Scamping Tricks and Odd Knowledge Occasionally Practised upon Public Works

CHAPTER XV.

Chapter 178,917 wordsPublic domain

MEN AND WAGES. 'SUB' FROM THE WOOD. A SUB-CONTRACTOR'S SCOUT AND FREE TRAVELLER.

"It is nearly midnight. I am game for another hour, are you?"

"Yes. I like talking on the quiet, it draws you together, you know; you feel for a time as if we all belonged to one family, although we do not, and don't want; that's a fact."

"Precisely, old pal. Let us grip and sip."

"Did any of your men ever play rough on you?"

"Not often; but I remember one. He was a good working hand, and I did not mean to lose him. Ted Skip was his name. This is how it occurred. One Saturday night I was in the village, and saw at the corner of a lane a man standing up in a cart spouting away fit to give him heart disease, or break a blood-vessel, and getting hot so quick, that I am sure he was going to beat record time. I believe he was fed on dictionaries and stewed Socialist pamphlets that did not agree with him. He was pouring it out. He said in effect that pretty nearly everybody was a thief except himself and his comrades, and that nearly all things were poison as they were, and unless we all did as he said we were fools and felons, and worse. Then he went on to say, beer was poison, tobacco was poison, and the way things were now, and all went on, was worse than poison. Then he talked about us, called us railway slave drivers and slaves, and I am sure there was no one or nothing that existed that was not poison to him except himself and what he possessed, and the fools that paid him. I got wild after a bit, hearing him lying away as fast as he could speak, and I shouted, 'You are all poison, you old bit of arsenic, for what is not ass about you is from old Nick.' He was then shouting out 'Your constitution is wrong. All the bills are of no use.' That was too much for me, so I pushed my way in and showed him my fist, and said, 'I'll soon show you whether all the Bills are of no use and whether my constitution is wrong. My name is Bill Dark, and there are numbers of people here that know I have never been sick or sorry since I was born, and I have taken beer and smoked tobacco from the time I was fifteen. In moderation, I believe in this country it does good to most of us, and pretty well all except those that are built up peculiar, and if you want to see if I'm of no use, come on; only get a sack first, so that the pieces of you that remain, and are large enough to be found, can be taken away and burnt to-night instead of later on. You understand what I mean.'

"Our chaps cheered me like mad, and I suppose old Arsenic thought his show was being wasted, for he threw up his arms and drove off, and we yelled him out of the village. Well, now you'll hear what came of it. Teddy Skip was there, and heard me say that beer and tobacco in moderation in this country I believe did good to most of us. A week or so passed, and I forgot all about old Arsenic when Teddy Skip came to me, and said, 'Guv'nor, after hearing you down in the village, and feeling a bit cold now and then, I thought I would try a pipe. I find it suits me, and is quite a friend, but it costs me nearly twopence a day, at least that is what I reckon it does. I have been with you a long time, and hope you won't mind another twopence a day just to buy the tobacco as you recommended to be used in moderation.'

"He had me there, so I made no bones about it, and said, 'Very well then, another twopence from Monday;' but I gave him a parting shot in this way, 'I know you are courting Mary Plush, and may be joined soon, but don't you come to me for a rise after each lot of twins is born, and say you have done a kindness to me and the public generally; because the wife and ten children lay is played out for increase of wages, and folks do with them that show as much moderation in size of families as remember I said should be used with beer and tobacco.' He began to move, and said smiling, as he cleared out, 'All right, guv'nor, thank you, I understand.'"

"That was pretty for you; but did I ever tell you how I got well insulted by one of my chaps?"

"No. Out with it."

"It was in my early days, about the first work I had on the piece. It was clearing and forming through a wood, and there were more rabbits there than trees. The contract was just started, and you know what the chaps are then, they want 'sub' nearly to their full time. Well, I was not flush, in fact they nearly drained me out, so the rabbits were too much for me, besides they were wasted in my sight where they were, simply gold running loose; so I bagged a fair lot, in fact as many as I could catch. Now, my men finding I was subbing them nicely seemed to think I was the man they had been looking to serve since they took to work, so I considered I ought to stop their game with another variety of sport. It does not do to let wrong ideas rest quiet in any man. It is not kind. It was Thursday, and on Saturday I should have a fairish draw for myself on account of work done; but as things were, I was nearly run out. About six wanted 'sub,' so I threw a rabbit to each of them, and said, 'That is tenpence, and it ought to be a shilling, for they are as big as hares and more feeding, and they are not half the trouble to cook.' They grumbled, so I growled out, 'Except on Saturdays, it is that this week and next most likely, or nothing, so choose your time.' One stayed behind, and said, 'Boss, just you look here: eightpence is enough for that, and too much, because I know it is poached, for I saw you doing a lift among the "furrers," and when I receive stolen goods I am paid for holding them, and chancing the consequences, and I don't pay for taking care of them. Do you understand? It is the last I take, and don't you mistake.'

"This 'riled' me, so I said, 'Off you go, or I'll flatten you out.' I was had there. Of course, he was at the same game as I had been, and rabbits to him were not exactly a novelty. Well, I carried on the fun there to such a tune that at last it became too hot. A dealer used to fetch them. He had an old cart. It looked like a baker's, and had some name on it, and there was a bit of green baize, and a basket or two, and a few loaves to keep up the illusion. We worked it till it turned on us, and the business had to be stopped."

"I never have done much at that. Not enough money for the risk to please me."

"Believe me, I have given up the game twenty years or more. I soon found in taking work by the piece I was bound to have a bit of capital, and, as a rule, what I want I get if it is to be had by anyone, and I generally find it is. I overdid it though, that's the worst of money, the more you get the more you want, and it's the biggest slave-driver out and spares no one. Well, complaints about poaching went up to head-quarters and I was called before the guv'nor. He said to me very sharp, 'I shall measure up your work unless from this day I hear no more of your poaching.'

