Volume 08 (1864) (474 pages)

150 he Mining andl Scientific Press. Hlechanianl Mepartivent, OUR MECHANICAL INTERESTS. Never has a greater activity in building been witnessed in San Francisco than at the present moment. Dwelling houses and stores are going up in every part of the city, and still the demand for “ more” is constantly felt. Many of the struetures in progress are of a very superior order, aud for durability, size and architectural beauty, will compare favorably with any city inthe Union. Our foundries, though constantly increasing their area and general facilities for work, still find it almost impossible to answer the orders that are constantly crowding in upon them. A largér amount of substantial sewerage and other street improvements, is now in progress than has been witnessed at any former period. According to present appearances, our streets will soon be placed in excellent condition, always excepting tbe slovenly manner in which the street cleaning department is managed. Brick sewers, good pavements and clean streets are important adjuncts to the general prosperity of a city, and indispensable requisites to its health and comfort. In street railroad facilities, we believe there is no city in the Union better supplied than our own. Every branch of mechanical Industry in our midst is prosperous beyoud all former precedent. Go where we may, the busy hum of industry meets us on every hand, and the very air is resonant with the evidences of our prosperity. There is scarce a branch in all the various departments of iudustry that is not represented in this city. It seems but right, in this connection, that we should take a brief retrospect of the past. It is but a few years since our market was constantly glutted with the refuse fabrications of eastern mechanics and manufacturers, in return for which our hard earned gold was shipped in such quantities that but little was left, in the way of capital, with which to build up home mauufactures to avert the evil. The few who were then struggling, almost against hope, in this apparently vain effurt, met with but poor enconragement, even from those equally interested with themselves in their success. Our pioneer mechanics and manufacturers, in the meantime, however, kept up a stout heart. That noble institution in our midst, the Mechanics’ Institute, proved itself a most useful and important instrument in bringing about the change which was so soon witnessed in this particular. It is to this institution that we are mainly indebted for that combi. nation of effort which has resulted in freeing California from the thraldom of distant dependence. The yoke of eastern monopolists no longer galls our neeks. Instead of sending to the Atlantic States for nearly overything which we need in the mechanical line, and drawing on our mineral resources for the necessity, we are now not only meetiug our own demands, but aetually supplying immense quantities of machinery for our Mexican neighbors and for the far interior of the continent, hundreds of miles beyond the eastern boundary of our State. ‘The gold which once flowed East for this supply now cirenlates among our owu mechanics, and serves to sustain and build up an interest whieh promises, ere long, to become one of the most important, as it is even now the proudest, of our growing State. It is to this new turu iu the tide of our domestic industry, that we are to attribute the wonderful improvements which we briefly passed in review at the outset of this article, and which we now witness in our city’s progress. The mechanies of San Francisco may justly look with pride upon what they have accomplished within the past four or five years. They have, in that tine, made a record unequaled in the history of auy other city in the world. Our people have not only accomplished all this inmechanical advance, but we have eveu reversed the history of the past with our commerce—we have beeu shipping “coals to Neweastle” in supplying South Amerien, onr early prannery, with cereals of our own raising. ‘lhe products of our soil have even found their way “around the Horn” and across the occau to seek a market in Iinglish ports. Onr unequaled euergy has, in short, ereated for itself a repute which is world wide, and as permanent as our very mountains; while our honest industry grows healthier day by day, and more independeut. Our field of labor is ample, and with a demand which knows no limit,. and talent and enterprise unequaled, we see no obstucle to the early approach of our city to a position which destiny seems to foreshadow, as the leading commercial and mechanical metropolis of the globe. Expansion or Wrovucur Irox.