2863. C. Mackenzie, Bayswater, and A. Turnbull, Manchester-square-Machinery for paring fruit and vegetables.

2864. J. Winspear, Liverpool-Improved mode of coating metals, wood, stone, and plaster, to preserve them from decay.

2865. R. Eccles, Wigan, and J. Mason and L. Kabery, Rochdale-Improvements in slubbing and roving frames for cotton and other fibrous substances.

2866. J. Sutcliffe, Manchester-Improvements in steam-engines, and in apparatus connected therewith.

2867. F. Osbourn, Aldersgate-street-Improvements applicable to the distribution of

manure.

2868. J. Chisholm, Holloway-Improvements in the distillation of organic substances, and in obtaining products therefrom.

2869. J. H. Johnson, Lincoln's-inn-fields-Improvements in portable cases for containing provisions. (A communication.)

2870. G. Morley, Birmingham-Ornamenting or producing pictures on japanned goods, panels, canvas, or other material, whereby a vast amount of artistic skill and labour is superseded.

2871. W. Schaeffer, Stanhope-terrace-Improvements in purifying spirit. 2872. J. Eourne, Port Glasgow-Improvements in steam-engines.

2873. J. Bourne, Port Glasgow-Improvements in machinery for the production of iron ships and other similar structures.

2874. J. Bourne, Port Glasgow-Improvements in the construction of iron ships. 2875. H. Bessemer, Baxter House, Old St. Pancras-road-Improvements in the construction of railway axles and breaks.

Dated December 10

2876. A. Macpherson, Brussels-Improvements in disinfecting sewers or other drains or depositories of fetid matters or gases, and in converting the contents thereof to useful purposes.

2877. W. Muir, Brittannia Works, Manchester-Improvements in machinery and apparatus for cutting out parts of garments.

2878. C. Coates, Sunnyside-Improvements in and applicable to looms for weaving. 2879. H. L. Du Bost, Rue Neuve des Petits Champs, Paris-Improvements in the construction of locks and keys.

2881. J. H. Johnson, Lincoln's-inn-fields-Improvements in furnaces for the manufacture of steel. (A communication.)

2882. E. Green, Wakefield-Improvements in boilers and furnaces. 2883. N. V. Guibert, Paris-Improvements in forge-hammers.

2884. W. Thornley, Clayton West, Yorkshire-Improved manufacture of woven fabrics. Dated December 12.

2885. E. O. W. Whitehouse, Brighton-Improvements in effecting telegraphic commu nications.

2886. T. Hollinsworth, Winwick, near Warrington-Improvements in the method of applying breaks to carriages employed upon railways, and in the machinery or apparatus connected therewith. 2887. W. Evans. Myrtle-street, Hoxton-Improvements in obtaining and applying motive power.

Dated December 13.

2888. W. Redgrave, Croxley-green, Rickmansworth-Improved safety travelling-cap. 2889. G. K. Hannay, Ulverston-The combination and manufacture of composition grinding-wheels, hones, and other grinding bodies.

2890. J. Wansbrough, the Grove, Southwark-Improvements in the manufacture of waterproof fabrics.

2891. W. F. Plummer, St. Mary's Overy Wharf, Southwark-Improved machinery for grinding or crushing animal, vegetable, and mineral substances.

2892. C. Schiele, Oldham-Improvements in preventing undue oscillation in engines, machinery, carriages, and other apparatus.

2893. A. G. Guesdron, Montmartre-Improvement in or addition to sugar-basins.
2894. A. G. Guesdron, Montmartre-Method of producing plans in relievo.
Dated December 14.

2895. P. Grant, Manchester-Improvements in printing-presses.

2896. F. A. Gatty and E. Kopp, Accrington-Improvements in printing and dyeing cotton, wool, silk, and other fibrous substances.