"Of course I bluffed it a bit, but it was no good. However, knowing he always liked fun, he listened to me and I went off fond as a lamb. After promising I would keep watch on the men, which he did not let me finish saying before he had advised me to have assistance, he meant someone to watch me, I went straight for some joking, just to get the venom out of the subject. There is nothing like flattery to start a talk easy, so I said, 'You, sir, know a host of things more than me, and no doubt can explain how it was my father told me when I was a boy that all the family had a natural power of attracting animals. He said it was born in us. One day, sir, he drew me close to him and whispered, after feeling my head, 'You have the family gift very powerful.' You'll excuse me, sir, but I just name this because game always follows me about, and when these rabbits come on the work there is no mistake they are trespassing, and so I punish them by taking them into custody according to the law. When I walk up and down the line they seem to be that joyful, sir, as is real touching. They will come, and the bigger they are the more they seem to like me (between ourselves, that is you and me, to-night talking quiet, small 'uns don't suit me). I have not got the heart to frighten them away, and so they come to me, and sooner than let them go back to their savage life I take them up and become like a parent to them. You cut me so hard in price for the work, sir, I cannot afford to keep them long, so they have to partly keep me."

"Did your guv'nor stand that?"

"Yes. He was a good listener and always gave a man enough rope to hang himself."

"I should have punched your head if I had been him."

"Very likely you would have tried to, but he did not, so I went on to say, 'Well, sir, it is my undoubted belief the big rabbits down here can tell the difference between some letters and others, in the same way, I suppose, as they know the difference between some shot through their ears and a cabbage leaf in their mouth, or a horse and a fox; for they always run away from every cart but mine. I was just thinking I had said enough when the guv'nor had his turn and said:--

"'After what you have told me, attach a dozen white boards to the fencing, and have these words painted upon them in six-inch black letters--"Rabbits are vermin," and have your name put underneath. As you say some of them can read, that will cause them to cease following you. I am determined that this poaching shall be stopped once and for all.'

"'Excuse me, sir, but suppose they still will come to me after the notices are up, and I can't keep them away?'

"He answered, 'In such an event fix notice boards painted thus: "Any rabbit found trespassing upon this railway will be prosecuted with the utmost rigour of the law, and any rabbit found destroying the fences or hedges, or committing any damage of whatsoever kind will be shot.' Have your name put on it as before.'

"After that I thought it was time to go, and as I went out I could hear laughter. He had me, you know, so I was compelled to take to butcher's meat again throughout, and only a spare rabbit now and then went home to see his relations by aid of my mouth."

"What a row there is outside?"

"It's my dog barking. He must have heard you talk of rabbits. He is clever. I trained him so that I always knew when any engineers or inspectors were on the prowl. I call him 'Spot,' because he can 'spot' them so well. I made him do the spy business right round our end of the docks I was then on, and also on railway work."

"What did he do?"

"He used to do a tramp up and down quite naturally, about quarter of a mile in front of the tip and a quarter of a mile back of the gullet, or anywhere I had work, and not even the men knew he was on scout. He is the best watchman I have known; and so long as things were right and no bosses about he never came close to me unless I called him, but if anyone was prowling about he soon was close to me, and three pats communicated to him that I twigged, and he went on the scent again. He seemed to sniff out the faces of all my guv'nors in an instant, and looked anxious till I patted him three times, and then he turned up his eyes to meet mine, and a lovely beam of satisfaction came over him and he was as happy as he could be, and then he vanished. He was a sly dog, and useful too. He slept at the bottom of my bed in a basket. My wife did not like him on the bed; said dogs were dogs, and carried too many relations on their persons, so I hung a big basket to the tail end of our sleeping apparatus, and there he snoozed. Now, wherever I was, he was, or near to; he did not seem happy except he knew where I was. I always took him wherever I went, and on free pass. It's not very often I am travelling far, except when the works are finished; still, I easily trained him to be a good free traveller after a few trials, so that I never took a ticket for him. Not me. I always think it is hard, provided you have no luggage for the van, and have your dog well under control, that you cannot take him with you free, like you do a stick, an umbrella, or your pipe. A dog does not occupy a seat nor make a noise the same as a baby; but there, I don't mean to argue the question, and, personally, have no occasion, because I have not paid anything for my dog's travelling for years. The problem is solved as far as I am concerned, and the rest of creation will have to look out for themselves."

"How do you do it?"

"You mean, how does my dog, Spot, do it? In this way. I take my ticket, and before putting it into my pocket hold it in my hand for a moment. I then go on my right platform. Spot, that is my dog, then knows he is to get on that platform. He usually waits till a good many people want to pass, then he slips in beautifully quiet, sometimes by the side of a lady, or under cover of a group of passengers, and I have never known him noticed at the doors, as the ticket collectors are busy ticket snipping. I don't interfere with Spot's platform arrangements, for properly educated and well-brought-up dogs would object; but there is no doubt at some of the terminal stations the game could not be worked unless all the platforms are open. Suppose he was noticed on a platform, and they tried to find him, he was so good at hiding that they always thought he had gone; besides, they had plenty to do, and more serious business to look after. Once I saw they were searching for him, but they did not find him. He was not on the platform at all, but under a truck in the siding and enjoying the fun. He rested there, or at a convenient place till he heard the train coming, or saw I was about to get in. He timed his movements very cleverly, and has taken me by surprise sometimes, but he was sure to be under the seat, and hiding as quietly as a mouse, and taking no notice of me; not he.

"When I arrived at my station, if it was a big one, there was no trouble, I got out and Spot sneaked out without taking any notice of me, nor did I of him then. He used to make straight for the wall, and you bet he got out of the station quick, or was turned out. I have seen him driven out, as the porters took him for a stray dog. Once they threw a stool at him, it just caught his tail, and made him squall a trifle; but although it was a hard trial for me, I suppressed my feelings, as I had no ticket for him. I have known him sit down after following me out of the carriage, close up to the wall one end of a platform, and wait till the ticket-collector was busy sorting the tickets, and then Spot would walk out like a nobleman. I waited for him at a respectful and safe distance from the station, and then we had an affectionate meeting, and he had a biscuit and I had a drink, and we were a happy two. Spot is a real good dog, and as honest as the day, for I trained him in the right direction from the time he was a pup. He is a cool one; but there, it is a gift of nature like a swell singer's voice."

