PROVISION BAGS. 131 



AMBULANCHE. 



This is an invention for the purpose of transporting the sick. 

 It consists of a matress or sacking of perforated elastic com- 

 pound, or of ventilated quilted fabric, as represented, plate , 

 fig. . It is arranged so as to be supported by elastic springs, 

 and may be suspended by different methods, on wood or metal 

 frame- work, or laid upon the ground to suit the convenience or 

 comfort of the patient. As yet, the writer has had no opportu- 

 nity of testing the utility of this article ; he, however, submits it as 

 worthy the attention of military men. "The use of gum-elastic 

 for this purpose was first suggested by an officer of the United 

 States' arrny." 



POWDER BAGS. 



These are made of coated canvas, plated and corded fabrics, 

 or vegetable leather, and are used in the army and navy instead of 

 barrels, for containing powder. When the mouths of these bags 

 are secured by the metal fastening, as represented in plate xii., 

 fig. 3, powder will remain dry in them although kept under 

 water. 



PROVISION BAGS. 



These are made of corded and barred fabrics, or plated can- 

 vas, with eyelets to lace, and also with an apron, or extra mouth- 

 piece, as represented in plate , figs. 1 and 2, which falls inside 

 when laced, or is drawn out and tied when it is designed to 

 make the mouth water-tight, or to cause the bag to hold an 

 extra quantity. These bags are useful not only for provisions, 

 but for other merchandise and for papers, to protect them from 



