such an arrangement; but it proved a failure on account of mechanical difficulties in the appli- cotioss, not in the principle. These facts are all worthy of the attention of our engineers in 1860; and afford matter for discussion and consideration in commencing tIle year. It is no uncommon thing to find our steam- ships and river boats consuming from three to seven pounds of coal per horse-power, per hour; with proper appliances, they should not use more than two pounds to do the same work. With the use of the Blanchard com- bustion system in the furnacesillustrated on page 412, Vol. XIII. (old series) of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN superheated steam, high expansion and steam jackets, the amount of coal hourly consumed may yet be reduced to only one pound per horse-power in our steamboats and ships; the year 1860 should at least make consider- able strides towards the attainment of such a result. AN IMMENSE YEARS BUSINESS! In our last number we announced that we had asso- ciated with us the lion. Judge iifasosc, of Iowa, the late Gonioiissioner of Patents~ and we stated that, on the first day of January, 1860, we found ourselves conduct- ing the most extensive and best arranged agency in the world for the procuration of Letters Patent. This fact will be made perfectly clear by the use of a few figures. During the year 1859 there issued from the Patent Office (according to the list of patents published in tile SCIEN- TIFIC AMERICAN from week to week) about four thousand, one hundred and seventy-five Letters Patent. Of this number fourteen hundred acid fortg were granted to the clients of die Scientific American Patent Agency, or more than one-third of the whole! If this large number of patents issued to our clients is substracted from the whole number granted, the remainder shows that only twenty-seven hundred patents are left to be divided among the otlaer (at least) three hundred patent agents located in the various cities and towns of the United Statesan average of less than tesi patents each during the whole year! The vast amount of business done by the firm of MUNN & COMPANY iS a sure indication that the inventors of the country well understand where they can look for the greatest skill, fidelity and vigor in the prosecution of their cases before the Patent Office. Of course, we should not expect, under the most thorough and complete system that human ingenuity could devise, to secure patents for evesy application that we are called upon to make; neither do we expect, as long as we do business of any kind whatsoever, to please everybody; but there is one fact which is well understood by all who know any- thing about such matters, namely, that tile Scien- tific American Patent Agency ~vill not allow any one of the cases of its multitudinous clients to fail for want of careful preparation and prosecution. Whenever an in- vention contains any patentable novelty at all, we are boundif the applicant desires itto insist upon its recognition by the august funetienaries of the Patent Office; and if we cannot secure the rights of our clients before that bureau, we have the facilities to obtain those rights elsewhere. We are happy to state that the officers of the Patent Office, from Commissioner Bishop down. wards (~vith few exceptions), realize the truth that that important department was established to foster inventive genius and to encourage inventors to seek its protection. The recognized ability of Jlldge Mason, and the high character which he sustained as an able and faithful Commissioner of Patents, together with our own experi- ence of nearlyffteesi years in the examination of inven- tions and the preparation of all kinds of patent documents, combine to render tile Scientific American Patent Agency as thorough and complete as it can possibly be made, unless, indeed, the whole Patent Office itself should be turned into our lap! EXTENSION OF AN IMPORTANT PATENT. The Commissioner of Patents has granted an exten- sion, for seven years, of the patent issued on Dec. 20, 1845, to Calvin B. Rogers, of Saybrook, Conn., for an im- provement in machinery for dressing combs. The inven- tion was chiefly intended for the manufacture of fine toothed ivory combs; but it is adapted to the cutting of almost any material. It appeared from the testimony that, prior to Rogers invention, the ii blanks or bits of ivory of which the comb was to be made were fashioned into proper form almost exclusively by hand; and that a good workman was enabled to dress about 600 blanks per day. The workman was compelled to hold each bit of ivory sepa- rately against tile cutting tool, and to depend upon his eye for the form given. The hand-dressed blanks were of course wanting in uniformity to a greater or less ex- tent. In the use of Rogers machine the blanks in large quantities are put into a sort of hopper, and the appara- tus is set in motion by steam or other power. The blanks are automatically taken from the hopper and presenfed to the various cutting tools, and dressed, beveled and de- livered from the machine in a finished condition, at the rate of about 3,000 blanks per diem. The pieces thus dressed are all beveled and finished with the utmost cx- actitude and nicety The evidence farther showed that about 400,000 dozens of combs of the above character are annually made in this country; and that a single workman with five of Rogers machines would be able to supply the entire trade. Mr. Rogers appears to have been the first person who ever invented self-acting machinery for comb dressing. It is but just that he should receive an extension of his patent, and we trust that, through it, he and his as- signees will be abundantly rewarded for his ingenuity. His discovery is a public benefit. The extension was obtained through tile Scientific American Patent Agency. BOUND VOLUMES OF THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. We are now prepared to furnish bound volumes (I., new series) in any quantity that may be desired. The vol. nine is composed of 420 pages, between two and three hundred original engravings, and is bound in handsome style with illuminated gilt sides. Price $1.50. They may be had of most of the booksellers and periodical dealers in the country. We believe it is the cheapest book pubhishled and sold this season. TREATING FuRs.Whdu furs have been laid away for some months they acquire an old squeezed appearance which may be remedied in a great measure as follows: Warm some new bran or fine sawdust in a pan, but do not let it burn; then rub it thoroughly into the fur with the hand. Repeat this two or three times; then shlake and brusll th~ fur until free from dust. 25 THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. WEEKLY SUMMARY OF INVENTIONS. The following inventions are among the most useful improvements patented this week. For the claims to these inventions the reader is referred to the official list on another page: SUGAR rRocESS. This invention and improvement in furnaces for evapor- ating the juices of sugar cane consists in arranging in the front end of the furnace a vertical boiler which serves as a steam boiler to generate steam for the machinery employed in the crushing of the cane, and to construct this vertical boiler, so that the cane trash or bagasse may be fed down through the center and be supplied to the fire in a state fit for combustion, so that the bagasse may be used directly from the crushing mill as a suitable fnel. It further consists in combining with the vertical boiler a horizontal con centrating boiler of a peculiar shape, and surrounded ~vith a water jacket, the water communicating with and receiving its heat from the ver- tical boiler, this boiler being divided into separate com- partments by portable partitions. The patentee of this iavention is Eugene Duchamp of St. Martinsville, La. WATCHES & C. This invention consists ia controlling the active length of the pendulous spring or, as it is generally termed, the hair spring of a watch or other time-keeper, governed by a balance, by means of combined lamin~ of brass and steel, or other metals which expand and contract differently with the same changes of temperature, so applied to that end of the said spring which has hereto- fore been fixed, as by their expansion and contraction to cause the said spring so be taken up through the curb pins, as it expands with an increased temperature, and to be let out as it contracts with a reduction of tempera- ture. The gredit of this contrivance is due to Henry B. James, of Trenton, N. J. VISE AND SAW-SET. The object of this invention is to combine a vise and saw-set in such a way that a very convenient tool will be obtained for facilitating the filing and setting beth of circular and straight or reciprocating saws. The inven- tion consists in attaching a sav-set to a slotted bar which is hinged to a vise and secured with an adjustable center; the parts being so arranged that when the vise is required to be used in order to hold the saw while being filed, the slotted bar is allowed to hang by the side of the vise out of the way, and when the saw-set is required for use, the bar of tile saw-set is allowed to be secured in the vise in a proper ~vorking position. The inventor of this improvement is Norman Allen, of Unionville Conn. TOBACCO ~RE55. this invention relates to certain machinery intended as a substitute for hand labor, in forming or rolling the lumps of tobacee; ~vhieh result is obtained by means of a series of rollers arranged around a large drum or cylin- der between which are interposed endless belts, and be- tween these belts the tobacco is passed and compressed and formed into a compact continuous sheet, of the pro- per thickness, which when pressed passes out from between the rollers and is cut into plugs or luuil)s of tile proper size, by rotary cutters. This patent was granted, to XValter J. Van Horn, and William Alexander of Louis- iana, Mo. GUNPOWDER. The nature of this invention consists in the employ- ment of alcohol, either pure or slightly u~lited, as a vehicle for mixing with and combining tile separate dry ingredients of which the gunpowder is composed. V. L. Maxwell, of Wilkesbarre, Pa., is the inventor. strated the possibility of crossing the oeean by steam. She was built by Hickett & Crockett, at the Novelty Iron Works, and differed much from steamships now-a- days, her wheels being unprotected by guards. IJp to 1816 a wooden model of a ship was unknown in this city, all vessels being built from designs on paper. The first model was made by Christian Burke, with the assistance of Dr. Vincent. To henry Eckford, the father of naval architecture in this country, we are in debted for that style of shipbuilding which is purely Am- erican. To Eckford and Fulton America owes a debt never to be paid. Mr. Murphy proceeded to give a sketeh of Eckfords life, from the time that he worked at a boat-builders shop, in Dover-street, at ~l.25 a day, till he died in Constantinople, in 1832. He gave to this country that naval supremacy which is acknowledged over the civilized, world. In the war of 1812, he con- tracted with the United States government to construct war sisips for the Lakes, and his fame is thus linked with that of Perry and Macdonald. The first steamship built in this country was the Glare- mont, in 1807, by Charles Brown. The speed of steam- sIlips in 1812 and 1813 may be judged of from captions in the newspapers. Here is one of them: Twenty- four hours later from Albany, with news of Gen. Scotts proceedings. Very late intelligence. Christian Burkes first essay in New York was a pilot boat, and to him is owing the race of tilat useful class of vessels. Our ferry boats we owe to II. L. Stevens and his cotemporaries. The city of Brooklyn, since 1824, has been built up by the ferry boats. It was only a village before. Its im- portance has been made by the application of steam to ferry boats. It was not unreasonable, the lecturer thought, to predict that beats would soon he built that would run 25 miles an hour. Apropos of tile Greet Eastern, Mr. Murphy considered her the saddest failure of all commercial and mechani- cal speculations, and lIe was sorry sIle was so. He Ilad reason to know tilat oar mechanics lniugled their con- demnation of 11cr with very great regret. There were many reasons why slIe must prove a failure. The time allowed for her in port would not be sufficient for her to take in freight and get a complement of passengers. A smaller vessel would make tile voyage while sile was fill- ing. SIle is also a failure in her model. Her draft of water is ten feet too many. Each cOi)ie foot of water would strike 11cr sides with a resistance of sixtyfour IlOunds. Sile is deficient in stren til, and cannot ~vork tile side ~vheels antI screw with equal speed. Tilat ir- repressible conflict opened up some interesting mecllani cal questions regarding the possible remedy. If anything could be done, it would be the taking away the screw, and applying the whole steam power to the wheels alone if; indeed, the boilers ~vcre strong enougil to resist tile pressure of the accilmulated steam. But there were still radical faults in her model wIlicIl defied all correction. A larger ship would yet be built in this country, but her keel would not be laid till it was clearly shown tilat she could be made to pay. Iron steamslmips arc not, it would appear, favorites with Mr. Murphy. XVhile usually we consume less coal in our steamships tilan either England or France do in theirs tile outfit of our vessels cannot compare with that of England. In that country the officers are retained in one ship, so tilat they get a perfect familiarity with her ; with us, too often, captain and crew come on beard together. rice lecturer glowingly eulogized the artisans and me- chanics of our ship-yards. There may be found there men of intelligence, physical endurance and steady habits, who must cllallenge admiration. Nor cvere the merchants of the country to be forgotten. Their patriot- ism and liberality in encoureging shipbuilding were great. It was to be regretted that the government of the United States had not established a school of instruction for youth in naval architecturean institution which should, in its devotion to art, he free from all imolitical influences. Nobody wilo loves art would insult the artist of tile Heart of tile Andes, or of the Greek sking ~vhat ticket they vat Slave, by a ad, or to what political body they belonged. Mr. Murphy gave an interesting account of his early connection with the ~ea. , Ilis love of tile works of Pal- AMERICAN 51111S AND SHIPBUILDING. A lecture on this important and truly interesting sub- ject was delivered at Clinton Ilall, this city, on the eve- ning of the 29th nit., by the lion. John McLeod Mur- pily, senator-elect to time State Legislature, lie said that tile salient points of American.buiit ships were safety, capacity and speed. The models of American-built ves- sels had al~vays challenged tile admiration of the world, while for speed tiley were unrivaled, lie passed a high enlogium on George Steers, one of whose plans in ship- l)uildiug was to fashion a vessel in such a manner that in case of being wrecked she would go to tile beach with caner, Dibdin aol C:spt. Bail hail and after the recite- head on, and be saved from breaking to pieces, of a nautical poem, he concluded a lectur~ wilich was listi Alluding to ocean steamers, Mr. Murphy said that in gued to with great interest, and which was continually June, 1819, the steamer Savenaalm successfully denmon- ipterrupted with great applause. MANUFACTURE OF MAMMOTH CANNON. A cannon weighing 35 tuns was successfuiiy cast at the Fort Pitt foundry, Pittsburgh, on the 23d ilit., un- der the superintendence of Lient. Rodman, of the Ord- nance Department. Tilis is stated to be the largest can- non in the world. Tile casting is fifty inches in dia- meter, and nineteen feet five inciles long. Sec-enty-cigilt thousand pounds of metal were melted for it in three reverberatory air furnaces, within four and a half ilours after the fires were lit. The furnaces were tapped in suc- cession, and the iron run in separate channels into a common reservoir, from whiell it passed into the mold the latter being filled within twenty-one minutes after the first tap. The mold was a ponderous structure, and was placed vertically in a pit prepared for the purpose. Tile gun has been named the Floyd, in compliment to the Secretary of War, whose zeal for the improvement of artillery prompted this laudable experiment in gun- nery. The model of the gun was designed by Licut. Rodman, and made under his supervision from a iinlan of which he is the inventor, for casting guns hollow, and cooiing them by circulating a stream of water through the interior of the core. The cold water enters at the top, passes down through a pipe in the center of the core, and is discharged at tile bottom of the hollow part, and then, passing up througil the core, becomes heated and is discharged at the top. It circulates a constant stream at time rate of about forty gallons per minute, and is con- tinued until the casting becomes cool. Time drawings, patterns and computations were made by Mr. N. H. Wade, junior member of the firm of Knapp, Rndd & Co. The molding and casting were conducted by Mr. J. Kayo, and Joseph Marshall melted time iron. The ease, regularity and thorough success dth which the different.processes were conducted, were astonishing, and sufficiently manifested the extra- ordinary practical skill and judgment of all concerned in the operation. PRACTICAL BENEFITS OF THE COOPER INSTITUTE. Since November 1, 1859, the first course of free instruc- tion has been in progress at the Cooper Union, tilis city~ About 2,000 pupils now participate in tile educational ad- vantages of the institution, 420 of whom are in the drawing-classes; 300 in the vocal music classes; 300 in the chemistry class; 200 in that pursuing mathematics, and 150 in that which devotes its energies to natural phi- losophy. The School of Design for women has 120 pts- pus, but a very small proportion of whom (only 12 out of 120) pay for tuition. These are the only ones in the building, moreover, who pay anything. There are lec- tures or cl~ sses every evening us tile week, free to all, upon application with certificate of good moral ellarac- ter. Tile free reading-room is ammo of the largest in tile country, including a great number of periodicais, sent free of charge, besides a subscription-list for publica- tions of this class, amounting to $1,200 per annum. All tile leading foreign and domestic journais mire received. The picture-gallery contains a large number of paintings by the old masters, inclilding an original Raphael. A large portion of the Bryan collection is temporarily in the gallery. The expenses of the institution are par- tially maintained by rents of offices and stares. The revenue from this source is, however, smaller than it should he, owing to the unfinished state of Tompkins Market, and the uncouth sheds teneporariiv erected in its stead. Mr. Cooper has authorized tile trustees to draw upon ilim for $10,000, to make up the deficit in the first years receipts. EXTRAORDINARY Titeica ItAPHING. Tilere were sent on Tuesday, 28th nit., over the ~~imes of time Atlantic and Ohio telegrapil (Morse) lines, extending between Pilila- delphia and Pittsburgll, five ilmlndred and seventy-cigilt private despatches, over five tilousand words of news for tIme Associated Press, and aic entire copy of time Presi- dents Message, containing over fifteen thousand words, to tile Pittsbcmrgil Post, and ali during the regular bmmsi- ness Ilours of the day. The Presidents Message ~vas transmitted on two-wires in five hours and fifteen mm- utes. Two thousand and eighty-three words were trans- mitted by one operatorMr. Zeigierin an homlr; Mr. Fleming, of Pittsburgh, taking it down by tile tick. Philadelphia Ledger. ____________ WATER flowing in streauls, with a velocity of 3 feet per second, moves stones the size of a hens egg. 26 THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. FOREIGN NEWS AND MARKETS. The Sheffield steel trade continues very active this is owing to the adaptation of steel to several new branches of manufacture. The casting of steel hells has become quite an extensive business. One firm in Shef- field has made 1,300 during the past six months, and some of very large dimensions are about to be cast. Steel is cheaper than regular bell-metal; and as it is much stronger, less metal is required in a bell. Kettle drnms, for the British army, are now also made of steel, and they have attained considerable success. Statistics have been collected of die destrnction caused on the. coasts of England by the hurricane which took place on the 24th of October last; and the disasters ap- pear to have been the most numerous on record There were 325 shipwrecks, and 748 lives lost. Batteries of the Armstrong breech-loading rifled can- non arc being manufactured with great rapidity No less than 30 of these gnus, some of which are of large caliber, are being sent with great despatch by the over- land route to China. It is proposed to build a monster hotel near the old London Bridge, having 250 sleeping apertments. The returns of the different railways which have their terinini at London Bridge, show that not less thnn 18, 000, 000 of persons travel annually upon those lines. This hotel, however, will not equal, in Size, some of the largest ones in New York. A farmerMr I. Cnttsin the county of Essex, England, lately opened up. for public inspection, ~ large building like a factory, for doing the inside work of the farm. There is a steam engine in it of 12-horse power, which cuts the hay and straw, grinds the meal, mixes the food for the cattle, and conveys it to the stables It also threshes the grain and drives a circular saw At the end of the building, there is a piggery and apparatus for steaming all the pig and cattle feed. The food for the animals is conveyed on iron trucks, which run on tram rails, and traverse the building. The cost of the structure and machinery amounted to 3,000 (nearly $15,000). This affords some evidence of the perfection to which indoor farming operations has attained in Eng- land. The French government Ions just opened a free school in Paris to teach the youth of both sexes the art of draw- ing and engraving on wood. One of the most eminent painters in Paris has been chosen its drawing-master. At the Gobelins factory, in Paris, there are finish- ing a series of portraits of eminent sculptors, painters and artists of the sixteenth century. They are to adorn the gallery of Apollo. at the Louvre. At all hours of the day and night there are persons in the thoroughfares of Paris who keep a record of the number and class of vehicles which pass. As the streets are macadamized, instead of being paved, the object of keeping a record of the vehicles is to ascertain the amount of wear they exert upon the streets. There has been no change in the British metal market since our last issue, excepting that pig iron was some- what more active, at former ruling prices. Cotton, in Liverpool, had been rather flat. NEW YORK MARKETS. CANnLan.Sporm, city, SOc. a 40c. per lb.; Bparni, patent, SOc.; wax, paraffine, SOc.; adamantine, city, SOc. a 21c.; stearic, 27 a 25c. COALAutliracite, $4.50 a $3; Liverpool orrel, $11; cannel, $12. CoercaRefined ingots, 23c. per lb.; sheathing, COc.; yellow metal, 20c. CoauAoE.Manilla, American made, 0~c. per lb.: Rope, Russia hemp, lIe. COTTONOrdinary, 5b~c. a 57.