THE ADVOCATE OF INDUSTRY AND JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC, MECHANICAL AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS. VOL. 2. NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 26, 1846. NO. 1. THE NEW YORK SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN: Pzd3lished Weekly at 128 Fulton Street, (Sun Building,) .New York. BY MUNN & COMPANY. RUFUS PORTER, EDITOR. TERMS.$2 a year$1 in advance, and the~ remainder in 6 months. OI~ See .Ildvertisement on last page. Natures Image of Washington. ~Y MARSHALL S. PiKE, OF THE HARMONEONS DESCRIPTIVE: Opposite Harpers Ferry, which is situated on a pleasant elevation at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah riv- ers a few rods north of Pinnacle Bluff, a flighty eminence on the Blue Ridge Mountains, stands a most singular formation of rock, known as Washingtons Face; and which,to a casual- ist void of imaginative powers, is easily recog- nized if pointed out by a guide; hut to a close observer, however, with common discernable perception, it presents at first sight a most striking and correct resemhlance of the great original. From midway the hrid,,e which crosses the Potomac, the countenance and con- tour of the face to me, appeared discriminating- ly perfect, and constrained me to look upon it as one of the most wonderful, and the noblest work of revealed nature. In the high barren cliffs of the Blue Mountain Ridge, That frightfully hang oer the trestle-built bridge, Juts out into space a huge rocky bluff, Which the elements rudely left broken and rough. Near this, stands a bust so exquisitely fair, That the chisel of art would be uselessness there! For nature wrought well till the model was done An impress on stone of our GREAT WASHING- TON. The Earth born from chaos at some mighty shock, Leftthe image to rest on the high mountain rock, On a turret-like peak, in the heavens above, .1k a sentinel over the country we love: Where the sunbeam could linger till daylight had fled, Where the bright stars of night, form a crown oer its head; And where, through the greenwood, the faintest breeze creeps, To sigh for the Hero, who deathlessly sleeps. There it stands like a giant in storm and in calm, Like the Hero in battle, no foeman could harm! And commandingly looks with a Patriots pride, On the wild mountain stream of Potomacs fast tide, Whose waters swell on in the valley between, Through the vast hilly regions and forests of green; Oer a rock-bottomed track, to the blue-ho- somed sea, From its struggles to rest, like our sire of the free. Stand up there in might, till the bright sun shall die, Till the stars glimmer out their light in the sky, And the moon shall no longer lend beauty or light, But all shall again he dark chaos and night, Till then, let its base be the tall craggy steep, Where rocks are oer moss-grown, and ivy- Vines creep; With the Heavens wide canopy over its head, 4nimrnortal image of greatness t4ats dead, C INTRODUCTIONThe clear tones of a viol or bass viol are generally admitted to be more melodious than those produced by other kinds of instruments, and many have expressed a de- sire to see an instrument so constructed as to he played with keys, like the organ or piano forte, and give the tones of the violin. This is the character of the instrument here intro- duced. It is elegant in appearance; occupies less than half the space of a piano forte, and is so light and portable that a lady-performer may readily place it before her, and thus avoid the necessity,unpleasant to all parties,of turn-~ ing her back on the compa~ayY- We do not says that an instrument of this kind has been as ye~ constructed complete: but the principle has been proved, and it may, and probably will he soon, offered to the public, at a cost not ex- ceeding sixty dollars. ExPLANATIONIn the engraving, a side view elevation only is represented, showing only one string and one key of a series of twen- ty or more of each. The body of the machine A B, is s light hollow chest about three feet square and six inches deep, supported by four posts or legs with castors. Two brid0es, C and D, extend across the breadth of the chest. The bridge D is supported by a cleat, E, in which is inserted the pin F, to which is at- tached one end of the string C D F. The oth- er end of the string is simply attached to the bridge C. A key-lever, G H, passes throu0h the bridge, and is mounted on a pivot therein. The front end of the key (G) is held in its or- dinary position by a small spring thereunder, and may be easily depressed by the finger of the performer: the other end of the key serves as the bearing of the pivot of a delicate arbor, the opposite pivot of which has its bearing in the bridge D. On the front end of this arbor is a wheel three-fourths of an inch in diame- ter, with its periphery smooth, and polished with rosin, or rosia varnish; and so adjusted, D that by the depression of the key, this wheel is brought up in contact with the string, whareby, if in motion rotarily, a full sound i s produced, as if a violin bow was drawn across the string. On the other end of the arbor is a grooved pulley, over which passes a silken cord, which also passes round a delicate band- wheel, I, below, and by which, motion is com- municated to the arbor and sounding wheel. The band-wheel is mounted on a shaft, I J, which has its bearings in two small head blocks which project from two crossbars: and from the block J is suspended a vertical rod, to the bottom of which is attached a treadle, K L, and from which a curved ratch, L M, extends upward and takes to a small ratchet on the shaft I J; so that, by the horizontal motion of the treadle, tne motIon Is ~unrrrr~L. -~d to the wheel, & c. The teeth of the ratch and ratchet have so gentle an inclination on one side of each, that although the ratch applies force to the ratchet in the upward direction, they slide freely over in their return. It may be under- stood that the machine is to have two treadles and two ratches, which move forward alter- nately: and that twenty or more arbors; pul- leys, strings and keys are arranged in series, although only one of each is represented in the engraving. The cord applies to each pulley in the series, by pas3ing over the first, under the second, and over the third, and so on, de- scending from the last of the series to the nand- wheel. Each arbor is placed directly under its respective string, and it is also proposed to place moveable stops under the strings, at equal distances from the key bridge, and to regulate the tones by adjusting the stops, with- out depending on the pins at the ends for that purpose. We shall employ a competent me- chanic to construct one or more of these in- struments as soon as convenient, and give due notice accordingly. and then eyed the strange scene around me. The wild, lonely landscape of rock and sand the camels kneeling round the bivouacthe wild faces of the Arabs, reflecting the red light of the fire round which they were seated their wild voices and strange gwttural lan- guage, all combined to produce an effect so startling, that I felt till then I had never been thoroughly sensible of our complete separa- tion from the civilized world. Giving Credit. An Eclipse in Arabia. Casting my eyes over the bright, full moon, I perceived that an eclipse was just coming upon it. What astronomer had calculated this eclipse for Arabia? It was indeed a privilege to witness one in the bright sky that over- spread the lonely mountains of Seir. Soon we were seated in a circle, with our Arabs round their watch-fire, enquiring of them their views of an eclipse, and explaining to them ours. They appeared to have no idea of its real cause, regarding it as a judgment from God, a sign of a bad season, and little camel One of our exchanges says one of our ex- feed. When we undertook to explain to them ehanges, came to us this week with four of the theory of the earth being round, turning our editorials not credited. A frivolous over every day, sometimes getting between the complaint. Not a week passes but we find sun and moon, they seemed to look upon us as in some of our exchanges from ten to twenty telling very strange tales. The eclipse was of our editorials; and instead of complaining, nearly total. I gazed upon it with interest, we are thankf~tl for being thus complimented. The Bowie Knife and its Inventor. This instrument was devised by Col. James Bowie, an American, and a man of desperale valor. He considered, and apparently with justice, too, that, in close fighting, a much shorter weapon than the sword ordinarily in use, but still heavy eno%h to give it sufficient force, and, at the same time, contriTe to cut and thrust, wou~l be far preferable, and more advantageous to the wearer. He accordingly invented the short sword, or knife, which has since gone under his name. It is made of va- rious sizes; but the best, I may say, is about the length of a carving knifecase perfectly strai~ht in the first instance, hut greatly rounded at the end on the edge side; the upper edge at the end, for the lennth of about two inches, is ground into the small segment of a circle and rendered sharp; thus leaving an apparent curve of the knife, althovgh in reality the upturned point is not hi~,her than the line of the hack. The back itself gradually in- creases in weight of metal as it approaches the hilt, on which a small guard is placed. The Bowie knife, therefore, has a curved, keen point; is double edged for the space of about a couple of inches of its length; and when in use, falls with the weight of a bill hook. Bowie went to Texas during the troubles which preceded the independence of that country, and was lying sick in bed at the fortress of the Alamo, when, en the ~6th of March. 1836, it was stormed by Santa Anna and taken. Bowie was murdered there upon his pillow. The hand that formed the dreadful knife could no longer wield it. Forests and Streams. That remarkable man, Humbolt, has r& luced it almost to a demonstration, that the streams of our country. fail in proportion tQ the de- struction o~,it& timber. And of course, if the streams fail; oar ~easons will be worse; it must get drier and drier in proportion. Hum- bolt, speakin~, of the Valley of Aragnay in Venezuela, says that the lake receded as ag- riculture advanced, until the beautiful planta- tions of sugar-cane, banana arid cotton-trees, were established on its banks, which (banks) year after year were farther from them. After the separation of that Province from Spain, and the decline of agriculture amid the deso- lating wars which swept over this beautiful region, the process of clearin0 was arrested, and old lands grew up in trees with that rapid- ity common to the tropics, and in a few years the inhabitants were alarmed by a rise of the waters, and an inundation of their choice plantations. Prussian Music. The Boston Brigade Band has been present~ ed with a copy of the collection of the celebra- ted martial music of the Prussian army. Prus- sia has long been famous for the excellence oF its military bands, and the music which they have produced is of the highest order. We hope this attempt to introduce it into our city will improve the style of martial music here. Philosophy, Uncle Jo, said an observing little hoy, our folks always put up the window when the room is filled with smoke, and the wind always blows in so as to prevent the smolte from going out that way: now where does the smoke go ? It goes into the peoples eyes, was uncle Jots philosophic answer. PoUte Preaching. A certain preacher, when treating on the subject of repentance, said, My dear hearers, you must repent; if you do not, you will go a place which it would he improper to men- tion in this polite assembly. Mr. H. Longfellow of Cin.ianati, has about one hundred acres under culture of grapee straw1~.rries, p~he~ and raspherrice. 12 Pure Air. Throw open the window and fasten it there! Fling the curtain aside and the blind, And give a free entrance to heavens pure air, Tis the life and health of mankind. Behold that dull concourse in yonder closed With visages sluggish arid red; [space, How calmly they sit, each one in his place, While their longs with poison are fed. What makes the grave deacon so drowsy at The scholar so dull in his class? [church Dry sermons dry studies jhse brains in the For want of pure oxygen gas. [lurch, Come, rouse, from your stupor, before its too And do not yourself so abuse [late, To sit all day with your feet on the grate; No wonder youre getting the blues Are you fond of coughs, colds, dyspepsia arid rheums? Of headaches, and fevers and chills? Of bitters, hot-drops, arid medicine fumes, And bleeding, and blisters asid pills? Then shut yourself up like a monk inhiscave, Till nature grows weary and sad, And imagine yourself on the brink of the grave, Where nothing is cheerful auth glad. Be sure when you sleep, that all is shut out: Place, too, a warm brick to your feet Wrap a bandage of flannel your iiech( (lute about And cover your head withs the sheet. But would you avoid the dark gloom of dis- Then haste to the fresh opeii air, [ease? Where your cheek may kindly he fanned by its breeze; Twill make you well, happy and fair. 0, prize not this lightly, so precious a thing; Tis laden with gladness arid wealth The richest of blessings that heaven can bring, The bright panacea of health. Then open the window, and fasten it there! Fling the curtain aside and the blind, And give a free entrasice to heavens pure air, Tis light, life, and joy to mankind. The fleerficid fN. II.) Phenomena. We. have frequently hieard of singular and unaccountable reports, as of explosion, in fleerfield, but nothing so definite as the fol- lowing statement by a cerresl)ondent of the Portsmouth Journal. Mr Editor,During the last twelve years, certain curious, not to say alarming phenome- na in the town of Deerfield, N. H., have ex- cited the fears of the inhabitants, and we think should, crc this, have attracted the at- tention of the scientific. Thsese are reports or explosions in the ground, apparently of a vol- canic or gaseous nature. When first heard they were attributed to the blasting of rocks in Manchester, a new town some ten miles distant; but from the frequency of the reports at all hours in the night as well as the day, from the consideration that thsey were so loud, and were heard in all seasons, winter as well as summer, it was soon concluded that they had some other origin. The explosions, if they may be so called, commenced on a ridge of land running S. E. and N. W. some five miles in length, and principally on that por- tion called the South Road. They hiave, how- ever, extended, and are now heard in a northi- erly direction. The sounds have become loud- er, and during the last fall and the present spring or summer, as many as twenty have been heard in one night. Many of them jar the houses and ground perceptibly, so much so, that a child whose balance is not steady, will roll from one side to the other. They are as loud as a heavy cannon fired near the house, with no reverberation, and little roll. Last fall some of the inhabitants Were riding in a wagon when an explosion was heard, and they saw the stone wall, which was appareIstly quite compact, fall over on one side of the way, and a second after upon the othier. The stove wall ~f an unfinished cellar also feji in, This can be attested by many witnesses. There is no regularity in these reports, as they are heard at intervals of a day, a week, and sometimes of months: but for the last year they have be- come very common, and are heard almost ev- ery week more or less. Extraordinary Instance of Gambling. it is well known upon the western waters, that the firemen and other hands employed upon the boats spend much of their idle time in playing cards. Of the passion for gaming, thus excited, an instance has been narrated to us upon the most credible authority, which surpasses the highest wrought fictions of the 0amblers fate. A colored fireman, on board a steamboat running between Saint Louis and New-Orleans, had lost all his money at poker with his companions. He then staked his clothing, and being still unfortunate, pledged his own freedom for a small amount. Losing this, the bets were doubled, and he finally at one desperate hazard, ventured his full value as a slave, and laid down his flee papers to rep- resent the stake. He lost, suffered his certifi- cates to be destroyed, and was actually sold by the winner to a slave dealer, who hesitated not to take him at a small discount upon his assess-. ed value. When last heard of by one who knows him, and informed us of the fact, he was still paying in servitude the penalty of his criminal folly. Gen. Taylors Patriotism. Tn answer to the complimentary resolutions passed at a meeting in this city some weeks since, Gen. Taylor says, It is a source of gratulation to me that the meeting refrained from the meditated nomination for the presi- dency. For the high office in question I have no asl)irations. The government has assigned to me an arduous and responsible duty in the l)rosecotion of the existing war: in conducting it with honor to the country lie all my real as- l)irations. The Columbian Magazine. rue October number of this splendid work will he found to be equal, if not superior, to aiiything arid everything of the kind in the lit- erary region. It presents three superb embel- lishments A Cure for Love, mezzotint, by Sadd; View on the St. Lawrence, fine steel engravin,,, by C. F. Giles, and a plate of fashions; in a new styic. besides a piee~ of fb~Qt late music. This work is published monthly by Isreal Post, 140 Nassau st. Terms, only $3 l)CC annum. A Mountain in Labor. The workmen, says a Paris paper, are still busily engaged in excavating Montmartre in quest of holy vases and other riches said to have been deposited there in early days of the French revolution by the orders of Lady Supe- rior of the Abbey of Montmartre. Two workmen, who were at the time charged with transporting the wealth to the place designat- ed were never seen,and it is supposed that they were sacrificed to the necessity of the secret. The Superior, at her death, bequeathed the secret to a lady friend, who in turn, on her death bed, divulged it to her daughter, then 13 years of age. The child, now a sexagenary, disclosed it to the municipiality. Her state- ments have thus far been found scrupulously correct. The cesarian operation is actively going on, an excavation of fifty feet having been made, and the mountains speedy deliver- ance of a mine of wealth is anticipated. May it not prove a mouse! The Popes Win. The late Pope has left a fortune of eleven millions of francs, which, after some religious bequests; is to be divided among his relations! upon the singular condition that they never contest the will, and that they never take up their residence in Rome. Improved Railroad. The Harlem Railroad Company have laid down a section of their road with cast iron rails of a new construction, invented by Mr. Imley. These rail~re highly approved, and are expected to supersede the common wrought rails to a considerable extent. It is reported that Mr. Isaac Fisk of Massa- chusetts, spells his name Eyzurk Physque. Well, what if he does? Sageisms. He who is passionate and hasty is generally honest. Its your cool, dissembling, smiling hypocrite, of whom you should beware. There is no deceit about a bull dog. Its only the cur that sneaks up and bites you when your backs turned. Again, we say, beware of a man who has psalmody in his looks. If a person is bent on quarrelling with you, leave the whole of it to himself, and he will soon become weary of his unencouraged occu- pation. Even the most malicious ram will soon cease to butt against a disregarding object, and will usually find his own head more in- jured than the object of his blind animosity. So let them kick. An easy flow of words is no sign of an abun- dance of ideas. Swift made a wise comparison when he likened a well stored mind to a crowded church, where the people elbow each other, and cannot get out. If a civil word or two will render a man happy, said a French king, he must be a wretch indeed who will not give them to him. Such a disposition is like lighting another mans candle by ones own, which loses none of its brilliancy by what the other gains. In Preparation. We have in course of preparation for future numbers, some large and elegant engravings, illustrative of some of the most interesting and deeply scientific new inventions, together with illustrations of architecture, geometry and magnetism. Also a variety of intelligence in arts and trades. A Strong Position. Gentlemen of the jury, said an eminent lawyer, there are four points in this case. In the first place, we contend that we never had the plaintiffs horse; second, that we paid him for the use of the horse; third, he agreed to let us use the horse for his keeping, without any charge; and fourth, that his horse is a jackass. As Good as Cash. An editor out west having asked the consent of a father to his daughters hand in marriage, the provident old gentleman inquired how much money he could bring the bride. The editor said he hadnt got any money, but he would give her a puff in his paper. The fa- ther was satisfied. flow Very hot It Is. The following lines would have been in- serted earlier, but the weather was so hot we could not attend to it. Did you ever know such weather? Seven bright burning days together! Sweltring nights and broiling days, Sultry moonbeams, suns hot rays: No one knows which way to turn him, All things either melt or burn him; Half the weight of all the nation, Is flying off in perspiration, And every man, and woman too, As languidly they look at you, Exclaims, with moist and mournful phiz, Dear me! how very hot it is ! Ladies all languid in muslin array, Loll upon couches the live long day, Looking more lovely than we can say Though, alas! they are rapidly melting away Bring me an ice ! they languidly cry, But alas and alack! it is all in my aye For before it reaches the top of the stairs, Its turned into water quite unawares, While John with his salver,looks red and stares, And the moist confectioner inwardly swears, As he wipes with his apron his long, pale phiz, Ohpooh! how infernally hot it is ! Oh, what a treat twould be to wade Chin deep in fresh ice and lemonade! Or to sit a deep marble bowl within, And camphor gurgling around your chin Hissing and sparkling round your nose, Till you open your mouth and down it goes, Gulp by gulp, and sup by sup, As you catawampishly chew it up. Refreshing your heart and cooling your faces Burnt down as theyve been with all sorts of sauces Oh, the fellow who thus could lave his phiz Neednt care how hot the weather is! A son of the Emperor Nicholas, of Russia, is now travelling in the United States. He is said to be ail intelligent looking man. California Farming. A gentleman, writing from California ti~ the editors of the Saint Louis Reveille, says his stock consists of about four thousand head of oxen, one thousand seven hundred horses and mules, three thousand sheep, and as many ho,s. They all pasture themselves without difficulty in the rich prairies and bottoms of the Sacremento, and only require to be attended. This is done by the Indians, of whom he em- ploys four hundred. His annual crop of wheat is about twelve thousand bushels, with barley, peas, beans, etc., in proportion. Diversification of Language. .q poetic line from Gray admits of the fol- lowing twenty-eight variations without chanigng the accent: The weary ploughman plods hi homeward way, The ploughman, weary, plods his homeward way, His homeward way the weary ploughman plods, His homeward way the ploughman weary plods, The weary ploughman homeward plods his way, The ploughman, weary, homeward plods his way, His way, the weary ploughman homeward plods, His way, the ploughman, weary, homeward plods, The ploughman, homeward, plods his weary way, His way the ploughman, homeward, weary plods, His homeward weary way the ploughman plods, Weary, the ploughman homeward plods his way, Weary, the ploughman plods his homeward way, Homeward, his way the weary ploughman, plods, Homeward,his way the ploughman, weary plods, Homeward, his weary way, the ploughman plods, The ploughman, homeward, weary plods his way, The ploughman, weary, hoiaeward plods liii way, His weary way, the ploughman homeward plods, His weary way, the homeward ploughman plods, Homeward the ploughman plods his weary way, Homeward the weary ploughman plods his way, The weary ploughman, his way, homeward plods, The ploughman, weary, his way homewaril plods, The ploughman plods his homeward weary way, The ploughman plods his weary, homeward way, Weary, the ploughman, his way homeward plods, Weary, his homeward way the ploughman plods. From the Gem of the Prairie. Keep that Testament in your vest pock- et, over your heart. We have been forcibly reminded of an in- teresting anecdote of the Revolution, while witnessing so many young men in the ranks of the volunteer companies, in connection with the highly praiseworthy resolution of the Nashville Young Mens Bible Society, to pre- sent a copy of the New Testament to each offi- cer and private constituting the re,iment quar- tered here. The fond-hearted mother had assisted in ad- justin,, upon her son the tow frock and trow- sers, had tightly secured the knapsack, can- teen and cartrid0 e box in the strings twisted with her own fingers from the same material as his clothes; as he turned, on opening the door, to speak the manly good-bye, she suppressed the parting tearflest it might damp the flame of freedom which fired his noble soul, and echoed the good-bye with a forced smile. As she went to the window to take another look, she discovered the Testament had been forgotten; she caught it in her hand, ran to the doorcalled him loudly, holding the book in her uplifted hand, in order to show him why she stopped, and soon stood by his side. With- out uttering a word she put the hook in its place, grasped his hand, looked him full in the face, and with quivering lips, heart big with emotion, cheeks bedewed with tears of maternal affection, she spoke: My son, I would not have you stay; your country has the FIRST claim upon you; be true to that as you have been dutiful to me, and Heaven will protect youKzzv THAT TESTAMENT IN YOUR TEST POcKET, OVER YOUR HEART After faithfully serving the term of his enlist- ment, he returned to his home. Before he ut- tered a word, he took from his vest pocket the old Testament, and there lay a British bul- let, snugly imbedded where the force of the powder had driven it, and this was the only shot he had received while fighting for his country..JVashville Union. Temperance in the Army. We are gratified to learn that Gen. Taylor has totally prohibited the traffic in intoxicating liquors in the vicinity of the army. One fel- low, persisting in the trade, was put in the guard house by Capt. Miles: and when libera- ted, on going to Gen. Taylors tent with a com- plaint, was kicked out. He finally took march- ing orders tother way. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. SCIENTIFIC ~AMERICAN. A wedge is considered to be the most sim- pie of mechanical powers, and is often used n cases where no other apparatus can be made to apply; as in splitting logs and other adhe- sive articles. If a massive rock is to be ele- vate(l from the ground, a wedge must first be driven between that and its foundation, pre- paratory to the application of levers. Yet the weilge is in most cases objectionable on account of the friction with which its use is attended. The next, arid most common power applied for elevating buildings on lar~e rocks, is the sim- plc lever, conirnoidy called a pry. This usual- ly consists of a long straight beam or pole, one end of which is placed under the object to be raised, while a fulcrum consisting of a stone or Illock of wood, is placed under the lever, at a short distance from the object to be raised. The opposite extremity then being forced down by the weight of one or more of the workmen, a force is applied to the object to be raised, bearing the same proportion to that applied to the lever, that the distance between the ful- crum and the extreme end of the lever does to that between the fulcrum and the object. Le- vers made of iron, and simply denominated iron bars, are commonly used in raising and removing rocks. A machine called a bed- screw is frequently used for elevating build- ings. It originally consisted principally of a large vertical screw, which was placed on a foundation called the bed, and was turned by levers; hut many improvements and varia- tions have been added, till, in some instances, the screw has been dispensed with, and a rack and pinion have been substituted. Some of the best in use consist of a vertical iron rack, which is occasionally forced upward by the teeth of a pinion; a geer wheel on the same axle with the pinion being driven by the thread of a horizontal screw, to the head of which is attached a crank. By a machine of this con- struction, properly proportioned, one man may raise about twenty tons weight. Vertical screws, turned by levers, have been frequent- ly used for the purpose of raising vessels to re- pair. But in these cases a large portion of the power applied is lost in the friction of the screw, and the process is laborious and te- dious. This is probably the most awkward 1~Iodes of Raising Ponderous Articles, used in the construction of some of the ancient edifices, were evidently raised by inclined planes. A huge mound of earth was built up round the building, completely enclosing it; and the elevation of the mound kept pace with that of the edifice: thus giving the laborers a chance to roll up the stones to their places. They used no other mechanical power tPan the simple windlass and lever; and no other carriage Illan a drag, under which wa~ laccK rollers. When the building was completed, the earth was taken away, and levelled about the vicinity. The modern method of raising stones for building, and which is now used in the building of heavy stone edifices, is by the use of a set of stout tackle blocks, the fail rope of which is taken up by a geered windlass, operated by a steam engine; tile upper block being of course attached to an el- evated shears or derick. Vessels, and other bodies, which have been sunk in the ocean, have been sometimes raised by means of air- tight sacks, attached to different parts of the object by means of divioghells, been inflated with air, forced down through 110110w tubes by pumps, till they thus acquired a buoyancy sufficient for tile purpose. The power of buoy- ancy has also been applied for elevating ves- sels above water, by placing hollow trunks, filled with water, under the keel of the vessel, and then pumping them out. One of the best methods that has ever yet been proposed for raising vessels to repair, is to place under the keel a horizontal platform, to which is attached four large hollow trunks under its four corners: the trunks to be filled with wa- ter, and to have open apertures in the hottom of each. Then by allowing a stream of at- mospheric air, to rush by its own expansive force from the reservoirs in which it had been previously compressed, through suitable pipes or hose, into each trunk, the water is expelled through the apertures in the bottom, and the vessel is elevated immediately, and without loss of time. In this case, the reservoirs (iron cylinders) of compressed air, may be recharged by steam or other power, during the process of repairing one vessel, and be thus in readi- ness for another. A patent has been granted for this invention, but it has not yet heen put in operation on a scale of practical use, though the patentee would willingly give the right of and injudicious method that has been applied the patent to any person or company who to that purpose. Another method which has should be disposed to construct the apparatus been aplIliell to the purpose of elevating ves- sels, is decidedly ridiculous, although less la- borious than the former. It is called the hy- drautic l)w~% and consists in forcing water into large cylinders, by forcing pumps which are operated by steam power; while the water thus forced into the cylinder moves a piston and piston-rod, to which is connected several stout chains, which passing over corresponding pulleys, descend to a l)latformn, on which rests the vessel to be raised. An expensive appa- matus, called the Marine Railway, construct- ed on the principle of the inclined plane, with a huge and complicated carriage to travel thereon, has been extensively used for taking vessels out of the water to repair. This plan is objectionable, however, on several accounts. It requires the al)plication of a great quantity of power to overcome the friction of its many axles and machinery, in addition to xvhat is requisite to overcome the gravity of the vessel. It is, moreover, injurious to the vessels which are taken up thereby, on account of its eleva- ting tIme forward part, before the centre and stern become seated on the carriage. The most judicious mode in lresent use, for raising vessels to repair, and which must be preferred to all others, where there is a supply of water from an elevated reservoir, is on the principle of locks; the vessel being floated into one apartment, is elevated by time induction of wa- ter from above, till it can be floated over an elevated l)latf 0mm, where it is left at rest, while the water is allowed to pass off below. The sides of this upper box or apartment, are moveable, being attached to the bottom or platform by lmin~e joints, so that they may be let down to a horizontal position, thus giving the workmen tile advantage of light and con- venience. The dry dock in the Navy Yard at Charlestown, Mass., is constructed awk- wardly enougb; but as the vessels at that place are not raised, it does not comne undei this head. The !naseive etcnes which wer~. on a large scale. We have recently given a description of Mr. Spencers plan for elevating vessels, and some other modes have been re- cently projected, which we may describe in a future number. Information to persons having business to transact at the Patent Office. SEC. 1. The existing laws relating to patents are those approved July 4, 1836, March 3, 1837, and March 3, 1839; all former acts hav- ing been repealed by the act of 1836. Szc. 2. Patents are granted for any new and useful art, machine, manufacture, or com- position of matter, or any new and useful im- provement on any art, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, not known or used by others before his or their discovery or in- vention thereof, and not, at the time of his ap- plication for a patent, in public use, or on sale, with his or their consent, or allowance, as the inventor or discoverer. Act of 1836, section 6. No patent shall be held to be in- valid by reason of the purchase, sale, or use [of the invention,] prior to the application for a patent as aforesaid, except on proof of aban- donment of such invention to the public, or that such purchase, sale or public use, has been for more than two years prior to such appli- cation for a patent.Act of March 3, 1839. SEC. 3. The term for which a patent is granted, is fourteen years; but it may, under certain circumstances, be renewed for seven years, as hereinafter mentioned. SEC. 4. Patents are granted to citizens of the United States, to aliens who shall have been resident in the United States one year preced- ing, and shall have made oath of their inten- tion to become citizens thereof, and also to for- eigners who are inventors or discoverers. SEC. 5. A patent may be taken out by the inventor in a foreign country, without affecting his right to a paten# in the Umlited States, pro~ ~ided th~ iiiventiot~ has n~t beeo intrdduoe~ into public and common use in the United States prior to the application for such patent. In every such case the patent is limited to four- teen years from the date of the foreign letter patent. A patent is not granted upon intro- duction of a new invention from a foreign country, unless the person who introduced it ho the inventor or discoverer. If an alien neg- lects to pct and continue on sale the invention the United States, to the public, on reasona- ble terms, for eighteen months, the patentee loses all benefit of the patent. SEC. 6. Joint inventors are entitled to a joint patent, but neither can claim one sep- arately. SEC. 7. An invention can assign his right before a patent is obtained, so as to enable the assignee to take out a patent in his own name; but the assignment must be first entered on re- cord; and the application therefor must be du- ly made, and the specification signed, and sworn to by the inventor. And in the case of an assignment by a foreigner, the same fee will be required as if the patentissued to the in- ventor. SEC. 8. The assignment of a patent may be to the whole or to an undivided part, by any instrument in writing. All assignments, and also the grant or conveyance of the use of the patent in any town, county, State, or specified district, must be recorded in the Patent Office, within three months from date of the same. But assignments, if recorded after three months have expired, will be on record as notice to protect against subsequent purchases. No fee is now charged for recording assign- ments. Patents, grants, and assignments, re- corded prior to the 15th of December, 1836, must be recorded anew before they can be valid as evidence of any title. This is also free of expense. Sac. 9. In case of the decease of an invent- or, before he had obtained a patent for his in- vention, the right of applying for and obtain- ing such patent shall devolve on the adminis- trator or executor of such person, in trust for the heirs of law of the deceased, if he shall have died intestate; but if otherwise, then in trust for his devisees,in as full and ample man- ner, and under the same conditions, limitations, and restrictions, as the same was held, or miaht ha~c ~ ~1~im~d w ~snjoyed, by such person in his or her lifetime; and when appli- cation for a patent shall be made by such legal representatives, the oath or affirmation shall be so varied as to be applicable to them.Act of 1836, sec. 10. SEC. 10. The Patent Office will be open for examination during office hours, and appli- cants can personally, or by attorney, satisfy themselves on inspection of models and speci- fications, of the expediency of filing an appli- cation for a patent. SEc. 11. All fees received are paid into the Treasury, and the law has required the pay- ment of tbe patent fee before the application is considered; two-thirds of which fee is re- funded on withdrawing the application. But no mnoney is refunded on the withdrawal of an 4plication, after an appeal has been taken from the decision of the Commissioner of Pa- tents. And no part of the fee paid for cav- eats, and on applications for the addition of im- provements, re-issues, and appeals, can be withdrawn. SEC. 12. It is a frequent practice for invent- ors to send a description of their inventions to the office, and inquire whether there exists any thing like it, and whether a patent can be had therefor. ..qs the law does not provide for the examination of descriptions of new inventions, except upon application for a Patent, no answer can be given to such in- quiries. ________________________ A sentimental writer says it is astonishing how much light a man may radiate upon the world around him, especially when the body he admires is beside him. Among the persons who recently laid in the Boston jail over Sunday, and were fined Mon- day morning for intemperance or rowdyism, were a member of the bar and a cle~yman. Said a bishop to a rough wagoA~r, you seem better fed than taught. Of course, replied the fellow, for wefaed oui~selves, but fot teaehlfi~, we depend oti The U eg The use of a pair of conical drums in re- versed positiomi, and connected by a band, as silown in the cut, has been known for several years to a few, hut yet are not extensively known, and hut few of them have been seen in operation in this coumitry. It will be seen that if the band be remnoved laterally, either to the right or left, the relative motion of drums will be materially varied. These drums be- ing arranged to constitute a connection of mo- tion between the driving power and drhren machine, mnay be madeto render the motion of the latter either regular or irregular at the op- tion of the operator. If the band conneting the drums, is governed by a shifting lever connected with a governor, it may be so adjusted as to keep time motion of the machine regular, although tile driving power should be irre~ ular in its motion, as is the case with a wind-wheel. But if the operator is engaged, requires a more rapid motion at one time than at anotiler, he can accommodate himself by shifting the position of the cone-band, to the right or left, as occasion may require. This is very convenient for turners, whose business requires at some times a rapid speed of the mandrill, and at other times a slow or gentle motion. These drums, as represented, must be swelled in the centre, that the band may be kept uniformly straight. A Remarkable Mineral Spring. It may not perhaps be generally known even to our own citizens that there is in the town of Riga,N. ~ mile east of Churchville, on the farm of Linus Pierson, a Mineral Spring, the gases from which are sufficiently combustible to burn as clear and brightly as a lamp, at all times of the day and night, and which is never exhausted. The spring is lo- cated near tile bathing-house on the farm, and a tube has been constructed, leading fi-om the spring to the rooms, by means of which th~ house is made suificiently light without the use of lamps. Some time ano the State Geo- logical Surveyors paid this sprin~ a visit, and analyzed the gas, which was found to be com- posed of sulphurated and carbonated hydro- gen. Tile water is strongly impregnated with iron. Cool Forethought. Omie of the roost admirable instances of pru- deritial forethought we ever heard of, occurred in Boston a fexv days since. Three Irishmen were engaged in taking down a wall in Mount Vernon street. The wall fell upon and buried them. A lady from the opposite side of the street rushed out, and calling to those who were rescuing the poor fellows, said, Bring them in here. Bring them in here. I have been expectin,, this all day. The men were carried into her house, and, true enough, she had every thing ready, bandages, lint, laud- anum, and all. If this be not an instance of cool forethought, we know not what is. It May Be So. It is stated in a Cincinnati paper, that the body of a drowned child has been discovered by means of a loaf of bread in which was de posited a quantity of quicksilver. The loaf was sent afloat in the canal, and after floating some distance, remained stationary, and be- neath the spot thus indicated, the child was found. That mercury may have a natural at- traction towards a human body, is possible; but the use of the loaf of bread in combination, in- dicate a superstitious faith rather than real science. Several rich lead mines have recently been discovered on the Mississppi Rivet, a few miles above B~llev1ze. The unusitalloW etatd c~f the river 1~ed t~ th~ dl~et~. 31 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. NEW INVENTIONS. howes Sewing Machine. We have heretofore noticed the extraordi- nary invention by Mr. Elias Howe, Jr., of Cambridge, Massa machine that sews beau- tiful and strong seams in cloth as rapid as nine tailors. We are not yet prepared to furnish a full description of this machine, hut the fol- lowing claims, in the words of the patentee, may give some idea of the various parts in combination. Thi~ machine was patented September 10th. I claim the lifting of the thread that passes through the needle eye by the lifting rod, for the purpose of forming a loop of loose thread that is to be subsequently drawn in by the pas- sage of the shuttle; said lifting rod being fur- nished with a lifting pin, and governed in its motions by the guide pieces and other devices. I claim the holding of the thread that is given out by the shuttle, so as to prevent its unwinding from the shuttle bobbin, after the shuttle has passed through the loop, said thread being held by means of the lever, or clipping piece. I claim the manner of arranging and com- bining the small lever, with the sliding box in combination with the spring piece, for the purpose of tightening the stitch as the needle is retracted. I claim the holding of the cloth to be sewn, by the use of a baster plate, furnished with points for that purpose, and with holes enabling it to operate as a rack, thereby carry- ing the cloth forward, and dispensing altogether with the necessity of basting the parts to- gether. Steering Apparatus. Mr. R. C. Holmes, says the United States Gazette, has invented a new application of the tiller rope to the wheel for steering vessels, and has prepared a model of the whole appli- cation, tiller-frame, wheel, and rope, so that the properties of the invention can be easily discovered. The advantages are that there is no slack made; and, consequently, there is no chafing, and a single hand at the wheel will do the ordinary work of two men. Electro-Magnetie Boat. It is stated in some of our exchanges, that Dr. Page, of Washington, has perfected a boat to be propelled by the electro-magnetic pow- er. We know of no man better qualified to produce and introduce successfully such an invention, and we feel assured that whatever enterprise Dr. Page undertakes in that line, will be very apt to go ahead. We hope soon to obtain further intelligence on the subject. It is reported that the British government has granted $100,000 per annum to the royal company of Atlantic steamers, for the estab- lishment of a post route to the Pacific, across the Isthmus of Panama. Improvement in Boats. There is a model of a steamboat to be seen en the Chesapeake, invented and constructed by Cyrus Williams, Esq., which is exciting considerable interest aIr~ong steamboat men. It is in the usual form of a boat, but snore flat-bottomed, and much longer in pro- portion to its width, than the boats now in use, giving it a greater surface to the water, and of course a lighter draught. The improve- ment is in applying the bridge principle of bearers in supporting length of boats. It looks perfectly feasible. Mr. Williams thinks it will be a great saving of expense, as it takes much less timber, and all of it can be sawed in a mill, being straight stuff. He offers to build a boat on this model, furnishing one third of the stock, and if it does not make 25 miles to the hour, he will forfeit his share. Casting Iron Cannon by a Galvanic Pro-. cess. A hoaxical looking article, under the above caption, is going the rounds, and represents that successful experiments on this subject have been recently made at Berlin. As no description or illustration of the process or principle is given, we leave the subject for those who are ever ready to swallow Whatever appears in ~ ~wspape~, without rogaM to New Shingle Machine. Among the patents particularly noticed in the Commissioners report, is one for a shingle machine, which cuts the shingles in a peculiar form. The shingl6s cut by this machine does not taper from one extremity to the other, but the taper is confined to about half the length of it at one end, the faces of the remaining half being parallel to each other. This shape of the shin~le avoids the bending which is incident to those of the ordinary form, when nailed upon the roofan object well worthy of attainment. Improvement in Blacksmiths Forges. This invention was entered at the Patent Office on the 15th instant, by James K. Hobbs. The inprovement consists in the placing of grate-bars at the bottom of the fire chamber, below which is an open air chamber into which the cinders and ashes fall through the grate, instead of accumulating and clogging the fire chamber. The cinders may be drawn out of the air chamber by an opening at the side of the forge. The blast is admitted above the grate, and the mouth of the air chamber being ordinarily closed, the blast is not affect- ed by the grate. We think it must prove a useful invention. Improved Fire Engine. This improvement consists in part, in the arrangement of two sets of levers and hand poles on each side, in such a manner that when force is applied to the hand-poles of the outside levers, in a reverse direction to that which is applied to the hand poles of the inside levers, botis powers will agree in forc- ing the pistons of the pumps in one and the same direction, while the reverse motion of the levers will prevent the engi ne from rocking. Entered at the Patent Office, on the 10th instant, by Barton & Button. A simple Cheese-Press. An angenious mechanic, not long since, hearing some persons conversing on the ordi- nary cost of cheese-presses, which is generally from three to six dollars, boldly averred that he could build a cheese-press in one hour, which would answer a good purpose as such, and which might be afforded for fifty cents. Being bantered on the subject, he went to work, and by means of a good lathe and boring machine, he actually produced his cheese-press within the hour; though not very smoothly finished. We give a sketch of it at the head of this article,too plain to require explana- tion. Subsequently, several others were made on the same plan. with which it can be put on and made water tight, the iron roofing would appear to be far preferable. The plates exhibited were cast at Troy, New York, and are of the very best quality. The patent for the eastern States is now owned by Mr. Hiram Hemmistone, of Troy, in which neighborhood the adaptation of such a durable material for roofing is rapid- ly attracting public attention there. Star- hicks machine shop and foundry m~Troy has been covered on this plan, and it has also been adoetod for the roofing of an arsenal at West Point. The New nnd Wonderful Pavement. We presented in a late number, a brief ex- tract from an article on this subject from the Eureka, and should have thought no more of it, had we not observed the following notice editorial in the N. Y. Farmer and Mechanic. We copy the article entire, that 001 readers may judge for themselves whether the style and statements savor most of reality or hum- bug. Nxw PAVEMENT5.A& new system of making streets has been made known to us ; but as it will be the subject of Patents, here and in Europe, we can only give some of its most prominent features. A material or com- position, of a very cheap character, has been invented, as hard, strong and compact as flint. It is formed into any desirable shape in the course of manufacture. From this, streets of any grade may be formed, and in such a way as to entirely secure a permanent and lev- el surface to its proper arch; it can be taken up in five minutes, so as to get at the water pipes, and on being replaced will, from neces- sity, resume its first position. In durability, it will last ten times as long as granite, and twenty times as long as the common paving, without liability to require repair. It is so laid that frost and storms cannot affect it. But we shall have occasion to refer to it again. Persons wishing information may inquire of Kingsley & Pirsson, No. 5 Wall street. To render Shingles Durable. One of our exchanges mentions an experi- ment which was made twenty-seven years ago, of dipping shingles in hot linseed oil prior to nailing them on the roof: and although they have not been painted, t1~iey are said to continue perfectly sound as when first put on. They were of the common pine, and as much exposed as roofs in general. This instance may be sufficient to establish the fact that shingles thus prepared, will last longer with- out painting than they could possibly be pre- served by painting in the usual way. As a security against fire, however, we should re- commend that they be first dipped in a hot so- lution of common salt; and afterward, when dry, be dipped in the hot oil. The expense will be trifling, and there can be no doubt of their durability, and there will be no danger of their taking fire from sparks or cinders. Best Plan of a Barn. Perhaps no building on the farm in the Northern States is of more importance than the barn. Those who have had the charge of cattle during our long winters, can at once see that much time and hard labor could be saved by a judicious arrangement of stalls, and bay or bay lots, granaries, & c., so that every crea- ture could be fed by taking as few steps as possible. One very important thing to be con- sidered, is the best mode of preserving as well as collecting manure, so that it shall retain all its valuable properties in the spring, and be easily got out. We like the plan of having a barn on the side of a bill, and so ar- ranged that you may drive your cart load in pretty near the ridge pole, and thus pitch most of your hay down instead of up. Having your stalls under the hay, you can continue to pitch the hay down, and if you have a cellar beneath, you can throw the ma- nure down also, and thus make the attraction of gravitation perform much of the labor of transportistion from the mow to the manure cart. Cast Iron Roofing. A specimen of cast-iron plates for roofing of buildings, says the Philadelphia Ledger, has been exhibited at the Exchange, in Phila- delphia, by the inventor and patentee, Mr. Win. Beach. The plates are about a foot square, and are made to fit one into another so as to render the roof perfectly water-tight, with the application of white lead to the joints. In every respect this material for roof- ing is preferable to any other description now in use. As to its durability, there can be no doubt that it would remain perfectly whole for ages, if covered occasionally with a coat of paint, and even without that preservative, rust would not affect it materially for a period of fifty years at least. As compared with copper, the cost would be nearly one half, as it is expected the iron can be furnished at 16 cents per square foot, while copper would at the most moderate estimate cost 28 cents. As regards the weight of an iron roof, which at first sight would appear an objection, it is far less than one fornied of slate, and does not much exceed one of copper. The iron plates that there are between 25 and 30 manufactur- weigh three and & half pounds per square foot. ers of whips j~ that town, who employ not A slate roof Wbuld eost about eight cents per less than lOot) br~iiders~ besides their shop square foot, but for durability, and the ease hands. The We~tfield, Mass., News-Letter states Robert Fulton. Robert Fulton, a celebrated engineer, whose name is connected with steamboat navigation, was born in the town of Little Britain, in the state of Pennsylvania, in 1765. His genius disclosed itself at an early period. He was at- tracted to the shops of mechanics; and at the ageof seven he painted landscapes and por- traits in Philadelphia. Thus he was enabled in part to purchase a small farm for his widowed mother. At the age of twenty-one, he by the advice of his friends repaired to London, to place himself under guidance of Mr. West, the painter, and by him was kindly received, and admitted as an inmate of his house for several years. Prosecuting his business as painter, he spent two years in Devonshire, where he be- came acquainted with the duke of Bridgewater and with lord Stanhope, well known for his attachment to the mechanic arts. In 1793, he engaged in the project of improving inland navigation, and in 1794, obtained patents for a double inclined plane, and for machines for spinning flax and making ropes. The subject of canals now chiefly occupied his attention, and at this period, in 1796, his work on canals was published. In his profession of civil en- gineer he was greatly benefitted by his skill in drawing and painting. He went to Paris in 1797, and being received into the family of Joel Barlow, he there spent seven years, studying chemistry, physics and mathematics, and ac- quiring a knowledge of the French, Italian, and German languages. In Dec. 1797, he made his first experiment on sub-marine explosion in the Seine, but without success. 1-lis plan for a sub-marine boat was afterwards perfected. In 1801, while he was residing with his friend, Mr. Barlow, he met in Paris Chancellor Liv- ingston, the American minister, who explained to him the importance in America of naviga- ting boats by steam. Mr. Fulton had already conceived the project as early as 1793, as ap- pears by his letter to lord Stanhope. He now engaged anew in the affair, and at the common expense of himself and Mr. Livingston built a boat on the Seine, in 1803, and successfully navigated the river. The principles of the steam engine he did not invent; he claimed only the application of that machine to water wheels for propelling vessels. In 1806, he re- turned to America; he and Mr. Livingston built, in 1807, the first boat, the Clermont, 130 feet in length, which navigated the Hudson at the rate of five miles an hour. Nothing could exceed the surprise and admiration of all who witnessed the experiment. The minds of the most incredulous were changed in a few min- utes. Before the boat had made the progress of a quarter of a mile, the greatest unbeliever must have been converted. The man who, while he looked on the expensive machine, thanked his stars that he had more wisdom than to waste his money on such idle schemes, changed the expression of his features as the boat moved from the wharf and gained her speed, and his complacent expression gradually softened into one of wonder. The jeers of the ignorant, who had neither sense nor feeling to suppress their contemptuous ridicule and rude jokes, were silenced for a moment by a vulgar astonishment, which deprived them of the power of utterance, till the triumph of genius extorted from the incredulous multitude which crowded the shores, shouts and acclama- tions of congratulation and applause. In Feb- ruary, 1809, he took out his first patent. In 1811 and 1812, he built two steamferry boats for crossing the Hudson; he contrived also a very ingenious floating dock for the reception of those boats. In 1813, he obtained a patent for a sub-marine battery. Conceiving the plan of a steam man-of-war, the government, in March 1814, appropriated $320,000 for con- structing it, and appointed him the engineer. In about four months, she was launched with the name of Fulton the First; but before this frigate was finished, Fulton had paid the debt of nature. The population of Great Britain for the last ten years shows an average annual increase of 230,000. The population of London has in- increased 27 per cent, within fifteen years. Within the last 16 years, 612 steamboats have been buit in Pittsburg~abesides 31 the present year. 4 NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 26, 1846. INTILODiJUTION TO VOLUlILE II. With our best bow, we present ourselves be- lore our friends and the public, in a new dress, from bead to foot, and though conscious of ap- pearing rather plain and quaker-like, we can assure our friends that in this, we conform to the newest fasbion, and have no doubt of being treated civilly by as large a portion of the pub- lic, as it we bad appeared with more gay feathers in our cap, with starched ruffles and gilt buttons and trimmings. In this, however, we would notbe understood to boast of any pe- culiar evidence of taste of our own, as we have been induced in this instance, to submit wholly to that of our tailors, who it must be conceded, understand these things much bet- ter; while we have only to regard alertness and independence of movement, with a little vivacity, and intelli ~ence of conversation. Our general principMs, and rules of self-gov- ernment will continue according to our origin- al pledge, and the policy pursued in our first volume: we shall endeavor to encourage and excite a spirit of enterprise and emulation in artists, manufactures and mechanics, while we present such instruction and useful intelli- gence in arts and trades, practical science and new discoveries,inventions and improvements, as will add to the facilities of enterprise, and conduce to the prosperity and independence of the working class in particular. And that we may furnish an acceptable family newspaper, we shall continue to give in a brief and con- densed form, the most useful and interesting intelligence of passing events,not omitting a small portion of serious matter, suitable for Sunday reading, but avoiding the disgusting and pernicious details of crime, with which too many of our public journals abound, and which evidently produces a deleterious effect on the morals of the community. With re- gard to political and sectarian subjects, how- ever, we feel much inclined to change our style of neutrality so far as to advocate all parties, sects and denominations, each in its turn, which course may be more in accordance with our own maxim of enlightening and pleasing, than either growling policy, or the affected indifference and cold inattention which tends to produce a reciprocity of coldness, and pleases none. On the subject of policy and rules, we might say more ; but having already said twice as much as we at first intended, and tinding ourselves near the bottom of the scrap on which we scribble, we have only to find some suitable form of sentence wherewith to round off this subject; and for this purpose, without #vishing to be suspected of any mo- tives of interest, we would gently and respect- fully suggest to our readers the propriety of advancing the intelligence, enterprise and consequent prosperity of the community, by introducing and recommending to the patron- age of all, this same ScIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Advantage of Low Fares. During the month of July, 1845, when the fare between New York and Boston was re- duced to the ruinous rates of only two dol- lars, the receipts on the different routes were ~45,2O8; but during the corresponding month of the present year, with the fare up to four dollars, the receipts have been only $35,963: being nine thousand two hundred and for- ty-five dollars less for a single month, than when the fares were at half-price. Avalon Railroad Iron. The Covington Manufa~turing Co. at their Avalon works, near Baltimore,are now deliver- ing, under their contract, the iron for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This iron is made exclusively of the best quality of Balti- more charcoal pig iron. The fixtures by which it is manufactured are of the most approved de- scription, and embrace several original im~ provertments, by means of which nearly e~ei~/ ~ar i~ i~ade potfect 5 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. The Magnetic Telegraph. Information Wanted. LINE TO BURLINGTON, Vv.A movement Mr. Editor,I have a saw-mill which draws appears to be in progress in Vermont for estab- thirty-six square inches of water, under thirty lishing a line of telegraphic communication feet head. I wish to build another below with from Springfield or Albany to Burlington. oply twenty feet head of water. How many Much confidence is expressed by some of the square inches aperture will be required to dis- -~ -- Vermont papers that the enterprise will be charge the same quantity in the same time? Arrivnl of the Cambria. carried through. If some of your correspondents will give me The steamship Cambria arrived at Boston on It is stated that the Magnetic Telegraph will an answer, they will much oblige me. R. C. Friday, the 18th inst., thirteen days from Liv- be extended from Washington city to Rich- Navarino, Sept. 7, 1846. erpool. From the news by this arrival, we se- mond, and completed before the middle of De- We shall have no occasion to depend on lect the following brief items :not very in- cember next. correspondents for the intelligence above re- teresting, but better than none. TELEGRAPH TO CANADAIt affords us quired. Thirty-six inches of aperture under The man Henry, who lately attempted to great satisfaction, says the Montreal Herald, to thirty feet head1 will admit the discharge of shoot the King of France, has been tried and learn that there is a great probability of the 660 cubic feet of water per minute; the velo- condemned to work in the galleys for life. lightning linesthe Electric Telegraph city of the water being forty-four feet per sec- During his trial, he expressed a wish to be condemned to death, but the request was not being extended from the great cities of the nty feet head the velocity is ond. Under twe United States to Montreal and Quebec. A gen- only thirty-six feet per second, and conse- granted. tleman is now in town, and has submitted pro- quently forty-four inches aperture is required posals to the Board of Trade for making an to discharge an equal quantity. immediate commencement with this most im- Rule in Hydraulics: (never before pub- portant public work. This line is expected to lished.) To ascertain the velocity of water be extended to Montreal from Sarato,,a, to issuing through an aperture under a given which place a line is already in operation. head: Multiply the head in feet by 62, and The line between New York and Buffalo the square root of the prodect will show the having been recently completed, the following velocity in feet per second. is reported to have been the first telegraphic conversation on the occasion. GENERAL CHAT BY LIGHTNINGAt one oclock, P. M., precisely, the Telegraph Line was connected through the whole distance from New York to Buffalo, 507 miles. Upon turning the adjusting screw of the magnet by Prof. Morse, all things were found right, and Prof. Morse sent his compliments to all the operators on the line. The first to answer was Albany. The compliments of the ..