"Precisely."

"Now, listen; for once I was nearly had, even with Spot. There were about ten people in the compartment of a long carriage, and I sat next to a fly-looking chap, and only got in just in time, with my dog handy. Off the train went, and I was trying to consider what I ought to think about during the journey, when we all started, for Spot barked really fierce; and I said, 'Quiet.' Blessed if there was not another bark, and from another member of the dog creation. I knew it was not Spot, so I looked under the seat, and saw two bags, and Spot looking very warm and ready on one of them, with his head a little on one side. I knew it was live game, and I saw the other bag move. I thought the railway company had got the office and caught me, and that it was a 'put up job,' but I was wrong. It was all right. The chap next to me whispered in my ear that he was a rat-catcher, and had live rats in one bag, and his dog in the other, and they were travelling as passengers' luggage. I winked, and he did. Then it occurred to me, I was too friendly with him. However, of course his dog was trained to keep quiet, but mine was not in the presence of rats, so I had to look under again, and put out my stick, and say. 'Quiet, bosses.' Spot knew what that meant, and was quiet.

"Now, the other passengers steadied down very quickly, for of course they did not know we had not paid for the dogs. It was a fast local train and only stopped at the terminus, so there was no chance of their getting out before me at the station. I took care of that. It might have been awkward otherwise. The beauty of it was, this rat-catcher, I could see was not altogether satisfied when he came to dwell on it, for I fancy he thought I was a spy, and that he was caught; and I was not quite convinced he was not a detective. Still, a bold game generally pays the best; anyhow, I pretended I was dozing. It was evening, and when the train had barely stopped, after saying. 'Good-night all,' I got out first, and did not wait to see how the rat-catcher fared. I had Spot to look after, and was afraid the guard might have heard the barking; but he did not, for if he had we should both have been had lovely, all through a bag of rats. What my dog suffered from having to leave the game alone, it grieves me to think. All I know is, he was really bad for days after; but I should say the rats were tuning up to sing, 'We are all surrounded.'"

"I'm off now. Good-bye, old chap. Cheer up."

"Thank you for coming to see me, and having a good chat. It's lucky no one has heard us though, still, we have not confessed all. Have we?"

"Not exactly. Good-bye."

"Mind how you go, and I hope to see you to-morrow."

"All right; I'm safe enough, for I have been in too many squalls not to be careful. I won't say artful."

FINIS.

_Crown 8vo, cloth, Price 4s. 6d._

NOTES ON CONCRETE AND WORKS IN CONCRETE.

By JOHN NEWMAN, ASSOC. M. INST. C.E.

REVIEWS OF THE PRESS.

ENGINEERING:

_"An epitome of the best practice which may be relied upon not to mislead."_

"The successful construction of works in concrete is a difficult matter to explain in books."

"All the points which open the way to bad work are carefully pointed out by our Author with a pertinacious insistance which demonstrates his clear appreciation of their value."

IRON:

"As numerous examples are cited of the use of concrete in public works, and details supplied, _the book will greatly assist engineers engaged upon such works_."

THE BUILDER:

"A very practical little book, carefully compiled, and _one which all writers of specifications for concrete work would do well to peruse_."

"_The book contains reliable information for all engaged upon public works._"

"A perusal of Mr. Newman's valuable little handbook will point out the importance of a more careful investigation of the subject than is usually supposed to be necessary."

AMERICAN PRESS.

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"To accomplish so much in so limited a space, the subject-matter has been confined to chapters."

"_We take pleasure in saying that this is the most admirable and complete handbook on concretes for engineers of which we have knowledge._"

E. & F. N. SPON, 125, STRAND, LONDON.

_Crown 8vo, cloth, 7s. 6d._

EARTHWORK SLIPS AND SUBSIDENCES UPON PUBLIC WORKS.

By JOHN NEWMAN, ASSOC. M. INST. C.E.

REVIEWS OF THE PRESS.

THE BUILDER:

"We gladly welcome Mr. Newman's book on slips in earthworks as an important contribution to a right comprehension of such matters."

"There is much in this book that will at all events guide the mind of the student to the points--and there are many of them--which have to be weighed by designers of engineering works, and which, if attended to and fixed on the memory, will certainly guard them against probable if not against possible slips in earthwork."

"There is much to read, and read carefully, on all these points."

"He then presents us with sixteen maxims to be observed, where practicable, in the consideration of the location of earthworks (hints as to what should be avoided, which are of considerable value).... The capital cost of a work and the cost of its maintenance may both be very sensibly reduced by attention to all the points alluded to by the author."

"We are glad to see that the author enters at some length into the subject of the due provision of drainage at the backs of retaining walls, a matter so often neglected or overlooked, and carries this subject to a far larger one, the causes which tend to disturb the repose of dock walls. His remarks on these matters are well worthy of consideration, and are thoroughly practical, and the items which have to be taken into account in the necessary statical calculations very well introduced."

"In conclusion we may say that there is plenty of good useful information to be obtained from this work, which touches a subject possessing an exceedingly scanty vocabulary."

"It contains an immense deal of matter which must be swallowed sooner or later by every one who desires to be a good engineer."

&c. &c. &c. &c.

BUILDING NEWS:

"Mr. John Newman, Assoc. M. Inst. C.E., has written a volume on a subject that has hitherto only been treated of cursorily."

"Useful advice is given which the railway engineer and earthwork contractor may profit by."

"The book contains a fund of useful information."

&c. &c. &c. &c.

BUILDER'S REPORTER AND ENGINEERING TIMES:

"The book which Mr. John Newman has written imparts a new interest to earthworks. It is in fact a sort of pathological treatise, and as such may be said to be unique among books on construction, for in them failures are rarely recognised. Now in Mr. Newman's volume the majority of the pages relate to failures, and from them the reader infers how they are to be avoided, and thus to form earthworks that will endure longer than those which are executed without much regard to risks."

