Jackson.] 464 [April 15. 



The American patented process of Robblns is one of tlie most 

 practicable methods for the preparation of heavy pieces of timber an I 

 for out-of-door work. It is especially ailapted for the ^preparation of 

 railway sleepers and ties, and for the prej)aration of wheel hubs, spokes 

 and felloes. It is not so well adapted for furniture, since the wood 

 smells strongly of carbolic acid or creosote. Green wood, as well as 

 dry, is prepared by the wood preserving company. Sails, ropes, and 

 rio;giii(T for ships is also pi-epared by the same jirocess, so that they will 

 not mildew or rot; but I have not yet seen samples of the sails and ropes 

 thus prepared. The process is extremely simple. It is nothing more 

 than exposing the wood in a steam box into which coal tar vapor is 

 driven at a temperature of about 300° or 350°F. All the moisture 

 and air are expelled from the wood-cells and coal tar products take 

 their place. The charge of wood placed on an iron chariot may be run 

 into the box, and in half an hour it may be withdrawn fully impreg- 

 nated. It is proposed to place one of these machines on trucks to 

 prepare the ties and sleepers on the railroads as the work pro- 

 gresses. There are two companies engaged in this work, one in New 

 York and one in Boston. 



Messrs. N, L. Hooper, R. C. Greenleaf and C. J. Sprague 

 were chosen a committee to nominate officers for the ensuing 

 year. 