~1lbany Office to Prof. Morse and Mr. Wood. Utica Office wishes to be remembered to Prof. Morse and Mr. Wood. auburn Office sends compliments to Prof. Morse and Mr. Wood. Buffalo sends compliments to Prof. Morse and Mr. Wood, and presents Lake Erie to Old Ocean. Rochester Office sends compliments to Prof. Morse and Mr. Wood, and presents Erie Canal to Croton .~1queduct. .fluburn presents State Prison to the Tombs. Syracuse sends compliments to Prof. Morse, and asks how are the Yorkers. Troy says, Now give me a chance. Com- pliments to Prof. Morse and Mr. Wood; and now for business, if there is any. Utica asks, Need we keep dark any lon- ger? Troy answers, No. Announce it to the four winds that Buffalo and New York are no longer separatedthey talk to each other by lightning. This entire dialogue occupied somewhat less thanftve minutes! Setts of thirty-six numbers of the last vol- ume of this paper, may be had for one dollar very cheap. Any one desiring them may enclose the amount to the publishers. Advertising in London. A new and improved mode of advertising has been introduced in London; which is to furnish laborers, carmen, & c. with white frocks or jackets, on the backs of which are printed in large characters,the advertisements of hotels, tradesmen, & c. The wearers of the bills are generally allowed a small compensation. Deerfield Bridge. The railroad bridge at Deerfield, Mass., is said to be a splendid affair. It is fifty feet above the traveled stage road bridge, and nearly eighty feet above the waters of the river. The piers are already erected, and nearly ready for the superstructure. The Artesian well at South Boston has been sunk to the depth of nearly 400 feet. The boring machine is worked by steam power, and progresses about 12 feet per day. Some impudent doctor says that tight lacing is a public benefit; for it kills off the foolish girls, and leaves the wise ones for good wives nnd mothers. An exchange remarks When we see a man kick a horse, we say at once,that ha never need come to court our daughter, for ha shotild not have her if he was worth a million Railroad Intelligence. Old Colony Railroad, from Boston to Ply- mouth, Mass., has fer some time past been in full operation, and is doing a fair business. The whole amount of the stock of the Mich- igan Central Railroad$2,000,000has been taken up, and of course the enterprise will go forward. On the first day of the opening of the sub- scription books for the stock of the New York and Boston Railroad, the people of Middletown took shares to the amount of $350,000; and they expect to go up to half a million. The Cheshire N. H. Railroad is going ahead rapidly, the grading and bridging on every part of the line being in progress. This road is to be carried over the Connecticut River at or near Bellows Falls. The stock of the Wilton N. H. Branch Rail- road is said to be all taken up. A General Meeting of the proprietors of the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railway was re- cently held at Montreal. It appears by the report of the board of directors, that 5,364 shares had been taken up, amounting to about 1,200,000. All parties appear to be confi- dent that this road will be constructed and in operation at an early day. rhe Little Miami Railroad having been opened to Springfield, is doing a fair business, and adds important facilities to trade in. that section. The directors of the New York and Erie Railroad are said to be going on with it in the right way to accomplish the great object of the undertaking. Contracts are already made for the construction of the road as far as the valley of the Delaware. Proposals for grading 133 miles more are advertised for, which will carry the road to Binghampton, 270 miles from New York. It is asserted that of all single marriageable ladies who reached Oregon last season, two- thirds were married before the first of March. Alexandria has decided on re-annexation to Virginia, by a vote of 633 to 197. Probably some of her citizens want to be Governors and Representatives. The arrival of the new steamship Southerner in Charleston, 57 hours from New York, exci- ted much admiration. She brought 125 pas- sengers; and was pronounced decidedly the handsomest vessel seen in those waters. The price of flour at Buffalo, on the 18th inst., was $3 70 per barrel. Corn~ 49 cents per bushel. Mr. J. B. Gough, who has been for some time seriously indisposed, has nearly recovered his health, and returned north. Gold is imported from St. Petersburgh to London, at the rate of $500,000 per month. The mining business in Russia is increasing. The Boston Common Council charge $600 per annum for the licenses of the Howard and National Theatres, with the condition that spirituous liqtiots shall not be bold, and no fe male admitted tinlees in4otftpany with a male The Bank of England has reduced its rate of interest to 3 per cent., whereby greater facili- ties are given to trade to counteract the de- pression likely to proceed from other causes. The British ship America recently arrived from the coast of Mexico and Peru, liberally laden with specie, the amount whereof is stated at six millions of dollars, which, in silver, would make nearly two hundred and fifty tons. The Queen of Spain, Isabella, has decided to marry her cousin, the Duke de Cadiz; thus putting to rest a subject which has long agi- tated the circles of royalty in Europe. Late news from the east furnishes the report that robberies and piracies are of hourly oc- currence in the immediate vicinity of Hong Kong. An ordinance had been promulgated in China for the relief of debtors. The Cambria brought 133 passengers, among whom were Hon. Washington Irving, our late minister to Spain, and the celebrated Cruik- shanks, the caricaturist. The Mexicaa War. The latest news from Mexico, and from our army, represent affairs in a most quaint and lu- dicrous light, with regard to the policy and movements of all parties. The average pro- gress of the army of invasion appears to be about three miles a day, with no opposition, nor prospect of any; while the Mexicans are tame as bullfrogs, showing no disposition to either fight or run. Gen. Parades having got sick of his job, has suffered himself to be im- prisoned at the approach of Santa Anna, who has returned and resumed the government without opposition. Mr. Polk having sent an embassy, virtually asking permission te give it up, has been refused a hearing, unless he will first withdraw our troops from the Mexi- can territory; while the Mexican army ap- pointed to combat and conquer Gen. Taylor, remains at ease and content at Mexico, calcu- lating, probably, that the longer they wait, the less distance they will have to travel to en- counter the Yankees. Whether our President will call off Gen. Taylor with the American troops, before they reach anywhere in particu- lar, remains to be decided. Trade to Santa Fe. The trade to Santa Fe is said to be much greater this year than ever before. Thirty- nine cdmpanies of traders have gone out this season, taking with them four hundred and thirteen wagons, which are in the charge of about eighteen hundred men. The value of the goods carried out by these traders, is esti- mated at nearly a million of dollars. A large mastiff dog picked up a favorite lap dog in the upper part of the city last week, and ran off with it. He was pursued by a mob, and after a severe chase, the terrified pet was recovered and brought back rejoicing. THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Persons wishing to subscribe for this paper, have only to enclose the amount in a letter di- rected (post paid) to MUNN & COMPANY, Publishers of the Scientific American, New York City. TERars.$2 a year; ONE DOLLAR IN ADVANCEthe remainder in 6 months. Postmasters are respectfully requested to receive subscriptions for this paper, to whom a discount of 25 per cent will be allowed. Any person sending us 4 subscribers for 6 months, shall reoseive a copy of the paper fey the same length of time,~g~atlu 6 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Our engraving represents a view of the liar- intimately connected with it, that the first ot Asylum, and seven hospitalsone of them time, it is the duty of the junta, or commit- hor of Havana, which is one of the most com- the houses in the surhurban streets stands or~ contains a lunatic asylum. There are, besides, tee of management, to endeavor to procure modious in the world, communicating with the the very edge of the glacis. three theatres, an amphitheatre for bull fights, employment for them e~ier in a private fami- sea by a channel little more than half a mile in The streets are narrow, crooked, and gener- plaza de toros, and several public promen- ly or in some house of business. Should the length, and from 300 to 350 yards wide; its ally unpaved, but they contain some well-built ades, such as the Alameda and the Paseo Nu- circumstances of the parents have improved depth varying from eight to ten fathoms. The houses. There are, too, several good build- evo; In Turnbulls Travels in Cuba, pub- during the stay of their daughter at the insti- harbor itself is an oblong basin, surrounded by ings among the churches, one of which con- lished by Lougman & Co., London, 1840, the tution, they are not suffered to take her away heights which usually shelter it from the wind. tains the remains of Christopher Columbus. city is said to contain 3,671 houses within the until they have paid her previous hoard and ed- Havana is a place of considerable strength, The other large edifices, as the Palace of the walls, all built of stone; and in the suburbs, ucation at the rate of fifteen dollars a month; and, besides the walls and ditches which Government (shown to the right of the en- 7,968, of various materials. The number of but if the girl herself has acquired property surround it, the city is defended by six strong- graving,) that of the commandant of the ma- private carriages for hire amounted, in 1821, by inheritance, or is able to improve her con- holds, called the Moro, the Cobanas, No. 4, rine, the arsenal, the post-office, and the build- to 2,651, and they are certainly now more nu- dition by marriage or otherwise, independent the Atares, the Principie and the Putna. The ing used for the manufacture of tobacco, are merous. In the same year, the population of her parents, she is suffered to leave the first and last serve to protect the entrance of less remarkable for their architecture than for was 122,023the whites were 46,621; the free house without any payment; and, in the event the harbor, the second is a sort of citadel, and their solidity. Besides these, the city containa negroes, 15,347; the free mulattoes, 8,215; of her marriage to the satisfaction of the junta, the others are so placed as to cover the ap- nine parish churches; six other churches, the negro slaves, 22,830, and the mulatto a little dowry is provided for her, amounting proaches by land. The line of fortifications connected with hospitals and military orders; slaves 1,010. to $500, from a fund created from prizes in the embraces a sort of irregular polygon of an five chapels or hermitages; the Caza Cuna, a Turnbull, speaking of the Real Gaza de lottery, the produce of tickets presented to the eliptical form, the greatest diameter of which foundling hospital; and eleven convents, four Benefleencia, says: Girls are not admitted institution. Six such marriages had taken is 2,100 yards, and the smallest 1,200 yards in for women, and seven for men. The other to the institution after 10 years of age; and,being place, and dowries bestowed from this fund in extent. The entrance between the Moro and public establishments are the University, the entirely supported there, they are completely the course of a single year. This lottery Putna, castles is about 1,500 yard~ long, and in colleges of San Carlos and San Francisco de separated from their parents and their famil- business shows the spirit of gambling so large- sts narrowest part 350 yards wide. In the ar- Soles, the Botanic Garden, the Anatomical ies, until the time of their final removal from ly developed in nations of Spanish decscent. senal of the Havana, there have been built 49 Museum and lecture rooms, the Academy of the establishment has arrived. They are The Mexicans are noted for it, and Santa Ana, ships of the line, 22 frigates, 7 packet ships, Painting and Design, a school of Navigation, taught the various branches of needle-work who spent his exile in Cuba, and recently 9 brigs of war, and 15 schooners of war. and seventy-eight common schools for both and dress-making, and receive such other in- sailed from Havana ~for Vera Cruz, indulged in The town is built on the western side of the sexes. These places of education are all un- struction as may sufficiently qualify them for the propensity to a great extent. But he had basin, near the channel, on a kind of promon- der the protection of the Patriotic Society i~nd becoming domestic servants, honsemaids, two strings to his bow, and whilst playing his tory. The suburbs, or barrios esta muros, the municipal authorities. The charitable in- cooks or washerwomen. They are not suffer- fighting cocks was also playing for an empire, cover more ground and contain a larger popu- stitutions consist of the Gaza de Beneftencia, ed, by the regulations, to remain in the house and has won the game. How long he will lation than the city itself, and yet they are so for both sexes, a penitentiary, a Magdalen after the age of twenty-one: but, before that hold it remains to be seen. A Profitable Hoax. Right Side Up. course is evidently peaceable, else politicians and sectarians could not so uniformly ap- Recently at the Copper Mines on Lake Su- peiioi, a greenhorn asked some miners to show him where to dig; they offered to do it, plaud every act of their favorite sect or party, and as uniformly oppose and deprecate those provided he would treat to a quart of prairie of their opponents. Every man who habitu- dew, which he did, and they set him to work ates himself to viewing things in the most fa HUMOROUS. under a shady tree, in mere sport. Before - a Lead, and the next day vom able light, will find this course the most _____________________________________ night he struck conducive to his own happiness, while it con- tributes much to that of his neighbors and as- A Very Long Nose. sold out for $4000. sociates. Look at the bright side of every A gentleman having put out a candle by accident onc night, ordered his waiting man Reforming. (who was a simple being) to light it anain in Well, how are you this morning ~ said thing, and hold every picture right side up. care, ImportanCe of humility. the kitchen, adding But take James, one old rowdy to another. Well, sir, quite wellnever was that you do not hit yourself against anything better; Dr. Franklin once received a very useful lesson from the excellent Dr. Cotton Mather, in the dark. Mindful of the caution, James Im another man, sir. stretched out both arms at leneth before hi Ah Then who pays those old accounts which he thus relates in a letter to his son: of yourself that was ? but unluckily, a door that stood half open, Dont remind me of my sins. Im re- The last time I saw your father was in 17:24. passed between his hands and struck him a woful blow upon the nose. Golly gracious formed man. I was sinful in contracting such -dj1 ~ On taking my leave, he showed me a shorter way out of the house, by a narrow passage, The appearance 01 many things and circum- which was crossed by a beam over head. We muttered he, when he recovered his senses a debts, and I must now atone for my error by stances, like the above cut, depends on the were still talking, and as I withdrew, he ac- little, I always heard that I had a very long not paying for them. view we take of them: and be it remembered companying me behind, and I turning towards nose, but I never thought it was longer than my arm . Yankee Hill is most outrageously puffed by that when a mans head is inverted, to him all him, he said hastily, Stoop, stoop ! I did ______________________ some of the Albany papers. It is even insin- appear wrong side up. Hence arises most not understand him till I felt my head hit Sol. Smith. uated that he is employed in part by a combi- of the complaints, grumbling and murmurings, against the beam He was a man who never The American Sentinel, speaking of Sol. nation of tailors to cause the citizens to split about the times, the weather, the govern- missed an opportunity of giving instruction; Smith, the Lawyer, Actor, Preacher, & c., their coats and other garments with laughing, ment, the people, & c. To one who possesses, and upon this he said to me: You are young remarks We want a few more of such for the benefit of the trade. or is posesssed of a malignant, peevish dispo- and have the world before you. Learn to men. To which a Dayton (Ala.) paper re- sition himself, most of the conduct of others, stoop as you go through it, and you will miss plies Youll not get them. There are none Isaac Hill of the N. H. Patriot, concludes and the times and circumstances in general, many hard thumps. This advice, thus beat others like him. He is the first and last of that the new tariff law is not seriously affect- will to him appear wrong side up, and he into my head, has frequently been of use to me. his genus, a solitary specimen of a strange ing the manufacturing interests, because he will not unfrequently find his own calculations And I often think of it when I see pride mor- combination of character. Even in the phi- lately saw two loads of machinery going into up side down. Could we at once, view each tified, and misfortune brought upon people by sical way Sol. will be hard to match, for he is the country. He must be a sage. circumstance in all its different bearings, we their carrying their heads too high. tall as a May-pole, and crooked as a pump- Some should generally see some things that would handle. scoundrel has run away with the wife, paliate others, and thus render the whole at An ambassador is defined as a man sent ______________________ children and furniture of a Mr. Reynold, resi- least tolerable: and most of the jarring and abroad to lie for the good of his country. To The True American says that when John ding in Allegany county, leaving nothutig but clashing in the world would thus be av6ided. compensate them for the wear and tear of con- C Calhoun takes enuif, evety man in soUth an empty house with the rent unpaid. Really But by far th~ better way is to take of eac?i and science, th country allo s him a larger salary C~to11na ~ t~ bad. a#e~ thi~1~[~ vf~w the ~o~t f~Y~Iab1~ ~fble than any tiler uburdihate they employ. THE HARBOR OF HAVANA. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Communicated. The Eureka: or Journal of the National Association of Inventors. (We had not is~tended to say any thing on the sobject of the Eureka in this number, nor until the second number of the work should have been issued: but finding that a great degree of dissatisfaction exists in the minds even of those who are represented in that paper to be the supporters and conductors thereof; and havin~ received an implied re- quest for the insertion of the following com- munication, we would not refuse it, although we doubt whether the Eureka will ever reach its third number, whether its contents are sub- jeeted to public criticism or not.) .Mir. Editor: I had a little curiosity to bear what the press said of,this periodical; but as yet I have not seen any notice, except the brief one in your columns. As a general rule, it is inexpedient for an association to publish a periodical. Instead of being an expression of the society, it almost unavoidably becomes the organ of a clique, and renders the patron- age of an otherwise liberal organization sub- servient to private interest. In the columns of the N. York Farmer was first advoeated the formation of the N. Y. State Agricultural Society. Among the first acts of this society was the issuing of an agricultural paper at luenty-flve cents per annum. This was scat- tered over the whole country to the injury of those who had been pioneers in publishing agricultural papers. The Society could not sustain it without loss. It was sold to an in- dividual on condition that he would publish be proceedings of the Society. The price was quadrupled. It was soon found that a l)eriodical having a general circulation, could not mievote much space to a local society, how- ever noble and prosperous. Necessity led to the columns of the daily press, and to the is- suing of a yearly volume of Transactions. This will be the result of every prosperous as- sociation. If the proceedings are worth pub- lishing, the press will spread them over the whole face of time civilized world. A collec- tion of the most important and well-digested papers in a yearly volume, is more in accord- ance with the dignity and usefulness of a na- tional association. Besides the injustice done to other periodicals previously in existence, the association a(l(ls nothing to its reputation by the undertaking. There are three or four individuals at the American Institute who have a hankering for the control of a paper. It is very easy to see that the publishing of a week- ly paper by the Institute would be a suicidal act. All the Institute has to do is to make its proceedings interesting, and the widest publi- city will be given as a matter of course. It was natural to suppose that with such an array of editors, editorial committee, and of associate professors, the Eureka would have done credit to the abe, and claimed a rank, in point of literature, with other monthlies. But candor leads me to say, I do not recollect of having read a select journal with so~many vio- lations of correct writin0. With the excep- tion of two or three articles, the whole num- ber abounds with school-boy violations of the English language. Redundancy and the want of al)propriateness in the use of words are the most qommon errors. Circumlocution and avant of precision are common; and in many sentences all these and other violations occur, rendering it almost impossible to guess at the meaning. Independent of inflexibly in ad- vance on the cover, the first sentence in the announcement on the first page is an instance of ambiguity and careless construction. In the first article, on the same page, are several sen- tences indicating the same carelessness. The article describing Hoes cylinder press is a col- lection of badly-constructed sentences. If your limits permitted I would give a whole column of illustrations. The following sentences have so many faults I cannot Italicise. They may serve to exercise your juvenile readers. We intend to pursue the publication of the list hereafter, future and past; that is in our next number will appear those of August 20, and follow for one month; also the list for one month prior to the 21st of June. A material or composition, of a very cheap character, has been invented, and hard, strong and compact as flint. From this, streets of any grade may be formed, and in such a way as to entirely to secure a permanent and level surfaee to its proper grade and arch. Three fourths of the sentences forming the article on Dr. Lewis Railroad are ~ery faulty. Hutchings Propeller. It consists of form- ing a set of oars, and by cams upon them- selves, and a foundation-plate with cams to match, cause the oars to revolve of themselves, when the main whes~l, composed of these oars, revolves. A patent is pending for the invention of a wheel, in which Mr. Win. Hulme, of Pater- son, N. J., has made an invention. Russs Pavement. There is no doubt it will make a good road in comparison with our present streets, as far as surface goes; but we must confess our incredulity of the entire suc- cess of this plan. We do not like the ideal method of getting at the water-pipes, & c. of the city. The Report on Riders Iron Bridge is by another and different pen. I will pass by protracted from beneath upwards, & c., and give a few more quotations. Inventors scarcely ever receive the com- pensation due their however distinguished me- rit, either pecuniary or laudatory. The origi- nators or first conceivers of the most moment- ous plans of utility and comfort are oftenest the most grossly neglected and overlooked. Shortly after these details reached the U. States, by Professor S. F. B. Morse, of New York, who was at the time of the discovery residing in Paris. This committee give their services for the promotion of good to the cause of Invention and Science, without any consideration other than this. Ahoost all other branches of knowledge have their magazines and journals, and other means of diffusing information, so that in their departments hardly a desideratum is left to be supplied; while the Inventor, as such, has almost no channel through which he may le- gitimately appear before the public. An editorial committee was accordingly appointed for the supervision of this department, and to whose inspection all matter of the journal, previous to publication, will be submitted. All the previous articles have been descrip- tive. We now come to one argumentative, on Novelty in Inventions. The reasoning powers of the writer may be learned from the follow- ing: Thus we conclude that the novelty of an invention consists in making something use- ful to society, and that in an original and novel way, so as to embody the great principle of invention. Or, as far as the writer has in- formed us, the novelty is the useful, the use- ful is the original and novel, and the original and novel are the great principle, and the great principle is the novelty or something else. We offer an explanation, not an apology for the want of a more full variety of scientific matter. Fishers Magazine publishes a complete list, comprising the Railroads of the U. States, as far as they are completed, and as far as par- ticulars are known. The French government has patronized an exploration of the island of Cyprus, for the purpose of exploring its architectural re- mains. Under the head of Editors Table, I sub- join the principal and most important sets- tence: In this department we have but little room, and in this case it is, perhaps, well we have little, as it is seldom much in the way of articles for notice, are placed before ax~editor- ial corps before the appearance of the first number. With the exception of three or four articles, the whole number is discreditable to The Na- tional Association of Inventors. A second number should not appear until the editors have had the benefit of at least one term in the preparatory school of Columbia College. Sept. 15, 1846. S. F. A heron measuring over six feet from tip to tip of his wings, and nearly four feet from beak to toe, was lately captured in Whately, Mass. His beak was six inches in length: The print works of East Greenwich, R. I. engaged in printing mousseline-de-laines, are pre paring to close business and shut up. Worthy of Attention. We wonder at the foolish practice of the chinese, in the uncomfortable form and pressure of their Shoes, while at the same time, the construction of our own is often but little better. If shoes were made in the shape of our feet so as to exert an equal pressure on every part, corns and bunions would never exist.[N. Y. Organ, Sept. 19, 1846. 1fj The above truthful and judicious remarks, emanating from the able editors of the above valua- ble Journal, should strongly present itself to the minds of every person having an eye to the com- forts of life. To those who have given a trial of the Superior Boots and Shoes manufactured with DICKS Patent Elastic Metallic Shanks, information would be needless; for they could not be induced to purchase elsewhere. But we would respectfully ask attention of the entire Boot and Shoe wearing community, to call at 109 Nassau street, being assured that it gives the proprietors great pleasure to impart every infor- mation for the ease and comfort of the UNOERSTAND- INC and also with regard to their entirely new mode of taking the measure of the foot, to give an equal pressure on every part. * ADVERTISEMENTS. t.li~=. THins paper circulates in every State in the Union, amid is seen principally by mechanics and manufacturers. Hence it may be considered the best medium of advertising, for those who import or man- ufacture machinery, mechanics tools, or such wares and materials as are generally used by those classes. The few advertisements in this paper are regarded with much more attention than those in closely pri~ed dailies. Advertisements are inserted in this paper at the following rates: One square, of eight lines one insertion, $ 0 50 two do., 75 three do., 1 00 one month, 1 25 three do., 3 75 six do., 750 twelve do., 15 00 TERMS CASH IN ADVANCE. GENERAL AGENTS FOR THE SCIENTIFIC AiIERseAN. New York City, - Gro. DEXTER. - - Was. TAYLoR & Co. Boston, Messrs .HoTcHKsss & Co. Philadelphia, - - - Messrs. COLON & ADRIANCE. LOCAL AG NTS. Alhany, - . - - PETER COOK. Baltimore, Md., . . S. S~us. Cabotville, Mass., . - E. F. BRowN. Hartford, Ct., - . H. H. BOWERS. Lynn, Mass, - - - J. H. F. MARSH. Middletown, Ct., - - Was. WoonwAsso. Norwich, Ct., - - . SAFFORD & PARES. New Haven, Ct., - . E. DOWNES. New Bedford, Mass., - Was. RossNiore & Co. Newark, N. J., - - J. L. AnEres. Pattersoss, N. J., - - L. GARSIOE. Providence, R. I., - - H. & J. S. ROWE. Springfield, Mass., - - Was. B. BROCEET. Salem, Mass., - - - S. CHANnLER. Troy, N. V., - - - W. SMITH. Taunton, Mass., - - W. P. SEAvER. Worcester, Mass., - - S. Tssoass-sors. TRAVELLING AGENTS. V. D. DAvSs, JOHN STOUCHTON, JOHN MURRAY, SYL- vEsTER DIERFENOEF. CITY CARRIERS. CLARK SELLECK, SQUIRE SELLECK, NATHAN SELLECE. Persons residing in the city or Brooklyn, can have the paper left at their residences regularly, by send- ing their address to the office, 128 Fulton st., 2d floor. GOLD PENS! In consequence of the increased facility afforded by machinery for the manufac- ture of my GOLD PENS, I am enabled to furnish them to the Trade, at a much less price than they have heretofore obtained them through my Agent. Those purchasing direct of the manufacturer will have the double advantage of the lowest market price, and the privilege of returning those that are imperfect. In connection with the above, I am man- ufacturing the usual style of PENHOLDER, together with my PATENT EXTENSION PENHOLDER with PENCIL. All orders thankfully received, and punctually attended to. A. G. BAGLEY, sept 25. 1* 180 Broadway, N. V. ~ HERWOODS MAGNETIC MACHINEIs war k3 ranted to be greatly superior to every other man- ufactured, by whatevev imitations or pretensions foisted upon the public. No premium has ever been obtained over this machine at the American or any other Institute, as has been falsely represented. It imparts the magnetic forces more continuously, with less violence to the sensations of the patient, and with more permanentefficacy, than any other invent- ed, while the cures It has actually effected are in- comparably mQre numerous. It is compactly fitted, together withs mt battery, wires and other appliancies in neat cases, of several sizes, and powers, at $10, $12, $14, and $16 eash. Each case is accompanied with aManual, (eighth edition, pp. 234, Svo.) in the English or French language, according to order, containing specific direction for the new method of using the instrument, and which alone can render it effectuaL H. H. SHERWOOD, M. D., 10:2 Chambers st. inapt. 5 to2 GE NERAL PATENT AGENCY.The subscriber has established an agency at his warehouse, 12 Platt street, New York, for the protection and gene- ral advancement of the rights and interests of Inven- tors and Patentees. The objects of this agency are more particulary to aid and assist Inventor sand Pat entees in effecting sales of their inventions and of goods and wares made therewithand also for the male and transfer of Patent Rights. Arrangements have been made with a lawyer fa- miliar with the Patent Laws, who will attend to the legal branch of the business upon reasonable terms. Satisfactory references will be given. Applications may be made to the undersigned personally, or by letter, post paid. SAMUEL C. HILLS, 45.2dv60 General Patent Agent. Engraving on Wood. N~& ~LY AND PROMPTLY EXECUTED AT OFFICE OF THE SCIENTIFIC AMERiCAN, 128 Fulton st, three doors from the Sun Office. Designs, DRAWINGS of all kinds for PATENTS, & c., also made, as above, it very low charges. 1 #75 flOPPER SMITH The subscriber takes this method of informing the public that he is manu- facturing Copper Work of every description; Par- ticular attention is given to maklng and repairing LOCOMOTIVE tubes. Those at a distance, can have any kind of work made to drawings, and may ascertain costs, & c., by addressing L. U. BAILEY cor. of West and Franklin sts., N. V. N. BWork shipped to any part of the country. 4Sto2dviSO LACK LEAD POTS The subscriber offers for B sale, in lots to suit purchasers, a superior article of BLACK LEAD POTS, that can be used without annealing. The price is low, and founders are re- quested to make a trial. SAMUEL C. HILLS, 45tondv6 Patent Agent, 12 Platt street. ELECTRICITY. SBRATING TORPEDO, OR VI- ELECTRO MAGNETIC MACHINE This instrument differs from those in ordinary use, by having a third connection with the battery, ren- dering them much more powerful and beneficiaL As a CURIOUS ELECTRICAL MACHINE, they should be in the possession of every one, while their wonderful efficacy as a medical agent, renders them invaluable. They are used with extraordinary success, for the following maladies. RHEUIIIATIsaIPal5y, curvature of the Spine, Chronic Diseases, Tic-doloureaux, Paralysis Tuber- cola of the brain, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, sick- headache. TGOTHACHESt Vitus dance, Epilepsy, Fevers, diseates of the eye, nose, antrum, throat, minmincles, cholera, all diseses of the skin, face, & c. DEAFNESSLOSS of voice, Bronchitis, Hooping cough. These machines are perfectly simple and con- veniently managed. The whole apparatus is con- tained in a little box 5 inches long, by 4 wide and deep. They may be easily sent to any p art of the United States. To be had at the office of the Scion- tiffic Americcan, 128 Fulton st, 2nd floor, (Sun build- ing) where they may be seen IN OPERATION, at alt times of the day and evening. 2 The Ball of the Bears. As Stanilaus Augustus, the last king of Po- land, was a tool of Russia, and did not enjoy any consideration, the Polish grandees played him many tricks. Prince Radziwill came to court in a carriage drawn by six wild bears ; the horses of course, were extremely frighten- ed; in consequence of which, some accidents happened. The king pointed out to the prince the impropriety of his conduct. Radziwill added, that the bears were not cross, as whip, gold, and patience can put in order every thing; He added also, that~ sometimes the ace beats the king at cards, and paid liberally the dam- ages. After some time, he gave a splendid party, to which he invited all the ambassadors, and all the leading personages in Poland, and displayed extraordinary luxury. The dancing was kept up in several drawing rooms. After the supper, he conducted a select party to a separate apartmentwhere, to their astonish- ment, they found four girls of uncommon beau- ty, richly dressed, in company not with four gentlemen, hut with four enormous bears which, after the first outbreak of music, began to dance with the girls all the figures of French quadrilles, with the utmost accuracy, and with as much ease as if they were highly educated gentlemen. At first the guests were alarmed; but, seeing the extraordinary tameness of the beasts, struck with amazement, they seemed to have been pleased with this extraordinary sight. After the dance was over, their bear- ships conducted themselves with the utmost propriety, and, at a sign from the keeper, each of them made a bow to his lady, and withdrew to another room. For some time, nothing was talked of at Warsaw but that sin- gular ball. All is not Gold that Glitters. A lady, at a ball lately given in Calcutta, at- tracted the attention of all, and excited the jealousy of many, in consequence of the splendor and brilliancy which her diamonds shed upon her person and all around her. At length that curiosity which is the moving spring of womans actions, could be no longer resisted by her female admirers, who at the close of the ball, instituted a rigid~ examina- tion of the nature of those incomparable bril- liants, when, to their astonishment, they foifnd that they were no more or less than so many fire flies, which the envy of the ball-room had secured in gauze bags, and which as she moved about, fluttered, and thus threw out their va- ried brilliant hues. The Odd Fellows procession to the dedica- tion of their new Hall at Philadelphia, says our exchanges came off on Thursday- We suppose the procession came off this way, as we saw a part of it passing through this city. A young lady by the name of Emma D. Tower, sixteen years of age, has been missing from her parents and home in Providence, R. I., since the 11th. Her parents are distressed with anxiety to find or hear of her. ~ SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Painting in Imitation of Rose-Wood. (By the particular request of a Mechanic in Cherryfield, Me.)In this art the process is various according to the circumstances, and the ground on subjects to which it is applied. In painting common chairs, the ground is pre- pared by a coat of paint composed of ivory black and rose-pink, equal quantities, ground in a mixture of equal parts of linseed oil, drying japan and spirits of turpentine. When this is dry, the graining color, consist- ing of three parts of rose-pink with one of ver- million, ground in a mixture of oil, japan and spirits of turpentine, is applied with a common flat graining brush. Fancy boxes and cabinet furniture are painted by a different process, by whi~h a better imitation is produced. The ground is prepared by one or more coats of white lead changed two or three shades with yellow ochre. When dry; a thin staining of burnt terra-de-sienna ground in water, con- taining a very little sugar or gumarabic is laid on the work, and while this continues moist and flowing, the graining is applied. The graining should consist of a mixture of black and rose pink, ground in the staining com- pound. This must be varnished when dry, with copal varnish, Some prefer, however, to grind the staining and graining in oil, diluted with spirits of turpentine. rhe learner must have some sample pieces of varnished rose- wood before him!when graining. India Rubber. The substance called India Rubber, or Caout- chouc, was not known in Europe until the be- ginning of the eighteenth century. It was originally brought as a great curiosity from South America. Europeans continued igno- rant of its origin until a deputation of the French Academicians undertook a voyage to South America in 1735, for the purpose of ob- taining the correct admeasurement of a degree of the meridian. These philosophers did not confine their attention to the one great object of their pursuit, but among other interesting discoveries made themselves acquainted with that peculiar substancecaoutchouc. These Academicians discovered at Emeralds, in Bra- zil, trees called by the natives heve, whence flowed a juice, which, when dried, proved to be what is called India Rubber. The heve was also found growing in Cayenne, and on the banks of the Amazon river. It has since been discovered that caoutchouc may be ob- tained from another species of tree growing in South America, called jatropha elastica. If these trees are punctured, a milky juice flows out, which, on exposure to the air, thickens into a substance of a pure white color, having neither taste nor smell. The hue of the caout- chouc of commerce is black in consequence of the method employed in drying it. The usual manner of performing this operation is to spread a thin coating of the milky juice upon the moulds made of clay, and fashioned into a variety of figures. These are then dried by exposure to the heat of a smoke-fire; another layer is then spread over the first, and dried by the same means; and thus layer after layer is put on, until the whole is of the required thickness. While yet soft it will receive and retain any impression that may be given to if on the outside. When perfectly dry the clay 5 within is broken into small fragments by per- cussion, and the pieces are drawn out through the aperture which is always left for the pur- pose. The common bottle of India Rubber, therefore, consists of numerous layers of pure caoutchouc, alternating with as many layers of soot. The natives of those parts of South America to which these trees are indigenous, convert the juice to a variety of purposes. They col- lect it chiefly in the rainy season, because, though it will exude at all times, it flows then most abundantly. Boots are made of it by the Indians, through which water cannot pene- trate; and the inhabitants of Quito prepare a iind of cloth with it, which they apply to the same purposes as those for which oil-cloth or tarpaulin, is used here. This, no doubt, is similar to the cloth now prepared with this substance in America, the use of which yields so many important advantages. Youths Ga- zette. Communication on Atmospheric Resist- axice. The following letter has been on hand sever- al weeks, but deferred on account of a con- stant press of matter by which the limited space in our former small sheet was crowded. Our respected correspondent has consented to excuse the delay. PROvIDENcE, 1846. Friend Porter: In January last, I address- ed a few lines to you, asking information in regard to an article entited Atmospheric Re- sistance, in the New York Mechanic, of De- cember 11, 1841. In your answer, you say if the full surface is 30,000 square feet to each wing, (which makes 60,000 square feet,) only about half of one horse power would be re- quired to sustain this weight, and I understand you, virtually to say, that they must be ten times as large, in order that the strength of one man be sufficient to work this and elevate himself together with the apparatus, if it were not too heavy. Now, this makes 600,000 square feet. This is rather more than 774 feet square: rather large sized wings. One w~ld suppose that they might lift rather heavy, if they were very light, being 387 by 774 feet each. Now, to me this is entirely incompre- hensible, and I should like an explanation, if this calculation is correct, how it is that an eagle which sometimes weighs nearly thirty pounds, can elevate himself; with so much ease, and even carry with him nearly his own weight, using a pair of wings, which if they were five feet long and two feet wide each, would make but twenty feetof surface. Thus, you will see, is no where in proportion to the weight even of the eagle alone, (which we will suppose to weigh twenty pounds,) that the wings bears to the 150 pounds, while on the other hand, it is near in proportion to the surface of the wings of a pidgeon and its weight. Nor can I comprehend why it would require so much power, the eagle though he exerts himself considerable in rising, no doubt, does not seem to use power any where in the proportion that you have thought would be re- quired supposing the wings to be made in the same proportion to the 150 pounds that his wings are to his weight, his beats are not so quick but what ~they can be very easily counted. By answering, you will much oblige, your friend, YANKEE. In answer to the foregoing, we would re- mind our correspondent, that in his former communication, he proposed a limited weight of apparatus, and in our answer, it was far from our intention to allow an additional weight on account of the requisite extent of surface. With regard to the philosophy of the flight of the eagle, it must be borne in mind that atmospheric resistance is as the square of the velocity downward: and the only way in which the phenomenon of the flight of the eagle can be reconciled with the laws of me- chanical science as established by experiment, is by supposing the velocity of the wing down- ward to be equal to 70 feet per second, where- by a resistance would be encountered equal to 12 pounds per square foot of surface to the wings. It is a fact, hoxvev.er, that kites and hawks are often seen to continue suspended in the air several minutes without any apparent motion of the wings: but by what law or theory the feat is accomplished, natural philos- ophy has ventured no other conjecture than that the bird is endowed with the faculty of suspending occasionally its ordinary subjection to the laws of gravity. If any observing the- orist will give any more rational conjecture on the subject, we should be glad to have him ex- amine it. It is proposed and urged by the papers in several States, to have a thanksgiving day throughout the Union, on the 26th of Novem- her. As dull as a hoe, is a very common phrase, and implies that hoes are necessarily or ordi- narily dull. But it is advisible for farmers to keep their hoes sharp, as they regard a saving of labor. The Conical Windlass. Various methods have been heretofore de- scribed, for raising heavy bodies, or producing for other puposes, a great force,usually mis- called powerby the application of a compar- atively small force: but no method is known, more unlimited in its effect, or more simple in construction; than the conical windlass. It consists of a simple horizontal windlass, with a crank at one end, as shown in the engraving. The windlass is made in a conical form, being a little larger at one end, than at the other; and if the friction of its bearings be relieved by the ordinary friction rollers, it will so far multiply the force applied, as to break a double inch-rope, by the power of one man at the crank. An endless rope, or one of which the two ends are spliced together, is passed five or six times round the small end of the windlass, and down under a single pulley below: then, as the windlass is turned by the crank, the rope is constantly given off from one part, while the circumference is greater. Now it is plain, that if the windlass is one-fifth of an inch larger in circumference, at the point at which the rope is taken up, than at the place where it is given off to the pulley, that whatever may be appended thereto, will be raised one tenth of an inch by each revolution Then, if we suppose the crank lever to be fifteen inch- es, the handle will travel about 100 inches, in each revolution, which gives a power, or in- crease of force, of 1000 to one. Therefore, if 100 pounds of power be applied to the crank handle, it will be sufficientminus friction to raise a weight of 100,000 lbs. The only in- convenience in this apparatus, and which pre- vents its coming into more general use, is, that it is too limited in the extent of its motion, in consequence of the travelling of the rope from one end of the windlass to the other. Thus, if the windlass be but twenty-five inches long, and the rope one inch in diameter, it will ad- mit only twenty revolutions, without renew- ing. Yet, in many cases, in which an article is required to be raised, or moved but a few inch- es, the conical windlass will be found prefera- ble to any other method. Requisite Strength of Steam BoUers. Our correspondent S. B. cannot comprehend that the strength of iron for a cylindrical boiler should be in direct proportion to the diameter thereof, in order to sustain an equal pressure per square inch; wherefore, we must reason with him on the long scale. The cohesive strength of good iron is 64,000 lbs. per square inch; and of course, a strip of boiler-iron plate 1-8th inch thick will sustain 8000 lbs. If a boiler made of thin iron is 14 inches in diame- ter, or 44 inches in circumference, each inch of its length will contain 14 square inches, and either half thereof will contain 22 inches: and as the pressure on this portion is sustained by at least two inches of width of plate,one inch on each side,it follows that it will sos- tam a pressure of at least 700 lbs. per square inch, in the direction of circumference. If the diameter is double, the number of square inches ~vill be double, and will require double the thickness to sustain equal pressure. With regard to tde pressure endwise, the area of a cylinder head 14 inches in diameter is 154 inches, and the strength of the 44 inches of circumference would be sufflient to sustain 352,000 lbs., which, divided by the area, is 2,275 lbs. per square inch. If the diameter is 56 inches, the circumference being 172, would sustain a pressure endwise of 555 lbs. per inch. Thus it will be seen that if the cylin- der were even 20 feet in diameter, the iron would better sustain the pressure on the head that on the periphery. With regard to the requisite strength of the cylinders head, if they are made in a semi-spherical convex form, they will require no more thickness of plate than the cylinder: but if they consist of plane disks, the ~thickness thereof should bear the same proportion to that of the periphery that the area in square inches does to three times the circumference. But in general, no other rule is observed for the thickness of the heads, than to make them extravagantly heavy, with - out much regard to theoretic calculation. Bagleys Gold Pens. Do our readers wish to hear any thing more about them? If so, they have only to inquire of any one of the many thousands of writers who have used these pens six months or more, and can hear the fact attested, that these are decidedly the cheapest pens (at $4) that can be any where found. Mr. Bagley has recently patented a neat, elegant, and excellent im- provement in the pen-holder, which takes the shine off all precedents. Should our readers find a real good article in this paper, they may know it was written with one of Bagleys pens. Nuf ced. The Humming Bird. A gentleman who resided some time on one of the West India Islands informs us that while he was once travelling along the hed of a deep ravine overhung with thick vines, he was actually started by the immense numbers of humming birds which hovered over and about him. They hovered about him as if ac- tuated by curiosity alone. They were of va- rious kinds and colors, some of them being nearly as large as sparrows, while others were but little larger than a bee. Some were of a dingy green, or a light brown, while others seemed gaudily arrayed in pluma~,e as brilliant and variegated as the rainbow. They would approach within arms length of his face, and pausing in their flight, with their little wings, in rapid motion, would stare at him as if they wondered what possible business he could have in those remote wilds; hut they exhibit- ed no symptoms of terror, not having been taught by experience to fear the cruelty of roan. THE NEW YORK SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN: Published Weekly at 128 Fulton Street., (Sun Building,) Arew York. BY MTINN & COMPANY. The SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN is the Ad- vocate of Industry and Journal of Mechanical and other Improvements: as such its contents are probably more varied and interesting, than those of any other weekly newspaper in the United States, and certainly more useful. It contains as much interesting Intelligence as six ordinary daily papers, while for real benefit, it is unequalled by any thing yet published Each humber regularly contains from THREE to SIX ORIGINAL ENGRAVINGS, illustra- ted by NEW INVENTIONS, American and Foreign,SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES and CURIOSITIES,Notices of tile progress of Mechanical and other Scientific Improvements, Scientific Essays on the principles of the Sci- ences of MECHANICS, CHEMISTRY and ARCHITECTURE,Catalogues of American Patents,~NSTRUCTION in various ARTS and TRADES, with engravings,Curious Philosophical Experiments,the latest RAIL ROAD INTELLIGENCE in EUROPE and AMERICA,Valuable information on the Art of GARDENING, & c. & c. This paper is especially entitled 1~ the pat- ronage of MECHANICS and MANUFACTTJ~ RERS, being devoted to the interests of those classes. It is particularly useful to FAR- MERS, as it will not only apprise them of IMPROVEMENTS in AGRICULTURAL IM- PLEMENTS, but INSTRUCT them in various MECHANICAL TRADES, and guard against impositions. As a FAMILY NEWSPAPER, it will convey more USEFUL Intelli~,ence to children and young people, than five times its cost in school instruction. Being published in QUARTO FORM, it is conveniently adapted to PRESERVATION and BINDING. TERMSThe Scientific American is sent to subscribers in the country at the rate of $2 a year, ONE DOLLAR IN ADVANCE, the remainder in 6 months. Persons desiring to subscribe, have only to enclose the amount in a letter, directed to MUNN & COMPANY, Publishers of the Scicotific American, New York. ~ Specimen copies sent when desired. All letters must be POST PAID. 8