2897. J. A. Coffey, Providence-row, Finsbury-Improved method of evaporating liquids.

2898. E. Beanes, Charlotte-street, Portland-place-Improvements in the manufacture and refining of sugar.

2899. J. Z. Kay, Dundee-Improvements in gas-meters.

2900. B. Fullwood, Abbey-street, Bermondsey-Improvements in the manufactuure of

cement.

2901. J. Wibberley, Eagley, near Bolton-Improvements in machinery or apparatus for winding yarns or threads on to spools or bobbins.

2902. R. J. N. King, Exeter-Improved artificial bait for fish.

2903. R. Parrock, Glasgow-Improvements in coats and similar articles of dress. 2904. W. B. Johnson, Manchester-Improvements in machinery or apparatus for making bricks and other articles from clay and other plastic materials. Dated December 15.

2905. E. H. Rascol, Catherine-street, Strand-Improvements in retorts for the manufacture of gas. (A communication.)

2906. S. Messenger, Birmingham-Improvement or improvements in railway, ship, and carriage lamps.

2907. T. Pugh and W. Kennard, King-street, Snow-hill-Improvements in locks and latch-spindles.

2908. J. B. Howell and J. Shortridge, Sheffield-Improvement or improvements in the helves of tilt-hammers.

2909. J. P. H. Vivien, Paris-Improvements in the manufacture of paper and pasteboard.

2910. A. E. L. Bellford, Castle-street, Holborn-Improvement in blasting powder, for mining, and other operations of a similar nature. (A communication.) 2912. J. B. Pascal, Lyons-Improvements in obtaining motive power.

2913. F. W. Branston, Oak-tree House, Clapham-Improvements in certain tablets, labels, and signs, or their surfaces exhibiting letters and designs. 2914. C. J. Morris, Kirby-street, Hatton-garden-Improvements in bookbinding. 2915. B. Whitaker, Brighton-Improvements in the manufacture or production of useful toys.

2916. A. Cochran, Kirkton Bleach Works, Renfrew-Improvements in the application of starch or other substances of a similar nature to woven fabrics, and in the machinery or apparatus employed therein.

2917. F. D. Gibory, Paris-Improvements in instruments for ascertaining heights and distances, and for levelling.

2918. A. B. S. Redford, Albion-place, Walworth-road, and Thomas Cloake, Savillerow, Walworth-road-Improvements in retarding and stopping the progress of railway carriages.

Dated December 16.

2919. W. Binnion, Birmingham-Improvements in carriage and other lamps.

2920. W. G. Whitehead, Birmingham-Improvement or improvements in hats, caps, bonnets, and other coverings for the head.

2921. W. Tranter, Birmingham-Improvements in fire-arms, and in bullets and waddings to be used therewith.

2922. A. Limousin, Paris-Improvements in looms for weaving pile fabrics, and in a mode and apparatus for cutting the pile.

2923. A. Médail, Paris-Improved hydraulic machine.

2924. T. Williams, South Castle-street, Liverpool-Improved revolving pistol. 2925. T. S. Truss, Cannon-street-Improvements in breaks for railway carriages and other vehicles. 2926. T. S. Truss, Cannon-street- Improvements in apparatus for communicating between the engine-driver and the guard of railway trains.

2927. J. H. Johnson, Lincoln's-inn-fields-Improvements in dyeing. (A communication from M. Bellancourt, Rheims.)

2928. J. H. Johnson, Lincoln's-inn-fields-Improvements in the treatment or preparation of wool, and of the wash-waters employed in such treatment. (A communication from Messrs. Villermet and Manheimer, Paris.)

2929. S. Norris, New Peter-street, Horseferry-road-Improvements in lighting and extinguishing gas-lamps.

2930. S. Smith, Horton Dye Works, Bradford-Improvements in preparing rovings and yarns of wool.

2931. A. Parkes, Birmingham-Improvements in separating silver from its ores or other compounds.

2932. R. B. Hall, Whitecross-street-Improvements in crushing and grinding quartz, minerals, and other matters.

2934. A. L. Knox, Glasgow-Improvements in ornamenting certain descriptions of textile fabrics.

2935. J. Thompson, Clitheroe-Improvements in machinery or apparatus for stretching textile fabrics as they are wound into laps or rolls. after the processes of bleaching and dyeing, or operations connected therewith.

