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A. Bird's-eye view of the circular cistern, full of water. B. The boat, raceway, and siphon, connected to a pivot in the centre of the cistern, by an arm, merely to preserve the regular curvilinear direction when in motion.

€. A circular channel on the outside of the cistern, into which the outer leg of the siphon depends, and discharges water when the apparatus is in action.

Let us now imagine the siphon exhausted of air in the common manner, it of course becomes full of water.This

water discharges itself at the outer leg, and the boat instantly advances with rapidity, in the direction of the arrow, and continues in motion, ad infinitum, if the emitted water be returned at intervals to the cistern. Now both legs of the siphon being of equal lengths and inclinations, it is manifest that the pressure of the water contained within it, cannot be the cause of motion, because that pressure operates equally in two opposing directions. The fact really is that the siphon by merely allowing the water opposed to the forward end of the raceway to flow off by its own gravity, the pressure of the external water behind the raceway becomes unballanced, and therefore active, and imparts motion to the boat, &c. &c. Thus the siphon, in this experiment, effectively performs the office of the water-wheel, as explained in my late disquisition, but cannot do more.

This, my newly-discovered use of the siphon, admits of very various application. Boats may be navigated on canals through its agency, without mechanical or animal power, simply by means of hydrostatic pressure, provided a gutter be

made to carry off the water discharged. If a proper figure be given to the siphon, and an increased length, and inclined spouts, added to the outer leg, the raceway may be omitted. Mills may be constructed with singular economy and advantage on this plan, particularly when the level of the adjacent country does not afford a great head of water ;-the siphon will then communicate motion to machinery from the centre of rotation, or at the circumference, as may be required. And, finally, the movement being nearly devoid of friction, may be variously employed to actuate petty machinery, on very advantageous principles. These latter applications of the siphon, operate on the principle of Barker's Mill, but entirely without the great loss of power proceeding from the vis-inertia of the

water, as explained by Dr. Olinthus Gregory, in his mechanical treatise.

But to return to the subject of the raceway, as applied to mechanical navigation, I find the principle may be brought into action, beneficially, by placing it at the head of a vessel, with two long cylindrical water-wheels, one on each side (as shown in the diagram) having their shafts parallel with the line of the boat's motion. The float-boards when in the water being placed obliquely with a gentle spiral backward inclination. When thus circumstanced, the raceway is baled laterally, and by a comparative slow mechanical action, the wheels revolving with about one-third of the boat's velocity;-a fact attended with great practical advantage.

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A. The boat advancing in the direction of the arrow.

B. The forward end of the raceway. C. D. The water-wheels, with inclined float boards, baling the raceway on each side.

These longitudinal water-wheels, may also be applied in raceways at the sides or sterns of vessels with equal advantage. It is a fact somewhat remarkable, that the idea of this negative application of power seems never to have suggested itself either to the ancients or moderns. The Phoenicians--the Egyptians--the Tyrians-the Greeks-the Carthaginians and the Romans, had their single gallies, their biremes, triremes, &c. all moving by operation against the inertia of the water. The Italian gondolas are still navigated on a similar principle. The schemes of the French engineers are, without exception, modifications of the same idea. The British experimentalists have one and all followed the individual system. The Americans, in the persons of Fitch, Rumsay, Stevens, Allison, and Livingston, have pursued the same plan under various devices: and, lastly, Fulton, following the beaten track, produced results superior to all, just inasmuch as he applied a more powerful primum mobile

Abandoning the law of statics, by which fluids rise spontaneously to their original level, the ancients erected those mighty structures called aqueducts;-the enlightened moderns effect their purposes by the more convenient ascent of water through tubes. In mechanical navigation the ancient system is still pursued; but, why should not the natural law, acting with perfection in the first instance, be appealed to with corresponding efficacy in the second?

The grand object of propulsion being now achieved on equal terms, it is scarcely possible to contemplate the advantages resulting in a national point of view, (and I might even go further) without risking the charge of immoderate vanity from those who have not devoted their attention to the subject; but supported as I am, by the fundamental laws of nature, tested by repeated experiments, will I venture to call public attention to a matter fraught with consequences of high importance.

Let every one seriously reflect, that, if steam-vessels, supported as they now are, at an enormous cost, are deemed (and deservedly so) one of the proudest boasts of America, and one of her most distinguished blessings, where, in the long and brilliant perspective of succeeding ages, shall we seek a termination of the benefit to result from a discovery mul

tiplying, in six-fold ratio, the present effect of power? rendering a few horses efficient as the most powerful steam engine; saving its cost, its current expenses, and its other inconveniences; added to those of the massy floating fabric indispensable to support the ponderous action of the mechanical mammoth? Under these circumstances, I say, what daring imagination shall prescribe limits to mechanical navigation?-The frail canoe, and the majestic ship, are alike susceptible of its advantages-and a period may ere long arrive, when mankind, rousing from the lethargic influence of antiquated habit, shall with one voice exclaim, the land is our resting place, but the water is our road! C. A. BUSBY,

No. 2. Law Buildings.

July 10th, 1818.