titan. THE ADVOCATE OF INDUSTRY AND JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC, MECHANICAL ANI) OTHER IMPROVEMENTS. VOL. 2. THE NEW YORK SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN: Published Weekly at 128 Fulton Street, (Sun Building,) Aew York. BY JITJNN & COMPANY. RUFUS PORTER, EDITOR. TERMS.$2 a year$1 in advance, and the remainder in 6 months. go-. See ./ldvertisement on last page. Take It Easy. Take it easy! Life at longest But a lengthened shadow is, And the brave as well as strongest, Dare not call to-morrow his. Take it easy! for to-day All your plans of wisdom lay. Take it easy! done with fretting, Meet your neighbor with a smile, From the rising sun to setting Live the present all the while I Take it easy! every vow Make in reference to now. Take it easy! what i& hidden, Or is wrong, or seemeth so, Leave it as a thing forbidden, Out of which a curse may grow! Take it easy! never pry Into what will cause a sigh, Take it easy! daily turning To the monitor within, On its altar always burning, Keep an incense free from sin? Take it easy; never fear While you keep a conscience clear! Take it easy! ever leaning To the side of truth and right; Happiness from virtue gleaning, Peace of mind from wisdom bright! Take it easy! for~t best,. Life is but a sorry jest. Song of the Laborers. AIR :Sparkling and bright. Holy and pure is the labor sure, In the rugged path were treading, Twill lead us on, till the race is xvon, For tis ever upward leading. Then never shrink, for tis bliss to think That our cause is true and holy; Let us persevere in our calling here, Be our station er so lowly. Labor is love, and our deeds shall prove That were moved by kindly feeling, And Labors light when the hearts aright, For tis only health revealing. By toiling hands the record stands, Shall come hoth wealth and pleasure, And the time will come when we find our home, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 3, 1846. M ExPLANATIONThis engraving represents a section of an ordinary railroad truck, with the brake and its appendages connected. The above must not be mistaken for a side- view elevation, but a sectional view of the in- side of the truck, the beam F F, being the side beam, passing outside of the wheels. The two brake-blocks, A A, are supported by two short hanging rods, E E, which are connected by pivots to the side beam: the toggle levers, B B, are connected to the blocks by pivots, and are both together connected to the bottom of the toggle-post, C, and the head of this post is connected by a feather-spring to a horizon- tal ratchet shaft, D. From this shaft, a lever extends upwards to G, where it is connected to a connecting rod, G, H, and the rod is con- nected to the bumper, J, by an encased spiral spring, I. Thus it will be seen that when the bumber comes in forcible contact with that of another car, the concussion acting through the spiral spring, connecting rod, lever, shaft, fea- ther-spring, post and toggles, forces the blocks against the wheels and retards their motion. A ratchet-d@g or catch, K, takes to the teeth of the ratchet, against which it is pressed by a spring, (not represented) which prevents Lake SuperiorBritish Side. A letter from Sault St. Marie, (British side,) to the Montreal Herald, dated August 14th, gives some interesting particulars of the pro- gress of Mining, Explorations, and other indus- trial enterprises on the North shore of Lake Superior. He says: It is now ascertained, beyond a doubt, that the north shore of Lake Superior is as rich, if not richer, than the south, in copper and sil- ver ores. The explorations that are now go- ing on, are bringing to light some of the rich- est veins of these minerals, that have been found on the shores of this wonderful lake. I have been shown some magnificent spe- cimens both of native copper, and of the best of all ores, the gray sulphuret; and I am assu- red by those who have visited the mineral re- gions, and on whose statements I can rely, that there is any quantity of mineral there. I hear of four companies that have been on the ground this season, exploring and making lo- cations, and I am glad to learn that these com- panies are composed of men of wealth and in- fluence, and engage in the business of mining as a safe and profitable way for the investment of capital, and not, like many of the American Companies, merely for purpose of specula- tion. And may claim a fadeless treasure. Clergymen Applying for Office. Among the anecdotes told of adroitly turning off applicants for office, we know of few better thnn this of Gen. Jackson and the late Rev. Mr. Kinney, once Lieut. Governor of Illinois; Mr. Kinney had come to Washington to ask for an office. Admitted to an interview with the Chief Magistrate, the reverend applicant set _______________________ forth his pretensions, in vivid colors ; his ser- Barnums Safety Apparatus. vices to the democratic ranks were all enume- There appears to be much enquiry of late, rated; and redoubled exertions for the future, for Barnums invention for preventing explo- in the same good pause, were promised. sions of steam engine boilers. This invention When he had concluded, the venerated Chief, was patented about four years ago, and consists regarding him with a niild, but solemn air, said: in an arrangement of levers and buoys inside Mr. Kinney, you are, I believe, a minister of the boiler, and so connected with a small of the gospel : is it not so? I am, your Ex- steam-pipe valve, as to set a pump in motion cellency, was the reply. Then, sir, rejoin- whenever the water in the boiler becomes too ed the President, you already hold a higher low. We published a description of the ap- office thau any I can give you; and if you ful- paratus with an engraving, about four years fd its duties as you ought, you will have no since, and may repeat the description for the leisure to attend to minor matters. benefit and safety of the public. NO. 2. COMMON SELF ACTING BRAKE A LIST OF PATENTS Issued from the 2d of July to the 20th of July, 1846, inclusive. G To George M. Norton, of Rochester, N. Y., for improvement in Cooking Stoves. Patented 2d July, 1846. To William Germar, of Easton, Pa., for im- provement in Tanning. Patented 2d July, 1846. To Joseph G. and Jonas H. Kendall, of Leo- minster, Mass., for improvement in Bleaching Paper pulp. Patented 2d July, 1846. To John Davidson, of Baltimore, Md., for improvement in Lamps. Patented 2d July, 1846. To John Simpson, of Decatur, Geo., for im- provement in Band Pulleys. Patented 2d July, 1846. the turning of the shaft, unless a considerable To Chapman Warner, of Louisville, Ky., for force is applied: and this catch being mounted improvement in Pumps for Raising Water. on a central pivot, and extending some dis- Patented 7th July, 1846. tance below, a chain or wire extends from the To Lauriston R. Livingston, John J. Roggen bottom thereof to the vertical capstan, M N. and Calvin Adams, of Pittsburgh, Pa., for im- In connection with this, is another wire, provement in Shanks of Door Knobs. Patent- which is connected to the bottom of a lever ed 7th July, 1846. which extends downward from the ratchet To T. F. Strong, a citizen of the United shaft; so that when the capstan is turned, the States, in London, England, for improvement ratchet is first relieved from the catch, and in Lamps. Patented 7th July, 1846. then the descending lever is by the same mo- To John Barker, of Baltimore, Md., for im- tion drawn forward, whereby the brake- provement in Air Heating Furnaces. Patent- blocks are forced against the wheels. Thus ed 7th July, 1846. it will be seen that the brakes may be applied To Jonathan Russell, of Philadelphia, Pa., either by hand, by means of the capstan, or for improvement in Boot Trees. Patented 7th by the concussion of the bumper. A horizon- July, 1846. tal ratchet is attached to the capstan immedi- To William H. Stevens, of Salem, Ill., for ately above the floor of the car; and a foot-dog improvement in Grain Cleaners. Patented 7th or catch, being attached by a pivot to the floor, July, 1846. takes occasionally to this ratchet to prevent To Ezra L. Miller, of Brooklyn, N. Y., for its returning till relieved from the dog, which improvement in Hot Water Apparatus for is done by the foot of the brakeman. Warming Buildings. Patented 7th July, 1846. This excellent plan of arrangement was in- To Ezra L. Miller, of Brooklyn, N. Y., for vented by Mr. William M. Cammon, of Al- improvement in Boiler Furnace. Patented 7th bany, who has taken measures for securing a July, 1846. patent therefor. To William Ballard, of New York city, for _________________ improvement in Jack Screw. Patented 7th __ July, 1846. Life in New England. To D of Floyd, N. Y., for im- An intelligent gentleman who has been tray- an Pease, jr., provement in Machines for Cleaning Buck- elling extensively during the last summer in wheat Patented 14th July,1846. New England, speaks to us, says the Rich- To William March, of Sand Bank, N. Y., mond Republican, in raptures of the wonder- for improvement in Water Wheels. Patented ful enterprise and energy of the people. Not 14th July, 1846. only in manufactures, said he, but in every To W E. Woodbridge of New York city branch of trade, and especially in agriculture, for improvement in Locks for Doors, & c. Pa- they have exhibited a wonderful improvement, tented I Their uninviting soil, which would here be 4th July, 1846. To William S. Burch, of Washington, D. C., given up as past redemption, has been trans- for improvement in Chimney Caps. Patented formed into a garden. They are a great ag- 14th July, 1846. ricultural people. Their rottgh roads, too, To Benjamin M. Van Der Veer, of Clyde, N. have been made as smooth as a bowling ally. ~ Through every part of the country the tide of ., or improvement in Teaching Arithmetic, Patented 14th July, 1846. life rolls with ceaseless activity. When you To Samuel Lichtenthnler, of Litiz, Pa.. for are on the railroads, said our informant, you improvement in Window-Bind Fastenings, & c. meet with such a multitude that all the popu- Patented 14th July, 18 lation seems travelling. When you leave the 46. cars, and get upon the cross roads, visit the , To Jedediah Holcomb, of Brandon, Vt., for lmprovement in Nail Machinery. Patented farms, or look into the shops, the whole popu- 14th July, 1846. lation seems at work, and hard work, too, To David M. Smith, of Springfield, Vt., for with their coats off, and fourteen hours a improvements in Locks for Doors, & c. Pa- day toiling for their bread. Can Polks free tented 14th July, 1846. trade crush such people? To Jesse Fitzgerald, of New York city, for Philosophy of Gravity, improvement in Thrashing Machines. Patent- A body carried below the surface of the ed 14th July, 1846. earth becomes lighter, because the matter then To Eleazer D. Loveland, of New York city, above it, is drawing it up, intsead of down, as for improvement in Hot Air Stoves. Patented before. A descent of a few hundred feet 14th July, 1846. makes a sensible difference, and at the centre To John McCully, of Salem, Mass., for im- of the eamth, if a man could reach it, he would provement in Spinning Hemp. Patented 14th find things have no weight at all; and there July, 1846. would be neither up nor down, because bodies To Theodore F. Strong, of New York city, would be equally attracted in all directions, for improvement in Lamps. Patented 20th Southern Magnetic Telegraph. July, 1846. The line it is said, will be extended to New To John L. Whetstone, of Cincinnati, Ohio, Orleans, via, the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, for improvement in Door Locks. Patented It commences at Philadelphia, thence to Har- 20th July, 1846. risburg, Pittsburgh, Wheeling, Cincinnati, To Jacob Shaw, Hinkley, Ohio, for improve- Louisville, Saint Louis, Nashville, Memphis, ment in Door Springs. Patented 20th July, Vicksbi~g, Natchez, to New Orleans. 1846. 0 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. MeanIng of Words. We know the meaning of most words By sound as well as sight; They mean, although they have no mien, So mind and write them right. For thusin eccentricity, One sees good many cs, Also, in hubbubbubberous, The bs are thick as bees. There are no is in English eyes. But cs there are in ease, A does want ye to make it aye, Theres hut one p in peas. Some judges judge the English tongue, But kill it with a hreath; With wind and words they sentence some Fine sentences to death. A sea-horse is a sea-horse, when You see him in the sea; But when you see him in a bay, A bay horse then is he; Of course a race course isnt coarse, A fine is far from fine; It is a saddening si0ht to see A noble pine tree pine. If miners are all minors, then, Their guardians get their gains; All glaziers extra pains should take To put in extra panes. A kitchen maid is, often made To burn her face, and broil it, A lady knows no labor, but To toil it at her toilet! How do you do? said Sol to John, So so, replied he: How do you do? said John to Sal; Sometimes sew, sew, said she. If one were ridden oer a lot, He might his lot bewail, But twould be of no use to him To rail against a rail. A bat about a farmers room, Not long ago I knew To fly. He caught a 41yand then Flew up the chimr~ flue; But such a scene was never seen, (I am quite sure of that,) As when with sticks, all hands essayed To hit the bat a bat. A vane is vain, one would suppose, Because it wants a mind; And, fd thermore, tis blown about By every i(lle wind. Tis pun-ishment for me to pun; Tis trifling, void of worth; So let it pass unoticed like The dew thats due to earth. An Elephant Promenading. One of the elephants of a menagerie, exhib- iting at Bufiblo recently, took the liberty, one morning,to walk out and view the city. The Ad- vertiser says: The various wabons in the im- mediate vicinity were the only obstructions he encountered in his peregrinations, and these he scattered with a terrific momentum, pilin0 one on the top of another, while others he flung to the right and left, just as fancy dictated. The gratuitous perform ~ice, however, was not without spectators, for some of the youths in the vicinity were up and dressed, following close at his heels, and enjoying the sport with p~rfect gusto, ever and anon enthusiastically cheering the old fellow for his praiseworthy efforts to create a feeling in the wagon market, and a more urgent demand for wagon makers. In the midst of his recreations, he heard the keeper calling him by name, when he turned and immediately retraced his steps, and was conducted under the canopy without doing any further mischief. Out West, they dry musquitoes for tooth picks. Black Angels. While Bonaparte was First Consul, a negro artiste applied, one day, for protection, with respect to a painting which he wished to ex- hibit to the public. On Bonapartes desiring to see it, it was brought into his presence. The picture represented the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, surrounded by angels, but they were black. On beholding this ludicrous painting, Bonaparte broke into a hearty laugh. The artiste vindicated his production with much warmth, saying, the whites believe that a black skin is the mark placed upon Cain by the Deity; but we on the contrary, believe that the white skin was placed upon man as a curse. You believe that the Devil is black, but we think he is white. You believe that God and the angels are white, and why should we not believe that they are black? you have an undoubted right to do so, replied the Consul, and can paint as many black angels as you please, but when they are finished, the best thing you can do, is to send them to St. Domingo. The artiste, it appears, toQk his advice, and sent the picture to that Island, where it is preserved to this day with much veneration. Its All the Same. I want a ticket for William Rica, bawled out an honest son of Erin, as he presented him- self at the ticket office of the Lowell railroad depot. Well, Willam Rica, responded the ticket vender, where do you wish a ticket for? Oh, replied Pat, thats not my name sure. Its to William Rica I want to go. He was told there was no such place on the line. Pat gazed with a look of surprise for a moment, and then drew his greasy bundle still closer under his arm. At this critical moment one of his countrymen, who had listened to this dialogue at a distance, pushed his way up to his confused brother, and whispered in his ear that the place was BILLerica. Och, says Pat, discovering his blunder, and again addressinn the ticket master, its all the same, its Bill Rica Im for, bad luck to your nicknames. Romantic Incident. A letter from Madrid, undei~ date August11, says: A rather romantic incident occurred in the escape of 2S6 soldiers, compromised in the Gallacian Insurrection, which is not unworthy of being noticed. Amongst them was a young sergeant, who was attached to a beautiful girl. This attachment was returned with all the passionate fidelity of a Spanish female heart. When the lover was sentenced to be transported to the Havana, she dressed herself in soldiers clothes, and went on board with him at Ferrol. As the packet boat was ap- proaching Lisbon, it was she who suggested to the crew of the revenue boat of the Vigo, and to others, to rise and overpower the crew of the packet; and she herself flr~t laid her hand on the captains collar and arrested him. She then placed herself at the head of the muti- neers, who choose her for their leader without knowing who she was. Curious, Twc cats were o~erved near each other in a garden in this town, says the Wisconsin Ar~ gus, one mornin0 recently, evidently to the great annoya~nce of a bird, (a vallow we be- lieve) whicir resorted to the followin0 curious expedient to get rid of her unwelcome com- pany. A bed of pebbles being near by; she commenced diving to the ground and seizing a pebble with her claws as large as she could rise with, would ascend deliberately over the spot occupied by the cats, and let it drop. So rapidly was this performance repeated; and so large and well directed were some of the pebbles used by the sagacious little creature, that the cats soon became alarmed at what no doubt appeared to pussys brains, a strange phenomenon, and decamped. Transitions. We are not the first that have been some- times amused by the odd transitions from one subject to another, in the columns of a news- paper. In one of our exchanges, we find a very sentimental article on the subject of Love and Fame, but closely followed by another on Carrots and Cabbage worms. ~ Improved Dictionary. AmmunitionProvisions to be offered by christians to their enemies. The newspapers are always loud in praise of such charity. AmphibiousHaving two natures, like rep- tiles and statesmen. AmusementThe labor of the idle. AnalogyAn ignus fatus in the swamp of the English language which delights in leading grammarians in the mud. AngelA young lady seen from the thither side of matrimony. AntiA sort of fish that is always trying to swim up stream. You may be sure it is not a dead one. AntidoteOne poison to catch another. The world goes very much on the principle of antidotes. Government is an antidote for wickedness and rascality. Let us look out that the remedy does not become worse than the disease. AntipathyA world without it would he a dead level. A heaven without ita mere flat pavement of mountain tops. We should not only love our enemies, but love to have ene- mies; else how shall we love our friends. ApologyThe talk of apes. No other peo- ple indulge in it. ArgumentA reason offered for an opinion, says Webster. But how much reason is there in a bad argument? AssertionThe form of argument common- ly used by asses. 44ssertionA substitute for wisdom and knowledge which is found to succeed much better than those qualities themselves. The Friendless. It is strange and sad that society does afford no stay, no support, to those who, left alone in the wide world, nay, more, that to be so left seems in a great degree to sever the bond be- tween us and society. He must have some friends. Let him apply to them, we are apt to say, whenever one of these solitary ones comes before us, whether it is advice, assist- ance, or defence that is needed. He must have some friends. It is a phrase in constant use, and in our own hearta we go on to say, if he has not, he must have lost them by his own fault, and yet how many events may deprive man, and much more frequently a woman, of the only friends he or she possessed? If I were sO Unlmtcky, said an of~cer, as to have a stupid son, I would certainly, by all means, make him a parson. A clergyman, who was in his company, replied, you think differently, sir from your father. A man 65 years old, a native and resident of Nantucket, has recently, for the first time in his life, visited the continent. He travelled as far as Sandwich, Mass., and greatly admired the appearance of an entire forest of trees; a curiosity he had never before witnessed. A Yankee down East has invented a machine that will reap, thrash, and grind; also spin cotton, scrape potatoes, rock the cradle, darn stockings, whittle shingles, whistle Yankee Doodle, play checkers and puff itself in the newspapers. A girl in one of the cotinties in tis State, who had a swivel or screw eye; looked so long and affectionately on a gin bottle that she ac.~ tually drew out the cork. An apt instance of the power of true love. At the farm-house where Di0by spent July, he saw a gobbler trying to eat the strings of a nightcap, laid on the grass to bleach. That, said he, is what Ii call introdneing cotton into Turkey. There were in Rome, at the time of the elec- tion of the new Pope, twelve hundred prison- ers who had been incarcerated in gloomy dun- geons for political offences. Fashionable female education is sald to be, teaching a young lady to tat/c French, walk Spanish, faint gracefully,~ and dance the Polka. A clock is a very tick-lish thing, more so than love, in our opinion. Oh hold your jaw! as the Philistirmes said to Samson, when he b~d slain a thousand Mexico. Many of our readers will, we doubt not, feel an unusual interest in any intelligence con- cerning the extent, wealth and population of Mexico, of which too little has generally been known in the United States; wherefore we insert the following table, showing the popu- lation of the several States and principal cities of that Republic, which will be found to ex- ceed what has been ordinarily supposed by those who have not given particular attention to the subject. STATES. Chiapas, Yucatan, Tabasco, Oaxaca, Vera Cruz, Puebla, Mexico, Mechoacan, Querataro, Guanaxuato, Xalisco, Zacetecas, S. Luis Potosi, 250,000 New Leon, 100,000 Tamaulipas, 150,000 Coahuila, 125,000 Chihuahua, 212,000 Durango, ~lonora and Clinaion, 180,000 Federal District I POPLN CAPIToLs. Poe. Chiapas, 3,000 Merida, 10,000 Tabasco, 5,800 Oaxaca, 40,000 Vera Cruz, 30,000 Puebla, 70,000 Tlalpan, 6,000 Valladolid, 25,000 Querataro, 40,000 Guanaxuato, 60,000 Gaudalaxara, 60,000 Zacetecas, 25,000 S. Luis Potosi, 40,000 Monterey, 15,000 Aguazo, 6,000 Monclova, 3,000 Chihuahua, 30,000 175,000 Durango, 35,000 Villa Fuerte, 4,000 Mexico, 180,000 The Mile. The following table gives the number of yards contained in a mile in different countries: YARDS. A mile in England or America, 1760 Russia, - - 1100 Italy, - 1476 Scotland and Ireland, 2200 Poland, 4400 Spain, 5028 Germany, 5066 Sweden and Denmark, - - 7223 Hungary, - - . - . 8800 League in America or England, - 5280 The Drunkards Farewell. Farewell drink, so nigh and handy, Farewell rum, and gin, and brandy, Farewell huts that see all weathers, FareWell beds that have no feathers, Farewell ways that Ive forsaken, Farewell tubs that have no bacon, Farewell empty pots and kettles, Farewell cupboards without Vittals, Farewell faces red as crimson, Farewell hats that have no rims on, Farewell coat, more holes than stitches, Farewell ragged vest and breeches, Farewell broken chairs and tables, Farewell dwellin,,s worse than stables, Farewell drunken song and earol, Farewell friends who love the barrel, Farewell drinking lads and lasses, Fare~vell windows without glasses, Farewell floors that need a swab-file, Farewell yards that have no wood-pile, Farewell bonds that I have broken, Farewell oaths that I have spoken, Farewell landlords and bar tenders, Farewell all blue-devil senders. Rapid Xmp~ovement. Fiffe6ni years ago, Chicago, Ill., contained only five small stores and about 250 inhabi- tants. Th~ population now numbers about 15,000, and the business of the place, in a sin- gle day, is equal to the entire business of the year 1830. The number of pupils in all the schools ia India, is only 3891 : less than one to 5000 inhabitants, after the expense of millions ia Missionary operations. The total export and import trade of the va- rious harbors on the great lakes, in 1841 was 65,826,00. It is estimated at $100,000,000 for the present year. It is seldom that an apprentice, who makes his masters interest his own, is not repaid i~ various favors and kindness. In the United Kingdom of Great Britain~ there are 300,000 Odd Fellows. 93,000 300,000 75,000 600,000 200,000 900,000 1,500,000 450,000 200,000 450,000 800,000 272,000 10 11 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Removing Ponderous Bodies p When the huge car of the gross idol Jug- gernau*, is to he removed, many thousands of people string on to several long ropes, and with great shouting and yelling, succeed in dragging it a few feet. In this country, a similar practice is followed when a house, barn, or an exceedingly heavy stone is to be re- moved; with this difference however, that two or more strings of oxen, are usually put to the draught, instead of men. The most com- mon method of avoiding friction, in removing buildings, is to place several stout planks on the ground, under the sills of the building, and then, having raised the sills by means of pries and levers, a row of rollerscylindric blocks of wood, six to ten inches in diameter,are placed between the sills and the planks, in the manner shewn in the cut above. These rollers, as the building is in progress leaves them, must be taken up, carried forward, and again thrown on the ground, before the sill, or the shoe or spar, on which for safety the sill may have been placed. Yet, sometimes the more refined method is adopted, of placing the build- ing on two stout timbers which project some distance before and behind the building, and then placing each end of each timber, on the axletree of a stout pair of wheels. Yet in this case, a long team of oxen or horses is required, which greatly endangers he building during the process, on account of the rapidity of the motion, and the difficulty of stopping the team suddenly, in case of any impediment, or de- rangement in any part of the process. In the process of removing heavy blocks of granite, cars of mammoth size and strength have been sued, having been constructed for the purpose with brakes to retard their progress when go- ing down hill. Still the long team is required and the process is both difficult and dangerous. These subjects have been introduced in this place, as a preliminary to an exposition of the absurdity of the practice of such methods, when it i~ well known that by a very simple apparatus, the power of a single horse may be so applied as to remove any moveable object, and that with a steady and uniform motion, up bill or down, and requiring the attendance of only one man to manage it, We need not de- scribe any particular construction of machinery for this purpose, further than to say that a Portable Horse-Power: Willis, Lanes, Hales, or Porters, for instance: is to be placed for- ward of, or on the forward part of the Car, and connected to the wheels thereof, that the mo- tion of the wheels of the car, shall be as one to fifty of that of the shaft of the horse-power; in this way, a force equal to the draught of one hundred horses, will be applied to the loaded car, but the motion will be proportionably slow; moving only about a hundred rods per day. This apparatus may be applied to the removing of houses, or other buildings, and the moderate motion of the object, will give the superintendent ample time to prepare the ground, and guard against those many acci- dents which are consequent of the sudden or irregular movements of large teams; and in case of descending hills, the one horse has the same power in holding back the load, that a hundred horses would have by the ordinary harness. (To be continued.) Information to persons having business to transact at the Patent O~ce. ON THE APPLICATION FOR A PATENT. SEc. l3~ No application can be examined until the fe~ for the patent is paid, and the specification, model, and drawings filed. SEC. 14. The application for a patent must be made by petition to the Commissioner of Patents, signifyin~ the desire of obtaining an exclusive property in the invention or disco- very, and praying that a patent may be granted therefor, as in the form annexed thereto; which petition should be signed by the in- ventor. DEscRIPTION OF SPECIFICATION. SEC. 1~i. Before any inventor shall receive a patent for any such new invention or dis- covery, he shall deliver a written description of his invention or discovery, and of the man- Ventilated Roofs. ner and process of making, constructing, using, tail. Duplicates of them are required, as one and compounding the same, in such full, clear, must accompany the patent when issued, as and exact terms, avoiding unnecessary pro- explanatory of it, and one must be kept on file lixity, as to enable any person skilled in the in the office. art or science to which it appertains, or with SEC. 24. The drawings must be signed by which it is most clearly connected, to make, the patentee, and attested by two witnesses, construct, compound, and use the same; and in except when the specification describes the case of any machine, he shall fully explain the sections or figures, and refers to the parts by principle, and the several modes in which he letters; in which case they are neither requl- has contemplated the application of that prin- red to be signed, nor accompanied by written ciple or character by which it may be distin- references upon the drawings, the whole mak- Most of our readers are aware of the advan- guished from other inventions; and shall par- ing one instrument. Drawings are absolutely tage derived from opening the scuttle in a roof ticularly specify and point out the part, im- necessary, when the case admits of them. in hot weather, thus producing a draught of air provement, or combination, which he clajms SEC. 25. An examination, as to originality through the lower part of a house, though but as his own invention or discoveryAct of of invention, may he made on a single draw- in a small decree. It has been recently sug- 1836, sec. 6. ing; but duplicates will be required before the gested to construct a roof on the plan of the Sxc. 16. It is important, in all cases, to have patent issues. venitian blinds, so that nearly the whole roof the specification describe the sections of the God Is Love. may be opened occasionally, so as to produce drawings, and refer by letters to the parts; There have indeed been men so infatuated a sensible curront of air, from the open doors duplicate drawings bein~ required. SEC. 14. A defective specification or draw- or infuriated by the crosses which their crimes and windows below. This plan is evidently ing may be amended at any time before a bro%ht and bound upon their shoulders, that feasible, and would not he attended with much patent has issued; in which case the applicant they have called God a tyrant, and the world a extra expense, even if the slats or strips com- will be required to make oath anew. prison. But how do tyrants treat their vic- posing the roof were of magnetised iron. The tims? If not hy immediate death, or protract- means of opening or closi% the roof might be ON NEW IMPROVEMENTS. ed torture, by shutting them up in dungeons managed by rods inside, which might be con- SEC. 15. Whenever the original patentee that shut out the light, and shut in foul vapors ducted by pulleys to the stair way, so as to be shall be desirous of adding the description and and vermin. But now look out upon the sur- managed with perfect facility, as occasion specification of any new improvement of the face of our world clad, in verdure and bloom, might require. We should be glad to see some original invention or discovery, which shall bearing fruit and breathing fragrance, swelling builder introduce the fashion. have been invented or discovered by him sub- into mountain grandeur,or sweeping into level Temperature of the Interior of the Earth. sequent to the date of his patent, he may, like plains and sweet valliesis this earth a prison The circumstance of the earths being flat- proceedings being had in all respects as in the or prison-like? Why, angels might ~ iiii~i in tened at the poles, and protuberant at the case of original applications, and on the pay- most of its groves and gardens, and even sing, equator, is the natural and necessary result of ment of fifteer~dollars, as hereinafter mention- too, on its hills and dales, either when the sun its rotation on its axis. But in order that it ed, have the same annexed to the original de- flushes them with brilliancy, or when the might yield to the force resulting frdm such a and specification; and the Commis- moon and stars shine upon their herbage and scription motion, the matter of which it is composed, sioner shall certify on the margin of such flowers. The six-winged seraphims did sing. must have been soft. Now, although water is annexed description and specification, the time The earth is full of thy glory, although they capable of being compressed, and, so far as we of its being annexed and recorded; and the caught only a passing glimpse of it in their can judge, of taking any degree of density, same shall thereafter have the same effect in swift flight from heaven to the temple, in the according to the force exerted upon it, still law, to all intents and purposes, as though it year that king Uzziah died, Isa. zi. I. God the shape of the earth is not that which would had been embraced in the original deicriptiOn is love, let infidelity or misanthropy say what have resulted from such a mass of water. and specificatiori.Act of 1836, sec. 13. they will! They speak under a firmament There may be particular portions of the sea SEC. 19. In all such cases, the claim in the whose lamps give them the lie; and in a land- that extend to the depth of several miles, as original patent is subject to a re~examination scape that both refutes and rebukes them. there are particular points of the solid crust of and if it shall appear that any part of the claim A Mothers Grave, continents, that rise to this height above the was not original at the time of granting the Earth has some sacred spots, where we feel general level. Still we have reason to be- patent, a disclaimer of said part must be filed in the Patent Office, or the specification of like loosing the shoes from our feet, and tread- hieve 1~hat the general depth of the ocean does claims restricted, by having the patent reissued ing with holy reverence; where the common not much exceed three thousand feet. It is before the improvement can be added. And words of social converse seem rude, and the thought that heat may have been the original if there is not any thing which can be claimed, smile of pleasure unfitting; places where cause of the fluidity of the earth, and that there the improvement cannot be added, but may be friendships hands have lingered in each other; may still remain enough to keep the interior secured by a separate patent, on the payment where vows have been plighted, prayers of- portions in the same state. The more this of the fee of thirty dollars. If the patent was fered, and the tears of parting shed. Oh, how subject has been examined, the more the evi- granted before the 15th of December, 1836, the thoughts hover around such places, and deuce has accumulated in favor of the position a model and drawings of the invention as first travel back through unmeasured space to visit that th~ temperature increases as we descend patented, verified by oath, must be furnished, them. But of all the spots on this green below the surface. There are numerous in- unless dispensed with by the Commissioner. earth, none is so sacred as that where rest, stances in which we have been able, by means SEc 20. No patent for an improvement can waiting the resurrection, those we once che- of natural or artificial excavations, to pene- be granted to the original inventor, assignee, rished and lovedour brothers, our sisters, trate to the depth of from 1300 to 1600 feet. or possessor of a patent, granted before the our fathers or our children. Hence in all the The general inference from all these observa- 15th of December, 1836, until a model and ages the better part of mankind have chosen tions, made in different parts of the earth, is, drawings of the invention, as originally pat- and loved spots for the burial of their dead; that there is an increase of heat amounting to ented, verified by oath, shall have been deposi- and on these spots they have loved to wander 1 degree of Fahrenheit for every 46 feet in ted, unless dispensed with by the Commis- at eventide to meditate and weep. But of all depth; that at the depth of 10,000 feet the heat sion~r. places, even among the charnel houses of the would be sufficient to boil water, and that at SEC. 21. Every inventor, before he can dead, none is so sacred as a Mothers Grave, the depth of about 100 miles, or 1 40th part of receive a patent, must take oath or affirmation There sleeps the nurse of our infancythe the distance to the centre, the heat would be that he does verily believe that he is the origi- guide of our youththe counsellor of our riper intense enough to melt most of the earths and nal and first inventor or discoverer of the art, yearsour friend when others deserted us; stones that are known to enter into the compo- machine, manufacture, composition, or im- she whose heart was a stranger to every other sition of the globe. These facts and inferences provement, for which he solicits a patent; feeling but love, and who could always find have an important bearing upon the pheno- and that he does not know or believe that the excuses for us when we can find none for our- mena of earthquakes and volcanoes, and open same was ever before known or used; and also selves. There she sleeps, and xve love the a wide field of speculation to the natural his- of what country he is a citizen.Act of 1836, very earth for her sake. torian and geologist.[Dr. Lardner. With sentiments like these I turned aside Effect of Promotion. sec. 6. In every case the oath or affidavit must from the gaities of life to the narrow habita- In a western county, a miserable drunken be made before a person having general pow- tions of the dead. I wandered among those loafer was electe4 to the office of Justice of ers to administer oaths. Justices of the Peace who had commenced life with me in hope. the Peace, for the fun of it. He immediately have not in all cases this general power. Here distinctions were forgotten; at least by became temperate and industrious, dressed SEC. 22. If the applicant be an alien, and the quiet sleepers around me. I saw the rich himself in good style, and discharged the du- have resided one year in the United States and the great, who scorned the poor, and ties of the office in a respectable manner. next preceding the application, and have shunned them as if infected with the plague, ____________________ given legal notice of his intention to become a quietly sleeping by their side. How true the It is reported that some of the rum advo- citizen of the United States, he must take oath cates in the towns in which no licenses are to these facts before he can apply for a patent language: How loved, how valued once, avails thee not, granted, are giving away liquors for the pur for the same fee as that paid by a citizen. To whom related or by whom begot; pose of showing that more drunkenness pre OF DRAWINGS AND SPECIMENS OF INGREDI A heap of dust alone remains of thee vails, under the no license system, than ENTS. Tis all thou art, and all the proud shall be. formerly. _______________________ SEC. 23. The law requires that the appli- - It has been proved by experiments, that the The annual income of Louis Philippe, from cant for a patent shall accompany his applica- an body is ca tion with drawings and written references, what the nation allows him, in addition to that hum pable of bearing 350 degrees when the nature of the case admits of draw- of his private property, is estimated to be of heat, in an oven, for several minutes, with- ings. These drawings should, in general, be $3,000,000 :about 9,000 per day. out injury.______________________ in perspective, and neatly executed; and such Wooden pavements have been in use several The number of clerks employed in the Bank parts as can not be shown in perspective, must, years in Montreal, witho~at any symptoms of of England is about eight hundred; at salaries if described, be represented in section, or de- decay. from 450 to 10,000 a year. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. BAGLEYS PATENT EXTENSION PENHOLDER trary is cheap, and therefore a system which will enable the cheaper article, (wood,) for numerous purposes, to supersede the dearer, (iron,) gives every prospect of a large and profitable return. In Belgium and Holland, the sole article of wooden clogs (or sabots) worn by the people, would give a considera- ble income; and in France and Austria, where wood is almost the only fuel, in profitable branch of business would arise, in saturating wood for fuel with an aluminous solution, rendering it more lasting in the fire without injuring its combustibility. The process has already been used on the Paris and Sceaux railway. NEW INVENTIONS. We have not yet obtained full descriptions of the following inventions, which have been recently entered at the Patent Office, but in- sert the claims of the inventors thereof, that those who may be engaged in making improve- ments in the same subjects, may be enabled to judge whether their own inventions will inter- fere with the claims already entered by others. We give the names of the inventors, with the date of the entry of the inventions. BY DANIEL BARNUM. 19th Sept. 1846. Improvement in Double Cylinder Steam We have frequently spoken favorably of i the pencil may be inserted in the tube, while Engines. Bagleys diamond pointed gold pen; and we the other projects forward ready for use. I claim, 1st. The mode of connecting and still arranging two cylinders side by side with steam the esteem it, with its combinations, among Within this short section, is a box containing most important improvements of the age. a supply of leads for the pencil. There is passages from one to the other direct, at each The article now introduced is the subject of a much ingenuity displayed in the arrangements end, in combination with valves so arranged new patent, and is an excellent as well as ele- and combination of the sections: indeed, when and operated as to admit the steam from the boiler into one cylinder only, and from that gant improvement in the penholder and ever- viewing the article in the extended form, it ap- one into the same end of the other cylinder at point pencil. The first of the above figure pears mysterious how it can be closed up to esents the imp the half stroke (more or less) of the piston of repr roved article in its ordinary its compact form, without some internal inter- the first cylinder. condensed form: the second shows the exten- ference of the several parts. We are gratified 2d. I claim the mode of working the sion of the pencil point, merely: the third to learn that there is an extensive demand for sion and exhaust valves, contradistin expan- figure presents a full view of the article, with the improved article, whereby the inventor is guished the pen and sliding likely to be richly remunerated for tue ex from the working of all other valves, they each tube both extended, and 1~ being opened, by the toe of one rock shaft, in ready for use. The diamond pointed pen and pense of preparation for introducing and man- advance of the regular or usual idh ever- pointed pencil are both combined in such ufacturing the same, in the splendid style in a manner that either may be used, as occasion which it appears. They are manufactured at one, at the proper time to allow the steam to requires :both being connected in a short 189 Broad pass into the second cylinder, to act by expan- sectio way. smonand the other, at the proper time to pre- n, and so adjusted that either the pen or vent the compression of steam, or reaction be- ble of receiving such load of stones, or other tween the two pistonsfrom which toes the materials, as will sink, and press the coffer valves are each taken, by a toe of another rock down upon the bottom of the stream or other shaft, for the purpose of being sustained and water, and the expedient of letting in the wa- kept open the requisite length of time for the ter to fill the side boxes, to increase the pres- attainment of the ends sought. sure and the pumping out of said water, to 3d. I claim as new, the arrangement for dis- render it more buoyant. connecting the two cylinders, by simply open- ing the two exhaust valves to the second cylin- der, and unhooking the eccentric which works the expansion valves between the two cylin- ders, when the first cylinder is used, as a sin- gle engine, worked in the ordinary way, or by hand, for the purpose of reversing the metion, or stopping or starting the engine. 4th, and lastly. I claim the arrangement and application of the several parts with each oth- er, as new, in combination with a pair of cranks which are attached to one main or driv- ing shaft, set to a right angle or either more or less than a right angle, with each other, for the purpose of working the pistons of the two cylinders in the same direction, by the prima- ry and expansive action of the steam, amid ex- hausting to the air, or a condenser forming a vacuum, each working by one channel, from the same end of the two cylinders, at the same time. BY GEORGE R. MOORE. 19th Sept., 1846. Improvement in Machinery for Double Seaming. What I claim is the combination of the roller, with the head, and the combination and arrangement of the gauze, for the purpose of supporting the inside of the vessel at the bot- tom, while being operated upon, when the sides thereof are flaring. And I claim the em- ployment of the shoulder, which terminates the base of the conical part of the head, to keep the bottom in place while making the first bend. BY EDWARD BRADFIELD. 15th Sept., 1846. Improvement in bolting Flour. What I claim is constructing the inside cyl- inder, with a combination of cards and hair brushes, also in combination with the above the flatscreen, the double separator, the spring beater, and the manner in which the outside cylinder revolves on the cylindrical journals, without coming in contact with the shaft. BY SAMUEL 5. WALLEY. 15th Sept., 1846. Improvement in Coffer Dams. What I claim is the manner in which I have arranged and combined the respective parts thereof, so as to adapt it to the purposes intended, that is to say: I claim in combina- tion the providing of the inner box or coffer, with doors at its lower point, which, when closed, will convert it into a buoyant vessel., said coffer being provided with elastic padding n its lower edge, and troughs or boxes capa BY THADDEUs FAIRBANKS. 15th Sept., 1846. Improvement in Steelyards. That which I claim,consists in the auxiliary scale, and weight, as combined and operating with the main weight. BY ISAA~I EDWARDs. 19th Sept., 1846. Improvement in Cultivator. What I claim is the manner of combining the hooks and eyes, and clevis, by which the sides of the plow may be elevated and raised out of the ground, so as to conform to the ine- qualities and irregularities in the corn rows, without disturbing the other parts of the ma- chine, and without the necessity of raising the entire plow. on the underside of the slide, the jack, and the angular lever, and dog for moving and setting the slide, the horizontal bar, on which the lever rides, for guiding the jack in the direc- tion parallel to that of the slide, and the move- able fulcrum in its block, for gauging the thickness of the stuff to be sawed; and it is to be expressly understood that I claim them not separately, but in the combination. BY THOMAS LEIGHTON. 19th Sept., 1846. Improvement in Glass .Furnaces. What I claim is, my improved mode of ar- ranging the tease hole or fuel opening of the fire place, with respect to the seize and in the cave, The Honest Boy. A gentleman from the country placed hi~ son with a dry goods merchant in street. For a time all went well. At length a lady came to the store to purchase a silk dress, and the young man waited on her. The price de- manded was agreed to, and he proceeded to fold the goods. He discovered before he had finished, a flaw in the silk, and pointing it out to the lady, said, Madam, I deem it my duty to tell you there is a fracture in the silk. Of course she did not take it. The merchant overheard the remark, and im- mediately wrote to the father of the young man to come and take him home for, said he, he will never make a merchant. The father, who had ever reposed confidence in his son, was much grieved, and hastened to be informed of his deficiencies. Why will he not make a merchant? asked he. Because he has no tact, was the answer.-.-- Only a few days ago, he told a lady, volunta- rily, who was buying silk of him, that the goods were damaged, and I lost the bargain. Purchasers must look out for themselves. If they cannot discover flaws, it would be fool- ishness in me to tell them of their existence. And is that all his fault? asked the parent. Yes, said the merchant, he is very well in other respects. Then I love my son better than ever; and I thank you for telling me of the matter; I would not have him another day in your store for the world. Another Ship Canal. The British Government is seriously con- sidering the project of constructing a ship ca- nal around the falls of St. Mary, thereby open- ing a communication for the largest class of vsesels with Lake Superior. A survey of the route is now in progress. The length of canal required is only two miles, and the estimated cost, but $200,000. General Kearneys Command. It is supposed that the troops under General Kearney will winter at Santa Fe. Another Regiment is equipped from Missouri and ii now on its way, consisting of 1000 men, and the whole command, should it reach Santa Fe, will be 4,800 men, and with teamsters and at- tendants will amount to 6000. Steam Power on Canals. It is said to be the intention of the proprie- tors of the new canal about to be opened be- tween Thomaston, Me., and Searsmont or Montville, to navigate the canal solely by steam power. Each boat will be supplied with a small engine, and an apparatus similar to what is termed the screw propellers. An old circus rider, accustomed to ground and lofty tumbling, lately tumbled from the third story of a house in Boston, but managed to land on his feet, with no other injury than breaking his andes. The St. Charles Hotel, at New Orleans, is said to have five hundred regular boarders, besides nearly two hundred servants and em- ployers. A large family for one house. There are said to have been fifteen hundred patents granted in the United States, on vari- ous improvements and modifications of stove:. A line of magnetic telegraph has been put in operation between Philadelphia and Lai~- caster, Pa. A diamond has been found in Brazil, the approximative value of which is $200,000. It was sold by the finder for about $150. BY WILLIAM WHITcOMB. 19th Sept., 1846. Improvement in Bee Hives. What I claim is the improved manner of arranging each box and its case in the main chamber of the hive, that is to say, the so dis- posing them therein, that two diagonal planes, passing through their corners, shall be re- spectively parallel to the bottom and sides of the hive. BY OLIVER ALLEN. 19th Sept., 1846. Improvement in Whaling Lances. I claim the lance head, the cylindrical bar- rel, or bomb, and the pruning tube, in combi- nation with one another, and arranged and operating together. BY ISAAC MAYFIELD. 19th Sept., 1846. Iniprovement in Strawcutters. What I claim, is, let. The combination and arrangement of levers, rods and reaching arm, and serpentine grooved wheel, for raising the presser and turning the feed roller simultane- ously, and for bringing down the presser at the moment the feed or reaching arm slides loosely over the teeth of the rag wheel. 2d. Constructing the feed roller with curved teeth, for raking forward the straw without causing it to become entangled upon the teeth or roller. 3d. I also claim the combination of the sharp edged triangular shaped plates or stops with the steel plate at the mouth of the cutting box. BY HENRy MELLIsH. 19th Sept., 1846. Improvement in Self-setting Tail Blocks. What I claim is, the reversed rows of teeth The Continental Patent Metallised Wood Company. The complete success, says the London Morning Journal, which has attended the op- erations of Paynes patent process ior the met- allisation, and consequent preservation, of every description of timber, under every cir- cumstance in this country, and the wide field which is now opening on the continent for its advantageous application, has induced the formation of a company for the purpose of purchasing and working the foreign patents, viz: for France, Austria, Belgium and Hol- land We have on so many occasions described the process and advantages of Paynes Patent that a passing allusion to some of its valuable properties will suffice. It is necessary to pre- mise, tha~i the process is simple and inexpen- sivethe wood is saturated, by means of ex- haustation and pressure, with sulphate of iron, and afterwards with an alkaline solution, by which means an insoluble metallic substance is created in the pores of the wood by chemical decomposition. The economy of the process, after the first outlay for machinery and sta- tions is remarkable, as may be inferred from the price of the metals employed in former pro- cessesmercury and copper; the former be- ing enormously expensive while the cost of the latter bears to that of iron, the metal em- ployed in the ~present process, a ratio of 40 to 3 lOs. The wood is made to partake of the durability of metal; while its elasticity is preserved in full force, as proved by the fact that, thus prepared, it has recovered from a deflection made by 140 tons on the segment of an iron wheel, three inches broad in the tire; it is also rendered uninflammable, is imper- vious to the ravages of insects, and the process is equally applicable to timber just hewn, as to the best seasonedin fact, it renders the most recent cut wood immediately fit for use. The great demand which must arise from carrying out this system on the continent, and the ad- vantages which will accrue to those who invest capital in the undertaking, is fully apparent. In France, Austria and Belgium, iron is dear, and the price increasing; wood on the con- SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. 13 Mechanism. Scientific Mechanic. The science of mechanism, embraces almost .lldvantages derived from Mo~ every principle of Natural Philosophyand There are very few branches of business, may be defined generally, a knowledge of the what are in a great measure, dependent properties possessed by matter, and the various the momentum of bodies, to effect the ordi uses to which it may be applied in the progress of civilization. ry operation thereof. To commence with the The Mormon War. farmerif he chops a log, or drives a post, he Without a knowledge of this science, man depends on the momentum of his axe at every We have ne~lected to publish any thing on would be a mere machinea thing unworthy stroke to accomplish the workq after having this subjec lately, for the reason that we are NEW YORK, OCTOBER 3, 1846. of his omnipotent intellect. Compelled for- been put in motion for that purpose. If he heartily ashamed for our country, in view of ever to remain stationary, or at least, unable to shovels earth, or manure, he depends on mo- the movements now going on in a section of the Privilege of Inventors, visit the isles of the ocean, or to move in the mcntum to carry the same, from the shovel to Union. It is indeed among the wonders of this There appears to be an erroneous impres- living thing, across the clear blue sea, or the the cart, A carpenter, requires momentum wonderful age, to see in one of our States, an sion prevalent among inventors, on the sub- tranquil riverhe would live in perfect igno- to impel his broad-axe, or adz, through the armed and organized force of five or six hun- ject of using or selling their newly invented rance of other men and distant climes; with- timber, separating the chips from the main dred, making open war against another organ- out an idea of th or improved articles, prior to making applica- e principles of mechanism body. The momentum of the mallet drives ized band of 300 peaceable citizens of the tion for patents: and some have felt restrained man would remain exposed to the alterations the chissel, and that of the hammer, the nail. same State, and actually fighting with artillery from selling, or offering for sale, such articles of heat and cold, sunshine and shade, storm The effect of the sledge-hammer of the black. and muskets, while the ridiculously tame and until letters patent were issued therefor. We and calm; land lies before him that knows not smith, is produced by the same principle. inefficient municipal branch of government, have had frequent occasion to explain this of these wonderful thingsstormy, unimprov- The turner, having produced a half-revolution calmly looks on to see the sport without in- point to inventors, and assure them of their ed and uncultivated. His amusements are of his lathe-wheel, by the pressure of his foot terfering. The villainous, cowardly band of scarcely above those privilege of proving the saleability as well as of the beasts that roam depends on momentum to accomplish the anti-Mormons, having after much inarnauvre- utility of their inventions, before their inven- over the fields, while his greater agility, keen- other half. A sailor is dependent on momen- ing, advanced toward Nauvoo, the Mormons tions were entered at the Patent Office, espe- er perception, and intellect, render him capa- tum to continue the headway of his vessel marched out to oppose them, and a long and cially if they took the precaution to publish f enjoying th ble o e entertainments of the while going in stays; or that of his boat, smoky battle was fought, which would un- full notices of their inventions, and of their in- angels above. But once let philosophy be de- during the interval between the dips of the oar. doubtedly have been a bloody battle, had the tention to apply for patents therefor. For the monstrated to the wild nation let the know- The sportsman would find but poor sport, assailants ventured within gunshot of their op. purpose of inducing confidence in this respect, ledge of mechanism be diffusedand so all the were it not for the action of momentum, in ponents. Subsequently several assaults have we subjoin the 7th section of the act of Con- valleys shall be raised up, the hills made low, carrying the ball or shot, from his gun to the been made by the anti-Mormons, but their gress on this subject, passed in 1839. the rough places smooth, and the crooked game. A coachmans whip would be of lit- cowardice has thus far prevented the accom- And be it further enacted, That every per- straight. Then shall the wilderness and the tle service, without the aid of momentum, and plishment of any thing very honorable to son or corporation who has, or shall have, pur- solitary place be made glad, and the desert re- even the pedestrian, would find it a very themselves, or disastrous to the Mormons, ex- chased or constructed any newly invented joice and blossom as the rose. Where the a~vkward job to propel his body by the action cept the loss of a few men killed and wound- machine, manufacture, or composition of mat- uncouth hut stood, the comfortable rooms of a of his legs and feet, without the same regu- ed. It is to be hoped that if they succeed in ter, prior to the application by the inventor or warm mansion appear; damp walls are ex- lator. Machinists and engineers, well know conquering the Mormons, they will next turn discoverer for a patent, shall be held to pos- changed for pleasant ceilings ; friends, thou- the value of the momentum of the fly wheel. their victorious arms against the officers of the sess the right to use, and vend to others to be sands of miles apart, are brought by the power The pendulum of a clock, and the balance State, destroy the papers, kick out the Goy. used, the specific machine, manufacture or of mechanism, near ; trade goes on between wheel of a watch, equally dependent on this ernor, and organize a new government. composition of matter so made or purchased, the most distant nations of the earth, to facili~ principle, for their peculiar regularity of mo- Manufactories in Florida. without liability therefor to the inventor, or tate the comfort and happiness of man Great river of progression, tion, nor can any method be found for measur- We are gratified to learn from the Pensacola any other person interested in such invention; ing time, without it. Without momentum, and no patent shall be held to be invalid, by Pursue thy onward way; reason of such purchase, sale, or use, prior to Roll through to every nation, there could be no such thing as windfor even Gazette, that the manufacturing enterprise is the application for a patent as aforesaid, ex- Nor in thy grandeur stay! a moving current of air would be destitute of making important advances in that section of force or effect. All fire engines would be country. There is a cotton factory established at Arcadia, and in successful operation. Tb. cept on proof of abandonment of such inven- Railroads, useless, and projectiles would not be know tion to the public, or that such purchase, sale, Bells, and stringed instruments would be sile buld in g ninety four by thirty feet, and em- The St. Louis New Era says, The latter Children could no longer play with balls, ploys forty operatives, young black women mostly married, and who are said to be com- or prior use, has been for more than two years experiments prove that railroads can be profit- hoops, or kites, and even the planets, being fortably lodged, well fed and clothed, kindly prior to such application for a patent. ably used in carrying heavy freights at low stationary in their respective places, there Ruinous tendency of the Free Trade pol- rates, and that they will come into successful would be no change of day, night, or seasons. treated, and well pleased with the business.~ competition with navigable rivers. The cx- icy at the South. perience of the past year shows that they can Time, itself, would hardly be known, a~d all Bagdad, in the wild woods, three and a half It has been distinctly understood from the be successfully used in transporting southern nature would be greatly deficient of the beauty, miles from Arcadia, is said to present the ap. commencement of this paper, that we advo cotton to the north, and in carrying the pro- cience,,and interesting variety, which now pearance of a manufacturing town. In various cate tariff protection of American manufac- duce of thevalley of the Mississippi to the At- much of the excellence of life, and other places, arrangements are making for in- tures ; and not for the sake of the manufactu- lantic ports. We need a railroad direct from happiness of man. troducing manufacturing machinery, which, as - in other places, gives an impulse to business rers alone, but for the sake of the whole coun- St Louis to the Atlantic, and must have one, Portable Iron Boats. and sensibly enhances the value of other prop. try, We have felt assured that the people of too, at no distant day. The subject ought to Messrs. Knapp & Foster, of Pittsburg, have erty in the vicinity. the South who have strongly advocated free be agitated, agitated, AGITATED constantly. completed four iron boats, intended for the trade, were blind to their own interests. Many of the citizens of the Southern States are wak- Extraordinary Facilities of Education, use of the U. S. Army. These boats are each One of our exchanges speaks of a parent po. ing up to this fact, and have ventured to speaic Some of the Albany papers give an astonish 45 feet in length, 10 feet in breadth, and 4 1-2 tatoe raised in Pittsfield, Ohio, and measuring feet deep. They are wholly of iron, and built two feet and three inches in length. They in a manner consistent with common sense on ing account of the progress of certain classes after the fashion of a canal section boat, in _______________________ . must have a long pot to boil it in. the subject. As a specimen of this, we give, of pupils, in different branches of literature, three sections of 15 feet each. By means of A cotemporary has discoverd that the report below, an extract from a letter from a gentle- under the tuition of Prof. Wailon. By his im- bulk heads each section is perfectly water of a marriage of a gentleman in Boston to a man in South Carolina, as published in the proved mode, children 12 years old have ac- tight. Both ends are modelled alike, so that lady in New York, by Telegraph, is a sheer Charleston Mercury. quired a very perfect knowledge of Geography, the boat can go either way. By building them Every body in this section is engaged in retaining the names of places and things, by a in sections, they can easily be transported hoax ! Bright, isnt he? subduingthe grass which has sprung up luxu- combinations of Mnemonics, with the use of across the country on wagons. The price of wool has been so far reduced riantly during the late rains. Corn looks improved, maps, globes, & c. If Mr. Wailon badly, and cotton worse. There has been a is equally successful in other branches, he will A farm in Cleveland, Ohio, contains six by the new tariff, that several merchants in good deal of suffering this year, on account of confer great advantages on the community. thousand fruit trees, consisting of a fair pro- this city have been shipping it in large quan-~ the scarcity in the provision crops, and I fear portion of a~pple, pear, peach, plum and titiss to England. there will be more next. A purely agricultu- The Magnetic Telegraph between this city cherry trees. The Burlington (N. J.) Gazette states that a ral people, you see, will always lead a misera- and Buffalo, is said to have as much business ble existence. If the crops are good, there is as it can manage, and, of course, is making Upwards of three thousand cases of suicide Mr. Bronson, in that county, is now produc- no one to purchase, and all they can get is a immense profits. occurred in the city of Paris within the last ing abundance of second crop strawberries. mere living. On the other hand, if the crops Corn Roots. amusement. year. It is getting to be quite a fashionable The Mexican word for a kiss, tetenamaqui. fail, they all suffer together, because they have liztlz, contradicts the proverb that any thing no money to purchase from abroad. Even the There are now, in the National Gallery, Earthquakes have been remarkably frequent is easier said than done. prospect of fruit, ~ fine, a month ago, is likely corn roots taken from one side of a hill of corn within the year past. We have accounts of to be cut off. The apples are falling before laid bare by a freshet, sixty days after plant- ~ less than fifteen within the last nine Look to your pockets, now days, says the they are ripe ; peaches have but little flavor. ing, some of the larger roots of which, covered months. with lateral branching roots, were more than - Albany Knickerbocker. Whats the use? Melons of all kinds are comparatively tasteless, four f e aggregate length of all The sailors in Buffalo are on a strike for THE and the grapes, which promised ~ well, are the cet long. Tb roots in the hill, fine and coarse, were esti- higher wages. They are now receiving $18 SCIENTIFIC AMEIUCAN. rotting by the bushel. Such is our fate, and I suppose we must submit to it. Had we less mated at over 8000 feet. per month, and demand $25. Persons wishing to subscribe for this paper, have only to enclose the amount in a letter di- opposition to a fair Tariff in Carolina, and a Suceessfui Advertising. . The Parkersburg (Va.) Gazette of the 10th rected (post paid) to little more diversity of labor, we might be sup- A f days since a lady of New York adver- inst. announces that seven slaves, belonging MUNN & COMPANY, plied with means, when our crops are short , tised for a husband in one of the Pittsburg before. to Abel James, Esq., absconded a few nights Publishers of the Scientific American, New to purchase from abroad. papers. Last week the same paper contained -______________________ York City. City Improvements. the an nouncement of her marriage to a re The latest case of absence ofmind is record- TERMS..$2 a year; ONE DOLLAR IN The hack and omnibus owners are endear. spectable citizen of that place. ed of a lady, about to whip up some eggs ADVANCEthe remainder in 6 months. oring to procure the removal of the rails from it is said that gold has been discovered in . for a speage cake, who whipped the baby, and Postmasters are respectfully requested to the Bowery, Broom and Centre streets. Let such quantities in Siberia, as to endanger its sung Watts cradle hymn to the eggs. receive subscriptions for this paper, to whom a discount of 25 per cent will be allowed. them work at it. If they succeed, it will be present value. 11,000 miners are at work A new iron steamer is being constructed, to Any persou sending us 4 subscribers for 8 only a signal for relaying them in a more sub. there, and 23,GOO more could find employ- run between Lewiston and Montreal, and is months, shall receive a copy of the paper fo~ stantial form than at present. xpected to make the distance in 24 hours. the same length of time. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. The Science of Astronomy. Descriptive Astronomy. The early ideas of mankind resspecting the objects described by astronomy, proceeded up- on appearances which the uninstructed eyc placed before them, and were far from being true. It was supposed that the earth was, as it seems, a fixed plane, or at the most, a fixed sphere, forming the heavens, revolving aronnd it once in twenty-four hours. Even philoso- phers deemed the earth the central and most important object in the system, and re~arded the heavenly hodies, the sun, moon, planets and stars, as comparatively small objects, fix- ed ih the difT~rnt crystal spheres, each of which observed its own laws of revolution, according to the apparent motions of the bodies fixed in it. It was not till after much study and investigation that even the most en- lightened minds arrived at a knowledge of the truth; nor was it for some time longer that the idea of the earth not being in the centre of the system, or any thing but a small and subordin- ate part of it, was generally admitted. There is no room here to trace all the steps by which the truth was ascertained, or to argue the un- instructed mind out of its first and erroneous impressions. But it may be hoped that when the actual constitution of the heavens has heen described, it will be possible to form some no- tion how the objects in their real character and real arrangements come to appear as they do to our eyes. The field contemplated by the astronomer is no less than infinite space. So at least, he may well presume space to be, seeing that every fresh power which he adds to his tele- scope allows him to penetrate into remoter re- gions of it, and still there is no end. In this space, systems, consisting of suns and revolv- ing planets, and other systems again, consist- ing of a numberless series of such lesser sys- tems, are suspended by the influence of gravi- tation, operating fi om one to another, yet each body at such a distance from another, as though the mind of man can in some instance measure, it can in none conceive. We begin with what is usually called the Solar System that is, the particular solar system to whioh oar earth belongs. THE SOLAR SYSTEM. The solar system, so named from sol, [Latin] consists of the sun in the centre, twenty-nine planets, and an unknown number of bodies named comets. The word planet is fi-om the Greek, planac, to wander, because the few such bodies known to the ancients were chiefly remarkable in their eyes on account of their constantly shifting their places with ref- erence to the other luminaries of the sky. Comets are so named from coma, [Latin.] a head of hair, because they seem to consist of one bright spot, and a long brush streaming from behind it. PLANETS. Eleven of the planets called primary, be- cause they move directly around the sun, and eighteen secondary, because they move round primary planets. The secondary planets are also denominated satellites from satellites, [Latin,] ori0inally signifying a lifeguardsman, but by a wider application, one who follows and serves another. Only four of the primary planets have sattellites. The primary planets are Mercury, Venus, the Earth, Mars, Pallas, Juno, Jupiter, Saturn and Herschel, or Uranus. Most of the names are derived from the fabulous divinities of an- cient Greece. The Earth has one satellite, the Moon; Uranus is supposed to have six. The planets move round the sun on nearly one level or plane, corresponding with the centre of his body, and in one direction, from west to east. The secondary planets, in like manner, move in planes round the centres of their primaries, and in the same direction, from west to east. These are denominated revolutionary motions; and it is to be observed that they are double in the case of the satel- lites, which have at once a revolution round the primary, and a revolution, in company with the primary, round the sun. The path described by a planet, in its revolutions, is THE FIRE SHIELD. The above engraving represents a recent in- other part of the body, often compelling fire- leather mask has been constructed, with piecea vention, the FIRE SHIELn, having for its oh- men to stand aloof, when, could their faces of clear mica for eye-glasses, as in the above ject the protection of firemen from the exces- have ap rotection, leaving free use of the drawing, with a sr~malltube near the mouth for sive heat of the flames, while engaged in their j eyes, the flames might be approached much inhalation, the whole forming an ingenious gallant calling. The head, being undefended nearer; resulting, perhaps, in the rescue of and certain defence. by clothing, is more sensitive to heat than any valuable property. For this purpose a stiff I and the two extremities of the axis are called the poles. The axis of the sun and planets are nearly at a right angle with the plane of the revolutionary movements. The motion on the a~ris is called the rotary motion, from rota, the Latin for a wheel. The sun, the primary planets, and the satellites, with the doubtful exception of two attending on Uranus, move on their axis in the same direction as the revo- lutiona~y movements, from west to east. The sun is a sphere or globe, of 882,000 miles in diameter, or 1,384,472 times the bulk of the earth, moving round its axis in 25 days. When viewed through a telescope, the surface appears intensely bright and luminous, as if giving out both heat and light to the surround- ing planets. But on this surface there occa- sionally appear dark spots, generally surround- ed with a border of less dark appearance; some of which spots have been calculated to be no less than 45,000 miles in breadth, or nearly as much as the circumference of the earth. The region of the suns body on which the spots appear, is confined to a broad space engirdling his centre. They are sometimes observed to come into sight at his western limb, to pass across his body in the course of twelve or thirteen days, and then disappear. They are sometimes observed to contract with great rapidity, and (lisappear like something melted and absorbed into a burning fluid. Upon the bright spots of the suns body there are also sometimes observed streaks of unusual brightness, as if produced by the ridges of an agitated and lnminous fluid. It has been sur- mised that the sun is a dark body, enveloped in an atmosphere calculated for giving out heat and light, and that the spots are produced by slight breaks or openings in that atmosphere, showing the dark mass within. Though so much larger than the earth, the matter of the sun is of only about a third of the density or compactness of that of our planet, or little more than the density of water. The sun is surrounded to a distance by a faint light, or luminous matter of extreme thinness, shaped like a lens or magnifying- glass, the body of the sun being in the centre, and the luminous matter extending in the plane of the planetary revolutions, till it ter- minates in a point. At particular seasons, called its orbit, and in favorable states of the atmosphere, it Eac~r planet, secondary as well as primary, may be observed, before sunrise or after sun- and the sun, also, has a motion in its own body, set, in the form of a cone pointing obliquely like that of a bobbin upon a spindle. An ima- above the place where the sun is either about ginary line, forming, as it were, the spindle to appear, or which he has just left. It is of the sun or planet, is denominated the axis, termed the Zodiacal Li0ht. HUMOROUS. The Indiata arid the Wolf. The Cincinnati Evening Welcome, in op- posin0 the license law, relates the followin0 anecdote: We remember reading an anecdote some years since, of an old Indian, who in his hunting excursions, caine across a she wolg I)rowling along the edge of a dismal swamp. Althou0h within rifle shot, he reserved his fire, and chose rather to track her den, where he captured three cubs. The government was then payin~, a bounty for wolf-scalps, and ac- cordingly scalpin0 the cubs, he presented him- self before the proper authorities, and pocket- ed the bounty money. For many years he fol- lowed up this system, sellin0 the scalps of the cubs, when presenting himself one mornin0 at the office of the supervisors, the astonished clerk asked Is it possible there are so many wolves in your country? Yes, was the laconic reply. In the same swamp? Yes. Do you ever see the old she wolf? Yes. Well, it is her that does the mischiefwhy dont you shoot her. Because me no get any more cubs, then!, Just so it is with our City Council. Year after year they saddle upon us, under the li6ense law, a host of destructive agents, in the shape of grog0 eries, for the purpose of raising revenue to pay off city officers, & c. Knott 1~1artIn. This eccentric person being called as a wit- ness in a Court of Common Pleas, was address- ed by the court with the question, What is your name, sir? Answer. My name is Knott Martin. Court. Well, then, what is it? Ans. It s Knott Martin, your honor. Court. What do you mean, sir? I wish to know what your name is,not what it is not. Ans. Then I will spell my name: k-n-u- double t, Knott: m-a-r Court. 0, yes, yes, Mr. Martin, I under- stand you; 0h I confess it one of the most knotty cases I have seen for some time. How this world is inclined to slander, said a maiden lady to an English nobleman, can you believe it, sir, some of my malicious acquaint- ances repovted that I had twins. Madani, I make it a rule to believe only half I hear replied his lordship. The Mexicans, it is said, catch a runaway soldier by throwing a lasso. Very similar, says the Lynn News, to the manner in which old bachelors are taken. They are usually caught with a lass, oh! Am I not a little pale? inquired a lady who was rather short and corpulent, of a crusty old bachelor. You look more like a big tub! was the blunt rejoiuder. Please, have you any cold victuals? said a little ragged girl to the cook of a boarding house. The Lord bless you, no, we eat all our cold victuals hot. A gentleman asked his wife Have you read Prentices lines to an absent wife by Dr, Berthune? She replied. No, my dear, but I should like very much to read some of your lines to an absent wife. Pritchard mentions the odrious case of a lu- natic, who would never eat his food unless he had previously stolen it. Meitz speaks of a criminal who, at the moment he was about to be executed stole his confessors snuff box~ An Important Discovery. A French chemist, M. Jobbard, claims t~ have discovered a method of producing gas for illuminating purposes, from water alone. He charges the hydro0en from aqueous vapor strongly with carbonaceous vapor from oil or gas, tar, or any other oil, and produces a bril- liant, white light. An apple tree on the farmof Mr. J. Lewis in Wayne township, has produced apples this season, which measured fifteen inches in circumference. A young man has recently died of hyropho- bia in Pittsburg, in consequence of the bite of a mad dog nine months previous. Oddities and singularities of behavior may attend genius; when they do they are its mis- fortunes and its blemishes. The man of true genius will be ashamed of them. The Daughters of Temperance in Cincinna- ti have held a public meeting for the purpose of taking preparatory measures to establish a house of employment for indigent females. Those who receive this paper are respect- fully requested to show it to their friends, and thus assist its circulation. 14 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. The Sun. I was discoursing, at the last evenings lecture, upon the circsirnstances and physical state of the surface of the Sun. There are some very striking facts connected with this subject, which have been but recently unfolded, and of which many are the discoveries of living phi- losophers. It was the opinion of the late Sir WILLIAM IIERScHELL, (and his supposition had many advo~ttee,) that the Sun is an opaque globe, entirely covered bya luminous fluid of some kind; hut whether it be an ocean of liquid fire like molten iron: or an ocean of gaseous fluid, as of flame; or yet again, an in- candescent solid, like iron glowing with white heat, remained wholly without explanation until within a very recent period. But the question has now been reduced to a positive absolute demonstration, and the process by which it was done, and the circumstances at- tending it, afford a beautiful example of the mode in which the different sciences minister to each other. We see in this singularly elegant solution of an apparently insoluble problem, three sister sciences aiding and cherishing each other. In Optics, a beam of light is proved to be suscep- tible of a peculiar modification called polari- zation. All light is proved to be in a polar- ized or unpolarized state; and although it may not be easy fully to explain what is meant by the polarization of light, still by the aid of a fanciful illustration I can give you a notion of it sufficiently precise for ouv present purpose. Suppose this wand, which I hold in my hand, to represent a ray of light; it has four sides; suppose the two opposite sides, which are painted blue, to possess a certain property and the other two opposite, which are colored red, to possess a property different from tile first. This wand, then, exactly represents a a polarized ray of light. If all sides had the same properties, then it would represent an un- polarized ray. Now light may undergo a cer- tain change which shall polarize itimparting to two of its sides, opposite to each other, a certain property which the. other two do not possess. The question arises, what are these properties? They are various; one however, is so simple and so nearly connected with the demonstra- to which I call your attention, that I shall mention it. If a ray of light fall upon a re- flecting surface with either of those two sides, which are represented by the red ~des of the wand, it will be reflected at an equal angle to that by which it approached the surface. But if it strikes the surface upon the opposite side the blueit will not be reflected at all. So that two of its faces are capable of reflection, while the other two are not. This is one of the qualities by which polarized light is char- acterized. In a ray which is not polarised, re- flection takes place under all circumstances; but with polarized light, only under certain conditions, Thus we see that light may exist in two distinct states; the one unpolarized, or in its ordinary stateand the other polarized, ur in its extraordinary state. Now this is the truth which has been contributed to this de- monstration by the discoveries of modern op- tics. Let us turn to another branch of physics. The science of heat has teceived more atten- tion within a few years past than any other branch of physics. Fourier, a French philos- opher, has done much in this department of knowledge. One of the conclusions he estab- lishes is this: There are three states in which material bodies exist, namely: the solid, li- quid, and gaseous. Fourier proved that when a solid body becomes incandescent, the light which it admits is polarized; that the light emitted by an incandescent liquid, as molten iron, is likewise polarized; and that the light of incandescent gases, as flame, is unpolarized. These facts are true, whatever may be the na- ture of the materials. Here is a distinction established by this great natural philosopher between light emitted by incadescent solids and liquids and that emitted gasses. This is the contribution from the science of heat Now M. Arago has, with most beautiful sa- gacity, availed himself of these two facts, con- tributed by these sciences of light and heat, to determine the nature of the suns atmosphere. This may easily be done; for since it establish- ed that the light from incandescent solids and liquids is polarized, all that need be done to determine this point is to try by experiment, whether its light be polarized or not. Arago, by applying the usual tests, found that it is not polarized: the conclusion as inevitable as it is important, is, that the surface of the Sun is covered, not by a solid or a liquid, but by an atmosphere of flame. Here is one of the most beautiful inferences drawn from the whole range of physics; and is established by the aid of science, with all the certitude of a mathe- matical demonstration. Arago proved, therefore, that time Suns at- mosphere is an ocean of flame. It has long been supposed that the Sun was surrounded by an atmosphere of light, and this opinion was mainly grounded on the assertion of an eminent French observer of the Sun, that its borders were less lumtnous than the centre; and the inference from this was justified by saying that a thicker portion of the Suns at- mosphere came between the eye and the cen- tre than at the edges. This however, has been proved by M. Arago not to be the case. There is a certain kind of crystal which presents a double image; this he employed in his exper- iment; and by casting the edge of one im- age of the Sun upon the ceimtre of the other, he showed clearly that this assertion of the French astronomer was unfounded. [Dr. Lardner. Mr. Rogers Personatioss. Dr. Thomas Goodwin told me, having heard much of Mr. Rogers, of Dedh am,he took a journey to hear him preach on his lecture day. Mr. Rodgers was, at the time he heard him, on the subject of the Scriptures. And in that sermon he falls into an expostulaton with the people about their neglect of the Bible. He personates God to the people,and tells them, Well, I have trusted you so long with my Bi- ble; you have slighted it; it lies in such houses, all covered with dust and cobwebs; you care not to look to it. Do you use my Bible thus? Well, you shall have my Bible no long- er. And he takes up the Bible from his cushion, and seemed as if he were going away with it, and carrying it from them; but imme- diately turns again, and personates the people to God, falls down on his knees, cries, and pleads most earnestly, Lord, whatever thou doest to us, take not thy Bible from us; kill our children, burn our houses, destroy our goods, only spare us thy Bible only take not away thy Bible. And then he personates God again to the people: Say you so? Well I will try you awhile longer; and here is my Bible for you, I will see how you will use it, whether you love it more, whether you will value it more, practice it more, and live more according to it. But by these actions, and this discourse (as the Doctor told me) he put all the congregation into so strange a posture, as he never saw any congregation in his lifethe people, generally as it were, deluged with their own tears, and he told me, that he, him- self, when he got out, and was to take horse again to be gone, was fain to hang upon the neck of his horse weeping, before he had power to mount; so strange an impression was there upon him, and generally upon the peo- ple, upon having been thus expostulated for the neglect ofthe Bible.[Rev. John Howe. Aged Negroes. A colored woman, named Dolly, belonging to the estate of Richard Wilder, of Camden county, N. C., died on the 24th ult., at the age of 120 years! She survived her husband some three or four years, who was 119 at the time of his death! They lived together as man and wife nearly ninety years. Pretty Plain. Martha, what letter in the alphabet do you like best. Well, I dont like to say, James. Pooh, nonsense! tell me right out; Mar- thawhich do you like the best? Well, said Martha, dropping her eyes, I like U the best! Coincidence of Weight and Measure. The editor of the Germantown (Ohio) Gazette, has surveyed another peach, which measured 10-3-4 inches in circumference, and weighed 10 3-4 ounces. Probably the largest of the season. I see youre on the watch, as the thief said to the guard-chain. ADVERTISEMENTS. ~I3 Tssis paper circulates in every State in the Union, and is seen principally by mechanics and manufacturers. Hence it may be considered the best medium of advertising, for those who import or man- ufacture machinery, mechanics tools, or such wares and materials as are generally used by those classes. The few advertisements in this paper are regarded with much more attention than those in closely printed dailies. Advertisements are inserted in this paper at the following rates: One square, of eight lines one insertion, two do., three do., one month, three do., six do., twelve do., TERMS :CASH IN ADVANCE. $ 0 00 75 1 00 1 25 1 75 7 50 15 00 GENERAL AGENTS FOR THE SCIENTIFIC AMERIcAN. New York City, - GEe. DEXTER. Was. TAyLoR & Co. ~oston, Messrs HOTCHEISO & Co. Philadelphia, - - - Messrs. COLON & ADaSANCE. LOCAL AGENTS. Albany, - - - - PETER COoK. Baltimore, Md., - - S. SANDS. Cabotville, Mass., - - E. F. BROWN. Hartford, Ct., - - E. H. BowERs. Lynn, Mass, - - - J. E. F. MARSH. rvfiddletown, Ct., - - Was. WOODWARD. Norwich, Ct., - - - SAFFORD & PARKS. New Haven, Ct., - - E. DOWNES. New Bedford, Mass., - Was. Rosirosos & Co. Newark, N. J., - - J. L. AnErso. Patterson, N. J., - - L. GARSIDE. Providence, R. I., - - H. & J. S. ROWE. Springfield, Maos., - - Was. B. BROCKET. Salem, Mass., - - - S. CHANDLER. Troy, N. Y., - - - A. SMITH. Taunton, Mass., - - W. P. SEAVER. Worcester, Mass., - - S. Tasoaspooro. Boston, - - - - Jordon & Wiley. Newark, N. J- - - Robert Rashaw. Williams burgh, - - J. C. Gander. TRAVELLING AGENTS. V. D. DAVIS, JOHN STOUGHTON. JOHN MURRAY, SYL- VESTER DIERFENORN. CITY CARRIERS. CLARK SELLECK, SQuIRE SELLECK, NATHAN SELLECK. Persons residing in the city or Brooklyn, can have the paper left at their residences regularly, by send- ing their address to the office, 128 Fulton st., 2d floor. NEI~~T IMPROVEMENT.M. H. Mansfield, of Mif- iintown, Juniata Co., Pennsylvania, has inven- ted a new CLOVER HULLING MACHINE, which is one of the best inventions of the kind now in use. This machine will hull forty bushels of seed per day. Persons wishing to manufacture them can procure the right on moderate terms from the inventor. For further particulars, address MARTIN H. MANSFIELD, oct. a Its Mifflintown, Juniata Co. Pa. G ENERALPATENT AGENCY.The subscriber has established an agency at his warehouse, 12 Platt street, New York, for the protection and gene. ral advancement of the rights and interests of Inven- tors and Patentees. The objects of this agency are more particulary to aid and assist Inventor san a entees in effecting sales of their inventions and of goods and wares made tl1erewithand also for the sale and transfer of Patent flights. Arrangements have been made with a lawyer fa- miliar with the Patent Laws, who will attend to the legal branch of the business upon reasonable terms. Satisfactory references will be given. Applications may be made to the undersigned personally, or by letter, post paid. SAMUEL C. HILLS, 45-2dv65 General Patent Agent. SHERWOODS MAGNETIC MACHINEIs war ranted to be greatly superior to every other man- ufactured, by whatevev imitations or pretensions foisted upon the public. No premium has ever been obtained over this machine at the American or any other Institute, as has been faloely represented. It imparts the magnetic forces more continuously, with less violence to the sensations of the patient, and with more permanent efficacy, than any other invent- ed, while the cures it has actually effected are in- comparably more numerous. It is compactly fitted, together withs it battery, wires and other appliancies in neat cases, of several sizes, and powers, at $10, $12, $14, and $16 each. Each case is accompanied with aManual, (eighth edition, pp. 214, Svo.) in the English or French language, according to order, containing specific direction for the new method of using the instrument, and which alone can render it effectuaL H. H. SHERWOOD, M. D., 102 Chambers St. sapt. S to25 COPPER SMITH The subscriber takes this method of informing the pssblic that he is manu- facturing Copper Work of every description. Par- ticular attention is given to making and repairing LOCOMOTIVE tubes. Those at a distance, can have any kind of work made to drawings, and may ascertain costs, & c., by addressing L. R. BAILEY, cor. of West and Franklin sts., N. V. N. B.Work shipped to any part of the country. 45to2dv155 ELECTRICITY. S IMITHS CELEBRATED TORPEDO, OR VI- BRATING ELECTRO MAGNETIC MACHINE This instrument differs from those in ordinary use, by having a third connection with the battery, ren- dering them much more powerfuland beneficial. As a CURIOUS ELECTRICAL MACHINE, they should be in the possession of every one, while their wonderful efficacy as a medical agent, renders them invaluable. They are used with extraordinary success, for the following maladies. RHEUSIATIsMPalsy, curvature of the Spine, Chronic Diseases, Tic-doloureaux, Paralysis Tuber- cula of the brain, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, sick- headache. TOOTHACHESt Vitus dance, Epilepsy, Fevers, diseatos of the eye, nose, antrum, throat, muscles, cholera, all diseses of the skin, face, & c. DEAFNESSLOSS of voice, Bronchitis, Hooping cough. k hose machines are perfectly simple and con- veniently managed. The whole apparatus is con- tained in a little box 5 inches long, by 4 wide and deep. ~[hey may be easily sent to any part of the United States. To be had at the office of the Scien- tiffic Americcan, 128 Fulton st, 2nd floor, (Sun build- ing) where they may be seen IN OPERATION, at all limos of the day and evening. Engraving on Wood NEATLY AND PROMPTLY EXECUTED AT the OFFICE OF THE SCIENTIFIC AssEalcAs, 128 Fulton at, three doors from the Sun Office. Designs, DRAWINGS of all kinds for PATENTS, & c., also made, as above, at very low charges. BLAC~ LEAD POTS The subscriber offers for sale in lots to suit purchasers, a superior article of BLACK LEAD POTS, that can be used without annealing. The price is low, and founders are re- quested to make a trial. SAMUEL C. HILLS, 4sto2ndv6 Patent Agent, 12 Platt street G I OLD PENS! In consequence of the increased facility afforded by machinery for the manufac- ture of my GOLD PENS, I am enabled to furnish them to the Trade, at a much less price than they have heretofore obtained them through my Agent. Those purchasing direct of the manufacturer will have the double advantage of the lowest market price, and the privilege of returning those that are imperfect. In connection with the above, I am man- ufacturing the usual style of PENHOLDER, together with my PATENT EXTENSION PENHOLDER with PENCIL. All orders thankfully received, and punctually attended to. A. G. BAGLEY, sept 25. tf 189 Broadway, N. V. Density of the Earth. Is the earth solid or hollow,and if solid, how dense is it? Would it be equivalent to so much water, or would it exceed it, and how much would it exceed it? It may seem very difficult to answer these questions, and yet they have been answered most satisfactorily. It is now abundantly proved, not only that the earth is solid, but that the interior parts are more and more compact the nearer we ap- proach to the centre, as we should naturally suppose. We are able to estimate the influ- ence which a mountain exerts upon a plumb- line by observing hom much it is drawn out of the direction of an exact perpendicular; and then, by comparing the size of the mountain with the size of the earth, knowing at the same time of what materials the mountain is com- posed, we are able to say how much the matter of the whole earth exceeds in density that of the mountain. It is thus ascertained that the matter composing the earth is about five times as dense as water, or, in other words, would weigh, under the same circumstances, five times as much as the same bulk of water. Now we know that the matter near the sur- face, is, for the most part, either water or earthy and stony substances, only two or three times as heavy as water. The density of the interior parts, therefore, must greatly exceed that at the surface, in order that the average may amount to five times the density of water, as is ascertained by actual observation. It may be thought that the above method of determining the quantity of matter in a moun- tain, is liable to great uncertainty. It should be known that we do not rely upon a single experiment, or even upon one single method, for so important a result. A balance has been contrived, depending upon the twisting and untwisting of an extremely fine wire, sus- pended perpendicularly, by which the mutual tendency (or relative weight) of two balls of lead, has been accurately estimated and com- pared with the force exerted by the great mass of the earth; and these delicate experiments have afforded a striking confirmation of the result above stated. Lead Solder. There are a variety of purposes for which vessels, made of pure lead, are superior to those made of any other material: but there appears to be few if any workmen in this country who understand the art of soldering the sheets or plates, with pure lead for solder. A patent was some time since taken out in England, for a peculiar mode of soldering with lead. This is effected by means of a jet of flame similar to that produced with a blow- pipe. It is said to be quite manageable, and hisrh B useful in preparing vessels for vitriol makers, and other operators in chemistry, gal- vanism, & c. If any of our readers in this city understand the art, we should be happy to make their acquaintance. Sage Advice. We give below the following aphorisms as we found them, although we dont believe a word of them: Let the suns first rays shine upon your head in the morning, and you will not lack a good hat to defend you from its scorching rays at noon. Earn your breakfast before you eat it, and the Sheriff will not deprive you of your sup- per. Be temperate, and your physician shall look in vain for your name on his day-book. 16 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Necessity the Mother of Invention. The following anecdote was related to us a few days since by a friend of ours, of Day & Martin, whose blacking is so extensively used in this country. They were once poor servant boys in the city of London, but by chance one of them obtained a recipe for making black- ing, and they resolved to open shop. Ac- cordingly a small cellar was obtained and no- tice given, through the newspapers, to the world in general, and city of London in parti- cular, that Day & Martin had opened shop and were the manufacturers of blacking. But there were other establishments of long stand- ing, and that had the capital too, and they found that it would be impossible to live by their new business, unless their joint ingeon- ily couid devise some means to raise the steam. They at last hit upon the following plan: Several splendid suits of livery were purchased, intended for the servants of noble- men of different ranks. They being dressed in their new suits, would go to different shops where blacking was usually sold, being al- ways careful not to apply to any of their own customers, and enquire for Day & Martins blacking, andusually the shopkeeper having none of Day & Martins, would insist upon sending some other kind, but it was of no use. Their Lord or Count must have Day & Mar- tins, as that was superior to any other. In a short time, by this means, they raised public demand for the article, and no other blacking was more used among the nobility than Day & Martins. They are now among the most wealthy merchants of London. One of Mr. Days daughters having married but a short time since, her father gave her as a marriage portion 100,000. We find that most of the wealthy men of this country commenced in life with no other capital than a good charac- ter, and that they accumulated their wealth by prudence, perseverance and close attention to business. Chinese Ingenuity. Many of the Chinese dwell in floating hou- ses, and some of them keep large flocks of ducks, which swim about the harbors in the day time, but are called home by a whistle at night. An English officer was surprised to see how readily and rapidly the ducks obeyed the call, and on making enquiry on the sub- ject, was informed that the owner always beat the duck that arrived latest. Perfectly Consistent. We observe that in most of the plates in which the modern extremes of fashion are represented in the fashionable magazines, the figures of the fashionables, both ladies and gentlemen, are represented with very flat heads! Manufacture of Paper. From statistical documents presented before Congress, it appears that the capital employed in the manufacture of paper in the United States is $18,000,000. The number of mills, 700: the annual product $17,000,000, and the number of operatives employed, 100,000. About Right. Petitions are in circulation in Boston, pray- ing the Legislature to exempt those who do not make, vend, use, or derive a profit from the sale of intoxicating drinks, from that por- tion of the taxes which is applied to repair the mischiefs of such drinks. Cement for Stoves. When a crack is discovered in a stove, through which the fire or smoke penetrates, the aperture may be readily closed in a mo- ment, with a composition consisting of wood ashes and common salt, made into paste with a little water, plastered over the crack. The good effect is equally certain, whether the stove be cold or hot. Mr. Vanderlyn is on his way to the United States with the painting intended for the Ro- tunda of the Capitol, and on which he has been occupied for several years. Manufacture of Leather. A worthy citizen has recently obtained let- ters patent for a new and improved method of manufacturing the various kinds of leather. It consists of extracting the tanning more thor- by means of alkalies and a raised tem- perature, and fermenting the liquor thus ob- tained. In the present ordinary method, Mr. G. says liquid crystallizes in the pores and between the fibres of the leather, and thus prevents cutting edges in the wear. But by fermenting the liquid before the immersion of the hides and skins, the union betwen the fibres and the tanning substance becomes per- fected, and the leather is rendered more firm, pliable and durable. Shoemakers judge of the quality of the leather by cutting it. If it dulls and takes hold of the edge of the knife, there is evidence of much crystalliza- tion, which deteriorates from the quality. The time required in giving the highest state of maturity to the leather is some three or four days. The importance of this improvement is not easily figured or measured. It stands our manufacturers in hand to avail themselves of every progressave movement in the perfection of this expensive and largely consumed article. Mr. G. has spent several years in experiment- ing on his invention. In his own view he has completely solved the questionhas produced an article much superior to that now in use, and one that will not only command a better price, but superscede that produced by the old process. Having spent all his living in bring- the new method to perfection, he now has no other alternative than to appeal to those who have means to enable him to bring the ar- ticle into general use. Capitalists should not for their countrys sake, let the inventive ge- nius of their fellow citizens languish for the want of some substantial encouragement. They should ever be willing to risk a moder- ate amount where a probability of advancing the Arts, and promoting the prosperity of our productive interests. Livingston and others enjoyed by the most elevated reward, and ren- dered themselves memorable, by affording aid to persevering and indomitable genius. Mr. G., the inventor, is a German by birth, and of much intelligence and moral worth. Speci- mens of the leather may be seen at the Me- chanics and Farmers Agency, No. 34 Ann street. A Ducking Skiff. A sportsman down east of course has constructed a skiff expressly for the pursuit of ducks and other acquatic game. The skiff is covered with bushes and shrubbery; the sportsman lies flat on the bottom, with his gun resting on the bow. Near the stern is a vertical shaft, which passes through the bot- tom, which is furnished with a stuffing box, to prevent leakage. This shaft operates as a rudder post, and is supported at the top by a thwart or cross-bar, and has a yoke attached above the stuffing box, by means of which the shaft and its appendage below, are operated by the feet or toes of the sportsman as he lies in the boat. To the bottom of the shaft, below the boat, is attached a horizontal rod extending fore and aft: and through each end of this rod, a vertical pivot passes, extending about four inches above and below the rod. On each end of each pin, is mounted a piece of thin board or float a foot long, and four inches wide, sharp at each end. The pivot extends through each, edgewise, near the forward end of each; and to the aft end of each float, a small cord is at- tached in such a manner as to prevent the float from changing its position on the pivot more than twenty-five degrees. In conse- quence of this check, when the rod is moved to the right or left by means of the yoke, the floats operate obligingly upon the water, and propel the boat forward, though perfectly si- lent. The sportsman can thus approach either ducks or geese in the water, without giving any alarm. The business of printing calicoes was first introduced into this country in the year 1825. In the year 1842 there was a capital of seven millions five hundred thousand dollars invest- de in the business. Steel. Steel is composed of iron and carbon, in which the proportion of the latter is from five to one per cent., and even less in some kinds. Steel may be distinguished from iron by its fine grain ; its susceptibility of hardening by immersion, when hot, into water; and with certainty by the action of dilute nutric acid, which leaves a black spot on steel, and on iron a spot which is lighter colored in proportion as the iron contains less carbon. There are many varieties of steel, the prin- cipal of which are Natural Steel, which is obtained by reduc- ing the rich and pure kinds of iron ore with charcoal, and refining the cast iron, so as to deprive it of a sufficient portion of carbon to bring into a malleable state. It is made prin- cipally in Germany, and is used for making files and other tools. The Indian steel called Wootz, is said to be a natural steel, containing a small portion of other metals. Blistered Steel, or steel of cementation, is prepared by the direct combination of iron and carbon. For this purpose the iron in bars is put in layers alternately with powdered char- coal, in a close furnace, and exposed for seven or eight days to a heat of about 70 degrees Wedgewood, and then suffered to cool for as many days more. The bars, on being taken out, are covered with blisters, have acquired a brittle quality, and exhibit in the fracture a uniform chrystaline appearance. The degree of carbonization is varied according to the purposes for which the steel is intended, and the best qualities of iron (Russian and Swedish) are used for the finest kinds of steel. Tilted Steel is made from blistered steel, moderately heated, and subjected to the action of the tilt hammer, by which means its tena- city and density are increased, and it is thus adapted to use. Shear Steel is made from blistered or natu- ral steel, refined by piling thin bars into fag- gots, which are brought to a welding heat in a reverberatory furnace, and hammered or roll- ed again into bars. This operation is repeated several times to produce the finest kinds of shear-steel, which are distinguished by the names of half shear, single shear, and dou- ble shear, or steel of 1 mark, 2 marks, 3 marks, & c. according to the number of times it has been piled. Cast Steel is made by breaking blistered steel into small pieces, and melting it in close crucibles, from which it is poured into iron moulds ; the ingot is then reduced to a bar by hammering or rolling, as described under the head of malleable iron; these operations be- ing performed with great care. Cast steel is the finest kind of steel, and best adapted for most purposes. It is known by a very fine, even and close grain, and a silvery homogene- ous fracture; it is very brittle, and a~quires extreme hardness, but is difficult to weld with- out the use of a flux. The other kinds of steel have a similar appearance to cast steel, but the grain is coarser and less homogeneous; they are softer and less brittle, and weld more readily. A softer or more lamellar appear- ance in the fracture indicates an imperfect steel. A material of great roughness and elas- ticity, as well as hardness, is made by forging together steel and iron, forming the celebrated damask steel which is used for sword blades, springs, & c.; the damask appearance is pro- duced by the action of a diluted acid, which gives a black tint to the steel parts, while the iron remains white. Various fancy steels, or alloys of steel with silver, platina rhodium, aluminium, have been made with a view of imitating the Damascus steel, wootz, & c., and improve the fabrication of some of the finer kinds of surgical and other instruments. Cold water, with mercury, and acids, give the ~,reatest hardness; oils and fatty substan- ces, sand, wet iron, scales or cinders, & c,, give an inferior degree of hardness, but pre- vent the cracks which are caused by too rapid cooling. The lower the heat at which the steel becomes hard the better. TemperingSteel in its hardest state be- ing too brittle for most purposes, the requisite strength and elasticity are obtained by tem- pering, or setting down the temper, as the workmen term it, which is performed by beat- ing the hardened steel to a certain degree, and letting it cool gradually. The requisite heat is usually ascertained by the color which the surface of the steel assumes from the film of oxide thus formed. English files are used exclusively at the ar- senals and armories. Files should be made of the best cast steel. The teeth are generally cut at an angle of 60 degrees with the centre line; at a smaller an- gle, they do not cut. In choosing files they should be examined to see that they are straight, that they are free from cracks and flaws, and that they are cut regularly. The teeth should not be turned or broken by filing on iron or tempered steel. One out of each dozen may be tried on a piece of tempered steel, such as the tang of a file screwed in a vice; the file should take in its whole length, both on the flat and edge, and should not cut in drawing back; it should not make furrows or show a tendency to deviate from the direction given to it by the hand. The quality of the steel may be determined by breaking some of the files, and working the steel in the forge. Case Hardening is the conversion of the surface of wrought iron into steel, for the pur- pose of adapting it to receive a polish, or ts bear friction, & c.; this is effected by heating the iron to a cherry red, in a close vessel, in contact with carbonaceous materials, and then plunging it into cold water. Bones, leather, hoofs, and horns of animals, are generally used for this purpose, after having b~en burnt or roasted, so that they can be pulverized. Soot is also frequently used. Paying Dear for a Whistle. Brushman, the late Postmaster at Little York, Me., was sentenced to ten years impris- onment for stealing only one dollar from a let- ter. THE NEW YORK SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN: Published Weekly at 128 Fulton Street., (Sun Building,) New York. BY MTJNN & COMPANY. The SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN is the Ad- vocate of Industry and Journal of Mechanical and other Improvements: as such its contents are probably more varied and interesting, than those of any other weekly newspaper in the United States, and certainly more useful. It contains as much interesting Intelligence as six ordinary daily papers, while for real benefit, it is unequalled by any thing yet published Each number regularly contains from THREE to SIX ORIGINAL ENGRAVINGS, illustra- ted by NEW INVENTIONS, American and FOrei~n,SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES and CURIOSITIES,Notices of the progress of Mechanical and other Scientific Improvements, Scientific Essays on the principles of the Sci- ences of MECHANICS, CHEMISTRY and ARCHITECTURE,Catalogues of American Patents,INSTRUCTION in various ARTS and TRADES, with engravings,Curious Philosophical Experiments,the latest RAIL ROAD INTELLIGENCE in EUROPE and AMERICA,Valuable information on the Art of GARDENING, & c. & c. This paper is especially entitled to the pat- ronage of MECHANICS and MANUFACTU- RERS, being devoted to the interests of those classes. It is particularly useful to FAR.. MERS, as it will not only apprise them of IMPROVEMENTS in AGRICULTURAL IM- PLEMENTS, but INSTRUCT them in various MECHANICAL TRADES, and guard against impositions. As a FAMILY NEWSPAPER, it will convey more USEFUL Intellihence to children and young people, than five times its cost in school instruction. Being published in QUARTO FORM, it is conveniently adapted to PRESERVATION and BINDING. TERMSThe Scientific American is sent to subscribers in the country at the rate of $2 a year, ONE DOLLAR IN ADVANCE, the remainder in 6 months. Persons desiring to subscribe, have only to enclose the amount in a letter, directed to MUNN & COMPANY, Publishers of the Scicotific American, New York. f3c~- Specimen copies sent when desired. All letters must be POST PAID. 16

0cie~nti~c THE ADVOCATE OF INDUSTRY AND JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC, MECHANICAL AND OTHER I1WPROVE1YL~NT~ VOL. 2. NEW YORK, OCTOBER 10, 1846. NO. 3. THE NEW YORK SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN: Published Weekly at 128 Fulton Street, (Sun Building,) Xew York. BY MTJNN & COMPANY. RUFUS PORTER, EDITOR. TERMS.$2 ayear$1 in advance, and the semainder in 6 months. O~- See .fldvertisement on last page. The New Roman Road. [The present Pope has given his consent to bnild railroads in his dominons, which the former Pope was averse to. The following lines are predicated on his consent.] Ancient Romans, ancient Romans Cato, Scipio Africanus, Ye whose fames eclipsd by no mans, Publius .~Emlianus, Sylla, Marius, Pompey, Ciasar, Fabius, dilatory teaser, Coriolanus, and ye Gracchi Who gave so many a foe a black eye, Antony, Lepidus, and Crassus; And you, ye votaries of Parnassus, Virgil, and Horace, and Tibullus, Terence and Juvenal, Catullus, Martial, and all.ye wits beside, On Pegasus expert to ride; Wuma, good king, surnamed Pampilius, And Tullus, eke yclept Hostilius Kings, Consuls, Imperators, Lictors, Prntors, the whole worlds former victors, Who sleep by yellow Tibers brink; Ye mighty nameswhat dye think? The Pope has sanctioned Railway Bills! And so the lofty Aventine, And your six other famous hills Will soon look down upon a Line. Oh! if so be that hills could turn Their noses up, with gesture antic, Thus would the seven deride and spurn A Roman work so unromantic: Was this the ancient Roman Way. With tickets taken, fares to pay, Stockers and Engineers, perhaps Nothing more likelyEnglish chaps Brawling away, Go on! for Ito, And Cut along!, instead of Cito; The engine letting off its steam, With puff and whistle, snort and scream; A smell meanwhile, like burnirg clothes, Flouting the angry Roman nose? Is it not Conscript Fathers shocking? Does it not seem your memry mocking? The Roman and the Railway station What an incongruous combination! How odd, with no one to adore him, Terminusand in the Forum [Punch. Good Advice. Somebody lays down the following rules to young men in business. They will apply equally well to youn0 and old. Let the business of every one alone, and attend to your own. Dont buy what you dont want. Use every hour to advantage, and study even to make leisure hours useful. Think twice before you spend a shilling; remember you have another to make for it. Find recreation in looking after your business, and so your business will not be neglected in looking after recreation. Buy fair, sell fair, take care of the profits; look over the books regularly, and if you find an error, trace it out. Should a stroke of mis- fortune come upon you in trade, retrench work harder, but never fly the track; confront difficulties with unflinching perseverance, and they will disappear at last, and you will be honored; but shrink from the task, and you will be despised. In Russia, coffins are generally brown, but children have pink, grown up unmarried girls sky blue, while other females are indulged with a violet color. in and about New York on the subject of the adoption by steamboat proprietors of some apparatus that will in some measure secure the passengers against such casualties as have occurred on board the Excelsior and several other boats. There have been a great variety of inventions introduced for the purpose of preventing explosions; but from the best in- formation we can obtain on the subject, we are of the opinion that Mr. Barnums iippara- tus takes a general preference over all others. It consists of an arrangement of machinery, partly within the boiler, and which is con- structed on such a self-regulating principle as to keep up a supply of water within the boil- er, without any attention from the engineer; and in case that the apparatus itself should become impaired or cease to operate regular, the engineer becomes instantly notified thereof. EXPLANATIONIt is inexpedient for us to give a full and minute description of the se- veral points and peculiarities of the meclTh.- nism of this apparatus; but we may so far ex- plain as to say that a horizontal lever inside of the boiler, being mounted on a pivot near its centre, and connected to a buoy or float at one end, as represented in the engraving, (a part of the surface of the boiler being omitted for that purpose, and not, as some might infer, to represent the apparatus attached to a boiler already burst by an explosion.) One of these floats is placed within a small enclosed box A Piggish Parvenue. A proud porker, fancying that it was de- grading to his dignity to root in the gutter, came upon the sidewalk, and full of his conse- quence, promenaded from morning till night, leaving his humbler companions to munch corn, husks and potatoe parings. He fared as people usually do, who from vanity assume a station they are not qualified to fill. In the gutter lie would have lived in unnoticed en- joyment. On the walk he got kicked by every passenger, and bitten by every cur, till hungry and. bruised he was glad to return to his pro. per station.[Ex. paper. Wanting Workmen back Again. The proprietors of the cotton mill in Schuy- lerville, N. Y., who reduced the wages of their hands, a week or two since, says the Schuylerville Herald, twenty-five per cent., are now, and have been for several days, en- deavoring to induce them to return to their work, at the old wages; but they are too late, as most of them are engaged to work in other mills. Hard Climbing. A man in Orange county was found one night climbing an over-shot wheel in a fulling mill. He was asked what he was doing. He said he was trying to go up to bed, but some how or other these stairs wont hold still. There are many unlucky wights who are laboriously en- deavoring to climb fortunes ladder on the same principle. the effect of foam which sometimes pervades the surface of the water in a steam boiler. This lever, near its bearing, is connected to a short valve-rod, which governs the valves in a small valve-chamber, whereby the steam is occasionally admitted to operate a small steam engine, placed directly over the boiler; and this engine puts in motion a pump, by which the water in the boiler is replenished. This engine, it will be understood, is never put in operation except when the water in the boiler becomes too low: and when the water rises, the elevation of the encased float closes the valve and stops the engine. The ball on the end of the lever acts as a counterpoise to the float, (which is of stone) that it may be freely influenced by the rising or falling of the surface of the water. The small engine constructed by Mr. Barnum for this purpose, is well adapted to its place, and has several peculiarites whereby the valves, and consequent reciprocal motion of the engine are regulated without the use of a crank or fly-wheel: but of these we cannot at present give a minute description. The whole of this apparatus evinces much scientific ability of the inv~ntor, Daniel Barnum, Esq. resident at present in this city, and who has received many certificates from the first scien~ tific men in the Union, in commendation of his invention. Power of Imagination. An amusing incident recently occurred at Williams College, which is thus related by a correspondent of the Springfield Gazette: The professor of chemistry, while adminis- tering, in the course of his lectures, the pro- toxide of nitrogen, or, as it is commonlycalled, laughing gas, in order to ascertain how great an influence the imagination had in producing the effects consequent on respiring it, secretly filled the India rubber gas-bag with common air instead of gas. It was taken without sus- picion, and the effects, if anything, were more powerful than upon those who had really breathed the pure gas. One complained that it produced nausea and dizziness, another im- mediately manifested pugilistic propensities, and before he could be restrained, tore in pie- ces the coat of one of the bystanders, while the third exclaimed, this is life. I never enjoyed it before. The laughter that followed the eiposure of this gaseous trick may be ima- gined. True Policy. Under all circumstances there is but one honest course; and that is, to do right and trust the consequences to Divine Providence. Duties are ours: events are Gods. Policy, with all her cunning, can devise no rule so safe, salutary and effective, as this simple maxim. Six thousand pounds of Saxony wool have been purchased in Pennsylvania, at stity-two and a half cents per pound. A LIST OF PATENTS Issued from the 20th of July to the 28th of July, 1846, inclusive. To M. W. Obenchain, of Springfield, Ohio, for improvement in Carding Machines. Pa- tented 20th July, 1816. To Russell Wildman, of Hartford, Ct., for improvement in Machinery for forming Hat Bodies. Patented 20th July, 1846. To William Sherwood, of Ridgefie ld, Ct., for improvement in Carpet Looms. Patented 20th July, 1846. To Richard Garsed, of Frankford, Pa., for improvement in Operating Treadle Cams ia Looms for Tweeling. Patented 20th July, 1846. To James Ives, of Hamden, Ct., for im- provement in Locks for Carriage Doors. Pa- tented 20th July, 1846. To Jacob Peebles, of Concordia, La., for improvement in Brick Cisterns. Patented 20th July, 1846. To Jacob Shermer, of New Valley, Md., for improvement in Winnowing Machines. Pa- tented, 20th July, 1846. To George Levan, of Gap, Pa., for improve- ment in Doubling and Twisting and Reeling. Patented 20th July, 1846. To Joseph Stevens, of Northumberland, N. Y., for improvement in Fences. Patented 20th July, 1846. To James aBoss, of Philadelphia, Pa., for improvement in Ever Pointed Pencils. Pa- tented 20th July, 1846. To Richard C. Holmes and Jonathan J. Springer, of Cape May C. H., N. J., for im- provement in Machinery for Steering Vessels. Patented 20th July, 1846. To Daniel Ho~ts, of Miffiingburgh, Pa., for improvement in Threshing Machines. Pa- tented 20th July, 1846. To Tappan Townsend, of Albany, N. Y., for improvement in Warming Railroad Cars. Patented 24th July, 1846. To Elizur L. Booth, of Canan4aigua, N. Y., for improvement in Threshft~g Machines. Pa- tented 24th July, 1846. To Allen Eldred, of Oppenheim, N. Y., for improvement in Potatoe Ploughs. Patented 24th July, 1846. To Amos L. Reed, of Pittsburgh, Pa., for improvement in Feeding Nail Plates. Patent- ed 24Th July, 1846. To Joseph Greenleaf, of North Yarmouth, Me., for improvement in Washin~ Machines. Patented 24th July, 1846. To James Atwater, of New Haven, Ct., for improvement in Door Locks. Patented 24th July, 1846. To Richard Flint, of Meriden, Ct., for im- provement in Rat-Tail Files. Patented 24th July, 1846. To Addison Smith, of Perrysburgh, Ohio, for improvement in Magnetic Fire Alarms. Patented 24th July, 1846. To Charles F. Johnson, of Oswego, N. Y., for improvement in Turret Clocks. Patented 28th July, 1846. To H. D. Reynolds, of Mill-Hall, Pa., for improvement in Smut Machines. Patented 28th July, 1846. To Charles Edward Jacot, of New York City, for improvement in Lever Escapements. Patented 28th July, 1846. To Ross Winans, of Baltimore, Md., for im- provement in Locomotive Carriages. Patent- ented 28th July, 1846. To Jonathan Knowles, of Lowell, Mass., for improvement in Childrens Chairs and Wagons. Patented 28th July, 1846. To Moses Miller, of Fort Ann, N. Y., for improvement in Sleighs. Patented 28th July, 1846. To William Hatch, of Medford, ,Mass., for improvement in Spike and Nail Machines. Patented 28th July, 1846. BARNUMS SAFETY APPARATUS. INTRODUcTIONMuch has been said of late within the boiler, that it may be secure from SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. They home, Maki g sure of a welcome wherever they roam. Arid eVry one knows that the bachelors den Is a room set apart for these singular men A nook in the clouds, of some five feet by four, Though sometimes, perchance, it may be rather more, With skylight, or no light, ghosts, goblins and ghorn, Arid evry where termed, The Bachelors Roora2 Th~e creatures, they say, are not valued at all, Except when the herd give a Bachelors ball. Thea drest in their best, In their gold broidered vest, It is known as a fact, That they act with much tact, And they lisp out How do? And they coo and they woo, And They smile, for a while, Their fair guests to beguile; Condescending and bending, For fear of o~nding, Though inert, And they spy, They exert, With their eye, To be pert, And they sigh And to flirt, As they fly. And they whisk, and they whiz, And are brisk, when they quiz. Advancing, For they meet, To he sweet, And glancing, And are fleet, An~ dancing, On their feet, And prancing. Sliding and gliding with minuet pace, Piroueting and setting with infinite grace. And umping, And racing, And bumping, And chasing, And stumping, And pacing, And thumping, And lacing. They are flittering and glittering, gallant and gay, awning all the morning, and loungingall day, But when he grows old, And his sunshine is past, Three score years being told, Brings repentance at last. -le then becomes an odd old man: His warmest friends the frying pan; Hes fidgety, fretful and weary; in fine, Loves nothing but self, arid his dinner and wine. He rates and he prates, And reads the debates: Despised by the men, and the women he bates. Then prosing, And pouring, Arid dozing, And snoring, And cozing, Andboreing, .krtd nosing, And roaring, Wheneer he falls in with a rabble, His deli1,ht is to vapor and gabble. Hes gruffy, And musty, And uffy, And tusty, stuffy And rusty, Arid huffy, And crusty, Ito sits in his slippers, with back to the door, 7 r freezing, And wheezing, A 4 t .azin~, And sneezing, And tumbling, And curses the carpet, or nails in the floor. ~Xt tailing, 2 A hawli ~,, a4 sprawling, ~.nd awling, Mis hand is unsteady : his .