112 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



of California wood and California manufacture. They also exhibited a 

 double parlor pressed rosewood set of eight pieces, covered with French 

 crimson and gold courtelaines; and a rosewood chamber set, with raised 

 panels of ash roots and motley marble tops, with wardrobe to match ; 

 and a splendid rosewood etagere. We were informed that this company 

 are receiving man}' orders for laurel wood furniture, which seems to be 

 growing rapidly in public estimation. All the sets we have mentioned 

 are palatial in their magnificence. 



A. Hummel, of Sacramento, exhibited a fine collection of pickles of 

 various kinds, and a quantity of canned peaches. 



The Benicia Cement Company showed two barrels of fine cement and 

 brick shaped samples of the same material. 



E. C. Terry, of Sacramento, had a varied assortment of kitchen ranges, 

 stoves and kitchen furniture. In his collection was a portable soda 

 fountain, which is charged by means of a lever projecting from the side 

 next the operator, and a few strokes of which from time to time keeps 

 up the required pressure. The fountain is about two feet in height, and 

 can be carried in a common travelling trunk. 



The Pacific Pottery of Sacramento exhibited specimens of its stone 

 and earthenware and fire brick, and of clay from El Dorado County, from 

 which putty of good quality can be made. It also showed samples of 

 California fire brick, which is declared to be equal to the best imported, 

 and of porcelain clay, which has been subjected to intense heat. 



In one of the corners of the upper hall there was a mammoth cake, 

 about four feet in diameter, for slices of which tickets were sold for the 

 benefit of the Band of Hope. 



F. T. McAuliff, of San Francisco, exhibited specimens of polished 

 California laurel, black walnut and Spanish cedar. For his graining and 

 polishing be was awarded a diploma at the late Mechanics' Institute Fair. 



Detrick & Eckart, of San Francisco, exhibited in the lower hall a 

 balanced oscillating engine — a California invention — which propels the 

 machinery in the lower hall. The advantages claimed for this engine 

 over other oscillators arise from the peculiar manner in which the pres- 

 sure is received and delivered from the pistons. The pistons being so 

 connected as to move to and from the center of oscillation simultane- 

 ously, under the same pressure and velocity, all strain and friction due 

 to action of the steam (or motive power) is removed from the trunnions. 

 As each piston separately travels through hut one-half the stroke, the 

 oscillation of the cylinder is but one-half that of the ordinary oscillating 

 engine. In the ordinary construction of oscillating engines, the move- 

 ment of the cylinder is produced by the piston rod, and in consequence 

 the rod has to be made much larger in diameter, and the stuffing boxes 

 and glands much deeper and stronger, and in many cases guides have 

 had to be substituted to overcome the great friction produced by the 

 action of steam on the trunnions, which in this engine, it is claimed, is 

 entirely obviated. The inventors received a gold medal at the late 

 Mechanics' Institute Fair. 



Bernard Hennery, of Sacramento, displayed a choice selection of 

 China and fancy glassware, such as vases, tea sets, etc. 



In the lower hall, E. P. Hicks exhibited an ingenious and simple gate, 

 styled John Dickinson's patent self-opening gate. In approaching the 

 gate the wheels of one side of the vehicle press to the ground a lever, 

 causing it, in its rotation, to throw open the gate, and after passing 

 through, the vehicle passes over another lever, which causes the gate 



