is stated, was the superiority shown in bringing
up the vessel by reversing, when running at full speed, thus
confirming the very favorable reports previously received by the
owners from their captains since the Dickinson propeller was fitted to
the Herongate. Those who were on board her state that the vibration
was scarcely noticeable. From a statement submitted to us it is clear
that the Herongate had the turn of the scale against her in dead
weight and draught, vacuum, and diagrams taken, but notwithstanding
(making allowance for one faulty run due to the variations in tide)
she appears to have more than held her own in the matter of speed,
with a saving of 41/2 and 31/4 revolutions per minute at 140 lb. and 160
lb. steam pressure respectively. This is further confirmed by the
results of a run made after the experiments were concluded, the two
vessels being placed in line, and fairly started for a half hour's run
over the flood with 150 lb. steam pressure. At the expiration of that
time the Herongate was judged to be leading by at least half a length,
her revolutions being 76, as against 80 in the Belle of Dunkerque. It
was agreed by all present at these trials that the propeller had
realized in full the three main working advantages claimed for it.
This being the first Dickinson propeller fitted to a sea-going vessel
of this size, it is quite within the limits of possibility that the
present results may be improved upon in further practice. In any case
we can but regard this propeller as a distinct and original departure
in marine propulsion, and we congratulate Mr. Dickinson on his present
success and promising future. Messrs. Weatherley, Mead & Hussey also
deserve credit for their discernment, and for the spirited manner in
which they have taken up Mr. Dickinson's ingenious invention. We
understand that they are so satisfied with the results that they
intend having one of their larger ocean-going steamers fitted with the
Dickinson propeller.--_Iron_.

* * * * *

IMPROVED DOBBY.

[Illustration]

At the Manchester Royal Jubilee Exhibition, Messrs. Butterworth &
Dickinson, Burnley, showed Catlow's patent dobby, which is illustrated
above, as applied to a strong calico loom. This dobby is a double lift
one, thus obtaining a wide shed, and the use of two lattice barrels
connected by gearing so that they both revolve in the same direction.
The jack lever is attached to the ver