~c.; good ordinary, 07cc. a SOc.; mid- dling, 1l9~c. a 11%r.: good middling. 1li~c. a l2J~c.: middling fair, ll1~e. a 12%c. DOMESTIC GoonsShirtongs, brown, 50-inch, per yard, fic, a 7Ke.; shirlingo, bleached, 2(3 a 31-inch, per yard, tic, a Sc.; shirtings, bleach- ed, 30 a 34-inch, per yard, 7c. a 5~c.; sheetings, brown, 30 a 17-inch, ocr yard. 5i~c. a 8J~c.; sheetings, bleached, 30-inch, per yard, 7.~c. a SOc.; calIcoes, Or. a lie.; drihlings, bleached. 39-inch, per yard, 00c. a bc.; clothe, all wool, $1.5u a $2.54; cloths, cotton warp, SIc, a $1.37 caooinseres, Ole. a $13714; satineto, 30c. a SOc.; flannels, lIe, a 3Cc.; Canton flanuole, brown, 014c. a lIe. Dvzxvoono.Barwood, per tun, $10 a $30: Camwood, $130; Fuetic, Cuba, $35 a $30: Fusetic, Tampico, $32; Fustic, Savanilla, $10 a $20; Fustic, Maracci , $10.10 a $19; Legwood, Lagnana, $22 a 23; Log- wood, Taheoco, $21: Logwood, St. Domingo, $13 a $13.70; Logwoed, Honduras, $10 a $17; Logwood, Jam. ica, $12.50 a $33; Linaa wood, $u35 a $73; Sapan wood, $45. FLooRState, superfine brands, $5.13 a $5.20; Ohio, common brands, $3.30 a $3.33: Michigan, Indiana, WisconsIn, & c., $5.33 a $5.50; Geneses, extra brando, $3.75 a $7.50; Misseisri, $5.50 a $7.50; Canada, $5.40 a $0.50; Richmond City, $0.25 a $7.25; Rye flour, flue, $5.00 a $3.00: corn meal, $3.75. IIE.MP,American undressed, $320 a $133; dressed, from $100 a $233. Jute, $07 a $93. Italian, $273. Russian clean, $190 a $200 per tun. Manilla, 6~4c. per lb. Sisal, 5Rc. INnaA-RmsuEu.Pars, fine, SIc, per lb.; East India. SOc. Ihunoo.Beugal, $3 a $1.53 per lb.; Madras, 7Cc. a OSe.; Manlila OOc. a $1.15; Guatemala, $1 a $3.25. lEONPig, Scotch, per tun, $24 a $25; Bar, Swedes, ordinary sizes, $05 $00: Bar, English, common, $42.50 a $43; Refined, $52 a $34; Sheet, Russia, 1st quality, per lb., 113~c. a liMe.; Sheet, Eng- lish, single, double and treble, SMe. a 5%c.; Anthracite pig, $24 per inn. IvosvPer lb., $1.25 a $1.80. LATOs.Eastern, per M., $2.25. LEAD. Galena, $3.80 per 100 lbs.; German and English refined, $5.63 a $5.70; bar, sheet and pipe, SMc. a 6c. per lb. LEATSIm. Oak slaughter, light, lOc. a SOc. per lb.; Oak, medium, SOc. a SIc. : Oak, heavy, 20c. a Sic.; Oak, Ohio 29c. a Soc.: 1-Seuslock, heavy, California, SOc. a bc.; Hemlock, buff, 35c. a lOc.; Cordo- van, SOc. a 60c.; Morocco, per dozen, $10 to $20.; Patent onamn- clod, SOc. a 17c. per foot, light Sheep. morocco finisis, $7.50 a $0.50 per dozen.; Calf-skins, oak,,57c. a 60c.; Hemlock, SOc. a 60c.; lug, oak, SIc, a 54c.: Hemlock, lOc. a Sic Lnsz.Rockland, SOc. per bbl Lcxsszas.Timber, white pine, per M feet, $17.50: yellow pine, $55 a $30: oak. $10 a $23; easfern pine and spruce, $14 a $35510 White Plus, clear, $33 a $40; White Pine,select,$25 a $30; White Pine. box, $14 a $10; White Pine, flooring, 1k~ inch dressed, tongued and grooved, $24.50 a $2S: Yellow Pine, flooring, l.~ inch, dressed, tongued and grooved, $29 a $52; White Pine, Al bany boards, dressed, tongncd audgesoved, $20 a $21; Black Wal- nut, good, $45: Black Walnut, 2d quality, $30; Cherry, good, $12: White Wood, chair plank, $42; White Wood, 1 inch, $23 a $212; Spruce Flooring, 1~ inch, dseesed, tongesed and grooved, cache, 22c.a 24c.~ Spruce Boards, ISe. ai7c.; 1-lemlock Boards, 3214c. a 34c.; them- lock wall steips. 2Cc, a lic. ; Shingles, cedar, per M, $28 a $15; Shingles, cypress, $32 a $25 Staves, W. 0. pipe, light, $55 a $5; Staves, white oak, pipe, he vy, $75 a $05; Staves, white oak, pipe, culls, $30 a $35; Staves, do. hhd., heavy, $70; Staves, do. hbl. light, $30 a $35: Staves, do. bbL culls. $20; Mahogany~St.Domiugo, fine crotches, per foot, SIc, a 43c.: St. Domingo, ordinary do., bc. a 212c.; Honduras, fine, i214c. a ISe.; Mexican, lOc. a ISe. NAD.s.Cut, 514c. a 3%c. per lb.; American clinch, Sc. a ISfe.; American horse-shoe, 34-fe On,s.Ohive, Marseilles. bookets and boxes, $5.17 a $3.40; Olive, in casks, per gallon, $1.10 a $3.25; Palm, per pound, lie, a 014c.: Lin- seed, city made, 57e. a SOc. per gallon; linseed, English, 57c. a Ste.; whale, fair to prime, 40c. a SIc.; wheels, bleached SOc. a 00c.; seems, crude, $1.35 a $140; sperm, nubleached wintem-, $141; lard oil, No. 1. winter, 0714c. a 0212fc.; red oil, city distilled, SSc.; Wadsworths refined rosin, SOc. a 40c.; Wadsworths boiled oil for painting, lIe. a 40c.: Wadsworths tanners improved and extre, SOc. a 4Cc.; Wads- worths machinery, Sic, a $1; camphene, 45c. a 47c.: fluid, 5-ic. a SOc. PAmesTs-Litharge, American, 7c. per lb.; lead, red, Ames-icon, 7c.: healS, white, Ames-icon. pesre, in oil, Sc.; lead, white, Anserican, pure, dry, 714c.: zinc, white, American, dry, No. 1, Sc.; zinc, arhite, Frencla, dry, 7Mc.: zinc, white, Fe-ench, in oil, 014c.: ochee, groused iu oil, 4c a tic.: Spanish brown, ground in oil, 4c.: Paris wlelte, Aneesican, 7Cc. a SOc. ocr 500 lbs.; vermihhion, Chinese, $11214 a $1.22; Venetian red, N. C., $1.75 a $2.25 per ewt.; ebalk, $4 per inn. PLAsa~ea.om-1aAacs,~Blne Nova Scotia. $2.75 per tssn; white,$3.S0; calcined, $1.20 per bbh. ReamCommon, $1.00 7 per 510 lbs.: strained, No. 2, & c., $1.00 a $1.71): No. 1, oee~ 280 lbs. $1.75 a $2.50; a hits, $2.50 a $3: pale, $5 a $5.50. SOAPBlown, ocr pound, Sc. a Sc.; Castile, t14c. a lie.: Chemical olive. 7c. a 77fc. Scmn.xza plates, SMe. a SI-fe. per lb. STuiEcEnghish cast, 14c. a lOc. per lb.; German, 7c. a SOc.; Amos- erican spring, Sc. a 515c.; American blister, 414c. a SMe. SuMAcSicily, $00 a $00 per tun. TALLowAmerican prime, 1C14c. per lb. TusBanca. SIc.: Straits, Sic.; plates. $0.25 a $5.50, perbe.. WornAmerican, Saxony fleece, per lb., 55c. a 60c.; American full blood merino, 4 - a SIc.: extra, pulled, 45c. a Soc.; superfine, pulled, 71c. a 43c.; California, fine, unwashed, 24c. a SIc.; California, com- mon, unwashed, SOc. a iSe.: Mexican, unwashed, lie, a 14c. ZuecSheets, 7c. a 75-fe. per lb. Thee foregoing rates indicate the state of the New York markets up to December 20th. There has been very little change in the markets dimr- ing the past -week; all kinds of manufacture and user- chandize are in a, state of inactivity, but this is usually the case during the last months of the year. There is a good demand for furs of all descriptions. Capes are enlarged in tlseir dimensions this winter, and ftshl robes of fur, such as are worn by the ladies of Rus- sia, are becoming more common. Otter skins arc sellinh at from $3.50 to $5.50 each; tlsose of the black and she silver fox, from $50 to p50; the dark martems, t35 to $6; the dark nuinlc, ~250 to $3; the beaver, ~91.2O; and the skin of the black bear, for sleighs robes; from ~6 to $8. There has been a steady demand for hemlock sole, and a fuertlser advance has been obtained on all descrip- tions of leather. Oak solo continues in fair inquily, svithsoilt variation in prices. No less than $39,975,750 arrived from California last year, being an increase of $3, 790,406 over the s-ear pre- vious. TIse latest mining news frous Cehifom-nia is heigisly favorable, and promises well foe thee geld crop and re- cently-discovered dIves crop. So, Moo, the gold news from Osegon represents everyslsiseg ise theat qtearter i54 a flourishing condition. The cotton exports this season Is. ye beems 902,000 bales, against 729,000 bales of last season. Thee best qulahities of cotton are rather scarce in the trearkes. RANDS IILOLTR MILLSeine luOlStlls lgO, we solicited a patent for Chsmietopher Rand, of Peoria, Ill., on a flour null constructed on an engenoceis aesd 1505-el plan; an-I, if the statements are trtee, it Ions l4rovcd one ofthe most s-al- usable improvements ever made in flour and grain mills. The stones are made in thse form of risegs so Cheat thee whole of the grinding surface has a mucle more neam-hy uniform speed than in thee usual plan. A radial fan is placed within the rings, whiche blows CIsc flour out froas between the stones as it becomes sufficiently fine; thus relieving it from the contiesusal action of thoc stones, as-heichi tends to heat it and constemos power teselessly. rho upper stationary stone is hung upon universal joints, which secures a perfect adjustment of Chic faces and hceeps tlsem in tram. [Reported Officially for tho Scaeaorirac AsuboacAze.] * Pamphlets civin fell pam-ticuslars of ties mode of epplyia~ for patemets, s,ao of model required, cad muscle etloer informetlon use - feel to ens cinders a -.y be head gretis by addre~cing MUNN & CO., Pnblesesro oftlse SceaNTerlc Asia rc~sc, New York. 20,553 Nounusm Allen, of Unionville, Coun., for an Iruproxed \T,ee amud Saw-set: I cieus ti e s so foe mcd of thee bare, A A, arithe jaws, la b, aticcised, thee mov~lele be, leseeg actuated las- thee tine. dIe, B. roe, C, and tog- gle. D er their eoseee5ente, in ceceisiseation as-itlo the sac--oct forneed of tteo bar or id G at5-chsed to ti-s vice by thee rod, F, send presided with t~e l~veled p1-etc m CCcC j, - ud djuetable center, H, suebstama- tially a c-ed for use ecrisoso ~et See thu 26,5:4 \t ms U B-eVe Daniel Dean, and B. L. Fetloc-olt of Thuss-oqus Pa for an Improvement imo Stmass ce,ttems Svs 1... a fe T 10 cielsbie-eOed reciprocating knife, C, in con. noeties a- tie be -i P e- em I cC to operate eubetantially as end toe the pe p ~e oetl Second lie -e----- - en~nf 1 Sb cedric, 11, yoke, I, elide, J1 lover f--se 57 emed i 0 o sic- eat eCy es 0110cc eend eheecrifeen for O~ce5il - cs-ceo p55 thee f-ce te-- I -sad preosure heed. P. ThirO T~so eceent e plate C plececi en thee decO, 1, wtmen use-I leo collude e e s tie te -do J Co centeo eta longitudinal movement foe flue piirpoae s-f te 1-i [Tiec eleset of this en te a -- to e -- -ies a maclame tisat will cat hay, J ear -lace - foe f~ use aeth great rapidity, perfoTas thee avork a--eel are-I b ccabee of leaven certain parts graduated so -e to regulete a as-s~ be n-cored, th lenth of the pieces into wheich floe stuff is to b uf 1 26,5 uS W m Pni sin cct an Fraiscicce, Cal., for an 1mreprovcra~nt sis Jo ci n5 for Pusla-erixhuug Quartz: I cia-rn 1 c--c-- em- te-cllI- T T ce-otrlleted ee deecribed, in eden,.. beneteon wetIe Olee dregs D D t tie c tremilieo od lIce rsdial aVe ~, a, thee a--hole ceuefrllsten end opc--fed substantially in flee manner and for the lsuraoee ect fomfi- 26,556-P.. P. Pa Oott of Pngom, Mc., for an lea- pros-ement iso Veucce-ene Machines: I claim flee ap-s1ieatiou o, tee teerest see to ilee assia and secondary ceetfers, ao fleet kotis tiee gec -moo ecesedee-y cuettees can be turnell upward oc-ay fromam fhe log aladel en cesmefeacee and for lhc purpose em objects subotautielly as ect fort- 26 557.G. W. Peas uslec of Flushuing, N. Y., for an Imluroved Magneto e1 (C 0 Macleine: I claim tile mode of o1 -esafee, cc fcc pole-cheanger, hywleich thee esee-- rent so made Ce travel en tiec eanse diece- on, nbstantiahlv see dc- ocs-ibed. 26. 558.G. W. Beardolec, of Fhuslsmng N Y., for oat Issuproved Magnoto-electeic Machumue I cleeisss tise compound neegnot desceebed coa-eot.n of radii poles, arranged abocet a common coned, seed coIen~cted tocetheer at tleeir inner ends, ecibefanfialls- as end fom the pemipeso described. I also claim fesemuing such a conepouiud a e net weths medial poles, colsuectod at tile-il inner eade, tay 01st -~ -0 155 sade-el poicc and colenectiagrimegs froace a oiagio plale, oelbdealleeehlyas and for thee pur~ pooe opectOed. I else clams, in combination smith roteteag ma-nete tIme inenieted rIula to acleicle tile termiaci amires of the le-lecee are connected, cuob- otanttatl~- as deecribed. 26,559.James Boieton, of Macon Cmtv Mo., for an Impeoveineut in Seedeug M-sehsmas I claim t~e eene-elsceeieees t of flue aeheels b he pl0 C adD, coy- erees, F, saerjaees F, onCe sued thee y elecese-- beam c ma tile manner iescribed,e.,eel acicce tile - - -- c seat 01 fe salve fi en the hopper, P in thee usecullce cleeceched, tsr the purloc -sec-fled 26,560.Someeel Be~d of Bsooklxn N Y for an Im- pe-ovement us aloe Msnesfsetuee of Hoes I elaine tile cousbination aeltIe the deep G, ad any I, B of the duop opening, g ad asaudr -- 0 o ti--C u-Stem ito chop ls ceven its bloec, it cciii Ilohel fiec Ieee lie p - - - ..ed so a ole sessilete-el C to be pesscd tieccule It mate -1 ho tee fom and fliieis the eye tlsersof, all co oheosca med deci ibece [Thco oh oct 01111s e- cation es to sedeuco tho asannal labor atteuding flee nsaulef-ctcro of ho and --f t~ cause time ensure a bettdr fable -end cuoce d-eer-elsl article tle-n ee,eld he produced hey flue devicos heetl--rto easise-ex cC 5 20,561 0 G 13 scls of ~e 970515 City, for an Ins peo-en--it es Gleides fee te--vieeg Macleines: I dcl1e55 thee coesle- -on CC teeo Owe., Ic--riley ito ode ferneed cub see to-, I .eecc -c eccese, e~ as described, rend flee cuera-ed ce-edo feliso -se-eudC relctivele to tico cur-ceo ddge luLl (ceo ot tile peesoce, so Ce a , - cd o2crattug ce and 15cC thee purpeeco specifled [The s venteon coa~ets ec c-rt-ee oaofeelct~ose and a angemeat edith -ely to s-sob otlee ceO seeding tieho end grooved preaser 27 ISSUED FROM THE UNITED ~TATES PATENT OFFICE con ruse se-ares eseauso aercasenEe 27, 1052. THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. whereby I am enabled to insert the cord within a fold or between two thicknesses of fabric, in straight, curved or zigzag lines, and in inch manner as to bring all the fullness produced by the cord on one side of the fold or plait, leaving the opposite side perfectly even or flat.] 2(,562.R. M. Brooks, of Greenville, Ga., for an Im- yro~ement in Cotton Seed Planters: arrangement of the schools, ,J 13 F G, and N, the seed- box, 11, the handles, I) D, the bar, S. tiso braces, L, coulter or opeis- er, 11, covers, J, arm, K, and brace, W, as described for the purposes set forth. 26,563.R. M. Brooks, of Greenville, Ga., for an Im- provernent in Plows: I claim the arrangement ot beam, J, screw foot, F, notch, v, plow hoc. A, opening, F, moidhoardo, 0, openiugs, U, nuts, E 13, holes, J .J J, constructed as described for the purposes set forth. 26,564.Geo. Cook and II. I. Kimball, of New haven, Conn., for an Improvement in Top Props for Car- riages: We claim the conshinatioss ot tise thiusbie or pipe. e or g, with the ,crew bolt or standard, a or b, amid the joint bars, 15 Ii or U, when the whole is constructed and used substantially as described, 26,565.S. F. Covingtou, of Indianapolis, md., for au Improved Register for Railroad Cars: I claim the indicator, A, when opor ted in connection with the telegraph instrument or its equivalent, using the Roman numerals, or their equivalents, and operating the same, substantially as and for the purpose set forth,. 26,566.Isaac R. Crane, of Warsaw, Mo., for an Im- provement in Ditching Machines: I claim the arrangement of time plow, G, with the frame, A, and the scoop, Z, amid elevator, F, and the described arrangement of devices for operating this said plow, in the manner described. I claim the arrangensent of devices, whereby the scoop and eleva- tor of my machine is lowered in and raised out of the ditch, its the nuanner deecribed. I clams the arrangement of the guIde wheel, F, wills tise frame. A, and with tise arrangement of devices for operating use sabt wheel, as described. 26,567.L. B. Miller, of Newark, N. J., assignor to A. D. Crane, of Boston, Mass., I). F. Tompkins, L. B. Miller, and C. T. Tompkins, of newark, N. J., and D. Hoisman, of Passaic, N. J., for an Im- proved Machine for Turning Irregular Forms: claim, first, Time double diskcsstter head, A A, cou.~tructed sub- staistisshly in the m. umier and for tise sispese deecrihed. Second, I claim the consolidation o?the separate cause. b I, Figs. 5 and 6, into a solid former, or consolidated cam, II Figs. 1, 2 and 7, and the use of such consolidated cam or former, in combination wills the essid Cramies lathe. Third, I claim the 1100 of use levers, ma m Figs. 1 and 2, formed and adjusted in the cutters head, substantiallysss described. 26,568. J. G. Goslion, (assignor to himself; IL. Ruby, John Wonderlich, and II. R. Ruby), of Shippens- burg, Psi., for an Improvement in Railroad Car Couplings: I chains use hen gitsmdinssl macving elsaft, A, in combination sebhs this spring, s, bolt, a, arm, b, ansi projecison, c, substantiahlr as amid for time purposes set forum. 26,569.G. W. Dana, of Durand, Ill., for an Improved Lock: I claim, first, Time employment or ssse of a series of spisuhies, U K, provided with slots or recesses, h m, and within lettered caps, Q, con- nected by catches, p, thins spindles being arranged directly wilim tiso bolts, as with U, or Indirectly, by musans of wheel, F, as withs 13, esther or bothm, for thie purpose set forthi. Second, This slide ham-, D, provIded wills tlse projections, f f, as- ranged relatively wilh thie shots, B C, ansi counseled withi thse gsuard wheel, II, as ulmourn, in connection withs thie school, F, asid isindlee, G, arranged to operate as ansi for tise purpose set foith. [Thie object ofthsis isuvention is to obtain a burglar-proof intl powder- proof hock, one admitting of change or permsutsstion, and one alss thsat may be easily manipulated botim as regards the effecting of the changes and this locking and unlocking of the lock.] 26,570.Newell Daniels, of Milford, Mass., for an lin- proved Cloth-holder in Needle-work: I clams, as a new article of manufacture, a ladies woik-hsolder, to hold the ovork by thie action of the piece, 13, towards amid in connec- tion with the solid part of the frame, A, whseus constructed and opem ating substantially in the manner and for time purpose as above set forth and described. 26,571. John Danner, of Canton, Ohio, for aa lul provement in Sleeping Chairs for Railroad Cars: First, I claim the himb-ssmpporting device, F G 11, in comhuination with this seats, constructed substantially as described and for the purisose set forth. Second, I claimis the cosabiuiation with the seats, C, and frsme~ 13 of the backs, D, folding head rests, I, slotted pieces, b, arrangedansj ope,rating in relation to and ha essabination wills the hisab-sus uport- lag device, F G II, substantially as and for this purpose sot sords. 26,572.L. A. Dole, of Salem, Ohio, for ahi Improved Washing Machine: I claim the arrangesnemut consisting cf the tub, A, rubber, n, huinged rubber, C, slotted anus, n b, lover Ironic, D and hsimsged inclined links, 1313, in the manner amid for thse purpose aescrihed. 26,573.Fianciseo Domeneels, of Ponce, Island of Pulerto Rico, for an Improvement ius Clarifying Cane Juice. Patented in the Island of Puerto Rico, Aug. 17, 1858: I chaini tue method of determining tlso amount of lime necessary to bo added to thins rate juulco, to defecate the same, by this eniploynient of time volumetric methiod, ao set fertim. 26,574.Eusgeno Duicliamp, of St. Martinsvil~, La,, for an Improvement in Apparatuises for E~-aporam- ing Sugar Juices: I claim, first, The arramigement of a vertical boiler, F, in front of the fumrnace, hinavimig a funnel I, spiral comivegor, J, ansi cone, K, when the whole are combined for die purpose and in tiso unausner set forth, Second, I claim, in combination scihis the suhsove vertiessi boiler, the semni-cylindrical concentrating boiler, N, when this sanse is con- structed asid mirranged in this manner and lbr use Isuirpooss repre- sented and specified. 26,575.A. M. Dye, of Clinton, Ill., for an Improved Bed Bottom: I claim thie attaching of this traverse bars, d d, of the frams~o, A, to the side strips, c c by means of tise dovetail slides, e, cuid sockets or guides, f, provided withs this screws, g, and attaching the bars, n, of the framne, B, to the side strips, b b, by means of liii set screws, k, substantially as and for the purposes specified. [This invention relates to an iniprovement in that class of bed hid- loins In which wire upholstery springs are used to impart a requileito degree of elasticity. The object of the invention is to obtain a facile mode of straining or tightening this webbing of this bottom, and also to obtain a ready means for graduating the strength or elasticity of hue springs, as circummintances may require.] 26,576.Lucius Eddleblute, of Garden Valley, Cal., for an Improved Amalgamator: I claim the combination of the bars, b, with the inclined or bevel slats, s, and inclined top, A, and bottom, B, as shown, so that the water lies an easy access, and in its fall first strikes this edges of the bare, b, and thus avoids this washimig out of the quicksilver, all as set fords. [This invention relates to an improvement in this riffles which are used for catching gold, and it consists in giving to said riffle a pecu- liar form, and constructing the same out of two parts which can readily he taken apart, so that access can be had to this gold which accumniates in tue bottom of the riffle, The top part is provided with a series of slats whihehi give free access to the seater, and lbs bottom parts deepens toss-ends the ouitiet, and is provided is-ills a series of cross bars schich form mercury cups, and which are so situated in relation to the slats jus the top pant, t.hat this force of this water is broken before it strikes this mercury] 36,577.Seraphin Espach, of Cincinnati, Ohio, for an Improved Bedstead: I claim the descnibod arrangeusent and coumibination of parts con- sisting essentially of the foundation, J, end its springs L M post A. rails, C D, hooks, F, and their sockets, tho braces, PQ, anA thei~ ad~uoting sores-i, 0, and thso lattice seork-hsead and foot-boards, all substantially as and for the purpose see Isruhi. 26,578.Francis J. Flowers, of Raliway, N. J., for an Improvement in Extension Seats for Carriages: I claim the operation and combination of the raising bai, H, or its equivalent with the parts, A and C. Second ich the combination of this recess, I I, with the legs, B 15. Third, I claim forming this joints. L L L L, in combination with the boot, for the purpose set forth. 26,579.Henry Garbanati, of Brooklyn, N. Y., for an Improved Carving Fork: I chains time permanent spur guard, c, this fulcnumn guard, b, in com- bination seith a carving fork, substantially as described 26,580.Dennis C. Gately, of Newtown, Conn., for an Improvensent in the Manufacture of India-rubber Belting: I claim the imaprovement in this manufaclsire of machine belting or handing, coniposed wholly or in pout of india-rubber or gutta-percha, this same consioting in rolling on scinding up this belt or band is-Ith any suitable non-adhesive suibotance or composition inter sed buettesen its folds on issyors, and then heating it, substantially in the manner and for the purposes described. 26, 581.I-Ienry Gilliard, of Mount hope, Wis., for an Improvement in Cultivators: I claim the arrangement of the permanent cinches, G, and jointed bars, J J, is-hen this whole is constructed for joint operation, as set fontti. 26,582.John Gore, of Brattieboro, Vt., for an Im- provement in Harvesters: I claim this use of leves-, M, conotnuicued as described, in combina- tion withs this tapering dress- bar, D, for elevating the cuitting appan. atuis of the harvester, in the manner described, 26,583.John Gray, of Nashville, Tenn., for an Im- provement in Self-adjusting Counter Braces of Truss Blidges: I claim the application, to counter braces ims truiss bridges, of a ~ocket at this top, a heel and key at tho botlons, by is-Inch this counter Irsuces in truss bridges are muads self-iightenin,. and adjustiug, as de- scribed. 