"The manner of dealing with the subsidences when they occur, as well as providing against them, will be found described in the book."

"It can be said that the subject is thoroughly investigated, and contractors as well as engineers can learn much from Mr. Newman's book."

&c. &c. &c. &c.

E. & F. N. SPON, 125, STRAND, LONDON.

1891.

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_Quantity Surveying._ By J. LEANING. With 42 illustrations. Second edition, revised, crown 8vo, cloth, 9_s._

_Contents:_

A complete Explanation of the London Practice. General Instructions. Order of Taking Off. Modes of Measurement of the various Trades. Use and Waste. Ventilation and Warming. Credits, with various Examples of Treatment. Abbreviations. Squaring the Dimensions. Abstracting, with Examples in illustration of each Trade. Billing. Examples of Preambles to each Trade. Form for a Bill of Quantities. Do. Bill of Credits. Do. Bill for Alternative Estimate. Restorations and Repairs, and Form of Bill. Variations before Acceptance of Tender. Errors in a Builder's Estimate. Schedule of Prices. Form of Schedule of Prices. Analysis of Schedule of Prices. Adjustment of Accounts. Form of a Bill of Variations. Remarks on Specifications. Prices and Valuation of Work, with Examples and Remarks upon each Trade. The Law as it affects Quantity Surveyors, with Law Reports. Taking Off after the Old Method. Northern Practice. The General Statement of the Methods recommended by the Manchester Society of Architects for taking Quantities. Examples of Collections. Examples of "Taking Off" in each Trade. Remarks on the Past and Present Methods of Estimating.

_Spons' Architects' and Builders' Price Book, with useful Memoranda._ Edited by W. YOUNG, Architect. Crown 8vo, cloth, red edges, 3_s._ 6_d._ _Published annually._ Seventeenth edition. Now ready.

_Long-Span Railway Bridges_, comprising Investigations of the Comparative Theoretical and Practical Advantages of the various adopted or proposed Type Systems of Construction, with numerous Formulae and Tables giving the weight of Iron or Steel required in Bridges from 300 feet to the limiting Spans; to which are added similar Investigations and Tables relating to Short-span Railway Bridges. Second and revised edition. By B. BAKER, Assoc. Inst. C.E. _Plates_, crown 8vo, cloth, 5_s._

_Elementary Theory and Calculation of Iron Bridges and Roofs._ By AUGUST RITTER, Ph.D., Professor at the Polytechnic School at Aix-la-Chapelle. Translated from the third German edition, by H. R. SANKEY, Capt. R.E. With 500 _illustrations_, 8vo, cloth, 15_s._

_The Elementary Principles of Carpentry._ By THOMAS TREDGOLD. Revised from the original edition, and partly re-written, by JOHN THOMAS HURST. Contained in 517 pages of letter-press, and _illustrated with 48 plates and 150 wood engravings_. Sixth edition, reprinted from the third, crown 8vo, cloth, 12_s._ 6_d._

Section I. On the Equality and Distribution of Forces--Section II. Resistance of Timber--Section III. Construction of Floors--Section IV. Construction of Roofs--Section V. Construction of Domes and Cupolas--Section VI. Construction of Partitions--Section VII. Scaffolds, Staging, and Gantries--Section VIII. Construction of Centres for Bridges--Section IX. Coffer-dams, Shoring, and Strutting--Section X. Wooden Bridges and Viaducts--Section XI. Joints, Straps, and other Fastenings--Section XII. Timber.

_The Builder's Clerk_: a Guide to the Management of a Builder's Business. By THOMAS BALES. Fcap. 8vo, cloth, 1_s._ 6_d._

_Practical Gold-Mining_: a Comprehensive Treatise on the Origin and Occurrence of Gold-bearing Gravels, Rocks and Ores, and the methods by which the Gold is extracted. By C. G. WARNFORD LOCK, co-Author of 'Gold: its Occurrence and Extraction.' _With 8 plates and 275 engravings in the text_, royal 8vo, cloth, 2_l._ 2_s._

_Hot Water Supply_: A Practical Treatise upon the Fitting of Circulating Apparatus in connection with Kitchen Range and other Boilers, to supply Hot Water for Domestic and General Purposes. With a Chapter upon Estimating. _Fully illustrated_, crown 8vo, cloth, 3_s._

_Hot Water Apparatus_: An Elementary Guide for the Fitting and Fixing of Boilers and Apparatus for the Circulation of Hot Water for Heating and for Domestic Supply, and containing a Chapter upon Boilers and Fittings for Steam Cooking. _32 illustrations_, fcap. 8vo, cloth, 1_s._ 6_d._

_The Use and Misuse, and the Proper and Improper Fixing of a Cooking Range._ _Illustrated_, fcap. 8vo, sewed, 6_d._

_Iron Roofs_: Examples of Design, Description. _Illustrated with 64 Working Drawings of Executed Roofs._ By ARTHUR T. WALMISLEY, Assoc. Mem. Inst. C.E. Second edition, revised, imp. 4to, half-morocco, 3_l._ 3_s._

_A History of Electric Telegraphy_, to the Year 1837. Chiefly compiled from Original Sources, and hitherto Unpublished Documents, by J. J. FAHIE, Mem. Soc. of Tel. Engineers, and of the International Society of Electricians, Paris. Crown 8vo, cloth, 9_s._

_Spons' Information for Colonial Engineers._ Edited by J. T. HURST. Demy 8vo, sewed.

No. 1. Ceylon. By ABRAHAM DEANE, C.E. 2_s._ 6_d._

CONTENTS:

Introductory Remarks--Natural Productions--Architecture and Engineering--Topography, Trade, and Natural History--Principal Stations--Weights and Measures, etc., etc.

