ART. V. Cowell's Patent Sash Suspender. By JOHN REYNOLDS.

HAVING myself proved the utility of Cowell's patent sash sus

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pender, I feel somewhat competent to speak as to its merits. This invention completely supersedes the necessity of servants or workmen getting outside of windows, either to clean, paint, or repair; a desideratum, I think, all will gladly welcome; particularly as the numerous accidents and loss of life from window-cleaning alone have of late been very appalling; it being calculated that upwards of two hundred persons have lost their lives by this practice within the last twenty years.

The mechanism is so simple, that a child may manage it: the only difference is, that the line, instead of being nailed to the sash, is secured in a socket provided with a hook. To this is fitted a plate, or eye, which is let into the sash, so that it can be attached

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or detached in an instant, and with the greatest ease. When I reflect on the years that have rolled by, the lives that have been sacrificed, and the great inconvenience attending the old method, I am truly astonished to find the difficulty overcome by so simple a contrivance, and at so trifling an expense. A complete set of the brass suspenders, including an ingenious brass bolt for the bead, instead of nailing it, only cost me 3s. 6d., and the fixing of the same 2s. This, I think, needs no comment.

My feelings would induce me to say much more on the subject; but I will only add that, should any of your readers wish to inspect the plan, I shall not deem it an intrusion if they call at my house, en passant, wishing, as far as my humble endeavours can avail, to assist in the preservation of life, and serve the cause of humanity.

23. Chadwell Street, Myddelton Square, Jan. 10. 1837.

Figs. 15. and 16. will show the nature of this invention: A, the sash-line; B, the socket that receives the line for the sash; c, the screw that presses the spring within, to secure the line; D, the aperture to show that the line is at the bottom; E, a plate, or eye, to be let into the sash. Fig. 16. shows the whole attached.

Mr. Cowell has printed testimonials in favour of his invention, signed by Dr. Birkbeck, and Messrs. Savage, Cottingham, and Cottam, architects. Mr. Cowell's manufactory is in Lower Street, Islington.

MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

ART. I. Domestic Notices.

ENGLAND.

NEW CHURCHES.-Handsome subscriptions have been entered into for the erection of new churches at the following places :- Monk Bretton, near Barnsley; Accrington, near Manchester; Bury and Blackburn, Lancashire; Oswestry, Shropshire; Bogelf, North Wales; and Crieff, in Scotland.

Reported Failure of the Foundations of the Bank of England.-We understand that the new sewer, built in the street on the west side of the Bank, has been most effectual in draining from the adjoining soil the waters with which it was saturated. The whole of this neighbourhood has always been affected from the course of the Walbrook, formerly running through it; so that the subsoil is, in fact, a thorough swamp. On this bad foundation, the houses adjoining, and the Bank, have been built, with every precaution of piles and planking. It is said, however, that the draining of the waters into the new main sewer has so far dried up the soil, that it has caused settlements of a very serious nature in those parts of the Bank which are adjacent to it, and especially in the elegant Doric vestibule, which shows some very large cracks and other signs of considerable settlements. We have heard, but cannot vouch for the truth of the report, that, in consequence of these settlements, the whole extent of the foundations of the Bank are now kept artificially under water, and with such perseverance, that the directors will not allow the New River Company, whose pipes pass under the Bank, to repair any of their pipes, which are supposed to leak to a very serious degree, as the supply arising from that circumstance tends to keep the soil damp, and thus prevent the decay of the timbering upon which the walls are built, and which would proceed much faster if the ground were alternately wet and dry.-M. London, Jan. 12. 1836.

Foundling Hospital. Owing to alterations and repairs in the chapel of this hospital, which were very necessary to be attended to, it has been closed for several months, but will be reopened in the beginning of next month, for the performance of divine service. Some massive pillars, which before stood in the organ loft, have been removed, and there has been substituted for them an iron truss, superior in weight and casting to any other known in the metropolis. This has sufficiently counterbalanced the support they gave to the roof; and the view of the children, which was before obstructed, is now without any interruption. Frederick Lush. October 27. 1836.

New Bridge. Early next session of Parliament, it is intended to apply for a bill to sanction the erection of a bridge across the river from Horseferry Road to Church Street, Lambeth. The span of the bridge would be about

the same as that of Vauxhall Bridge or New London Bridge; and it is much to be hoped that it will be carried into effect. Frederick Lush, Oct. 27. 1836. The new Houses of Parliament are to be commenced without farther delay, agreeably to Mr. Barry's plan. This was decided by the Commissioners on Jan. 19. The lofty tower is to be rendered available for keeping the public records of the country. (Morn. Chron., Jan. 23.)

Heating by Gas. - The novel application of heating by the flame of burning gas is coming very extensively into use. The plan has been recently introduced at Islington Church, and at St. Michael's Church in the Strand. The vestry-room of St. Sepulchre's, His Majesty's Royal Mint, Westminster Hospital, and several banking-houses and other public buildings, are also warmed in the same manner. — W. P. G. November 2. 1835.