2936. R. W. Waithman, Bentham House, York-Improvements in belts or bands for driving machinery for use in mines, and for other purposes.

Dated December 17.

2987. J. S. Bailey, Keighley, York-Improvements in machinery for operating upon wool, alpaca, mohair, and other fibrous materials, preparatory and prior to being

spun.

2938. J. Horton, Birmingham-Improvements in the manufacture of certain kinds of metallic vessels. 2939. G. Anderson, Gas Works, Rotherhithe-Improvements in apparatus used when manufacturing gas, which apparatus or part of which is also applicable when transmitting gas from one place to another.

2940. C. Bedells, Leicester-Improvements in the manufacture of elastic fabrics. 2941. J. D. M. Stirling, Larches, near Birmingham-Improvements in the manufacture of iron. 2942. J. Greenwood, Arthur-street West, London-bridge-Improvements in preventing draughts of air into rooms and places when the doors and windows are shut. 2943. I. James, Cheltenham-Improvements in carts for distributing water or liquid

manure.

2944. M. P. Houghton and A. Stewart, Hillmorton-Improved means of preventing accidents on railways.

2946. R. Whewell, Little Bolton, Lancaster-Improvements in machines used for cutting paper.

Dated December 19.

2947. H. Milward, Redditch-New or improved machinery for manufacturing needles and fish-hooks. (A communication.)

2948. J. Tribelhorn, St. Gall, and P. Bolley, Aarau, Switzerland-Improvements in the process of bleaching vegetable fibrous substances. (A communication from C. Custer, Alstaetten, Switzerland.)

2949. A. E. L. Bellford, Castle-street, Holborn-Improvements in paddle-wheels for propelling vessels. (A communication.)

2950. W. Crossby, Devonshire-street, Sheffield-The ventilation of granaries, storehouses, or places of deposit for grain whatsoever, and for improvements in the grinding of grain and dressing of grist, and grinding generally.

2951. A. E. L. Bellford, Castle-street, Holborn-Improvements in presses for expressing oil or other fiuids from fruits, grains, or other substances. (A communication.) 2952. R. Waygood, Newington-causeway-Improvements in portable forges. 2953. D. Goldthorp, Cleckheaton, near Leeds-Improved propeller.

Dated December 20.

2954. A. Paterson, Westminster-Improved cooking apparatus. 2955. J. H. Campbell, King's Arm's-yard, Coleman-street-Improvement in machinery for cutting corks.

2956. J. L. Clark, Chester-villas, Islington-Improvement in insulating wire used for electric telegraphs, with a view to obviate the effects of return or inductive currents. 2957. H. E. F. de Gergy Veuve Durut, Paris-Improvements in the manufacture of

bread.

2958. P. Wagenmann, Bonn, Rhenich Prussia-Improvements in the manufacture of liquid hydro-carbons and parafine.

2959. J. Boydell, Gloucester-crescent-Improvements in the manufacture of wroughtiron frames.

2960. E. M. F. Lemaire, Rue Drouot, Paris-Improvements in tanning.

2961. J. Webster, Cornwall-road, Stamford-street-Improvements in acting on drying oils and preparing varnishes.

2962. J. Burrows, Haigh Foundry, near Wigan-Improvements in the formation of such metallic plates as are required to be conjoined by riveting or other similar fastening.

2963. J. Burrows, Haigh Foundry, near Wigan-Improvements in the construction of steam-boilers or generators, and in the arrangement of furnaces connected therewith. 2965. R. B. Huygens, Holland-Improvements in machinery for crushing, washing, and amalgamating gold and other ores and substances.

Dated December 21.

2966. G. Boccius, Hammersmith-Apparatus adapted to the breeding and rearing of fish. 2967. C. J. Farrington, Hampstead-Improvements in signalling and preventing collisions on railways by electrical communication.

