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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 62, 13 March 1874, Page 2

Oil as a Motive Power. — A new motor-engine, in which oil is the source of power, haß been patented in America. A Bhower of oil in the form of spray is discharged into the cylinder behind the piston, and, heing mixed with air, is ignited at the proper moment by an electric attachment. Tbe consequent expansion drives the piston forward, and lhe movement of the fly-wheel drives it buck, and thus the motion may be kept up for any length of time. Creeping of Bails —The " creeping" of railroad rails has attracted some attention of lale ; and, while we do not attempt to explain it, we offer a poiut on tbe fact that on lines running north and south, the western rail " creeps " faster than the eastern rail — that is, this strange movement of the rail towards the south is more marked in one rail tban in tbe other on the same track. Furthermore, it has been noticed that on such a line the eastern rail wears out the fastest. Both oi these points, we think, can be explained by the motion of the earth as it turns from tho west toward tbe east. Everything tbat has free motion is dragged after the whirling globe; every wind that blows and every tide that moves feels the influence, and our train going j north or south is pulled over toward j the east, and naturally presses the eastern j rail most heavily. The western rail, being relieved of its weight, -"creeps" j more freely and quickly. It is also noticed that the wheels that run on the eastern rail wear out the first, and we can but think that this earth-motion is the true cause. The praotical side of this ia that tbe eastern rail and wheels should be stronger. — Scientific American. A magnificent building just completed in Philadelphia, it is stated, will bo the grandest Masonic edifice in the world. The site upon which it is reared cost 159,793d01a., and the building itself over 1 ,000,000 J015. It has been five years in construction, and tbe expenditure for the same was secured by a | Masouic loan. The temple is the most imposing ediGce in lho " Quaker City," and towering above ihe many massive structures in its own immediate vicinity presents a landmark that can be distinctly seen for miles around. Itß dimensions are 250ffc iv length, with a breadth of 150 ft. Tho following hint to poultry keepers is given in aa Australian publication s - — " Having an enormous crop of tomatoes, I have been amusing myself daily for some time past in scattering them about the poultry-yards, for the scramble that ensues is oxciting and somewhat comical. I never expocteJ§ any otber result but. to get ridgof the superfluous, fruit, and satisfy the immoral longings of the birds for luscious fruit and plenty of it. But another and more important result has been obtained. A course of tomato diet contributes in a roost decisive manner to improve the plumage of the birds, and my Hermit pullets have acquired a new gloss, and a satiny texture of feathers such as I should aim at producing in preparing them for exhibition, but -which is now accomplished foi* me without any trouble by moans of this delicious fruit, which must have become a nuisance by its plentifulness unless in this way disposed of. Exhibitors of poultry may herefrom take a hint, for it as easy to grow tomatoes aB scarlet runners, provided only you can plant them on a hot wall, and to get the birds in perfect condition of feathers is always of the first importance."