& railing, failing, XroI ding, 3 .w ilin0, Groaning and moaning, His selfishness owning. Grieving and heaving, Though nought is he leaving, But pelf and ill health, Himself and his wealth. sends for a doctor, to cure or to kill, And grumbling, And mumbling, And stumbling, Oft waking, And aching, And quaking, And shaking, stomach is sore, Uncheery, And dreary, And teary, And weary., Who gives him advice, and offence, and a pill, And drops him a hint about making his will, As fretful antiquity cannot be mended, The misrable life of a bachelors ended. Nobody misses him, nobody sighs, Nobody grieves when the bachelor dies. Welimans Illustrated Botany. We have received the October number of this incomparable work, and find it equal in all respects to its illustrious predecessors. Among the flowers presented in full colors, by way of illustration, we notice the Scarlet Pim- pinel, China Aster, Blue Hepatia, Cerus Spe- ciosus, Agrimonia Eupatoria, besides several other sketches of buds, sections, & c. We es- teem this work worth at least double the pub- lishers price,$3 per annum. Published at 116 Nassau street. Literary Emporium. We have hitherto neglected to notice the September and October numbers of this seri- ous, rational and elegant periodical. Each number is embellished with beautiful por- traits, landscapes and flowers, and contains the most useful and interesting reading matter, as well as choice poetry and occasional music. Terms $1 per annum. By J. K. Wellman, 116 Nassau street. A Delicate Compliment. Washington was sometimes given to plea - santry. Journeying east on one occasion, at- tended by two of his aids, he asked some young ladies at a hotel where he breakfasted, how they liked the appearance of his young men! One of them promptly replied, We cannot judge of the STARS in the presence of the SUN! Fatal Deer Fight. The skeleton heads of two deers, their ant- lers so closely interlocked that they. cannot be disengaged without violence, were found about a month ago by a gentleman while hunting in Nassau county, Fast Florida. The ground for a quarter of an acre was completely cut up by their hoofs. A Provoking Blunder. TIme letter bags for the steamer Cairibria, despatched from this city, and containing up- wards of ten thousand letters for Europe, was taken from the Boston Post Officd by a country stage driver, through mistake, and the Cambria was compelled to sail without them. They were returned to this city. Curious Needlework. A complete map cf the State of Pennsylva- nia, wrought in lacein which the town, coun- ties, rivers, & c., are all distinctly shown, each county being worked in a style of lace differ- ent from those adjoiningis being exhibited in Baltimore, and commands much admiration. The Credit System. We iiifer, from certain polite hints and inti- mation, in the Massachusetts Farmers and Mechanics Leger, that that paper is circulated on trust. If so, the publishers are in no dan- ger of wanting business for some years to come. Charcoal Road. The citizens of Yazoo, Miss., have deter- mined to make a charcoal road over the valley swamp of that place. Sixty hands cutting timber will burn and spread the coal over two miles in thirty daysthe embankments being already thrown up. Quick Work. The Baltimore Sun says A communication was made from Buffalo to Baltimore last week, and an answer was received at the tele- graph office in the former city in about two hours! Oregon Currency. By an act of the Oregon Legislature, wheat is made a lawful tender, in payment of debts or taxes, at the market prices, when delivered at such places as it is customary for the mer- chants to receive it. Suffering by Success. It is reported that a gentleman congratulated Mr. Polk on having carried all his measures through Congress. Mr. Polk replied, Yes, I have carried all of them through, and am the weaker for the passage of e o ne of them. A Rich Ore. The Detroit Advertiser, in an article upon the nature of the ores in the Lake Superior re~ion, remarks that Messrs. Robbins and Hub- bard, of that city, have recently assayed a spe- cimen of native copper from Lake Superior, and found in 12 ounces of copper, not only 1 3-4 ounces ol pure silver, but several grains of gold! ___________________ Musical. The gross receipts of a late musical festival at Birmingham, amounted to 56,000. The excitement was caused by performing Men- dlesons Messiah, which we learn is to by brought out in this city. Singular Accident. The steamboat Highland having got aground near Turkey Island, on the Mississippi, a large tree, three feet in diameter, fell directly across the boat, smashing the cabin, breaking the con- necting pipe, and seriously injurying the pilot. Combined Aecomplishmeats. Mr. S. Lover, who recently arrived in this city, is said to be a good poet, a good painter, a good musician, full of wit, anecdotes and pleasantryit is impossible topass a dull eve- ning in his company. Marriage of Bossini. This celebrated composer was married at Bologna, on the 16th of August, after a court- ship of 16 years, to Mademoiselle Olympe Bearrien of Paris. It may change the turn of his muse. Great Luck. A poor Englishman, with a wife and family living in St. Louis, has had a fortune of $265,- 000 in money, and a family estate worth $115,- 000, recently left him by a deceased relative. Zinc Mines. There are several mines of zinc in New Jer- sey, one of which is said to consist of a deposit 600 feet in length, and is thought to contain ore worth $2,000,000. A Monstrous Woman. The Ohio State Journal says that there is a woman in Pickaway county, in that State, who weighs 46 pounds! Old Boy. A southern paper advertises a runaway boy, thirty-six years ofage By a recent telegraphic arrangement, the papers in Albany, Tiny, Utica, Syracuse, Au- burn, Rochester and Buffalo, are furnished with reports from New York twice a day,at 2 and 8 P. M. The Connecticut river is reported to be low- er than it has been known within the remem- brance of the oldest inhabitants. It is reduced to a mere brook. A company formed in Boston has commenced operation on a copper mine in Cumberland, R. I. About 4000 lbs. of ore were taken out a few days since, and yields about 20 per cent. The Hon. Louis McLane gets a salary of $5000 a yearnearly $100 per weekfor holding the office of President ~f the Baltimore and Ohio Railway Company. An imperial quarter of Inijian corn, is 480 pounds, which is equal to eight bushels of sixty pounds each. We suppose some of our readers would like to know about that. A solution of copper is an excellent wash for purifying sinks, and removing all unplea- sant effiuvia. Two or three applications will be effectual. We are informed that the steamer Buffalo is making arrangements for the adoption of Barnums Safety Apparatus. Two iron steamboats, of 70 tons each, are to run between Philadelphia and Readin0, Pa., carrying freight and passengers. The editor of the Cincinnati Commercial says that he bps a project for connecting the old and new worlds by telegraph. Twelve hundred and thirty-four miles of magnetic telegraph are reported to be in actual operaion in the United States. An association of capitalists at Worcester county, Mass., are exploring a vein of copper in Greenfield. The True Ornament. The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. flY Miss E. 3. ANiSREWs. I ask not fcr the glittering wreath, Of Indias sparkling diamonds rare, To deck my brow, while oft beneath, There throbs a heart with heaviest care. I ask not for the gilded chain, Of perishing and worthless gold, To clasp my neck, while oft in vain The hearts best sympathies unfold. Oh! give me not the worthless dust, For which vain, anxious mortals toil, To treasure up where moth and rust, Doth soon corrupt the hoarded pile. I covet not the gay attire, In which vain beauty oftappears, Oft that which wondering crowds admire, Needeth far more their heartfelt tears. But theres an ornament I crave; To grant, vain world, it is not thine, It floateth not oer yon proud wave, Nor yields it me earths richest mine. Oh, may it be a guileless heart! In heavens own sight of priceless worth! Where nought corrupting eer bath part, Pure, as the source which gave it birth. d spirit meek and pure within; May this, alone, my life adorn, Unsullied by the touch of sin, Though subject to the proud worlds scorn. This ornament, 0 God of Love! Tis Thine, and Thine alone, to give; Oh, may I its rich beauties prove, And in its full possession, live! Bethel, Coun., 1846. Female Piety. The gem of all others which enriches the coronet of womans character, is unaffected piety. Nature may lavish much on her per- son; the enchantment of her countenance, the grace other mind, the strength of her intellect; yet her loveliness is uncrowned till piety throws around the whole time sweetness and power of its charms. She then becomes un- earthly in her desires and associations. The spell which bound her affections to the things below is broken, and she mounts on the silent wings of her fancy and hope to the habitation of God, where it is her delight to hold com- munion with the spirits that have been ran- somed from the thraldom of Earth and wreath- ed wilh a garland of glory. Her beauty may throw a magical charm over many; princes and conquerors may bow with admiration at the shrine of her beauty and love; the sons of science may embalm her memory in the page, of history; yet her piety must be her orna- ment, her pearl. Her name must be written in The Book of Life, that when the moun- tains fade away, and every memento of~ earthly greatness is lost in the general wreck of na- ture, it may remain and swell the list of that mighty throng who have been clothed in the mantle of righteousness, and their voices at- tuned to the melody of Heaven. With such a treasure; every lofty gratification on earth may be purchased; friendship will be doubly sweet; and sorrow will lose their sting; and the character will possess a price fa .above ru- bies: life will be but a pleasant visit to eaith, and entrance upon a joyful and perpetual home. And wheh the notes of the last trump shall he heard, and sleeping millions awake to judgment, its possessor shall be presented faultless before the throne of God with ex- ceeding joy, and a crown of glory that shall never wear away. Such is piety. Like a tender flower, planted in the fertile soil of womans heart, it grows, expanding in its fo- liage, and imparting its flagrance to all around, till transplanted, and set to bloom in perpetu- al vigor and unfading beauty, in the Paradise of God. iron Ore. One of the most valuable beds of iron ore ever discovered has been found in the north- east corner of Dodge county, Wisconsin, and is said to yield ninety per cent. The deposite is 30 feet thick. Pursue your calling with diligence, and your creditor shall not interrupt you. 18 Old Bachelors. are wanderers and ramblersnever at SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. NEW INVENTIONS. Lewiss Reversible Faucet Filters. I Highly favorable as our opinion may be of the several excellent filters which have been introduced, we cannot avoid giving a preference to the one recently inver~ted by Mr. S. H. Lewis. It consists of a very neat faucet, calculated to be attached to a common Croton or other hydrant, and in connection with the faucet key, is a circular chamber, three inch- es in diameter, within which is a circular filter consisting of a quantity of cotton cloth, flannel sponge or porous porcelain (which is preferred) compressed between two perforated metallic disljs: and the faucet key is so constructed that by turning it tQ the right, the water is permitted to flow through the filter in one di- rection; but its course is reversed and it is made to flow in the opposite direction through the filter by turning the key to the left. The filter is thus cleansed at pleasure without any trouble, on examination of the filter or cham- ber. They may be seen at 28 1-2 Broadway. Wests Cheap and Convenient Filter. For the thousands of families in this city whose houses are not furnished with the Cro- ton water-pipes, a neat portable filter, recently invented by Mr. N. West, of this city, is as near perfection, in convenience and utility, as could be furnished for the low price of one dollar, and should find a place in every house or shop where the Croton water is used. It consists of two conical pails, one within the other; the first is furnished with an efficient ilter at the bottom thereof; and the other has a faucet, by which the water is drawn off as occasion requires. They may be found at 156 Delancy street. Improved Yoke for Oxen. This yokels constructed with sliding blocks attached to the under side of the beam of the yoke, near each end, and each sliding block is attached to the beam by bolts which pass through mortises so that the blocks may be made to slide occasionally to the right or left. To these blocks are attached the bows, th~ po- sition of which are adjusted by guage screws; and by the sliding of the blocks, the distance of the oxen from each other may be regulated. The middle of the yoke is furnished with a draught staple or eye-bolt which is moveable 4d reulated by a hand screw at the top, whereby the pitch of the draught it regulated. Invented by David Chappel, and entered at the Patent Office, Sept. 3d. Another Improvement in Stoves. Messrs. Hartshorn, Payson & Ring entered at the Patent Office, September 3d, an impro- ~ed stove, in which they claim the combina- tion of the common wood stove and cylinder coal stove, so that the coal may be burned alone, and the draught so arranged as at the same time to heat the wood stove with the same keat, and if wood alone should be burned, then the draught should be so managed and arranged as at the same time to heat the side radiators and coal cylinders. A minute de- scription of this improvement, is not, in this place, essential. lron Shingles. We have never been able to understand the reason why iron has so long been neglected as a covering for roofs, but are gratified to learn that Mr. Win. Beach, of Troy, N. Y., has in- vented and patented a mode of using cast iron plates for coverihg roofs. They are about one foot square, and are made to fit one into ano- ther, so as to render the roof water tight, by applying white lead to the joints. It can be afforded at 16 cents the square foot, and pro- bably may be so far improved as to cost no more than slate, and will be much more per- manent and safe. We see no difficulty in dis- pensing with white lead, however, and making the seams tight without it. Improvement in the Railroan Truck. This improvement was entered Sept. 5th, by John F. Rogers. What he claims is the com- bination of the balance beam with the centre beam, by means of the recesses in the centre beam, spring plates, having tubes thereon on which the springs rest, and attached to the beam by bolts, by which a compact and secure connection is formed, while all the necessary 11e~ibility is preserved. THE GRE & T FAIR. The American Institute appears emblemati- cal of the genius of our countrymenunsub. dued even by conflagration, and looking upon obstacles as incentives to redoubled effort Contrast the smoking ruins of Niblos with Castle Garden, having its whole amphitheatre enriched with a tastefully arranged collection of the most varied products of American arts and manufactures, and behold an evidence that we even inherit persevcrance, enterprize and skill. We here see the embodiment of the excellence of greatness of our countryan unerring index of our future advanceif it be not that the signs of the times indicate that madness in our rulers which precedes and fore- bodes heavens wrath, But it cannot, it must not be, that the blood of labor shall cry from the ground of America. It must be sheathed, it must be protected. Protection is natures first law. Expose the bleating flocks to the hungry beasts of the forest; cut the wings and pluck the feathers of her whom nature teaches to protect her brood from cold and rain; say to the mother to leave her babe un- protected and in free competition with all the elements of destruction, sooner than refuse the protection of our Government to the hitherto flourishing American manufactures. Castle Garden, or more correctly Castle Clinton, is at the southern evtremity of our city. It was built for a fortis of a circular form, of solid mason work, surrounded by the waters of the bayconnected to that ornament of the city, the Battery, by a long bridge. This bridge the managers have covered with a roof, and thus secured a very eligible and spacious apartment for the exhibition of carriages, slei~,hs, carts, farming implements and ma- chinery in great variety. Thence the ingress suddenly opens into view the whole interior, creating the most lively and pleasing emotions. In the columns of the Scientific American we shall endeavor to give those details that will, we trust, interest our readers and pro- mote the cause of American improvements. BATHS. After leaving the bridge, the passage way to the interior of the Castle is ornamented on both sides with a pleasing display of Baths the immersion bath made of tin and of iron, and these combined with the showering appar- atus. The shower baths are variously con- structed, and some of them are of finished workmanship and costly material. Stebbins Patent Furniture shower Bath presents itself first in the form of a very convenient wash- stand, with all its out fit; it is next easily con- verted into a work stand; with equal dispatch it assumes the form of a shower bath, furnish- ed with every requisite. We regard this as an ingenius piece of furnitu~e, that will greatly increase the use of the shower-bath, and thus add to the health of the community. SOFA BEDSTEADS. Much ingenuity has been expended in com- bining the Sofa and Bedstead. The first that attracted our attention was that manufactured by Mr. John A. Robson, 30th st. and 8th Av- enue. It is on the double cone spring, so con- structed that using it as a bed does not affect the cushion, and vice versa. The matrass or bed is 4 by 6 feet, without an intervening bar. It is exceedingly simple, of admirable con- trivance, and of moderate price. cUTLERY. The display of American Cutlery is rich, af- fording a most gratifying evidence of the pro- gress of the useful arts among us. Our neigh- bors, J. C. Nixon & Sons, in the Sun Buildings, feel quite confident that they will, as usual, carry off the premiums, particularly for their much celebrated tailors shears. In the man- ufaqture of engravers tools; they challenge not only all America, but the world itself. They manufacture for customers, from whom their articles have derived their just and solid reputation. (To be Continued.) We have recently seen a model of a new Steam Printing Press, the invention of Mt Win. W. Marston, a young and ingenious me- chanic of this city. A mass of other matters prevents our gtving a description at present; we shall probably procure an engraving, how~ ever, and publish a full description in a few days. Iaformauon to persons having business to transact at the Patent OIlice. OF MODELS. (Continued from .IVo. 2.) SEC. 26. The law requires that the inventor shall deliver a model of his invention or im- provement when the same admits of a model. The model should be neatly made, and as small as a distinct representation of the machine or improvement, and its characteristic properties, will admit; the name of the inventor should be printed or engraved upon, or fixed to it, in a durable manner. Models forwarded without a name, cannot be entered on record, and there- fore liable to be lost or mislaid. SEC. 27. When the invention is ofa compo- sition of matter, the law requires that the ap- plication be accompanied with specimens of ingredients, and of the composition of matter, sufficient in quantity for the purpose of ex- periment. 19 cant the said sum of twenty dollars. lInt if the applicant, in such case, shall persist iii his claim for a patent,with or without any alteration his specification, he shall be required to snake oath or affirmation anew, in manner as afore- said; and if specification and claim shall not bave been so modified as, in the opinion of the Commissioner, shall entitle the applicant to a patent, he may appeal to the Chief Justice of the United States Court for the District of Co- lumbia, who may affirm or reverse the decision of the Commissioner of Patents, in whole or in part, and may order a patent to issue; or he may have remedy against the decision of the Commissioner of Patents, or the decis- ion of the Chief Justice of the United States Court for-the District of Columbia, by filing a bill in equity in any of the United States Courts having jurisdiotion, as herein plained. after ex (To be continued.) ON GRANTING ANEW LOST PATENTS. SEC. 28. The third sec. of the act of March Consolation for the Christian.. 3, 1837, provides: Eye hath not_seen; nor ear heard; neither SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That have entered into the heart of man, the things whenever it shall appear to the Commissioner which God hath prepared for those that love that any patent was destroyed by the burning Him.l Cor. ii: 9 But it is said in the words of the Patent Office building on the aforesaid following, that God bath revealed them unto fifteenth day of December, or was otherwise us by his Spirit. itt this, we-are not to sander... lost prior thereto, it shall be his duty, on ap- stand, that the excellent things spoken of, are plication therefor by the patentee, or other communicated to men; but that by the aid of persons interested therein, to issue a new patent the divine Spirit they, are enabled to receive for the same invention or discovery, bearing such ~isbiime and. brifliaxLt ideas of the glori- the date of the original patent, with his certifi- ous thengs~whieb7 oTt pre~aredK for them, that cate thereon, that it was made and issued pur- they are filled with sublime and iinspeaka~le suant to the provisions of the third section of joy, though they find it utterly irtipractica,14e this act; and shall enter the same of record; to describe these things to another, sp as to be Provided, however, That before such patent understood. It is like the new. name which shall be issued,the applicant therefor shall de- no ariut can, ka.ow,, but himto whom it isgiveu: posit in the Patent Office a duplicate, as near and although, in the solicitude of those w.ho as may be, of the original model, drawings., have been favored with, a view of th9sa things, and description, with specification of the in- to represent thejrrt to others., the~most vention or discovery, verified by oath, as it expressive forms of lanu full ~rid gage have been pa4 in shall be required by the Commissioner;,. and requisition, it has in every instance failed ~o such patent and copies of such drawings and convey the least correct idea on the subject: descriptions, duly certified, shall be admissible becanse no man can, see, or in anywise appre.. as evidence in any judicial court of th~ Unit~ ciate the excellence of these things, with.oQt States, and shall protect the rights of the pa- the aid of the Spirit of Truth. But to those tentee, his administrators, heirs, and assigns, who obtain such enliabte ned viewsand every to the extent only in which they would have man may, or might, obtain them,the glorious been protected by the original patent and spec- things prepared are as the pearl of great fication. , price, which, when a man hath found, he is PROCEEDINGS ON APPLICATIONS FOR PA ready to sacrifice all th ings else,riches,ho.. TENTS, AND ON APPEALS FROM DE nors, friends, pleasures, reputation he th~ CISIONS OF THE COMMIS world, or -even, life i~self,to -. - Nei obt~in-jt. SIONER. ther Adam hbr Eve, in thefr sinlessip~radisia1 (Act of 1836, Sectioi~, 7) state, could have had any correct idea of such SEC. 29. That on the filing of -any such a~- delectable and gloa~ious excellence of blessings plication (consisting of petition, specification, as are prepared for those who l5ecome joint model, and drawings, or specimens,) and the heirs of the Son of: God payment of the duty hereinafter provided, the a ,through the blood of crudified Saviour: for, had they been capa- Commissioner shall make, or cause to be ble of seeing or imagining ~iich thing, they made, an examination,- of the alleged new would never haYe fallen. There can be no invention or discovery ; and if, on any such question but that the g?orious ~onsolation of the examination, it shall not appear to the Coin- faithful and obedient believers, will incornpa.. missioner that the same had been invented or rably, not to say infinitely, excel that of the discovered by any other person in this country primitive state of man, or anythin~ - which prior to the alleged invention or discovery could have bcen by man attained, if the bless- thereof by the applicant, or that it had been ed SON had not suffered. Let the most bril- patented or described in any printed publica- liant and soaring imagination exert its most tion in this or any foreign country, or had been strenuous and happy efforts in conceiving, ax~.. - in public use or on sale, with the applicants consent or allowance, prior to the application, ranging and representing to itself the highest if the Commissioner shall deem it to be suffic- possible state of bliss and glory, and it will fall as far short of the reality of the immortaj iently useful and important, it shall be his state of the glorified saints,the salvation pur- duty to issue a patent therefor. But whenever chased by on such examination it shall appear to the the suffering of Christ,as a mere shadow of the most beautiful picture comes Commissioner that the applicant was not the short of the rich coloring of the original. And original and first inventor or discoverer there- this fact is well known to those who have had of, or that any part of that which is claimed the beauties of the world to come revealed as new had before been invented or discovered orpatented, or described- in any printed publi- to them by the divine Spirit. These state- cation in this or any foreign country as afore- ments may appear strange to those who are accustomed to look upon the p4pular reverend said,-or that the- description is defective-and in- clergy, fashionable church members and sufficient, he shall notify the applicant there of, giving him briefly such information ani wealthy deacons, as choice specimens ~ the saints of the Lord. The true, and. mest fa- references as may be useful- in judging of the vored saints - - propriety of renewing his application, or of al- , are generally found among these -tering his specification to em - brsce only that who are subject to-poverty and tribulation, ira part of the invention or discovery is which this world. But these blessings of the gospel new. In every such case, if the applicant are free for all who will conform to the requl.. shall elect to withdraw his application, re- sitions plainly expressed by our Savior, and linquishing his claim tothb model, he shall be recorded by the evangelist, and practicable by all who are willing to forsake all things else, ~ntitledto receive back twenty dollars, part of for the sake of this great and everlasting sal- the duty required by this act, on filing a notice vation. in writing of such election in the Patent Of ______________________ fice; a copy of which, certified by the Coin- A cotton manufacturer in New-H~wen lost missioner, shall be a sufficient warrant to the his operatives, last week, by atteroptisag tcs re- Treasurer for paying back to the said appli- duce their wages. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. THE COLOR PRINTING MACHINE. I E C A INTRODUcTIoN.There have appeared, in EXPLANATIONThe first row of geer modern times, but few machines, to which wheels, A B, are attached to the ends of a row more importance apparently attaches, than to of cylinders, each cylinder being 30 inches the one here presented. It is well known that long, and 3 inches in diameter. These cylin- the best paper hangings, or room-papers corn- ders support a broad, endless apron or belt, mand from ~1 to $l,50 per piece, of eight which passes over the whole series, and sup- yards, while most of those of American manu- ports the strip of paper as it passes through & cture are sold for 25 to 50 cents per piece; the machine to receive the colors. The se- and this difference is occasioned by the diffi- cond series of wheels, C D, are attached to culty and extra labor of applying a great va- cylinders of the same dimensions of those in riety of different colors. But by means of this the first row, and are connected to each other machine, seven, twelve, or even twenty differ- by intervening pinions, whereby a uniform ye- ont colors, may be accurately applied by one locity is maintained through the whole series. operation, and with less labor than is required to print with a single color, by the ordinary method; and thus the manufacturer will be enabled to sell, for 50 cents, such patterns as ordinarily cost a dollar or more, to either im- port or manufacture them. The peripheries of this row of cylinders are cut in figures, according to the design of the pattern to be worked. The figures are left prominent, so as to come in contact with the paper upon the apron, as the cylinder re 5 volves; the surface between the figures, being cut away to the depth of one eighth of an inch. Each of these printing cylinders con- tains sections of the figures to be printed, and is calculated to work a different color from the others ; and the sections of figures on each cylinder are calculated to match those of the others, so as to complete the entire figure in all its colors on the paper. The entire ma- chine is put in operation by a band, passing over the band-wheel, H. The third row of cylinders, E F, are distributing cylinders, which are put in motion by mere contact with the series below, and receives the several co- lors from the small cylinders in the upper rows, and distributes the same upon the pro- minent figures of the printing cylinders. The fourth series, I J, are called the receiving cyl inders, because they receive the colors from the hoppers or reservoirs, M N. and impart them to the series below. The cylinders of the third and fourth rows, are covered with cloth, and the bottom of each hopper is se nicely fitted to its respective cylinder, that but a small quantity of each color (which passes through an aperture at the bottom of the hop- per) adheres to the cloth periphery of the cyl- inder. The colors ordinarily used consist of various pigments, ground a nd mixed in water, with a solution of glue. The principles of this mode of color printing have been satis- factofily tested, though the entire machine has not yet been constructed: and any person who may be disposed to construct and enjoy the exclusive use of this invention, may have the most favorable terms. NEW INVENTIONS. days togetherfrom the entire stoppage of his operations in the rainy weather, which forbids A hew Brick Maohine. the bricks being put out to dry. In making Messrs. Culbertson, McMillen & Co. of Cm- press brick, all these difficulties are obviated. cinriati, have recently put in successful opera- As a theory, operations in this mode can go on tion, a new machine, a description of which is throughout the entire winter, frost never ex- given in a Cincinnati paper, as follows: tending into solid clay; but as a practical busi- A frame of fourteen moulds, one brick to ness, it can be conveniently carried on two each is drawn by the power of steam between months earlier and one month later than in the two press rollers, the lower one of which en- ordinary mode. Pressed brick, made by these ables the frame to support the pressure of the machines, are also stronger than their competi- upper roller, and being run through backwards tive article, the last of equal hardness ih burn- and forwards equalizes the pressure over the ing, always giving way when struck by the entire face of the brick. These, after under- pressed bricks, as I have witnessed. Indeed, it cannot be otherwise, the one being porous going in this mode a pressure of nearly one hundred tons to each brick, a pressure which and the other as compact as the enormous covers clay, apparently perfectly dry, with a pressure employed can make it. The machine, it must be apparent, offers pe- coat of glossy moisture, are raised above the culiar advantages in turning out brick without surface of the mould by parallel levers, and are then delivered over to a bench or table by self- occupying the ordinary brick yard space nec- essary for spreading wet brick out to dry. It acting machinery, whence they are taken in affords great economy in time, owing to its barrows to the stacker at the kiln. The dry clay is shoveled into a hopper, and operations being independent of frost or rains. To every new and thriving place commencing if more of the material is pressed into a mould than serves to make a brick, a knife which the making of bricks, it dispenses with the necessity of bringing skilful workmen from ranges with the surface of the mould, shaves other placesin shoyt, it enables every man to off the surplus. be his own brick-maker. Under these consid- Two hands shoveling, two more taking off, erations, I anticipate an extensive sale of these and one at the barrow, constitute a gang of five machines, especially for placee at a distance. persons who turn out from 30,000 to 35,000 per day of ten hours. As brick makers days 1~larbie Saw 1~lilis. are from sun to sun, say twelve working hours We are informed that a large mill for sawing per day, during the season, from 46 to 50,000 marble is in course of erection at Brandon, Vt. bricks, per day, may be made by a single ma- The marble in that vicinity is principally of a chine. This is, however, by no means the beautiful white, and of a fine texture, though most important feature in the invention, not very hard. In the ordinary mode of making bricks, the ~aUro~ Locks. manufacturer cannot begin operations for the It is reported that locks for elevating rail- season, until the spring has so far advanced road trains, from one level to another, are corn- that working in wet clay will no longer chill ing into successful use in France. It appears his moulders hands. On the same account, he to us to be much behind the age, since, by lvses also morning hours, until the advance of certain American inventions, an ordinary train su~imer enables his hands to put in the whole may be elevated 100 feet in five minutes, by period of daylight. He loses, also, sometimes the engine alone. The Vertical Propeller. We have alluded to this subject in a former number, and now present one of the several plans which have been introduced within the present year, although we are not fully author- ised to give the name of the inventor of this particular plan. We have preferred to repre- sent the paddles and crank unconnected with an apparent vessel or section thereof, but must require the reader to suppose that the line A B is the level of the railing of the boat, and that the crank-sha ft E projects from the side, while the crank-pivot governs the motion of the walking bar D E, and with it the paddles, which are supposed to be just now dipping in the surface of the water. It will be understood that the motion of the walking bar being cir- cular, and that of the heads of the paddles be- ing vertical and nearly rectilinaer, the motion of the blades of the paddles must be eliptical, inclining to the horizontal; and that the posi- tion of the paddles is kept so nearly vertical that they will me4with less resistance in en- tering or leaving the water than those of a common paddle wheel, while the atmospheric resistance to be encountered thereby is much less. There appears no reasonable doubt that this plan might be made to succeed well on a larger scale, though it is very doubtful wheth- er anyof the steamboat proprietors can be per- suaded to adopt it until it has been more thoroughly tested by experiment. A Great Astronomical Discovery. A late number of an astronomical journal published at Altona, near Hamburg, contains a long article by Dr. Maedler, director of the Dorpat Observatory, Russia, well known to the astronomical world, in which he announ- ces the extraordinary discovery of the grand central star or sun, about which the uni- verse of stars is revolving, our own sun and system among the rest. This discovery, the result of many years of incessant toil and research, has been deduced by a train of reasoning and an examination o facts scarcely to be surpassed in the annals off science. He announces his discovery in the following language: I therefore pronounce the Plei- ades to be the central gioup of that mass of fixed stars limited by the stratum composing the Milky Way and Alcyene as the individual star of this group, which, among all others, combines the greatest probability of being the true Central Sun. By a train of reasoning, which I shall not attempt to explain, he finds the probable par- allax of this great central star to be six thou- sandths of one second of arc, and its distance to be 34 millions of times the distance of the sun, or so remote that light, with a velocity c~ 12 millions of miles per minute, requires a period of 537 years to pass from the great cen- tre to our sun. As a first rough approximation, he deduces the period of the revolution of our sun, witk all its train of planets, satellites and comets, about the grand centre, to be eighteen mil- lions two hundred thousand years. Ocean Steam Navigation. The Ocean Steam Company, which has the patronage of the United States Government to the amount of $400,000 per annum, are get- ting on rapidly with the first steamship of their line. She is to be completed and commence running on the first of March next. 20 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. NEW YORK, OCTOBER 10, 1846. Employment. It is dangerous for a man of superior ability to find himself thrown upon the world with- out some regular employment. The restless- ness inherent in genius, being thus undirected by any permanent influence, frames for itself occupations out of accidents. Moral integrity sometimes falls a prey to the want of a fixed pursuit, and the man who receives his direc- tion in active life from the fortuitous impulse of circumstances, will be very apt to receive his principles likewise from chance. Genius, under such guidance, attains no noble ends, but resembles rather a copious spring convey- ed in a falling aqueduct, where the waters continually escape through the frequent crev- ices, and waste themselves ineffectually on their passage. The law of nature is here, as elsewhere, binding, and no powerful results ever ensue from the trivial exercise of high endowments. The finest mind, when thus destitute of a fixed purpose, passes away with- out leaving permanent traces of its existence; losing its energy by turning aside from its course, it becomes as harmless and inefficient as the lightning, which, of itself irresistible, may yet be rendered powerless by a slight conductor. The Editor. Writekeep writingis the motto of an editor. If he has no ideas, he must dig for them; if he has but little time to arrange them, no matter, the work must be done. Sickness may come upon him; want may stare him in the face, but he must co~itate something for the dear public. Perhaps in his darkest moments, he indites a paragraph that cheers thousands, When almost despond- ing, his words may put courage into the hearts of millions. Who would be an editor Yet he has much to encourage him. If he can call no time his own, he is not rusting out, or in unprofitable society. A faithful contribu- tor of the public press, is a man of great infin- once. No person has more power than him- self. He instructs tens of thousands, and leads them to virtue, to honor, to happiness. No man will have more to answer for than the conductor of a corrupt and vascillating prels. A 1~lountain in Labor. The workmen, says a Paris paper, are still busily engaged in excavating Mootmarte in quest of holy vases and other riches said to have been deposited there in the early days of the French revolution by the orders of the Lady Superior of the Abbey of Mootmarte. Two workmen, who were at the time charged with transporting the wealth to the place de- signated, were never after seen, and it is sup- posed that they were sacrificed to the necessity of the secret. The Superior, at her death, bequeathed the secret to a lady friend, who, in turn, on he~ death bed, divulged it to her daughter, then thirteen years of age. The child, now a sexagenary, disclosed it to the municipality. Her statements have thus far been found scrupulously correct. The cesa- nan operation is actively going on, an exca- vation of 50 feet having been made, and the mountains speedy deliverance of a mine of wealth is anticipated. May it not prove a mouse! That Editorial Committee. We are informed that the Editorial Com- mittee of the National Association of Invent- ors have by their own request been discharged from the supervision of the new periodical which has recently appeared under the title of The Eureka. News by Telegraph. The news by the Great Western which ar- rived on Wednesday week, was published within four hours in Boston, Few Haven, Springfield, Albany, Utica, Rochester, Buffalo, Philadelphia and Baltimore. The following beautiful extract we find in The Scienee of Astronomy. a recent number of the New York Sun. It is DEscRIPTIvE ASTRONOMY. from the pen of Mr. C D. Stuart, the able Mercury, the nearest planet to the sun, is correspondent of that paper, now in London. globe of about 3140 miles in diameter, rotat On remarking to an Englishman, that I did ing on its axis in 24 hours and 5 1-2 minutes, not see here in London as at home, the artizan, and revolving round the central luminary, at a the drayman, the laborer of every kind, with a distance of 37,000,000 of miles, in 8S days. Late Foreign News. newspaper in his pocket, which at intervals in From the earth it can only be seen occasionally The steamer Hibernia arrived at Boston on his toil he could glance at and be as learned in in the morning or evening, as it never rises Saturday last, thirteen days from Liverpool. the condition of his country and the world as before, or sets after the sun, at a greater dis- The British Government and people have the man of fortune, he replied No, they tance of the time than 1 hour and 50 minutes. manifested so much violent opposition to the have something better to do, they attend tO It appears to the naked eye as a small and bril- marriage of the youngest son of Louis Phillipe their work. Here lies the rub, and it may liant star, but when observed through a tele- to a sister of the Queen of Spain, that the cel- be a fear of the sedition of thought that has put scope, is horned like the moon, because we ebration of the nuptials has been postponed these close hampers upon the English press. only see a part of the surface which the sun is for the present, if not forever; and there is ap- It would seem by such an argument that the illuminating. Mountains of great height have parent danger of a rupture between England differences of condition are not induced by un- been observed on the surface of this planet, and France on this account. holy oppressions, by the trampling for ages of particularly in its lower or southern hemis- In Spain, Don Carlos having escaped from one class upon another until servitude be- phere. One has been calculated at 10 34 imprisonment, it is expected that a serious in- came almost a birth-right and the law of miles in height, being about eight times high- surrection will immediately take place. strength that proved itself in barbarous times en, in proportion to the bulk of the planet, Property to the amount of $800,000 has been the Supremacy had at last from concession than the loftiest mountains upon earth. The destroyed by incendiary fires at Leipsic. A so long made, become the law of human justice matter of Mercury is of much greater density line of electric telegraph has been put in oper- and divine right. The steer may work under than that of the earth, equalling lead in weight; ation between Brussels and Antwerp. his yoke an appointed time, the slave bow so that a human being placed upon its surface Twenty thousand bales of cotton were sold mutely through his whole life, but the freeman would be so strongly drawn towards the ground at Liverpool on the 14th of September. has he so fallen, that while th~ lord revels as scarcely to be able to crawl. Latest from the Army. in his club-room and reads not only papers, Venus is a globe of about 7800 miles in di- According to recent intelligence by private but gilt edged and velvet bound books, he for- sooth being a common poor devil not able ameter, or nearly the size of the earth, rotating letters, Gen. Kearney has taken quiet possession on its axis in 23 hours, 21 minutes, and 19 of Santa Fe, notwithstanding the considerable to enjoy a tithe of his unearned luxuryhas seconds, aQd revolving round the sun, at the preparations which the Mexicans had made to something better than reading to do. Let him distance of 68,000,000 of miles in 225 days. defend it. Gen. Armijo had assembled 5000 dig then! There are those in the young re- Like Mercury, it is visible to an observer on troops to defend the Canon Pass, but on ac- public whose spirit begins to animate the the earth only in the morning and evening, count of the disaffection and insubordination world, who, though they toil, remember, that but for a greater space of time before sunrise of his officers and men, he was constrained to it was said in the beginning to all men, thou and after sunset. It appears to us the most retreat on the approach of a few companies of shalt earn thy bread by the sweat of thy brow, brilliant and beautiful of all the planetary and Americans. and will read freely as they drink in the com- mon air, and enjoy the common light. There stellar bodies, occasionally giving so much Gen. Taylor has advanced steadily, though are classes in England intelligent no doubt be- light as to produce a sensible shadow. Oh- slowly on Monterey, and has probably ero this, yond any other people in the worldclasses served through a telescope, it appears horned, taken possession, notwithstanding the strong on account of our seeing only a part of its lu- force, and full supply of well mounted cannon, that enjoy the means of making themselves so, minous surface. The illuminating part of concentrated to oppose him. Should he prove but as a mass they will in no-wise compare Venus occasionally presents slight spots. It successful in this, it would seem that Mexico with their progeny, the Anglo-Saxons. All has been ascertained that its surface is very is destined to fall under the protection of the that they have here in the main we have got, and our wits have not been blunted by a con- unequal, the greatest mountains being in the United States, whether our Government de- tact with the wilderness, and the difficulties southern hemisphere, as in the case of both sires it or not. What can we do? The Mexi- of founding an empire in the Woods. I see Mercury and the Earth. The higher moun- cans will neither treat nor fight; and although tains in Venus range between 10 and 22 miles our armies move as slow as possible, they can- now more clearly than ever where our faults in altitude. The planet is also enveloped in not well avoid progressing through the coun- lie; contrast exposes them; but they are all an atmosphere like that by which animal and try in time, and are bound to furnish protection twigs upon the rising trunk, which the keen vegetable life is supported on earth; and it as far as they go. We shall see. knife of national experience, age, and the has consequently a twilight. Venus performs The Sea and Wave Roaring. calm that must succeed the rush and tumult of its revolution round the sun in 225 days. Men- The steamer Great Western, which arrived our giant and boisterous infancy will cut off. With greater pride than ever, however much I cury and Venus have been termed the Inferior at this port last week, reports having encoun- Planets, as being placed within the orbit of the tered one of the most terrific storms ever known may like the Old World, and especially Eng- Earth. on the Atlantic Ocean. Capt. Mathews is said land, I look over the Ocean to America for an exemplification of what the world has not The Earth, the third planet in order, and one to have remarked that at three different times known, an Earthly paradise for humanity. of the smaller size, though not the smallest, is the ship was approached by seas of such mag- It is but, three quarters of a century, remem- important to us, as the theatre on which our nitupe and power that he thought destruction her, since we were nationally born: give us the race have been placed to live, move, and inevitable; but unexpectedly each broke just fourteen hundred years that have nursed and have their being. It is 7902 miles in mean before reaching the vessel. The passengers cultivated this Island, and where is the limit diameter, rotating on its axis in 24 hours, at a assembled in the cabin where they joined in of our perfection and strength? On either mean distance of 95,000,000 of miles from the religious service, and in the solemn administra- side of that Mississippi back-bone of ours to sun, round which it revolves in 365 days, 5 tion of the Lords supper. Their lives were the Oceans, and as far north and south as free- hours, 56 minutes, and 57 seconds. As a plan- preserved, but some of them appeared to for- dom and knowled~,e can pierce, America must et viewed from anotl~r of the planets, sup- get their obligations to their preserver very be a garden and a goal, filled with every ex- pose the moon, It would present a pretty, va- quick after gettin0 safe on shore. cellence and beauty, beyond which there can negated, and sometimes a mottled appearance. An American Slave in England. be no advance. We shall not live to see it, The distinction between its seas, oceans, conti- Dou0las, who escaped from slavery and but it will come, only let us pull careful and nents, and islands, would be clearly marked; found his way to England, has received mark- stea(iy. We have been Dickensd and Trollopd they would appear like brighter and darker ed attention from the nobility and gentry. of and it should do us good. Nothing but the spots upon its disc. The continents would ap- England. He has attended their soirees, occu- grandeur that lies germinating in our heart pear bright, and the ocean of a darker hue, pied the most honorable positions at their din- because water absorbs the greater part of the ner pai heir carriages, flirted with provokes this idle spleen from our neighbors ties, rode in and the moment we cool down and think an~ solar light that falls upon it. The level plains, their daughters, walked arm and arm through curb ourselves the rest is secure. (excepting, perhaps, such regions as the Ara- their gardens with lords, viscounts, counts and New bian deserts of sand) would appear of a some- mayors of cities. Glass Factory. what darker color than the more elevated and Erastus Corning & Co. are about establish- mountainous regio os, as we find to be the case Many of the girls employed in the mills of ing a factory near the ferry at Troy, for the on the surface of the moon. The islands would the Nashua Corporation, have refused to work manufacture of all kinds of glass ware. The work is fast progressing, and in about four appear like small bright specks on the darker by candlelight. They may be right. surface of the ocean; and the lakes and medis weeks they will commence blowing. It will THE terranean seas like darker spots or broad streaks SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. afford employment to a large number of men, intersecting the bright parts, or the land. By Persons wishing to subscribe for this paper, and will, no doubt, meet with that success its revolution round its axis, successive pun- have only to enclose the amount in a letter dl- which it certainly merits. tions of the surface would be brought into rected (post paid) to Result of Observation. view, and present a different aspect from the MUNN & COMPANY, The editor of the New Haven Herald sets it parts which preced.d.(Dicks Celestial Sce- Publishers of the Scientific American, New down as a fact in natural history, proved by nery, 135.) York City. his experience for years, that when a traveller The form of the earth, and probably that of TERMS.$2 a year; ONE DOLLAR IN rides up to a toll gate, the keeper- if a man, every other planet, is not strictly spheroidal; ADVANCEthe remainder in 6 months. invariably brings out a box, or a handful of that is, flattened a little at the poles, or ex- Postmasters are respectfully reque~ted to change; but if a woman, she comes out and tremities of the axis. The diameter of the receive subscriptions for this paper, to whk takes the travellers coin, and then goes back e arth at the axis is 56 miles less than in the a discount of 25 per cent will be allowed. for the change. cross direction. This peculiarity of the form Any person sending us 4 subscribers for 6 ___ Snags and other obstructions Pa the Western is a consequence of the rotatory motion, as months, shall receive a copy of the paper for rivers, are now denominated Pot/c s~cslks. will be afterwards explained, the same length of time. 21 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Observations on the more recent Re- searches concerning the operations of the Blast Furnace in the lilanufacture of Iron. BY Dli. 3. L. SMITH. The great difference existing between met- alurgical operations of the present day, and those of a former period, is owing chiefly to the ameliorations produced by the application of the science of chemistry to the nzodus ope- randi of the various changes taking place during the operations, from their commence- ment to their termiiiation. Copper and some other metals are now made to assume forms in the chemists laboratory, that formerly required great artistical skill for their productionthe chemist simply making use of such agents and forces as are at his com- mand, and over which he has, by close analy- tical study, acquired perfect control. Our ob- ject, at present, is only to advert to the chemi- cal investigations more recently made on tile manufacture of iron, treating of those changes that occur in the ore, coal and flux, that are thrown in at tile mouth of the furnace, and in the air thrown in from below. For most that will he said on this subject, we are prin- cipally indebted to tile recent interesting re- searches of M. Ebelman. The importance of a knowled~e of the facts to be brought forward, in this article, will he apparent to every one in any way acquainted with the manufacture of iron. It will be seen that the time is not far distant when the econo- my in the article of fuel will amount in value to the present profit of many of the works. The consequences must be, that many of those works that are abandoned will be resumed, and others erected in localities formerly thought unfit. It is well known that the blast furnace is the first into which the ore is introduced, for the purpose of converting it into malleable iron, and much, therefore, depends upon the state in which the pig metal passes from this furnace, whether subsequent operations will furnish an iron of the first quality or not. In putting the blast furnace into operation, the first step is to heat it for some time with coal only. After the furnace has arrived at a proper temperature, ore, fuel and flux, are thrown in alternately, in small quantities, so as to have the three ingredients properly mix- ed in their descent. In from 25 to 4S hours from the time when the ore is first thrown in, the entire capacity of the furnace, from the tuyer to the mouth, is occupied with the ore, fuel and flux, in their various stages of trans- formation. In order to explain clearly, and in as short space as possible, what these transformations are, and how they are brought about, we may consider :l. The changes that take place in the descending mass, composed of ore, fuel and flux. 2. The changes that take place in the ascending mass, composed of air and its hygrometric moisture, thrown in at the tuyer. 3. The chemical action goin~ on between the ascending and descendin~ masses. 4. The composition of the gases in various parts of the furnace during its operation. - 5. The causes that render necessary the great heat of the blast furnace. 1. Changes that take place in the descend- ing mass, composed of ore, coal and flu~c. By coal is here meant charcoal; when any other species of fuel is alluded to, it will be specified. In the upper half of the fire-room the materials are subjected to a comparatively low temperature, and they lose only the moist- ure, volatile matter, hydrogen, and carbonic acid, that they may contain; this chan0e tak- ing place principally in the lower part of the upper half of the fire-room. In the lower half of the fire-room, the ore is the only material that undergoes a change, it b4ing converted wholly or in part into iron or magnetic oxide of ironthe coal is not altered, no consumption of it taking place from the mouth down to the commeocement of the boshes. From the commencement of the boshes down to the tuyer, the reduction of the ore is ~ompleted. Very little of the coal is consu- m~l between the boshes and in the upper part of the hearth; the principal consumption of it taking place in the immediate nei0hborhood of the tuyer. The fusion of the iron and sla~, occurs at The fact is generally known that nearly all liquids contain a variety of minute living ani- mals, though in some they are too small for observation, even with a microscope. In others, especially in water that has been long stagnant, these animals appear not only in hi- deous forms, but with malignant and voracious propensities. The print at the head of this ar- ticle purports to be a microscopic representa- tion of a single drop of such water, with the various animals therein, and some of the in- ventors and venders of the various improved filters for the Croton water, ~ould have no objection to the prevalence of the opinion that this water contains all the variety of monsters a short distance above the tuyer, and it is in the hearth of the furnace that tile iron com- bines with a portion of coal to form the fusible carburet or pig-iron. It is also on the hearth that the flux combines with the siliceous and other impurities of the ore. This concludes the changes which the ore, coal and flux, un- dergo, from the mouth of the furnace to the tuyer. If the fuel used he wood, or partly wood, it is during its passage through the upper half of .the fire-room that its volatile parts are lost, and it becomes converted into charcoal. M. Ebelman ascertained that wood, at the depth of ten feet, in a fire-room twenty-six feet high, preserved its appearance after an exposure for 1 3-4 of an hour, and that the mineral mixed with it preserved its moisture at this depth; but three and a half feet lower, an exposure of 3 1-4 ho~irs reduced the wood to perfect charcoal, and the ore to magnetic oxide. The temperature of the upper half of the fire-room, when wood is used, is lower than in the case of charcoal, from the great amount of heat made latent by the vapor aris- ing from the wood. In the case of bituminous coal, Bunsen and Playfair find that it has to descend still lower before it is perfectly coked. After the wood is completely charred, or the coal become coked, the subsequent chan- ges are the same that happen in the charcoal furnaces. To be continued. Length of Days. represented in this cut. But the fact is far otherwise; and it is doubtful whether these animals could frequently be detected in the Croton water, with the best solar microscope. Nevertheless, the fact is readily and clearly established that the Croton water contains a quantity of deleterious matter, which is ar- rested by the filters; and, on this account, we cheerfully and heartily recommend the adop- tion of filters by all who use this water, from either the public or private hydrants. To this end we would call the special attention of our city readers to the improved filters noticed under the head of New Inventions. Excitement of Curiosity. The editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer, hav- ing been one of a recent excursion party on the opening of a new section of railroad, re- marks on the occasion, It is really amusing to see tIle sensation a train of railroad cars pro- duces on all animate beings, human and brute, for the first few times it passes over a section of road. We saw herds of cattle, sheep, and horses, stand for a few seconds and gaze at the passin~ train, then turn and run for a few rods with all possible speed, stop and look again with eyes distended, and head and ears erect, seemingly so frightened at the tram~ of the iron horse as to have lost the power of locomo- tion. Men women and children also seemed dumbfounded at the strange and unusual spect- acle. As the cars came rumblin~ along early in the morning, they seemed to bring everybody out of bed, all eager to catch a glance as we whirled past. Old men and women, middle- aged and youth, without waiting to put on a rag in addition to their night gear, were seen at the doors, windows and round the corners of log huts and dwellings, gaping with wonder and astonishment at the new, and to them brand and terrfic sight. [COMMUNICATED.] At the last special meeting of the National Association of Inventors, called to hear the report on the rights aud duties of the Editors of the Eureka, on a resolution offered by one of the Editorial Committee who had been dis- satisfied by the proceedings of the Acting Editors, and refused to attend their sittings, it was reported that the Acting Editors, had exceeded their authority, and a majority of the Editorial Committee resigned and a resolution was passed that the resignation should be pub- lished in the Eureka, but it has not appeared. Mr. Kingsley, one of the ~cting Editors, spoke at the said meeting of having consulted counsel who had declared that the Association were under a legal obligation to furnish Messrs. Kingley & Pirsson with matter for publication in the Eureka, and on the under- standing that they had advanced money they way, the day lasts from the 21st of May to the were allowed to have the first use of the re- 22d of July, without interruption; and in ports and advertisements of the Association. Spitzbergen, the longest day lasts three months But as they in effect refuse to publish a resolu ~nd a half. \tion of great importance to the reputation of At Berlin and London the longest day has sixteen and a half hours. At Stockholm and Upsal, the longest has eighteen and a half hours, and the shortest five and a half. At Hamburg, Dantzic, and Stettin, the longest day has seventeen hours, and the shortest seven. At St. Petersburg and Tobolsk, the longest has nineteen, and the shortest five hours. At Toreno, in Finland, the longest day has twenty-one hours and a half, and the short- est two and a half At Wandorbus, in Nor- all the parties interested, it is left for the pub- lic to decide whether the Acting Editors are in any respect entitled to the name they hare assumed for their paper. ONE OF THE EDITORIAL COMMIYrER. HUMOROUS. To my Sweetheart. Youre a broth of creature, In form and in feature,. Its myself that now tells you that same, And sure, by my troth, Ill not be very wroth, If youll plaze me by changing your name What a swate little wife, As a partner for life, My darlint, tis you might be living; And Im just the boy, To wish you much joy, When your heart its to me youll be giving. Im half deadbotheration! With sad consternation Of your flirting it is that Im speaking; So plaze to be thinking, When youre winking and blinking. Its my own honest heart that youre braking. The divil a haper, Will I stand of a caper, Twould kill me to find you deceiving; By my sowl and Id die, And that same is no lie, Before Id be kilt by me grieving. Then spake but the word. My nate little bird, That youre niver a mans but mine; And straight to the praist, Its myself thatll haste, To make you my swate walantine! [Teddy Magowan. Boys and Men. A youthful volunteer, the other day, out in Arkansas, was taunting a married gentleman,. who had a wife and three small children de- pending upon him, for not rallying to the stardard of his country, soon after the requisi- tion upon that State arrived. Tom, said our friend, you boys can whip the Mexicans, but should old England take a hand in the pie, Ill join, for it will require men to whip the Eng- lish. Trusting too Long. We recollect that a weekly paper was start- ed, some years ago, in one of the Western States, the terms of which were $2,50 in ad- vance, $3 at the end of the yearto which the editor jocosely added in a para~,raph, and $ii if never paid. We think that most of his subscribers took the paper upon the latter terms, since it has been non est. He played a joke upon himself Business Stand. A Frenchman, being about to remove his shop, his landlord inquired the reason, stating, at the time, that it was considered a very good stand for business. He replied, with a shrug of the shoulders, Oh, yes, hes very good stand for de businis; by gar, tue stan all day, for nobody come to make me move! Plain Directions. Represent me in my portrait, said a gentle- man to his painter,with a book in my hand read- ing aloud. Paint my servant also in a corner where he cannot be seen, but in such a man- ner that he may hear me when I call him. ilomogeiteous. Joe Snooks, seeing some farmers boys em- ployed, some at hoeing and others at mowing,. in the same field, remarked that they were a hoe-mow-geneous set of fellows. The Louisville Journal, philosophizing on the recent commencement of several newspa- pers, gives the following poetic remark Income and inkem, Although you may linkem, Are not such first cousins as some folks may thinkem. We did not expect to mention large peaches again; but the Louisville Journal speaks of a lot which measumed nearly twelve inches each, in circumference. 