—Wrought iron, in being heated from 32 to 250 degrees. expands at the rate of one inch in every 450 of its length. A steam boiler 16 feet long, in the process of gettiug up steam, expands seveu-sixteenths of an inch. This fact has been verified by careful measurement. Railroad tracks, tubular iron bridges, and all similar, structures are constructed with open joints, to meet the alteruate contractiou and expansion which is constantiy going on in consequence of the daily variation in the temperature: of the atmosphere. It is stated ou the authority of Mr. Stephenson, the eminent engiueer, that a track of three or four miles of road was once laid near Peterborough, in England, without a proper regard to this simple fact, and the consequence was that on the first warm day the sun caused such an expansiou of the iron that the rails and sleepers wero raised in one place to a height of three feet in the air, arching over an exteut of fully fifty feet of ground. Amenicay ann Forrien Patents—The opinion is generally prevalent, we believe, that a larger number of patents are anuually issued from the American Patent Office than from any similar foreign office. Such, however, is not the fact, as will be seeu by the following comparative statement of the numher of patents issued for the ten years prior to 1856, from the Patent offices of the United States, England and France, respectively England, United States, France, 5244. 10,095, 22,017. It will be seen, on comparison, that the patents tukeu out in the United States exceeded those issued in Englaud by a little over twice the number ; while those issued in France exceeded the issues in the United States in almost precisely the same ratio. Locowotives—At the breaking out of the present war, the Baltimore and Ohio Itailroad owned 235 locomotives, all in running order—the greatest number owued by any single road in the world. ‘The Illivois Central Railroad, at the same date, was furnished with 17 miles of cars, and the road was eveu then, and sti'l is, entirely inadequate to accommodate all the business that seeks to pass over it. Tbe number of locomotives in Great Britaiu in 1863 was 6,398. The ordinary wear or life of a locomotive is about 20 years. An Improven Saw Miu Carrtace, has been patented by Mr. Dennis Lance, of Springfield, Vt., which relates first, to a clog so constructed and connected with a lever or handle, that by a very simple adjustment the log may be set to the saw, aud the log supports gigged back, wheu necessary, to receive a fresh log to be sawed. A convenient arrangement is also attached hy which the log may be sawed in taper form, when required. Pacxine ron Journay Boxes—Jonathan Cork, of Red Banks, N. J., has obtained a patent for an juvention whereby he employs grass wrack, sea-ecl grass, or other sea grass, dried, cured and saturated with a suitable lubricating substance, as a substitute for cotton waste and other fibrous material, generally need as a packing for the journal boxes of railroad car axles, the shafting of machinery, ete. Tuer Harmou Gold and Silver Mining Company, of El Dorado county, have declared a second dividend ; three dollars a share being the amount coming to the stockholders this time. A Mosr Uswiss Recommennation.—We observe in our Carson correspondent’s letter of yesterday that his Excellency, Governor Nye, has sent a special message to each branch of the ‘'erritorial Legislature, recommending these bodies to subseribe for from $500 to $1,000 dollars’ worth of a certain book to be published by one Silversmith. As we happen to know something about the book on the “ Metallurgieal and Mineral Wealth of the Pacific Coast,” and of Mr. Silversmith, who professes to be competent to compile sueh a work so as to make it “ interesting to the people of this Territory,” and knowing that the Governor's recommendation, should it be adopted, will entail several thousand dollars of expense on the people of the ‘'erritory, we feel it ineumbent ou us to expose the humbug. Mr, Silversmith will never publish such a book ; he is altogether inconipetent to accomplish such an object ; de-titute of even a rudimentary knowledge of the sciences . he in his prospectus refers to ; without either talent or means—suave impudence ; how will he be able to accomplish a work that requires taleuts of the highest order and large means to render “interesting to the people of this Territory?’’ Mr. Silversmith was at oue time the reputed editor of the Scientific Press, published at Sau Francisco. Any persou desirous of being informed on that gentleman’s accomplishmients will be posted by inquiring at the office of that paper. We very much regret to say that we fear Goyernor Nye has permitted himself to be imposed upon. If he wishes to retain his reputation for common sense, we trust he will immediately recind his recommendation to encourage the vilest of humbugs. — Virginia Bulletin, N. 7. We are without the least authority tor contradieting the above. of the Press have ever becn associated with the above named individual, and our friends will do usa a great favor by refraining from associating his name in connection with our journal. Coan Creex Cosy Mrixino Comrayy.