1002 Traxsactions of the American Institute. 



New Carpet Beater. 



Mr. John Ferguson exhibited a model of his carpet beater. By 

 turning a crank, a number of whips are made to strike the carpet, 

 giving an elastic, yet effective blow. 



Extracts from the Hon, Wm. J. McAlpine's notes on the trial of 

 ijuns in Ensland were read, which have not been furnished for this 

 report. The subject drew forth some debate, after which Mr. Lewis 

 Masquerier, of Green Point, L. L, read the following : 



Plan for a Bridge Across East River. 



I suggest the plan of a floating bridge across East river, to rise and 

 fall with the tide. Let it be built of an appropriate width, in sections 

 hinged together, and supported by three piers in the center of the 

 river. Let a floating turnpike or turnstile draw-bridge with four 

 cross-arms, turn upon a center-post in the central pier, for vessels to 

 pass through. This turnpike draw may be constructed to turn round 

 "with the force of the tide, always in the same direction, with the aid 

 of additional power and be stopped at intervals. The arms of the 

 draw-bridges may have circling passways, so that vehicles can reverse 

 their directions. With large iron posts in each pier, the whole can 

 rise and fall with the tide. This turnstile and the ends of the bridges 

 may be guarded with rollers and soft materials to break the force of 

 the vessels and to let them pass through more easily. Separate pass- 

 ways will accommodate both passengers and vehicles going each way. 

 This floating bridge may be braced on both sides with anchors 

 fastened in the solid stone or otherwise in the river bottom. The car 

 lines should not cross bridges, but give passengers the healthy exer- 

 cise of walking over. If this plan has any merit, the engineers can 

 make out the details for its construction. 



The plan of Mr. Masquerier did not meet with general approval. 



Safe Petroleum Oil for Illumination. 



The chairman read an interesting sketch of trials made by Profs. 

 Ilorsford and R. Ogden Doremus to test the value of an article 

 termed " astral oil," but lately brought to the notice of the public. 



This oil is prepared from petroleum by improved processes ; and 

 as the subject of the production of an oil much less dangerous than 

 those in common use is one of the utmost importance to all wlio 

 employ lamps for illumination, the mode taken to ascertain whether 

 any of the more volatile and dangerous products of petroleum were 



