[Illustration:  FIG. 6.—­TUBULAR PERFORATOR.]

The apparatus, Fig. 6, consists of an iron plate cylinder, A, 271/2 inches in diameter, and of variable length, according to the depth to be obtained, and terminating beneath in a steel head, B, of greater thickness.  This cylinder is traversed by a shaft, C, to which it is keyed, and which passes through the center of the aperture drilled.  This shaft is connected with the cylinder, A, through the intermedium of cross bars, D, and transmits thereto a rapid rotary motion, which is received at the upper part from a telodynamic wire that passes through the channel of the horizontal pulley, P. This latter is supported by a frame consisting of three uprights, Q Q, strengthened by stays, R R, fixed to the ground.

In order that the cylinder, A, may be given a vertical motion, cords, M M, fixed to a piece, S, loose on the hub, D, wind round the drum of a windlass, T, after passing over the pulleys, p p.

The rapid gyratory motion of the cylinder, along with the erosive action of the metallic agglomerate, rapidly wears away the rock, and causes the descent of the perforator.  During this operation a core of marble forms in the cylinder.  This is detached by lateral pressure, and is capable of being utilized.  The tool descends at the rate of from 20 to 24 inches per hour, or from 8 to 10 yards per day in ordinary lime rock.—­Le Genie Civil.

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PORTABLE PROSPECTING DRILL.

[Illustration:  PORTABLE PROSPECTING DRILL.]

The Aqueous Works and Diamond Rock-boring Company, Limited, of London, show at the Inventions Exhibition, London, a light portable rock-boring machine for prospecting for minerals, water, etc.  It is capable of sinking holes from 2 in. to 5 in. in diameter, and to a depth of 400 ft.  The screwed boring spindle, which is in front of the machine, is actuated by miter gearing driven by a six horse power engine; the speed of driving is 400 revolutions a minute.  The pump shown on the left-hand side of the engraving is used to deliver a constant stream of water through the boring bar, the connection being made by a flexible hose.  Suitable winding gear for raising or lowering the lining tubes, boring rods, etc., is also mounted on the same frame.  The drill is automatic in its action, and the speed can be regulated by friction gearing.  The front part of the carriage is arranged so that it can be swung clear of the drill to raise and lower the bore rods, etc.

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AUTOMATIC SAFETY GEAR.