26,584.J. P. Grosvenor, of Lowell, Mass., for an ha- proved Machine for Planing Curved Surfaces: I chum this employment or use. of the adjustable or yielding feed rollers, L L, is-lien combined irish a hearing roller, M, or a proper bessning surface, and arranged rehustivehy inith each other, as shots-n siussi described, to admit of the feeding of circuhar, os-al and serpentine forms to this cutters. I further claim placing this rollers, L L, in an adjustable frame or box, G, fitted in an adjutable box, 13, and used in connection with the elastic bans, N N, or tissir equivalent, and the bearing rollers, M, is-hereby the fruinse on pattern may be properly adjusted and retained in proper position between this rollers while being acted iupsn by lbs cuittere. 26, 585.Joseph A. Grunwald, of New York City, for an Improvement in Circular Forms. Patented in Fralsee Sept. 20, 1859: I claim, first, This manner of weaving in a horizontal circular plane by ins us of two or more ss-efts, and iso arrangement of warps p laced alternately sobovo and beloss- this weft thn~ads, arranged and con- strescted in this manner substantially as described. Secondly, I claim this arrangement of the weft bobbin carriage, in combination is-ills the arrangensent of regulating the tension oaths is-oft thread, substantially as described. Third, I claim the as-rangement and construction of this tension levers, for this purpose of maintaining this tension of the warp threads as is-eli ain the friction against this searp bobbins, acting together in the manner and for the purpose substantially as set forth. Fourth, I claim the arrangement of the serrated pulley, W. in com- bination with the rollers, W XV XV-, operating t~ether in the man- ner described, and for the punpose of dslivering this manufactured artscls as fast as finished and at a regular tension, substantially as specified. Fifth, I claino the arrangomuent of this disengaging gear, r, constructed as deocnibed, and for this purpose of throwing the looma out of gear as soon as one of this weft threads break, the same being operated by a lever attachisul to the is-oft bobbin carriage, and acted upon by the is-oft thread in this manner suibstantially as set forth. 26, 586.Janles Harrison, Jr., of New York City, for an Improvement in Sewing Machines: I claim, first, This notary needle guide disk, c, constructed and open. ated in this manner and for the ourpose described. Second, The arrangement of the following devices for holding and operating the shuttle, viz.: this arm, 1, the revolving button, us, slotted to receive the anmu. I, ths shuttle caes, o, rod, i, audits head, j, spring, k, and legs, h, all constructed and operating substantially as do. scnibed. Third, Constructing the shuttle within this ridge and holes and thread space, as described. Fourth, Inserting the lever ban, x, in this needlo bar, w, and oper- ating it as described. 26,557.T. S. Heptinstall, of Mendota, Ill., for an Im- provement in Gang Plows: I chaim this arrangement of the wheels, A B B, shafts, C and D D, spindle, 13, triangle, F, rod, G, lever pole, II, regulator, I, and rollers, K K, as describod, for the purposes set forth, 26,588.Ilomer Holland, of Westfield, Mass., for an Improved Process for Making Sulphuric Acid: I claim the generation of sulphsuiric acid by treating suiphides and nitrates commingled in close vessels, in connection wills the ordinary sulphuric acid chamhier, and for the purpose substantially as set forth. 26,589.Homer holland, of Westfield, Mass., for an Improved Process for the Production of Sulphate and Oxyds of Copper: I claim this production of sulphate of copper, together with the oxyds of copper, from its vanisius suulphusrets, by the use of the nitrate of soda, accordIng to this process alnesudy deoccibed. 26,590.Homer Holland, of Westfield, Mass., for an Improvement in the Mode of Treating Metalhiferous Sulphurets: I claim the treatment of asetalhiferouss sniphides is-ith the native nitrate of lime, or nitrate of lime and magnesia, in iron vessels, in tiso manner and for the punpsse substantially as set forth. 26,591.Jesse Jacobs, of Yellosv Springs, Ohio, for an Improvement in Beehives: I chains this valve compooed esoentlahly of ths vestibule, D, an adluetable counter-ss-eighted valve pedal, U, arranged and operating subotantially in the manner and for the purpose specified. 26,592Aaron E. James, of Decatur, Ill., for an Im- provement in Straw-cutters: I claim feeding this strass- towards this knife by means of two feed rolls between which the strave p asses, is-hen said rohlo or cylinders are bulls operated simultaneously by the positive action of separate paw-ho, or their equivalent,, working in ratchets made and arranged in said rolls, substantially in the manner and for this purpose dsscsibsd. 26,593.Henry Bcehm James, of Trenton, N. J., for an Improvement in Watches I claim controlling lbs active length of this pendulooso on hair spring of a it-atchi, or other time-keeper goveened by a hiahance, by means of combined haminso of different metals, so supplied to act tipon the end of this spring which has been commonly fixed that, by 55I5 increase or diminution of temperature, this said spnisic is caused to be token uup or let out through the curb pins, on their equivalents, and so to cons- ensate for the expansion and contruiction of this said siring and thus Ualaiince, substantially as described. 26,594.Geo. Jaques, of Somerville, Mass., for an Im- provement in Preparations of Tobacco: I claim, as a nets- article of manuifaclure, the described preparation of tobacco. conoisling of this coluble and volatile portions, as ~et fortis. 26, 595.James M. Jay and John Darner, of Canton, Ohio, for an Improved Apparatus for Heating Water: Xis claim the combination and relative arrangensent of the parts comuposing the scaler-heater, substantially as and tsr this purpose set forth. 26,596.Charles Kesler and Fred. Reinhard, of Colum- bus, Texas, for an Improvement in Cotton Seed- planters: XVe claim the arnongesuent, his a hopper, of this roller, B, with tinin teethi a, and feeding teetis, bin coinisination with thus per- tbrateJ partilion, C, and this distnibuutine roller and for this purpose specified. , D, suabstantially as [This invention consists in arraucisug, in a hsspper, a roller armed wills stirring and feeding teetiu, in esnibination wilhu an inclined per- forated partitisa and a distributing roller is-iths seed cells, which are. filled by this action of the toothed rolles, so as to ensure a correct dis- tribution of the seed] 26,597.John R. King, cuf Raleigh, Tean., for an In- provenoent in Cotton Cultivators: I chains this arrangement of this frames, p q b c, and sting en sasish- board, iii, esust solid together, extra landoide, 5, wills its Census, d ni n, ansi Israce, a, stills the cotton ocr per, g, as described, for pius-poses specified. 26, 598.John B. Keels, of New York City, for an 1113- proved Folding Bedstead: I claim the combined arrangement of this shssuldei-, 5, and ecceis- tric, 13, boIls situated behots- the rails and mouSe the bedstead, to serums this side rails in their proper place when this bedstead is un- folded, amid at this same limo to relieve this pins, C, of this strain, in the manner and for the purpose subotanlially as specified. 26,599.Samnel Lessig. of Reading, Pa., for an Ins- provement in Horse Hay Rakes: I claim tue singletree, g, sliding bar, 5?, spring, a, braces, 6, axle, z, r, g, chess-es, r, beaus, 8, braces, j, slotted teeth guides, i, rohlero, c, arms, f, and connecting loans, 11, this whole being conotruseted and ar- ranged for operatiosi, conjointly, as and for the puirpose set forth. 26,600.S. M. Logan, of RichinonTd, lad., for an Im- I proved Roofing Composition: chains this desenibed composition, constructed and used substan- tially as - ud for the puurpoos specified. 26,601.Thos. R. Markillie, of Winchester, Ill., for an Improved Excavatin~ Machine: I clams, first, This combination of the carrying is-heel, C, as con- structed and operated, is-ills this reversible islots, 00 arranged for the purposes set forth. Second, In conshinalion is-ills thue earring us-heel, C, and plose, H, I claim the elevator, D, as arranged ussul operated fesr the purpsses de- scribed - I chalusi this hinged is-heel fiame, b. as arranged sad com- bined seith the lever, d, and rack bar, I, for the purposes set forth. 26,602.V. L. Maxwell, of Wilkesbarre, Pa., for an Improvement in the Manufacture of Gunpowder: I claim the employment of alcohol in lisus of seater as this vehicle to unite the particles of the iugrsdisuts of sohaich this pots-dee Is to ho coasposed, substantially as and for the purpose shsosen and described. 26,603.Thos. J. Maynil, of Roxhury, Mass., for an Improvement in Appaintus for Forming Rubber Beltiisg: I claim, first, This nee of this two rollers, u andy, aciing togetiser so as to form this bell into a gutter shape, is-hereby this first step in the process of folding the onisids siseet on covering of rubber or guIle- percha over the body or inner fabric sf the belt or hauud is effected, as set fonilu. Second, The roller, x, havin~ Its-s tapsnimug usrfaces and a central disk, whereby this overlapping of the oienlaisping of the coves-hug or oulter sheet over the inner tiabnic is cempieted and the edges of Clue outer sheet or covsriItg brousghst to a truss and even line before being united. Third, Bringing this Isro edges of this outer sheet or covering evenly together, so as to form a true and perfect joint aiid complete the formation of the belt or Wud by the emphoyment of to-s or mere rolhers, arranged in relation to each othuer, so thuat thus said belt or band shall be draw-n partially arsuind the periphery of eithsr of all the said rollers, substantisulls in the manner as set forth. Fourth, In combination with the machinery for forming this belt or band, I claim the device for cuitting boIls the outer and issuer sheets into straps of any desired seidtb, as described. 26,604.Win. MeLendon, of Greehmville, Ga., for an Improvement in Cotton Gins: a I clams beveling the edges of Ihe roll box frsns this sass-s suubstsun- tially as and for the purpose set forth. 26,605.James T. Mercer, of Seneca toivaship, Ohio, for an Improvement in Seed Planters: I claim the arrangement of the handles, L beam, H, pivot, stirrup, J, w-heel, K, arms, b, lever, o, slide d, ~sspper, c, spring I, markers, a a, and coversis, hi h; the whole iseing constructed as cnibed for the purposes set forthi. 26,606.Peter Monaghian, of Camak, Ga., for an Im- provement in Cotton Cultivators: I claim, in combination with the hinged frame of a cotton cultiva- tor, the spring, H, which is secured to the tongue of said cultivator, for this purpose of automatically raising the rear end of this machine when the same is released by the operator, susbstantiahly in this usan- nor described. 28 26,607.Richard Montgomery, of New York City, for an Improvement in Rolling Corrugated Metals: I claim the combination and relative arrancement of the corruga- ting rolls, F F, with tho holding and smoothing rolls, G G. forming roll, H, and carriage, e, operating in relation to each as and for the purposes set forth. 26,608.Conrad Norpel, of Newark, Ohio, for anlm- provement in Railroad Car Couplings: I claIm the arrangement, as deocribed First, Of the jaw. A, with the beans, B, and pin, D, for the purpose aforesaid. Second, Of the jaw, K, with fits pin, L, combluod wills the coup- ling bar, q, aud fish-tailed end II, for the purpose described. Third, Of the two wings, G ~, combined with the slide, F, for the purpose described. 2t3,609.A. B. Norris, of St. Louis, Mo., for an Im- proved Mode of Operaiin~ Sawmill Blocks: I claim the use of a lever with a vibrating fulcrum, iii combinatIon with the dog or reciprocating carriage, f, or ito equivalent, as the means of communicating motion to the slides or knees, P 1, of saw mill head blocks, substantially as deocribed. And I also claim the combination of the cam lever, u, with tise knee, P, and the means of operating tise same for the purpose of se- curing the said knees, substantially as descrilsed. 26,610.[Suspended.] 26,611.Worden P. Penn, of Belleville, Ill., for an Improvement in Seeding Machines: I claim arranging the grass eeed hopper in front of the grain hop- per, with the reflector, d, fixed against its nudes side, in relation to the grass seed box and the grain box, aed the pipe, II, and the leader, T, as shown and desciihed. 26,612.Worden P. Penn, of Belleville, Ill., for an Improvement in Seed Drills: I claim the arrangement of the endless chain, f, with fits eccentric bar, T, and valve bar, t, with the valves, v, thereto attached, for the purpose of closing and opening the said valves and raising the flukes ounultansotmely, in fits manner described. 26,613.Napoleon B. Phelps, of Rorhester, N. Y., for an Improved Auger: I claim uniting and combining the termin~ting coil with the preced- ing one by means of the thin supporting wall, d, acting as a bracs to sustain and strengthen the cutting portion of the bit or atiger, sub- stantially in the maimer and for the purpose shown as described. 26,614.Bradford S. Pierce, of New Bedford, and Mason R. Pierce, of Mansfield, Mass., for an Im- provement in the Manufacture of Porous Ware: We claim fits manufacture of porous drain pipes, and other vessels a-lilt is require to possess the prolserts- of porosity, sehsen formed from the ingredients set forth, and made to cohere by the process of tans- pering or oilier equivalent mode of pressure, as described, and re- ceiving its porosity from tise entail proportion of water used in mix- ing the ingredients, as set forth and described. 26,615.james XV. Prentice, of Pnltuev, N. Y., for an Improvement in Seeding Machines: I claim the divided revolving cylinder, A, and slides, B, when made, arranged and operatiisg as set forth, iu cosublisation with t,lea peculiarly-forusad spring teetis, G, with their cups, when made and used substantially as specified. 26,61 6.Samuel N. Pierce, of Ashley, Mo., for an Im- provement in Harvesters: I claim time arrangement and combination of lisa shafts, 0 and f, with the driving wheel amid cutter, and the pinions, 1 m and n, as shoirn, for the purpose of changing the velocity of the knives in lisa manner described. 26,617.Clinton Rice, of New York City, for an Im- proved Stair Carpet-fastener: I claim tise general combination and application of the main piece with the hoek and eye, and fits spriug bolt and catching apparafuis, as described and for the purposes set forth. 26,618.Morgan L. Rogers, of Spring, Pa., for an Im- provement in Cultivators: I claim the arrangement of this hooked and double curved central box, C N, curved slotted arm, F, wheel, G, isandles, II I, sliding plates, F B, frame pieces, A B, and croospiece, D, substantially as and for this purpose shown and described. 26,619.Robert E. Rogers, of Philadelphia, Pa., for an Improvement in Steam Engines for Land Car- riages: 5 I claim connecting the safety valve, time gage or try-cocks, and all tue steamos escape orifices of an engisse and boiler, with a condensing apparatus, whereby thse steam which may escape or be let off, either occasionally or continually, nsay be prevented from producing its pe- cimliar hermIt noise, as described. 26,620.George XV. Roney, of Baileys Mill, Fla. (as- signor to himself and Walter F. Lloyd, of same place), for an Improvement in Plows: I claim, in combination with a beam, standard, handles amid eliot, rigidly connected together, as shown, this hsimiging of this conifer, F, to the altos at a, by its louver end and the adjusting devices in this beans at its upper end as stated and for the purpose set forth; the whele being construchei~, arranged and operating as represented. 26,621.Riley Root, of Galeshnrg, Ill., for an Im- proved Surveying Instrument: I claim the an ugement of a revolving double spirit level adapted to a graduated cirbie, ae seen in the druoving and set forth in the spe- cification, for astronomical and engineering purposes. 26, 622.Christopher E. Rymes, of Chsarlestown, Mass., for an Improvement in Retainers for Ilydraulic Presses: I claim the arrangensemit and application of thus two wedges and their operative screw shaft (provided with screws, as deecrlhed) in fits fellower, and witit mespect to, and so as to operate wills, slots formed and arranged in this bars, B B, substantially as specified. And, in combination with time slots and time wedges, and their spain-- alive mechsaniemis applied to the follower, as described, I claim this ele- vating macks and imbue arranged in, and applied to, I lie follower and its upright bars, essentially in this mannem as set forth. 26, 623.Richard S. Schevenell, of Athicus, Ga., for an Improvement in hernial Trusses: I claim combimsimsg one or more spring pads, amid one or niece thigh straps, wills this belt, by means of one or niore clamps, c, screws, d, tied nuts, e, applied susbetantiahly as specified. [Title invention comisists in a nevel mode of applying omis or two spring pads, amid one or messrs thighs straps, in combinatioms with a hcelt for encircling this hilpe, si-lieu-ohs- 0reat fuscihity is afforded for adjuist- luig this pad to lisa person, and a trumos is obtaimied whirls is very esoy to wear and very efleelive in if s operation.] 26,624.Leandor Shearer, of Duncannon, Pa., for an Improvement in Railroad Chairs: I claim, iii combination with time chair, B, formed with a lip C, and ears, b h, this ohidine securing block, F, and hugs, d d and ~ d, and cavities, a a, in this ends of this rails; lisa whole constructed and ar- ranged to operate substantially as specified for the purpose set forth. THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. 26,625.Francis 0. J. Smith, of Westbrook, Maine, for an Improvement in Electric Telegraphing Ap- paratus: I claim the described newand improved mode of combination of apparatus, instruments and machines, useed conjointly in this manner and for the purposes described, and dispensing thereln.wlfh all arti- ficial insulations of conducting circuIts for telegraphic purposes. 26, 626.Johii Stephenson, of New Yoi-k City, for an Improvement in Brakes for Horse Cars: I claim arranging this brakes of a reversible car or othsor vehicle, subst.antiahly as describes], so thief the seine can be applied from the drivers seat with equal facility, ims whatever direction hits car or vehicle ussey be turned. [This invention rek tee particularly to one-horse city care, se-bids are usually so constructed tisust the heady of this car revolves on the king-bolt, and that, at this termini of hue route, the driver is enabled to drive the horse round, and to reverse this car without leaving Isis seat. Such cars were hitherto suede without israkee, or so that this brakes could only be tused in eisa directioms. The object of this inven- tion is a brake which can be apiuhied wills sqomusi fsucihify, in whatever direction I lie car may run,] 26,627.B. F. Sturtevaut, of Boston, Macs., for an Improved Lathhe Attachment for Cutting Veneers: I claim coumpreseing lbs erood in tlss inomuediate vicinity of this edge of I his knife, by means of the presser bar, C, or its ennivalent, ar- ranged and opem thug substantially as set fom-ths. - Second, I claim this rustlers F F F~ or their substantial equulva- lents, for thins purpose specifies~. 26,628.Charles F. Taylor, of New York City, for an Ineprovement in Apparatuses for Relieving Spinal Curvature: I claim, first, A spinal supporter or assiotamit, in vehileb two longitu- dinal dorsal plates or supports are jousted together in sections, in the manner described for the purpose set fortis. Second, Arranging the dorsel islales isa fits muanmier described, by which the preinsurs wisicls is exerted his a fore-aid dirsetion is thsr6wn upon the angles of the ribs, as set fortis, in~ead of upon the vertel braces or vertebral colunmn, as formerly. 26, 629.XVm. Thomson, of Buffalo, N. Y., for an hin- proved Brush for Finger Nails: I claim the combination of a stefionary or movable cylinder, with a circular brush, as described, forming a new article of usanufacture. [The object of this invention is to form a neat and compact finger nail brusim, with which the nail of each finger and thumb of one hand may be cleaned at the same operation. Tise invention -s-ill be fully understood by the above claim.] 26,630.Samuel D. Tracy, of Vernon, N. Y., for an Improvement iii Seed Cultivators: I clalun giving this zigzag or multerasate opposite inclinations to the huhades of the spur wiseels, C C. in the usanner and for the purpose set forfb. I also chains this combination of the movable or adjuastebis cutters, B D, and their slotted supports, g g, with this zigzag spur wheels, CC, in tise manner and for tiss purposes specihsed. I also claim the arrangement of the seed box, 11. in grooves in the mmnderside of time hinged seat, G, so as to be adjustable beneath it re- niovabie thes-efrom, or turned up theres~th, esibstantialhy as de- scribed. I also chains this vihrating seed-dietin-ibuitor, I, constructed, operated and operating substantially as and for this purpose specified. 26, 631.John G. Treadwell, of Albany, N. Y.5 for an Improvement in Stoves: I chains arranging fits dampers, a and r, withs this ventilating flue, F, and witis time draft fine, in sucim a muanger f list the ventilating flue may be opened or closed as-hills this draft flue is either open or closed, or vice verse; this damper, a, being made 10 subserve a double pur- pose, asubstenfially as set forth. 26,632.Walter J. Van Horn and Win. Alexander, of Louisiana, Mo., for an Improvement in Machines for Preparing Plug Chewing Tobacco: We claim a usachsins fir preparing and cuftimig tobacco consefin~ of a central ce-hinder, B, emsdhese bells, C lii, belt rollers, ~D, presoin~ rollers, F, receiving talele, J, and cutting rollers, I I H N. or their equuvaThnfs, constructed, arranged and operating susbetanflahhy as shown and described, so that the leaf tobacco, on being fed from the table, -s-ill be pressed, cut and delivered in thse form of plugs, as set forth. 26,633-Samuel Walker, of Kingston, Ga., for an Im- provement in Plows: I clams fits arrangement of this beuim, A, bare, D B, fost, B, amid handles, E E, as shown and described, mint order fo adnait of the ad- juofment of time parts as and for time purpose set forfb. [Tisis invention consists in constructing the plow in such a manner that it will admit of being adjusted to suit time varying bight of teams, and also of usen or boys who operate or isold it, as well as admitting of this adjustment of this share, as circumstances may require. The improvement is more especially designed for what are known as shovel plours, used in the cultivation of southern crops; but it unay be applied wills advantage to other small plows need as cuitiva- tore in tilling growing crops.] 26,634.J. XV. Wetmore, of Erie, Pa., for an Improve- ment in Railroad Chcairs: I chaim the use of a yoke band (as Cl passing tism-emigh notches in thins heads and webs of the Tor H rails at this isiut, and keyed by a-s-edge ander the islets, F; all combined, coustrucled and ar- ranged sumbatantiahly as described. 26,635.Paul Williams, of Lodi, Miss., for an Im- provement in Cotton Presses: I chains time combination of thus levers. II II and J J, with fits levers, I I and K K, links, II II, and projections, I I; time whole arreusged and operating substantially as and for this purposes set forth. 