—This coal mine is located about six miles east of Cloverdale, Sonoma county, Cal., and three miles north of Russian river, on what is known as Coal creek, a tributary of Sulphur creek. The location Covers 320 acres. his coal was first discovered by Peter ‘IT. Archamhou abont two years ago, aud a company was orgauized and incorporated for working it, on the 7th of November, 1863, with » capital stock of $120,000, divided into 600 shares of $200 each, with R. B. Marklee, A. P. McCarty and D. 8. Cutter as 'Trustees. The coal, which is a cannel of 2 very superior quality, has been discoyered in eighty different places ou the ground, located in beds of from one to five feet iu thickness. Subsequent to this location, a party known as “ Alley & Co.” went upon this mine, and did considerable work. Suit was brought against them in the District Court of Santa Rosa, und en the 19th instant the jumpers were dispossessed by order of the Court, and the Coal Creek Co. again placed in possession. This company ts now actively engaged in opening their mine. We are informed that many coal miners of mucb experience have visited this mine, and pronounce it one of the most promising in the State. Specimens of the coal have been left at this office. This miue is located within three miles of a projected railroad communieation with San Francisco Bay. Tur Stock or Lumuer in this eity is being rapidly decreased, owiug, in part, to the low water in the streams, aud in port to the stoppage of the supply usuallb derived from the Mendociuo mills, recently destroyed by fire. Prices are advancing in face o an upusually active local demand, which promises to consume all onr old stocks before the new Mendocino mills can be rebuilt and placed in good running oder. ‘Iwo very fine engines, each 20-inch: cylinders, with 4-foot stroke, are now in progress of construction at the Miuer’s l’oundry, in this city, and designed for the mills above alluded to as having been destroyed by fire. Arapntirerous Sunpume or Copprn.—A sample of argentiferous sulphide of copper, taken from the tunuel in the Great Central mine, iu Weaver District, Arizona, at a distance of filty feet from the mouth of the tunnel, carefully assayed by Mesers. Wm. P, & Theodore A. Blake, of this city, yielded as follows: Copper, 63.18 per cent.; silver, $186, . and of gold a few dollars per tou of 2,000 pounds. Neither of the present proprietors ~

150 he Mining andl Scientific Press. Hlechanianl Mepartivent, OUR MECHANICAL INTERESTS. Never has a greater activity in building been witnessed in San Francisco than at the present moment. Dwelling houses and stores are going up in every part of the city, and still the demand for “ more” is constantly felt. Many of the struetures in progress are of a very superior order, aud for durability, size and architectural beauty, will compare favorably with any city inthe Union. Our foundries, though constantly increasing their area and general facilities for work, still find it almost impossible to answer the orders that are constantly crowding in upon them. A largér amount of substantial sewerage and other street improvements, is now in progress than has been witnessed at any former period. According to present appearances, our streets will soon be placed in excellent condition, always excepting tbe slovenly manner in which the street cleaning department is managed. Brick sewers, good pavements and clean streets are important adjuncts to the general prosperity of a city, and indispensable requisites to its health and comfort. In street railroad facilities, we believe there is no city in the Union better supplied than our own. Every branch of mechanical Industry in our midst is prosperous beyoud all former precedent. Go where we may, the busy hum of industry meets us on every hand, and the very air is resonant with the evidences of our prosperity. There is scarce a branch in all the various departments of iudustry that is not represented in this city. It seems but right, in this connection, that we should take a brief retrospect of the past. It is but a few years since our market was constantly glutted with the refuse fabrications of eastern mechanics and manufacturers, in return for which our hard earned gold was shipped in such quantities that but little was left, in the way of capital, with which to build up home mauufactures to avert the evil. The few who were then struggling, almost against hope, in this apparently vain effurt, met with but poor enconragement, even from those equally interested with themselves in their success. Our pioneer mechanics and manufacturers, in the meantime, however, kept up a stout heart. That noble institution in our midst, the Mechanics’ Institute, proved itself a most useful and important instrument in bringing about the change which was so soon witnessed in this particular. It