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FIJTUEE ENGINEEKINO. 



the future, than upon the requirements of the works already 

 carried out ; and produoors should think twice before o])pos- 

 ing those works. Almost as bad as opposing tliom is witli- 

 hohling support. The Manchester Ship Canal was nearly 

 killed in this way ; and Bristol's support to that scheme was 

 practically nil. Yet several Bristol firms are now supplying 

 materials, machinery, and tools for that groat work. There 

 are locomotives at work on the canal which have been made 

 in Bristol ; and the best authority tells me that for materials, 

 workmanship, and working power they are second to none in 

 the great number by various makers there. There has been 

 a tendency of late years to liaston trade by sending out bad 

 goods, which instead of decaying by fair wear and tear, 

 quickly come to an end owing to bad material and workman- 

 ship. To invent and produce something better than its 

 predecessor, thereby causing a constant change and im- 

 provement, bringing with it increased business to both 

 producer and consumer, should bo the aim in future. It 

 is when the latter way ceases to be used that the former 

 becomes necessary. Englishmen have in modern times been 

 the leaders in engineering, and they must endeavour to keep 

 the lead ; but this can only be done by their superior know- 

 ledge and skill, for acquiring which increased facilities 

 must bo provided in the way of instruction, both tlieoretical 

 and practical, on the principle carried out by the College in 

 which we are assembled. 



A discussion upon the subject of the paper took place, in 

 which Messrs. Morgans, McCurrich, Sutcliffe, Cotterell, and 

 Harvey took part. 