2968. H. Kohnstamm, Union-court, Old Broad-street-Improvements in the manufacture of imitation leather.

2969. T. V. Lee, Lockyer-terrace Plymouth-Improvements in the construction of certain machinery and apparatus for the manufacture of bricks and tiles.

2970. J. Dining and W. Inglis, Southampton-Improved apparatus for purifying and filtering residuous water.

2972. J. Jones, Glasgow-Improvements in governors or regulators for steam-engines and other machinery.

Dated December 22.

2973. J. Youil, Burton-upon-Trent-Improvements in the mode or method of obtaining power to raise liquids, and of treating the said liquids when raised, and of using them to obtain additional power.

2974. L. A. F. Besnard, Paris-A new system of painting, by means of lithography, without leaving a particle of paper upon the canvas.

2975. P. A. L. de Fontainemoreau, South-street, Finsbury-Improvements in constructing and applying connecting-rods. (A communication.)

2976. W. H. Woodhouse, Parliament-street, Westminster-Improvements in the construction of roads, ways, and ducts.

2977. C. Lewis, Hull-Improved lamp for signalling.

2978. B. Murgatroyd, Bradford, York-Improvements in washing or scouring wool, alpaca, and mohair, and fabrics composed entirely or partly of those materials.

297.9 T. Berry, Rochdale, J. Mangnall, and J. Chadwick, Heywood-Improvements in winding and twisting wool, cotton, and other fibrous materials.

2980. J. Gibbons, jun., Wolverhampton-Improvements in locks and latches. 2981. J. Shaw, Hatton-garden-Improvements in pianofortes. (A communication.) Dated December 23.

2982. J. Gillow, jun., Northwich, Chester-Improvements in the manufacture of salt. 2983. J. Britten, Birmingham-Improvements in girders, bridges, roofs, and other such like structures.

2984. J. O'Neil, Bury, Lancaster-Improvement in apparatus for drawing condensed steam and air from pipes or other chambers in which steam is used.

2985. F. Bennock, Wood-street, Cheapside-Improvements in coating silk and other yarn or thread with gold or other metal. (A communication.)

2986. J. D. Pfeiffer, Paris-Improvements in machinery or apparatus for cutting paper and similar material.

Dated December 24.

2987. R. G. Coles, Cheltenham-Improvements in the locks of fire-arms. 2988. J. Gaulter, Paris-Improved apparatus for washing and bleaching, 2989. G. Goutaret, Paris-A new system of propulsion.

2990. J. Margerison, Preston-Improvements in railway-breaks.

2991. H. Hardinge, New York-Manufacturing liquid quartz or silex, to be used in the manufacture of certain compositions for ornamental and useful purposes.

2992. G. A. Buchholz, Gould-square, Crutchedfriars-Improved machinery for the cleaning and hulling or dressing of rice, wheat, and other grain.

2993. J. Lewis, Salford-Improvements in apparatus for drilling or boring metals and other substances.

2994. T. Cooper, Leeds-An improvement applicable to the binding of ledgers and other books.

Dated December 27.

2995. T. W. Makin, Manchester-Improvements in machinery or apparatus for finishing woven fabrics.

2997. F. C. Calvert, Manchester-Improvements in the treatment of naphthas and other volatile hydro-carbons, and in the application of the same to various useful purposes. (A communication.)

2988. G. J. Mackelcan, Lechlade, Gloucester-Improvements in winnowing or corndressing machines.

2999. S. Sedgwick and T. Dawson, Piccadilly-Improvements in the moderator-lamp, or in lamps of a similar principle.

3000, T. S. Prideaux, St. John's-wood-Improvements in apparatus for regulating the supply of air to furnaces, and for preventing radiation of heat from fire doors and other parts of the fronts of furnaces.

3001. T. Molyneaux, Manchester-Improvements in winding and doubling silks; a part of which improvement is applicable to the treatment of other fibrous substances.

