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ing it with a specimen of the yellow arracacha, the only differences I could discover were, that in the former the leaflets are broader, and more deeply incised, and the middle leaflets shorter in proportion than those of the yellow kind; but these, from a single specimen only, are not sufficient to decide the point in question. It must, therefore, be left for others to determine the specific characters of the yellow arracacha, as well as to bestow on it a more appropriate specific name, if that of A. Xanthorrhiza should be deemed objectionable, as it must be, should the yellow sort prove to be only a variety, and not a distinct species. In regard to the cultivation of this plant, the mode practised in Bogota (which I have every reason to believe has proved equally successful here) is, after separating the upper tubers or knobs from the root, to detach from these the offsets singly, each with its portion of the substance of the tuber, which is then to be pared smoothly all round at bottom, the outer leaves being stripped or cut off, so as to leave a sprout of from half an inch to two or three inches at the most. If any gems or eyes be seen at the base of the offsets, they must carefully be cut out. Thus prepared, the shoots are planted in loose mould, in a slanting direction, at distances of fifteen or eighteen inches from each other, whether the ground be level or sloping. Afterwards, at intervals of about two months, the soil ought to be weeded, atid when the plants have grown to the height of ten or twelve inches, or whenever they show a disposition to blossom, the budding tips should

be taken off, as the process of flowering would hinder the root from attaining its greatest size, care being taken not to take off more than the budding extremities, lest the growth of the root should thereby also suffer. With the same view, any luxuriance in the growth of shoots should be prevented, since it must be at the expence of the root. From time to time, and particularly after weeding the ground, fresh mould should be laid round the foot of each plant, to aid likewise in the enlargement of the root.

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"In favourable situations the arracacha, I am told, will reach its full growth in six months. It does not seem to require soil, or much moisture, since here on a poor soil in the St. Andrew's Mountain, where very little rain fell from the time it was planted until it was full-grown, it throve and reached maturity in the space of eight months. The soil, which is suitable for yams, appears to answer equally well for the arracacha. Bogota and Popayan they obtain a succession of arracacha through the whole year by taking shoots at every decrease of the plant. When the root is full grown, and taken out of the ground, it will scarcely keep beyond two or three days; but it possesses, I learn, the useful quality, that it may in that state be again put into the ground, and will keep perfectly sound even for months, although without any increase of size. The root rasped and macerated in water, deposits a fæcula; in Bogota it is in very general use as a nourishment for the sick, in the same manner as the fæcula of the Maranta arundinac arrow root, is used in this island."

USEFUL ARTS.

New Steam Boiler and Locomotive Engine.-Mr. Gurney of Argyle-street, has constructed a steam boiler of almost incredible lightness, power, and strength. The apparatus is founded on true philosophical principles, and perfected by an evident intimacy with the laws and properties of heat, and we perceive that some important facts observed in the peculiar action of the oxy-hydrogen blow-pipe, bave suggested many adaptations of unequivocal value and advantage.

The boiler has been in actual use for some time to prove its advantages practically, and is now working an engine in the manufactory, lately occupied by Mr. Perkins, in the Regent's Park, it weighs only 230lbs., and generates sufficient steam to work an eight horse engine-it may be observed here, that a boiler made on the

common principle, to equal the same power, must weigh at least from four to five tons; the saving also in the expense of manufacture and fuel appears to be considerable. This boiler was invented for the express purpose of propelling carriages on common roads, but promises to be as economically applicable to steam engines generally, as it is to the purpose for which it was expressly constructed. It is well known to our scientific readers, that every attempt to propel carriages on commou roads by steam power, has failed, in consequence of the great weight, or imperfect application of the steam engine,-it may fairly be stated, that the objection in regard to weight for locomotion, is now completely removed by this boiler-the second, also appears to have been conquered since Mr. Gurney's carriage has

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been actually tried on the road, and found to travel with great ease. The carriage will be before the public in a short time.

We regret that this subject came to our knowledge so late in the month, as to preclude us from noticing it at greater length -in a future number, however, we shall ever, give a more particular description both of the boiler and carriage.