22 ANIMALCULA~ IN WATER. Proposition of a New Patent Law. The following remarks and proposition, which we copy from the Farmer and Mecha- nic, was written by a prominent member of the National Association of Inventors, and ex- presses the sentiments of a large majority of the members of that Association. No pefson who carefully examines the subject, can fail of seeing that the cause of justice and equity, as well as the advance of improvement, would be promoted by the substitution of the princi- ples therein expressed, in place of some of those embraced in the existing patent laws of the United States. We advance the principle, which may be novel to some, that if the inventor apply genius, time, toil, and capital, to produce any- thing he may consider valuable, he has the same right to the exclusive use and enjoyment of it as the man who may apply time, and toil, and capital, without genius. That the appli- cation of genius does not divest him of any right enjoyed by all others in society. It is true, the creations of genius ar~ some- times intangible, but that is no objection; all rights are abstractions, until embodied in con- stitutions ~nd laws, and rendered practical by penalties. If an inventor can define the limits of his claim, he is entitled to protection in it just the same as when a deed is put on record, limiting the boundaries of a lot of ground. All rights to real property are traced back to original discovery and occupancy, and now all the in- ventor desires, or nearly all, in any patent law, is a simple registry, just as we find in our Halls of RecoiA. The Commissioner of Pa- tents should be called the Register of Patents. Indeed, grants of land, as they are termed, have frequently been registered by the name of patents, in our Halls of Records, so strong is the analogy, if not perfect similarity. Then what should be the Patent Law? We answer, by sections, at once. The first should be declaratory of the rights of inventors, as follows: SEC. 1. The application of capital, time, skill and ingenuity, to the production of new and useful discoveries, shall be protected un- der the 5th article of the Amendments to the Constitution, which forbids private use with- out the consent of the owner, and for public use without just compensation. SEC. 2. Should any invention or discovery be deemed of great importance to the general prosperity, its value shall be appraised on the requisition of the Sacretary of State, which value, when ascertained, as hereinafter provi- ded, shall be paid to the inventor from the Treasury of the United States, and, until this payment shall take place, the discovery of any inventor duly qualified to take out a patent, shall remain his property, and inalienable without his consent or the consent of his legal representatives. SEC. 3. Any inventor or discoverer who may desire a patent for any discovery of his own, shall make oath or solemnly affirm there- to, and any specification, drawing or model, he may see fit to deposite with the Register of Patents, shall be received by him and recorded, as a matter of evidence of original right. SEC. 4. There shall be no salaried Exami- ners of Patents, but each patentee may contract on any terms he may see fit with any Patent Agent or Examiner, to examine the Records of the Patent office, on the payment often dol- lars fee for the use of the books and privilege of the Patent Office, and no more fees than this first $10 shall he charged on any single patent, excepting five dollars each for every record of transfer of rights or par~ of rights. Nor shall the fees he raised until it may be discovered that they will not support the expenses of the Patent Office. And it is provided, no expenses for the improvement of agriculture, or any purpose foreign to the business of the registry of Patents, and the necessary books and build- ings, and salaries of the register, librarian and two clerks and door-keeper, shall be charged upon the Patent Fund. SEC. 5. The Commissioner of Patents shall give advice of a scientific and legal character as he may be desired and qualified to do, to in- ventors. He may guaranty the originality of any invention at his own risk, at any price he may agree upon with any inventor to give cer- tificates thereof, and this shall not interfere with his regular salary. But it is provided that the Commissioner shall not in any manner prevent others from examining and guarantying the originality of any invention for which a patent may he desired. And it is also provided that any Commissioner, Register, Clerk, Attorney, Examiner or Agent, who may give a 0uar anty or warrant of the novelty of any invention shall be held responsible in costs on any infor- mation to be filed by any party who may feel himself agrieved, to rescind the patent which may not be an original invention of the claim- ant so guarantied. SEc. 6. To rescind a patent, any party feel- ing himself aggrieved may file information in the District Court of the United States, of the district in which the patentee resides, notify- ing the patentee of such information filed, with what the former intends to prove, and where the patentee may discover the evidence relied upon by the informer, on which, the patentee may surrender his patent without costs should he so elect. But should the patentee determine to stand trial, he shall plead to such informa- tion within twenty days, denying the allega- tions of the informer, on which the trial shall proceed in its !regular order on the calendar, and the patentee, if found wilfully and know- ingly a monopolizer of the public rights, shall suffer costs and the reasonable expenses and counsel fee of the informer. And if such in- ventor shall make oath he has not been ena- bled to examine the proofs on which the in- former relies to rescind his patent, he shall be allowed such further time as the court having jurisdiction may prescribe. And the court may make an order to the informer to exhibit fully his evidence of priority of invention, ..and no other evidence than has been exhibited to the inventor excepting rebutting, shall be in troduced on the trial to rescind the patent. SEC. 7. The Commissioner of Patents shall collect and keep in the Patent Office all the scientific works published and useful for refer- ences, and pay the expenses of the same from the patent fund. But the Commissioner shall not subscribe for more than three copies of any publication for the use of the office as aforesaid out of the Patent Fund. SEC. 8. The application of any known ma- chinery or matter of combination of machinery, or matter to new purposes or old purposes after a new method, or any means by which useful results are to be more advantageously produced than formerly, shall be the subject of a patent. SEC. 9. A method, plan, design, or any new and useful idea, which can be defined, shall be the subject of a patent. SEc. 10. A simple change of form shall not entitle any one to evade the patent of any in- ventor by a new patent. The above are the principal improvements desired by inventors. Some think it not well to ask for all they want at once, but we think differently, for it will be said hereafter, when new amendments are desired, Gentlemen, you petitioned for the very provisions you now seek to have annulled. Your own committee was here at Washington assenting. What an- swer will there be to this? None can be made without confusion of face for having ever as- sented to a wrong. We do not desire to censure the committee charged with the mission to Washington. They have thought to act prudently and for the greatest good. We differ only on the real ex- pediency of the case. We do not helieve that such men as Benton, Calhoun, and other kin- dred spirits, ask or desire anything hut what they think is ri~ht. They will not sacrifice their reputation against a body of men to whom the Republic owe so much, and who have so long suffered in silence. The law as it now stands, is an improvement on the former law, and eunsid- ering how low was the state of morals in for- mer tinies respecting inventors, such senti- ments as have been advanced by Judge Wood- bury, and which are in spirit the same as the above, are destined ultimately to prevall. And those who choose to record their names in op- position are free to do so, as are also the tribe of persecutors who in all ages have stoned the prophets. The principle endeavored to be followed throughout, is that of the common and stat- utes laws respecting the rights to real proper- ty. It may tend to create litigation, as to claims which are now refused entirely, but if no litigation or less is the grand desideratum, why not estabtish a dictatorship at once? The usz nsxsv of one man will then prevent all argument. But the rinhts of property and ju- ry trial in all cases are ours by the constitution and equally are we entitled by the constitu- tion to the pursuit of happiness and wealth in mrial regions as on the common earthand if we may not be divested of our other property without certain laws and a fair jury trial, why should we be of patent property? And if pa- tent agents presume to beguile honest invent- ors, why should they not be held responsible? They may refuse to hack their operations by a guaranty, but then the inventor has a right to know it, and to know he has a remedy, should they do so improperly. The Clerk of one of our Courts guarantied the searches of one of his Clerks as to a piece of real property, and had to pay some ten thousand dollars, and why should jt not be so. When a tailor makes a coat he warrants it to fit, and when a surgeon sets a leg unscien- tifically he is also responsible in damages to his patient, and as is an attorney for negligent practice. Holding examiners responsible will leave the patent office open to the filing of new claims at the same time that it will prevent a world of litigation, favoritism and corruption. We are not striking at our present worthy Commissioner, Mr. Burke. We are friendly to him. But the more honest a man may be, the sooner will he find himself displaced, if the office he holds may be used to grasp a vast amount of patronage and property. ADVERTISEMENTS. 6z~- THIS paper circulatei in every State in the Union, and is seen principally by mechanics and manufacturers. Hence it may be considered the best medium of advertising, for those who import or man- ufacture machinery, mechanics tools, or such wares and materials as are generally used by those classes. The few advertisements in this paper are regarded with much more attention than those in closely printed dailies. Advertisements are inserted in this paper at the following rates One square, of eight lines one insertion, $ 0 60 two do., 76 three do., 1 oo one month, 6 26 three do., 3 75 six do., 760 twelve do., 15 00 TERMS :CASH IN ADVANCE. GENERAL AGENTS FOR THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. New York City, - GEe. DEXTER. - Was. TAYLOR & Co. Boston, - . - - - Messrs HOTCHEISS & Co. Philadelphia, - - - Messrs. COLON & AnRIANCE. LOCAL AGENTS. Albany, - - - - PETER COOK. Baltimore, Md., - - S. S.srsos. Cabotville, Mass., - - E. F. BRoWN. Hartford, Ct., - - E. H. BowERs. Lynn, Mass, - - - J. E. F. MARSH. Middletown, Ct., - - VIio. WoonwARn. Norwich, Ct., - - - SAFFORn & PARKS. New Haven, Ct., - - E. Dow,sEs. New Bedford, Mass., - VIM. ROsINSON & Co. Newark, N. J., - - J. L. AGENS. Patterson, N. J., - - L. GARSIDE. Providence, R. I., - - H. & J. S. ROWE. Springfield, Mass., - - WM. B. BROCKET. Salem, Mass., - - - L. CHANnLER. Tiny, N. Y., - - - A. SMITH. Taunton, Mass., - - VI. P. SEATER. Worcester, Mass., - - S. THOMPSON. Boston, - . - . Jordon & Wiley. Newark, N. J- - - Robert Rashaw. Williams burgh, - - J. C. Gander. TRAVELLING AGENTS. 0. D. DAVIS, JOHN STOUGHTON, JOHN MURRAY, SYL TESTER DIECFENOP.F. CITY CARRIERS. CLARK SELLECK, SQUIRE SELLECE, NATHAN SELLECK. Persono residing in the city or Brooklyn, can have the paper left at their residences regularly, by sesid- lug their address to the office, 128 Fu I ton it., Sd floor. AMERICAN AND FOREIGN PATENT AGENCY, No. 23 Chambers street, New York. I OSEPH H. BAILEY, Engineer asid Agent for pro- cJ curing Patents, will prepare all the necessary Specifications, Drawings, & c. for applicants for Pa- tents, in the United States or Europe. Having the experience of a number of years in the business, and being connected with a gentleman of high character and ability in England, he has facilities for enabling inventors to obtain thesr Patents at home or abroad with the least expense and trouble. The subscriber, being practically acquainted with all the various kinds of Drawing used, is able to rep. resent Machinery, Inventions, or Designs of any kind, either by Authographic Drawing, or in Isome- trical, Parallel, or True Perspective, at any angle boot calculated to show the construction of the lOsa- chinery or Design patented. To those deoiring Drawings or Specifications, Mr. B. has the pleasure of referring to Gen. VIm. Gibbs McNieI, Civil Engineer, Prof. Renwick, Columbia College, Prof. Morse, Jno. Lee. Residence, No. 10 Carroll Place; office, No. Chambers street. oct10 tf B LACK LEAD POTS The subscriber offers for in lots to suit porchasers, a superior article of BLACK LEAD POTS, that can be used without annealing. The price is low, and founders are re. quested to make a trial. SA~IUEL C. HILLS, 4Sto.2ndv6 Patent A~ent, 12 Putt street. 23 STATE OF NEW YORK. SECRETARYS OFFICE, ALBANY, July 24,1846. Ti~ 0 the She riO of the City and County of New I York: SirNotice is hereby given, that at the next General Election, to be held on the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November next, the following officers are to be elected, to wit :A Gov- ernor and Lieutenant Governor of this State. 2 Canal Commissioners, to supply the place of Jonas Earll, junior, and Stephen Clark, whose terms of service will expire on the last day of December next. A Se- nator for the First Senatorial District, to aupply the vacancy which will accrue by the expiration of the term of service of John A. Lott on the last day of De- cember next. A Representative in the 30th Congress of the United States for the Third Congressional Dis- trict, conaistin,, of the lot, Sd, 3d, 4th and 5th Wards of the City of New York. Also a Representative in the said Congress for the Fourth Congressional Dis- trict, consisting of the 6th, 7th, 10th and 13th Wards of said City. Also a Representative in the said Con- gress for the Fifth Congressional Diotrict, consisting of the 8th, 9th and 14th Wards of said city. And al- so a Representative in the said Congress for the Sixth Congressional Diotrict, conoistin~g of ihe 11th, 12th, 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th Wards o said City. Also the following officers for the said County, to wit : 16 Members of Assembly, a Sheriffin the place of William Jones, whose term of service will expire on the last day of December next. A County Clerk in the place of James Conner, whose term of service will expire on the last day of December next, and a Coroner in the place of Edmund G. Rawoon, whose term of service will expire on the last day of Decem- ber next. Yours, respectfully, N. S. BENTON, Secretary of State. SHERIFFS OFFICE, New York, August 3d, 1846. The above is published pursuant to the notice of the Secretary of State and the requirements of the statute in such case made and provided for. VIM. JONES, Sheriff of the City and County of New York. 1313 All the public newspapers in the County will pub 1 lob the above once in each week until election, and then hand in their bills so that they may be laid before the Board of Supervisors, ahd passed for pay. mont. See Revised 6tatutes, vol. 1, chap. vi. title 3d, arti- cle 3dpart lot, page 140. aug18 BRASS FOUNDRY. I AMES KENNEARD & CO. respectfully inform t~ their friondo and the public that they are prepared to furnish all orders for Brass and Composition Cast- ings, and finishing in general at the olsorteot possible notice. NB. All orders for Rail Road, Factory and Steam- boat work from any distance, will be thankfully re- ceived and attended to with. deopatch and on reason- able terms. ~Patterns made to order. JAMES KENNEARD & CO. oct. 10 3m0 27 1-2 Chrystie ot. New York. 13rj.-NOTICERC. VIETMORE & CO. RETURN their thanks to the Fire Departm6nt and Police, for the zealous exertions used by them in saving the pro- perty in the store No. 85 Water otreet, at the fire this evening. K. C. Wetmore & Co. desire especially to acknow- ledge the aid of his honor the Mayor, in preserving their bunko and papers. Tuesday Night. PROSPER 151. WETMORE, Navy Agent, begs to return isis grateful acknowledgment to his Honor the Mayor., the members of the Fire Department, and Municipal Police, for the assistance rendered him in saving all the books and papers of the Navy Agency from the fire this evening, Tuesday night. NOTICE. The Office of the Navy Agent is removed for the present to the back office of the store No. 11 Broad street. PROSPER 151. WETMORE, Navy Agent. ~A1l city papers please copy, and send bilL olO 3t NI%W IMPROVEMEN.T.M. H. Mansfield, of Mif- ilutown, Juniata Co., Pennsylvania, has inven- ted a new CLOVER HULLING MACHINE, which is one of the best inventions of the kind now in use. This machine will hull forty bushels of seed per day. Persons wishing to manufacture them can procure the right on moderate terms from the inventor. For further particulars, address MARTIN H. MANSFIELD, oct. 3 3t~ Mifflintown, Juniata Co. Pa. COPPER SMITH The subscriber takes this method of informing the public that he is manu- facturing Copper Work of every description. Par- ticular attention is given to maklng and repairing LOCOMOTIVE tubes. Those at a diotance can have any kind of work made to drawings, and may ascertain coots, & c., by addresoing L. R. BAILEY, cor. of West and Franklin ots., N. Y. N. BWork shipped to any part of the ~ountry. 45to2dv18 ELECTRICITY. SBRATING TORPEDO, OR VI- ELECTRO MAGNETIC MACHINE This instrument differs from those in ordinary use, by havisik a third connection with the battery, ren- dering them much more powerful and beneficial. As a CURIOUS ELECTRICAL MACHINE, they should be in the possession of every one, while their wonderful efficacy as a medical agent, rendero them invaluable. They are used with extraordinary success, for the following maladies. RHEUMATISMPalsy, curvature of the SpiRe, Chronic Diseases, Tic-doloureaux, Paralysis Tuber- cula of the brain, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, sick- headache. TGOTHACHESt Vitus dance, Epilepsy, Fevers, diseates of the eye, nose, assirum, throat, muscles cholera, all diseses of the skin, face, & c. DEAFNESSLoss of voice, Bronchitis, Hooping cough. These machines are perfectly simple and con- veniently managed. The whole apparatus is con- tained in a little box 8 inches long, by 4 wide and deep. They may be easily sent to any part of the United States. To be had at the office of the Scien- tiffic Americcan, 128 Fulton ot, 2nd floor, (Sun build- ing) whose they snay be seen IN OPERATION, at all times of the day and evening. 2 GOLD PENS! In consequence of the increased facility afforded by Inaclsinery for the manufac- ture of my GOLD PENS, I am enabled to furnish them to the Trade, at a much less price than they have heretofore obtained them through my Agent. Those purchasing direct of the manufacturer will have the double advantage of the lowest market price, and the privilege of returning thooe that are imperfect. In connection with the above, I am man- ufacturing the usual style of PENHOLDER, together with my PATENT EXTENSION PENHOLDER with PENCIL. All orders thankfully received, and punctusally attended to. A. G. BAGLEY, sept. 25 tI 189 Broadway,N. Y. Engraving on Wood M EATLY AND PROxOPTLT EXECUTED AT .i.~the OFFICE OF THE SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, 128 Fulton ot, three doors from the Sun Office. Designs, DRAWINGS of all kinds for PATENTS, & c., also made, as above, at very low charges. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Mr. Dent, in a lecture delivered before the London Royal Institute, made an allusion to the formation of a watch, and stated that a watch consists of 992 pieces; and that 40 trades, and probably 215 persons are employed in making one of these little machines. The iron of which the balance wheel is formed, is ~alued at something less than a farthing; this produces an ounce of steel, worth 4 1-2 pence, which is drawn into 2,250 yards of steel wire, and represents in the market, 131. 3s.; but still another process of hardening this originally a farthings worth of iron, renders it workable into 7,650 balance springs, which will realize, at the common price, of 2s. 6d each 7461 Ss, the effect of labor alone. Thus it may be seen that the mere labor bestowed upon one far- things worth *if iron, gives it the value of 9501. Ss, or $4,552, which is 75,680 times its origin- al value. Mule Boats. This kind of conveyance is, we believe, pe- culiar to the Illinois River, for we never re- member to have seen one belonging to any other stream. A year or two since, we were perfectly astonished at beholding the first one that ever arrived in this port; but now they are as common as the species usually termed broad horns, and their appearance creates about as much surprise and curiosity among the more aristocratic order of steam and sail. A genuine mule boat is not unlike an ocean steamer, as they are susceptible of being pro- pelled both by steirm and wind; with this dif- ference, the mule-boat steam is generated upon the tread-mill plan, and by the united exertions of some half dozen quadrupeds, gene- rally of the long-eared kind. To this tread- ing or pulling apparatus are attached cylinder, pitt-man, boilers, & c., in the shape of some three or more cog-wheels, and immediately connected with them is a couple of shafts, which give a rotary motion to a couple of wa- ter-wheels, one on each side, and which usu- ally propel a keel about 100 feet in length, and~ of about 75 tons burthen; over it is a roof and covering, usually called a cargo box, to protect the inside from the weather, and the whole making an appearance similar to an Ohio river keel boat, with the exception of a space left her to operate in. The difficulty and dan- ger attending the management of a boat pro- pelled by steam, is upon the mule boat en- tirely dispensed with. There is no firing up, or blowing up; all that is necessary, when wishing to commence a journey, is to start, and when tired of going, all that is to be done is to stop the mules; in giving a sick ahead, they are all made to bounce at once, and in giving a lick back, they are turned around and made to pull the other way; and should the wind prove favor- able, by means of a mast, with which th,ey are all provided, sails can be hoisted, and the double power of mules and wind be put in requisition. This description of boat is get- ting to be quite fashionable on the Illinois and trlbutaries, and some two or three extend their trips to this city. They are a great benefit in low water, as they are of exceeding light draught, and the running of them is attended with but trifling expense. We learn that seve- ral new ones are in a state of completion, on the line of the Illinois, intended as regular traders up the Sangamon river, and from the head of navigation so the Illinois to this city. There is nothing like enterprise, or a mule boat on the Illinois, in a low stage of water, to get along~jSt. Lonis New Era. Discovery of Glass. As some merchants, says Pliny, were car- rying nitre, they stopped near a river which issues from Mount Carmel. As they could not readily find stones to rest their kettles on, they used for this purpose some of these pieces of nitre. The fire, which gradually dissolved the nitre, and mixed it with the sand, occa- sioned a transparent matter to flow, which in fact was nothing less than glass. Pumping the water out of Lake Michigan. It is well known to our readers that, by an arrangement with the English hond holders, the State of Illinois has given over to them the unfinished canal, from the waters of Lake Michigan, at Chicago, to the Illinois river. They are about completing it, but the princi- pal difficulty now is, to supply it with water, owing to the level of the lake being eight feet below the bottom of the canal. To overcome this, the present company, after various pro- positions, finally bethought themselves of rais- ing the water of the lake, so as to supply the canal. They went to Messrs. Knapp & Tot- ten, of this city, and furnished them with a data to calculate whether it could be done, and what force and what machinery would accomplish it. These gentlemen soon fur- nished an answer, and the other day received an order to build some powerful machinery for that purpose,a steam engine and eight pumps of four and a half bore and six feet stroke. We are glad to hear that thai emi- nently scientific firm have been selected to execute this order. Their shop and mecha- nical force are not excelled by any establish- ment in the United States.[Pittshurg Gaz. The Self-Regulating Ventilator. C D Explanation :This is a cheap and simple but scientific apparatus for regulating the air- vent of a common, cheap stove, according to the temperature of the atmosphere in the room in which it is located. The draught door is a plain iron door, hung by a common hinge joint at the upper end; and to the front of the hinge is attached a piece of brass wire, which extends vertically nearly to the top of the room, and is connected at B to a horizontal brass wire C D. This is the only apparatus required, but must he so adjusted as to allow the door to be closed, or nearly so, when the temperature is about right. If the temperature rises above that point, the horizontal wire will immediately expand so as to allow the door to close. But as soon as the temperature begins to fall, the wire contracts and opens the vent. On this principle the apparatus will readily find a me- diurn, and there remain, varying only occa- sionally to accommodate itself to the variations of the quantity of fuel in the stove. The entire expense of this apparatus, exclusive of the stove, will not exceed 50 cents. It is gene- rally conceded that a large portion of cases of colds, coughs, & c. are occasioned by irregu- larities of the temperature of sitting-rooms but with this plan of regulation this evil may be avoided without any material expense. New Paper Mill. Mr. C. C. P. Moses has erected a fine brick building, 75 by 38 feet, three stories high, on the site of the old foundry, at Dover, N. H., for a paper mill. The cost is estimated at $12,000 to $15,000. The rooms are construct- ed and furnished in a complete manner for carrying on the paper making business in all its departments. The works are nearly com- pleted, and will be in operation in five or six weeks. New Mifl at Lowell. The Merrimack Company have in progress of erection the largest mill in Lowell, and which is calculated to employ from 300 to 400 operatives. The building is nearly finished, and the machinery is to embrace the latest im- provements in this or any other country. Machine Shop. A new machine shop is about commencing operation in Norwich: about half a mile north- east from the railroad depot. The building is 100 by 40 feet, and is calculated to employ 60 hands in the manufacture of steam engines and manufacturing machinery. The work at this shop will be finished in the best style and at moderate prices. Ornamental Kites. This month being considered as one of the best for flying kites, we may indulge our young friends with an article on that subject. The principle on which kites are made to ascend by the action of the wind, is too well under- stood, even by children, to require explanation. We shall merely introduce and describe some fancy models of kites, which are not often seen. The pattern, fig. 1, which is the figure called a star, is very easily made. The frame consists simply of five strips, or rods of light wood; spruce timber, willow twigsand in- terlocked, as shown in the cut; so that each rod shall pass alternately over and under the other rods at each intersection. These rods being lashed together at the points, the whole frame is covered with white or yellow paper, and the twine is attached to three of the angles of the star. The eagle, fig. 2, is but little more difficult: a rod extends from the beak to the tail, and is crossed by another which extends from tip to tip of the wings. The rods being lashed to- gether, a small thread is drawn from the place of the head of the eagle, to the two extreme- ties of the wings, and thence to the leeward end of the centre rod. This thread should be white or light blue, and will not be visible when aloft; but the form of the eagle should be made of black, dark or brown paper. The paper eagle must he sewed to the sevetal threads, and two or more threads may extend from the wings to the centre rod to support the feathers of the wings. The eagle kite appears curious, but is not so elegant as The Rose, fig. 3. To construct this figure there must be four light rods of wood, made to cross each other in the centre, being there lashed together, and thus constituting eight arms. From the end of each arm, a thin strip of light wood or reed, is bent in a curved form to the next arm on either side: the bow hem0 lashed to the arms. This frame is cov- ered with white paper, which is to be after- ward colored with rose color, with the yellow centre. The twine must be fastened to four of the arms, and the tail of the kite should be covered with green paper, which by the con- trast, will have a pleasing effect. Rochester Edge Tools In England. Some time since, a Mr. Ash, an extensive manufacturer of Mechanics Tools at Sheffield, England, sent to this country for patterns 01 the latest improvements, and amongst the rest, ordered a variety from Messrs. Barton & Belden of Rochester, which were promptly for- warded. On their arrival there, it seems that their make gave such universal satisfaction, that they were immediately copied, and the fact that they came from this country made promi- nent, by sta~nping upon them Rochester Pattern. An Animal Curiosity. Travellers state that there is on the island of St. Luce a cavern, in which is a large basin twelve or fifteen feet deep, at the bottom of which are rocks. From these rocks proceed certain substances that present at first sight l)eautiful flowers, but on the approach of a hand or instrument, retire like a snail, out of sight! On examination, there appears in the middle of a disk, filaments resembling spiders legs, which moved briskly round a kind of petal. The filaments, or legs, have pincers to seize their prey, when the petals close, so that it cannot escape. Under this flower is the body of an animal, and it is probable he lives on the marine insects thrown by the sea into his basin. Skate Runners. At Drontheim, in Norway, they have a reg- iment of soldiers, called Skate Runners. They wear leg gaiters for travelling in deep snow, and green uniform. They carry a short sword, a rifle fastened by a broad strap passing over, ,the shoulder, aud a climbing staff seven feet long, with a spike in the end. They move so fast in the snow that no cavalry can overtake them, and it does little good to fire cannon balls at them, as they go two or three hundred feet apart. They are very useful soldiers in fol- lowing an enemy on a march. They go over marshes, rivers and lakes at a great rate. A Receipt to make Peach Wine. Take four or five bushels of ripe juicy peach- es, mash or bruise them in a tub, and pour them into a barrel, large enough to contain them, and place it in a cool place. At the bottom of the barrel, before putting in the peaches, some clean straw must be placed to prevent the pumice from filling up the spigot. The head of the barrel must be covered. In about three days the Peach Wine is ready for use. Draw it off, from the spigot, and if care and attention have been adopted, a delicious beverage will be produced. A Novel Enterprise. An expedition, which promises the most important results both to science and commerce is at this moment fitting out in England, for the purpose of navigating some of the more important unexplored rivers in South AmerL ca. It is to be under the command of Lord Ranelagh. Several noblemen and gentlemen. have already volunteered to accompany his lordship, and the enterprising and scientific band, it is said, will sail as soon as the necessa- ry arrangements shall be completed. THE NEW YORK SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN: Published Weekly at 128 Fulton street., (Sun Building,) .TVew York. BY M!JNN & COMPANY. The SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN is the Ad- vocate of Industry and Journal of Mechanical and other Improvements: as such its contents are probably more varied and interesting, than. those of any other weekly newspaper in the United States, and certainly more useful. It contains as much interesting Intelligence as six ordinary daily papers, while for real benefit, it is unequalled by any thing yet published Each number regularly contains from THREE to SIX ORIGINAL ENGRAVINGS, illustra- ted by NEW INVENTIONS, American and Foreign,SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES and CURIOSITIES,Notices of the pro0ress of Mechanical and other Scientific Improvements, Scientific Essays on the principles of the Sci- ences of MECHANICS, CHEMISTRY and ARCHITECTURE,Catalogues of American Patents,INSTRUCTION in various ARTS and TRADES, with engravings,Curious Philosophical Experiments,the latest RAIL ROAD INTELLIGENCE in EUROPE an.d AMERICA,Valuable information on the Art of GARDENING, & c. & c. This paper is especially entitled to the pat- ronage of MECHANICS and MANUFACTU- RERS, being devoted to the interests of those classes. It is particularly useful to FAR- MERS, as it will not only apprise them of IMPROVEMENTS in AGRICULTURAL IM- PLEMENTS, but INSTRUCT them in various MECHANICAL TRADES, and guard against impositions. As a FAMILY NEWSPAPER, it will convey more USEFUL Intelligence to children and young people, than five times its cost in school instruction. Being published in QUARTO FORM, it is conveniently adapted to PRESERVATION and BINDING. TERMSThe Scientific American is sent to subscribers in the country at the rate of $2 a year, ONE DOLLAR IN ADVANCE, the remainder in 6 months. Persons desiring to subscribe, have only to enclose the amount in. a letter, directed to MUNN & COMPANY, Publishers of the Scicntific American, New The first clock that ever measured time was York. made for the Caliph of Bagdad. This art was ~-. Specimen copies sent when desired. All afterwards lost fo r several centuries. letters must be POST PAID. 24 Labor to make a Watch.

THE ADVOCATE OF INDUSTRY AND JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFJC, MECHANICAL AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS. VOL. 2. NEW YORK. OCTOBER 17, 1846. NO. 4. THE NEW YORK SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN: Published Weekly at 128 Fulton Street, (Sun Building,) New York. BY MUWN & COMPANY. RUFUS PORTER, EDITOTh TERMS.$2 a year$1 in advance, and the remainder in 6 months. ~c~- See ..Edvertisement on last page. A General Evaporation. I had a very awful dream I thought that I was dry, And not a drop of water, or Of liquor stuff, was nigh; The cisterns were exhausted, and, The clouds they wouldnt soak; Umbrellas couldnt get borrowed, and Een bullfrogs couldnt croak. The Mississippis bed was dry, And bare the snags all stood; it would have been a comfort to Have seen a little mud; But arid all, and on I went, Just raging like a wolf, Till I got down by the Balize Outout into the Gulf! Still not a drop of waterno And onward still I went, Round the Tortugas, for the broad And deep Atlantic bent; Its buried rocks and chasms lay All parched, exposed and bare I plunged down each abyss, but still Ther~ was no water there! Onwards I went, unto the north, Passed Greenland in a trice I longed to dash my brains out could I find a berg of ice But no, twas more than fever heat While standing on the pole There wasnt en an icicle Round Captain Symrass Hole! The blazing sun, that wouldnt sink, Whirled round in the horizon Yet nothing that would melt, till scorched Was all I set my eyes on. A strugglegraboh, what relief: Delight was never richer Did you ever wake up in the night, And feel round for the pitcher? Slaves in China. The Chinese deal largely in slaves, not from Africa, but purchased from the families of their own countrymen. The Chinese slaves are seldom driven to incessant toil, but are treated in the manner of hierd servants, and are re- strained by a sense of justice and propriety from leaving the service of their owners. The supply of slaves to meet the demand is, gene- rally speaking, from such sources as the fol- lowing: A debtor, hard pushed by his creditor, will sometimes sell his wife or children, or even himself, (having no family,) into slavery, to pay his debts. Orphan children, left desti- tute, are often sold into slavery, merely to pro- cure their support. Parents or guardians will often sell Lthose under their care, either to get rid of the charge, or to make a little money Very large numbers of slaves are those who, in infancy, or too young to remember, were kid- napped from their friends. For many make it a business to procure young children, and maintain them till adult ace, either to sell, or make them minister to the carnal appetites of the people. Baying a Shot. One of the forei0n papers mentions that, lately, at Baden-Ba~en, an Englishman after discharging his own pistol without doing exe- cution, purchased his adversarys shot for 1,000! FITCHS STEAMBOAT. To this individual belongs the honor of ha- necessary means, in order to perfect his in ving constructed the fir t steamboat in this vention. country. Although this honor has so gene- The conviction of Fitch respecting the rally been ascribed to Robert Fulton, yet it power of steam continued firm. In June, is a well known fact, that twenty years be- 1792, he addressed a letter to Mr. Rittenhouse, fore the great experiment of Fulton and Liv- ingston on the Hudson, a steamboat was con- structed and put in operation in Philadelphia, under the sole direction of a then obscure and still almost unknown individual. This per- son was John Fitch. He was born in the south part of East Windsor, near the East Hartford line, on what is now called the old road. He was apprenticed as a watch and clock maker, to Mr. Cheney, who carried on the business in the eastern part of East Hart- ford, now Manchester. When New Jersey was overrun by the British troops, Mr. Fitch removed into the interior of Pennsylvania, where he employed himself in repairing arms for the Continental army. In the year 1785, Mr. Fitch conceived the project of propelling a steam vessel by the force of condensed vapor. When the idea occurred to him, as he himself tells us, he did not know there was such a thing as a steam engine in existence. In 1778, he obtained a patent for the application of steam to naviga- tion. By unwearied exertion he succeeded in interesting about twenty persons in his plan, and inducing them tc take shares of $50 each. A boat was built in 1787. A mile was mea- sured off in Front or Water street, and the boat was found Lu go at the rate of eight miles an hour. It afterwards went eighty miles a day. The Governor and Council of Pennsyl- vania were so much gratified with the experi- ment, that they presented them with a superb silk flag. About this time, the company sent Mr. Fitch to France, at the request of Mr. Vail, our consul at LOrient, who was one of the company, and wished to introduce the in- vention into France. Being in the midst of revolutions in that country, and as no men could be obtained for the purpose of building boats, Mr. Fitch returned. Mr. Vail after- wards subjected to the examination of .Mr. Fulton, when in France, the papers and de- signs of the steamboat appertaining to the company. In 1790 he made an alteration in his boat, and she performed tolerably w~1l, but still it required further alteration. IN r. Fttch, however, was not able to obtain toe Singular National IlabiL The Zulus, a tribe in Africa, described 1:y Rev. A. Grant, in his missionary travels, ds. pend upon the soil for subsistance, and go en- tirely naked. Licentiousness is wholly un- known among themI have been among them for three yearsseen them on all occasions have many a time seen hundreds of males and females, huddled together in perfect naked- ness, but never saw the least manifestation of licentious feeling: and they are as remarkable for their intellectual activity and aptitude as for chastity. It is a common thing for the chil- dren, in the course of fifteen months from the first time they ever saw a tetter, to learn to read well in the New Testament, and to solve questions in the fundamental rules of Arith- tic. On leaving them, I asked what I should bring them when I retuned, and they all cried one of the share-holders; speaking of steam power, he said This, sir, will be the mode of crossing the Stlantic in time, \vhether I shall bring it to perfection or not. He com- plains of his poverty, and, to raise funds, he urges Mr. Rittenhouse to buy his lands in Kentucky, that he might have the honor of enabling him to complete the great under- taking. Upon this occasion, he called upon a smith who had worked upon his boat, and after dwelling for some time upon his favorite topic, concluded with these words: Well, gentle- men, although I shall not live to see the time, you will, when steamboats will be preferred to all other means of conveyance, and espe- cially for passengers; and they will be p~rti- cularly useful in the navigation of the river Mississippi. He retired, when a person pre- sent observed, Poer fellow, what a pity it is he is crazy! The distress of mind and mortification he suffered, from the failure of his protracted ex- ertions, and his poverty, were too much for him; and to drown his reflection, he had re- course to the common but deceptive remedy, strong drink, in which he indulged to excess; and, retiring to Pittsburg, he ended his days by plunging into the Alleghany. He had filled several small MS. books with personal and general narrative, more or less connected with his great scheme, and which he be- queathed to the Philadelphia Library, with the proviso that they were to remain closed for thirty years. The books were opened in due time, and were found to contain a minute ac- count of his perplexities and disappointments. Of the boldness of his conception, (says a writer in the Mechanics Magazine, January, 1836,) and the perseverance with which he followed it up, there can be but one opinion; and had fortune attended his efforts, and his means been equal to the accomplishment of his designs, there can be no doubt that he wouid now hold, undisputed, the honor of ha- ving given to the country this most noble and useful invention. [Connecticut Historical Collections. at once, Bring us more teachers! more books! Temporary Humility. Says the Albany Knickerbocker, There is nothing takes the starch out of an aristocrat so soon as to nominate him to some office that comes before the people. Hes as fawning as a dog, and as polite and neighborly as French dancing masters. Yes, but let him once get a permanent office,that of a Judge, or Post- master, for instance,and how quickly they will affect hateur and independence of justice and humanity, if not of common sense. At a trial before a justice in Vede Pache, Louisiana, the justice, after the case was sub- mitted, asked whether any of the jury could read or write. It was proved, on examination, that not one could do either. A LIST OF PATENTS Issued from the 20th of July to the 31st of July, 1846, inclusive. To Evan Backus, of Brooklyn, N. Y., for improvement in Stoves. Patented 28th July, 1846. To TheodoreiF. Engelbrecht and George F. Skiff, of Philadelphia, Pa., for improvement in Fish Hooks. Patented 28th July, 1846. To Smith Groom, of Troy, N. Y., for im- provement in Machinery for cutting Threads on Screws and Nuts. Patented 28th July, 1846. To Elijah H. Danforth, of Busti, N. Y., for improvement in Horse Yokes. Patented 28th July, 1846. To David Sanders, Seor., of Cincinnati, Ohio, James George Bissett, of Covington, Ky., and Samuel Saunders, of Pittsburgh, Pa., for improvement in the Manufacture of Tyres for Car Wheels. Patented 28th July, 1846. To Augustus McBurth, of New York City, for improvement in Veneerin~, (as~,iDned to Timothy R. Hibbard.) Patented 28th July, 1816. To Samuel Kern, of Strashurg, Va., for im- provement in Surveyors Compasses. Patented 31st July, 1846. To Samuel Miller and George Roller, of Manchester, P. 0., Md., for improvement in Tempering Clay. Patented 31st July, 1846. To Lorenzo B. Glover, of Easton, Ct., for improvement in Corn Shellers. Patented 31st July, 1846. To Jonathan Bennet, of Amenia, N. Y., for improvement in Shingle Machines. Patented 31st July, 1846. To Jason L. Burdick, of Norwich, N. Y., for improvement in Heating Water in Vats. Patented 31st July, 1846. To Gibbons Gray, of Westchester, Pa., for improvement in Holding up the Tails of Horses after Nicking. Patented 31st of July, 1846. ADDITIONAL IMPROvEMENTs. To Nathan Post, of Madrid, N. Y.,for im- provement in Ilorse Hames. Patented 14th July, 18-16. DESIGNS. To John F. Rathbone, of Albany, N. Y., for Desi0n for Box Stove. Patented 10th July, 1846. To John F. Rathbone, of Albany, N. Y., for Design for Air Tight Stoves. Patented 10th July, 1846. To Adam Hampton, of New York City, for Design for Parlor Grate. Patented 10th July, 1846. To John E. Thomas, of Albany, N. Y., for Design for Air Tight Cooking Stoves, (assign- ed to John F. Rathbone.) Patented 10th July, 1846. To John F. Rathbone, of Albany, N. Y., for Design for Cooking Stove. Patented 10th July, 1846. To John Morrison, of Troy, N. Y., for De- sign for Cooking Stoves. Patented 10th July, 1846. To Robert Barber and Michael Hoffman, of Bridgeton, N. J., for Design for Stoves. Pa- tented 10th July, 1846. To L. Gravline, of Albany, N. Y., for Design for Cooking Stoves, (assigned to Jesse C. Potts.) Patented 10th July, 1846. To William Shaw, of Albany, N. Y., for Design for Stoves, (assigned to John N. Wil- der, Win. E. Bleecker, and Samuel D. Vose.) Patented 10th July, 1846. To Michael Gibiicy, of New York City, for Desi~n for Spoons, Forks, & c. Patented 10th July, 1846. To Nathaniel Batchelor and Henry Biggins, of New York City, for Design for Clock Frames, (assigned to Nathaniel Batchelor, by said 1-Jenry Biggins.) Patented 10th July, 1846. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Nothing at All. When statesmen, imivolved in a cloud of kind words, Look large throu0h time mist, how we stare and admire! But feathers alone do not constitute birds, And promising statesmen all fruitless ex- pire: Compared with its coatings an almond is small, But their inner substanceis nothing at all. When self-titled patriots hoarsely hold forth, Perpetual Motion. The Hartford Times speaks of the exhibition in that city, of a machine in which a wheel, a light fly-wheel, of course,is kept in motion by the expansion and contraction of a quanti- ty of oil, affected by the natural ~anges in the temperature of the atmosphere.~ There have been several machines constructed to operate on the same principle, within the last ten years, the best of which worked by expansion and contraction of a quantity of atmospheric air, which is much more sensitive or easily affected by changes of temperature, than li- quid substances. But these inventions do not approach the self-moving principle which is required to constitute what is understood by perpetual motion. A windmill or water wheel, moved by natural currents, are as much entitled to the appellation of perpetual mo- tion as a machine moved by the natural Till law seems oppression, and government changes of temperature of the air. crime; Their lips against office oerflowing with wrath, The heart cryin~, Wanted, a place! all the time; Their love for dear country, howeer they may bawl, May safely be rated atnothing at all! When certain philanthropists, feigning aflame, Look hot with humanity, melting with sighs, You shall hear them talk volumes in Charitys name, But, touch not their purseor philanthropy dies! Such love for ones fellows we know what to call The sum of the matter isnothing at all! When fair-weather friends, swallows, looking like men, Take flight with your summerfor such is their creed, Forget, or ne~lect you, or, with half a spin, Revolve on their heels at your least hint of need, You well may exclaim, with some risings of gall, Such vol-au-vent friendship isnothing at all! Yet statesmen, philanthropists, patriots,friends, Are sometimes, not shadows, but best of true bloods: Thea do in odd places spring up for good ends, And even a palace not always excludes, To searching for such let us studiously fall, And never, when found, deem themnothing at all! Trinity Church. By a clause in the New State Constitution, as voted by the late State Convention, this ar- istocratic association is to be secure in the possession of its millions, which are, by many, supposed to belong to other people. A con- temporary suggests that the church should pre- sent fifty thousand dollars to each member of the convention: but the Church understands these things~ better: generosity towards mem- bers of a popular convention, would be much more effectual at the commencement of the session than at the close. The new Pope. An English letter writer says that the new Pope is continuing to work his wonders in Italy. He may be set down as the first since the days of the Apostles, who has wrought a miracle, for it certainly is one, to see every body so pleased with Rome. Several of his less liberal cardinals and friends, have remon- strated with him,saying the people would by and by ask him for a new constitution if he con- tinued his indulgencehis reply was, and if they shouldought I not to give it them if it would make them happier ? Enormous Trees. It is slated in a late number of the North American Review that there are cypress trees in Mexico, whose ages have been ascertained to be upward of three theusand years. A cypress stands at Montezuma whose girt is 45 feet. But the largest known stands at Santa Maiara del Thule, is forty feet in diarne- tcr, and is apparently healthy and sound. Manhattan Island, on which the city of New York stands, was bought from the Indians in 1626, for twenty four do!l.ars! Firing of the Great Cannon. The Mammoth Mortar Cannon lately cast at Alaers Foundry, for Boston Harbor, was fired a few times at South Boston Point on Thursday of last week. The, Boston Post says shells 12 inches in diameter and 180 pounds in wei~ht, were thrown various distances. With a charre of 20 pounds of powder, 20 seconds fuse, at an elevation of 22 de0rees, a shell was throvtn 2 1-2 miles, and buried deep in the earth at Squantum. A ricochet shot was tried with a 10 second fuse, 20 pounds powder charge, and 7 pounds in the shell. It dashed through and over the water at an awful rate, and exploded at a distance of about two miles in the water, throwing the fragments several hundred yards in every direction. Next week the gun will be tried with higher charges of powder. The re0ular service charge is 25 pounds, which, at a due elevation, will project the shell somewhere between 3 1-2 and 4 miles. Fremont Corn. There is a kind of Corn which grows spon- taneously on or about the Rocky Mountains, which is similar to the common Indian corn, with the peculiarity of having each kernel en- veloped in a husk. Capt. Fremont brought home some of this corn, and a few kernels were planted near Jersey City, from which several ears have been produced, and are now on exhibition in the horticultural department of the Fair of the American Institute. Price of News in England. A fee of three pence is charged to read the morning papers in many London hotels, unless you take some refreshments. At the minor coffee shops, on calling for half a pint of cofi~e, worth three half pence, all the morning papers can be read; and there are some coffee shops, where a penny paid at the bar suffices to se- cure all the papers. In Liverpool, there are several reading rooms for mechanics, the entrance to which is a penny a day. Dont Split the Church. It is represented in some of the temperance papers, that certain church members are averse to the introduction of temperance principles, lest it should split the church. The sentiment thus expressed is, that it is better to indulge drunkenness and other flagrant sins in the church, than to reduce the number of tax paying members. Worthy of Women. It was stated, not long since, in a temper~ ance lecture, by Dr. J ewett, that among all the petitions that h~ ye been presented from time to tii~e, praying for the repeal of laws prohibit- ing or restrictin~ the sale of ardent spirits, not one has been found inscribed with the name of a woman! An Extraordinary Meteor. A large luminous body was seen shootin0 ral)idly through the air at midday, in Virginia, a fe,v days since, It was seen by many per- sons in different counties, and its appearance was accompanied with a loud rumbling sound, terminated by an apparent explosion. Crooked. Late English papers mention the importa- tation from Constantinople, of a cargo of sixty thousand sheen horns. Another Railroad Improvement. A gentleman from Syracuse, N. Y., informs us that an important improvement has been made, by means of which en~ines and cars ascend inclined plains with 150 to 200 feet of elevation per mile, with certainty and safety. We are promised a description with an engrav- ing of the machine, which will appear in this paper in two or three weeks. It. The pronoun IT is a comical word IT 15 sometims amusing, it is often absurd; IT 15 large, it is small, it is round, it is square; IT rains and it snows; it is foul, it is fair; IT 15 black, it is white; it is long, it is short; IT is everything almost, and then it is nou0ht. IT is true; itis a fib: it isnt! it is, Indeed the word it is a humbug andQuiz. An Old House. There is still standing in the town of Deer- field, Msss., the only dwelling house which was left standing in 1704, when the settlement was destroyed by the Indians. It is supposed to be at least 160 years old. The Ship ConstitutionOld Ironsides,.-. has made a very pleasant trip round the world, having sailed 53,000 miles in about five hun- dred days. We have received from the publishers, Messrs. Clark & Austin, a very neat little ~vork, entitled Princes Manual of Roses; and, from its contents, we should judge it merits more than a usual notice from the florists. It not only gives a complete list and history of every species of the rose, but also contains valuable hints on its culture. For sale by the publishers, wholesale and retail, at 130 Fulton street. AN ALMANAC for 1847, has been published in Cincinnati, the calculations of which were made by the Vermont boy, Truman H. Safford, ten years of age. A chimney 120 feet high, 12 feet 9 inches square at the base, and employing lso,ooo bricks, has been recently built by the Carpet Manufacturing Company, at Lowell, Mass. A rich vein of silver has been discovered on a small island in Lake Superior, near Agate Harbor. It belongs to the Cypress River Min- ing Company. The Boston Bee states that the U. S. Hotel in that city numbers upward of 700 inmates, equal to the number of boarders in the St. Charles, New Orleans. It m-a-y be so. It is said that an old ship, valued at $6000, that has been running from New Orleans to Brazos for a few months, has already remit- ted to her owners $10,000. An editor says the reason ~why the people in Rhode Island did not feel the earthquake was because the State isnt large enough for an earthquake to shake in. A colored student has, after much opposi- tion, been admitted to the Berkshire Medical Institution, Mass. RAILROAD iNTELLIGENCE. Harlem Railroad. It is.expected that within six months the Harlem road will be so extended as to connect with the Albany and West Stockbridge road, thus opening a direct railroad communication between this city and Albany. This, how- ever, will not long prevent the construction of a railroad on the river route. New York and Erie Railroad. The Commissioners have decided to locate the route for this road through Pennsylvania, instead of goin0 over the hi0h grades of Broome and Sullivan Counties. This decision is of great importance to the Company, as it will entitle them to commence work immediately along the whole line of the road, on the most favorable route. Syracusc and Utica Railroad. The directors of this road have decided to relay the track with heavy H rail, wei ~., hing 56 lbs. to the yard. It is contemplated to put down a portion of the heavy rail this fall, and the remainder next summr~er. A new track along ide of the old one has been graded, and the timber necessary for laying it is a!ready on the ground. Whitehall and Saratoga Railroda. It is stated in the Montreal Courier that there is at present a fair prospect that this work will soon be put in progress of construc- tion, from Whitehall to Montreal; a part of the stock having been taken up in the latter city. New York and New Haven Railroad. The citizens of New Haven are determined on having a railroad direct from New York to that city, thouah they cannot expect to draw the principal travel between New York and Boston to that route. Norwieh and Worcester Rnilroad. The increase of earnings on this road shows a highly favorable condition of its business. The entire gain thus far, independent of the Steamers earnings, is said to be $12,000, and the business is rapidly increasing. Boston and Maine Railroads. By the annual report read before a recent meeting of the stockholders of this road, it appears that the receipts for the previous three months exceed those of the corresponding time last year, by $30,000. Boston and Fall River. The section between Randolph and Fall River, Mass., is expected to be completed about the 1st of November. Ihe whole dis- tance from Boston to Randolph, is in opera- tion. Walpole Branch. Most of the stock is taken up for a branch road from the Boston and Providence railroad to the village of Walpole, N. H. The Pittsfield and North Adams Railroad, Is nearly completed, and will very soon be in full operation. It is intended to extend this road to Bennington, Vt. Attleboro and Pawtucket Railroad. The work on the branch of the Boston and Providence railroad, from Attleborough to a point between Central and Valley Falls, and there forming a junction with the Providence and Worcester railroad, has been progressing for some time past. This branch will accom- modate the travel between Boston and Provi- dence generally much better than the old Pror- dence road to the steamboat landing. Concord and Lowell Railroad. We are informed that arrangements are in progress for constructing a railroad from Low- ell, Mass., alon~, the banks of the Concord river, to connect the Lowell with the Fitch- burg roads. Of course, it will be extended, to connect with the Worcester road at Framington or Westborough, so that the Concord (N. H.) and Lowell tr~vel to New York, might avoid the disagreeables of a cab jaunt through the streets of Boston. A Concord (N. H.) paper remarks that it is the opinion of the friends of the road, that its affairs have been placed on such a footing that the construction of the road between that place and Meredith Bridge, will be entered upon immediately, and that the road will be completed to that point with all due dispatch. Uniting Railroads. It is seriously contemplated to unite all the railroads in Boston by a semi-circular sweep of a few miles from East Boston to the Old Colo- ny Road. The most obvious advantage of such an arrangement would be the placing of each of the roads at once upon tide water. We only wonder that some project of uniting these roads has not been accomplished before, though we think it would be much the best way to unite the terminations of the several roads within the city, the cab interest notwithstand- ing. Sonthern Railroad. By late papers from the south, we are happy to learn that a new interest has lately arisen along time line of the Southern railroad, fromo Raleigh to Fayetteville, and thence to Cheraw and Camden, S. C., in reference to the exten- sion of the Raleigh and Gaston railroad. This embraces the great connecting link in the Washington route, and thence through to time north, and is a subject of the greatest import- ance to the southern travel.[Railroad Jour, Railroads in Germany. Letters from Hamburg state that the number of laborers on the railroad from that city to Berlin, which imas been about eight thousand, is now increased to ten thousand, and the work is carried on day and night without any inter.- ruption. Time road is to be entirely finished bfore the month of December. 