Dated December 28.

3002. J. Parkinson, Bury, Lancaster-Improvements in governors for regulating the pressure of steam, gas, and other fluids or liquids.

3003. J. Moffat, Heiton, Scotland-Improvements in the means of communication between the guard and the engine-driver in a railway train.

3004. J. Taylor, Britannia Works, Birkenhead-Improvements in raising and lowering weights.

3005. W. U. Coates, Ombersley, Worcester-A new or improved rotary steam-engine. 3006. J. Alexis, Avignon, France-Improved railway-break.

3007. R. Green, Flint Glass Works, Brettell-lane, Stafford-Improvements in insulators for insulating the wires or rods employed for conducting or transmitting electricity.

3008. J. Macintosh, Pall-Mall East-Improvement in discharging projectiles. 3009. J. Barnes, Church, Lancaster-Improvement or improvements in dyeing and cleansing cotton, silk, wool, and other fabrics.

3010. Francis Parker, Northampton-Improvement in the manufacture of gaiters. 3012. D. M'Nee, Hillfield, Dumbarton, and A. Broadfoot, Ingram-street, GlasgowImprovements in printing with colours on cloth; which are also applicable to printing ornamental designs on paper or other surfaces.

3013. T. Phillips, jun., Sparkbrook, and S. Phillips, Birmingham-Improvements in the construction of window-shutters; which improvements are also applicable as an additional security for doors and other similar openings.

Dated December 29.

3014. H. Jackson; High-street, Poplar-Improvements in machinery for moulding bricks and other articles of brick-earth.

3015. E. Estivant, Givet, France-Improvements in the manufacture of tubes of copper and its alloys.

3016. M. Phillips, Birmingham-Improvement or improvements in metallic revolving or winding shutters. A communication from her late husband.) 3017. A. F. Rémond, Birmingham-New or improved metallic tubes.

3018. J. White, East-street, Red Lion-square-Improvements in friction-joints or fastenings.

3020. C. A. Roux, Belleville, near Paris-Improvements in printing warps of cut pile and similar fabrics.

3021. H. C. Vion, Paris-Improvements in pistons and stuffing-boxes of engines moved by water, steam, or gas.

3022. A. V. Newton, Chancery-lane-Improvements in the manufacture of screws. (A communication.)

Dated December 30.

3025. B. Swire, of Ashton-under-Lyne-Improvements in machinery or apparatus for naking metal tips for shoes and clogs.

3026. H. C. C. de Ruolz and A. de Fontenay, Paris-An improved metallic alloy. 3027. J. Marlor, Oldham, Lancaster-Improvements in ascending and descending mines and shafts, and in the apparatus connected therewith, by which said improvements the ventilation of mines is increased.

3028. W. Mabon, Ardwick Iron Works, Manchester-Improvements in machines used for riveting together metallic plates.

Dated December 31.

3029. I. Holroyd, Sowerby-bridge, York-Improvements in apparatus employed in singeing textile fabrics.

3030. J. Milner, Stratford, Essex-Improvements in connecting the rails of railways. 3031. H. V. Physick, North-bank, Regent's-park-Improvements in electric telegraphs, and in apparatus connected therewith.

3033. J. Pym, Pimlico-Improvements in machinery for grinding auriferous and other ores, and separating the metal therefrom.

3034. W. Tuxford, Boston, Lincoln-Improvements in portable thrashing-machines; part of which improvements is also applicable to fixed thrashing-machines. 3035. A. Trueman, Swansea, and I. Baggs, London-Improvements in grinding, amalgamating, and washing quartz and other matters containing gold.

3036. R. Waygood, Newington-causeway-Improvements in portable forges. 3037. J. Holbrey, Bradford, York-Improved machinery for combing wool and other fibrous materials.

