26 Captain Webster on the Natural Productions of 



upon it, turning in contrary directions as they receive motion 

 from the opposite sides of the first mentioned wheel. A lock- 

 ing stub box is fitted upon the axis between the two wheels, and 

 can, by moving it one way or the other, be made to lock either 

 of the wheels to the axis at the same time that it leaves the other 

 disengaged. It is proposed that the centrifugal balls shall shift 

 this stub box back or forward as their centrifugal motion 

 shall be affected by the velocity that they receive from the en- 

 gine. The axis of these two wheels is proposed to be so con- 

 nected with the escape steam slide valve, that on its turning 

 one way round it shall raise the valve to let the steam escape, 

 and by turning the contrary way it shall depress the valve 

 that less may escape ; and it is further proposed, that there 

 shall be spring sockets on the axis of the first wheel, to prevent 

 any part giving way when the valve is fully wrought up or 

 down. In like manner it is proposed to work the furnace 

 damper for regulating the heat of the fire. 



The engine, as now completed, is a handsome piece of well- 

 finished accurate workmanship, and performs its part admir- 

 ably. The young man who made all the principal parts of the 

 engine is a self-taught mechanic, and merits the highest praise 

 for the ingenuity, elegance, and perfect workmanship which 

 he has displayed upon it. 



Ormistoun, September 1829. 



Art. III. — Account of the Natural Productiwis of Staten 

 Island and Cape Horn. By Captain W. H. B. Webster, 

 R. N. In a Letter to John Barrow, Esq. F. R. S., &c. 



SIR, 



As you have been pleased to take so great an interest in our 

 voyage, I beg to lay before you some observations and remarks 

 more immediately connected with the southern portion of it. 

 Commencing with Staten Island and connecting Cape Horn 

 with it, as far as respects plants and vegetables, there being a 

 perfect identity, I will endeavour to specify the principal pro- 

 ducts thereof, having regard, in the statement I have now the 