26, 636.Cyriel E. Brown (assignor to hmimself John Tenny and John Rhodes), of Mihlbury, Mass., for an Improvement in Spindles and Flyers: I claim the arrangement of this secondary or fubuhar stationary heemuring, d,with the flier and spindle as described. Aloe this combination of a helical eye with the flier arm audits isook, and to open in the hook. Also, making the fop of the bearing, d, and that of the flier neck us-ith an oil channel so arranged as not only to receive or catch the oil tisaf runs oil the spindle, but direct or conduct if bet-s-sen the rub- biuig surfaces of the said neck and bearing. I do not chaim an oil cap as ordinarily a~~lied to the foot of a spin- dia, nor as applied to a cop tubs and spin Is, as sits-s-n in this United States Patent, No. 16,298; but I claim combining or arranging an oil receiver and bearing, a, within the secondary bearing tube, d, and so as to surround it, time spindle and filer neck, substantially in Iha man- ner and for the objects and purposes as specified. 26,637.Franklin B. Hunt (assignor to Ii. D. Van Deursen and J. B. Gibbs), of Cincinnati, Ohio, for aui hmalprovement in Straw-eniters: I chains the described feeding device, consisting essentially of the rolls, Q L, link hesarimigs, H, rest biocks, V, and springs, W, ail 29 arranged wilis reference to each other, and so as to oporate conjointly as anti for the purpose act forth. 26,638.James Rowe (assignor to himself and Martin B. Euving), of Cincinnati, Ohio, for an Improvement in Sewing Machines: I chains flue bar or herackst, is, on the leaver end of fits needle bar ~e fimat it sluall drive, mm combination with this looper bar, k k, ansi Ihse feeding levers, j o, by poeltive movement, when it is driven by lbs crank pin, b; all operating In the manner and for the purpose set forth. 26,639.Charles IL Watson (assignor to himself, A. L. Aslsmead nud E. XV. Carr), of Philadelpheia, Pa., for an Improved Portahele Register: I chains, first. A point his slams register conetrinueted and operating amabstantisully a~ described. Second, The do~s on fits ennumiar plates, iii combination with thin pins on time inner fiont plate, as described. Third, This comubinatien of this dogs evith this notches or pins of the annular plates, and the openings in the rims through which the dogs - operate, as described. 26,640.Mary E. Ilemans (Administratrix of the Es- tate of Alva Hemans, deceased), of Henderson, Texas, for an Improved Peach-parer: I claim the combinafionof the rotating and elastic or yielding fines or prongs, b b, knife stock, I, and plate or bed, G, arranged for joint operation as and for this purpose set forth. [This invention consists in the employment or use of a revolving luolding fork provided with elastic tines or prongs, lam connection with a paring knife attached to or fitted in a stock arranged in a novel way to admit of being manipulated with the greatest facility in order to perform the desired work.) 26,641.Joseph Gruler and Augustus Rebety, of Nor- wich, Coun., assignors to the Manhiattan Fire-arms Company, for an Improvement in Revolving Fire- arms: Xss chains the sinus of this intermediate recesses, r r, in combination with this stop, fi, actuated by this hammer in pistols where the cylin- der is revolved in the act of cocking the pistol as herein described, thereby effecting a self-acting lock of the cylinder, midway or other- wise between any five cones. EXTENSION. James Montgomery, of New York City, for an Improve- ment in Steam Boilers. Patented Dec. 26, 1845: I claim the employment of vertical or nearly vertIcal avatar tubes for steam boilers or generators that open info water chambers at top mind hottomu, which water cisaunbere are connected together by a sur- rounding jacket or water space made singly or in sections to admit of the free circumiation of this water which, in-ising in the tubes by the effect of this heat, avihl descend in the surron~hng jacket or external water space or spaces, and thus by this circulation carry off the heat from~the tubes and prevent fhem from overheating, as described, when this is combined antis the fire-ehamber placed at lbs side of time boiler and outside of the series of tubes, substantially as described, whiareby fits tubes am-s prevented from being overheated and un- equally expanded to an injurious extent, and the water kept cooler in lbs jacket titan in the series of tubes, as dascin-ib2d. I also claim as my invention, in combination wmth vertical or nearly vertical tubes and surrounding water space or spaces, the employ- ment of a fire-cisaunber ouslaide of the series of tusbes and so arranged and located, subatanfially as described, as to apply this meat intense heat at their upper ends and this reduced lasaf foavards their lower ends, substantially as described, avhereby a greater circulation and evaporation are obtained, with a given amount of fush, titan by any plan known to ma, thereby not only economizing fuel but effeetnahhy preventing the incrustation of the tubes by the deposit of mineral and other solid matters, as descri d. I also claum as uty invention fits employment of a diaphragm or partition in this flue space bstsveen the series of tubes surrounded by - the avatar space or spaces. and in combination thierewith to divide this same into five perle fha~ this products of combustion after passing around the upper end of the f ci bee may pass aroinund their lewer ends, substantually as described, and thus more effsctuaily expose tise upper end of the tubes fo a more intense heat thantheir lower, as described. And I aiso claimem the making of the bottom of the belier of a conical or dished form, with a nitud or blosv-off valve in he lowest part of the concavity, in combination with the vertical tubes communicating avith fits bettons in this manner described, to permit the depe~t of the sediment; there being aasstar space surrounding them to induce cir- culation of the anal em inup fhs tutbes towards the mudor blow-off valve, as described. FE-ISSUES. ,Tames Draper, of Iludeon City, N. J., assignor to him- self and S. H. Doughty, assignors to themselves and James Brown and William King, of New York City, for an Improvement in Skeleton Skirts. Pat- ented Oct. 4, 1859: I claim time neas manufacture of skeleton skirt herein described, in which time hoops. B, are fastened betas-sen separately woven parts of Ihe tapes, substantially as described, when time parts are woven to- g tlser as single tapes between tIme hoops, and separately as distinct tapes at the points -s-hera fits hoops are received. R. Gleason & Sons (assignees of R. Gleason, Jr.), of Dorchester, Mass., for an Improved Table Caster. Patented March 8,1859: We clams, flu-sf, The combination of the caster and egg-stand. Sacond, The combination of this caster and belL Third, The combination of the caster, egg-stand and table bali, eubstantiail.y as described. [This invention consists ~i combining an egg-stand, caster and bell, as-hereby either article may lee used separately, or the whole or cer tain parts, in combinafion.] James McCracken, of Bloomfield, N. J., for nn Im- proved Evaporating Apparatus. Patented March 13, 1855: I claim. pan for cent ning solutions to be heated in combination with a vessel contained therein, the top and bottom of which are con- nected by a series of vertical or nearly vertical tubes time interior of ouch vessels being connected avith proper pipes for the supply of steans and the escape of steam or condensed vapom, and thins whole being constructed substanthahhy in the usanner and for the purpose set foith. Giles F. Filley, of St. Louis, Mo., for an Improvement in Cooking Stoves. Patented June 14, 1853: I claim, first, The flaring enlein-gement of the side fines C C and B B, from the space above the oven to the fine space, E,whlcia ex- tends under the entire front end of the oven ; and also the flaring en- largement of ths central flues of F and of G, from the fine space, E, to the upper end, G, for tIme purpose of increasing the draft of f he stave, substantially as set forth. I also claim separating the front of the oven from the front plate of tue stove and also from this heartim plate and from the back piats of the fire-chamber, by means of the flue space, H, which communi- cates freely with the flue space, E, and is closed at all other points; the said arrangement enabling the flue space, H, to arrest the great amosmnt of heat that mill be rmudiated from the back plate of the fire- chamber, and conduct the same (by means of the circulation which it mill create in said flue space) into time flume space, F, for the gnr~oss of producing the beneficial resuuife list-sin particularly set fort - THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. o~ I). MI.. Jr.. of N. Y.The carriage on whicla the log is placed in a sawmill is generally moved back and forth by moans of a rack on the carriage, which gears Into a pinion connected with the machinery. 0. I-I. P. XV., of Ark.We are informed by several practical mechanics that india-rubber belts, whon sissy are run freo frone friction, are far more durable than leatleer; but, in case the bait is to rub at the edge, leather alone is enitable. F. P., of Cal.The sainjales of varnished paper, linen and leather, which you leave sent us arc prepared with oil varnish, which is simply quick-drying linseed oil. You can prepare it by bailing the oil for a few hours cautiously, adding about a pound of sulphate of zinc to the gallon, and an ounce of sulphuric acid. The latter should be added to the oil when cold, and the zinc put in slowly when the oil is heated, as it is liable to foasa over. Use the clear oil for varnish, and dry the articles in a warm rosin. This is a water-proof and very durable varnishtime beat which is known for esatimeg balloons to render the cloth air-tight. I. T. D., of Cal., wants to know what quantity of oil can be distilled from a barrel of resin. IL P. B., of MoThe gum mucilage used for pasting paper is snade by dissolving dextrine in wateruntil it attains to the propsr coneistency. Dextrine is made from baked starch, and is roneetiusco called ISritisla guns. I. C., of 111.So far us we know, no treatise on the usanuf chars of lire brick has ever been published in our country. M. B., of N. H.Tlse method which you propose for cunning isides, by forming a vacunna in a vessel in which they are contained, and allowing the tanning liquor to flow through their loreo by pressure, is not new. It is called Knswles process. and Is chant 12 or 15 years old. It less been tried in England; but not uKils stench success, we understand. 1. D., of FinAt present we cannot give you the num- ber of registered steamboats in the United States. A. P., of N. BWe are not cognizant of any improve- snout, such tee tisat useutioned in your letter, hwving recently been essade in tIme Cataltu forgo for smelting iron. C. C., of VtBurnt oil may be removed from tise brass-soork of an ees~ine by scouring it first with fins emery and oil, Sloan finisleing off with rotten-stone. I. A. H., of Mo.Yon will find as full a description of ties manufacture of paper in Ures Dictionary of Arts as any work published known to us; but it does not come up to tbe prac- tice af tlse present day. J MI., of 111.Gelatine is pure glue. It is made from ties tendons and skins of animals. TIse clippings of parchment, by long-steeping in water, will dissolve and become what is called size, which is very pure gelatins, and is employed to stiffen wisite straw hats, & c. J. S. L., of MichIn Vol. VIII., ScIEoeTwIc AMEItI- cuss, yosm will find the practice of artesian well-sinking illustrated and siescribed. We cannot recommend you to a better source for lofbrirsation. S. C4. L., of PaWe believe it is a very objectionable practice to sprinkle the streets with dilests hydro-chioride acid, even if it could be obtained very cheep. Pure water alone should be used for this purpose, and time dirt should be esoept sep instanter. Do not advocate any meseasuro that will keep dirty streets in the condition of adlesoive martar. B., of LaTIse Messrs. Wisanas, who arc building the cigar-eha d steanser, will certainly seecceed in their usain purpose, theat is, in settling ties question whether Sleet ferns is better for yes- eels than timoos heretofore in use and thus they mviii make an im- portant contribution to the science of ship-building. Your views on the subject we consider sound, as you will see by our several articles on the subject in Vol. XIV. F A. Y., of N. Y.If you will write to H. Slelarbaum & Co., 300 Broadway, this city, tissy wtll be pleased to give you full infornastion in relation to telescopes. Ties Illinois coal is (munch of it) inferior to tisat of Ohio. There was a typographical error in our definition of perpetual motion; we wrote it a a me- cisameical fallacy, and it got altered into a popular fallacy, which, of course, made nonsense of it. I. IL., of MassIndia -rubber bags, capable of containing 21) gallons of gas, are of a size gsnsrally used for the compound blow-pipe. Pistucro to a good work on blow-pipes; but Morfitte Cheemical Manipulationo, pemblished by Lindsay Blakiston, of Pisiladeiphia, will suit your purpose in a more general way. F. A. MI., of N. Y.The compression of air into a cyhi~dor, and time absorption of its heat while in that condition, by water, so as to enable it to absoris heat from water afterwards when it is expanded, and thereby freeze it to produce ice, is a weil- known process, and net patentable. We do not believe you will be able to manufacteere ice profitably by this method. A. B. S., of Conn.A good device for enabling a per- son to walk on ice is a strap with short steel spikes secured to it, and usade capable of beeckiing on the boot. with the spikes sticking outevard on ties sole. You can easily make suds ice-creepers, as tisey are ceehled. for your osvn use. They are old and well-known, send somnatimes used by laborers who are engaged lee wheeling heeded harrows up Inclined planks. A A., of N. Y. Your plan for extracting stumps by ciessining a very strong lever to the root. and then blowing up the end of the lever by means of a short cannon or mortar attached to it. we think, is liable to the objection which you suggest: thee force woseld act so suddenly as probably to break either the chain or lover. Your plan, however, is very novel, and you might make seine experiments to satisfy yourself of its practicability; and upon the result of these experiments, apply for a patent or not. If you fised it useful, a Detent can be obtained for the method. MI. N.. of Micla.You ~ask, In a revolving body (the spindle of a lathe, for instance), does the center revolve? Years ago, we used to be fond of tisese puzzling abstractions; but as we grow in knowledge, we find so many concrete truths, a blob it takes the utmoot poever of oser faculties to understand, that we endeavor to keep our mind clear from ail such sources of confusion. If a spindle were revolving with mathematical accuracy, there woesid be a mathematical bus tif anybody knows what that is), which would would not revolve; but, practically, it is not probable that any mass of matter was ever made to revolve with mathasmatical precision. H. IL. & Co., of N. Y.Liquid quartz mixed with the dust of burr stone may answer very well for filling mill stones, but, so far as we know, such an experiment has not yet been tried. MI. IL. V., of Pa.We should be happy to oblige you, but ills an established rule of this office not to suppress the publi- cation of the cialme of any patent whicle is issued at the Patent Office. The list of claims which we publish every week costs us several hundred dollars a year, and they can be implicitly relied upon as being correct and as reporting every patent issued. J. F. S., of N. J.We have not a copy of the patent to which you refer, nor the book; therefore a-s cannot answer your question. A patent would be invalidated if, on trial, it was made to appear that the same device had been printed, published, known or used prior to the invention thereof by the patentee. R. A., of Conn.The oil, tallow, resin and beeswax in your composition for hardening steel, all mix together perfectly, and will, no doubt, burn out together. Your grape vine,coming from a seed, is a new variety, as are all seedling fmuita and whether it mviii be fruitful or not can only be ascertained by experiment. As there is not one chance in ten thousand that the fruit, if produced, arould be equal to either of the best two American grapes, the Cat- awba and the Isabella, it would hardly be worth while to make any extensive efforts to procure the fruit. F. C., of TexasWhen you consider that the art of observation has been one which the human race has been slowest to learnthat every science has been filled with a multitude of errors, for want of thoroughness or fairness in the investigations you will not suspect us of discourtesy in distrusting the reliability of the observations which have convinced you that witch hazel will indicate the presence of running water below the surface of the earth. We should believe this readily, if it were proved by suffi- cient observation. F. B. MI., of CounAs you have net given us the en- tire amount of heating surface in your bailer, we cannot tell you its heorse-power. From your general description of its construc- tion, we think it is a very gsod boiler. If the metal is of the best quality, its thickness being 5-16 of an inch, its diameter 4 feet, it is capable of standing a pressure of 276 lbs. on the square inch, but we would never use over 130 lbs. pressure in the most extrems cases. Allow 9 square feet of direct heating surface for a herse. power in the boiler. We only allow one-half of the tube surface for direct healing, and the whole of the top surface exposed to the firs. A. F. 0., of N. Y.An immeisse number of experi- ments have been made in gunnery in the several civilized coun- tries of the evorid, especially in France and England, and numer- ous volumes published on the subject. The size and length of the bore, the size a.sd shape of the shot, and the quality and quantity of the powder, muss be proportioned to each ether and vary with the size of the gun. KANsAs, of K. T.Anthracitc coal is not used for ma- king illuminating gas, neither will it make coke. S. W. B., of MassYour plan of producing motion by inserting one edge ef a vertical wheel in a box of quicksilver through a smooth and tightly-packed slit, so as to lift the said edge of thee wheel constantly, by ths buoyant power of the quicksilver, isa perfect specimen of perpetual motion; that is to say, it mviii not move at all. A light body, pressed down in a vessel of mercury, is raised to the surface by the falling of a portion of the mercury, as you will perceive on reflection, but if the mercury is so confined that no portion of it can descend, it has no tendency whatever to raise the light body IL. de F., of CounThe best glue is of a bright, deep yshloa- color. Marine cement Is made by dissolving india-rubber in naphtha, and adding to it powdered shellac until it is of the pro- per thickness. Ills always applied hot, and is very adhesive un- der water. Fins siereds of india-rubber dissolved in warm copal varnish, also make a waterproof cement for wood and leather. Take glue, 12 ounces, and water sufficient to dIssolve it; then add 3 ounces of resin and melt them altogether, after which add 4 parts of turpentine. This should be done in a water bath, or in a car- penters common glue-pet; it makes a mvaterproof glue J. C., of N. J.We think that your article is too specu- lative for oser columns. J. W. K., of Miss.We should like to publish your comunication on account of the good nature and fairness within which you argue, as it shomes the very spirit in which we like to carry on discussions; but we think our readers have had enougie of the subject of water mvheeis running faster by night than by day, umniess some further experiments should be made, in which case we should be pleased to recive an acoount of them. STUDENT, of N. Y.We advise you to get some clear- headed teacher of astronomy to explain to you what is nasant by a siderial year, and by the precession of the equinoxes, before you endeavor to reason from the former that the latter is a superfluity in sciense. J. IL., of MdYou state that your ice-house is sunk 14 feet in the ground, has a solid stone wail, and ~ led inside to keep the ice from the stones that; you cesest keep ice through the summer, and you wish to know if a iayee hurcoal plated on the bottom of your pit, would answer as a non-conductor to prevent Its ice thawing. Our best ice-houses here are besilt above ground, with durable walls, either of brick or stone; but wood is as good as either. The space between the walls is generally packed with straw or coarse sawdust, as a good non-conductor. In your case, we would5prefer to use dry sawdust in the pit of the floor, rather than charcoal dust but, owing to the character of your ice-house, if it has also a southern exposure, you will always find it difficult to preserve the Ice during the entire summer. Money Received At the Scientific American Office on account of Pateaet Office business, for thee week ending Saturday, Dec. 11, 1039: E.H.,ofN.Y.,$15; N.S.,ofN.Y.,$sio; J. G. C., of Ill., $lu; H. K., of, $15; J. C. K, of Vt., $23; J. D. B., of Vt., $53; A. B. J., of Ind., $25; E. A. G., of Coun., $118; G. W., of N. Y., $55; XV. MoC., of N. Y., $25; J. B. S., of Pa., $io; 11. W. P., of N. Y., $05; W. G. G., of Mass., $30; J. J. P., of Ind., $50; G. P. T., of Maine, $20; G. G., of C. W., $50; B. D. E., of Ohio, $25; G. E. B., of Mich., $10; W. S. K., of Coun., $00; A. F., of N. J., $50; I. Xnee B., of N. Y., $50; B. & W., of Pa., os; II. M., of Ohio, $50; II. XV. P., of N. Y., $00; A.J. V., of Sb., $50; J. Y., of N. C., $25; 11. & G.E. T., of Ohio, $25; T. D., of N. J., $30; I. N., of $Sts; ill. B., of N. Y., $100; A. G., of N. Y., $20; S. II., of N.J., $50: H. XV. H., of Miss., $25; E. C. B., of Ala., $50; E. P. & J. N. F., of N. Y., $50; C.& E.,ofCouu.,$50; C.H.E.,ofVt.,$30; W.I.T.,ofCal., $15; E. B., of Coun., $25; J. M. H., of N, Y., $00; B. L. F., of Pee., $25; C. M. P., of N. J., $50; H. V., of Mass., $100; It. & S., of Ohio. $30. Specifications, drawings and models belonging to par. ties with the following initials have been forwarded to the Patent Office during the week ending Saturday, Dec. 31, 5830 G. K., of Vt.; J. C. K, of Vt.; E. A. G., of Conn, (2 cases); C. I-I., of La.; E. B., of Coun.; K Ar G. E. T., of Ohio; C. B. W., of N. Y.: B. & W., of Pa.; W. S. K., of Coun.; J. K., of N. J.; XV. XV. MeC., of N. Y.; A. B., of N. Y.; D. W., of Francs; K M., of Francs: B. D.E.,ofOhio;J.W.L.,ofN.Y.; KA.H.,ofN.Y.;A. G.,ofN. Y.; J.Y.,ofN.C.; A. B. J., oflnd.; J.D.B., ofVt.; B.L.F.,of Pa.; S. F. Van C., of CaL p Literary Notice. THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY. Ticknor & Fields, publish.. ers 1. XVashlngton-street, Beaten. Thee iltth volume commsnceo with the Jansuary neenaber, and we see no decline in the high charesetor of theis ma azine. Holmes Is as sparkling as evsr, and opens with a premise to tell a tries story whelmOb mviii make the readers open their eyes. HINTS TO OUR READERS. VOLUME I., BOUND. Persons desiring the first volume of the New Series of the Seen ruse AimzascAse can be sup- plied at the office of publication. and by all ties periodioal dealers. Price, $1.50; by mail, $1.00. The volume in sheets, complete, can be furnished by mail. Price $1. BINDlNG.We are prepared to bind the volume, just closed (VoL I., New Series) in heandeoms muslin covers, with il- luminated sides, and to furnish covers for other binders. Price for binding, 50 cents. Price for covers by mail, 50 cents; by express, or delivered at the office, 40 csnts.