3038. J. Slater, Salford, Lancaster-Improvements in cocks, taps, or valves.

3040. T. Brown and P. Macgregor, Manchester-Improvements in power-looms for weaving.

3041. A. Oppenheimer, Manchester-Improvements in the manufacture of silk-velvet and other such piled goods or fabrics.

Dated January 2, 1854.

1. C. H. Collette, Lincoln's-inn-fields-Improvements in the manufacture of sugar. (A communication.)

2. E. D. Smith, Hertford-street, May-fair-A mode of communication between the passengers, guards, and engineer of a railway train.

3. A. Dawson, Barne's-place, Steyney-Converting small coal or coal-dust, or small coal and coke into solid blocks of fuel.

4. J. Gowans, Edinburgh-Improvements in apparatus for heating and ventilating, and in baths and washing apparatus connected therewith, applicable to dwelling

houses.

5. P. A. Montel, Paris-Improvements in stopping the trains on railways.

6. P. A. de Fontainemoreau, South-street, Finsbury-Improvements in dyeing wool. (A communication.)

7. P. A. L. de Fontainemoroau, South-street, Finsbury-Improvements in waterwheels. (A communication.)

Dated January 3.

8. H. L. Corlett, Summer-hill, Dublin-Improvements in caoutchouc springs for locomotive engines and tenders, railway carriages, and wagons.

9. J. Madeley, Walsall, Stafford-Improvement or improvements in the manufacture of certain kinds of tubes, and in nuts for the heads of screws.

10. D. Kennedy, Reading, U. S.-Invention for the use of tanners, being certain copositions of matter to be used in the manufacture of leather.

11. J. Strovold, Barnes, Surrey-Improvements in machinery or apparatus for sifting and washing gravel or other similar substances.

12. F. A. T. de Beauregard, Paris-Improvements in drying cigars and ligneous materials or other substances.

13. E. J. Wilson, Oxford-street-Improved method of making portfolios, music-books, brief-cases, and pocket-books.

14. J. Collins, St. Ann-street, Liverpool-Improvements in the manufacture of vinegar. 15. J. I. Grylls, Murton-street, Sunderland-Improvements in whelps for the barrels of capstans, windlasses, and other machinery.

16. T. Mann, Horsham, Sussex-Improved cinder-sifting shovel.

18. J. Dransfield and W. Robinson, Oldham, Lancaster-Improvements in cardingengines for carding cotton, wool, and other fibrous substances. Dated January 4.

19. D. Hulett, High Holborn-Improvements in gas-regulators for regulating the supply of gas to the burner.

20. J. Taylor, M. Wrigley, and S. Greaves, Oldham, Lancaster--Improvements in carding-engines for carding cotton, wool, and other fibrous substances. Dated January 5.

21. J. Liddiard, Deptford, Kent-Improvements in the construction of furnaces, with a view to the prevention of smoke.

22. E. Schishkar and F. C. Calvert, Manchester-Improvements in dyeing and printing textile fabrics and yarns.

23. B. White, Newcastle-upon-Tyne-Improvements in the manufacture of waterproof fabrics, and of waterproof bags and other like articles.

24. J. H. Johnson, Lincoln's-inn-fields-Improvements in ventilating carriages and buildings; part or parts of such improvements being applicable to the obtainment of motive power. (A communication from J. Chillcott and G. Palmer, Brooklyn, U. S. 25. W. Rigby, Glasgow-Improvements in steam-hammers and pile-driving machinery. 26. L. J. Pomme, Paris-Improvements in reducing the friction of axles and axletrees of carriages.

28. A. V. Newton, Chancery-lane-Improved machinery for crushing or grinding and washing and amalgamating quartz, rock, and other substances. (A communication.) Dated January 6.

29. I. Pearse, Cawsand, Cornwall-Improvements in means for navigating ships or other vessels.

30. H. H. Edwards, Ludgate-hill-Improvements in treating peat and vegetable matters for the purpose of fuel, as well as in the extraction of other useful products therefrom. (Partly a communication.)

