of the engineer, and there are so few working parts in motion that the
friction is reduced to a minimum.

It is said that the plan of construction and the operation of this
engine have been carefully observed by practical engineers, and that,
considering the dimensions of the boat, her speed, the smallness of
the power, the ease with which she passes the centers, the absence of
vibration while running, and the very few working parts in motion, the
engine is a notable success. She can be run at a very high velocity
without injury or risk, and is designed to be very economical in cost
and in weight and space. This engine has been recently patented in the
United States and foreign countries by Mr. James A. Clarke, of New
Westminster.

* * * * *




IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF RIVER AND CANAL BARGES.

By M. RITTER (KNIGHT) VON SZABEL, late Austrian Naval Officer, of
Vienna.


This innovation consists essentially in an arrangement by which two
distinct vessels, on being revolved round their longitudinal axis to
an angle of 90°, can be combined into one single duplex vessel, or, to
put it in different words, a larger vessel is arranged so that it can
be parted into two halves (called "semi-barges"), which can be used