Designs for Literary Retreats.-The Literary Fund Club have it in contemplation to build literary retreats for some half dozen (as a beginning for the plan, which, if it succeeds, will be extended indefinitely) literary characters, to whom a house, rent free, and a small garden, might prove a happy retirement in their days of the "sear and yellow leaf." (Morn. Chron., Jan. 13.) [We would suggest the idea to young architects of preparing designs for these literary retreats; either as detached cottages, surrounded by their gardens, or all the six united in one building in the centre of the gardens, the latter radiating from them on every side. The cheapest mode of raising dwellings of this kind, which might be called literary colleges, would be to arrange a number of apartments, to the height of five or six stories, round a central staircase, from which heat might be supplied to all the rooms; and gas might be conducted to all the kitchens for the purposes of cookery, washing, &c. Any ingenious designs of this kind we shall be happy to publish. Some useful hints, by Junius Redivivus, may be found in the Mechanic's Magazine, and in the Monthly Repository; and also in our Encyclopædia of Cottage, Farm, and Villa Architecture.]

Architectural Drawings at the Royal Academy.-" Royal Academy, Nov. 10. 1836. Notice is hereby given to such students as have obtained the gold medal in the class of architecture, that they may become candidates to be sent to the Continent for three years, by delivering to the keeper, on or before the 10th day of March next, a recent and attested specimen of their abilities. The election will take place on the 10th day of May next.- Henry Howard, R. A., Secretary." [We should like to see our young architects more fired by the ambition of distinction. The drawings at the Royal Academy for the silver medal (the subject, the façade of the Goldsmiths' Hall), we have been informed, were very indifferent, evincing great ignorance of the Corinthian capital. If such a subject had been given in France, the result would have been very different.]

The District Surveyorship of St. George's, &c.— At a meeting of the magistrates for the county of Middlesex, held on the 8th of November, a ballot took place for the district surveyorship of St. George's in the East, and St. Botolph without, Aldgate, vacant by the decease of Mr. Sibley. The candidates were Mr. William Grellier, Mr. Henry Flower, Mr. R. C. Carpenter, Mr. James Davies, and Mr. Kendall, jun. The two latter resigned; and, upon the numbers being declared, there appeared, for Mr. Flower 58; for Mr. Carpenter 20; and for Mr. Grellier 18. Mr. M'William commented with severity upon the fact that two of the candidates were near relatives of magistrates upon the bench; and moved that the names of those who voted for each of the candidates should be taken down. The motion was seconded by Sir J. Gibbons in strong terms.-G. B. W. London, Dec. 7. 1836.

The Royal Exchange was much damaged by the severe gale of November 29. A large quantity of the lead upon the roof, being dislodged by the wind fell into the enclosed area, carrying with it about 40 feet of the western balustrade. The large mass of lead and stone, weighing upwards of a ton, descended with a tremendous crash, but, fortunately did no further harm than

that of destroying the entablature over the statue of Henry VIII., and knocking away the sceptre from that of Edward VI.—G. B. W. London, Dec. 7. 1836. Parliamentary Agency Offices. On the 3d of December, the first stone of an extensive range of buildings, intended for Parliamentary Agency Offices, now in course of erection, by Mr. Charles Pearson, in the Bird Cage Walk, was laid with great ceremony by the Lord Mayor, attended by the sheriffs, several members of parliament, common councilmen, &c. The design, which is highly spoken of, is by James Elms, Esq., surveyor to the port of London. 'Id.

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The Signor Scotti, an Italian civil engineer, who was in the service of the Emperor of Austria, and had the care of one of the principal roads over the Alps, is now in this country, for the purpose of making himself acquainted with our railroads. This intelligent engineer has laid down some maps and sections of the Alps, noting the various strata of the rocks at their several heights, the levels at numerous points; and, in fact, has collected data of a geological and scientific nature of the utmost importance. His studies on road-making are extremely curious, and prove that the knowledge of this important subject is not confined to England, but that many facts of great interest may be learned abroad, of which we have no idea. B. London,

1836.

BERKSHIRE. Royal Berks Hospital. The committee have decided on the plans which appear to possess the most merit, and have awarded the premiums accordingly. The architect whom they engaged to assist them in forming a judgment is a gentleman of first-rate eminence, and surveyor to one of the largest hospitals in the kingdom. He laid down a scale of merit; and the committee found that the two designs which then ranked first bore the mottos of "Spero” and “Confido,” both being the production of one architect, Mr Henry Briant of this town. One of the designs is Gothic, the other chiefly of the Ionic order. The first prize of 50l. was therefore awarded to this gentleman. The second premium of 30%. was awarded to a design with a motto "Tacere tutum est," sent by Mr. W. Newham, jun., 7. Bengal Terrace, Kent Road, London. The third premium of 201. to a design with the motto, “I was sick, and ye visited me," to Mr. Inman, Eaton Square, London. We congratulate Mr. Briant on a decision which confers so much honour on his talents, and insures him a high rank in his difficult and honourable profession. (Berkshire Chron., Dec. 21. 1836.)

DEVONSHIRE. County Lunatic Asylum. At a meeting of the guardians of the Poor Law Union in the county of Devon, on Thursday, Nov. 3., the Earl of Devon in the chair, it was resolved to build a County Lunatic Asylum; for which purpose Lord Rolle has munificently offered the ground required, as a free gift to the county. (Exeter Flying Post.)

KENT. Gravesend.-A public Grammar School is nearly completed at Gravesend, the expenses of which are to be defrayed out of the corporation funds. Its architecture is purely Gothic, after the plan of Cobham Hall; and the building, when finished, will beautify the site on which it stands.— Frederick Lush. Charles Square, Hoxton, Oct. 16. 1835.

LANCASHIRE.- Liverpool Custom-House. The three porticoes of the new Custom-house are now complete, the one to the north having just been finished. The western portico is seen to great advantage from the river and the Cheshire shore: the eastern much less perfectly from the front of the old Custom-house; and the northern will very shortly form a very noble and open principal front to the building, and be seen to great advantage from St. George's Cresent and Castle Street. When the alterations in South Castle Street (quondam Pool Lane) are complete, the view from the front of St. George's Crescent terminated to the left by the Town Hall, and the right by the Custom-house, and having in front the open space and handsome buildings of Lord Street, will be one of the finest in the town. (Liverpool Times, Dec. 1836.)

Liverpool. Useful Association. To those gentlemen who, by their noble contributions to the Mechanics' Institution, have distinguished themselves as patrons of science, art, and literature, in this town.

Gentlemen, to persons who, like you, take an interest in any studies which are calculated to soften the affections or purify the minds of men, it will be unnecessary to mention how much effect of that nature the study of architecture is capable of producing; nor is it necessary that I should inform you, who are in constant communication with engineers and engineering speculation, how necessary it is that future engineers should be capable of producing and carrying into effect any schemes which may be required: but, as this letter is intended to convey some idea of what advantage may be effected by the formation of a society for promoting these objects, a brief explanation may, perhaps, be excused.

That the study of architecture is calculated to effect, in a certain way, the objects I have stated above, must, I think, to every reflecting mind, be selfevident; but, as there are some who prefer having propositions of the simplest nature proved to them, instead of exerting any ingenuity with which they are blessed to find them out, I shall endeavour to do so in as few words as possible. We in general find that the contemplation of any beautiful object, as a painting, model, &c., excites certain feelings in the mind of the beholder, which, if improved upon, may be turned to a good purpose. If the accidental or occasional examination of such objects can produce good fruit, how much more likely is the constant contemplation to do so? In the one case the effect is ephemeral, in the other continual; and, by having models, &c., of a beautiful nature continually before him, the beholder may be incited to form a comparison between the one and the other; and thus his taste may be formed or improved: but, on the contrary, when the objects presented are in bad taste, or of obscure worth, such effect cannot be expected. If, then it be desirable that every one should have specimens of "the sublime and beautiful" constantly before him, no one will deny that it is necessary that there should be persons capable of producing them.

In this age, when every thing is done by means of steam, it is necessary that we should have persons competent to manage or improve on the different modes of using it; and now, when almost all inland communications are effected by means of railroads, it is essential that we should have men capable of surmounting almost any difficulty that may be opposed to them: they should be perfectly acquainted with the nature of the country, soil, &c., through which the intended road is to be laid. Of the different kinds of tuition, I believe it is generally allowed that mutual instruction is the one, of all others, most calculated to produce its object, as the different pupils have to prepare themselves by reading and thought to explain the subject they have undertaken.

Impressed with what I have now briefly stated, the young architects and engineers of Liverpool have formed themselves into a society for mutual instruction in the mysteries of their professions; and should you, or any other gentlemen, be disposed to assist them, I am convinced that it will be one of the most effectual ways of improving the intellectual taste of the town. For a further explanation of their objects, I beg leave to refer you to their rules.— C. Sept. 13. 1836. (Liverpool Mercury, Sept. 30. 1836.)

Mr. Coad's Plan for consuming Smoke.—Mr. Richard Coad of this town has taken out a patent (sealed July 10. 1835) for an invention of his for getting rid of the nuisances from steam-boats and factories, by making the chimneys consume their own smoke. To borrow a passage from a contemporary to explain this,-"The smoke is a certain quantity of the inflammable matter of the coals, which is lost by evaporation, instead of being burnt. Now, Mr. Coad's method consists in supplying this smoke with the quantity of heat that is necessary for its perfect combustion; and this is effected in a very simple and ingenious manner. An apparatus consisting of a series of