31. R. Tait, Glasgow-Improvements in the manufacture or production of ornamental fabrics.

32. J. Radcliffe, Stockport, Chester-Improvements in power-looms for weaving. 33. J. Healey, Bolton-le-Moors, Lancaster-Improvements in spinning-machines known as mules, and in machines of similar character. (A communication from A. Peynaud and E. Paynaud, Charleval, France.)

34. M Poole, Avenue-road, Regent's-park-Improvements in the manufacture of dextrine, glucose, and alcohol, and in employing the products of such manufacture. (A communication.)

35. J. D. M. Stirling, Larches, Birmingham-Improvements in the manufacture of iron. 36. A. V. Newton, Chancery-lane-Improvements in the construction of motive-power engines; part of which improvements is also applicable to the packing of pistons generally.. (A communication.) Dated January 7.

38. W. E. Newton, Chancery-lanc-Improved machinery for dyeing, washing, and bleaching fabrics. (A communication.) 42. N. M. Caralli, Glasgow-Improvements in the manufacture or production of orna

mental fabrics.

44. II. S. Edwards, Paris-Improvements in preparing textile fabrics or materials for the purpose of their better retaining colours applied to them. (A communication. Dated January 9.

46. Z. Pettitt, Fordham, near Colchester-Improvements in thrashing-machines. 48. R. Husband, Manchester-Improvrments in the method of ventilating hats or other coverings for the head.

50. R. Howson, Manchester-Improvements in screw-propellers.

Dated January 10.

52. E. Tyer, Rhodes-terrace, Dalston-Improvements in giving signals on railways by electricity, and in instruments and apparatus connected therewith.

54. A. M. E. Boyer, E. Ducros, and O. Verdeau, Paris-Improved compounds to be used in dyeing.

56. Rev. W. R. Bowditch, Wakefield-Improvements in the purification of gas, and in the application of the materials to be employed therein.

58. A. Mitchell, Belfast-Improvements in propelling vessels.

60. A. Drevelle, Halifax-A new combing-machine, suitable for any textile or fibrous (A communication from A. Morel, Roubaix, France.)

matter.

PATENT APPLIED FOR WITH COMPLETE SPECIFICATION. 3032. C. G. Schönheerr, Chemnitz, Saxony-Improvements in bobbin-machines. Dec. 30.

NEW CORN EXCHANGE, LOUTH.

(With an Engraving, Plate XI.)

Ir is only a few months since the project was conceived of erecting an Exchange in the important agricultural town of Louth, in Lincolnshire; and it is mainly by the exertions of a few spirited individuals that this object has been speedily accomplished. The capital for the purpose was raised in shares of 107. each, the greater portion being held by the directors, of whom Charles North, Esq., an eminent agriculturist, residing at South Thoresby, near Louth, is the chairman, and Robert Norfolk, Esq., of Louth, one of the most influential merchants in the county, is vice-chairman.

The building is in this form, L, one front being 120 feet long, and the side-front 90 feet; total height, 60 feet. The façade a perspective view of which is given in Plate XI., is executed in Caen stone, of the modern Italian style of architecture, consisting of three stories, divided into three bays-the lower story by rusticated pilasters, the middle story by three-quarter Doric columns; in the centre compartment of this story over the arched entrance is a niche containing a figure of Ceres. The upper story is divided by deeply-panelled pilasters, surmounted by an enriched bold cantilever cornice, over which is a balustrade, with emblematical vases thereon. The basement story consists of extensive wine and porter vaults, and other requisite offices, occupied by Messrs. Lucas and Co. On each side of the principal entrance are offices for merchants, from which, rising by a broad flight of stone steps, the level of the Exchange-room is attained, which is entered from a spacious landing. The large room, shown in the annexed engraving, is 116 feet long, 37 feet wide, and 35 feet high. The whole area of the Exchange is covered with Hartley's patent rough plate glass, arranged in the ridge-and-furrow form, supported by enriched beams upon beautiful large carved corbels, modelled by Mr. T. W. Wallis, of Louth.