~ INVARIABLE RULEIt ~5 an established rsale of this office to stop sending the paper mvhen the time for which it mvae prepaid has expired, and the publishers will not deviate from that stand- ing rule in any instance. PATENT CLAIMSPersons desiring the claim of any in- vention mvhich has been patented witlein 14 years can obtain me copy by addressing a note to this office, stating the name of the patentee. and date of patent when known, and enclosing $1 as fee fsr copying. INVENTORS SENDING MODELS to our address should ul- ways enclose the express receipt, showing that ties transit expenses have been prepaid. By observing this rule we are able, in a great majority of cases, to prevent the collection of double chearges. Express companies, sitherthrougha carelessness or design, often neg- lect to mark their paid packages, and thus, mvithout the receipt to confront them, they mulct their customers at each end of the route. Look out for them! GIVE INTELLIGIBLE DIRECTIONsWe often receive let- ters meith money inclosed, requesting ties paper sent for the amount of the suchosure, but no name of State given, and often atth the name of the post-office also omitted. Persons should be careful to write their names plainly when they address publishers, and to name the post-office at mohich they mvish to receive their paper, and the State in which the post-effics is located. SUBSCRIBERS to the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN who fail to get their papers regularly mciii oblige the publishers by s thug their complaints in mvriting. These who usay have missed cee-tain num- bers can have them supplied by addressing a note to the office of publication. Rabsa of Advertising. THIRTY CENTS per line for each and every insertion, payable in advance. To enable all to understand how to calculate the amount they must send when they wish advertisements pub- lished, we will explain thatten meords average one line. Engravings will not be admitted into our advem-tising columns; and, as here- tofore, the publishers reserve to themselves ths right to reject any advertisement sent for inbilcation. INGERSOLLS IMPROVED PORTABLE HAY and Cotton Press is the best and checapest in the country. Far- mers and planters mvihl do sushi to exantine ours before purchasing elsemebere. Prices for bay presses, $50 to $75; cotton presses, $81 to $200; delivered in Nemv York free of charge. Liberal arm ugements made with dealers. For circuhars and further informatien, address the Farmers Manufacturing Company, Greenpoint, Kings county N. Y. NB. Also on hand and made to orderpresess, for Hides, Hamr, Hemp, Husks, Broom Corn, Rags, & c. 17 6eow WTOODWORTH PLANING MACHINES, SASH TV Molding, Tenoning and Mortising Macielues, & c., foe- sal at low prices, at machinery depot, No. 105 North Third-street, Pisiladel phia, Pa. CHAS. H. SMITH. 26 LIDE LATHES, IRON PLANERS, DRILLS, [I Chucks, Bolt-cutting Macblues, & c.; siso, Portable Engines, at reduced prices. Address CHAS. H. SMITII, 115 North Tisird street, Pheeladehpbis, Pa. 2 0 INSTRUMENTS.-CATALOGuE (6TH EDITION), containing over 250 illustrations of Mathematical, Optical and Philosophical Instruments, with attachment of a large sheet repre- senting the Swmss Instruments en their actush sIze and shape, wIll be delivered, on application, to all parts of the United States, by sending 12 cents in postage stamps. C. T. AMSLER, 013 Chestnut-street, Philadelphia. Catalogues, without the large sheet of S ss Instrisments, furnished gratis. on application. 2 llsow ~2JOARD & WIGGINS STEAM TRAP VALVE, L.L for relieving steam pipes of condensed water, and keeping back the steam OFF-Ice OF TIlE I3ERKSEIIEE Woonc~s COMPANY, GREAT BARRINGTON, MAss. Messrs. HOARD & WIGGLN.Gents: I have been Using your steam trap valves during the last winter, nnder circumstances well adapteo to test their utility for the purpose for which they are deeigned, and Iind them far superior to any apparatus for the same uses witls which I am acquainted. Trnly yours, JAs. T. LEONARD, Supt. B. W. Co. For the Traps or illustrated circulars, address HOARD & WIG- GIN, Providence, R. I. 2 1 IATANTEDVOLs. I., II. AND III. OF TIlE IV SCIENTIFIc AMERICAN. C. A. SHAW, Biddeford, Maine. 25 4* AL EX. STOCKMAR, MACHINIST, NO. 161 Duane.street, New York. Inventors models and sewing- machines. 25 12~ WILLIAM E. RICE, HOLYOKE, MASS., MANU- VI factures of Ca*t Steel Wire, drawn uniform in size and of extra quality, for needle makers; also Steel Crinoline Wire and Reined Iron Wire of all sizes and for any use. 25 6~ p ORTABLE STEAM-ENGINES, COMBINING I. the maximum of efficiency, durability and economy with the minimum of weight and price. They received the lare gold medal of the American Institute, at their late fair, as the iest Portable Steaus.engine. Descriptive circulars sent on application. Address J. C. IIOADLEY, Lawrence, Mass. 25 13~ IjOR SALE A T~ARGE AND VALUABLE I. Punching and Sb esning Machine; weight, 25,000 lbs.; second- hand, and in perfect order. Description and photograph, with price and terms, sent on application. Address J. C. HOADLEY, Lawrence, Mass. 25 55 BUILDING NEWSA WEEKLY JOUR- for the Builder, Architect and Dealer in Real Estate; $2 yer isnum. Published by JOHN 1IILLYER, 120 John-street, New York. OIL! OIL! OIL !FOR RAILROADS, STEAM- ers, and for Machinery and Burning. Peases Improved Ma- chinei-y and Buraing Oil will save fifty per cenc., and will not gum. This Oil possesses qualities vitaliy essential for lubricating and bui oi- lug, and found in no other oil. It is ofiered to the public upon the most reliable, thorough aad practical test. Our most sidultul engi- neers and machinists pi-onounce it superior to and cheaper than any other~ and the only oil that is in all cases reliable and will not gum. Tue bcucNTceic Asranicacs, after several tests, pronounces it superior to any other they have ever used for machinery. For sale only by the Inveestor and Manufacturer, F. S. PEASE, No. 61 Main sheet Buffalo, N. Y. N. BReliable orders filled for any part of the 1~nited States and Europe. _____ ____ 14 13 H OMINY MILLS.THE UNDERSIGNED IS manufacturing Fabreseys Improved Self-feeding, discharging and Sep rating ilominy Mill. For mills or riglsts, addr0ss 19 l1~ J. DONALDSON, Rockford, Ill. Qo AGENTS WANTEDTO SELL FOUR 5.0 new inventions. Agents have made over $25,000 on one- -better than all other similar agencies. Send four stem s and get 80 pages particulars, gratis. EPHRAIM BROWN, 07 1I~ Lowell, Mass. SALE OR TO RENTON MOST FAVOR- ble terms, en Agricultural Foundry and Machine Shop, in good work~ug order5 having a well-established business and requiring a small capital. Address H. J. BL?RRALL or H. C. SCHELL, Geneva, N.Y. 254~ JRON PLANERS, ENGINE LATHES, AND OTHER [Machinists Tools, of superior quality, on hand and finishing, and for sale low; also Ilarrisons Grain Mills. For descriptive circular, address New Haven Manufacturhig Co., New Haven, Coun. 14 13 ~JEW YORK MACHINERY DEPOT.MILBANK iI & ANNAN (successors to A. L. Ackerman), manufacturers and dealers in Woodworth Planers, Wicks Patent Re-sawing Macnines; Sash, Door and Blind Machinery, Steam-engines and Boilers, Ma- chinists Tools, Files, Leather and Rubber-belting, and findings of every description, No. 222 Pearl.street, New York. 9 24* TH~ FOLLOWING VILLAGE GAS-WORKS ARE osv erecting under the Aubin system, viz.:For this city 01 San Antonio, Texas; for the villages of Bath N Y - Plottsburghs, N. Y.; Gloversvills, N. Y. (changed from ro~in woAcs); Rutland, Vt.; Dover Del; Jersey Shore, Pa.; Flemington, N. J.: Greensboro, N. C.; and Yohnt Levi, Canada. For reference to the Aubin village works erected last year and this spring, where both consumers aiid stockholders are satisfied, apply to the Aubin Company, No. 44 Stats street, Albany, N. Y. 15 12 1~IAPES AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT AND IVi.. Seed Warehouse, Wholesale and Retail. All improved and standard varieties of Agricultural Machinery and Implements. Or- ders from correspondents promptly attended to, and special attention given to low contracts for freight. CHARLES V. MAPES, 24 If 121 and 130 Nassau and 11 Beekman-streets, New York. THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. PATENT EXTENSIONSALL PATENTS FOR I Isiventious, granted by the Ussited States duriny the year OttO, will expire by their owu limitations during the current year (bOb) UNLESS EXTENDED AcCottunso TO LAW. The statute provides for Cisc extension of Patents for au additional torus of SEVEN YEARS, this grant being suede to the inventor hiiuselt, or if deceased, to his heirs cud administrators. The ExTENDED ~ mi inures oslely to the benefit of the inventor or his heirs. Assignees or owners of rights under Iho first torus of the Patent hiave no rights whatever in the extended torus. Tiso inventor or Isis heirs may, however, sell their interests in the Extension prior to the grant tliereof in which case else Extended Patent, when granted, becomes the exclusive property of such pur- chaser. Appluceosons for Extensions must be usade at the Patent Office at least 05 days prior to the extension of the Patent. Tue un- dersigned, having hiad great experience in Patent busineos, will promptly prepare the various documents and Iresecute Extension caoes on moderate terms. For furtiser informatiess address MUNN & CO., Solicitors of Pa No. 17 Park-row (Scientific American Office), k New X or MACHINE BELTING, STEAM PACKING, EN- ill. GINE IIOSE-The superiosity of these articles, manufac- tured of vulcanized rubber, is established. Every belt will be war- ranted superior to leather, at one-third less price. The Steam Pack- ing is made in every variety, and warranted to stand 1110 dogs. of heat. The 1-lose never needs oiling, and is was-ranted to stand any required pressure; together with all varieties of rubber adapted to mechanical purposes. Directions, prices & c can be obtained by mail or otherwise at our warehouse. NEW Y~RK BELTING AND PACKING COMPANY. JOHN U. CHEEVER, Treasurer, 14 13 Nos. 37 and IS Park-row, New York. BOILER FLUES FROM 1 1-4 INCH TO 7 INCH- es outside diameter, cut to any length desired, prompthy furn- nished by JAMES 0. MORSE & CO., 7 Cf No. 76 John-street, New York. (~UILD & GARRISONS STEAM PUMPS FOR ..A all kinds of independent Steam Psmnsping, for sale at 51 and 57 First-street, Wilhiamsburgh, L. I., and 74 Beekman-street, New York. 1413 GUILD, GARRISON & CO. WIROUGHT IRON PIPE, FROM ONE-EIGHTh IV of an inch Cs six inches bore; Galvanized Iron Pipe, (a substi- tute for head,) Steam Whistles, Stop Valves and Cocks and a great variety of Fittingo and Fixtures for Steam, Gas, and V~ater, sold at wholesale and retail. Store and Manufactory, No. 76 John-street, and Nos. 29, 31 and 13 PlaCt-street, New York. 7tf JAMES 0. MORSE & CO. F OR SALEAN 8-HORSE UPRIGHT STEAM engine, boiler, smoke-pipe, & e. All in good running order. Apply to B. B. MATIIER, West Norwalk, Conn. 1 3* MATCH MANUFACTURERS. BROWN Deutoxyd of lead for sale in quantities and by the pound, by FERD. F. MAYER, No. 36 Beckman-street, up stairs, New York. - 1 2 TEAM ENGINE FOR SALEHORIZONTAL, K~ five-feet stroke, fifteen-inch cylinder, upright boiler; adapted to wood fuel; bust little sused. Will he sold on very moderate terms for cash or approved paper. For particulars address H. N. LESLIE, Skaneateles, N. Y. 1 4* GENTS WANTEDWHO ARE QUALIFIED A to sell C. W. hacketts Patent Self.inkin5 Iland Stsnmp, in con- nection with Corn other very voluable articles. Address (with stamp enclosed) XV. T. NICHOLSON, Providence, H. I. 2 1* p ROOF IMPRESSIONS, ON TINTED PAPER, I. of the Machinery at lie Fair of the American Institmute, as re- presemuted by the engr~uving iusubhiahed in Clue Sesxsevurto A. RICAN, may be obtained on upplication to WATERS & TILTON, No. 911 Fulten-street, New York. Price, SO cents each. 1 3 p LATE GLASS.TO MANUFACTURERS OF I GLASSHaving puirchased the patent right for machinery to turn rough plate into polished plate glass, i request parties able to puodute rough plate of a qiushity desirable for scuch purpose, to send prices for cash and samples showing the color. The quantity required would he be,Ogo square feet and upwards every month. WILLIAM II. IIORSTMANN, No. 13 South William-street, New York. 1 2* WANTEDAN EXPERIENCED WORKMAN, IV to make sewing machines needles. Address W. H. S., box 135 Birmingham Post-office, Coun. 1 2~ FOR SALE OR RENTA SUBSTANTIAL FOUR story brick factory, 70 by It feet, with steam engine and boilers (2(1-horse power), nearly new; a wharf and large river fl-out on the Delaware, together with seven dwelling houses, stable, storehouse, & c.; is sitssated three miles from Camden, opposite Philadelphia. Apply to SAMUEL ROSS, Camden, N. J. 1 2~ PATENT MACHINERY AGENCYPARTIES I securing patents for any article would do well to address us by lettem. Patents purchased in whole or in part, or articles patented cold on commission. THOS. J. SPEAR & CO., box S., Post-office, or No. 137 or 117 Canal-street, New Orleans, La. 1 4* WOODWORTH PLANERSIRON FRAMES TO IV p lane 15 to 24 inches wide, at $90 to $110. For sale by & SAWYERS SELL PATEN~ RIGHT0 HILLS,No. l2PIaIA-street, New York. ~ MILLER L 0 on conumission. Address Menuphis, Tenn. 1 2~ THE PRACTICAL HAND-RAILER, OR HAND- ART OF DYEING.loo RECEIPTS, FULL DI- AlLING SIMPLIFIED AND MADE EASY.By 11. C. rections, 411 pages; mailed, post p aid, fom 25 cents, stamps or Coen (deceased), architectand builder. Less lines than in any other cash Address DANIEL CONGER, Wolcott, Wayne county, N. Y. - work yet psubhished, and a saving In labor and material of at least 50 5 percent. Sent by mail free at the reduced of $3. Address ___________________ _______ ________________________ - FRANKLIN COEN, box 411 Post-office. Whee~ing, Va. ___- __________________ - The opinion of G. W. Moore, of Wellsburg, Va: Its simplicity, A L C 0 T T ,S CONCENTRIC LATHES FOR wills many other advantages, recommend it to every builder, car- Broom, Hoe and Rake handles, Chais- Rounds, & c..priee $25 psuter, & c., in the country. It is truly a ~vork to supply the great -and all other kinds of wood-working machinery, for sale by wants of the mechanic. I 2~ 3 lmtf S. C. HILLS, No. 12 PlatI-street, New York. hARRISONS GRIST MILLS20, 30, 36 AND [[45 inches diameter, usC $100, $200, $300 and $400, with all the FOR SALE, WIrH IMMEDIATE POSSESSION nsodern improvements. Also, Portable and Stationary Steam-engines li an agricultuuual foundry and nuachuine slop; lii veers estab- of all sizes, suitable for said Milhs. Also, Bolters, Elevators, Belting, hished. For particulass, apply to J. y5r & N. GREEN, Water- -Ic. Apply to S. C. IIILLS, No. 12 Platt-street, New York. I elur ford, Norfolk county, C. XV. 1 7* HAMMERS. THE UNDERSIGNED, ~ WHOLE ART OF CON- Nasmyth the et wonuherfuul .-uid fohh directions for performing 1 1 of -. sstounding feats of hocus-pocus, sleight- assortment of pstterns, continue to furnish them at redusced prices, of h , ventriloquism and legeudemain. Puofuisely illustrated. -and of snv size, from 5 cwt. upwards. The lauge number hithusuto - and made by them, and in successful operation, precludes the neceoitv rice 15 cents; sent postpaid. Address M. 12. SANBORN, Brasher of prosenting any recousmendations. They are also patenteesud Falls, N. Y. 1 2~ exclusive makers, for this country, of what is generally knourn as the -- - ~ --_________________________________________ Condie, or Inverted hammem-, one of which of six tune. falhing six feet, has been in operation at the FranklIn Force, New York since 3ut ~CGdtUII~ fur ~r~nber. 1849. [23 eowtfl MERRICK & SONS, Philadch~hia. (Irfinter, Iccldc nhff stilt Ccc cngli~cu ~frs~c (ucianni jiub, filunen iC)rc 27hftfciton~cn in Ccc Cetutlclicic t?pracltc aoalf)cn. Efillen lien (Irfin- - 1~1 LOCKS FOR CHURCHES, COURT-HOUSES, tiungen soil laden, bcolhid~ lellfrielcuen Befcfreiiouugcn (uclicbc titan ~ii & e.; Time-pieces for Jewelers, Railroad Offices, & c. Also, sbrehjiren an Glass Dials for Illuminating and other kinds. Address JOHN ~Ulill & GO., -SHERRY. Manufkcturer, 0a~kIand Works, Sag Harbor, N. Y. 37 ~)arl Rein, Rco~-1~)ecE. 9 18 sow Ruuj bet Lijilce 1171db bcol~u geflsdc~cn, 311 PORTERS CENTRIFUGAL GOVERMOR.PAT I outed July 11, 11150; re-issued Jo no 21, lOdS. New York, Dec. 26, 1059. I have had one of Porters improved Governors on the engine at my ougar refinery, SI Vandam-street, for the past year. This en inc furnishes thue power for all purposes, and its load is continually changing. With thus old governoi thus motion was very unc9ual, and the constant attendance of the engineer was required to admit or shut off the steam; but since this one was attached we luave ruin with this stop-valve full open, and the speed is exactly uniform at all times. Its action is highily satisfactory-. - WILLIAM MoLiEmi. A new testimonial will appear in this place each week. Every governor is warranted ho maintain a speed so nearly uniform that the eye cannot detect amuy variation. Orders promptly supplied; valves furnished. A liberal discount allowed to agents and to engine btfilders. Send for a circular. CHATOLES T. PORTER, No. 235 West Thirteenth.stm-eet, New York. (~ QAL AND lTS PRODUCTS.A CHEMIST, ~J with practical experience in the manufacture of the various pioducts from coals, cviii attend to Chic erection of works for, and in- struction of persons in the deCal of the manufacture ef eli Chic marketable hureducts from coals, in any art of the country, on reasonable terms. For particulars address ~I. HALVOESON, North Cambridge, Msss. 1 4 XF ACHINISTS TOOLS FOR SALE.ONE BOLT- LII. cutting machine, with taps and dies up to 19~ inch diameter; one planing machine, plane 30 feet song and 5 feet 2 Inches wide, weight about 24 tons; one slide lathe, 16 feet long1 and wili Cumin 118 inches diameter; one slide lathe 15 feet long, and will tuin 20 incItes diameter; one slide hathue 12 feet losg, and will turn 25 inches diam- eter; one slide lathe 6 feet hon g,and cviii turn 16 inches diameter. The above lathes are all back-geared and screw-cuffing, with counter shafts and puhisys complete. One hand lathe 5 feet long, swings 15 inches diameter; back-geared, with counter shafts, & c. One small boring mill; two shop cranes complete. All the above machines are of this first class, and in perfect order. Apply to CHARLES XV. COPELAND, No. 122 Broadway. 1 4 (1 HARLES XV. COPELAND, CONSULTING AND ~J Superintending Engineer, No. 122 Broadway, New York, Plans and specifications PreSared. Steam vessels and steam -engines, both new and second-han , for sale. Also, wire rope, steam and water gages, indicators, & c., & c. 1 13 IV OOD ENGRAVING BY A NEW PROCESS. IV Photographing (by Prices ~tcut) directly on the block of ivood and engiaving therefrom insures a true perspective, desirable in all kinds of engravings, but more particuhamly in mechanical re- present tion. Diagrams of photographs forwarded by mail, can be utagnified or reduced by this process with perfect accuracy. Tinted envelopes designed and engraved by skillful artists. We are happy to announce, for the benefit of those wishing original designs, (hat we have secured the service of Mr. Forbes, who has, Iserhaps, no supemior as a draughisnian, and his celebrity as an artist is too gener- ally known to need comment from us. WATERS & TILTON, No. 90 Fulten-street, New York. 3 UILDERS! CARPENTERS! ARCHITECTS! B See the practical illustrations in the Archi cts and Mechan- ics Copy mailed for S cents, by A. IIARTIULL, No. 128 Fulton-street, New York. 1 2 F OR $75.I WILL SELL 14 VOLUMES (NO. I. to No. XiV), unbound, of the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, minus ten numbers. A. NICKERSON, Jr., East Boston, Mass. 1 2~ OO AGENTS WANTED TO ENGAGE IN AN 5 honorable boahuese which pays from $3 to $5 per dat-. For particulars address 111. 1CL~ANBORN, Brauher Falls, N. Y. 1 ii APPEALS BEFORE THE JUDGES OF THE U. S. District Court, from the final decisions of the Patent Office, in Rejected Cases, Interferences, & c., sn-c prosecuted by the undersigned on moderate terms. MUNN & CO., Solicitors of Patents No. 37 Park-row (Scientific American Office), Nets York. MERICAN WATER-WHEEL COMPANY - A Sole Manufacturers of Wamiens Turbine Water-wheels (Wa,- den & Damons patent), Boston, Mass. Tisis wheel still stands at this head for great economy in water. Over 600 are now operating crith great success, the greater part of crhich sn-c in cotton and woolen fac- tories. With its modern improvements, it cannot be surpassed. A pamphlet ubhished by Cbs company, containing a treatise on Hy- draulics, Fables ofPower, Prices, & c., trill be sent to all applicants (tao stamps inclosed). It is the wheel for the North, because ice does not affect it; for this South, because It is simple, and requires but little skill to attach and operate it; for the world, because it gener- ates more usvailable posrer than any water-wheel - In cxi tones. Ad- dress A. WARREN, Agent, No. 31 Exchange-street, Boston, Mass. 24 6 MUSING AND INSTRUCTIVE MICROSCOPES A for 25 centsSingle hense instruments. The most powerful known. This examination of a flys leg is worth more than the price asksd. Sent by mail free of postage for 25 cents, or six of different powers for $1. Address AAR ON BRABSUAW, box 2,125 Post Office, Boston, Mass. 2 1 I OHNSON & THATCHER, AKRON, OHIO S.F Agents for the sale of patents for the State of Ohio, 2 6, ~ TEAM ENGINES, BOTH PORTABLE AND kJ stationary, Flouring Mills, Muley. Sash and Circuilar Sacv Mills Pumping, Draining and Ginning Machinery. Muhhucork and machmnei-y in general manufactured by W. H. DUNLAP & CO, Cincinnati, Ohio. 25 OR SALEA STATE RIGHT FOR A VALU- F able invention,the ma ufacture of crhlch commands an un- limited and constant sale wherever it has been introduced. None need apply who are not able and trilling to pay a good price for a State right, as there can bean immense fortune realized in its mansi- facture. Full particulars given on a plicathon to the inventor irho is one of the firm of SHERXVOOD MILLARD, Greenwich, %~onn. 99 IZ NITTING MAChINES, CIRCULAR AND II. straight, and machine lmitting-needlee. of all sizes and gages, on hand and made to order. Address XVALTER AIKEN, Franklin, N. II. 21 AG Rh C U L T U REWANTEDAN ACTIVE partner to engage in the manufacture of a fertilizer, patented Aug. 9. 