No. 2. Southern Africa, including the Cape Colony, Natal, and the Dutch Republics. By HENRY HALL, F.R.G.S., F.R.C.I. With Map. 3_s._ 6_d._

CONTENTS:

General Description of South Africa--Physical Geography with reference to Engineering Operations--Notes on Labour and Material in Cape Colony--Geological Notes on Rock Formation South Africa--Engineering Instruments for Use in South in Africa--Principal Public Works in Cape Colony: Railways, Mountain Roads and Passes, Harbour Works, Bridges, Gas Works, Irrigation and Water Supply, Lighthouses, Drainage and Sanitary Engineering, Public Buildings, Mines--Table of Woods in South Africa--Animals used for Draught Purposes--Statistical Notes--Table of Distances--Rates of Carriage, etc.

No. 3. India. By F. C. DANVERS, Assoc. Inst. C.E. With Map. 4_s._ 6_d._

CONTENTS:

Physical Geography of India--Building Materials--Roads-- Railways-- Bridges--Irrigation--River Works--Harbours-- Lighthouse Buildings-- Native Labour--The Principal Trees of India--Money--Weights and Measures--Glossary of Indian Terms, etc.

_Our Factories, Workshops, and Warehouses_: their Sanitary and Fire-Resisting Arrangements. By B. H. THWAITE, Assoc. Mem. Inst. C.E. _With 183 wood engravings_, crown 8vo, cloth, 9_s._

_A Practical Treatise on Coal Mining._ By GEORGE G. ANDRE, F.G.S., Assoc. Inst. C.E., Member of the Society of Engineers. _With 82 lithographic plates._ 2 vols., royal 4to, cloth, 3_l._ 12_s._

_A Practical Treatise on Casting and Founding_, including descriptions of the modern machinery employed in the art. By N. E. SPRETSON, Engineer. Fifth edition, with _82 plates_ drawn to scale, 412 pp., demy 8vo, cloth, 18_s._

_A Handbook of Electrical Testing._ By H. R. KEMPE, M.S.T.E. Fourth edition, revised and enlarged, crown 8vo, cloth, 16_s._

_The Clerk of Works_: a Vade-Mecum for all engaged in the Superintendence of Building Operations. By G. G. HOSKINS, F.R.I.B.A. Third edition, fcap. 8vo, cloth, 1_s._ 6_d._

_American Foundry Practice_: Treating of Loam, Dry Sand, and Green Sand Moulding, and containing a Practical Treatise upon the Management of Cupolas, and the Melting of Iron. By T. D. WEST, Practical Iron Moulder and Foundry Foreman. Second edition, _with numerous illustrations_, crown 8vo, cloth, 10_s._ 6_d._

_The Maintenance of Macadamised Roads._ By T. CODRINGTON, M.I.C.E., F.G.S., General Superintendent of County Roads for South Wales. Second edition. 8vo. [_Nearly ready._

_Hydraulic Steam and Hand Power Lifting and Pressing Machinery._ By FREDERICK COLYER, M. Inst. C.E., M. Inst. M.E. _With 73 plates_, 8vo, cloth, 18_s._

_Pumps and Pumping Machinery._ By F. COLYER, M.I.C.E., M.I.M.E. _With 23 folding plates_, 8vo, cloth, 12_s._ 6_d._

_Pumps and Pumping Machinery._ By F. COLYER. Second Part. _With 11 large plates_, 8vo, cloth, 12_s._ 6_d._

_A Treatise on the Origin, Progress, Prevention, and Cure of Dry Rot in Timber_; with Remarks on the Means of Preserving Wood from Destruction by Sea-Worms, Beetles, Ants, etc. By THOMAS ALLEN BRITTON, late Surveyor to the Metropolitan Board of Works, etc., etc. _With 10 plates_, crown 8vo, cloth, 7_s._ 6_d._

_The Artillery of the Future and the New Powders._ By J. A. LONGRIDGE, Mem. Inst. C.E. 8vo, cloth, 5_s._

_Gas Works_: their Arrangement, Construction, Plant, and Machinery. By F. COLYER, M. Inst. C.E. _With 31 folding plates_, 8vo, cloth, 12_s._ 6_d._

_The Municipal and Sanitary Engineer's Handbook._ By H. PERCY BOULNOIS, Mem. Inst. C.E., Borough Engineer, Portsmouth. _With numerous illustrations._ Second edition, demy 8vo, cloth.

CONTENTS:

The Appointment and Duties of the Town Surveyor--Traffic--Macadamised Roadways--Steam Rolling--Road Metal and Breaking--Pitched Pavements --Asphalte--Wood Pavements--Footpaths--Kerbs and Gutters--Street Naming and Numbering--Street Lighting--Sewerage--Ventilation of Sewers--Disposal of Sewage--House Drainage--Disinfection--Gas and Water Companies, etc., Breaking up Streets--Improvement of Private Streets--Borrowing Powers--Artisans' and Labourers' Dwellings-- Public Conveniences--Scavenging, including Street Cleansing-- Watering and the Removing of Snow--Planting Street Trees--Deposit of Plans--Dangerous Buildings--Hoardings--Obstructions--Improving Street Lines--Cellar Openings--Public Pleasure Grounds--Cemeteries --Mortuaries--Cattle and Ordinary Markets--Public Slaughter-houses, etc.--Giving numerous Forms of Notices, Specifications, and General Information upon these and other subjects of great importance to Municipal Engineers and others engaged in Sanitary Work.

_Metrical Tables._ By Sir G. L. MOLESWORTH, M.I.C.E. 32mo, cloth, 1_s._ 6_d._

CONTENTS:

General--Linear Measures--Square Measures--Cubic Measures--Measures of Capacity--Weights--Combinations--Thermometers.