26 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. THhi~ GREAT FAIR. Continued from Xo. 3. As a whole the Exhibition is deemed supe- rior to former ones. The place and the weath- er havc conspired to sustain the increasing in- terest taken in this National Exhibition of the products of American soil and labor. The useful and the ornamental are in pleasing pro- portion. Increased excellence of workmau- ship characterises this Fair. WILSONS CREASING MAcIIINEIt is like meeting with a tried friend to see an Invention make its appearance at the Fair for the second or third time On a previous occasion, we spoke favorably of this machine. Mr. Wilson finds the demand for it to increase. It is a machine for saddlers and harness makers, sav- ing one-ith of the labor, and executing the work hetter than by hand. It channels, picks, buffs or splits trom half to two and a half inches, and cuts three sizes of ovats for tilling traces or other double and stitched straps. The machine, which is three by eight inches, and the varisus tools connected with it, are of substantial workmanship. RAYS PATENT CusmoN WHEELThiS linprovemeat in the Wheel for Railroad vehi- cles is as simple as it is important. The rim is cast separate from the centre part throu0h which the axle passes. These two parts, hav- ing a cushion or packin0 of leather between them, are firmly connected by bolts. When the rim is worn, it is taken off and a new one is easily and quickly secured to the hub part; thus much time and expense are saved. For- merly, when tke rim became worn, the whole wheel was laid aside, and much time and trou- ble were required to replace the new one. Another advantage is that the shrinkage more generally secures perfect rotundity. Mr. Ray is at 33rd sI. and 3rd Avenue. STEVENS PATENT POST AND FENcE. rhis will doubtless be deemed by farmers and others, a valuable invention. The posts are made of burnt clay, moulded and hurnt in the some way as hard bricks. A post of 5 feet long, 4 inches square at the bottom, and 3 at at the top, can be afforded at the brick yards for 12 1-2 cents. With ordinary usage, they are nearly as durable as stone, and, in the long run, cheaper than wood. The posts are set in the ground diagonally or cornerwise. A tenon is made on the top of each post, on which is placed a coupling block to which the top rail is secured by pins or nails. The fence is thus secure and firm, not liable to rot. Fhe inventor is Capt. Joseph Stevens of Nor- thumberland, Saratoga county, N. Y. Speci- mans may be seen and rights purchased, at the Mechanics and Farmers Agency, 34 Ann st. WASHING MAcHINEsThere are, at the Fair, several machines for washing clothes that far surpass our expectations. We have seen so many failures that we almost despaired of meeting with one truly labor-saving. That invented by E. Luckens is exceedingly simple, is on the pressure principle, and is worked by two handles or levers. A girl of 12 or 15 years of age can, with this machine, as a most healthful exercise, effect more work and with less labor, than the most able wash woman in the ordinary way. It is simple and not liable to get out of repair. It has been before the pub- lic about two years and is very strongly recom- mended. For sale by T. Gaskill & Co., No. 9 Pine street. AvERYs ELECTRIC MAGNETIC BATH. The water is impregnated with electricity. A portion or the whole of the body on being immersed in water, becomes electrified. Im- portant cures of rheumatism, paralysis, dys- pepsia and nervous affections have been made. Mr. Avery is distin~uished for much science and practice. Corner Hudson arid Canal sI. AvERYs LADDER. The side pieces are hollowed out. They are connected, near the top and bottom, by two iron slats having a joint in their centre. The other slats are cords. By the aid of the joibts, the ladder instantly assumes the form of a pole, and can be con- veyed in the hand or conveniently stowed away. It is strong, light and very portable. BARNES PATENT DOOR MATsThese are made of bristles, and for durability and effect- ive cleansing of the feet are unsurpassed. They obtained the premium at the last Fair, and im- proved patterns have been got up to grace the present exhibition. Barnes & MeKeachnie, 255 Pearl st., are manufacturers. Windle & Co., 56 Maiden Lane; Messrs. Millen, 447 Broadway, are the agents. MERRIAMS OLIVE SoAPWe have long entertained the impression that soap was sus- sceptible of great improvementmore effect- ual in its cleansing properties. Mr. T. P. Mer- riam, of Providence, R. I., appears to have made this improvement. Mr. M. exhibits some sheep skins with the wool rendered by this soap as white and as clean as newfallen snow. It is recommended as washing easy in hard, soft and salt water. If it sustains its strong recommendations it is truly a labor- saving and important article We shall try it. Among the numerous and strongly recommend- ed articles manufactured by Mr. Merriam, is a vegetable Cosmetic Oil Soapvery superior as a cleanser, a curative of cutaneous dis- eases, and a dentrifice. METALLIC LIFE BOATAmong the endless and interesting objects, is one of Francis Pa- tent Nietallic Life Boats. It is 26 feet long, 5 feet wide and 2 feet deep. It is stamped from four sheets of copper by an hydraulic pressure of two millions of pounds. When full of water, it will sustain 10,000 lbs. It was made for Judge Butler, of New Orleans, by Stillman, Allen & Co. at the Novelty Works in this city. FILTERS. Much attention has recently been gtven to filters capable of being conven- iently attached to Croton Pipes. Mr. J. H. Jennison, of this city, has taken the lead in calling attention to this subject. His invention received a gold me(ial premium at the last Fair. It is strongly reccommended by many of our most distinguished citizens, and has been vend- ed by him the past year. The article is simple and very efficient. It is surprising how much foreign matter may be obtained from water ap- parently clear and pure. Simply by reversing this little machine, all the impurities can be collected and exhibited in a glass wessel. On seeing the quantity of matter filtered from a few gallons of even our pure Croton, every one resolves to have a filterer. Mr. J. is at 66 Frankfort street. GAYLORDS HAT AND STALK CUTTER. As far as experience in the use and manufac- ture of straw-cutters qualifies us to judge, we pronounce this machine equal if not superior to any other at the Fair. It is very simple and strong. It operates by hand, foot or horse power. It has but one knife, which is of pe- culiar form, dividing the volume of straw and cutting at the same time with its concave and convex edges. The price we regard as low $14. Orra Warner, Gaylords Bridge, Con- necticut, is the agent. BATHSAmong the shower baths, that of neighbor, J. Locke, 31 Ann street, compares well with its numerous competitors. Is is used for both a cold and vapor bath. FIRE-PROOF IRON WINDOW BLINDS. Among the improvements exhibited at the Fair, few are of greater importance than that of the substitution of iron for wood in the ma- terial for window blinds. They are of cast iron, durable, not likely to get out of order, as cheap as wood, and a protection from fire. They are invented by E. P. Drake, Troy, N. Y. Specimens may be seen at the Mechanics and Merchants Agency, 34 Ann street. (To be Continued.) You cant stop em. The Bu fialonian says he would as soon try to go to sea on a shingle, make a ladder of a bog, chase a streak of lightning through a crab ap- ple orchard, swim the rapids of Niagara river, raise the dead, stop the tongue of a woman, or let Lake Erie on fire with Lucifer matches, as to stop two young uns from gettin~ married when they take it into their heads to do so. A boy belonging to the Albany Argus office, fell from the banister of the stairway, last week, and broke his arm. There are a few boys about our premises, who need breaking. Information to persons having business to transact at the Patent Office. Continued from sVo. 3. RE-ISSUE iO COUR CT A DEFECTIVE DE- SCRIPTION. SEc. 30. When an applicant wishes to can- cel an old patent, and to correct a mistake or error, which has arise from inadvertence, he should state this fact in his application, and expressly surrender the old patent, which must be transmitted to the Patent Office before a new patent will be issued. And no im- provement or alteration made subsequent to the filing of the application upon which the original patent was granted, can be introduced into a patent upon re-issueSection thirteen of the act of July, 1836, enacts, That when- ever any patent, which has heretofore been granted, or which shall hereafter be granted, shall be inoperative or invalid, by reason of a defective or insufficient description or specifi- cation, or by reason of the patentee claiming in his specification, as his own invention, more than he had or shall hve a right to claim as new, if the error has or shall have arisen by inadvertency, accident, or mistake, and with- out any fraudulent or deceptive intention, it shall be lawful for the Commissioner, upon the surrender to him of such patent, and the payment of the further duty of fifteen dollars, to cause a new patent lobe issued to the said inventor for the same invention for the resi- due of the period then unexpired, for which the original was granted, in accordance with the patentees corrected description arid speci- fication. SEC. 31. When the original patent has been lost,before a re-issue can be granted, the original patent should first be restored (as explained in section twenty-eight,) and then surrendered. SEc. 32. In the re-issue, the claim is sub- ject to an examination as in the case of origin- al patents; and if it shall appear that any part of the claim was not original at the time of crranting the patent, the re-issue will not be granted, unless said part be omitted in the claim, or a disclaimer filed in the Patent Office. And if there is not any thing which can be claimed, the re-issue cannot be granted,and the surrendered patent cannot be returned. Where the patent was granted before the 15th of December, 1836, a model and drawings of the invention as originally patented, verified by oath, must be deposited in the patent Of- fice before a re-issue can be granted, unless dispensed with by the Commissioner. SEC. 33. And in case of the death of an in- ventor, or of any assignment of the original patent, made by him, a similar right vests in his executors, or assignees: and the patent so re-issued, together with the corrected descrip- tion and specification, have the same effect and operation in law, on the trial of all actions thereafter commenced for causes subsequently accruing, as though the same had been orig- inally filed in such corrected form before the issuing out of the original patent. SEc. 34. On the surrender of a patent, sev- eral patents may be issued for distinct and separate parts of the invention, upon the pay- ment of thirty dollars for every additional patent issued. DISCLAIMERS. SEC. 35. The 7th section of the law of 3d of March, 1837, provides as follows: Section 7. And be it further enacted, That whenever any patentee shall have, through inadvertence, accident or mistake, made his specification of claim too broad, claiming more than that of which he was the original or first inventor, some material and substantial part of the thing patented being truly and justly his own, any such patentee, his administrators, executors and assigns, whether of the whole or of a sac- tienal interest therein, may make disclaimer of such parts of the thing patented as the dis- claimant shall not claim to hold by virtue of the patent or assi0nment, stating~ therein the extent of his interest in such patent; which disclaimer shall be in writing, atte~ted by one or more witnesses, and recorded in the Patent Office, on payment by the person disclaimin0, in a manner as other patent duties are required by law to be paid, of the sum of ten dollars. And such disclaimer shall thereafter be taken and considered as part of the original specifi- cation, to the extent of the interest which shall be possessed in the patent or right secured thereby, by the disclaimant, and by those claiming by or under him, subsequent to the record thereof. But no such disclaimer shall affect any action pending at the time of its be- ing filed, except so far as it may relate to the question of unreasonable neglect or delay in filing the same. SEC. 36. In cases of patents granted before the 15th of December, 1836, no disclaimer will be admitted for record until a model and drawings of the invention, as originally pa- tented, verified by oath, shall have been de- posited, unless dispensed with by the Coin- Inissioner. (To be continued.) The Christian. Truly has the poet said, that the Christian is the highest style of man. The impenitent sinner is a slave to his appetites and passions, and to the devil; the Christian is a freeman in Christ, and an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ, even to all the glories and honors that Christ will ever have: the sinner is an heir of hell and death. A Christian is one who is like Christ. Christ was meek and low- ly, so is the Christian. Christ was constantly doing goodso is the Christiail. Christ con- stantly strove to save men from ruinso does the Christian. Christ was emphatically a peace makerso is the Christian. Christ was a non-resistantso is the Christian. Christ was much engaged in secret prayerso is the Christian. Christ prayed for his enemiesso does the Christian. Reader, is this your character? If not, you have not his Holy Spirit, and are none of His. Says Gods word, the path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.Prov. iv. 18. That was Pauls course, Is it your course? Or, is your light becomin~ dim? If so, you are not in the path of the just, or like Christ.[C. Morely. Love, Joy, Peace. How can he be miserable that bath Christ, and all his merits made sure to him? that bath his name written in heaven ? yea, that is al- ready in heaven? for where our desires are, there ourselves are. The heavenly-minded live not so much where they live as where they love; that is to say, in Christ. Surely, his soul must be brimful of brave thoughts that is able tq refresh himself with this medi- tation; God is my Father; Christ, the Judge, my eldest brother; the Holy Ghost my Com- forter; trie angels mine attendants; all the creatures mine for use; the world mine inn; heaven my home; God is always with me, be- fore me, within me, overseeing me; I talk with him in prayer; he is with me in his word; sure- ly if these be our accu~stomed thoughts it can- not but make us happy.[Bishop Hopkins. The Glory of all Lands. Rev. S. M. Pomeroy, of Bangor, Maine, writes from the other side of the Atlantic, in this strain: One result of my observations in various countries is, the deep, overwhelming conviction, that the United States of North America is, immeasurably, the most blessed land the sun shines upon, in all his circuit through the heavens. You never meet an American abroad who does not say the same. Sins we have, indeed, many, great and fearful. But our privileges, how immense! The thought which has spontaneously risen to my heart a thousand times, as I have look ed upon the inhabitants of these ancient lands in their squalid poverty, is, God bless the United States! Give 110 Pain. Breathe not a sentimentsay not a word give not an impression of the countenance that will offend another, or send a thrill of pain through his bosom. We are surrounded by sensitive hearts, which a word, a look even, mi~ht fill to the brim with sorrow. If you are careless of the opinions and expressions of oth- ers, remember that they are differently consti- ted from yourself, and never, by a word or sign cast a shadow on a happy heart, or throw aside the smiles of joy that love to linger on a pleas- ant countenance. Only 4400 families in Boston keep servants, while 15,474 families do their own work, in independent style, without servants. 27 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. NEW INVENTIONS. IMPROVEMENT IN THE MACHINE FOR MOWING AND REAPING GRAIN, & c.: By ALEXANDER M. WILSON, ~3id Sept., 1816. What he claims is making the ileel of the cut- ters rounded when a nulnber of cutters are combined together on a wheel to cut grass or grain by the rotation and forward movement of the machine, lie claims jointin~, the horse wheel to the forward part of the main frame, but back of the shaft of the cutting wheel, so as to have the horses placed forward and to the side of the cutters in combination with a wheel of cutters for cutting grain or grass, so that the cutters may follow tile undulations of the ground independent of and not effected by the up and down movement of the horse. He claims the employment of the guide wheels in combination with the cutting and gathering wheel connected with its shaft, by means of curved or dished arms. And he claims in com- bination with the curved cutters attached to and forming tile cutting wheel, tile rotating grinding wheel, for grinding tile upper level- ed face of the cutters. And finally, he claims in combination with this, tile grinder for~ grinding the under surface of cutters. IMPROVEMENT IN THE METHOD OF SEP- ARATING THE OLEIc FROM THE STEARIc AcID, WITH A VIEW TO OBTAIN STEARIC ACID FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF CANDLES: By JAMES S. GWYNNE, 3rd Sept. 1846.What he claims is the application of heat through a liquid or Uriform medium to the mass to be pressed, in such a manner that the said mass, before it is subjected to pressure, shall be heated gradually and uniformly throu0hout to such a degree that white Stearic Acid is at no time during the process melted, the Oleic Acid is rendered fluid enough to he afterwards expressed. IMPROVEMENT IN TIlE MACHINERY FOR PREPARING THE BLANKS FOR FORMiNG SCREWS OF IRON, AND OTHER METAL, COM- MONLY CALLED WooD SCREWS: By THOS. W. HARVEY, 3rd Sept., 1846. What he claims is the manner of producing the alterna- ting motions necessary to the double feeding, by combining the respective arms with the cams, and havin~ grooves crossing said cams carrying swivelling cam pins, and operating the rock shafts, v~-hich shafts are connected with the respective operating parts of the ma- chine, with the exception of the heading die. And this he claims whether said motions be ef- fected by one or more cams. He also claims the arrangement and comhination with the cams, and with the respective rock shafts, and single heading punch, of the double acting apparatus, consisting of the feeding wheels and segments, the cutters, the gripping tumblers, and the sliding die holder. IMPROVEMENT IN THE SELF-SETTING TAIL BLOCK FOR SAW MILLSBY HORACE MER- RELL, 3d SEPT., 1846.What he claims is the application of the vibrating rack, together with the moveable cogs, and the moveable racks, connected to the mill floor or timbers, in combination with the lever, wheel, and the other appendages. Luxtons Portable Swing. Mr. S. H. Luxton, corner of Bethune and Washington streets, has constructed a swing for the exercise and recreation of invalids and children, and in which is combined more ele- gance with simplicity, than any plan we have seen for that purpose. It is furnished with cords, whereby the swingers can readily put themselves in motion; and being of suitable size and style for a parlor or nursery, we ex- pect it will come into extensive use. Mr. Luxton has taken measures for securing a pa- tent for the invention. Otiss Patent Mortising Machine. Among the great variety of excellent ma- chines which attract the attention of the visit- ors of the Fair, there are few if any in which so much science, utility and good workman- ship are combined, as in the mortising machine, invented by Mr. B. H. Otis of Syracuse. We shall procure an? engrnving of this machine, and give a Pill description in two or three weeks. The agent of tue patelt is Mr. John Green, 115 Water sLeet. Greigs Improvement in Clocks. ExPLANATIONThis improvement consists of an appendage which constitutes a self-ad- justing principle, and is calculated to remedy or avoid the difficulty experienced by many, in adjusting or keeping adjusted the common clock, so as to keep the beat thereof regular. Tile addition which constitutes the improve- ment consists of a pendulous plate and ball, A B C D which is suspended from a collar attach- ed to the front plate of the clock at A. Tilis collar, which constitutes the bearing of the self-adjusting pendulum, encircles the arbor of the pallet wheel, but without coming in con- tact therewith. The stand E which supports the verge F, as also the pin H from which the pendulum rod 15 suspended, are attached to the self-adjusting plate, which hem0 kept in a vertical position by means of a ball D at the bottom, tile verge is kept constantly adjusted to the teeth of the pallet wheel, whether the clock stands in a perfectly perpendicular posi- tion, or inclined several de0rees to the right or left. So perfectly does this self-adjusting ap- pendage perform its part, that a clock to which it is attached, may be removed from place to place, carried by hand or on board a vessel, without affecting the regularity of its move- ment during such transportation. This im- provemnent was invented by Mr. John S. Greig, of Waldon, Orange County, who has taken measures for securing a patent therefor, and has a fair prospect of deriving a liberal remunera- tion for his invention. Economy in Fuel. We have recently examined, in an appara- tus entitled Griffith & Co.s Patent Heat Gen- erator, the introduction of a novel and scien- tific method of preventing the escape of heat from the furnace or fire-place, to the chimney. The invention is based on the theory that the portion of air the most heated, or containing the most heat, is invariably the lightest ,and conse- quently, rises to the surface of the furnace, or fire chambers, while the portion least heated, or which has parted with its heat by coming in contact with a boiler or other substance of lower temperature, seeks the deepest sections or cavities. On this principle, the furnace of the generator above mentioned, is so con- structed that the air and smoke, after passing from the fire some distance, in contact with a horizontal cylindrical boiler is required to de- scend several feet, before passing off to the chimney. The consequence is that neither heat nor smoke are hardly perceptible in the air which passes into the chimney, even when a glowing fire is burning in the furnace. There are various modes in which this prin- ciple may be applied with advantage, and which we shall notice with illustrations in a future number. Wrought iron Pipes. We have recently had occasion to use seve- ral sections, joints, curves and elbows of iron pipes prepared and sold by Walworth & Nason, No. 14 Platt street, and are constrained to ad- mit that the utility and convenience of this kind far exceeds even the favorable opinion which we had entertained of them. The va- riously formed sections, are readily adjusted to each other, and the forms are so various as to accommodate all the turns, crooks and branch- es that may be required for steam or water pipes. They are made of the best of iron, and are much cheaper as well as stronger than cop- per pipes, and we freely recommend them to all who have occasion for tubing for any pur- oo;e. Another Brick Machine. A Baltimore paper gives the following de- scription of the operation of a new brick mak- ing machine, in operation in that city: The clay is emptied, in its natural state, from the tail of the cart into the machine, from which it emerges in a few seconds, in beautiful, glossy and perfectly formed bricks, which are immediately conveyed to the kiln. The first operation of the machine is to grind the clay, which is done by passing it thro%h a system of iron rollers thickly studded with projecting teeth, which divide and commingle the dry clay, and deliver it into a hopper in the state of powder, from whence the moulds are filled, at regular intervals. Over the proper moulds, which are stationary, are others that are move- able. When the charge of clay is to be receiv- ed, these upper moulds coincide with the lower ones, and the clay fills both. Immedi- ately, the solid iron followers come down, ex- erting a pressure of near 200 tons upon each brick, and forcing all the clay into the lower moulds. As soon as the pressure is removed, the moveable moulds recede, and the bottoms of the solid moulds rise, bringing the perfectly formed brick upon a level with their upper edge, from where they are pushed out by the return of the moveable mould, when the same operation is repeated. The brick are then placed upon trucks and conveyed to the kiln. In this way, the machine ivorked by a steam engine of thirty horse power, makes about 30,000 brick in twe1~e hours; each revolution of the machine makes four distinct pressures upon as many pairs of moulds, producin0 eight brick. i~y this machine, twenty hands can make as many brick as one hundred could by hand moulding, and are enabled to work in almost any kind of weather. Mechanical Movement. THE DOUBLE CRANK AND PISTON ROD. In connecting a rectilinaer to a rotary motion, or vice versa, it is customary to use but one crank, and consequently there is considerab le friction occasioned by applying the power from the crank to the piston or vibrating frame, or from the piston to the crank, on account of the oblique or indirect application. But by using two cranks connected by gear as represented in the cut, the application of the power in either direction, to or from the cranks, is bal- anced by equal obliquity of the connecting rods or shackle bars, which connect the cranks to the cross-head or vibrating frame, so that all the friction occasioned by the obliquity of a single crank is avoided. This is a much better mode of applying the motion of a crank to a vibrating saw, or that of a piston rod to the crank of a paddle wheel, than by the ordi- nary single crank. Machine for turning the heads of Wood Screws. An invention under this title was entered at the Patent Office on the 18th of August, by T. W. Howey, It would be more difficult than expedient to describe in full this machine, but the inventors claim is as follows: What I claim, is, the particularr manner in which I arrange, combine and operate the punch or driver, the tool holder and the rest, which are actuated by the double grooved cutter cam so as to co-operate in the turnings of the heads of the blanks, in virtue of the arrangement of moving parts herein fully set forth. I also claim the particular manner of constructing the adjustable turning head, the slide or seat piece, the tool holder sliding on the piece, be- tweeri the cheek pieces with the respective adjustments thereof, combined, arranged, and operating, so as to effect the setting of the tool. Machine for Fencing and Ditching at one Operation. Mr. Win. C. Bussey~has invented a machine in which two ditching machines are arranged in such a manner that the sods cut from two parallel ditches shall be elevated and placed with the grass side out, in a continuous rid0e between said ditches, at one operation. En- tered at the Patent office, Sept. 3rd, The Countersink Bit. This convenient little instrument which has been recently introduced, requires but little explanation. It consists of a hollow bit, form- ed to accommodate the shape of a common wood screw, and has at the head of the cutting part, a pair of opposite, oblique cutters, so formed as to cut a conical cavity at the surface to accommodate the head of the screw. To accommodate screws of various sizes, a set of bits of graduatad sizes are required. Every carpenter and carria0e-maker will readily un- derstand the utility of the invention. Water Burning for Illumination. A French chemist, Mons. Jacob, is said to have found a very simple process for decom- posing water, and applying the gases thus produced, to the production of a very clear gas light. A small quantity of oil, however, is used in conjunction with the gases produced from water. The French Government has patronized the invention, and several manu- factories in France are using these lights. We had not seen the notice of this invention until after our article, an the Philosophy ef Water, was in type; and we venture to predict that we shall show in a few days, a feasible plan for illumination by an electro-hydro Drummond light for common use, superior to Mons. Frenchmans invention. Whites Fountain Pen. It has long been a desideratum with writers to find a pen that would for a length of time furnish a supply of ink without the embarrass- ing process of frequent recourse to the ink- stand. This object is now accomplished in a pen invented by Mr. G. White, No. 43 Ann st. The pen-holder to which this pen is attached, may be readily filled with ink, by simply turning the head thereof, and when thus charged, the ink will continue to flow to the nib as fast as required and no faster, until the quantity in the reservoir is exhausted. Mr. White intends procuring a pateut for this in- vention, and we think it cannot fail of com- manding an extensive sale. Dr. Lewiss Improvements. We have heretofere described with illustra- tions some ingenious and valuable inventions produced by this gentleman, but have seen nothing equal to the eight wheeled car, a work- ing model of which is now being exhibited at the Fair. Itis an improvement on his former plan for securing safety ; and the wheels of the improved car adhere so closely to the rails that they cannot be thrown off by sticks or stones being placed upon the track. We think the railroad companies should adopt this plan in preference to all others, for the security of their own property as well as the lives of their passengers. Seif-Manceuvering Cannon. We find it stated in several exchange papers that a Mr. Dixon, of Lynn, Mass., has invented a cannon that will not only load and prime it- self; but will charge upon the enemy, or, at least, run itself off to any required distance,. discharge ten shots in succession, and then retreat to its, first position to reload. It will, of course, be requisite, in case of actual service, to place the enemy in a position the most fa- vorable to the destructive effects of the engine. This would be very easily effected, if the ene- my is sufficiently polite and pliant. A French Invention. A French engineer has lately divined a method of expelling carbonic acid gas from pits, mlnes, reservoirs, & c., by discharging among the deleterious gas a volume of steam, whereby the gas is expelled, and in part ab- sorbed, by the water brought into minute sub- division, while in part the steam is being con- densed. We should think it much more ra- tional to blow a powerful gust of fresh air into the mines, & c., occasionally, without the aid of chemical preparations. Improved Hemp-breaking Machine. This improvement, invented by T. L. For- tune, and entered Soot. 3rd, consists in having the swords of the break curved cornerly from end to end, and placing the centre swords hi0h- er than the outside ones. 28 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. It is a curious fact that notwithstanding the power of water to quench fire, and the general application thereof for that purpose, its coin- ponent parts, when simply mixed together without chemical combination, constitute the most combustible and violently explosive com- pound that is generally known. It is composed of oxygen and hydrogen in the proportion of 35 to 13. It is readily decomposed hy chemical process, and reduced to a highly elastic gase- ous state. The most ready method of produc- ing the hydrogen gas, is to put a quantity of zinc or iron filings into sulphuric acid diluted with twice its volume of water. The oxygen of the water rapidly combines with the metal, thus liberating the hydrogen which ascends in the form of gas, pro~lucing violent ebullition. By placing this compound in a glass bottle or flask, the gas may he collected either by attach- ing a collapsed bladder to the neck of the bottle, or by conducting the gas throu~h a small pipe to the interior of another bottle, filled with water and placed in an inverted position, with the mouth immersed in a basin of water to prevent the escape of the water from the nottle, only as it is displaced by the ascending gas. Oxygen gas may bereadily produced by mixing together a small quantity of sulphuric acid and common leal, and applying the heat of a lamp. This may be collected in the same manner as that described for hydrogen. These gases being mixed in the proportion above de- scribed, will explode with a loud report, on the application of the least flame, or by the electric spark. This explosion has the effect to unite chemically the two ingredients, in the form of water, while the caloric, which was held latent in the gases, is separated and appears in a sudden flash of flame. Water is also readily decomposed and reduced to the gaseous state, producing both kinds of gas at the same time, by means of a current of gal- vanic, magnetic, or thermo electricity. An ex- cellent improved machine for this purpose has been recently invented, and will soon be intro- duced in our columns, with a beautiful illus- trative engraving, in connection with illustra- tions of the Drummond light. Water contains 140 degrees of latent heat, even at the freezing point, and requires 1000 degrees to convert it to steam, when at the boiling point. It is a good conductor of sound, and a medium con- ductor of electricity: is so free from any fric- tional property, that by the pouring of a single pailful of the liquid into the ocean, all the water therein contained, is thereby aff~ted and put in motion. sation of the 379 feet of steam, or that which which may be produced by the expansion of the high pressure steam. Motion of Cutting Tools. It is coa~monly remarked among mechanics that a cutting-tool, being put in motion and applied to another object, has a greater effect, in proportion to the power applied, than if the object to be operated on be put in motion and forced against the tool, while the latter is firmly fixed stationary; and, as an instance of this, it is averred that if an axe he placed on the ground, with the ed~e upward, and be struck while ~n that position by the edge of another equal axe, the edge of the first will be indented by the concussion much deeper than that of the descending axle. If this be a fact, we know of no rational theory in support of it, although not fully prepared to deny it; be- ing aware that various kinds of cutting tools have a very different effect under different de- grees of velocity. It is well known that in cutting, hewing, planing or splitting timber in general, the more rapidly the tool is made to move, the more effectually and smoothly the work is accomplished, especially where the direction of the grain of the wood is unfavora- ble; while, on the other hand, the fact is esta- blished by modern practice, that in planing or cutting cold iron,either cast or maleable, a tool moving with a slow, but strong, steady and permanent motion, will cut more smoothly, and be more effective in its operation, than when driven by the concussion of a hammer; the cutting tool in this case, moreover, retains its edge much better with a slow motion. The limits of the effect of a cutting tool moved in this manner, are not yet known; but it is knowh that a chip a quarter of an inch thick, may be taken from an extensive surface of an iron casting, at one operation. It has been suggested, and we think with apparent pro- priety, that free-stone, or even marble and granite, might, by means of a permanently constructed apparatus to operate on this prin- ciple, be wrought into the required shape more advantageously than by the ordinary method. Qn this subject we have made some experiments on a small scale, which have in- creased our confidence in its practicability. We think this subjeetworthy of the attention of stone cutters and marble workers, and, if required, will cheerfully furnish some plans of machinery suitable for the experiment. A Terrffic Descent. It is not a little extraordinary how many of our most important discoveries owe their ex- istence to chance. Every body knows the an- ecdote about Isaac Newton and the apple. But every body does not know the anecdote of Sir Peter Pontoe who found the bottom of a coal mine by chance. I proceed therefore to re- late it. Sir Peter had been quarrelling with one of his workmen the day previous to the catastrophe I am now narrating relating to wages. There are two ways of descending into coal pits. The usual way is to be wound ______________________ down a machine, but they to whom the exit Relative Expense of Steam at different and entrance are matters of custom, content Temperatures. themselves in descending by grasping a rope, The plan is frequently suggested, of pro- which communicates to a counteracting pulley. ducing powerful effects by means of vacuum The weight of the individual thus carries him produced by steam, which being suddenly con- downwards without dislocation. Sir Peter on densed, the atmospheric pressure is employed the day in question, adopted the latter expedi- for the power required. We now propose to ent, as usual, in utter darkness. Judge of his examine this subject, and briefly show what horror, when on reaching the extremity of his amount of advantage may be gained by this ap- plication, compared with that of steam press- journey, he found that his feet failed to touch the ground. He instantly thought that the ure. Supposing the temperature of water to workmen with whom he had quarrelled, had be at 212 degrees, 1000 degrees of heat are re- in revenge cut short the rope. He screamed quired to convert the same to steam, under the and bawled till he was hoarse, but all the op- ordinary atmospheric pressure. Suppose the eratives had sojourned to their dinner. At quantity of water to be one cubic foot, 1000 de- length his strength failed him, he let go his grees of heat will produce 1700 cubic feet of to be dashed to atoms in the steam, and the atmospheric power produced by hold, expecting condensation thereof is equal to raising unfathomable abyss, and found that he had the been for a full half hour screaming about 35,972,200 lbs. one foot high. The addition three inches from the ground. Here was a of 100 degrees of heat, will produce 379 cubic chance discovery which nettled Sir Peter feet of steam under a pressure of 76 lbs. per. sorely; inasmuch that he felt half angry with square inch, which is equal to raising 4,147,776 himself for not having been precipitated some lbs. one foot hi0h. Thus it will be seen that hundred feet, according to his reasonable ex- there is more power obtained in proportion to pectations. the quantity of heat expended, by raising the __________ temperature of steam to 312 degrees, than by The Albany Knickerbocker thinks it will that of 212, or barely sufficient to resist the at- require four or five wires to accommodate all mospheric pressure, to say nothing of the ad- the telegraph business between Albany and ditional power to be derived from the conden- New York. Railroads. The various railroad enteiprizes of the country are in progress without any cessation of public interest in them, which is clearly on the increase in every part of the country. There is now in operation in the United States over eleven thousand miles of railroad. The route from Portland to Montreal is urged on with great vigor by its friends, and opera- tions have been commenced at both extremi- ties of the line. It will most probably be carried on to completion in spite of its great cost, and the lack of capital which it would command were it a Boston or New York en- terprize. If the various railroad routes are executed, which are now proposed, and most of them will be, the seaboard of New-England will have a much more direct available con- nection with the interior than has hitherto been the case. Salem, (Mass.,) is soon to be connected with the new city of Andover by a railroad, and thence to Manchester, in this State, a road will be built in the course of a few years. Portsmouth, also, cannot fail at no very distant time to have a direct road to this place. This will enlarge the market for do- mestic produce to the great advantage of farm- ers. In other parts of the country great pro- gress is now making in furnishing the inhab- itants with railroad facilities. The great New York and Erie railroad, from New York city to Lake Erie, is again put in course of con- struction, being now in operation over 60 miles. It is also contemplated to build a rail- road from New York city to Albany, a distance of 150 miles, which it is intended to run over in five hoursthe fastest steamboat not being able to go in less than eight. In winter, of course,it will command the whole traffic. The only railroad communication in winter now is by means of the Housatonic railroada very roundabout and inconvenient route. It is stated that the Western railroad is likely to be benefitted by the new free trade system of the English, as much of the produce which was formerly shipped by way of Montreal, will now come over the Western road to Boston. This stock is now nearly up to par, and the prospect is that in a short time it will pay a dividend of more than six per cent. A rail- road is now constructed some distance above Springfield, Mass., on the Connecticut, and is said to do an immense business. This road will no doubt be extended up the valley of the Connecticut as far as Wells riverat which point the proposed Passumpsic road will touch the river. Of the southern States, Georgia seems to have taken the lead in railroad matters, there being in that State over 500 miles of railroad in successful operation. In Ohio considerable has been done within the last year, but the western states in general are doing but little, having so injured their credit by their repudi- ating proceedings that they can do nothing for them as State enterprizes, and individual cap- ital is too scanty to make any great advance. Several of the southern and western roads have been so unprofitable and have been so badly managed that they are entirely aban- doned. As we have betore remarked, the interest in railroads in this country has by no means reached its maximum: it has arrived to nothing like the pitch it has reached in England. To that point, or somewhere near it, it certainly will arrive, when not only all, or nearly all, the railroad enterprizes now projected will be built, but many others, some of them suffic- iently absurd, not now dreamed of, willbe pro- jected. The railroad interest in England still continues as intense as ever, and occasions great alarm to the financiers of that country, by the vast absorption of the active capital of the country into railroad enterprizes which are now going on. [N. H. Gazette. Allen on the Bee. We have received a neat pamphlet of 53 pa- ges, comprising a treatise on the natural histo- ry, physiology, and management of the Honey Bee, and illustrated with several engravings. The work must be valuable to those who have the management of Bees. Published by Tho- mas R. Allen, of Syracuse, N. Y. Received by LightningPrinted by Steam, is the stereotyped head of the telegraphic news in the Buffalo Courier. Exciting News from Monterey. The city of Monterey, with all its strong, and well applied fortifications, have been cap- tured by Gen. Taylor and his brave and reso- lute companions. The place was fortified in all its suburbs far beyond the anticipations of Gen. Taylor; and the Mexicans, conscious of their advantages, and encouraged by General Ampudia, fought with great skill and deter- mination; but it could not avail. While bat- tery%after battery on the surrounding heights, were stormed and taken by the gallant Col. Worth, and the main body of the army under Gen. Taylor were attacking the citadel and several batteries, defended by the most effic- ient of the Mexican forces, a battalion was en 0aged in bombarding the city, and two reg- iments advanced through the heavy cross-fire from the batteries, and attacked the Mexican reserve in the heart of the city, though not without severe loss, from a raking battery in front, and the musketry from the windows and tops of the houses on both sides of the street. The battle commenced on the 20th of September, and continued with great vigor for three days, till all the batteries being carried and the city so hardly beset, Gen. Ampudia, on the 24th, requested an interview, and after some hours of negotiation, capitulated, but was permitted to march out with his army, in con- sideration of the gallant defence of the city and fortress. The loss on our part is severe, probably 500 or 600. The Mexicans must be conscious, by this time, of thicir inability to oppose the American arms, and it is to be hoped that there will be no further occasion for hard fi~htin~ during thie war. Speculation. Large speculations are said to have been made in flour, by means of the magnetic tele- graph, in addition to certain private signals made from the Great Western prior to her ar- rival in port. One man in Albany is reported 1x have cleared $20,000. Jumping Off. A special train of cars attempted last week to run over the Neponset Bridge (on the Old Colony Railroad) while the draw was up. The engine did not succeed in jumping over, how- ever, but tumbled into the river. A private in the army, writing to a friend from Seralvo, near Monterey, says that he has drunk real China tea, grown on that soil, nearly equal to any imported from the Celes- tial Empire. Mr. Alger, of Bridgewater, gathered from two acres of meadow, 296 bushels of cranber- ries, which, at $2 per bushel, would amount to the handsome sum of $592. The convicts of the Massachusetts State Prison, have contributed a donation of 450 volumes of books, to the convicts of the State Prison of Illinois. A paper has been started in Worcester, Mass., called the Liberty of the Press. An exchange paper thinks the cider-press is re- ferred to, as the paper advocates drinking. In Austin, Texas, corn is selling at fifty cents, beef two to three cents, and vegetables in abundance. The Milwaukie Gazette says that 300 to 600 passengers, mostly emigrants, are landed daily at that place. TH1~ SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Persons wishing to subscribe for this paper, have only to enclose the amount in a letter di- rected (post paid) to MUNN & COMPANY, Publishers of the Scientific American, New York City. TERMS.$2 a year; ONE DOLLAR IN ADVANCEthe remainder in 6 months. Postmasters are respectfully requested to receive subscriptions for this paper, to whom a discount of 25 per cent will be allowed. Any persou sendin0 us 4 subscribers for 6 months, shall receive a copy of the paper for the same length of time. NEW YORK, OCTOBER 17, 1846. Philosophy of Water. 29 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Observations on the more recent Re.. searches concerning the operations of the Blast Furrtace in the Manufactuve e~ lroii. BY DR. J. L. SMLTi{. (Continued from Xo. 2.) 2. Changes that take place in the ascend- ing mass, which is composed of air and by- grometric moistureThe weight of the air thrown in at the tuyer in twenty-four hours is twice that of the ore, coal and flux, thrown in at the mouth during the same time. rho air, as soon as it enters the tuyer and reaches the first portion of coal, undergoes a changeits oxy0en is converted into carbonic acid, and its moisture decomposed, furnishing drydro0en and carbonic oxideafter ascend- ing a short distance, (12 or 18 inches) the car- bonic acid is converted into carbonic oxide--.- between this point and the upper part of the boshes it under0oes but very little change, ha- ving added to it a further small amount of carbonic oxide. So the ascending column at the top of the beshes is composed of nitrogen, carbonic oxide and hydrogenfrom this point it begins to undergo a change; the carbonic oxide diminishes, carbonic acid appears, and goes on increasing for about half the way up the fire-room; after which the carbonic acid, carbonic oxide, and nitrogen, remain the same, when the hydrogen increases, and moisture begins to appear and augmcnt up to the mouth. The ascending mass, as it passes cut of the mouth, contains the vapor of water, carbonic acid, carbonic oxide, hydrogen and oitro0 en. rho nitrgoen undergoes no altera- tien in its passage througis the furnace, and the same is trueof the hydrogen formed at the tuyer. If wood be used, the gases passing out of the mouth are the same as those just mentioned, with an increased quantity of moisture, and the addition of those pyroligenous products arising from the dry distillation of wood. In case of the use of bituminous coal, the gases, first alluded to, have added to them ammonia, light carburetted hydrogen, elefiant gas, carburetted hydrogen of unknown compo- sition, and suiphuretted hydrogen. 3. The chemical reaction occurring be- tween the ascending and descending masses. From time foregoing statements we can, at a glance, see what are the materials to be met with in the different parts of the furnace, and can therefore readily study their reactions upon each other. In the upper half of the fire-room, little or no chemical action is taking place, the ore, flux and coal, as already stated, simply losing their volatile parts. In the bottom of the upper half, and the entire lower half of the fire-room, a reaction is taking place between the ore and the carbonic oxide of the ascend- ing column; iron or magnetic oxide of iron arid carbonic acid being the result. It must be borne in mind th4t the coal has played no part in this~ redu5tion down to the commence- ment of the boshes. Between the boshes, and in the hearth, no reaction appears to take place between the ascending and descending masses, but the reduction of the ore is com- pleted by the direct action of the coal upon the remaining portion of the undecomposed ore; carbonic oxide being formed ;and here is the first consumption of the coal in its pas- sage downwards. According to M. Ebelman, the ore loses in the fire-room 28-33 of its oxygen by the reac- tion of the oxide of carbon, and the remaining 5-33 disappears in the boshes and hearth, in the manner already stated, at the expense of from 6-100 to 12-100 of the entire amount of charcoal used. The ore being now completely reduced, unites with a portion of carbon in the hearth, melts at about 13 inches from the tuyer, and descends into the crucible; and here also the flux, combining with the impurities of the ore, forms the slag, which melts. The coal and the air react upon each other most powerfully, just in the neighborhood of the tuyer, where the most intense heat is pro- duced; the oxygen becomes converted into carbonic acid, which, acting upon a portion of the ignited coal, is almost at the same inn- inent reduced to carbonic oxide; the moisture of air acting on the ignited charcoal under- goes the decomposition already mentioned, hydrogen and carbonic oxide resulting there- from. HAMMONIYS IMPROVED PADDLE WHEEL. FIGURE 1. FIGURE 2. EXPLANATiONFig. 1 ,in the engraving, rep- resents the outside of the wheel, and fig. 2, the side nearest the side of the vessel to which the wheel is attached. The wheel contains two sets of arms,and the paddles are mounted on piv- ots p~ojecting from each end thereof, and hav- ing their bearings in the end of each pair of arms; the end of the paddles only being shown in the cut. To each of the inside pivots, is attached two branches or arms, at right angles with the pivots, and on the end of each branch is a small pulley or friction wheel, which pass- ing through two curved grooves A, B, C, flg. 2,which grooves are attached to the side of the vesselhave the effect to govern the posi- tion of the floats during a part of the revolu- When the ore is easy of reduction, the gas at the boshes is represented by 100 nitrogen and 525 carbonic oxide, plus the quantity of carbonic oxide and hydro~en afforded by the moisture. It must be clearly understood, that these rules do not apply to every variety of ore. They are especially applicable to the hemet- ites and such ores as are either naturally po- rous, or become so in their passage through the fire-room of the furnace, thus increasing the surface of contact exposed to the action of the reducing agent, (carbonic oxide) so that when it has reached the boshes the reduction is nearly complete. The specular, magnetic, and siliceous ores, are reduced with much more difficulty; most of the ore, in these cases, reaching the boshes but slightly altered, they being principally dependant upon the direct action of coal for their reduction. This circumstance largely increases the consumption of coal when any of these ores are employed; and the amount of caloric made latent, in consequence of the seduction requiring the direct action of the coal, is very great; whereas, in the reduction of the ore by carbonic oxide, no heat becomes latent, for the heat rendered latent by the oxy- gen of the ore becoming gaseous, is compen- sated by the sensible heat produced by the combination of the carbonic oxide with the oxygen. Where the reduction is produced by the carbon, with the formation of carbonic oxide, 1598 unities of heat are made sensible, while 6216 are rendered latent, giving a dif- ference of absolute loss of 4618. It should be the object of the metallurgist to reduce as much of the iron as possible by the oxide of carbon. Magnetic, siliceous, and other hard ores, should be reduced to smaller fragments than those softer and more easily managed. Were it possible to reduce them to powder, without the danger of choking the furnace, it would be all the better, as the great object is to have a large extent of surface ex- posed to the carbonic oxide. The different capacity of different ores for reduction, shows the necessity of having furnaces of different dimensions for them respectively. The matter which covers the melted metal in the crucible, and that which adheres to the interior of the hearth, contains silicate of iron and charcoal in a pasty state, and there is, consequently, a constant reduction of the ox- ide of iron, which gives rise to carbonic oxide; this gas bubbles through the slag, which, if drawn off at this time, will, when cold, pre- sent a porous structure,a sure indication that the furnace is not working well, and that the slag itself contains much of the ore in the form of a silicate. (To be continued.) Counterfeit half dollars, made of German sil- ver, are said to be in extensive circulation. tion; and on the outward pivots are a set of single arms with pulleys attached, which pass into the groove D E, fig. 1which groove is attached to the side of the wheel boxwhere- by the positions of the floats are governed as re- presented in the engraving, through the re- mainder of the revolution. The objectofthe improvement is to prevent at the same time, the loss of power by the resistance of the water to the paddles in entering and leaving it, and al- so the atmospheric resistance against the pad- dles while passion over the wheel. This plan has not yet been proved, but the inventor, Mr. C. B. Hammond of Brooklyn, N. Y., intends putting it in experimental operation, soon as convenient. A Young Silk Factory. Whoever goes to the village of Turner, in the county of Oxford, if he have any curiosity about hum, or takes any pleasure in examining new inventions, cannot spend a half hour more agreeably than by examining a small factory designed for the manufacture of silk from the cocoon, into thread and twist, belong- ing to Capt. Jshn Dilliogham. Capt. D. not only made the machinery with his own hands, but invented a good part of it. It is placed on a small rivulet about a half or three quarters of a mile from the vill~ge, and consists of a small but neat, low building, about 15 feet square, crowded full of machinery for the silk busi Artesian Wells in London. During the late session of Parliament, the bishop of London, while advocating the ne- cessity for the building of Aew churches in the metropolis, stated that its population increased at the rate of 30,000 annually; an increase that requires a proportionate multiplication of all that contributes to the comforts and con- veniences of life. Greater quantities of food and clothing will be wanted every year; more houses, involving the extension of streets and thoroughfares; and, above all, a greater sup- ply of water; to quench the thirst of the addi- tional number of throats, as well as to lay an ever widening surface of dust. It is to be hoped that the new scheme for the erection and working of public fountains will be con- tinued and extended, until London may be as usefully embellished with jets deau as continental cities,of which they are generally considered the chief ornament. The initia- tive, as is pretty well known, has been taken by the formation of two fountains, with large basins, in Trafalgar Square; the water for which, instead of being supplied from any of the enormous companies, was obtained by boring, or the formation of Artesian wells. In June last, Mr. Faraday~elivered a lecture at the Royal Institution on the subject of these wells, in which he explained and illustrated practical details of the boring, and showed that the London public must look to the accumula- tions of water underlyin~, the London clay, for their chief supply of the pure element, for drinkin0 and other domestic uses. In inquir- ing into the geological relations of the waters lying deeply below the surface, he described the soil upon which London is situated, as par- ticularly favorable to the realization of this means of raising water. It is composed, in going from above downwards, of a layer of gravel of moderate thickness; then an enor- mous bed of plastic clay, known, in geology, under the name of London clay; beneath which lie calcareous marls, gravel, sand and freestone, succeeded by massive strata of chalk; the whole thickness, from the surface to the chalk varying from 200 to 300 feet. It was further explained that, wherever the sand and chalk ness, and also for some other purposes. One crop out, or rise to the surface, they must ab new improvement which interested us much, is a machine made by a son of the Captain, for braiding cord or bite, and which works with precision and with good effect. Another is a machine for swedging out little cylinders of pine for matches; and another for winding thread and twine into any shaped balls you wish. In regard to the silk business, Capt. D. finds that his location is not exactly right for his trees, they being often injured by late Spring frosts,which hurt, and sometimes kill the buds and tender leaves. Some of the people in the same towna Mr. Carey for instancebeing located differently, do not suffer in this way, and therefore meet with better success in the way of trees. We could wish that the inge- unity of Capt. D. could meet with suitable en- couragement and reward. It is by such efforts that our country has been enabled to come up in strength and wealth to the standard, even beyond some of the nations of Europe, and to cope with the whole world in manufactures. The individuals who have led to this have not always been rewarded according to their mer- its, but the public have derived innumerable benefits from them, either directly or indirect- ly, and they are entitled to the respect and gratitude of their fellow citizens.[Maine Farmer. An Example of Penitence. The Norway Advertiser is a very pretty paper, and the editor seems to be a very good hearted fellow, notwithstanding he gives us a thrust for being an old bachelor.[Manches tom Messenger. Poor soul! we repented of our unkindness long ago. We sincerely pity your misfortune; and to make amends for the injusy done to your feelings, we will say a word in your favor to all the schoolmarms in down east.[Norway Advertiser. Cutting and Curling. On a barbers sign, in Worcester, is repre- sented a hare cutting off at full speed, while an anaconda is curling to spring upon him. sorb the water which falls in those parts. This water percolates downwards underneath the clay, and, finding no mode of escape, ac- cumulates in the fissures of the chalk, ready to rush upwards throu,h any opening which may present itself. rhe property of water to seek a level when it has descended between strata concave up- wards, or between inclined beds of stratified rock, naturally accounts for the success of the Artesian operation. If two basins be supposed of different strata, placed one within another, a little distance apart, and water be poured be- tween, and a small hole be made in the bottom of the inner basin, the water will rise in a jet a very $2onsiderable height, and exemplify the nature of these springs: and multiplying the basins would afford an idea of those different springs found at varying depths, and of equally varying qualities. If, instead of the concave form, the plane of the strata be supposed to dip, the water, seeking the lowest point, and press~- ed by that which is near the surface, would equally rise, and form the Artesian well or spring, if the strata were perforated at their lowest level. The general mode of constructing an Artes- ian well is by first digging and bricking round to a certain depth, dependent on the nature of the soil, as in an ordinary well; from the bot- tom of this, the boring into the lower strata of sand and chalk is commenced. In order to pre- vent the flow of any water into the opening, except that from these particular strata, the bore is lined with iron tubes, which complete- ly shut out all percolations except that from the main source. Two borings were sunk for the works in Trafalgar Squareone of which is in front of the National Gallery, the other in Orange street, immediately in the rear, both being connected by a tunnel formed of brick laid in cement, 6 feet in diameter, and 380 feet in lennth. The borinn, s for the deepest well penetrated to a depth of 395 feet, the lower portion of which, passing into the chalk 135 feet, is not lined with tubes.* ~A well monk three years since at Grenelle, near laris 1800 feet in depth, throw, up 100,000 gallons of water every twenty-four hours. A contract was next made with Messrs. Easton & Amos, who furnished the plans and constructed the works engine, house, tanks and cisterns in Orange streetby whic.h thcy agreed to work the engines fbr ten horns every day, supplying 100 gallons of water per min- ute to the barracks, National Gallery, Office of Woods and Forests, Admiralty, Horse Guards, Treasury, Scotland Yard offices, Whitehall Yard offices, India hoard, Downing street, and Houses of Parliament, in addition to 500 gal- lbns per minute to the fountains in the Square, for the sum of 500 per annum: being just half the sum previously paid to the water com- panies who supplied those departments. The whole expense for sinking the wells, erecting the engine house, laying down the mains and the pipes to the fountains, was not quite 9000. The water of the fountains is constantly run- ning the same round of duty, being pumped out as fast as it returns from the basins: the supply of 100 gallons per minute is obtained from the deepest well, which, at the end of the ten hours, is not lowered more than five feef under the rest level. With a little more power in the machinery, the contractors are satisfl~d that the supply might be increased to five times the present quantity. Not only has an imoortant economical ad- vanta~ e been gained, hut the quality of the water is far superior to that supplied for the consumption of the inhabitants generally. The presence of an alkali is shown, by its turning red cabba0e water blue; a re-action due to the carbonate of soda, of which it con- tains a notable quantity, from 15 to 21 per ct. of the total proportion of saline matter held in suspension. Mr Faraday found 44.5 grains of~olid matter, among which was a small por- tion of lime, on evaporatin0 a gallon of the water. The excess of soda renders it ex- tremely soft, and particularly useful for do- mestic purposes. It is at the same time, very agreeable to the taste. This success, and the certitude which the known natural constitu- tion of the soil affords for procuring the same quantity of water, and in as great abundance as may he desired,in all quarters of the capital, has given rise to the idea ot carrying out the practice either by new independent compan- ies, or by concurrence with those already ex- isting, wherever a sufficient number of con- sumersmay he found willing to contribute to the expense Professor Fara(lay stated that the water rent of 2000 houses would suffice for the practical carrying out of the plan, inclusive of: the orna- mental addition, already alluded to, of a pub- ic fountain. In Berkeley Square a well has been sunk, from which water is lifted up by a hand pump, for the use of the inhabitants of that fashionable locality; but it was shown that an outlay of 3500 in the necessary ma- chinery, & c., would have produced a supply of water for 350 annually, which now costs 700, without a fountain, that might have been embraced in the other scheme. Considering the rapid spread of London, and the eagerness with which new business enter- prises are seized upon, it is not improbable that Artesian wells may become common, and thus give to the metropolis what its inhabit- ants so much requirepure water. The idea is not alto,ether new, for it appears that an endeavor was made in 183l-5 to form a Me- trepolis Pure Soft Spring Water Company, to supply the existing com~nies with their re- quisite quantities by Artesian wells of great magnitude; which failed rather through de- fects in the provisional committee, than through any demonstrated impracticability in their views, which had been entertained ten years previously, and formed the subject of an unsuccessful company in 1525. A remarka- ble objection has been made to these under- takin~s, which can only be explained by the prevailing ignorance of the principles of their action. It was said that they would soon drain the wells sunk to the London clay, which can only give back the water gained from the sur- face; while the Artesian wells derive their supplies from the chalk, where there is not the slightest communication with the clay. Such was the prejudice in this partic ular that a formal comnpisi nt was instituted against the new well of Trafalgar Square, while in coerse of imoring, as having drained the neigh boring wells, even before it had yielded a single drop of water. After his able exposition, Mr. Faraday ex- hibited a simple apparatus, desi~ned to demon- strate a new property of the fluid vein. It is well known that water, in escaping from an orifice of any form, does not long retain that form, but varies with more or less of ir- regularity; this is called the contraction of the vein. It occurred to the inventor of the apparatus that this contraction would be ac- companied by a diminution of volume, which would consequently determine, in a close ves- sel, a diminution of pressure sufficient to cause a smaller column of water to rise from below, under the ordinary pressure of the atmosphere. To effect this, water is made to descend in a tube opening into a glazed box, in communi- cation, by means of another tube, with a res- ervoir below. As soon as the valve which prevents the descent of the water is opened, the stream rushes into the box, contracts, pro- duces a certain vacuum, when it is immedi- ately seen that the water from below, which was colored to render the experiment more striking, ascends, and min~ling with the de- scending column, flows out with it through the escape tube. The lecturer stated, in conclu- sion, tlaat from the result of his experiments, it was probable that the principle might, in certain cases, be economically applied to prac- tical purposes. HUMOROUS. Gen. Hamilton and the Juggler. The following anecdote, told of the celebra- ted Alexander Hamilton, is quite amusing. While on a journey to Albany, he chanced once to put up for the night at a tavern in one of the small villages on the Hudson river, where a mountebank had advertised a display of his ingenuity at slight of hand, & c., on that evening. Induced by motives of curiosity, and a desire to while away the tedious hours of a winters evening, the General took a front seat in the apartment allotted for the perform- ance. His keen, piercing eye did not escape the observation of the juggler, who, stepping up to him and handing him a silver dollar, po- litely requested him to hold it until he should call for it, adding that it might escape his fin- gers without his knowledge. The General, thinking some harmless trick was intended, and being desirous of humoring the joke, readily accepted the dollar, and clenching it fast in his hand, waited in mo- mentary expectation of some attempt being made to extricate it from his grasp without his privity. The juggler, when he attempted a new trick, would first cast an inquiring glance at the General, as much as to say, look out for the dollar, when the former would imme- diately open his hand to convince himself that he was yet in possession of it. After the per- formance was over, the mountebank requested the dollar of Gen. H., who, on returning it, observed that he could discover no trick in it. Ido, though, replied the mountebank. You had not beets present three minutes, when I perceived that if I did not do something to di- vert your attention, you would detect me in every trick I attempted; I therefore gave you the dollar to hold, and managed to have it ab- sorb so much of your attention, that I got through the performance much better than I expected when you first fixed your eyes upon me. Gen. H., it is said, was highly amused at this chief dmuvre of the juggler, and pronounced it the best trick performed tlaat evening. Unexpected Fuss. The New-York Mirror tells the following: Fun is never so good as when it comes un- sought. Happening in at a coarse lookin0 shop, where all looked and smelt of business, we saw a startling picture of two donkeys, with the following quotation from Shakspeare: When shall we three meet again? This is one of the best practical jokes at whicla the subject could not fail to lau,h, as well as the hystanders. A Montreal Justice of the Peace lately corn- enitted a Vermont lawyer to prison for con- tempt of court, in calling said Justice Old High Ceckalorum Coolness under Fire. The Duke of Wellington was remarkable for the coolness with whicla he gave his direc- tions. Even in the heat of an enga~ement he has been known to give vent to a humorous ob- servation, especially when it seemed to raise the spirits of his men. Thus, xvhen the British were storming Badajoz, his grace rode up whilst the balls were firing around, and observ- ing an artillery man particularly active, in- quired the mans name. He was answered, Taylor. A very good name too, remarked Wellington, cheer up my men, our Taylor will soon make a pair of breechesf n the walls. At this rally the men forgot the danger of their situation, a burst of laughter broke from them, and the next charge carried the fortress. Jaw Crackers. The report of a surveying commissioner in Maine, sometime since, mentioned the follow- ing names of places in that State: Soboomock, Passamegamic, Depskanegan, Parkwalamas, Abawljacamegas, Nawsawwaduhunkeramuxas, Amagemaramus, Rapagenas, and Chesun- cook. ADVERTISEMENTS. 