1859; superiorto guano, producing more grain at one-fifth the cost. Two years of experiments have proved Chose results. Patent rights for sale by State or county. Address H. B., Fertilizer Patentee, Pooleavills, Montgomery county, Md. 1 1~ A S~IELU1~SLtES E~hirA7~M~ cC qul prefereralent nous communiquer leurs inventions en Thancals, puivent nous addresser daus lesir langue natahe. Eavoyez nous un dessin et uns description conrise pour notre examen. Toutes com- musnications serout recuses en con~sues. MUNN & CO., Scientific American Office, No. 37 Park-rsw, New York. THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. IMPROVED CORN-PLANTER. We here illustrate a machine for planting corn, either in drills or rows, which is claimed to have advantages over all other planters. The frame, A A, is supported at its back part hy the wheels, B B, and has the runners or plows, C C, at its forward end. These plows are furnished with two diverging wings in the rear for opening the furrow to receive the seed which drops hetween the wings. These plows nrc supported by the crosspiece, D, which is hinged to the forward part of the frame, so that it may receive a slight vibration. The uprights, E E, rise from HARRIS CARRIAGE SEAT. The annexed cuts represent in section a new plan of hanging carriage seats, the object of which is to prevent the persons riding in the carriage from heing thrown from the seats in case of a sudden stopping of the car- riage, or from receiving an unpleasant jerk in the ease of a sudding starting of the vehicle. This is accom- plished by hanging the seat in such a manner that it may have an upward motion either forward or backward, and thus accommodate itself to the inertia of the bodies upon it. Fig. I is a longitudinal section, and Fig. 2, a cross KIRLINS IMPROVED CORN-PLANTER. the cross-piece, D, near its ends, and between these are section, the full black lines showing the position of the standards, F, which are connected with a cross-piece, D, parts in their usual place, and the dotted lines showing which rests upon cross-piece, D. The wheels or markers the position of the parts when the seat is thrown forward G G, are connected with the axle or shaft, IT, which by the sudden stopping of the carriage. B is the seat they cause to rotate. These wheels are furnished at the supported by the metal plates or bare, so a, which are ends of their spokes or arms with small shovels which fastened rigidly at their tops to the seat, and are hung at take hold of the ground and prevent all slipping; thus measuring or spacing the distance between the hills with great precision. Fastened npon the shaft, II, is the rose cam, I, which actuates the lever, J, and by means of a hooded pawh, turns a ratchet wheel which is fastened i,s~,, y upon the lower shaft, o. The shaft, o, has beveled gears at its ands which gear into the bevels on the periphery of the rotating bottoms of the hoppers, so that the said bottoms are caused to rotate by the turning of the wheels, G G. The hoppers are constructed, as shown in Fig. 2, with a cone. S, rising in the middle to direct the seed to the side of the bottom, where it passes through holes as they are opened by the rotation of the bottom. When it is desired to plant corn in drills a more rapid A motion is imparted to the shaft, o, by connecting the cone of pulleys, so, viith a similar cone on the shaft of the wheels, B, by means of a belt, as shown; this belt is removed when the niacbinc is used for planting in hills. The broad wheels, B B, follow in the line of drills or rows and press the earth upon the planted seed. There are three advantages claimed for this planter by the inventor:lst, The wheels or markers, G G, space the ground so accurately as to obviate the necessity of laying off the ground at right angles as usual; 2d, The sudden motion imparted to the hopper bottoms by the cam and ratchet arrangement secures a more certain filling of the holes, and, consequently, a better measuring of the seed than in other machines; 3rd, The runners for opening the furrows are so formed as to leave a broad surface at the bottom of the furrow, and thus allow the seed to spread properly in the hill or drill. The patent for this invention was issued through the Scientific American Patent Agency, Oct. 18, 1859, and persons desiring further information in relation to it may address the inventor, A. Kirlin, at New Boston, Ill. will thus be seen that the seat may swing forward or backward with a slightly rising motion, so that when the carriage starts or stops suddenly, the seat swings with the persons sitting upon it, who are thus saved from be- ing thrown from it or from receiving the unpleasant jar often experienced when a carriage is very suddenly started. The patent for this invention was secured through the Scientific American Patent Agency, Nov. 28, 1859, and persons desiring further information in relation to it may address the inventor. B. H. Harris, at Palmetto. Ga. the bottom upon the swinging plates or rods, c c, by Isivots. The rods, c c, are suspended at their upper ends from the firm, upright supports, e e, by pivots. 15 15. It /1 F- / II / INVENTORS, MACHINISTS, MILLWRIGHTS, AND MANUFACTURERS. The SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN is a paper peculiarly adapted to all persons engaged in these pursuits, while to the Farmer, house. keeper, and Man-of-Science, it will be found of equal interest and use. A NEW VOLUME COMMENCED JANUARY, 2, 1860. is The SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN has been published FouaT~xs YrAas, and has the largest circulation of any journal of its class in the world. It is indispensable to the Inventor and Patentee; each number containing a complete official list of the claims of all the patents issued carlo week at the United States Patent Office, besides elaborate notices of the most important inventions, many of which are accompanied with engravings executed in the highest degred or perfection. To the Mechanic and Manufacturer the SCIENTIFIC AMERI- CAN is important, as every number treats of matters pertaining to their business, and as often as may be deemed necessary a column or two on the metal and lumber markets will be given; thus rem prissug, in a useful, practical, scientific paper a Price Current which can be relied upon. The SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN is publislsed weekly in a form suitable for binding, each number containing sixteen pages of lette,- press, with numerous illustrations, making a yearly volume of 832 ages of useful matter not contained in any other paper. Terms. To mail subscribers: Two Dollars a Year, or One Dollar for Six Montb~. One Dollar pays for one complete volume of 416 pages; IWO volumes comprise one year. The volumes comneence on the fsr~t of January and July. ~lub Rates. Five Copie~, for Six Mouths $4 Ten Copies, Soc Six Months $8 Ten Copies, for Twelve Months $15 Fifteen Copies, for Twelve Mouths $22 Twenty Copes, for Twelve Months $28 For nil clubs of Twenty and over, the yearly subscription is only at 41. Names can be sent in ae dstierent times and from different Pest-slices. Specimen copies will hc sent gratis to any part of the country. Sourhsru, Wcster,s, a,sd Canadian money or Pest-office stamps taken at par for ossiecrtptiono. Canadians subscribers will please to remit twenty-six cents extra on earls years subscription to pre-pay Isostage. When p~rsons order the SereNvwu AMicascAss they shonsldhe care- ful to give the name of the Post-shire, County, and State to which they ~vioh the paper sent. Arid whsers tlsey change their residence. and wish their paper changed accordingly, Ilsey should state the name oh the Post-office where they have been receiving it, and lIst where they wish it sent in fistisre. IMPORTANT TO INVENTORS. NEW ARRANGEMENT. ~HE GREAT AMERICAN AND FOREIGN JPAT ENT AGENCYMessrs. MUNN & CO., Proprietors of the Sesoacrirse AaussucAx. are happy to announce the engagensent of how. Jcrscai MASON, formerly Comnuisoloner of Patents, as associate counsel wills Ihossi in this prosecution of their extensive patent husi- ncs~. Tisis connection renders their facilities still more ample than they have ever previously been for procuring Letters Patent, and at- loading to the various other departments of business pertaining to petents, suds as Extensions, Appeals before tlse United States Court, Interferenscee, Opinions relative to Infringements, & c., & c. The long experience Messrs. Meacas & Co. Isave had in pre- paring Specifications and Drawings, extending ever a period of fourteen years, hsas rendered tisens perfectly conversant withs the mode of doing business at the United States Patent Office, and withs the greater part of ilse inventions wisich have been pat- ented. Information concerning this patentability of inventions is freely given, without charge, on sending a model or drawsng and description to tisis office. Consultation may be had with the firm, between NUSE and FOOS oclock, daily, at their PRTNCIPAL Osruca, No. 37 PAine Row, NEW YosK. We have also established a BeAsoen OFFICE in the Cccv or W.asnusuvcos, on tlse conuescin or F AND SEVENTH-STREETS, opposite the United States Patent Office. Tlsis office is under the general super- intendence of one of this firm, and is in daily communication with tise Principal Office in New York, and personal attention will be given at the Patent Office to all such cases as may require it. Inventors and others who may visit Washington, having business at the Patent Office, are cordially invited to call at their office. They ace very extensively engaged lathe preparation and securing of Patents in the varisus European countries. For the transaction of this business they have Offices at Nos. 66 Chancery Lane, London; Ii) Boulevard St. Martin, Pan-is, and 26 Rue des Epeconniecs, Brussels. We think we may safely say that thres-fourthis of all the European Patents secured to American citizens are procured through our Agency. Inventors will do well to bean in mind that thse English law does not limit this issue of Patents to Inventors. Any one can take out a Pateqt there. A pamphlet of information concerning thss proper course to be pur- sued in obtaining Patents through their Agency, the requirements of this Patent Office, & c., nisy be had gratis upon application at the Principal Office or either of this Branches. They also furnish a Circu- lar of information aboust Foreign Patents. The annexed letters from the last two Commissioners of Patents we comusend to this perusal of all persons interested in obtaining Patents Messrs. Mexac & Co. I take pleasure in statIng that while I held the office of Commissioner of Patents, MORE THAN ONE-FOURTH OF ALL THE nusuexas oe Tiiii osvncsc came thiconugh your hands. I have no doubt that the psublic cosifidence thins indicated has been fully de- served, as I have always observed, in all your intercourse with this Otacs, a marked degree of promptness, skilh and fidelity to the in- terests of your employers. Yours, vecy\ruly. - CIIAS. MASON. Immediately after the appointment of Mr. Ilolt to the oflice of Postmastec-Generah of the United Stales, his addressed to us this subiolned very gratifying testimonial: Messrs. Mcxx & Co. It affords me much pleasure to bear testi- mony to the able and efficient manner in whirls you discharged your duties as Solicitors of Patents while I hiad the honor of holding this office of Commisohoner. Your business was very large, and you sus- tained (and, I doubt not, justly deserved) the reputation of energy, marked ability, and uncompromising fidelity in performing your pro- fessional engagements. Very reepeettully, Your obedient servant, J. lIOLT. Communications and remitlancee should be addressed to MUNN & CO Publishers, No. 17 Park-ross, New York, 32

A JOURNAL OF PRACTICAL INFORMATION IN ART, SCIENCE, MECHANICS, AGRICULTURE, CHEMISTRY, AND MANUFACTURES. VOL. 11.No. 3. NEW YOIRK~ JANUARY 14, 1860. NEW SERIES. NEW STEAM EXCAVATOR. The millions of dollars that are annually expended in excavating earth have attracted the attention of inven- tors to devise modcs of niding the operation by macbin- cry; and large and costly machines have been made for excavating in certain situations, especially in decp cuts of soft sand, which work wcll, and perform the labor of many men. In all of the excavators which we have seen, the earth was dcposited in carts for removal. The use of thc ponderous m2chine here illustrated is to excavate earth, and transport it to the desired place of deposit, it being intended to work in ground free from large stones or nearly so, and where the hills arc not too steep for the ascent and descent of a locomotive running on broad wheels on the ground. The rectangular frame, A, is supported on four wheels, two of which, B B, are the driving ~vheels propelled by the engine, C C. The two forward wheels are joined to the frame by means of a king bolt, a~nd are connected by rack and pinions with the steering wheel, D, so that the machine may be guided in its course. As the machine is driven along, the plow, E, turns up the dirt, and rolls it into the radial cli ambers of the elevating wheel F. As the wheel, F, revolves, the dirt is held in the - chambers by the plate, G, till it is carried above the edge of the plate, when it slides down by its own gravity, and falls into the car, II. The car shown in the cuts is only one of a se- ries intended to surround the ma- chine on a railway having turning ta- bles at the corners; as each car is filled it is pushed along all receive their loads, when the wheel, F, is raised so that it will not operate to lift the earth, and the machine is propelled under the guidance of the operator to the place of deposit, when the cars are emptied in the usual man- ner. The shaft of the wheel, F, runs in journal boxes, which are secured in the upright guides, i i, and are sus- pended by chains which are wrapped around the shaft, k, so that the wheel, F, may be raised by the power of the engine, by throwing the clutch, in, into operation and thus turning the shaft, k. The ~vheel, Y, is rotated by means of the chains, a and o, and the pulleys, p and r, as shown. This machine is the invention of W. G. Goodale and R. L. T. Marsh, to whom a patent was issued through the Scientific American Patent Agency, Dec. 20, 1859, tnd persons desiring further information in relation to it will please address Messrs. Goodale & Marsh, at Centralia, Ill. by hand, and thus THE ART OF TANT~ING. The following extracts are taken from the second lec- ture of the Hon. Gideon Lee, on the above subject, as published in the S/toe and Leetiter Reporter. The sub- stance of his first lecture we published on page 384, Vol. I. (new series):.- Saving is the order of the day. Each pound of glu- ten wasted, incapacitated, expunged, consnmed, or other- svise lost, involves the loss or prevents the gain of nearly an equal weight of tannin, which the gluten so lost would otherwise have combined. I am satisfied that excessive soaking and softening is the incipient waste. But we must be equally careful to avoid the opposite extreme; for if our theory be correct, short or deficient softening is no less a cause of loss or waste than overdoing. The purest glue and the purest tannin have no more chemical affinity in a perfectly dry state than the two most repel- lant substances in nature. It is only in a state of solu- tion, or extreme softness approximating solution, that this affinity has active existence. Every ounce of the hide, therefore, which fails of that degree of softness requisite for the incorporation or union of tannin is no better than lost; it can never form the necessary union with the tannin in order to make leather; but it must remain in a state which, in technical phrase, we call horn or starved hide. Some tanners have fancied that the opening power of the lime, in the next~stage of the process of preparation, may perform what the pure water and the softening mill had left undone. We know that lime is a powerful solvent, and in part it pos- sibly may remedy the defective work of the water and the mill, but not fully. If then, ten pounds of hide in a hundred should fail of the requisite degree of softness, in the harder or thicker parts the leather will fail pro- portionably, both in weight and quality. The operation of a strong solution of lime, on the soft and raw hide, is powerful, opening the pores, loosening the hair, consum ing the fatty particles, and distending and swelling the whole hide to double its natural thickness. It must be obvious to the most ordinary mind that a menstrum so cogent should be used with great discretion; we have good reason to apprehend it has done great waste to our trade in consuming the soft gelatine of which the raw hide is composed. Every tanner knows that all high limed leather is loose, porous, pervious to water, weighs light and wears out quickly ; I ascribe the whole mis- chief in the process to the actual consumption of the soft and more delicate particles of the glutin. Let us sup- pose that ten pounds in the hundred are thus consumed. Why, we have not only lost the ten pounds of hide, but we have failed to gain the five, or seven, or ten pounds of tannin which should have combined with it! I shall say but little of another process adopted by a great num- ber of our large tanners within a few years, commonly called sweating, which accomplishes, by the process of that fermentation natural to all dead animal substances, all the beneficial pur.poses of the lime; and, I am inclined to believe, with less waste of the raw material. Several practici?l tanners in whose judgment I have very great confi- denee, say, that the sweating pro- cess, in comparison with the liming, requires less labor saves a portion of the hides, which, in the process of incipient putrefica- tion, would be sud. denly destroyed by lime, causes a greater gain in the weight of the leath- er; that it is morn solid, finer texture, less pervious to water, and wears longer; but re- quires longer time in the tanning, and is very difficult for the shoemaker to sew or stitch. The process called bating, which immedi- ately follows the liming, is intended to expunge the lime and restore the texture of the hide, as nearly as may be, to what it was before the liming process. It is, in its na- ture, that kind of fermentation which immediately pre- cedes putrefaction, and the ultimate decomposition of all animal substances. This is perhaps the most delicate and critical operation in the whole range of the manufacture of leather, and requires in the operator the nicest perception, the most improved judgment, and constant watchfulness especially in variable weather. The next process is the handling. Here begins the actual tanning, in a solution of tannin, which, being a powerful anti-putrescent, in- stantly arrests the fermentation generated in the bate. I have good reason to believe that, in the bating process, a large portion of the substantive body of the hide may be run off, without destro.ying its organic structure. I presume every reflecting tanner will support me in the ( GOODALE & MARSHS NEW STEAM EXCAVATOR. THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. opinion that the waste of glutin, in overbating, is very great, but I have reason to fear that a greater loss is in- curred by means of tho tardy application of the tannin from the first handler to the last layer, than by nil other wasting causes together. I have noticed the results of numerous experiments of both slow and quick tanning; and in all cases (the preparation of the hide for the ooze being equally well done) have found the quick tanned speeirnons of a firmer and closer texture, more solid, loss perrious, vastly greater weight, and far more durable in the wear, than the slow tanned specimens. By quick tanning, I mean three to four months for light solo leather ; five to six months for middling ; and seven to eight months for very heavy; dating from the first handler. By slow tanning I mean any considerable ad- ditional time to the terms named. I believe a much quicker process might he had, that would give as great or greater weight; hut it would render the leather too hard and harsh in its texture to be conveniently worked np by the shoemaker. It will he observed, I am speak- ing of sole leather only, with which kind I am most in- timate. The ordinary increase of weight among the large tanners of this State, on the unsalted dy hides, im- ported from Laguira, Angostura, Buenos Ayres, Rio Grande, and other parts of South America (and such chiefly make up their stocks) is such that each one hun- dred pounds of dry hide make one hundred and forty to one hundred and fifty pounds of sole leather. I may also repeat here that, when all the glutin composing the hide is entirely combined (saturated) with the tannin when the union is perfectly formednot a single addi tional ounce can be gained from the strongest ooze, what- ever time you continue the process. I had a most sat- isfactory experimental proof of the correctness of this conclusion. I consider active and long-continued hand- ling vastly important, not only in the acquisition of weight, but in point of firmness and durability. I would handle sole leather from eighty to one hundred and twenty days, according to the weight of the sides, and the subsequent layiag (5WO~ should be short and fre- qu~ntly repeated; a few days only for each layer, and in nocase more than two-thirds the quantity of sides which is usually laid in each vat. I have ascribed the greatest loss or waste in glutin to the tardiness of the taeniny stage of the manufacture. I am not able to satisfy my own mind precisely how or when it goes; I am rather inclined to think it does not separate and escape from the body of the hide, as in the process of softening and bating; but for want of an immediate conjunction with the tannin, I~behieve it somehow perishes, and becomes extinct in its original position, or becomes incapacitated ever thereafter to form the necessary union with the tan- nin If these conjectures be well founded, then much handling will prove the best remedy. I believe that the glutia of the interior parts of the hide chiefly suffers this disqualification for the exterior being brought into im- mediate contact with the tannin, the two surfaces are always first tanned, as every hody knows. And it is somewhat curious to see the progress of the combination extending from the two surfaces inwardthe interior remaining colorless, soft, raw hide, for months after the two surfaces have become firm, well-tanned leather; the glutin of the two surfaces having arrested and combined all the tannin before it reaches the interior. The opinions of Mr. Lee, regarding the experiment of quick-tanned hides, are the very opposite of those gene- rally entertained by almost every person outside of the tanning business. DRAINAGE OF CITIES FOR MANURES. A very valuable letter has lately been ~vritten by Professor Liebig, the eminent chemist at Munich, in Bavaria, to Mr. J. J. Mechi, the well-known enterprising English agriculturist, in answer to a letter of the latter which had been published in the London Times. We ~vill give the substance of this letter, and request for it a careful attention, as the opinions expressed, and the information contained in it, are just as important to the citizens of all our large cities as to the inhabitants of London. In reference to the use of sewerage matters for manures he says :I regard it as a fortunate event that a man of so eminently practical a character as yourself has now for the first time, in the interest of agriculture and the national welfare, taken up the question of the sewerage of towns with warmth, and in language adapted to produce conviction. I have labored many years to impress such views upon the public, but my efforts have not been attended with any perceptible results. The inca to remove the difficulties which stand in the way of ~rocuriug manure from the sewerage of towns will certainly he found; and a future generation will look upon those men who have devoted their energies to the attainment of this end, as the greatest benefactors of their country. The ground of my small success lies clearly in the fact, that the majority of farmers do not know the extent to which their own interests are concerned in this matter and because the views and conceptions of most men in regard to the circuit of life and the laws of the preserva- tion of our race, do not generally rise above