LARGE ROOM, LOUTH CORN EXCHANGE.

Over the front offices is a large dining-room, 35 feet by 24 feet, with bed-rooms in the attic story for the accommodation of the adjoining inn.

The most essential points (light, ventilation, &c.) appear to have been well considered-the former is extraordinarily good. The design throughout is chaste and original, and reflects credit on the designer, Mr. Pearson Bellamy, of the firm of Bellamy and Hardy, architects, Lincoln and Louth.

The amount of the contract for the building is 25107., including 400%. for the old Town-hall building, which originally stood on this site. The works have been executed by the contractor, Mr. John Levitt, of Louth, in a very efficient manner.

ORDNANCE SURVEY OF SCOTLAND.

As the battle of the scales has not yet been fought out, so far as we are aware, the papers upon the subject not having been made public, an opportunity presents itself for examining somewhat in detail the much-contested but little understood subject of contour-levelling.

Contouring appears to be a life-and-death struggle with the Ordnance Survey authorities, as at present constituted. Should this mechanical system of obtaining the basis or groundwork for hill-shading the reduced maps be abandoned, they will be driven to the necessity of employing "men who can think and act and use discretion." What a fearful alternative, in an age when thought is beginning to develope itself to such an extent that even official dicta can no longer keep it confined under the rubbish of ignorance, the accumulation of bygone ages, and when the wise are directing the expanding thoughts, the rising genius of the age, into new and more profitable channels, and bringing the action of mind more directly into contact with the multifarious avocations of daily life.

Before entering fully into the subject, it may be as well to explain what is really meant by contour-levelling, and how the operation is performed.

A very clear and distinct idea may be formed by supposing a model of a district of country to be constructed to a natural scale (that is, having the horizontal and vertical scales equal), exhibiting all the undulations and irregularities of surface as they exist in nature. Suppose this model to be placed in a water-tight box, to the side of which let a scale be attached, standing vertically, and graduated to correspond with the scale at which the model has been constructed, and let the zero of the scale correspond to the horizontal base or datum plane upon which the model has been constructed.

Let water be now poured into the box until it reaches any given height upon the scale (say 25 feet), and draw a line around the model corresponding with the surface of the water. This line will be parallel to the datum plane upon which the model has been constructed, and will represent the first contour line. By the same process, any number of parallel lines may be drawn upon the model, and at any required vertical distance from each

other.

The water being removed, the model will exhibit a number of lines or planes, all parallel to each other and to the datum plane

of the model.

It will be observed, that if those lines are projected to the plane of the datum-which would necessarily be the case in order to represent the contour lines upon a plan the horizontal distances between them would differ materially, according to the nature of the ground; the flatter the ground the greater the distance, and the steeper the ground the less the distance, would be between the contour lines upon the map.

It is essential that a series of levels, extending over a whole country, such, for example, as Ireland or Great Britain, should all proceed from one fixed point in each case, otherwise it is useless to expect anything but confusion, and the natural concomitant, "Revision."

As there is no fixed natural datum plane to which all levels can be referred, a single datum point should be adopted, and this point may conveniently be chosen as near as possible to the best natural datum plane. In the case of Ireland, for example, the low water, even if accurately ascertained at a great number of points round the coast, would not afford a natural datum from which a considerable number of starting or initial points could be adopted, and closing-in in the interior of the work, as these points would differ several feet from a true datum plane, and there would be no means of ascertaining the amount of this difference. This would also be the case if the high water at several points were used as starting-points; but the mean of high and low water, if accurately ascertained at several points round the coast, would be much nearer to a true datum plane than either the low or the high water. It would still however be extremely injudicious to make use of several initial points, even although based upon the most careful tidal observations, for the same series of levels, inasmuch as one extremely useful problem to be solved by these levels would be to ascertain accurately the relative height of high, of low, and of mean tides in all the harbours, estuaries, and numerous indentations round the whole coast. It would, in fact, be assuming as correct one important problem to be solved by the levels.