Fig. 889.—A good petroleum lamp.
The central portion of the lamp under consideration has an orifice, A B, which extends through the upper part, and by which the air is admitted to the centre of the flame. Two vertical plates divide the air-current into four portions. The chimney-rest, or gallery, forms with the glass three concentric envelopes, so arranged in stages that the air, when it reaches the plates, may be more and more carried under the flame. The orifices, a b, carefully regulated, give access to the exterior air. Including the central one, there are four currents of air, of which three strike against the flame. These are very excellent conditions for obtaining perfect combustion, and, consequently, there is an entire absence of smell and smoke, while the light is very powerful.
We may add that any glass will be found suitable to this lamp, and that, in consequence of the separation of the hot air by the currents mentioned, all danger of the glasses breaking from over-heating is avoided. In provincial districts, where lamp-glasses are not plentiful, this characteristic will be appreciated. The lamp can only be filled when it is extinguished, and thus the chances of explosion are practically obviated. A burner of twelve lines will give double the light of a moderator of the same capacity, and cost only a penny or less per hour. The light is perfectly still and clear.
A New Tap.
This new tap is the invention of M. Guyonnet, a Frenchman. The illustration (fig. 890) gives a very good idea of its construction, and it permits the gradual release of the liquid without any of the sudden rush which ordinary taps, or “bungs,” are apt to do. The plug is covered with indiarubber, and follows a double curve, which reduces the force of the liquid, and the indiarubber removes any incrustation from the bung hole into which it may be fitted, and closes the aperture effectively without force.
Fig. 890.—A new tap.
In order to guard against a contingency, which, however, is an unlikely one, the “envelope” (casing) has been made in two pieces, one of which can never be displaced; the head only can be moved, and it is easily detached. The plug adapts itself to the aperture as a button to the buttonhole, and only costs about three halfpence (15 centimes). Ice has no effect upon the aperture of the barrel, thanks to the indiarubber covering of the plug. So, altogether, such a tap will be found useful and very cheap.
The Trapeze and Swing.
We may here notice the simple trapeze and swing for children, which can be easily fitted up in any house between two rooms. The advantages of gymnastics for the young are incontestable, but practically there are difficulties in the way, particularly for those living in towns, but a skilful American has solved the problem in an ingenious way. He has found means to suspend the trapeze and a swing between the doorposts of a room without nails or any unsightly wood supports. The trapeze is simply suspended as represented in the accompanying illustrations.