586 [Assembly 



James K. Fisher read his written history of steam carriages, 

 including liis own, and illustrated the machinery by referring to 

 his large drawings of them. 



Mr. Serrell moved that the paper be referred, according to rule, 

 to the Committee of Arts and Sciences, for examination and pub- 

 lication (if approved) in the Transactions of the American Insti- 

 tute. Adopted unanimously. 



Mr. Serrell renewed his motion (made sometime ago) for scien- 

 tific tests of the strength of American materials for construction. 

 He alluded to the well known considerable difference between 

 some foreign and our own materials in strength, and that foreign 

 tables of strength cannot be trusted in constructions of American 

 material of same title. The difference in favor of some Ameri- 

 can iron, for instance over foreign iron, was very gr eat 



Mr. Backus remarked on the character of timber as to strength 

 and durability, as dependent upon its place of growth, and the 

 period of its felling. 



The Secretary recalled the memory of the discussion in the In- 

 stitute, and published several years ago. It was very thorough. 



Mr. Fisher, from the committee on questions, moved that the 

 question offered by Mr. Serrell, " Of the strength and durability 

 of American material," be adopted for the next meeting;" and 

 also, "What is the best material for the pavements of ciiy tho- 

 roughfares." Adopted. 



The club then adjourned to the third Monday of May. 



H. MEIGS, Secretary. 