_Elements of Construction for Electro-Magnets._ By Count TH. DU MONCEL, Mem. de l'Institut de France. Translated from the French by C. J. WHARTON. Crown 8vo, cloth, 4_s._ 6_d._

_A Treatise on the Use of Belting for the Transmission of Power._ By J. H. COOPER. Second edition, _illustrated_, 8vo, cloth, 15_s._

_A Pocket-Book of Useful Formulae and Memoranda for Civil and Mechanical Engineers._ By Sir GUILFORD L. MOLESWORTH, Mem. Inst. C.E. _With numerous illustrations_, 744 pp. Twenty-second edition, 32mo, roan, 6_s._

SYNOPSIS OF CONTENTS:

Surveying, Levelling, etc.--Strength and Weight of Materials-- Earthwork, Brickwork, Masonry, Arches, etc.--Struts, Columns, Beams, and Trusses--Flooring, Roofing, and Roof Trusses--Girders, Bridges, etc.--Railways and Roads--Hydraulic Formulae--Canals, Sewers, Waterworks, Docks--Irrigation and Breakwaters--Gas, Ventilation, and Warming--Heat, Light, Colour, and Sound--Gravity: Centres, Forces, and Powers--Millwork, Teeth of Wheels, Shafting, etc.--Workshop Recipes--Sundry Machinery--Animal Power--Steam and the Steam Engine--Water-power, Water-wheels, Turbines, etc.--Wind and Windmills--Steam Navigation, Ship Building, Tonnage, etc.-- Gunnery, Projectiles, etc.--Weights, Measures, and Money-- Trigonometry, Conic Sections, and Curves--Telegraphy--Mensuration --Tables of Areas and Circumference, and Arcs of Circles-- Logarithms, Square and Cube Roots, Powers--Reciprocals, etc.-- Useful Numbers--Differential and Integral Calculus--Algebraic Signs--Telegraphic Construction and Formulae.

_Hints on Architectural Draughtsmanship._ By _G. W. Tuxford Hallatt_. Fcap. 8vo, cloth, 1_s._ 6_d._

_Spons' Tables and Memoranda for Engineers_; selected and arranged by J. T. HURST, C.E., Author of 'Architectural Surveyors' Handbook,' 'Hurst's Tredgold's Carpentry,' etc. Eleventh edition, 64mo, roan, gilt edges, 1_s._; or in cloth case, 1_s._ 6_d._

This work is printed in a pearl type, and is so small, measuring only 2-1/2 in. by 1-3/4 in. by 1/4 in. thick, that it may be easily carried in the waistcoat pocket.

"It is certainly an extremely rare thing for a reviewer to be called upon to notice a volume measuring but 2-1/2 in. by 1-3/4 in., yet these dimensions faithfully represent the size of the handy little book before us. The volume--which contains 118 printed pages, besides a few blank pages for memoranda--is, in fact, a true pocket-book, adapted for being carried in the waistcoat pocket, and containing a far greater amount and variety of information than most people would imagine could be compressed into so small a space.... The little volume has been compiled with considerable care and judgment, and we can cordially recommend it to our readers as a useful little pocket companion."--_Engineering._

_A Practical Treatise on Natural and Artificial Concrete, its Varieties and Constructive Adaptations._ By HENRY REID, Author of the 'Science and Art of the Manufacture of Portland Cement.' New Edition, _with 59 woodcuts and 5 plates_, 8vo, cloth, 15_s._

_Notes on Concrete and Works in Concrete_; especially written to assist those engaged upon Public Works. By JOHN NEWMAN, Assoc. Mem. Inst. C.E., crown 8vo, cloth, 4_s._ 6_d._

_Electricity as a Motive Power._ By Count TH. DU MONCEL, Membre de l'Institut de France, and FRANK GERALDY, Ingenieur des Ponts et Chaussees. Translated and Edited, with Additions, by C. J. WHARTON, Assoc. Soc. Tel. Eng. and Elec. _With 113 engravings and diagrams_, crown 8vo, cloth, 7_s._ 6_d._

_Treatise on Valve-Gears_, with special consideration of the Link-Motions of Locomotive Engines. By Dr. GUSTAV ZEUNER, Professor of Applied Mechanics at the Confederated Polytechnikum of Zurich. Translated from the Fourth German Edition, by Professor J. F. KLEIN, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa. _Illustrated_, 8vo, cloth, 12_s._ 6_d._

_The French-Polisher's Manual._ By a French-Polisher; containing Timber Staining, Washing, Matching, Improving, Painting, Imitations, Directions for Staining, Sizing, Embodying, Smoothing, Spirit Varnishing, French-Polishing, Directions for Re-polishing. Third edition, royal 32mo, sewed, 6_d._

_Hops, their Cultivation, Commerce, and Uses in various Countries._ By P. L. SIMMONDS. Crown 8vo, cloth, 4_s._ 6_d._

_The Principles of Graphic Statics._ By GEORGE SYDENHAM CLARKE, Major Royal Engineers. _With 112 illustrations._ Second edition, 4to, cloth, 12_s._ 6_d._

_Dynamo Tenders' Hand-Book._ By F. B. BADT, late 1st Lieut. Royal Prussian Artillery. _With 70 illustrations._ Third edition, 18mo, cloth, 4_s._ 6_d._

_Practical Geometry, Perspective, and Engineering Drawing_; a Course of Descriptive Geometry adapted to the Requirements of the Engineering Draughtsman, including the determination of cast shadows and Isometric Projection, each chapter being followed by numerous examples; to which are added rules for Shading, Shade-lining, etc., together with practical instructions as to the Lining, Colouring, Printing, and general treatment of Engineering Drawings, with a chapter on drawing Instruments. By GEORGE S. CLARKE, Capt. R.E. Second edition, _with 21 plates_. 2 vols., cloth, 10_s._ 6_d._

_The Elements of Graphic Statics._ By Professor KARL VON OTT, translated from the German by G. S. CLARKE, Capt. R.E., Instructor in Mechanical Drawing, Royal Indian Engineering College. _With 93 illustrations_, crown 8vo, cloth, 5_s._

_A Practical Treatise on the Manufacture and Distribution of Coal Gas._ By WILLIAM RICHARDS. Demy 4to, with _numerous wood engravings and 29 plates_, cloth, 28_s._

SYNOPSIS OF CONTENTS:

Introduction--History of Gas Lighting--Chemistry of Gas Manufacture, by Lewis Thompson, Esq., M.R.C.S.--Coal, with Analyses, by J. Paterson, Lewis Thompson, and G. R. Hislop, Esqrs.--Retorts, Iron and Clay--Retort Setting--Hydraulic Main--Condensers--Exhausters-- Washers and Scrubbers--Purifiers--Purification--History of Gas Holder--Tanks, Brick and Stone, Composite, Concrete, Cast-iron, Compound Annular Wrought-iron--Specifications--Gas Holders-- Station Meter--Governor--Distribution--Mains--Gas Mathematics, or Formulae for the Distribution of Gas, by Lewis Thompson, Esq.--Services--Consumers' Meters--Regulators--Burners--Fittings-- Photometer--Carburization of Gas--Air Gas and Water Gas-- Composition of Coal Gas, by Lewis Thompson, Esq.--Analyses of Gas--Influence of Atmospheric Pressure and Temperature on Gas--Residual Products--Appendix--Description of Retort Settings, Buildings, etc., etc.

_The New Formula for Mean Velocity of Discharge of Rivers and Canals._ By W. R. KUTTER. Translated from articles in the 'Cultur-Ingenieur,' by LOWIS D'A. JACKSON, Assoc. Inst. C.E. 8vo, cloth, 12_s._ 6_d._

_The Practical Millwright and Engineers Ready Reckoner_; or Tables for finding the diameter and power of cog-wheels, diameter, weight, and power of shafts, diameter and strength of bolts, etc. By THOMAS DIXON. Fourth edition, 12mo, cloth, 3_s._

_Tin_: Describing the Chief Methods of Mining, Dressing and Smelting it abroad; with Notes upon Arsenic, Bismuth and Wolfram. By ARTHUR G. CHARLETON, Mem. American Inst. of Mining Engineers. _With plates_, 8vo, cloth, 12_s._ 6_d._

_Perspective, Explained and Illustrated._ By G. S. CLARKE, Capt. R.E. _With illustrations_, 8vo, cloth, 3_s._ 6_d._

_Practical Hydraulics;_ a Series of Rules and Tables for the use of Engineers, etc., etc. By THOMAS BOX. Ninth edition, _numerous plates_, post 8vo, cloth, 5_s._

_The Essential Elements of Practical Mechanics; based on the Principle of Work_, designed for Engineering Students. By OLIVER BYRNE, formerly Professor of Mathematics, College for Civil Engineers. Third edition, _with 148 wood engravings_, post 8vo, cloth, 7_s._ 6_d._

CONTENTS:

Chap. 1. How Work is Measured by a Unit, both with and without reference to a Unit of Time--Chap. 2. The Work of Living Agents, the Influence of Friction, and introduces one of the most beautiful Laws of Motion--Chap. 3. The principles expounded in the first and second chapters are applied to the Motion of Bodies--Chap. 4. The Transmission of Work by simple Machines--Chap. 5. Useful Propositions and Rules.

_Breweries and Maltings_: their Arrangement, Construction, Machinery, and Plant. By G. SCAMELL, F.R.I.B.A. Second edition, revised, enlarged, and partly rewritten. By F. COLYER, M.I.C.E., M.I.M.E. _With 20 plates_, 8vo, cloth, 12_s._ 6_d._

_A Practical Treatise on the Construction of Horizontal and Vertical Waterwheels_, specially designed for the use of operative mechanics. By WILLIAM CULLEN, Millwright and Engineer. _With 11 plates._ Second edition, revised and enlarged, small 4to, cloth, 12_s._ 6_d._

_A Practical Treatise on Mill-gearing, Wheels, Shafts, Riggers, etc._; for the use of Engineers. By THOMAS BOX. Third edition, _with 11 plates_. Crown 8vo, cloth, 7_s._ 6_d._

_Mining Machinery_: a Descriptive Treatise on the Machinery, Tools, and other Appliances used in Mining. By G. G. ANDRE, F.G.S., Assoc. Inst. C.E., Mem. of the Society of Engineers. Royal 4to, uniform with the Author's Treatise on Coal Mining, containing 182 _plates_, accurately drawn to scale, with descriptive text, in 2 vols., cloth, 3_l._ 12_s._

CONTENTS:

Machinery for Prospecting, Excavating, Hauling, and Hoisting-- Ventilation--Pumping--Treatment of Mineral Products, including Gold and Silver, Copper, Tin, and Lead, Iron, Coal Sulphur, China Clay, Brick Earth, etc.

_Tables for Setting out Curves for Railways, Canals, Roads, etc._, varying from a radius of five chains to three miles. By A. KENNEDY and R. W. HACKWOOD. _Illustrated_ 32mo, cloth, 2_s._ 6_d._

_Practical Electrical Notes and Definitions for the use of Engineering Students and Practical Men._ By W. PERREN MAYCOCK, Assoc. M. Inst. E.E., Instructor in Electrical Engineering at the Pitlake Institute, Croydon, together with the Rules and Regulations to be observed in Electrical Installation Work. Second edition. Royal 32mo, roan, gilt edges, 4_s._ 6_d._

_The Draughtsman's Handbook of Plan and Map Drawing_; including instructions for the preparation of Engineering, Architectural, and Mechanical Drawings. _With numerous illustrations in the text, and 33 plates (15 printed in colours)._ By G. G. ANDRE, F.G.S., Assoc. Inst. C.E. 4to, cloth, 9_s._

CONTENTS:

The Drawing Office and its Furnishings--Geometrical Problems-- Lines, Dots, and their Combinations--Colours, Shading, Lettering, Bordering, and North Points--Scales--Plotting--Civil Engineers' and Surveyors' Plans--Map Drawing--Mechanical and Architectural Drawing--Copying and Reducing Trigonometrical Formulae, etc., etc.

