476 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



together so as to break joints Tpith the lower counter, thus forming' one of 

 the strongest and most substantial structures that possibly can be put in 

 such places; the quicksands cannot work through and undermine, and thus 

 cause it to settle. 



10th. It is adapted to low, flat districts. It can be laid with greater 

 accuracy, with less inclination, and having a smoother surface, which will 

 greatly add and facilitate the hydraulic flow to carry off the sewerage. 



11th. It will drain the subsoil effectually; the water is perniitted to 

 enter and drain through at the flanges above the ordinary level of the 

 sewerage, at the same time not permitting the sewerage to escape, thereby 

 aiding to carry it off while in suspension. Thus preventing tlie offensive 

 odors and poisonous gas, by the retention of putrefying matter collected in 

 bad constructed sewers, so often complained of. 



12th. Wlien compared with the present mode of building culverts or 

 sewers, it combines the two great requisites universally desired, viz.: 

 cheapness and durability. 



An improvement that possesses so many advantages must commend 

 itself to the public. By its use, much property thatnoAv lies waste and useless 

 near cities and towns, on account of the difficul ty of drainage, can be reclaimed 

 and made valuable. In many places, much sickness that is caused by 

 malaria, arising from stagnant pools and swamps, would be avoided were 

 the drainage less difficult, which is now remedied by this invention. Its 

 simplicity, efficiency, durability and economy Avill recommend it, and when 

 once seen will meet with g*eneral favor and use. The plan and design have 

 been inspected by several experienced culvert builders, and pronounced by 

 them a great improvement. 



Hose Coupling. 



Mr. Thomas H. Braisted presented a new hose coupling which differs 

 from the ordinary coupling in not having any screw threads on the ends 

 which fit together, but the ends are plain and slide into each other. The 

 inner piece having a tapering groove around it, and on one side of the out- 

 side piece is fitted a small screw with a tapering point, and when the two 

 ends are brought together this screw is turned, which passes into the 

 groove in the inner piece and thus binds both ends tightly together. Mr. 

 Braisted said the advantages of this coupling are — that it is perfectly 

 water tight, and can be used with ease and rapidity, being very easy to 

 connect and disconnect. It promises to be of great benefit to the public 

 as a large amount of property is frequently destroyed for the want of 

 means for a quick application of water at the commencement of a fire. 

 This coupling was used by the engine that received the premium at the 

 crystal palace fair in Loudon. 



CONFORMATER. 



Mr. Samuel Clark presented his improved conformater for measuring the 

 shape of the head and used by hatters. He said heretofore this apparatus 

 for measuring the head has been made in France, and this is the first of the 

 kind made in this country. There can be no doubt of their utility as every 

 man who wears a hat well knows. After a hat is made and ironed in a 

 certain shape, it will always remain in that shape, and no amount of wear- 