those of C. Fourier, the inventor of the phalanstery. He proposed, as you know, to supply the wants of the occupants of his phalanstery by means of eggs. He supposed it was only necessary to lirocure a couple of hundred thousand hens each of which would lay thirty-six eggs a year, making as many millions of eggs, which, sold in England, would produce an immense income. Fourier knew very well that hens lay eggS, but he seemed not to know that in order to lay an egg they must eat ~n amount of corn its equai in weight. And so most men do not know that the fields, in order permanently to yield their harvests must either contain, or else receive from the hands of man certain conditions which stand in the same relation to the product of the fields as the hens food does to the egg she lays. They think that diligent tillage and good mveather are sufficient to produce a harvest; they there- fore regard this question as one in which shey are wholly unconcerned, and look forward carelessly and with indifference to the future. It is true that the diligent tillage ot the fields, sun- shine, and timely rain, are the outward conditions, per- ceptible to all men, of good harvests, but these are per- fectly without effect upon the productiveness of the field, unless certain things not so easy of perception by the senses are present in the soil, and these are the elements which serve for nourishmentfor the pro- duction of roots, leaves and seedsand which are present in the soil always in very small quantity in proportion to the mass of the soil itself. These elements are taken from the soil in the products of the field, in the corn, or in the flesh of the animals nourished by these products, and daily experience shows that even the most fruitful field ceases after a certain series of harvests to produce these crops. A child can comprehend that, under these circum- stances, a very productive field, in order to remain very productive, or even simply productive, must have the elements which have been withdrawn in the harvests perfectly restored; that the aggregate of the conditions must remain, in order to produce the aggregate results, and that a well, however deep it may be, which receives no supply of water, must in the end become empty, if its water is constantly pumped out. Our fields are like this well of water. For centuries those elements which are indispensable to the reproduction of the field crops have been taken from the soil in those crops, and that, too, without being, restored. It has only recently been ascer- tained how small a supply of these elements the soil really has. A beginning has been made to restore to the fields the loss which they sustain through the annual harvests, by introducing from external sources manures containing the same elements. Only a very few of the better-informed farmers perceive the necessity of this restoration, and those of them who have the means have zealously endeavored to increase the amount of these elements in their fields. The loss of these elements is brought about by the sewerage system of towns. Of all the elements of the fields, which in their products in the shape of corn and meat are carried into the cities, and there consumed, nothing, or as good as nothing, returns to the fields. It is clear that if these elements were collected without loss, and every year restored to the fields, they would then retain the power to furnish every year to the cities the same quantity of corn and meat; and it is e~ally clear that if the fields do not receive back these elements, agriculture must gradually cease. In regard to the utility of the avails of the sewerage of towns as manures, no agriculturist, and scarcely an intelligent man, has any doubt; but as to their necessity, opinions are very various. Many are of the opinion that corn, meat, and manures are wares which, like other wares, can he purchased in the market; that with the demand the price may perhaps rise; but perhaps in half a century not one of those countries upon whose excess England has hitherto drawn, will be able to supply her with corn, and that too, from the natural law, that what is true of the smallest piece of ground is true also of a great countryit ceases to ~m- duce corn, if the conditions of the reproduction of the corn which has been carried off are not restored to it. In the United States the population increases at a still greater ratio than in other countries, while the corn produc- tion upon the land under cultivation has constantly fallen off. History teaches that not one of all those countries which have produced corn for other lands have remained corn markets, and England has contributed her full share towards rendering unproductive the best lands of the United States, wlcich have supplied her with corn, pre- cisely as old Rome robbed Sardinia, Sicily, and the rich lands of the African coast of their fertility. Finally, it is impossible in civilized countries to raise the corn production beyond a certain limit, and this li.mit has become so narro~v that our fields are no longer capable of a higher yield without an increase of their effective elements by tlse introduction of manures from abroad. By means of the application of guano and bones, the farmer of most limited capacity learns the real meaning of such increase; he learns that the pure system of stall or home-made manures is a true and genuine robbing system. In consequence of his restoring in t~lme guano and bones but a small portion of the very same elements of seeds and of fodder which had been with- drawn from his fields by centuries of cultivation, their products are wonderfully increased. Experiments insti tuted with special reference to this end, in six different parts of the kingdom of Saxony, showed that each hundred weight of guano put upon a field produced 150 lbs. of wheat, 400 lbs. of potatoes, and 280 lbs. of clover more than was produced by the same-sized piece of ground without guano; and from this it may be calculated how enormously the corn ~nd flesh production of Europe has been increased by the yearly importation of 100,000 tuns, or 2,000,000 cwt. of guano. The effect of guano and bones should have taught the farmer tbe real and only cause of the exhaustion of his fields; it should have brought him to perceive in what a condition of fertility he might have preserved his fields, if the elements of the guano which he has transported in the shape of meat and products of his fields into the cities, were recovered and brought into a kim which would admit of their being restored every year to his fields. But it is much simpler, he thinks, to buy guano and bones, than to collect their elements from the sewers of cities, and if a lack of the former should ever arise, it will then be time enough to think of a resort to the latter. But of all the farmers erroneous opinions, this is the most dangerous and fatal. If it is considered that a pound of bones contains in its phosphoric acid the neces- sary condition for the production of 60 lbs. of wheat; that if the English fields have become capable, by the importation of 1,000 tuns of bones, ol~ producing 200,000 bushels more of wheat in a series of years that they would have produced without this supply, then we can judge o~ the immense loss of fertility which the German fields have sustained by the exportation of the many hundred thousand tuns of bones which have gone from Cermany to England. It will be conceived that, if this exportation had continued, Germany would have been brought to that point that she could no longer have been able to supply the demand of her own population for corn. lo many parts of Germany, from which formerly larg~. quantities of bones were exported, it has already come to he the case that these bones must, at a much highet price, be bought back again in the form of guano, in order to attain to the paying crops of former time. The price of bones is now so high in Germany as to forbid their exportation. In relation to guano, I have been assured that in 20 or 25 years, if its use should increase in even the same pro- portion as hitherto, there will not remain in South America enough to freight a ship~ We- will, however, suppose its supply and that of bones to continue for fifty years, om even longerthen what ~vihl be the condition of Eng. lamf when the supply of guano and bones is exhausted This is one of the easiest of all questions to answer. If the common sewerage system is retained, then the imported manures, guano and bones, make their way 34 THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. into the sewers of the cities, which, like a bottomless pit, have for centuries swallowed up the guano elements of the English fields; and after a series of years the land will find itself precisely in the condition it n-as in before the importation of guano and bones commenced. A very little reflection will lead to the conviction that the relations of populations are governed by a great and com- prehensive natural law, according to which the return, duration, increase or diminution of a natural phenomenon depends upon the return, duration, increase, or diminu- tion of its conditions. This law governs the return of the harvest upon our fields, the maintenance and increase of the population, and it is easy to see that a violation of this natural law must exert upon all these relations a pernicious influence, which can be set aside in no other way than by the removal of its causes. If, then, it is known that certain existing relations ~vork deleteriously upon the fields, it can be foreseen that their continuance must bring about the ruin of agriculture. It has been maintained that the recovering of the manure elements out of the sewers in the large cities is impracti- cable. I am not ignorant of the difficulties which stand in its waythey are indeed very great; but i~ the engineers would come to an understanding with the men of science in relation to the two purposesthe removal of the contents of the se~vers, and the recovery of their valuable elements for agricultureI do not doubt that a good result would follow. Intelligence, in union with capital, represents a power in England which has rendercd possible and practicable things of much greater apparent difficulty. I look forward with deep concern to the solution of the sewerage question. For if this question is decided in Great Britain ~vjthont regard to the wants of agriculture, we can scarcely hope for anything better upon the continent. Countries may be fruitful, and become capable of sustaining a large population, when certain resisting influences, which in their unimpeded working make the cultivation of the soil impossible, are overcome by human intelligence; or when a land has all the conditions of productiveness except one, and then receives the one which it lacked. If Holland were without her dikes, which must be kept up at great expense, she would pro- duce neither corn nor meat; the land would be nn inhabitable. In a similar manner the inhabitant of the African oasis protects his grain fields by dikes against the storms of the desert, which cover his ground with a barren sand. I know that the prophets of future evil have at all times been derided by their o~vn generation, but if history and natural law can furnish any ground whatever for a just conclusion, then there is none which stands upon a firmer basis than this: that, if the British people do not take the pains to secure the natural con- ditions of the permanent fertility of their landif they allow these conditions, as hitherto, to be squandered, their fields ~vill at no distant day cease to yield their returns of corn and meat. CALIFORNIA WINE-The Sonora At,e gives the fol- lowing information relating to the wine manufacture in that place: At Moussauds vineyard, near the foot of Bald Mountain, they are pressing nearly their entire crop, and have 1,500 gallons of white vine already made. They will make 4,000 gallons in all. Mr. Pci- tret has made 500 gallons of excellent wine, and has still a lot of grapes on hand, preserved for table use. Madame St. Cyr makes 500 or 600 gallons of wine; and about the same quantity will be made by Madame La Carce. Uncle John Moss has made 160 gallons of ex- cellent red ~vine from 1,837 lbs. of grapes. Besides the wine thus manufactured from the grape, some brandx- and a large quantity of vinegar will also be made. It will be seen, from the figures given, that very nearly 6,000 gallons of ~vine will be produced this season by a few small vineyards in the vicinity of this town. This will readily sell from $2 to $2.50 per gallon, which, at the lowest figure, will net $12,000 for the whole. LIQUID GLUEs.Dissolve 33 parts of best (Buffalo) glue on the steam bath in a porcelain vess~l, in 36 parts of water. Then add gradually, stirring constantly, 3 parts of aqua fortis, or enough to prevent the glue from hardening when cool. Or dissolve 1 part of powdered alum in 120 parts of water, add 120 parts of glue, 10 of acetic acid and 40 of alcohol, and digest.Druggists Circular. TESTIMONIAL FROM AN INVENTOR. GENTLEMEN I was at last compelled to employ you as agents to fix up my re-issue papers for a sugar evaporator; and I must say it is well done, and would have saved much difficulty if I had employed you to at- tend to my case in the first instance. I am not sure but that my present application for an improvement in will have to be fixed up by your firm yet. Respectfully, D. M. Coosc. Mansfield, Ohio, Jan. 6, 1860. [The above gentleman prepared his papers for a re- issue, and attempted to act as his own attorney. The consequence was, he got his case in such a fix that it was difficult, for a time, to determine n-here to begin to straighten them so as to get them in condition for the action of the Patent Office. But it n-as done, as seen by the inventors statement above, and done to his apparent satisfaction. While we recommend all inventors who are coin- petent to prepare their own drawings and specifications and act as their own attorneys before the Patent Office, we counsel those who have had no experience in such business, and have an invention worth protecting by a patent, to employ some experienced attorney to act for them froni the firstnot to wait until they get their ease in such a condition as to requii-e more labor and expense to amend it than it would have cost in the first place to have had the business well attended to. The preventive of trouble is cheaper than the cost of cure in such cases, as the ~vriter above can testifyEns. DISCOVERIES AND INVENTIONS ABROAD. Substitute for 6/iloroforsn.A considerable sensation has just been produced in Paris by M. Velpean, an eminent surgeon, who has recently communicated to the Academy of Sciencesthe extraordinary fact that, if a bril- liant object (such as a red bead) is placed near to the face of a person and between the eyes, and the gaze be fixed steadily upon it for a few minmltes, the person will soon fall into a cataleptic state and become as insensible as if under the influence of chlorofoi-m. M. Rocco is stated to be the discoverer of this, and in making several ex- periments, persons were made to undergo surgical opera. tions quite unconscious of pain. A correspondent of the Boston Traveler, writing from Paris, seems to be enthu- s:astic on this discovery, and recommends its practice by the dentists of Boston in extracting teeth. We remember very well how this alleged new discovery was discussed in both the English and American papein-s about 20 years ago, as an explanation of the phenomena of animal mag- netism and the cataleptic condition into which some persons may be easily thrown. It iiever can be used with certainty in surgery, in all cases, although it may be in some. lied D~/es.A patent has been taken out in England l~y R. A. Brooman (as a communication from abroad) for the preparation of red colors for textile fabrics fi-om aniline. A mixture of aniline and anhydrous bichl vide of tin are first heated up together to the boiling point anil then boiled for fifteen minutes. At first the mixtuic is of a yellowish tint, but it finally becomes a beautiful red when held up to the light, although, in a very laige quantity, it appears to be of a blackish ci-imson color. When hot, the liquor maintains its liquid condition; but on becoming cold, it assumes a jelly state. While still warm, the liquor is to be filtered to free the coloring matter from several impurities. By adding the tartrate of potash or the acetate of lead to the liquor while hot all the coloring matter is precipitated, and when it becomes cold it may thus be obtained solid, to be used like the extract of logwood in dyeing. The red solution of aniline thus obtained may be used with pyroligneous mordant, or the nitrate and acetate of lead in dyeing. To print calicoes with this preparation of aniline a very concentrated extract is required, which is mixed with dextrine or gum to make it into a printing paste. Acetic acid and alcohol will also precipitate the extract. The bichloride of mercury (corrosive sublimate), the proto- chloride of copper and the pem-chioride of iron can also be employed to mix with the anyline as substitutes for the bichloride of tin. Aniline Blues, Lilacs end Drabs. A patent has also been lately secured by Messrs. J. T. Benle and T. N. Kirkharn, of England, for aniline in dyeing and printing. This invention consists in treating salts of aniline, or an acid solution of it, wit.h hypochlorite of lime or common bleaching powder, to obtain fast colors. They take the O~) nitrate of aniline, or the acetate, or a saturated solution of aniline in water, and add an equal quantity by measure of acetic acid. To thi~ ~alutiou some hy poeblorite or bleaching powder is also added, and a change in time color of the solution at once takes place. The shade of the liquor indicates the shade of color to be produced by it on textile fabrics. By varying the quantities of these substances different shades may be produced, from a blue to a lilac, purple, violet, slate and drab. It is well known to dyers that, by using the same substances in dyeing (only in different quantitiesstrong and weak), browns, orabs, & e., are colored; and so it is with using aniline of different degrees of strength, according to the shades desired. When preparing anahine for dyeing, the chlorite must be added ~-ery cautiously until the proper shade is attained, because it is the re-agent which tones tile colors. The following is the method of practically using the aniline :Dissolve as much aniline as can be taken up in a certain quantity of watersay one gallon, and to this add one gallon of strong acetic acid and a pint of the hypoeblorite of lim~. The svhole is then carefully stirred and the color of the liquor becomes a violet of an intensity proportioned to the amount of chlorine used, the greater the quantity of the latter the lighter the shades produced. According to the quantity of hypochiorite used, the shades of aniline ivill vary from a violet to a drab. With aniline liquors thus prepared, silk may be dyed various shades without mordants; with mordants, both wool and cotton fabrics may be dyed with the aniline thus prepared; and strong extracts may be employed for printing. We had been informed that anilinewhich is a preparation of indigo with dilute nitric acid, amid formerly called indigotic acid had gone out of use, but these two patents afford evidence of it becoming more extended in Europe. None of these colors, so far as we know, have yet beon introduced into this country. Increasing the Strength of PaperWe described a method of producing vegetable parchment on page 237, Vol. XIV. (old series) of the ScIENTIFIc AMERICAN, by steepimig unsized paper for a brief period in sulphuric acid, slightly diluted. We learn from our able cotem- porary, Newtons London Journal of Arts, that amiothier method of producing vegetable pam-ebment has been discovered and patented by Mr. T. Taylor, London. Papereither sized or notis taken dry and soaked in a concentrated neutral solution of chloride of zimme moderately heated; after which it is washed, dried and is ready for use, having the strength and appearance of parchment. The neutral solution of the chloride of zimic is formed by adding the carbonate or oxyd of zinc to a solution of zinc dissolved in muriatic acid, tItan evaporating the solution until it has arrived at time con- sistency of sirup ~vhen cold. In this state it has a high specific gravity, and the paper to be treated is immersed in it for a few minutes, then taken out, and the adhering zinc removed by a scraper. The paper is now~ thor- oughly naslied in clean cold water and afterwards pressed and dried. This treatment dra~vs or julls the fibers of the paper together, rendering the sheets smaller in size but much stronger and closer in the texture. The process desci-ibed is conducted with cold liquors, and the paper is only partly rendered into vegetable parchment; when it is desired to produce lIsa fullest change possible in the paper, the liquor is kept heated about 1200 Fah. while the paper is immersed in it. Sheets of paper, when saturated with such a solution, may be joined permanently together by uniting their edges and passing a heated iron over them. The chloride of tin may also be used as a substitute for the zinc. Paper tsaated in this manner becomes muchi thicker, and can be glazed with a most beautiful surface. li~fi mug S ar. In intm-oducing raw sugar for the pur- pose of refining, it is liable to sink down and come in contact with the heated steam pipes in the melting pan, whereby some of it is carbonized and more molasses pro. duced than otherwise would be. To avoid this a patent has been taken out by Mr. John Aspinall, of Londomi, for melting the raw sugar before it comes in contact with the steam pipes of the open heating pan; and he does this by placing the sugar upon a perforated false bottom which just conies in contact with the surface of the water in the pan, and dissolves it gradually before it can be precipitated to the bottom. The idea embraced in this invention is to melt all the raw sugar in the liquor before it can come in contact with the pipes which heat the pan. THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. THE NEW YORK PALACE HOME FRONT ELEVATION. MAGNIFICENT BUILDING SCHEME PRACTI- CAL PLAN FOR REDUCING RENTS. Is it possible in large cities to have comfortable, con- venient, and genteel dwellings at a rent of $140 to $250 per annum, to reduce the expense of servants, and all other costs of living nearly or quite one half and to corn- bine thc conveniences and frccdom of the best hotels if not their elegancieswith all the seclusion and retire- ment of private houses? Some shrewd busiaess men answer these most important and interesting questions in the affirmative; and they say that a building nearly half a mile in circuit ~vill soon be going up in this city Each room or suite of rooms in the edifice will vary in value from $400 to $2,000, according to size and posi- tion. It will require, to complete the building, a thou- sand subscribers, averaging $1,000 each, who will have five years time over ~vhich to arrange their payments, whilst during three out of these five years they may be at the same time tenants, having their rent paid out of their stock dividends. It is proposed not to take any sul)scription for a less amount than a sum equal to the value of a room or suite of rooms. A single man or woman woo in this way secures a room at $500 