Page:Popular Mechanics 1928 01.pdf/101

 

Nearly all of the specimens in the zoological gardens at Portsmouth, England, have been collected by sailors. One of the most interesting spots in the gardens is the place where the birds are kept, hundreds of rare species being sheltered in an environment as nearly like their natural surroundings as possible. Beside the stream where the ducks like to paddle is a willow grown from a cutting taken from a tree on the island of St. Helena, where Napoleon was banished, and there are also trees planted by the present king and queen of Britain before they came to the throne. The gardens are cared for by a number of naval pensioners, who are assisted by sailors in their spare time.

 



Distilled water is supplied to the automobile batteries whenever needed from an automatic filler recently introduced. It consists chiefly of a glass container to hold the water and a feed line to the batteries. When the water level reaches a certain point, a "capillary attraction arm" is lowered into the tank and the liquid flows into the cells. At high level, the water raises a float and causes the arm to ride free and clear of the water. The tank requires little attention except filling from time to time.

 

Dried sawdust, treated with chemicals, yields glucose and other products, but whether the process will be commercially practical for the making of sugar in any large amounts, is doubtful. From other by-products, alcohol suitable for motor fuel is obtained.

 



Powerful streams of water from fire hose often do more harm than good, especially when the blaze is slight. To remedy this trouble, a member of the Fort Worth, Tex., fire department has devised a nozzle that can throw a spray or a condensed stream. It is said to be more effective when combating a fire at close range and is especially suitable for interior fires.

 



Weighing but three pounds, and easily operated with one hand, a small vacuum cleaner now on the market saves getting out the larger unit for such tasks as brushing up crumbs or ashes, and, since it can be applied to curtains, furniture and clothing, it has a wider range of usefulness. The regulating switch is in the handle, and the cleaner runs on either direct or alternating current at modest expense. For cleaning lampshades, table covers, upholstery and other surfaces, it saves the labor and damage often occasioned by the use of a brush, and, of course, prevents the dirt from flying about the room.