J. BOWER, of Hunslet, in the parish of Leeds, Yorkshire, and J. BLAND, of the same place, for their improvement in such Steam-engines as condense out of the cylinder; by which improvement the air-pump is rendered unnecessary. The apparatus for the purpose mentioned in the above title consists of a cylindrical condensing vessel, surrounded by another air-tight vessel of the same figure, but of a larger diameter, and of course leaving a space between it and the first. From the bottom of the first vessel a tube descends through the second, thirty-four feet, into a shallow cistern, and has there a valve on one side of its lower end, opening outwards; and into the top of the same vessel the tube, which carries off the steam from the working cylinder of the steam-engine, enters a few inches, leaving a small space between its circumference and the aperture by which it enters, for the passage of cold water, while it is joined air-tight to the external vessel. To produce the condensation necessary in the internal vessel, and in the lower tube, a constant stream of cold water, of a regulated extent, is to be made to pass through the space between the two vessels, and over the top of the internal one, by the narrow annular aperture between it and the steam-pipe, down into the lower tube, where, besides condensing the steam, which has entered into it and into the internal vessel, it is intended to act by an hydrostatic pressure superior to that of the atmosphere, in forcing out the water condensed from the steam, along with itself, through the lower valve. The patentees propose to produce the supply of cold water for the purpose mentioned, from a cistern below the level of the condensing vessel, by a tube rising up from the former into the bottom of the space between the two vessels, which, forming with the long tube before-mentioned, the two legs of a siphon, will, by the well-known principle of that instrument, convey the water upwards over the top of the internal vessel as required. The tube of supply rises from near the bottom of the upper cistern, and from it at that part a pipe, furnished with a cock, passes across to the long descending tube; it has itself also a cock at its lower end, to regulate the supply of water which is to enter into July-VOL. XVIII. NO. LXVII.

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it from the cistern. The use of this cross pipe is to set the apparatus at work at the commencement of its operations, which is effected, (after having filled the vessels and tubes with steam, by opening the communication with the steam-pipe, and. having thereby blown all the air out of the apparatus) by opening the cock of the cross pipe, when the water will run directly from the cistern into the long descending tube (which has an enlarged cavity a little below the entrance of the cross pipe, to increase the effect of the cold water), where, and in the lower part of the long tube, coming in contact with the steam, it will instantly condense it, cause a vacuum, or an approximation to one, in the vessels and tubes, which, on again closing the cock of the cross pipe, will oblige the water from the cistern to rise through the ascending tube (its entrance at the bottom of the long descending tube being prevented by the valve placed there for that purpose), fill the vessels and tubes, and thereby set the siphon-principle to work to produce a stream round from the cistern, through the vessels and tubes, into the conduit or sewer at the bottom of all, which stream being regulated by the cock of the ascending tube so as to be just sufficient for the condensation of the steam which meets it in the internal vessel, will, in the opinion of the patentees, cause that approach to a vacuum in that vessel, which it is their intention to produce. As a variation to this plan, it is stated that where a supply of water can be obtained above the level of the condensing vessel, a descending tube may be placed for its conveyance into the bottom of the external vessel, instead of the ascending one from the lower cistern. Another variation, of less consequence, consists in forming a neck to the top of the internal vessel enclosing the steam tube as before-mentioned, but having holes in its sides for the passage of the cold water into the internal vessel, instead of the narrow annular interval between that tube and the top of the vessel, first directed for the same purpose.

JOSEPH MANTON, of Hanover square, for a certain improvement in shot. This invention of an improvement in shot is applicable to the lead shot commonly used in fowling-pieces for killing game, and consists in coating the surface of the shot with the mercury, whereby it is rendered white, much more convenient for use, more cleanly, and not so liable to injure the quality of the game killed by it, as when prepared in the usual manner, nor to adhere to the barrels of fowling-pieces. The lead shot is taken in preference be

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fore it is glazed with plumbago or black lead, and put it into a vessel, either of a globular or barrel shape, which can be closed, and which is preferable if made of iron, and capable of receiving either a revolving movement on an axis, or of being agitated backwards or forwards, or in any other fit or proper manner. Into this vessel or ve sels, one hundred pounds' weight of lead shot is put, and about one pound of mercury or quicksilver, and that nearly filled with water; briskly stir or agitate the whole together, until the whole of the mercury or quicksilver has spread and diffused itself uniformly, and coated the surface of the shot, after which it is washed well in water. The shot is then spread upon a cloth or canvas, which is stretched on a frame of wood, and rubbed with a sponge or cloth, which will make it dry quicker. Should the shot lose its silvery colour by being kept a long time, it may be restored by again putting it into a revolving vessel, or one capable of being shaken or agitated, together with some water, and a little mercury or quicksilver, and treated as before-mentioned.

