AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 635 



Dr. Neill's safety stirrup was examined by the Club. 



Dr. Neill gave the following description of the invention : This 

 safety stirrup for riding saddles, may be made of any desirable 

 pattern. The cross piece which holds the stirrup strap, works in 

 a large joint at one end, and at the other, is held by a movable 

 pin. A lever projecting slightly in front, encircles the upper 

 part of the stirrup, and is so arranged, that it is impossible for a 

 person to be dragged, without some part of the foot pressing 

 against this lever, which draws out the pin above alluded to, and 

 instantly the stirrup drops from the strap and releases the fallen 

 rider. A\ hile the person is on the horse, no movement of the loot 

 can detach it ; but if he is thrown, and the foot remains fastened, 

 then the stirrup cannot stay on an instant. Tlie whole affair is 

 exceedingly simple, and appears to be all that can be desired. It 

 should be seen to be appreciated. 



Messrs. Tillman and Fisher, from the question committee, 

 offered the following subject for next meeting, viz : *' Iron cast- 

 ings." 



Messrs. Fisher and Butler, from the committee appointed at the 

 last meeting, on the practicability of organizing a " Steam Transit 

 Improvement Fund," made a report, which was on motion of Mr. 

 Tillman, laid on the table. 



The Chairman was requested to remark upon the subject of 

 steamships. 



He occupied nearly half an hour ^"ith a statement of his experi- 

 ence in steam machinery, and in reference to all the inherent dif- 

 ficulties in iron and the working thereof; he gave out more know- 

 ledge of iron than can be found in all the books ; other men full 

 of practical knowledge, may have known as much, but have left 

 it all imspoken and unwritten. It was the unfolding of a mystery, 

 ignorance of which is destructive of human life and property, to 

 the most alarming degree. 



Mr. Fisher remarked on the propriety and profit of high pres- 

 sure steam in boats. 



Mr. Cohen gave valuable suggestions on the proper construc- 

 tion of the furnaces — on economy of fuel. 



