moved it, while with a rider in the seat 4 lb. was sufficient. On this
tricycle any ordinary hill can, it is stated, be ascended with great
ease, and as a proof of its power it was exhibited at the Stanley show
climbing over a piece of wood 8 in. high, without any momentum whatever.
We understand that at the works at Coventry a flight of stairs has been
erected, and that no difficulty is experienced in ascending them on one
of these machines.--_The Engineer_.

* * * * *




SUBMARINE EXPLORATIONS.

VOYAGE OF THE TALISMAN.


It was but a few years ago that the idea was prevalent that the seas at
great depths were immense solitudes where life exhibited itself under no
form, and where an eternal night reigned. To-day, thanks to expeditions
undertaken for the purpose of exploring the abysses of the ocean, we
know that life manifests itself abundantly over the bottom, and that
at a depth of five and six thousand meters light is distributed by
innumerable phosphorescent animals. Different nations have endeavored to
rival each other in the effort to effect these important discoveries,
and several scientific missions have been sent to different points of
the globe by the English and American governments. The French likewise
have entered with enthusiasm upon this new line of research, and for
four consecutive years, thanks to the devoted aid of the ministry of the