made of spring wire, bent into V form, provided with a swivel
and eye at its middle part, and with eyes or loops at its ends to
receive the line and snells. By this construction the snells and hooks
will be kept apart however the line maybe thrown, and however they and
the leader may be turned about by the tide or current. The device is
one well calculated to meet with a favorable reception from fishermen.

IMPROVED ABDOMINAL CORSET.

Christina Lascell, Newark, N.J.--The object of this invention is to
furnish an improved abdominal corset, which supports the weight of the
abdomen in a perfectly comfortable and easy manner, and throws the
strain on the shoulders and hips of the wearer. The corset is
adjustable to the varying conditions of the abdomen, does not
interfere with the motion and different positions of the body, and is
readily put on and taken off. It has adjustable elastic shoulder
straps, and opening at the sides by lacings and elastic bands and
buttons. The front part of the corset is stiffened by a stay that
slides in a pocket to provide for stooping. A central front and lacing
admit the front part of the corset to expand. The lower extension part
of the corset has short stiffening stays, and it is connected
independently of the upper stays by short side lacing and elastic
straps to the side or hip parts of the corset. A hernial band extends
from the lowermost part of the corset-extension between the legs to
the rear, and is attached by adjustable hip straps to the sides of the
corset.

IMPROVED FIRE ESCAPE.

John F. Werner, New York city.--The terrible disaster in the Brooklyn
theater is serving as a stimulus to induce the invention of devices
looking to the prevention of a like occurrence. The present inventor
has devised a new fire escape for theaters, concert halls, and other
public places of amusement, by which the space at the upper parts of
the entrances, halls, or vestibules of the buildings is utilized for
the purpose of forming additional passage ways for the persons in the
buildings, to be used in case of fire for the more convenient and less
dangerous exit of the same. The invention consists, mainly, of a
movable floor, suspended by chains, pulleys, and weights, near the
ceiling of the entrances, and lowered in case of fire. It is supported
on projecting rests of the side walls, at suitable height above the
floor. Sliding extensions and swinging stairs and rear sections
connect with the