The Sun.
London, England, 1863-08-06 00:00:00

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers,

elaborate paper
Liverp .ol; Mr. W. Clay presiding. An
e ' On the con-
was read by Mr. John Vernon, of Liverpool,
The provincial session of the InstitutionGeforMeecshaHniacnal
Engineers commenced on Tuesday, at St. ,
ostfruicrtnon voefssireolsn sohvieprs
with greater
strength, greater durability, less cost, together
't'hosle'hoeflaewinootedefwe
certain supply of material. The Gleat Britain was a good
example of the strength and power of resistance possessed by
carrying capability, greater facility of construction, and more
edrvea notleipgeerrorfouiatvyort
iron vessels; for, al hough she lay stranded in Dundrum
Bay for nearly 12 months, and subjected to a severe strain,
ehe was ultimately drawn off in safety, and found capable
of efficient repair. Mr. Vernon next drew attention to the
importance of iron in the construcion of the screw colliers
which had recently come into use, and which were fur-
nished with a chamber throughout the entire bottom of the
hull for the carrying of water ballast, which could be
pumped in and out, and which was a most economical sub-
stitute for ordinary ballast. He then described the uses
of iron for flat-bottomed beats intended for river navigation,
and particularly the system called Bourne's Jadian
river train," employed on the Ganges and Indus, where
by convex bows and concave sterns an articulated train
was formed by barges. It was not, however, found
to answer so well as expected, in consequence of the currents
teeqeul
useevsitooi
would
question had arisen
irrias
tsrdaionfwoi what
40 ai
tado vnt ahs no
per
ace
ogr
nei
snlvcr
haus,o
at oi
and
an-
of the rivers preventing a due control of the steering appa-
rot
aaf
shipsnues d.
b.yThtshe
the best iron only 20 tons. In prac • tice, however, it was not
considered advisable to reduce the proportion of steel lower
than two thirds the weight of the iron. There was no ob.
jection in a mechanical point of view to steel when it came
up to the professed standard, but in a commercial point of
view steel was found to be much more costly. The use of
steel was not of course accompanied by any increased in-
ternal capacity. Mr. Vernon states that the objection to
iron ships, on the ground of fouling at the bottom, and the
derangement of the compasses by the local metallic attrac-
tion, might be gradually overcome by improved inventions
for coating, and by improved knowledge of appliances to
correct the deviation. Some discussion followed, after
which a vote of thanks was awarded to Mr. Vernon. The
papers which followed were, " On the effects of surface con-
densers on steam boilers," by Mr. James Jack, of Liver.
pool ; and " On the mechanical ventilation and warming of
St. George's Hall," by Win. Mackenzie, of Liverpool.
After the discussions, the members occupied themselves
with the inspection of some of the principal engineering
establishments of the town.

GENERAL WCLELLAN.—An admirable life-size
model of this distinguished General, late commander-in-
chief of the Federal army, in military costume, has, within
the last few days; been added to Madame Tussaud's Ex-
hibition, in Baker-street, and we doubt not but that most
of the Americana now resid ng in this country will avail
themselves of the opportunity thus afforded to pay a
visit to the historical gallery on such an interesting occa-
sion, where likewise is to be seen a model of President
Lincoln.