Chinese Method of making Sheet-lead.The sheet-lead which comes from China is manufactured in a way not generally known in this country. The operation is conducted by two men. One is seated on the floor, with a large flat stone before him, and with a moveable flat stone-stand at his side. His fellow-workman stands beside him with a crucible filled with melted lead, and having poured a certain quantity upon the stone, the other lifts the moveable stone, and dashing it on the fluid lead, presses it out into a fiat and thin plate, which he instantly removes

from the stone. A second quantity of lead is poured io a similar manner, and a similar plate formed; the process being carried on with singular rapidity. The rough edges of the plates are then cut off, and they are soldered together for use.

River Navigation. -Mr. Matthew Robertson, of Glasgow, has contrived a Float, similar in principle to those used by the Dutch, for enabling a loaded ship to pass up and down rivers whose depth is not equal to her usual draught of water. It consists of a decked flat-bottomed boat, twice or thrice the size of the ship, with an opening in the middle large enough to receive her. This flat boat is formed in two pieces, which are united by a strong hinge at the prow, and a strong clasp at the stern. The clasp being loosened, the two sides of the boat are made to diverge; the ship sails into the open space in the middle; after which the sides are again closed, and fastened. Four strong chains (more if necessary) are then passed across under the ship's bottom, and attached to screws fixed to the deck of the Float; the screws are then worked by wheels and pinions, the chains are shortened; and the vessel is gradually raised by transferring the pressure to the float. The weight of the vessel is thus diffused over a surface twice, or, if need be, thrice, the size of her own hull, and of course the draught of water is proportionally diminished. It may thus be effected that a ship drawing sixteen feet of water, being raised nine feet by the chains, shall depress the float three feet, and so her actual draught will be reduced to ten feet.

PATENTS LATELY

W. Wood, of Summer IIill Grove, Northumber land, for an apparatus for destroying the inflammable air (which is commonly known by the name of fire damps) in mines. April 22, 1826.

J. Gillespie, of Grosvenor street, Newington, Surrey, for a new spring, or combination of springs, for the purpose of forming an elastic resisting me. dium. April 25, 1826.

S. Brown, of Eagle Lodge, Old Brompton, for improvements on his former patent, dated Dec. 4, 1823, fer an engine or instrument for effecting a vacuum, and thus producing powers by which water may be raised and machinery put in motion. April 25, 1826.

F. Halliday, of Ham, Surrey, for an apparatus or machine for preventing the inconvenience arising

from smoke in chumnies, which he denominates a wind guard. April 25, 1826.

J. Williams, of the Commercial Road, for improvements on ships' hearths, aud apparatus for cooking by steam. April 27, 1826.

W. Choice, of Strahan Terrace, and R. Gibson, of White Conduit Terrace, Islington, for improvements in machinery for making bricks. April 27, 1826.

C. Kennedy, of Virginia Terrace, Great Dover Road. Surrey, for improvements in the apparatus used for cupping. April 29, 1826.

J. Goulding, of America, but now residing in

GRANTED.

roving,

Cornhill, London, for improvements in the ma chines used for carding, stubbing, slivering, rov or spinning wool, cotton, waste silk, short stapled bemp and flax, or any other fibrous materials or mixture thereof, May 2, 1826.

A. Buffum, late of Massachusetts, America, but now residing in Jewin-street, London, and J. M'Curdy, of Cecil street. Strand, for improvements in steam-engines. May 6, 1826.

Sir R. Seppings, of Somerset House, for improve ments in the construction of fids or apparatus for striking top-masts and top-gallant-masts in ships. Mav 6. 1826.

W. Fenner, of Bushell Rents, Wapping, for an im provement in machinery or apparatus for curing smoky, and cleansing toul chimneys. May 6, 1896.

A. A. de la Court, of Great Winchester-street, for a new instrument, and improvements in well. known instruments, applicable to the organ of sight. May 6, 1826.

J. Schaller, of Regent-street, for improvements in the construction or manufacture of clors, pat teus, or substitutes for the same. May 6, 1826.

E. Heard, St. Leonard, Shoreditch, chemist, for a new composition to be used for the purrose of washing in sea and other water. May 8. 1825. L. Zachariah, jun. of Portsea, for a combination of materials to be used as fuel. May 8, 1826.

1826.

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LIST OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

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Substance of the Speech of the Right Hon. Robert Peel, on the 9th of March, 1826, on moving for leave to bring in a Bill for the Amendment of the Criminal Law. 2s.

