RECEN TL Y PA TENTED IMPR VEMENTS. 773 
are granulating and healing — healthy sores, as the doctors say; that is, there 
appears to be no tendency to spread and extend up the involved legs — no ery- 
sipelas or blood-poisoning. There are twelve to eighteen bad cases, the balance 
are all convalescent, and with good care and feeding, will soon be fit for beef, 
(or bologna sausage). 
One hundred and twenty-nine are affected in the hind feet. When the fore 
feet are affected the hind feet of the same animal are much more affected. 
RECENTLY PATENTED IMPROVEMENTS. 
J. C. HIGDON, M. E., KANSAS CITY, MO. 
Iron Paving-Brick. — A paving-brick or block consisting of a cast-iron shell 
filled with concrete and having yielding surfaces or strips interposed between 
the iron shell and the concrete filling, has been patented by Mr. J. M. Glenn, 
of Cincinnati, Ohio. 
Corn-Harvester, Etc. — In the usual method of cutting corn or cane, the 
stalks are grasped by one hand and a heavy corn-knife is wielded with the other, 
but Mr. G. E. Alinder, of Athol, Dakota, now comes forward with a very simple 
and novel apparatus for use in this work, inasmuch as the knife is attached to 
the boot or shoe of the operator. 
Process of Fire-Proofing and Preserving Wood. — According to a 
method recently patented by Mr. W. W. Robinson, of Ripon, Wis., the material 
to be treated is subjected to a bath in a boiling solution of salt, quick-lime, sul- 
phate of iron, mineral paint and sulphur, subsequently the wood is dried, then 
coated with a hot solution composed of mineral paint, whiting, glue and quick- 
lime mixed with linseed oil. 
Safety- Vault for Banks. — This is a very heavy and presumably quite 
secure chamber for valuables. It is constructed of hard cast-iron blocks, each 
say one foot square, and firmly dovetailed together; strong vertical rods assist to 
bind the different courses of blocks into a substantial solid mass. The door 
slides in a steel-lined recess and the lock- and bolt-work is located in a corres- 
pondingly lined recess in the opposite side of the door-way. The door consists 
of a single block of hard cast-iron having imbedded therein a perforated wrought- 
iron case. In case over-security should be demanded, the entire outer and inner 
surface of the vault may be provided with a lining of steel. The inventor is Mr. 
John T. Hough, of Chicago, 111. 
Patching Fire-Hose. — Mr. G. W. Towle, of San Rafael, Cal., has pat- 
ented a patch for bursted fire-hose and it consists of a segmental plate of metal 
conforming to the size of the hose to be patched, and adapted to be placed over 
