408 Mr. Henwood oti the Explosion of Sleam- Boilers. 



may render some change in the mode of setting necessary, or 

 even some modification of the boiler : such as a diminution in 

 diameter and increase in length where the coal is bituminous ; 

 and the contrary, whei'e the coal is the reverse of this : but I 

 am quite sure that the cylindrical boiler may be so modified 

 and set as to suit every variety of coal. The Monthly Reports 

 may prove that more duty is effected by the tube-boilers; but 

 the conclusion I should draw from this is, that the plain cy- 

 linder has not had a fair trial in Cornwall. Long and con- 

 tinued use of the former has created a strong prejudice in their 

 favour, and it will take some time and require some manage- 

 ment to overcome this. 



In the hands of such a man as Mr, Taylor, this desirable 

 end may, however, be accomplished ; and I should venture to 

 suggest, that in no way could he moie beneficially employ the 

 influence which he has so deservedly attained by his character 

 and talents, than by exerting it to put an end to the use of 

 so dangerous and destructive a machine. 



Yours, &c. 



An Engineer. 



LXXX. Remai'ks on Mr. J. Taylor's Paper on the Accidents 

 incident to Steam-Boilers. By Mr. W. J. Henwood. 



To Richard Phillips, Esq. 

 Sir, 

 T N a late number of your Journal, Mr. John Taylor has fa- 

 -"- voured us with an interesting paper On the accidents inci- 

 dent to steam-boilers, many of which he seems disposed to at- 

 tribute to the explosion of gas in the flues. Thinking that 

 this opinion, if generally received, may operate as an objection 

 to steam navigation, as well as to the erection of steam-engines 

 in manufactories, — this cause being perhaps further out of our 

 reach than those to which such accidents are usually attri- 

 buted ; permit me, through the medium of your Journal, to 

 offer a few remarks on Mr. Taylor's valuable communica- 

 tion. 



After some observations on the comparative merits of boilers 

 of particular constructions, Mr. T. proposes several questions; 

 which I will endeavour to answer in the order in which they 

 stand. 



" The Pen-y-fron engine had been stopped a few minutes, 

 and the workmen had opened the fire-doors of three of the 

 boilers, and closed the dampers of two of them. The engine- 

 man observed a gust of flame from the fire-place, which was 



almost 