_The Boiler-maker's and Iron Ship-builder's Companion_, comprising a series of original and carefully calculated tables, of the utmost utility to persons interested in the iron trades. By JAMES FODEN, author of 'Mechanical Tables,' etc. Second edition revised, _with illustrations_, crown 8vo, cloth, 5_s._

_Rock Blasting_: a Practical Treatise on the means employed in Blasting Rocks for Industrial Purposes. By G. G. ANDRE, F.G.S., Assoc. Inst. C.E. _With 56 illustrations and 12 plates_, 8vo, cloth, 10_s._ 6_d._

_Experimental Science_: Elementary, Practical, and Experimental Physics. By GEO. M. HOPKINS. _Illustrated by 672 engravings._ In one large vol., 8vo, cloth, 18_s._

_A Treatise on Ropemaking as practised in public and private Rope-yards_, with a Description of the Manufacture, Rules, Tables of Weights, etc., adapted to the Trade, Shipping, Mining, Railways, Builders, etc. By R. CHAPMAN, formerly foreman to Messrs. Huddart and Co., Limehouse, and late Master Ropemaker to H. M. Dockyard, Deptford. Second edition, 12mo, cloth, 3_s._

_Laxton's Builders' and Contractors' Tables_; for the use of Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, Builders, Land Agents, and others. Bricklayer, containing 22 tables, with nearly 30,000 calculations. 4to, cloth, 5_s._

_Laxton's Builders' and Contractors' Tables._ Excavator, Earth, Land, Water, and Gas, containing 53 tables, with nearly 24,000 calculations. 4to, cloth, 5_s._

_Egyptian Irrigation._ By W. WILLCOCKS, M.I.C.E., Indian Public Works Department, Inspector of Irrigation, Egypt. With Introduction by Lieut.-Col. J. C. Ross, R.E., Inspector-General of Irrigation. _With numerous lithographs and wood engravings_, royal 8vo, cloth, 1_l._ 16_s._

_Screw Cutting Tables for Engineers and Machinists_, giving the values of the different trains of Wheels required to produce Screws of any pitch, calculated by Lord Lindsay, M.P., F.R.S., F.R.A.S., etc. Cloth, oblong, 2_s._

_Screw Cutting Tables_, for the use of Mechanical Engineers, showing the proper arrangement of Wheels for cutting the Threads of Screws of any required pitch, with a Table for making the Universal Gas-pipe Threads and Taps. By W. A. MARTIN, Engineer. Second, edition, oblong, cloth, 1_s._, or sewed, 6_d._

_A Treatise on a Practical Method of Designing Slide-Valve Gears by Simple Geometrical Construction_, based upon the principles enunciated in Euclid's Elements, and comprising the various forms of Plain Slide-Valve and Expansion Gearing; together with Stephenson's, Gooch's, and Allan's Link-Motions, as applied either to reversing or to variable expansion combinations. By EDWARD J. COWLING WELCH, Memb. Inst. Mechanical Engineers. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6_s._

_Cleaning and Scouring_: a Manual for Dyers, Laundresses, and for Domestic Use. By S. CHRISTOPHER. 18mo, sewed, 6_d._

_A Glossary of Terms used in Coal Mining._ By WILLIAM STUKELEY GRESLEY, Assoc. Mem. Inst C.E., F.G.S., Member of the North of England Institute of Mining Engineers. _Illustrated with numerous woodcuts and diagrams_, crown 8vo, cloth, 5_s._

_A Pocket-Book for Boiler Makers and Steam Users_, comprising a variety of useful information for Employer and Workman, Government Inspectors, Board of Trade Surveyors, Engineers in charge of Works and Slips, Foremen of Manufactories, and the general Steam-using Public. By MAURICE JOHN SEXTON. Second edition, royal 32mo, roan, gilt edges, 5_s._

_Electrolysis_: a Practical Treatise on Nickeling, Coppering, Gilding, Silvering, the Refining of Metals, and the treatment of Ores by means of Electricity. By HIPPOLYTE FONTAINE, translated from the French by J. A. BERLY, C.E., Assoc. S.T.E. _With engravings._ 8vo, cloth, 9_s._

_Barlow's Tables of Squares, Cubes, Square Roots, Cube Roots, Reciprocals of all Integer Numbers up to 10,000._ Post 8vo, cloth, 6_s._

_A Practical Treatise on the Steam Engine_, containing Plans and Arrangements of Details for Fixed Steam Engines, with Essays on the Principles involved in Design and Construction. By ARTHUR RIGG, Engineer, Member of the Society of Engineers and of the Royal Institution of Great Britain. Demy 4to, _copiously illustrated with woodcuts and 96 plates_, in one Volume, half-bound morocco, 2_l._ 2_s._; or cheaper edition, cloth, 25_s._

This work is not, in any sense, an elementary treatise, or history of the steam engine, but is intended to describe examples of Fixed Steam Engines without entering into the wide domain of locomotive or marine practice. To this end illustrations will be given of the most recent arrangements of Horizontal, Vertical, Beam, Pumping, Winding, Portable, Semi-portable, Corliss, Allen, Compound, and other similar Engines, by the most eminent Firms in Great Britain and America. The laws relating to the action and precautions to be observed in the construction of the various details, such as Cylinders, Pistons, Piston-rods, Connecting-rods, Cross-heads, Motion-blocks, Eccentrics, Simple, Expansion, Balanced, and Equilibrium Slide-valves, and Valve-gearing will be minutely dealt with. In this connection will be found articles upon the Velocity of Reciprocating Parts and the Mode of Applying the Indicator, Heat and Expansion of Steam Governors, and the like. It is the writer's desire to draw illustrations from every possible source, and give only those rules that present practice deems correct.

_A Practical Treatise on the Science of Land and Engineering Surveying, Levelling, Estimating Quantities, etc._, with a general description of the several Instruments required for Surveying, Levelling, Plotting, etc. By H. S. MERRETT. Fourth edition, revised by G. W. USILL, Assoc. Mem. Inst. C.E. _41 plates, with illustrations and tables_, royal 8vo, cloth, 12_s._ 6_d._

PRINCIPAL CONTENTS: