136 Miscellaneous Inielligence. 
water, there is no longer any occasion to draw up the boring tube to 
clear them away, making a very great saving of time. Another im- 
structions) through the strata to be penetrated, thus getting rid at once 
of nine-tenths of the difficulties of boring.” : 
- Sir John Guest asked Mr. Vignolles to explain the system of percus- 
sion boring, for the information of those gentlemen present who might 
acquainted with it. Mr. Vignolles said, instead of boring with 
augers or rods, there was a heavy weight suspended by a rope and pul- 
ley; and fixed to the bottom of the weight was a tool of the crown 
form, viz. a circular tool of iron, indentated at the bottom. There was 
no description of rock on which he had tried it that this tool did not 
penetrate with facility. The prejudice of English workmen, however, 
had hitherto prevented its introduction into this country ; but he had no 
doubt it would make its way, particularly if it could be combined with 
Fauvelle’s system. 45 
4, Discussion on the Potato Disease, (Brit. Assoc., from the Athe- 
num, Sept. 19.)}—Mr. W. Hogan read a paper ‘t On Potatoes raised 
the same process with success. e proceeding consisted in growing 
the seeds first in a hot-bed, and then transplanting. He considered this 
ay.—Dr. Crook attributed the attack in the year 1845 
to “cold.” The cold burst the vessels; and then came the disease. 
eated-the doctrine that the disease arose from fungi; and he (Dr. Buck+ 
land) believed so too. There was, in fact, a fungiferous: miasm e€X!st 
ing, which, like cholera, attacked not all, but those who were predispo- 
. 