Postscript. Having perused in the last number of this Magazine a description of Mr. Staples' "AIR BOAT," which has, I find, been supposed by some of that gentleman's friends to assimilate itself to my plau, I perceive the mode of propulsion there explained, is that of exhausting certain troughs attached to the boat, by means of what are termed "Plungers," working on the principle of a pump, assisted by appropriate valves-the whole being actuated by an Air Engine, as a primum mobile.

Referring to my Catalogue of Schemes, it appears that the exact idea originated with the great Franklin, being suggested by the learned doctor as a problematical improvement on the plan of M. Bernouilli. (Vide, Transactions of the Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, Dec. 2d, 1785.) The same method has also been tried frequently in England, and finally a patent was obtained by Mr. James Linaker, in London, July 14, 1808, for various modifications of the same principle. (Vide, Repertory of Arts, second series, vol. 16.) These plans have not been

pursued further, because the pressure of the atmosphere, upon which Mr. Staples places so much reliance, was found to act, unavoidably, in the worst possible direction, having an effectual tendency to force the water backward upon the valves, and thus impede the boat's progress.

The suggested improvements to the trough of Mr. Staples' inclined wheel, would seem to trench upon the principles developed in my Essay-but the ap plication is so imperfect, that I am convinced Mr. S. cannot have made the experiment. I shall, therefore, never interfere with its adoption. If, in addition to the closed valve described behind the inclined wheel, Mr. S. had added lateral openings in the trough, also behind the wheel, the effect would have been improved; for the water would then have found vent on each side, instead of being compelled to rise above the trough, (at a great loss of power) in order to obtain a passage.

An" Air Engine," previously suggested by the aeronaut, Montgolfier, was patented in England, about four years since. (Vide, Repertory of Arts, 1815.)—Many expensive experiments (some of which I witnessed) were made under the superintendence of the first mathematicians and mechanicians-but finally the idea was abandoned. The ingenious Mr. Murray, Engineer, of Leeds, (England) has also been many years engaged in a similar pursuit.

The statement of these facts, since Mr. Staples would seem to be unacquainted with them, is not intended to detract from the ingenuity, or personal originality, of his ideas; particularly as I am informed the subject of which he has treated, is foreign to his ordinary vocations. I cannot, therefore, omit to express my regret that the zeal of his friends should have made it necessary for me to explain mat ters of record, perhaps not generally known. C. A. B.

ART. 7. ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS.

To the Editors of the American Monthly fleece of the Caramanian Goats to the

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Perennial Flax, described and recommended in a Letter from Dr. Abraham Clark, of Newark, to Samuel L. Mitchill. Read before the Lyceum of Natural History, July

13, 1818.

DEAR SIR,

I offer for your acceptance a specimen of the perennial flax, and a few of my own observations upon its growth, qualities, &c. Perhaps by allowing it to lie on your table, it may attract the attention of others, and elicit something worthy the notice of the agriculturist. Not having the annual flax at hand, I am unable to point out all the differences between them; the principal, which recollection furnishes, are the larger size of the blossom, less size and darker colour of the seed of the perennial.

With this you will find a small parcel containing flax and tow of this species, with some of the common for comparison, the person who prepared it, says it is equal to hemp in strength.

This specimen is a second years growth, in its more perfect state, 60 stalks are produced from one root. I had a solitary plant in my garden, nine years old, destroyed by accident, without previously showing any indication of decay. To me it has long been interesting, from a belief in its productiveness, strength and utility, at least in the manufacture of cordage. I know not if it has obtained any notice by the agriculturist; the only article I have seen on the subject, was published in the Georgetown Federal Republican, about midsummer, 1815, under the title of Siberian flax. I believe it has been observed native in the Missouri country. It is mown about the season of pulling the annual; product equal in quantity and suitable for all the uses, excepting the finer textures, and this too, perhaps, by cutting it earlier. In sowing, I presume, a tenth part of the usual quantity of seed would be sufficient.

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,
ABRM. CLARK.

Newark, July 6, 1818.

NOTE BY DR. MITCHILL.

Siberian Flax.-Linum perenne. Linum calycibus capsulisque obtusis, foliis alternis lanceolatis, caule præalto.

This flax differs from the L. usitatissimum, or common flax, by a stem twice as high as the common known species, or . even more than twice as high, by its larger flowers with very entire petals, and by its vivacious root.

Its stems are from 2 1-2 to 3 feet high, straight, cylindrical, smooth, green, leaved, branching at their upper part into a corymbus. Its leaves are lanceolated, or linear-lanceolated, pointed, green, sparse and numerous. The blossoms are very large, blue, peduncled, and situated on the branches, some laterally and others almost to the top. The calyxes are short, composed of fine scales or leaflets, of which the two exterior ones are oval, inclined to a point, and the three others, the inferior ones, are obtuse, almost round, scarious upon the edges.

This plant grows naturally in Siberia, and perhaps in other parts of Europe. It has been cultivated in the Parisian gar den. A filament is derived from it, capable of being manufactured into thread and cloth, after the manner of common flax; but the fabrics are neither so fine nor beautiful. The greater part of botanists, have mistakenly quoted the Linum alpinum as a synonyme.

