740 Transactions of the American Institute. 



Life Saving Apparatus. 

 Mr. L. Mendelsohn exhibited the life-saving apparatus of the 

 " National Life-saving and Ship-ballasting Company," Avhich appa- 

 ratus is described as consisting of " a cork jacket, which being adjusted 

 and a rubber suit slipped over the wearer's dress, covering the whole 

 body, with the exception of the face and the hands, protects the wearer 

 and such valuables as he may have on his person, and keeps him 

 comfortable and free from cramps. Shoe weights keep him in an 

 erect position in the water, and hand devices enable him to propel 

 himself to shore or other place of safety." An individual present put 

 on the apparatus and presented an appearance quite as unique, but 

 considerably less picturesque, than the mermaids supposed to haunt 

 the shores of " the sunny isles that laugh beside the sea." The appa- 

 ratus was, however, spoken of with approval by several members 

 present, and there appears to be no reason why it will not perform 

 the object for which it is designed. It is intended to be accompanied 

 by a peculiarly constructed can for holding water and provision 

 sufficient to sustain life for several days, and serving also to sustain 

 a flacj or sio-nal of distress. The members were invited to see the 

 apparatus practically tested on the next day, in the East river, near 

 Fulton ferry. 



Buckles Coated with Hard Rubber. 



!Mr. Yoorheis exhibited a buckle made of iron covered with vulcanite, 

 as a specimen of a new vai'iety of harness trimmings. It is claimed 

 that thus made the trimmings are more durable, easier kept clean, 

 and present a neater appearance than those covered with leather in 

 the usual manner, 



New Composition Yalve. 



Mr. Sutherland exhibited and explained a valve for steam engines 

 and pipes which is made of mica, rubber, plumbago and other sub- 

 stances. The valve is to be used in the same manner as the ordinary 

 check-valve. 



Underground IJailways. 



The time for taking up the regular subject for discussion having 

 arrived, Mr. Fisher read a paper which, for the most part, appeared 

 to be a repetition of his views, hitherto frequently expressed, with 

 reference to the use of steam carriages on iron pavements, in 

 whatever plan may be adopted for city railway transit. 