5~ THIS paper circulates in every State in the Union, and is seen principally by mechanics and manufacturers. Hence it may be considered the best medium of advertising, for those who import or man- ufacture machinery, mechanics tools, or such wares and materials as are generally used by those classes. The few advertisements in this paper are regarded with much more attention than those in closely printed dailies. Advertisements are inserted in this paper at the following rates One square, of eight lines one insertion, $ e ao two do., 75 three do., 1 00 one month, 1 25 three do., 3 71 six do., 7 Se twelve do., lii 00 TERMS :CASH IN ADVANCE. GENERAL AGENTS ~sa TCIE SCIENTIFIC ASIERICAN. New York City, GEO. DEXTER. Was. TAYLOR & Co. ~oston, Messrs. HsTcHsuss & Cs. Philadelpbia, - - - Messrs. CsI.sN & ADRIANcE. Boston, - - - - Jordon & Wiley. LOCAL AGENTS. Albany, - - - - PETER Cosa. Baltimore, Md, - - S SANDS. Cabotville, Mass E F. BROWN. Hartford, Ct, H H. BOWERs. Lynn, Mass, . F. MARSH. Middletown, Ct Was, WOODWARD. Norwich, Ct, SArEsan & PARKS. New Haven, Ct H DOWNES. New Bedford Mass Was. RosINsoN & Cs. Newark, N. J J L. AGENS. Newark, N. J Robert Kasliaw. Pattersoss, N. J., - - L. GARsIDE. Providence, R I, H & J. S. Rowa:. Springfield, Mass, WM. B. BROCKET. Salem, Mass. CHANDLER. Troy, N. Y., - - - A. SMITH. Taunton, Mass., - - W. P. SEAVER. Worcester, Mass., - - S. THOMPSON. Williams burgh, - - J. C. Gander. TRAVELLING AGENTS. 0. B. DAYIS, JOIsN STOUGHTON, JOHN MURRAY, SYL TESTER DIERFENORY. CITY CARRIERS. CLARK SELLEcK, SQUIRE SELLECE, NATHAN SELLECE. Persons residing in the city or Brooklyn, can have the paper left at their residences reu.ularly by send- ing their address to the office, 128 FuYton st.,2d floor. 31 STATE OF NEW YORK. SECRETARYS OFEseF, ALBANY, July 24, 15451. T Othe Sheriff of the City and County of New York: SirNotice is hereby given, that at the next General Election, to be held on the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November next, the following officers are to be elected, to wit A (iSv- ernor and Lieutenant Governor of this State. 2 Canal Cemmissioners, to supply the lilacs of Jonas EarlI, junior, and Stephen Clark, whose terms of service will expire on the last day of December next. A Se- natar for the First Senatorial District, to supply the vacancy which will accrue by the expiration of the term of service of Johis A. Lott on the last day of De- cember next. A Ilepresentative in the 30th Congress of the United States for the Third Congressional Die- ts-let, consisting of the 1st, 2d, Id, 4th and 5th Wards of the City of New York. Also a Re~sresentative in the said Congress for the Fourth Congressional Dis- trict, consisting of the 6th, 7th, 10th and 11th Wards of said City. Also a Representative in the said Con- gress for the Fifth Congressional District, consisting of the 8th, 9th and 14th Wards of said city. And al- so a Representative in this said Congress for the Sixtls Congressional District, consisting of the 11th, 12th, 16th, 16th, 17th and 18th Wards of said City. Also the following officers for the said County, to wit :16 Members of Assembly, a Sheritlin the place of William Jones, whose term of service will expire on the last day of December next. A County Clerk in the place of James Conner, whose term of service will expire on the last day of December next, and a Coroner in the place of Edmund G. Rawson, whose term of service will expire on the last day of Decem- her next. Yours, respectfully, N. S. BENTON, Secretary of State, SssERms-Fs Os-FIcE, New York, August 3d, 1846. The above is published pursuant to the notice of the Secretary of State and the requirements of the statute in such case made and provided for. WM. JONES, Sheriff of the City and County of New York. ~All the public newspapers in the County will publish the above once in each week until election, and then baud in their hills so that they may he laid before the Board of Supervisors, almS passed for pay- ment. See Revised Statutes, vol. 1, chap. vi. title 3d, arti- cle Idpart let, page 140. aug18 BRASS FOUNDRY. JAMES KENNEARD & CO. res~sectfully inform their friends and the psiblic that they are lmrepare(l to furnish all orders for Brass amid Composition Cast- ings, and fissishing in general at the shortest possible notice. N.B. All orders for Rail Road, lactory and Steams- heat work from any distance, will he thankfully re- ceived and attended to with despatchi and on reason- able terms. ~Patterns made to order. JAMES K NNEARD & CO. oct. 10 3m 27 1-2 Chrystie st. New York. ltJNOTICER. C. WETMORE & CO. RETURN their thanks to the Fire Department and Police, for the zealous exertions used by them in saving the pro- perty inthe store No. 85 Water street, at the fire this evenisig. R. C. Wetmore & Co. desire especially to acknow- ledge the aid of his honor the Mayor, in preserving their hooks and papers. Tuesday Night. PROSPER M. WETMORE, Navy Agent, begs to return his grateful acknowledgment to his Honor the Mayor,, the members of the Fire Department, anul l\Iunicipal Police, for the assistance rendered him in saving all the books and papers of the Navy Agency from the fire this evening, Tuesday night. NOTICE. The Office of the Navy Agent is removed for the present to the back office of the store No. 11 Broad street. PROSPER M. WETMORE, Navy Agent. 9syAll city papers please copy, and send bill. dO It iN LW IMPROVEMENT.M. H. Mansfield, of hf- Cilintown, Juniata Co., Pennsylvania, has inven- ted a new CLOVER HULLING MACDINE, which is one of the best inventions of the kind now in use. This machine will hull forty bushels of seed per day. Persons wishing to manufacture them can procure the right on moderate terms from the inventor. ~or further particulars, address MARTIN H. MANSFIELD, oct. a at Mifflintown, Juniata Co. Pa. (lOPPER SMITH The subscriber takes this J method of informing the psiblie that he is manu- facturing Copper Work of every dslscription. Par- ticular attention is given to maklng and repairing LOCOMOTIVE tubes. Those at a distance, cac have any kind of work made to drawings, and may ascertain costs, & c., by addressing L. R. BAILEY, cor. of West and Franklin eta., N. Y. N. B.Work shipped to any part of the country. 45to2dv15 EtECTRICITY. Sl~HS OR VI- This instrumemit differs from those in ordinary use, by hiaving a third connection with tIme battery, ren- dering them much more powerful and beneficial. As a CURIOUS ELECTRICAL MACHINE, they should be in the possession of every one, while their wonderful efficacy as a medical agent, senders them invaluable. They are used with extraordinary success, for the followimig maladies. RHEUSsATIsMPalsy. curvature of the SpiRe, Chronic Diseases, Tic-dolourcaux, Paralysis Tuber- cula of the brain, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, sick- headache. ToOTHACIOESt Vitus dance, Epilepsy, Fevers, dissates of tIme eye, nose, antrum, throat, muscles, cholera, all dimeses of tIme skin, face, & c. DEAFNESSLOSS of voice, Bronchitis, Hooping cough. These machisses are perfectly simple and com~- veniently managed. TIme whole apparatus is con- tained in a little box 8 inches long, h y4 wide and deep. They may he easily sent to any part of the United States. To be had at the office of the Scien- tiffie Americcan, 128 Fulton at, 2nd Iloor, (Sun build- maybe seen IN OPERATION at all times of the day and evening. 2 GOLD PENS In consequence of the increased facility afforded by mnachinery for the manufac- ture of my GOLD PENS, I am enabled to furnials them to the Trade, at a much less mince than they have heretofore obtained them thsrough my Agent. Those purchasing direct of the manufacturer will have the double advantage of the lowest market ps-ice, and the lirivilege of returning those that are imperfect. In cossnection with the above, 1 am man- ufacturin the usual style of PENHOLDER, togetlser with my PATENT EXTENSION PENHOLDER with PENCIL. All orders thankfully received, and pusnetmially attended to. A. G. BAGLEY, sept. 55 If 181 DroadwayN. Y. Engraving on Wood N EATLYAIND PROMPTLY EXECUTED AT TISiC AMERICAN, 128 Fulton st, three doors from the 5mm Oflice. Desigmso, DRAWINGS of all kinds for PATENTS, & e,, also made, m above, at very low charges AMERICAN AND FOREIGN PATENT AGENCY, No. 23 Chambers street, New York. JOSEPH H. BAILEY, Engineer and Agent for pro- curing Patents, will prepare all the necessary Specifications, Drawings, & c. for applicants for Pa- tents, in the United States or ~urope. Having the experience of a number of years in the business, amid being connected with a gentleman of high character and ability iii England, he has facilities for enabling inventors to obtain their Patents at home or abroad, with the lesst expense and trouble. The subscriber, being practically acquainted with all the various kinds of Drawing used, is able to rep- resent Machinery, Inventions, or Designs of any kind, either by Authographic Drawing, or in Isome- trical, Parallel, or True Perspective, at any angle best calculated to show the construction of the Ma- chinery or Design patented. To those desiring Drawings or Specifications, Mr. B. has the pleasure of referring to Gen. Win. Gibbs MeNiel, Civil Engineer, Prof. Renwick, Colmimbia college, Prof. Morse, Jno. Lee. Residence, No. 1 0 CarrolL Place; office, No. Chambers street. oct15 tf 1~ LACK LEAD POTS The subscriber offers f~ ~heie the~ JJ sale, in lots to suit purchasers, a smiperior article of BLACK LEAD POTS, that can be used without annealing. The price is low, and founders are re- quested to make a trial. SAMUEL C. HILLS, dlto2ndvfi Patent Agent, 12 Platt street. ENERAL PATENT AGENC V-The subserdies- JU has established an agency at his warehouse, 12 Platt street, New York, for the protection aimS gene. cal advancement of the rights amid interests of Inven- tors and Patentees. he objects of this agency are more particuinry to aid and assist Inventor sand Patentees in effecting sales of their inventions and of goods and wares made therewithand also for the sale and transfer of Patent Rights. Arreagements have been made with a lawyer fa- miliar with the Patent Laws, who will attend to the legal branch of the business upon reasonable terms. Sasisfactory references will he given. Applications may be made to the undersigned personally, or by letter, post pai:l. SAIvIUEL C. 1-IILLS, 43-2dv5 General P tent Agent. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Polishing Diamonds. Amsterdam is much engaged in manufac- tures, and some of them are peculiar to the country. Oie of the most curious of these is that for the polishing or cutting of dia- monds. There are several in the city, and they are exclusively the property of the Jews, who are quite numerous. In the lower story of a large building were six or eight horses, driven round and round by a number of boys, and turning a large wheel. From this I ascended a narrow and steep stair- way, lined with dust, smut and cobwebs, to the second floor. Here were about forty work- men, seated at their benches round the sides of the room. The large wheel below turned four small cylinders in the middle of this room, and from these, bands ran to all the benches, and kept in motion a number of cir- cular iron plates, horizontal and just even with the surface of the table. The superintendent sat in the centre, busy at his work, and over- lookin~ the room. lie spoke English, and took much pains to explain and show me the the whole process. The flat plate of soft iron is about ten inches in diameter, and burnished with a file or piece of coarse sandstone, so as to be full of fine lines, radiating from the centre. This lasts a workman one or two days, and must then be prepared once a~ain. The rough diamonds are small, irregular, round pebbles, just about the size of the shot a sportsman is accustomed to use, from the smallest size to buckshot. The workman takes a small copper cup, one inch in diameter, which is fastened to a strong wire, and fills it with a composition of zinc and quicksilver. This composition,when hot, has the consistency of wax, and is easily moulded into any shape. The workmen filled a cup and rounded it off with a flat piece of iron and his handan experiment which, he told me, would be difficult for an inexperienc- ed person to try without burning his fingers, but upon his horny hand the red hot metal made no impression. When finished, it looked just like an apron upon its stem, with the diamond partially imbedded in the apex. The whole was then plunged into cold wa- ter, and the stone was firmly held in its place by the solid zinc, and ready for polishing. This acorn of zinc and diamond is then fast- ened firmly in an iron clamp, and the point put down upon the metal plate, which is whirling round and grinds it off. Sometimes a weight of lead is put on to press it down and grind it away faster. Each workman attends two at the time, and takes them up every mi- nute, to apply with a camel hair pencil the smallest quantity of diamond dust, which is the only substance that will not act upon them, and is more precious than gold: or to bend the stiff wire with the thumb, and form a new face. His first step is to make a table, as it is called, that is, to grind down a consi- derable surface on one side, around which the other facets are arranged. Every diamond is here finished with sixty-four facets, and done entirely by the eye. The workmen are employed twelve hours and finish three or four a day. The diamond merchants of Amsterdam pay from two to four dollars each for polishing. The best place for buying the rough stones is France, and the best market for selling the polished jewels is England. Any color injures the value of the stone. The clear, limpid diamond is the most valued. A workman showed me three of the same size, just finished, weighing about three carats each, half as large as a pea, and said they were worth 600 forms, that is about $90 each. Doubtless they will soon sparkle in marble halls, and in happy unison with splendor and beauty; but I doubt if they will ever sparkle in more striking and brilliant contrast than when I saw them in the smutty hands of the workman. The place was covered with smut, dust and oil, the wheels rattled, and the workmen shouted rough jokes at each other above the noise, and grinned and dashed about their different duties as merrily as ever the Cyclops could have wrought when they made the pre- cious shield of Eneas. And now and then, the tortured diamonds sent forth a shriek, the like of what comes from filing a saw, but to which that is a mere whisper. Manufacture of Gun Flints. Brandon, in Suffolk, Eng., is the only place in England in which gun flints are now made to any considerable extent. The masses of flint from which the gun flints are made at Brandon are obtained from a common about a mile southeast from the town. The chalk is within six feet of the surface. The men sink a shaft down about six feet, then proceed about three feet horizontally, and sink another shaft lower down into the chalk, about the same depth of six feet, and sometimes they fall in with a floor of flint within this depth. rhey proceed again about three feet horizon- tally, and sink another shaft six feet; and so they proceed, going sometimes, to the depth of about thirty feet. By making their shafts only about six feet in depth, they are able to de- scend, and hand up the stoiae from one stage to another without the aid of any machinery ; and although a windlass, rope, and bucket might save labor, they would require capital, which the poor men who follow this occupa- tion cannot command. They pay a rent of five shillings to the parish for every cart load, which is as much as three horses can draw, and of this they grievously complain. In the descent of about thirty feet, they generally find three floors of flint, and sometimes as many as four. At every floor of flint which they find, they excavate horrizontally for several yards, even as far as twenty yards below the chalk. The flint is in large blocks, in form much like the septaria stone. The men break the blocks into moderately sized pieces, so as to be enabled to hand them up from stage to stage. When engaged in doing this, a man places himself about half way up between two stages, so as to receive the stone from below, and hand it up to the stage above him. They sometimes sink shafts, and do not fall in with flint to repay their labor. That the flint of the best quality, and most adapted to the manufac- ture of gun flints, is comparatively rare, is shown by the experience of France as well as England. Air and Air-Guns. Air is now generally supposed to be so per- fectly elastic, that one cubic inch of it, would if relieved from restraint, expand to a cubic mile, or perhaps to a thousand times that space. Common atmospheric air is constantly kept under a pressure of about 15 lbs. per inch, by the weight of the atmosphere, or bo- dy of air which surrounds the surface of the earth. If a cubic inch of air be allowed to expand to two cubic inches, or double its ordi- nary space, it still requires a pressure o~ 7 1-2 lbs. per square inch, to retain it in thoselimits. If a cubit inch of air be subjected to an addi- tional pressure of 15 lbs. per square inch, it becomes reduced to one half its original vol- ume. By another additional pressure of 30 lbs. per s~juare inch, it becomes reduced to one fourth its original volume ; and in proportion under any greater pressure. The limits to which air is capable of being condensed by compression, have not yet been discovered. When liberated form compression, it instantly expands to an almost unlimited volume, with the same force that was required to compress it, with the exception of a difference occasion- ed by a loss of a part of the heat which it ori- ginally contained, but which naturally radiates from compressed air, to surrounding objects. By this may be understood the principle of air guns. If the barrel of an air gun be 16 inches long, and its calibre equal to a square inch, then a force or pressure of 240 lbs. would be required to compress the air ordinarily con- tained in the barrel, into the space of once cu- bic inch. The avera:,e expansive force of this inch of air, and which would be applied to a ball when being discharged, would be about 30 lbs.; and if the weight of the ball were four ounces, this force would be sufficient to project it upward to the height of 150 feet. But air guns are generally constructed with chambers capable of containing a quantity of compressed air, sufficient to expel the ball without any ma- terial diminution of force while passing through the barrel; and as it is not difficult to con- dense air under a pressure of 2000 lbs. per square inch, it is not surprising that balls are projected by this power, more forcibly than by the explosion of gunpowder, or by any other force that has ever been applied to that pur- pose. Chicken Machine. The chicken-hatching machine of Mr. L. G. Hoffman, of Albany, is thus described in an Albany paper: The machine, which we ex- amined, is of the dimensions of an ordinary sized trunk, and is capable of hatching be- tween 500 and 600. It is made of tin, and surrounded by water warmed to a suitable de- gree of temperature, by two heaters, one on either side, one heater adapted for charcoal for day use, and the other for night, by a solar lamp, burning less than a pint of damaged lard. Connected with the oven proper, is a brooding chamber, so constructed that the same heat which imparts the necessary tem- perature to the oven above is reflected in the chamber below, throwing a gentle warmth on the mother, (a dressed sheep skin with the wool on, and capable of being fitted to a frame and of being raised or depressed to the size of the chicken) which is intended to take the place of the natural parent. Wind Watermills in Holland. In Holland they supply their canals with water from the meadows by windmills. Hun- dreds of windmills, moving whenever the wind blows, are constantly at work, keeping the meadows dry, and the canals, which are higher than the meadows, full. We have often ex- pressed re,,ret that the power of wind, which is not only abundant, but free for all, is so lit- tle improved in this country, not only for rais- ing water, but for sawing, threshing and grind- ing. Wind wheels can now be furnished for twenty dollars each, which will, in a flesh breeze, furnish power equal to that of three or four men; a trifling expense of connecting ma- hinery will apply this power to mills, churns, grindstones, saws and other machinery, which ordinarily require much manual labor. Ulustration of Colors. One of the most interesting articles which we have seen recently introduced, is an inven- tion of Mr. Peregrine Branwhite of West Ho- boken, N. Y. It consists of a neat mahogany box, within which are tastefully and judicious- ly arranged, 28 disks covered with silk, floss or similar material, and each presenting a distinct and different colorall the principal and most brilliant colors known and used in the arts ;each color bearing numbers, and the numbers referring to an explanatory scale on the lid of the box. The inventor has applied for a patent for the invention. A specimen may be seen at this office, and we shall proba- bly procure an engravisig, representing the ar- rangement, with full explanations of its general ability. India Rubber Floats. There were exhibited, a few days since, at Jersey City, a new kind of buoys or floats, in- vented by an officer of the U. S. army. The contrivance is remarkably simple, consisting of two or more cylinders, made of heavy can- v ass, coated with Goodyears insoluble rubber, inflated and attached to baggage wagons and ordnance, for floating the same across rivers. In this experiment two small cylinders were used, and attached to a wagon weighing 1,685 lbs.; the wagon was then filled with persons, and it floated with as much buoyancy as a life boat. If the water is shoal, the wheels sup- port the wagon, and in deep water the floats sustain it. It is attached in a few moments, and detached by removing six pieces, so that it can be drawn across the stream with cords, and attached to other wagons; and in this way an army with their baggage trains can be passed over a stream as rapidly as over a bridge. Next What I Animal magnetism, with all its boasted ad- vantages in rendering people insensible to pain, appears likely to be superseded by a dis- covery of Dr. Morton, of Boston. It is no other than a gas or vapor, by the inhaling of a small quantity of which, the patient becomes immediately unconscious, and insensible to pain: thus giving an opportunity for the most difficult and otherwise painful surgical opera- tions, witl~ut inconvenience. A Railroad Hint. A correspondent of the Mining Journal, writ~s as follows: Why not employ the force of a large steel spring, sinlilar to the spring of a watch, to put in motion a railway train? The spring might from time to time, be wound up by the power of small stationary engines; and as watches will go twenty-four hours without winding up, why should not a locomotive, fur- nished with a similar source of power within itself, go for an equal space of time? Those who have seen and understood the const~uc- tion of common musical snuff boxes will very readily comprehend how the force of a spring may be made to communicate to the driving wheels of a locomotive any required degree of velocity; the little fly-wheel or fan box re- volving at a rate far greater than would ever be required in railway locomotion. It may be added to the above that a spring of force suf- ficient to carry a whole train is by no means necessary. They may be multipliedone to every two or three cars, if expedient. We have examined this subject long since, and ascertained that the quantity of steel re- quisite to make a spring or springs of sufficient power to prop el a train of four double cars, one mile, would be no less than 100,000 lbs. Of course the quantity required to propel the same train at ordinary speed 24 hours, would be about 72,000,000 pounds, or 320,000 tons: rather a heavy load of driving apparatus for one train. Under this view, the correspondent of the Journal will not be impatient, if his su~,gested plan should not de adopted for some time to come.[Ed. Sci. Amer. Gen. George Washington Dixon has issued the first number of a paper under the title of the South American. It will be sure to g-o. THE NEW YORK SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN: Published Weekly at 128 Fulton Street., (Sun Building,) Xew York. BY MUWN & COMPANY. The SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN is the Ad- vocate of Industry and Journal of Mechanical and other Improvements: as such its contents are probably more varied and interesting, than those of any other weekly newspaper in the United States, and certainly more useful. It contains as much interesting Intelligence as six ordinary daily papers, while for real benefit, it is unequalled by any thing yet published Each number regularly contains from THREE to SIX ORIGINAL ENGRAVINGS, illustra- ted by NEW INVENTIONS, American and Foreign,SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES and CURIOSITIES,Notices of the progress ot Mechanical and other Scientific Improvements, Scientific Essays on the principles of the Sci- ences of MECHANICS, CHEMISTRY and ARCHITECTURE,Catalegues of American Patents,INSTRUCTION in various ARTS and TRADES, with engravings,Curious Philosophical Experiments,the latest RAIL ROAD INTELLIGENCE in EUROPE and AMERICA,Valuable information on the Art of GARDENING, & c. & c. This paper is especially entitled to the pat- ronage of MECHANICS and MANUFACTU- RERS, being devoted to the interests of those classes. It is particularly useful to FAR- MERS, as it will not only apprise them of IMPROVEMENTS in AGRICULTURAL IM- PLEMENTS, but INSTRUCT them in various MECHANICAL TRADES, and guard against impositions. As a FAMILY NEWSPAPER, it will convey more USEFUL Intelligence to children and young people, than five times its cost in school instruction. Being published in QUARTO FORM, it is conveniently adapted to PRESERVATION and BINDING. TERMS.---The Scientific American is sent to subscribers in the country at the rate of $2 a year, ONE DOLLAR IN ADVANCE, the remainder in 6 months. Persons desiring to subscribe, have only to enclose the amount in a letter, directed to MUNN & COMPANY, Publishers of the Scientific American, New York. ~ Specimen copies sent when desired. Ail letters must be POST PAID. 32

Zcientiftc THE ADVOCATE OF INDUSTRY ANT) JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC, MECHANICAL AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS VOL. 2. NEW YORK, OCTOBER 24, 1846. NO. 6. HOWELLS TANNING MACHINE. THE NEW YORK SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN: Published Weekly at 128 Fulton Street, (Sun Building,) JVew York. BY MUNN & COMPANY. RUFUS PORTER, EDITOR TERMS.$2 a year~1 in advance, and the remainder in 6 months. 43I~ See Advertisement on last page. The Fashionable Ladys Prayer. Give us this day our daily bread, And pies and cakes besides, To load the stomach, pain the head, And choke the vital tides, And if too soon a friend decays, Or dies in agony Well talk of Gods mysterious ways, And lay it all to thee. Give us, to please a morbid taste, In spite of pain and death, Consumption-strings around the waist, Almost to stop the breath; Then, if infirmity attends Our stinted progeny In visitation for our sins, Well lay it all to thee. Give us big hustles in the rear, (We ask it not in fun,) A thing for corn-fed crows to fear, And hens to roost upon; And if we heat the hips and spine, What matter should it he? (And sickness follows,) we can whine, And lay it all to thee. Give us good houses, large and tall, To look the cabins down And servants dodging at our call; And shaking at our frown; The poor, however worthy they, Well treat quite scornfully Then sixpence pay, communion day, And settle up with thee. We do disdain to toil and sweat, Like girls of vulgar brood! Of labor, give us not a hit, For physic nor for food; And if, for lack of exercise, We lack the stamina Of those we trample and despise Well lay it all to thee. If any curse we have forgot, That on a votary Fashion let fall, withhold it not, But send it grievously; And if too haid the mill-stoae light For frail humanity Well never blame ourselves a mite, But lay it all to thee. Yes, give us coffee, wine and tea, And hot things introduce, The stomachs warm bath trice a day, To weaken and reduce! And if defying nature laws, Dyspeptic we must be, We scorn to search for human cause, But lay it all to thee. [Chronotpye. California Farming. A gentleman, writing from California to the editors of the St. Louis Reveille, says his stock consists of about four thousand head o~ oxen, one thousand seven hundred horses and mules, three thousand sheep, and as many ho,s. They all pasture themselves without difficulty in the rich prairies and bottoms of the Sacra- mento, and only require to be attended. This is done by Indians, of whom he employs four hundred. His annual crop of wheat is about twelve thousand bushels, with barley, peas, beans, etc. in proportion. This machine, which attracted much atten- tion among the various improvements exhibit- ed in operation at the great Fair, has been sat- isfactorily proved by practical use, and we have on hand a variety of specimens of leather, tanned with extraordinary expedition by means thereof. It consists principally of a large wheel, with a series of floats attached to the periphery thereof, put in operation by A Strange Mistake. A few days ago, a Newcastle journal says: While a number of persons were engaged in harvest, working a field near Belford, the steward put off his waistcot to assist in hind ing, and placed it on the top of some sheaves, following the reapers down the field in the usual course of their work, till they were quite out of sight of the clothes. Two persons, a mason and his wife, who were going to em- ployment on the railway, as they were travel- ling on the road adjoining to the field, ob- served one of the navvies go over the fence into the cornfield, strip off his own waistcoat, put on the one lying on the sheaves, and in - stantly run off at a quick pace. The two persons informed the reapers of what had taken place, and on coming to the spot where the waistcoat had been left, the steward found a ragged article lying in its place, and being afraid to touch it with his hands, took it up on the point of a sickle, and was dangling the rags about, to the amusement of his fellow laborers, when, to his great surprise, three sovereigns fell out of one of the pockets, and this, of course, recenciled him to what he at first thought a worthless exchange, and checked the jeering and sport of his companions. . short time after the discovery of the money, the poor navvy returned with a penite it look, implorin,,ly lamenting his mistak ; hut he was told he had the bar~ain of his ox n making, and he must now keep what he LI got. Phrenology. An exchan;e recommends that the scienGe of Phrenolo,,y be brought into requisition in the selection of partners in matrimony ; to this another expresses anticipation of the time when the reply to the popped question will no lon,,er be I must refer you to Pa, hut Let me examioe your humps. Think of the burn- ing suspense of a youth while his head is un- dergoing the family examination. suitable connections of machinery, and which, two to three hundred sides of sole leathcr in a when in operation, keeps in motion a large month, or the same number of calf skins in a number of skins in process of tanning, whereby week; and the leather tanned by this process the process is so greatly facilitated as to save is evidently stronger and of a better quality three-fourths of the time required by the ordi- otherwise, than that produce~l by the ordinary nary methdd: and it is stated that a great say- process. One of these machines may he seen in,, in bark, or tanning material, is also effected. in operation at the store of Mr. B. Marsh, No. A machine of the ordinary size will tan from 16 Jacob street, New York. A LIST OF PATENTS To Ilorace Childs, of Henniker, N. H., for Issued from the 8th of August to the 20th of improvement in Truss Bridges. Patented 12th August, 1846, inclusive. To Levi Kettinger, of East Greenville, Ohio, for improvement in Rat Traps. Patented 8th August, 1846. To Alfred Stillman, of New York City, for improvement in Machinery for Crushing Su- gar Cane. Patented 8th August, 1846. To George E. Waring, of Stamford, Ct., and R. F. Peterson, of New York, (administrators of Alexander S. Wolcott, deceased,) and John Johnson, of New York, for improvement in Machinery for Spinning. Patented 8th Au- gust, 1846. To William Laighton, of Portsmouth, N. H., for improverRent in Enema Chairs. Pa- tented 8th August, 1846. To Ovando Hurlhut, of Buffalo, N. Y., for improvement in Truss Pads.. Patented 8th August, 1846. To Patrick S. Devian, John Hancock and Cheselden S. Wood, of Philadelphia, Pa., for improvement in Oiling Gudgeons. Patented 8th August, 1846. To Thomas A. Davies, of New York City, for improvement in Clocks. Patented 12th August, 1846. To John Greenwood, John Mercer and John Barnes, of En,,land, for improvement in pre- paring Stannate of Potassa and Soda. Patented 12th August, 1846. To Joseph R. Morris, of New haven, Ct, for improvement in i-lot Air Furnaces. Pa- tented 12th August, 1846. To Edwin Thayer, of Chatham, N. Y., for improvements in Brakes for Cars. Patented 12th August, 1846. To Bancroft Woodcock, of Wheeling, Va., for improvement in Cookin,, Stoves. Patent- ed 12th August, 1846. To Frederick H. Bartholomew, of New York City, for improvement in Hydrants. Patented 12th Au,,ust, 1846. Au,,ust, 1846. in Frederick Harbach, of Pittsfield, Mass., for improvement in Brid,,es. Patented 12th August, 1816. To James Munsell, of Painted Post, N. Y., for improvement in Mortising Machines. Pa- tented 12th An,,ust, 1846. To Erastus B. Bigelow, of Boston, Mass., for improvement in Power Looms. Patented 18th Au~ ust, 1846. To John Dutton, of Aston, Pa., for improve- ment in the Manufacture of Ice. Patented 18th Au,,ust, 1846. To Smiley H. Sample, of Fayette, Mo., for improvement in Hemp Breakers. Patented 18th August, 1846. To Edward G. Fitch, of New Orleans, La., for improvement in Life Preservers. Patented 18th August, 1846. To Thomas W. harvey, of New York City, for improvement in Machinery for Dressing Screw Heads. Patented 18th August, 1846. To William Clayton, of Marshalton, Pa., for improvement in Brakes for Carriages. Pa- tented 18th August, 1846. To Peter Amand he Comfy de Fontaine Mo- reau, of London, England, for improvement in Barometers. Patented 20th August, 1846. To John Needham, of New York City, for improvement in Sofa Bedsteads. Patented 20th August, 1816. To Thomas J. Sloan, of New YorK City, for improvement in Wood Screws. Patented 20th August, i~~16. To Geor~ e Tiemano, of Nexv York City, for improvement in 8acrificators. Patented 20th August, 1846. RE-ISSUE. inn Jordon L. Mutt, of New York city, for improvement in Stoves. Original Letters Pa- tent, dated 30th Dec., 1833; Re-issued 8th of August, 1846. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. My thanks for the present were instantly spoken, (The giver I never had seen,) For Confidence whispered accept of the token, And look the envelope within; I took off the wrapper, and judge my surprise An Horolo;e case to behold, Most splendidly wrought in the~richest of dyes, And bordered with velvet and gold. A Harp like a minst#4s with glistening chords, Upon it in beauiy was wrought; A le3son much plainer than teaching by words To me this instructiqp was taught, The Harp for a Poet to play his own rhyme, And Case for suspending the Dial of Time. My watch, though of silyer with care did I place, Twas old, and a Swiss Dial, too, Beneath an old mirror within its new case, Then stretched on a sofa to view The match I had made by the moons pearly beam, When Fancy my mind bore away To sport with the muses, or else did I dream Of strains of a far sweeter lay Than Minstrel oft plays to his lady beloved, Or serenades sing in a bower; Asleep, or awake, by its notes was I moved, And little I heeded the hour, The Harp for a Poet to play his own rhyme, Or Case for suspending the Dial of Time. I sprang from the sofathe vision was gone The tick, of my watch could I hear, But not from the llarpcamea musical tone, But still did my Present appear, A Harp, for a Poet to play his own rhyme, And Case for suspending the Dial of Time. [Olive Branch. Runaway Slaves. There is said to he much activity in and about Chicago, between runaway slaves from Missouri and Kentucky on one part, and the civil officers on the other; and many curious and deep laid games are played by both parties in their endeavors to outwit each other. Each class is in turn successful; many slaves escaping to Canada, while the slave-catchers make many successful nabs. Self-interest rather than principle is the main motive on both sides. ___ _______________ Treasure Pound. The Barnstahle Patriot says that two men belonging to Nantucket, discovered on the shores of that Island a few days since, after an unusually low ebb tide, a.cask, the head show- ing itself a little above the surface of the water, and which they found, on extricating it from its bed, to contain 5,000 Spanish dollars! It is thought to be a part of the cargo of a brig wrecked at that place more than fifteen years ago. The Earth. The surface of the earth is 196,862,200 s~uare miles, and its solidity is 259,726,930,- 416 cobit miles. The sea is to land, in round millions of square miles as 100 to 40, or as four to one. The earth is according to the different measurements, 7912, 7911 and 7921 miles in di- ameter, and about 2 1.860 or 21,880 miles round. The Teetotal Mechanic. Under thia title appears a new and very s2ri~htly paper, published in Akron, Ohio, by Drew & Co~gshall. We are well pleased with tUe pager, but would remind the svorthy editors that of the eleven articles which were copied from our paper in No. 7, only one was credited. Effect of Vegetable Diet. Of the interesting inhabitants of Pitcairns Island, in the Pacific, it is said that they live almost eptirely on fruits and vegetables. Their diet is very simple, yams constituting their principal food. They rise early, and take much exercise. Their strength and agil- so great that the most expert En~lish sailors cannot match them at wrestling and boxing, carrying, weighing, & c. Sickness of any kind is rare among them. Hired Help. The factories and the tailor slaops take up so many girls, that it is next to impossible for fa- milies to get help. Some are breaking up housekeeping, while otlaers depend wholly upon themselves. As a remedy for this evil, if evil it may be called, let mothers train their daughters to work in tlac kitchen. It will not hurt them; but make them healthier and hap- pier, and prepare them ere long for good house- wives.[Portland Tribune. Humanity Triumphant. We mentioned some weeks since that a lit- tle girl had been imprisoned in Canada, for plucking a single gooseberry from a bush by the side of a garden. We are gratified to learn that the father of the child brought a suit against the owner of the garden, which suit resulted in a verdict of ~300 against him, for his cruelty to the child. The town of Monterey. 1his town now in the possession of General Taylor, is the capital of tlae State of New Leon It is on the Fernando river, about 220 miles from its mouth. It has well paved streets and mostly one story stone buildings. The popu- lation is about 12,000, and the city is situated on tlac main travelling route from the Rio Grande to the city of Mexico. Printing 3000 years ago. The Rev. Mr. Jamieson, who was for ten years a missionary in Thibet, preached in Dr. Swifts Claurch, Allegheny, lately. Mr. J. states that the art of printing has been prac- ticed in Thibet for 3000 years. They can only print 3000 copies a day, however, from each formso that if they were ahead of us in type, we are far ahead of them in press work. Large Railway Train. The Mining Jouanal says: One of the larg- est trains probably ever seen, left the Rugby station recently. It consisted of 84 carriages, and was impelled by three of Stephensons powerful six-wheeled engines. Its length ex- tended to nearly half a mile, and the wei0ht of merchandise, exclusive of the carriages, was upwards of 240 tons. Education. It is stated that in thae United States one child in every 4 goes to schoolin France one in twentyin Poland one in seventy-eightin Russia one in three hundred and sixty-seven, that one being a noble. In Prussia, every child is educated to some extent, thougla they are instructed in a variety of errors in addition to the use of letters. The Indians in Texas. An old squaw lately brought for sale, to the Texas Volunteer camp, two Spanish girls, starved nearly to death, and almost naked. The Indians had murdered a whole family, ex- cept three girls, and wanted to sell them. The Texans liberated the girls, seized 15 or 20 Indians on suspicion, and determined to do justice in the matter. Right. Died for Joy. Don Manuel Agustin Heredia, the wealth- iest man in Spain, was in great distress con- cerning the safety of a vessel he had dispatch- ed to China. On hearing that his vessel had arrived at Malaga, on the 14th of August with a cargo worth fourteen millions of dollars, the J)on fell and immediately expired. Low and high Water, A late Saint Louis paper states that the river was so low tlaat the ferry-boats could not cross, while the Pittsburgh papers report ten feet water in the Ohio river at that place. The Connecticut has been lower than ever before known. New Mode of Advertising. A letter was recently received at the Fort Plain Post office, bearing the followijag super- scription: Fort Plain to enny Jir har- ness maker who wants work. The writer depends of course on the Post Master to notify the journeymen harness makers of the presence of the letter. An Oversight. We do not like apologies: but would say to Mr. Holcomb, that the notice of his nail-mak- in0 machine, was actually put in type two weeks since. hut in the hurry of business was set aside on the galley and overlooked. If it does not appear in this number, we will try again. Diseased Turnips. It is announced that the turnips in En0lan d and Ireland are infected with disease similar to that of potatoes: and as this vegetable is raised in lare quantities, and much depended on for food, its failure is regarded as a serious calamity. New mode of Pen-making. We are informed that some Yankee has in- vented a machine whereby common quills are cut up into twenty pens each, which are used in a pen-balder in the manner of metallic pens We think it not unlikely that the plan will succeed. Immense Emigration to the West. The Milwaukie Gazette announces the arri- val of the steamer Empire, tkus: She had 960 paying passengers on her list, and was filled v~iith freight. About 475 passengers and 70 tons of merchandize, furniture, & c. were landed at this port. Ship Railroad. It is now said that a treaty has been made for the construction of a railroad, by an English and French company, to unite the At- lantic and Pacific, over to the Isthmus of Pa- nama. This looks more rational than the canal project. Go it while youre young. The Middletown papers contain the mar- riage of Master David Turner, of Palmero, Ct., aged seventeen, to Miss Almira Brown, of Liberty, aged fourteen ,after a courtship of five years. A Poor Womans Eloquence. The other day we heard a poor Irish woman describe her love of children. She never tired of tending them, she said, and whenever she heard one cry, her heart cried with it. [London Times. A Distressing Circumstance. A Mrs. Culver, of Edgar county, Ill., was recently bitten by a rattlesnake, during the absence of her husband; and having no chil- dren lar0e enough to send to the nei0hbors for help, she died before any assistance arrived. A Bursted Cloud. The Huntington Globe speaks of the burst- ing of a cloud in Lewiston, by which three young ladies were drowned. A contemporary remarks that they have very thin shelled clouds in that quarter. The Late Storm. ~Te laave accounts from various sections of the country, of much destructiou of property by the gale of last week. The telegraph be- tween Hartford and Berlin, Ct., was broken in 17 places. Deepest Artesian Well in the World. In the Duchy of Luxemburg, a well is being sunk, the depth of which surpasses all others of the kind. Its present depth is 2,336 feet, nearly 984 feet more than that of a ha Gren- alle, near Paris. Postage. The number of letters mailed within the month of October last, was 1,993,337 in the free States, and 884,109 in the slave States. The number mailed in Ohio during that month was, 203,303, and in Kentucky, only 74,133. The women of Peru never, it is said, nurse their children when angry, for fear of impart- ing to them a choleric temperament How Very 10mg. The New London Star, says that a citron melon vine which sprung from a stray seed last spring, on the farm of Noah Chapman, Esq. grew to the enormous length of fourteen hundred and forty feet, and producedforgy. two citrons. Old Dover to the young Dovers, The inhabitants of Dover, England, have is- sued a circular address to the several towns of that name in America, in which address much friendly regard is expressed. Dover, N. H., will probably_answer. Third growth of Pears. Mr. William Rhood, of New Haven, has a tree that has produced the third growth of pears this season; the first crop was ripe on the first of August: the second on the 2nd of October, and the third is now ripening. Much Deceived. A person named Muck, from Patterson, lately bought what purported to be a gold watch, at one of our city auctions, but he was Much vexed when he discovered it was only brass. Snow Storm at Buffalo. Bufikln laad on Saturday morning l~t a wet and splashing storm, which wound up in a dis- mal snow storm. The Organ of Trinity Church is the largest in the United States. The case is of solid oak in the Gothic style, the height of the organ is 52 feet, width 27 feet, depth 32 feet. It has 44 stops, and nearly 2500 pipes, the largest of which is 30 feet long. It was built by Mr. Henry Erben, of this city, and cost $15,000. The Magnetic Telegraph from Buffalo to roronto has been commenced. The distance will be 100 miles. Arrangements are making for the connection of Bufiklo and Detroit by Tele0raph. Rev. Dr. Yore stated, at a late meeting in Dublin, that he had attended 120 criminals to the scaffold, and every one of them declared intemperance to have been the means which brought them to the ignominious death. The pumpseight in numberemployed in supplying the Illinois canal, are 4 1-2 feet in diameter, with six teet stroke and capable of raising 13,000 cubic feet of water per minute. The Arabians will not kill superannuated camels, because thacy are past service and use- less, but feed and nourish them with particular care in consideration of past services. A Norwich paper states that the drought has been so severe in that section lately, that it is difficult for the locomotive to keep up steam. The Railroad bridge across the Connecticut river at Windsor Locks, was lifted from the piers and dashed upon the rocks below, by the gale last week. The Magnetic Tele0raph Company are about constructing a new line from New York to Philadelphia, and instead of the fragile copper wire, to use strong iron cords. Snow fell to the depth of three inches at Auburn, on Saturday night. There was al- most -a snow storm at Albany about the same time. A gentleman from Thomaston, Maine, rep- resents the drought to be so severe that water has been broughft from the neighboring ponds and sold for five cents a bucket One of our exchanges speaks of a cucumber, which measures five feet and ten inches in length, and weighs five pounds and seven ounces. There is said to be thirty-seven millions of capital invested in railroads by the people of Massachusetts alone. There is said to be a female in Bangor, who was born in Newbern, N. C., in 1742. She walks to church legularly every Sunday. A false friend is like a shadow on a dial, whicla appears in fine weather, but vanishes at the appearance of a cloud. There have been reported several cases of severe sickness occasioned by digging diseased potatoes. Better leave them in the grouad. 34 The Dial of Time. Suggested by a wrought watch-case, pre sented by a Lady. information to persons having business to transact at the Patent Office. Continued from Xo. 41 INTERFERING APPLICATIONS. Sxc. 37. Whenever an application shall be made for a patent, which, in the opinion of the Commissioner, would interfere with any other patent for which an application may be pend- ing, or with any unexpired patent which shall have been granted, it shall be the duty of the Commissioner to give notice thereof to such applicants, or patentees, as the case may be; and if either shall be dissatisfied with the de- cision of the Commissioner on the question of priority of right or invention, on a hearing thereof he may appeal from such decision, on the like terms and conditions as are provided in the scale of applications for inventions not new; and the like proceedings shall be had, to determine which, or whether either, of the ap- plicants is entitled to receive a patent as pray- ed for.Act. of 1836, sec. 8. CAVEATS. SEC. 38. The law enacts, That any citizen of the United States, or alien who shall have been a resident of the United States the year next preceding, and shall have made oath of his intention to become a citizen thereof, who shall have invented any new art, machine, or improvement thereof, and shall desire further time to mature the same, may, on paying to the credit of the Treasury, in manner as provided in the 9th section of this act, the sum of $20, file in the Patent Office a caveat, setting forth the design and purpose thereof, and its princi- pal and distinguishing characteristics, and praying protection of his right, till he shall have matured his invention; which sum of $20, in case the person filing such caveat shall af- terwards take out a patent for the invention therein mentioned, shall be considered a part of the sum herein required for the same. And such caveat shall be filed in the confidential archives of the office, and preserved in secre- sy. And if application shall be made by any other person, within one year from the time of filing such caveat, for a patent of any inven- tion with which it may in any respect interfere, it shall be the duty of the Commissioner to de- posite the description, specifications, drawings, and model, in the confidential archives of the office, and to give notice (by mail) to the per- son filing the caveat of such application, who shall within three months after receiving the notice, if he would avail himself of the benefit of his caveat, file his description, specifica- tions, drawings and model; and if, in the opin- ion of the Commissioner, the specifications of claim interfere with each other, like proceed- ings may be had in all resl)ects as are in this act provided in the case of interfering applica- tions.Act of 1836, sec. 12. IETENSION OF A PATENT BEYOND THE FOURTEEN YEARS. SEC. 39. Section eighteen enacts, That whenever any patentee of an invention of dis- covery shall desire an extension of his patent beyond the term of its limitation, he may make application therefor in writing, to the Commis- sioner of the Patent Office, setting forth the grounds therefor; and the Commissioner shall on the applicants paying the sum of forty dol- lars to the credit of the Treasury, as in the case of an original application for a patent, cause to be published in one or more of the princi- pal newspapers in the City of Washington, and in such other paper or papers as he may deem proper, published in the section of coun- try most interested adversely to the extension of the patent, a notice of such application, and of the time and place when and where the same will be considered, that any person may appear and show cause why the extension should not be granted. And the Secretary of State, the Commissioner of the Patent Offico, and the Solicitor of the Treasury, shall con- stitute a hoard to hear and decide upon the ev- idence produced before them, both for and against the extension, and shall sit for that purpose at the same time and place designated in the published notice thereof. The patentee shall furnish to said hoard a st tement, in writing, under outh, of the ascertained value of the invention, and of his receints and ex- penditures, sufficiently in detail to exhibit a true and faithful account of ios.s and profits in any manner accruing to him from and by rea SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. son of said invention. And if, upon a hear- ing of the matter, it shall appear to the full and, entire satisfaction of said board, having due regard to the public ibterest therein, that it is just and proper that the term of a patent should be extended, by reason of the patentee, without neglect or fault on his part, having failed to obtain, from the use and sale of his invention, a reasonable remuneration for the time,ingenu- ity, and expense bestowed upon the same, an d the introduction thereof into use, it shall be the duty of the Commissioner to renew and extend the patent, by making a certificate thereon, for the term of seven years from and after the expiration of the first term; which certificate of said board of their judgment and opinion as aforesaid, shall be entered on record in the Patent Office; and thereupon, the said patent shall have the same effect in law as though it had been originally granted for the teim of twenty-one years; and the benefit of such renewal shall extend to assignees and grantees of the right to use the thing patented to the extent of their respective interests there- in: Provided, however, That no exte nsion of a patent shall be granted, after the expiration of the term for which it was originally i ssued. FEES PAYABLE AT THE PATENT OFFICE. SEC. 40. All fees must be paid in advance the amount fixed by law; except in case drawings, the expense of which will be com- municated on application for the same. SEC. 41. Every applicant must pay into the Treasury of the United States, or into the Pa- tent Office, or into any of the deposite banks, a deposite to the credit of the Treasurer, on presenting his petition o r application, as fol- lows SEC. 42. If a citizen of the United States, - $3000 as a patent fee - - SEC. 43. If a foreigner, who has re- sided in the United States one year preceding the application for a patent, and shall have made oath of his intention to become a citizen SEC. 44. If a subject of the Sover- eign of Great Britain - - SEC. 45. All other foreigners - SEC. 46. On entering a caveat SEc. 47. On entering an applica- tion for an appeal from the de- cision of the Commissoner - SEc. 48. On extending a patent be- yond the fourteen years - - SEC. 49. For adding to a patent the specification of a subsequent im provement - - - - In case of re-issues for every addi tional patent - - - SEC. 50. On surrender of an old patent, to be re-issued, to correct a mistake of the patentee - SEC. 51. For a disclaimer - - SEC. 52. For copies of patents, or any other paper on file, for each 100 words - - - - 30 00 500 00 300 00 20 00 23 00 40 00 15 00 30 00 15 00 10 00 10 SEC. 53. For copies of drawings, a reasona- ble sum, in proportion to the time occupied in making the same. Sxc. 54. Communications to and from the Patent Office are free of postage. SEC. 55. All fees under five dollars, if sent to the Commissioner of Patents, should he trans- mitted in specie. SEC. 58. It is recommended to make a depos- ite in a specie paying deposite bank, of the fee for a patent or other application, and to remit the certificate. Where this Cannot be done without much inconvenience, gold may be re- mitted by mail, free of ~postage, at the risk of the correspondent. SEC. 57. In case of deposite made in the de- posite banks, a duplicate receipt should be taken, stating by whom the payment is made, and for what object. The particular inventinn should be referred to, to enable the applicant to recover back the twenty dollars in case of the withdrawal of the petition. The ccrtii- cate of deposite may be made in the followin0 form SEC. 53. BAN1~ OF The Treasurer of the United SLAos h credit at thia office for 1oilars a specie, deposited by of the town of in thecounty of , and Statecf the same being for a patent [or mchateu- I er the object may ~] for n ateazn-boikr. 35 List of Banks which are authorized to re- ceioePcztent fees on account of the Treas- ury of the VIsited States, and to give re- ceipts or certificates of deposite therefor, Viz: Commercial Bank, Portsmouth, N. H. Bank of Montpelier, Montpelier, Vt. Merchants Bank, Boston, Mass. City Bank, New Haven, Conn. Arcade Bank, Providence, R. I. Farmers and Mechanics Bank, hartford, Ct. Mechanics and Farmers Bank, Albany. Albany City Bank, Albany. Bank of Commerce, New-York, N. Y. Bank of America, American Exchange Bank, Merchants Bank, Commercial Bank, Albany, - Philadelphia Bank, Philadelphia, Penn. Exchange Bank, Pittsburgh, Bank of Pittsburg, Pittsburgh, Bank of Baltimore, Baltimore, Md. Bank of Washington, Washington, D. C. Bank of the Metropolis, Washington, D. C. Bank of Virginia, Richmond, Va. Exchange Bank of Virginia, Norfolk, Va. Southwestern Railroad Bank,Charleston,S.C. Branch Bank of Cape Fear, Raleigh, N. C. Planters Bank of Geornia, Savannah, Ga. Bank of Mobile, Mobile, Alabama. Branch Bank of Alabama, Huntsville, Ala. Bank of Louisana, New-Orleans, La. Union Bank of Tennessee, Nashville, Tenn. Louisville Savings Institution,Louisville,Ky. The Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Compa- nys Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio. Clinton Bank, Columbus, Ohio. Bank of Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo. Michigan Insurance Company, Detroit,Mich. Union Bank of Louisiana, New Orleans, La. Any person wishing to pay a patent or other fee, may deposite it with either of the banks above named, and forward the receipt or cer- tificate to this office, as evidence thereof. Money sent by mail must be at the risk of the person sending the same. SEC. 59. N. B.The Patent Office does not make original drawings to accompany applica- tions for patents, and furnishes copies of the same only after the patent is completed. Draughtsmen in the city of Washington are al- ways ready to make drawings at the expense of the patentees. (To be continued.) Lake Ontario. We find by actual and accurate admeasure- mont, that the water off our wharves at King- ston this day, 26th of September, 1846, is three feet five inches lower than it was in 1835. This involves consideration of deep impor- tance to our navigation, and of course affect- ing our new Canals. It is a well known fact, that as a country becomes cleared and open to the influence of the sun and air; that by the action of evapo- ration, all rivers diminish, hence the many in- stances in the old country where valleys, which have formerly been the channel of im- portant rivers, are now become dryor mere streamlets during the wet seasons. It is not difficult to imagine that from the same or similar causes, our magnificent rivers may gradually get more and more shallow; nor is this a circumstance which ought to have been overlooked in the construction of our ca- nals. We shall on some future occasion give some striking instances on this subject, which have come under our own notice in Canada. [Kingston, Upper Canada Paper. From Lake Superior to the Mississipi. An exploring party, says the Galena Gazette, passed down the Mississippi last week. They measured the distance from Fon du Lao to the mouth of Snake River, and found the distance only to be 43 miles. Snake River falls into the St Croix about 30 miles above the falls of the latter, which would make the distance only about 70 miles from tlae head of steamboat navi0ation on tiae St. Croix, to one of the best harbors 00 Lake Superior. The character of the country is said to he such that a good road moy easily be constructed between the two points. This will at no very distant day, be a gi eat thoroughfare between the Mississippi valley and that of Lake Superior. The uisville papers are warmly advocating the establishment of a regular line of steam- packets between that city and Pittsburgh. RAILROAD IN~[ELLIGENCE. Pittsburgh and ConnelJsvifle Railroad. We are informed that the Chief Engineer, Mr. Lathroe, will, on Monday next, proceed to make a careful reConnoisance of the country to Turtle Creek, in order to make a proper selec- tion of the route from that place to this city; and provided the season should prove favora- ble, it is expected the Engineer Corps will have the line from there to Connellsville ready for letting before the winter season.[Pitts- burgh Gazette. Michigan Central Railroad. Jas W. Brooks, the superintendent of this road, under the new organization, is in this city on business connected with the road. He has just comple