Pursh mentions, (1 Flora, &c. p. 210,) a perennial Linum, under the name of L. Lewisei, as found in the valleys of the rocky mountains, and on the banks of the Missouri. It bears, he observes, large blue flowers,-is a very good perennial, and might probably be worthy of cultivation.

The specific character he gives is, that the leaflets of the calyx are ovato-acuminate; petals cuneate rounded at the points; leaves sparse, lanceolato-linear mucronate; high numerous stems.

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It was manufactured by Messrs. Kimberly and Moody of New-Haven; and is light, easy, and comfortable to the head. You will find the hat soft, shining and silky. Specimens of the fabric are in the possession of a few gentlemen in this city. The generosity of the proprietor was limited by the moderate quantity of the material which his very small flock of the creatures has, as yet, afforded.

Be pleased to accept my gratulation, to you, and particularly to rural economists, on the acquisition of this valuable animal. Every friend to the prosperity of the coun

try, will rejoice to hear that the climate favours their health and that they increase and multiply.

Naturalists appear to be uncertain whether this quadruped is a sheep or a goat. Sir Thomas Pennant describes the Caramanian beast affording the fine fleece as a sheep; and observes that the wool is reserved entirely for the priests and their order. It is stated to be more excellent than that of Cashmere or of Bucharia. The coat of the broad-tailed sheep of Thibet is not superior.

The ancient Caramania, you recollect, is the modern Kerman, a region situated northeast of the Persian gulf, and reaching from Gombroon toward Schiraz and Ispahan. I hope this importation may lead to a profitable manufacture; and who indeed can now doubt it?

S. L. MITCHILL, President.

An Account of the Impression of Fish in the Rock of Oneida County, New-York. By Samuel L. Mitchill. Read before the Lyceum of Natural History, July 13, 1818. Among other considerations leading to a belief that the ancient dam of the Mohawk river, at the little Falls, formerly raised the water high enough to overflow all the country where Rome, Utica, NewHartford, Vernon, and Oneida now stand, is that of the numerous organic remains discovered on the dry grounds of that elevated region at this day.

The foundation of primitive rock, underlaying the whole superstratum, as far as explored, may be judged of, from the silicious hornblend of the Falls, and of the granular quartz at Utica. Upon this, the secondary layers of limestone, iron ore, and argillaceous shist repose.

The latter of these often exhibits, when fractured, the forms of beings that once possessed life. One of the most remarkable of them, is the impression of a fish, resting in a mass of clay slate, from the town of Westmoreland, a few miles north of Hamilton College. It was brought by our worthy colleague, Mr. Clarkson. It is tolerably distinct, except a part of the tail, which is wanting. The length of the figure which remains, is nearly four inches, and the greatest breadth rather more than an inch and a half. The head and shoulders are very stout, but taper away rapidly towards the tail. It evidently belongs to the silure or cat-fish family. Modern ichthyologists have made a number of new sections out of this large genus. La Cépéde distinguishes by the name of Malapterures, the individuals he differ from the true silures, by the

absence of a rayed dorsal fin, and the want of spines to the pectoral fins.

There is but a single species known, and that is the famous silure of the Nile, and of the Senegal, which possesses electrical properties, like the torpedo and the gymnatus.

The appearance of this impression warrants the conclusion, that the skin was destitute of scales, and that the pectoral fins had either no rays or soft ones. The figure was made by the back of the fish, for the depressions in the stone corresponding to the prominencies of the eyes, and elevations in the stone, corresponding to the sinkings near the shoulders, are very plain.

But, although the fossil fish of Westmoreland agrees with the electrical silure in so many particulars, it has two essential marks of difference. The Westmoreland fish appears to have had eight beards or cirrhi to his chin, while the other had but six; and while the living African fish has a smooth and even skin, the New-York fossil one is separated into plates, like those of an insect or crustaceous animal, reaching from side to side, quite across the back. Eleven entire plates, and part of the twelfth, can be counted. They are not so broad near the head and thorax as they are on approaching the tail, for between the pectoral fins they fall short of a quarter of an inch, white on approaching the caudal fin, they gradually enlarge until they exceed that measure.

By conjecture, the lost part of the tail did not amount to more than two inches and a half. The counter part of the specimen, on which the belly of the fish was impressed, does not seem to have been preserved.

It is not known whether there was an adipose fin on the tail, or not: I mean that fin which is usually denominated the second dorsal. There is no trace of it in the stone. Yet, there is so much of the tail left, that I doubt whether the place of its insertion, (if there was an adipose fin,) has been broken away; should that have been the fact, the want of this appendage, will form another point of discrimination between the fossil fish of Westmoreland and the electrical silure.

In the present state of our knowledge, it would be presumptuous to affirm that this belonged to any species of fish now known to be alive. And until further inquiry shall show that individuals of this sort yet inhabit the waters, the species under consideration must be ranked with those numerous tribes which their creator has permitted to become extinct.

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