will have a permanent home for the interest on that sum, It will be seen by our illustrations that the movement is so far advanced that plans of the building have been prepared. We present a view of the front, and a plan of the second story, with a full description of the whole. The basement ~vill be occupied by a kitchen and lana- dry in the center, to cover a space of 300 by 100 feet, lighted from the top by five domes, each 16 feet in diam- ter. Its bight will be 15 feet; it will be constructed thoroughly, and ventilated by a system adapted to carry away all odors arising from culinary operations, and gen- erally it will be supplied with every well-tested improve- ment applicable to cooking on a large scale by systematic ~ J .i}IIYIVYTIiVVQ Ii -ivy - 1KT~ I..,, ~ - --- LJLLLLJ Iii ILr~~ ________________ ~ ~ }j1HThJTTTI~TTFVTF ~ ~ ~ a - ______ 0 L~J71YL1LLLL1t.IITL1LIhII AL~biLALA ~hiL dIJlidIiIihJL4 i.ffiJLfr~~ PLAN OF TIlE PALACE HOMESECOND FLOOR. to demonstrate the truth of their statements. The plan is to buy a block of ground in the neighborhood of the Central Park, 200 feet by 800 in size, extending from avenue to avenue and from street to street, and to cover the whole with one immense hotel for the occupation of private families. It is proposed that the occupants shall own the property, and have control of the management. The amount of money requisite to complete the edifice and place it in working condition is $1,000, 000, accord- ing to estimates accurately made. One-half this amount may be obtained from bonds paying 7 per cent interest secured upon the property. The other half is to be ap- portioned among the stockholders. which is $35 per year, at seven per cent, or $30 at six per cent, and with this home will be connected the ad- vantages already enumerated. This point will he made more distinct in the by-laws of the association; these will provide that each suite of rooms he appraised and numbered in a manner similar to that adopted for church pews; each subscriber to take stock enough to cover the appraised value of such rooms as he selects; the pay- ments on the stock to he extended over a period of five years, and the stock itself to be lodged with the executors of the association as security for fulfillment on the part of the tenant of the conditions of the lease; these condi- tions to provide for a proper observance of order. methods. The space beneath the side~valks on the streets and avenues will be appropriated for storehouses, fuel depots, machinery for grinding and otht~rwise preparing food; a pumping engine, bakery, boilers, steam engine, ice-house, and gasometer. The remainder of the space will be occupied with workshops, of which there may be forty-six in number, 42 feet square each, lighted from the top by glass domes, 26 feet by 7, this being the size of the forty-six areas, which serve also to admit air and light to all the interior portions of the building. The ground floor will be covered with a garden in the central court, 240 feet long, by 28 feet wide, oval shape, around which ~vill be built a ball or gallery of iron and THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. -+ori~5 in hight. The first story, 20 feet high, will be divided into a musiu ~ l *~r..rnnm. 220 by 30 feet, shape nearly semi-circular. The reading-room and library will be of the same shape. The dimensions of the parlor will be 180 feet by 30; the natural history room and picture gallery will be 90 feet by 30; and the smoking-room will be 90 by 30; all of these may be united if desired. On this floor will be a number of stores and offices, say, at least, seventy, varying in size, but averaging about 20 feet by 45, with entrance from the interior arcade, as well as from the street. There will be located the business offices, two in number, 28 feet by 24 each, and four more of like size for janitors and stewards. Space will be reserved for a chapel, 100 feet by 24; for four vestibules, 20 feet by 26 feet, and six hall entrances 45 feet by 9feet; two schoolrooms, 75 feet by 24; and sixty suites of rooms for families who may be in the city temporarily to visit friends residing within the edifice. From this floor to the upper story will ascend eight broad stairways, and four steam eleva- tors will be in constant operation to serve those who prefer this mode of ascent over the more laborious one by stairways. On this, as on each other floor, ample provision will be made for water-closets and bathing- rooms, and every suite of rooms will be supplied with a fancet for water and a waste-pipe. In the annexed plan of the second floor of this gigan- tic palace of the people, A represents a court-yard, 280 feet long by 28 wide, with five glass domes to light the kitchen, which is located in the basement. B indi- cates an oval building constructed of glass and iron, two stories high, surrounding the court-yard; the first story will be divided into a number of public rooms, and the second will be used as a grand dining hall. Above the second story both A and B combine to form another and larger court-yard, 300 feet long by 100 wide; the mar- ginal portion (built over the roof of the dining-hall) is to be used as a conservatory, and the central portion will be adorned with a grass plot and fountains. C is an ob- long area designed to convey light and air to such rooms as have windows opening on the same; the rooms on the first story are to be appropriated for offices, schoolroom and chapel. Another similar area is visible in the other wing of the edifice. In each wing are also seen two par- lors for general use, D D; the location of these will be changed to the center of the front, and each pair will be united into one apartment, 92 feet long by 26 wide. E E are two corridors, each 9 feet wide, intended to eventual- ly extend from one end of the building to the other, and to pass through those portions now occupied by the rooms, D D, in order to secure thorough ventilation. F indicates a steam elevator and stairway; the former being for the use of invalids and others desiring a mode of ascent easier than the usual means; there are four of these, and also four other stairways, one near each of the parlors, D. The water closets and bathing rooms (of which there are four sets) are marked G. H represents various suites of rooms, comprising, in most cases, one parlor and two sleeping rooms; each of the latter con- taining a couple of closets. Every suite has four win- dows fronting on the street, and one (in the rear chain- hei) opening on an area, 26 feet by 7; there are, in all, 46 areas, which, in the annexed plan, are shaded to dis- tinguish them from apartments. There are 186 suites on this floor, but. some changes are to be made in the size and structure of the rooms. J, J, J, J, are four steam elevators for hoisting cooked provisions from the kitchen to the dining-hall, together ~vith flues for carry- ing away the steam and odors from the kitcheu. On the second floor the dining room will be located. This will be a half-oval shape, 22 feet high, located over the music and reading rooms, covering a space 800 feet by 30, lighted from the side and top. Meals ~vill be served here three times daily, on the European plan, the American plan (or table dliote), and after the manner of the English club houses, so that families may choose between these, or have their meals in their own apart- ments if they prefer. This department will be in the hands of an experienced manager, under whom will be secured thorough nca~ncss in the serving as well as cook- ing of the food. Also it is intended to introduce a sys- tem which shall effectually do away with opportunities for dishonesty, even on a small scale. The food will be pure and fresh, and will be served at prices far below that now paid by housekeepers. As an illustration may he cited the price end quality of milk, which can be sup~ plied pure and fresh for 3~ cents per quart, throughout the year ; eggs at 15 cents per dozen; and butter at 15 cents p~r pound, from fsrms and dairies conducted, organized and kept expressly to furnish these supplies. This floor will also contain four parlors for general use, each 46 feet by 26, and the remainder of the space will be appropria- ted for single rooms and suites; the single rooms varying in size, but occupying about 20 feet by 12 ; the suites containing two or more rooms, averaging 20 feet by 12, for the parlor or sitting room, and 12 feet by 10 for the sleeping rooms. The other four stories will be divided in the same manner, except that the central area will be 300 feet by 100, and as there is to be a conservatory on the roof of the dining hall, 800 feet by 30, the top of this area will be covered with glass during the winter season. The hight of the rooms ~vill be each about 15 feet on the first floor, 14 on the second, 13 on the third, 12 on the fourth, 11 on the fifth, and 10 on the sixth. Ven- tilation will be so thorough that every room can have a stream of pure air from without, with facilities to expel impure air at the will of the occupants. - The building will be rendered thoroughly fire-proof throughout. The use of iron girders and iron beams, with brick arching for the floor to rest uponput in the place of the ordinary wood beam, joist and plankpre- vents the possibility of danger in this respect. Every room in the edifice will be heated from apparatus center- ing in the basement ; and each room ~vill be lighted with gas. Efficient heads to the several departments will be obtained, that the order and system necessary to an organization of this character may be preserved.. Among the marked advantages which promise to grow out of this enterprise may be enumerated: 1st. A family will obtain, for $1.50 per week, or $75 per year, a better home than can now be obtained in any part of New York city, for $250 per year, and the loca- tion of this edifice will be the best the city affords. A single man or woman, who now pays an average of $2 per week for an attic chamber, will have a better room for 75 cents per week. The difference between these prices will, in five years time, pay for a sufficient num- ber of shares to secure a permanent home. 2d. By the terms of arrangement for payments, it is within the reach of persons of very moderate circum- stances to become shareholders; and when their shares are once paid for, the dividend thereon will pay their rent, which is tantamount to living rent free. In other words, the tenant becomes his own landlord, and the body of tenants choose their executives from among their own number. 3d. Servants may, to a considerable extent, he dis- pensed with; also the care of stoves, fires, ashes, back doors and barred windows, ash barrels and offal tubs, cock- roaches and Croton water pipes, gas and fuel bills, grocers and butchers books, milk accounts, diseased children from the use of impure and unclean milk, door bells, beggars, burglars, hall thieves, kitchen thieves, rats and mice. 4th. The economy in expense for food will be to the extent of about one half the cost under the present sys- tem; an estimate carefully made, and based upon experi- ments made expressely to ascertain these points, proves that a family of four persons may live upon the ordinary run of hotel fare at an expense of about $12 per week, rent included. Young men and young women, who find but inferior accomodations in boarding-houses, may here enjoy many home comforts which at present are denied them. The condition of children ~vill become elevated from their present routine. Danger from fire may be averted; and in insurance alone, the economy ~vill exceed $50,000 per year in the aggregatea fact proved by calculations already made. A suitable number of watchmen will be employed to guard the building by day and night. The schools and gymnasiums for the children will be located in an eligible part of the building, adjacent to which will be an extended play-ground promenade in the open air. More than one hundred individuals have already sig- nified their wish to becujne regular inmates of this edifice. Any further information in relation to the enterprise may be obtained by calling at the rooms (Nos. 13 and 15) of the association, in Appleton Building, 346 Broad -ay, this cih. 32 FRESH AIR IN RAILROAD CARS. The Court of Massachusetts has lately been called upon to decide a case arising out of a passenger persisting in letting a draught of fresh air into a railroad ear against the wishes of the other passengers. The conductor remo~- strated, and put the window down; the passenger broke the glass, and got ejected from the car. He brought suit for damages, and got $5, the price of the ticket; the Court ruling that the railroad company had a remedy by law against the passenger for destruction of property, and could not put him out except for persistent violation of the rules of the company. The New York Journal of Commerce reports a case nearly similar, in which a lady refused to close a window, though requested by an elder- ly gentleman, who sat on the next seat to her. The .Journel remarks: The comforts of railway passengers depend more on the courtesy and politeness of the parties than upon mere abstract legal rights. A proper regard for their conve- nience and of others will prompt either gentleman or lady to conform to their wishes in all ordinary circum- stances, but if any are so rude as to refuse this, it is far better to allow them the enjoyment of their perverseness than quarrel over it. And when there is a lady in the case, the only prudent course is to surrender at onse. A better axpedient than any mentioned by the Journal is for railroad companies to compel their employees to pay proper attention to the heating and ventilation of cars, after having provided the best facilities therefor. At present these important matters are left almost to chance, and cars are too frequently at an oven heat a portion of the time, and during the rest the atmosphere is of an Arctic frigidity. Again and again have we directed attention to the ne- cessity of properly heating and ventilating our railtoad cars, and yet no good method has been adopted generally by our railroad companies. It is not because there are not efficient systems of heating and ventilation known, for several good plans have been brought before the pub- lic through our columns, but it is because there is such a conservative spirit prevailing in regard to old adopted systems, that changes are resisted even though founded upon the best nnd most approved principles. We re- member well that when we first advocated the use of coal as fuel for locomotives on our railroads, there were plenty who defended the employment of wood, and it was a long time before our railroad companies could be driven from their old notions and practices. But now coal-burning locomotives are becoming the rule, and wood-burning engines the exception, especially in the eastern and middle States. On the Providence and Worcester Railroad coal alone is used on all the engines, and the cost for fuel is not quite one-half what it was five years ago. BOILER EXPLOSIONROTTEN IRON. On the afternoon of Saturday, the 31st ult., a steam boiler on the sunken steamship Granada, which was used for working the draining pump, exploded with terrific force, and one man was killed by a fragment of the iron. The pump was used for pumping out the water in the vessel, and the explosion took place just after the fur- nace had been supplied with fresh fuel. The Coroners jury, in the case of the person killed, rendered the follow- ing decision, on the 2d inst. That Luke Flannigan came to his death by the ex- plosion of a boiler on board the steamer Granada, in the harbor of New York, on the 31st of December, 1859, and the jurors say that said boiler was defective and un- fit for use previous to the explosion.~~ Here is a decision which criminates the owners of the boiler and steam pump, and the engineer in charge, yet what will be done to them? Nothingnothing at all. Those who are placed in our courts to dispense justice, and are elected or appointed to execute our laws, are to blame for the great number of explosions which take place. If they did their duty, those who use steam boil- ers would not be so reckless in their management. To REMOVE CLINKERS IN SvovEs.Persons troubled with clinkers adhering to the lining of their stoves or furnaces may be interested in knowing that by pla- cing a few oyster shells into the grate, while the fire is ignited, the clinkers will become loosened so as to be readily removed without the danger of breaking the lining. We have tried this remedy ; and while the chemical action is involved in mystery, it accomplished the result to our satisfaction. Who will explain the theory of the action of the gas emitted from the decom- posi!i~en of the chells upon the clinkers? THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. RESULTS OF PRACTICAL SCHOOLING. Of all schools the most prolific has been the school of d~thcnlty. Smiles, in his admirable work on Self Help, says: Some of the best workmen have had the most indifferent tools to work with. But it is not tools that make the ~vorkmen, but the trained skill and perseverance of the man himself. Indeed it is prover- bial that a bad workman never yet had a good tool. Some one asked Opie by what wonderful process he mixed his colors. I mix them with my brains, sir, was his reply. It is the same with every workman who would excel. Ferguson made marvelous thingssuch as his wooden clock that accurately measured the hours by means of a common penknife, a tool in every- bodys hand; but then everybody is not a Ferguson. An eminent foreign savant once called upon Dr. Wollas- ton, and requested to be shown over his laboratories, in which science had been enriched by so many impor- tant discoveries, when the doctor teok him into a little stutly, and pointing to an old tea-tray on the tahle, con- taining a few watch-glasses, test-papers, a small balance, and a blow-pipe, said, That is all the laboratory that I have! Stothard learned the art of combining colors by closely studying butterflies wings; he would often say that no one knew what he owed to these tiny insects. A burnt stick and a barn-door often served Wilkie in lieu of pencil and canvas. Bewick first practiced drawing on the cottage walls of his native village, which he covered witls his sketches in chalk; and Benjamin West made his first brushes out of a cats tail. Ferguson laid himself down in the field at night in a blanket, and made a map of the heavenly bodies by means of a thread with small beads on it stretched between his eye and the stars. Franklin first robbed the thunder-cloud of its lightning by means of a kite made with t~vo cross sticks and a silk haukerchief. Watt made his first model of the condensing steam engine out of an old anatomists syringe, used to inject the arteries previous to dissection. Gifford, when a cobblers apprentice, worked his first problem in mathematics upon small scraps of leather, which he beat smooth for the purpose, whilst Ritten- house, the astronomer, first calculated eclipses on his plow-handle. In like manner Professor Faraday (Sir Humphrey Davys scientific successor) made his first cxperiments in electricity by means of an old bottle, while he was still a working bookbinder. And it is a curious fact that Faraday was first attracted to the study of chemistry by hearing one of Sir Humphrey Davys lectures on thsat subject at the Royal Institution. A gen- tleman, who was a member, calling one day at the shop where Faraday was employed in binding books, found him poring over the article Electricityin an encyclopndia placed in his hands to bind. The gentleman having made inquiries, found he was curious about such subjects, and gave him an order of admission to the Royal Insti- tution, where he attended a course of four lectures de- livered by Sir humphrey. He took notes of the lectures, which he showed to the lecturer, who acknowledged their scientific accuracy, and was surprised when inform- ed of the humble position of the reporter. Faraday then expressed his desire to devote himself to the pro- secution of chemical studies, from which Sir Humphrey at first endeavored to dissuade him; but the young man l)er- sisting, he was at length taken into the Royal Institution as an assistant; and eventually the mantle of the bril- liant apothecarys boy fell upon the worthy shoulders of the equally brilliant bookbinders apprentice. COPPER MINES AND MINING IN ARIZONA. The St. Louis Republican says In conversation with a gentleman who has just arrived here by the over- land mail from Arizona, we have learned some gratify- ing particulars in regard to the copper mines and copper mining in that interesting territory. There are on the waters of the Rio Mimbres, one of the principal streams there, four mines, some of which are known and others are believed to be very productive. One of them, the Santa Rita, has been worked now a little over twelve months, and at this time yields two tuns of metal a day. The means of smelting are not very complete, but the ease with which the copper is ex- tracted is remarkable. The metal is of an excellent quality, superior to the Lake Superior, and comparing well with the best Russian. The veins of ore are nume- i~ous, and yield about 25 per cent of copper. This mine is owned by some Mexican proprietors. The Hanover mine has been worked rather less than a year. It shows a vein which, at twelve feet from the surface, is fifteen feet thick. This ore is very rich, yielding over 30 per cent. The daily make is one tun and a half. This mine is owned by Messrs. Hiuckle & Thibault. The two others mentioned are very recent discoveries, but promise very well. In fact there is no doubt among the best informed in Arizona that copper mines of great richness and fine quality abound there, and that Arizona is destined to be as noted for its products of copper as for those of silver. There is a good growth of timber on the Rio Mimbres; and no deficiency in the mining localities mentioned of either wood or water. All that has ever been claimed for Arizona as a de- pository of mineral wealth seems on the point of being confirmed in full. The silver mines are yielding well, and recently a tin mine has been discovered. V~ tlto above-mentioned tin mine is rich in the metal, we hok tijut its discovery as far more important than the mines of either silver or copper. At present we are entirely dependent upon imported tin, while we export copper, gold anti silverEus. CAST-IRON WATER TOWER AT LYoNsA new iron tower has been erected at Lyons, France, on the bill of La Croix-Rousse, and it is designed to raise the waters of the Rhone to a height of 490 feet, for subsequent distribu- tion on the high grounds of Fourvieres, St. Just, St. Irenee, Oulhins, and Ecnlly. The volume thus raised amounts to from 540,0t)0 to 660,000 gallons every 24 hours. The total weight of the structure is about FIG tuns. The tower consists of a center colutnn, 2 feet 3 inches diameter, of hollo~v cast iron, around which are arranged in the form of a hexagon six smaller columns of about 9 inches diameter, braced and tied together with wrought- iron connecting-rods. On the the top of these columns is fixed a tank of wrought-iron, 11 feet 6 inches wide hr 10 feet deep, having ascending and descending pipes of castiron,12 inches diameter. Beneath this tank is an open gallery, to which access is gained by a cast-iron spiral staircase winding round the center shaft. T