opies of these lists afford an additional mode of reference
and a very convenient one, used in practice almost exclusively. The
foreman sends for the prints by the stencil marks, and these are thus
got directly without reference to any index. They are charged in the
same way, and reference to the numerical index gives the title of any
missing print.

We find the different sizes to be used quite unequal. The method of
making a separate tracing of each piece, which we carry to a great
extent, causes the smaller sizes to multiply quite rapidly. We are
marking our patterns with the stencil of the drawing of the same
piece; and also, gauges, templets, and jigs.

It is found best to permit the sheets to be put away by one person
only, who also writes up the indices, which are kept in the fire
proof.

We were ourselves surprised at the saving of room which this system
has effected. Probably less than one-fourth the space is occupied that
the same drawings would require if classified according to subjects.

The system is completely elastic. Work of the most diverse character
might be undertaken every day, and the drawings of each article,
whether few or many, would find places ready to receive them.

* * * * *

ACHARD'S ELECTRIC BRAKE.

[Illustration: ELEVATION.]

[Illustration: PLAN.
ACHARD'S ELECTRIC BRAKE--EASTERN RAILWAY OF FRANCE.]

The merits of a brake in which electric apparatus is used, that has
been adopted by one large railway company, and is about to be used on
the State railways, as well as the fact that arrangements are being
made to introduce it in England, demand consideration. It may be that
modifications will, under different circumstances, be introduced, or
that the system will ultimately be found too cumbersome or too
delicate, but before criticism it is necessary to know something of
the apparatus. We therefore endeavor to give somewhat in detail the
arrangement adopted by M.L. Regray, chief engineer of the Chemin de
Fer de l'Est, the electrical system being that of M. Achard. An
electro-magnet, A, is suspended on a hinged axis, so that the poles of
the magnet have for armatures cylinders of metal fixed upon the axle
of the carriage. Suppose now the poles, D D, of the magnet brought
into contact with the revolving armatures, the friction between them
causes the magnet to revolve. The chain attached to the brake is fixed
to the extended axle o