Observations on the Importance in Purchases of Land, and in Mercantile Adventures, of ascertaining the Rates or Laws on Mortality among Europeans, by Chronic Diseases and Hot Climates. By George Farran. 7s.

Mathematical Tracts on Physical Astronomy, the Figure of the Earth, &c. By G. B. Airy, M.A. 8vo. 6s. 6d.

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LITERARY REPORT.

In the press, Dr. Arnott's work on General and Medical Physics. It is a system of natural and experimental philosophy, with strictly scientific arrangement, but made perfectly intelligible to those who have not studied, or who have forgotten, the mathematics: and in addition to a mass of illustrations from general nature and the arts, greater than usual, and designed to comprise all in this branch that a man of liberal education requires to know, it discusses the matters, which, on a careful review of the animal body under health, disease, and medical treatment, are found to belong to the department; and it contains an account of important late improvements both of theory and practice. Mr. Ackermann will speedily publish a Spanish Translation of the History of Ancient Mexico, originally written in Italian by the Jesuit Father Clavigero.

Illustrations of the Passes of the Alps, by which Italy communicates with France, Switzerland, and Germany. From drawings made during the summers of 1821, 1822, 1824, and 1825, by W. Brockedon, are in a forward state of preparation.

The Golden Violet, with its Tales of Romance and Chivalry, and other Poems, by L. E. L., will be published early in autumn. A competition for the poetical prize at the ancient Festival of Toulouse, introduces the minstrels of all countries to sing their national songs, or recount their national legends. The idea of this framework seems to us to be very happy; and it certainly affords scope for great variety, of which we are persuaded this favourite writer will know very well how to avail herself, for the delight of the lovers of poetry.

A Review of the Code of Bengal Regulations, founded on an Enactment of Marquis Cornwallis, in 1793, is about to appear, and will treat of the liberty of the press in India.

Mr. Noble is preparing for the press a Grammar of the Persian Language, with copious Extracts from the works of the best Persian authors, and a Vocabulary and Index, in one volume.

We are informed that Dr. Lyall's new work, Memoirs of the Life and Reign of Alexander I. Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias, will be published shortly in 2 vols. 8vo. and ornamented with plates. We have heard, that this work will also contain the Life and Reign of the whimsical Paul, a Sketch of the Life of the Emperor Nicholas, an Account of the Present State of the Russian Empire (re

printed from the Edinburgh Encyclopædia, with numerous additions,) and Biographical Sketches of the most remarkable Personages who have figured in Russia during the last twenty years.

Preparing for publication, a New Vitruvius Britannicus; comprehending Plans and Elevations, drawn from actual measurement, and accompanied by Scenic Views of all the most distinguished Residences in the United Kingdom, remarkable for their architectural features, or celebrated for internal magnificence, classing with buildings of the first consequence. Some Historic Notices will be added to each. The work will be printed on imperial folio, and got up under the superintendance of P. F. Robinson, Architect, author of a work on Rural Architecture, &c. &c.

W. F. G. Richardson has in the press, the Life of Carl Theodor Körner, written by his Father, with Selections from his Poems, Tales, and Dramas, translated from the German.

Dr. Nuttall, whose editious of "Virgil's Bucolics" and "Juvenal's Satires," interlineally translated, have been so much approved, is preparing for publication, on a similar plan, the entire Works of Horace; with a Treatise on Lyric Versification, and a Scanning Table, exhibiting, on Musical Principles, all the various Metres of Horace.

Mr. Nicolas has in the Press, a History of the Battle of Agincourt, from contemporary authorities, the greater part of which have been hitherto inedited; together with a copy of the Roll returned into the Exchequer in Nov. 1416, by command of Henry the Fifth, of the names of the Nobility, Knights, Esquires, and others, who were present on that occasion; and biographical notices of the principal commanders.

In the press, with plates, The Sheffield Anti-Slavery Album; or, The Negro's Friend.

Memoirs of the Life of M. G. Lewis, Esq. M. P. author of "The Monk," are preparing for publication.

Shortly will be published, The Banquet; or, the History of Armenis. By Father Michael Chamich. Translated from the original Armenian, by Johannes Avdall.

A Concise Historical View of Galvanism, with Observations on its Chemical Properties, and Medical Efficacy in Chronic Diseases, by M. La Beaume, is in the press.

A Translation of Tieck's Novel of Sternbald; or, the Travelling Painter, is in the press.

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