is to this institution that we are mainly indebted for that combi. nation of effort which has resulted in freeing California from the thraldom of distant dependence. The yoke of eastern monopolists no longer galls our neeks. Instead of sending to the Atlantic States for nearly overything which we need in the mechanical line, and drawing on our mineral resources for the necessity, we are now not only meetiug our own demands, but aetually supplying immense quantities of machinery for our Mexican neighbors and for the far interior of the continent, hundreds of miles beyond the eastern boundary of our State. ‘The gold which once flowed East for this supply now cirenlates among our owu mechanics, and serves to sustain and build up an interest whieh promises, ere long, to become one of the most important, as it is even now the proudest, of our growing State. It is to this new turu iu the tide of our domestic industry, that we are to attribute the wonderful improvements which we briefly passed in review at the outset of this article, and which we now witness in our city’s progress. The mechanies of San Francisco may justly look with pride upon what they have accomplished within the past four or five years. They have, in that tine, made a record unequaled in the history of auy other city in the world. Our people have not only accomplished all this inmechanical advance, but we have eveu reversed the history of the past with our commerce—we have beeu shipping “coals to Neweastle” in supplying South Amerien, onr early prannery, with cereals of our own raising. ‘lhe products of our soil have even found their way “around the Horn” and across the occau to seek a market in Iinglish ports. Onr unequaled euergy has, in short, ereated for itself a repute which is world wide, and as permanent as our very mountains; while our honest industry grows healthier day by day, and more independeut. Our field of labor is ample, and with a demand which knows no limit,. and talent and enterprise unequaled, we see no obstucle to the early approach of our city to a position which destiny seems to foreshadow, as the leading commercial and mechanical metropolis of the globe. Expansion or Wrovucur Irox.—Wrought iron, in being heated from 32 to 250 degrees. expands at the rate of one inch in every 450 of its length. A steam boiler 16 feet long, in the process of gettiug up steam, expands seveu-sixteenths of an inch. This fact has been verified by careful measurement. Railroad tracks, tubular iron bridges, and all similar, structures are constructed with open joints, to meet the alteruate contractiou and expansion which is constantiy going on in consequence of the daily variation in the temperature: of the atmosphere. It is stated ou the authority of Mr. Stephenson, the eminent engiueer, that a track of three or four miles of road was once laid near Peterborough, in England, without a proper regard to this simple fact, and the consequence was that on the first warm day the sun caused such an expansiou of the iron that the rails and sleepers wero raised in one place to a height of three feet in the air, arching over an exteut of fully fifty feet of ground. Amenicay ann Forrien Patents—The opinion is generally prevalent, we believe, that a larger number of patents are anuually issued from the American Patent Office than from any similar foreign office. Such, however, is not the fact, as will be seeu by the following comparative statement of the numher of patents issued for the ten years prior to 1856, from the Patent offices of the United States, England and France, respectively

England, United States, France, 5244. 10,095, 22,017. It will be seen, on comparison, that the patents tukeu out in the United States exceeded those issued in Englaud by a little over twice the number ; while those issued in France exceeded the issues in the United States in almost precisely the same ratio. Locowotives—At the breaking out of the present war, the Baltimore and Ohio Itailroad owned 235 locomotives, all in running order—the greatest number owued by any single road in the world. ‘The Illivois Central Railroad, at the same date, was furnished with 17 miles of cars, and the road was eveu then, and sti'l is, entirely inadequate to accommodate all the business that seeks to pass over it. Tbe number of locomotives in Great Britaiu in 1863 was 6,398. The ordinary wear or life of a locomotive is about 20 years. An Improven Saw Miu Carrtace, has been patented by Mr. Dennis Lance, of Springfield, Vt., which relates first, to a clog so constructed and connected with a lever or handle, that by a very simple adjustment the log may be set to the saw, aud the log supports gigged back, wheu necessary, to receive a fresh log to be sawed. A convenient arrangement is also attached hy which the log may be sawed in taper form, when required. Pacxine ron Journay Boxes—Jonathan Cork, of Red Banks, N. J., has obtained a patent for an juvention whereby he employs grass wrack, sea-ecl grass, or other sea grass, dried, cured and saturated with a suitable lubricating substance, as a substitute for cotton waste and other fibrous material, generally need as a packing for the journal boxes of railroad car axles, the shafting of machinery, ete. Tuer Harmou Gold and Silver Mining Company, of El Dorado county, have declared a second dividend ; three dollars a share being the amount coming to the stockholders this time. A Mosr Uswiss Recommennation.