976 Transactions of the American Institute. 



should be distinguislied, however, from one of a masculine character. 

 A symmetrical form of the neck and shoulders produces a mezzo- 

 soprano, or middle voice, which is most agreeable. All these differ- 

 ent conformations of the mouth and frame give the voice its 

 pln^siological character, which is also very considerably modified by 

 temperament. 



Successful Road Steamers. 

 It seems that the plan of covering the driving-wheels of a steam 

 omnibus "with a thick tire of India rubber iias been found to 

 obviate some of the most serious objections to using steam for 

 locomotion on common roads ; and steam wagons with this improve- 

 ment are now manufactured in England. The London Mechanic 

 Magazine thus notices the operation of this new locomotive : On 

 Saturday last there was seen on the streets of Leith a wonderful 

 team of mechanism. It consisted of a ten-horse power road steamer, 

 with two companions of equal size in tow to the docks for shipment. 

 To those who have been in the habit of seeing heavy machinery 

 dragged along by some sixteen or eighteen horses, and who have 

 witnessed the kicking, plunging, swearing and uproar which invaria- 

 bly accompany such undertakings, it must have been pleasant to 

 observe the quiet smile of the driver's face as he silently picked his 

 wa}^ along the streets. Although the roads were in the worst possi- 

 ble condition, being thick with greasy mud, the journey to the ship's 

 crane was effected s6 smoothly and easily that it did not offer a single 

 incident for description. All that can be said of it is that it was the 

 simplest performance in the world. The road-steamer, which was 

 acting as a tug to its two mates, was exhibiting its maiden efforts, as 

 it had only just been completed and had never been out before. It 

 was a ten-horse power engine, nominal, but can develop up to thirt}^- 

 horse power. The diameter of the wheels' is six feet ; the breadth of 

 the India-rubber tire is fifteen inches, with a thickness of four and 

 one-half inches. The inventor of this improvement is Mr. R. TV. 

 Thompson, and the manufacturing firm working under his patent 

 have already received numerous orders for the new road locomotive. 



Pkeskkvation of Stone, 



Dr. Robert, in the Paris Les Moudes, maintains that the use of 



the l)lack oxyd of copper, and its salts, will effectually prevent change 



in stone. He shows that the decaj^ of granite, marble, limestones, 



sandstones, and all natural building stones, is the combined effect of 



