TRANSACTIONS OF THE SECTIONS. 211 
On a New Rain Gauge. By Mr. James JOHNSTON. 
Mr. Johnston described a new rain gauge, so constructed that the 
receiving funnel or orifice at which the rain enters is always kept at 
right angles to the falling rain. By the action of the wind on a large 
vane, the whole gauge is turned round on a pivot, until the front of the 
gauge faces the quarter from whence the wind blows; and by the 
action of the wind on another vane attached to the receiving funnel, 
the mouth of the funnel is moved from a horizontal towards a perpen- 
dicular position, according to the strength of the wind. The receiving 
funnel and vane attached to it are balanced with counterpoise weights, 
in such a manner that the wind, in moving them, has as much weight 
to remove from a perpendicular position, in proportion to their bulk, 
as it has when moving an ordinary-sized drop of rain from the same 
position ; by this means the mouth of the gauge is kept at right angles 
to the falling rain. 
———$—= 
Mr. Sanders exhibited a portrait produced from an engraving done 
by a machine invented by Mr. W. West of Bristol, being a combina- 
tion of circular and straight line engraving. 
Mr. Clarke exhibited a large Electro-Magnet. 
Mr. Milne gave an account of a High-Pressure Filter for domestic 
purposes. 
On an Improved Life-Boat. By the Rev. Dr. PatERsoN. 
He called it a Riddle Life-Boat, because the bottom is like a riddle. 
The sides of the boat consist each of a hollow elliptical tube, to be 
made of sheet-iron, and from this it-has all its buoyancy, which is un- 
affected by any influx of water. This boat, he said, was light, easily 
propelled, and drew only a foot or two of water; and besides being 
used for reaching vessels in distress, or carrying passengers to steam- 
boats, it might be itself carried as a ship’s boat—to be ready for use in 
danger or difficult landing. 
M. le Comte de Lille explained his method of laying down Wood 
Pavement, as exemplified at Whitehall. 
On certain Improvements on Locomotive and other Engine Boilers. 
By Mr. HawtHorn. 
The object of this improvement is to prevent what is technically 
called “ priming,” to heat the steam on its passage to the cylinder, and 
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