—We observe in our Carson correspondent’s letter of yesterday that his Excellency, Governor Nye, has sent a special message to each branch of the ‘'erritorial Legislature, recommending these bodies to subseribe for from $500 to $1,000 dollars’ worth of a certain book to be published by one Silversmith. As we happen to know something about the book on the “ Metallurgieal and Mineral Wealth of the Pacific Coast,” and of Mr. Silversmith, who professes to be competent to compile sueh a work so as to make it “ interesting to the people of this Territory,” and knowing that the Governor's recommendation, should it be adopted, will entail several thousand dollars of expense on the people of the ‘'erritory, we feel it ineumbent ou us to expose the humbug. Mr, Silversmith will never publish such a book ; he is altogether inconipetent to accomplish such an object ; de-titute of even a rudimentary knowledge of the sciences . he in his prospectus refers to ; without either talent or means—suave impudence ; how will he be able to accomplish a work that requires taleuts of the highest order and large means to render “interesting to the people of this Territory?’’ Mr. Silversmith was at oue time the reputed editor of the Scientific Press, published at Sau Francisco. Any persou desirous of being informed on that gentleman’s accomplishmients will be posted by inquiring at the office of that paper. We very much regret to say that we fear Goyernor Nye has permitted himself to be imposed upon. If he wishes to retain his reputation for common sense, we trust he will immediately recind his recommendation to encourage the vilest of humbugs. — Virginia Bulletin, N. 7. We are without the least authority tor contradieting the above. of the Press have ever becn associated with the above named individual, and our friends will do usa a great favor by refraining from associating his name in connection with our journal. Coan Creex Cosy Mrixino Comrayy.—This coal mine is located about six miles east of Cloverdale, Sonoma county, Cal., and three miles north of Russian river, on what is known as Coal creek, a tributary of Sulphur creek. The location Covers 320 acres. his coal was first discovered by Peter ‘IT. Archamhou abont two years ago, aud a company was orgauized and incorporated for working it, on the 7th of November, 1863, with » capital stock of $120,000, divided into 600 shares of $200 each, with R. B. Marklee, A. P. McCarty and D. 8. Cutter as 'Trustees. The coal, which is a cannel of 2 very superior quality, has been discoyered in eighty different places ou the ground, located in beds of from one to five feet iu thickness. Subsequent to this location, a party known as “ Alley & Co.” went upon this mine, and did considerable work. Suit was brought against them in the District Court of Santa Rosa, und en the 19th instant the jumpers were dispossessed by order of the Court, and the Coal Creek Co. again placed in possession. This company ts now actively engaged in opening their mine. We are informed that many coal miners of mucb experience have visited this mine, and pronounce it one of the most promising in the State. Specimens of the coal have been left at this office. This miue is located within three miles of a projected railroad communieation with San Francisco Bay. Tur Stock or Lumuer in this eity is being rapidly decreased, owiug, in part, to the low water in the streams, aud in port to the stoppage of the supply usuallb derived from the Mendociuo mills, recently destroyed by fire. Prices are advancing in face o an upusually active local demand, which promises to consume all onr old stocks before the new Mendocino mills can be rebuilt and placed in good running oder. ‘Iwo very fine engines, each 20-inch: cylinders, with 4-foot stroke, are now in progress of construction at the Miuer’s l’oundry, in this city, and designed for the mills above alluded to as having been destroyed by fire. Arapntirerous Sunpume or Copprn.—A sample of argentiferous sulphide of copper, taken from the tunuel in the Great Central mine, iu Weaver District, Arizona, at a distance of filty feet from the mouth of the tunnel, carefully assayed by Mesers. Wm. P, & Theodore A. Blake, of this city, yielded as follows: Copper, 63.18 per cent.; silver, $186, . and of gold a few dollars per tou of 2,000 pounds. Neither of the present proprietors ~