Page:The Building News and Engineering Journal, Volume 22, 1872.djvu/75

 Jan. 19, 1872. THE BUILDING NEWS. 59 substitute the gravel or sand shot into the trench and moderately rammed down in layers. There seems to me to be a certain elasticity gained by giving up the rigid rock-like concrete and letting the building lay as it were on a cushion that would adapt itself with _ less injury to the swelling and shrinking of the clay. In my own practice a few years ago I had to take down the whole back wall of two lofty houses. that had become a ruin from the motion of the clay. We then dug out a new foundation trench, wide and deep, and the bottom of it was about 12ft. from the surface, as the houses had basements. It was then filled up with concrete of the best ballast and ground stone lime well mixed. We then built up the whole wall in cement, and nothing could stand better for two or three years, and now,the wallissplitting again in all directions, as if Nature would teach us that with our present methods housebuilding in some localities is rendered almostimpossible. When lately passing through a clay country I was surprised at the havoc in old and new buildings alike. To both architects and builders this sort of thing is the plague of their business where it happens, and no one seems to know of any remedy. I know an old church tower and spire that must have stood upright for centuries pulled over in the last few years a foot ont of the upright. If you think this letter will help the matter, its insertion will oblige a constant sub- scriber.—I am, &c., Cambridge. H. G. Erzorne, Architect. DRAIN-PIPES AND PRESSURE OF GAS IN DRAINS. Srzr,—In reference to the letter of ‘Clerk of Works,” page 457, I cannot agree that waste-pipes should have either an extra trap or a metal valve at their junction with soil-pipes, simply because that would be little or no good. Too many cooks spoil the broth, so would too many cesspools the plumber- work. What would do good where a waste-pipe has some distance to run before entering soil-pipe is to ventilate it at its (Fig. 1) upper end, as A is soil- pipe, B waste-pipe, C siphon-trap, say of a bath, D is the ventilating-pipe, just as shown at page 23. Now, to put on either an extra siphon-trap or cess- pool, or a metal valve at E, would be not only superfluous, but would do more harm than good; whereas the putting in of the ventilating-pipe D both prevents the rush of water down soil-pipe from disturbing cesspool or trap C, but also ventilates the pipe and prevents accumulation of gas. As to D traps, [do not approve of them at all, and no new ones should be allowed to be fitted up anywhere if possible, because the siphon-trap is both much eheaper and better. Fig. 2 is a sketch of both: F being D trap and G the S or siphon trap. As ‘Clerk of Works ” says, there are too many holes and corners about the old D trap. I may also explain that by “jawbox” I mean the kitchen sink. Ido not think it necessary to say anything further on this, seeing we are to have some articles on plumbing, in which I have no doubt the writer ’ will refer to several forms of water-closets and their fittings. As to ‘‘Q. R.,” Lam obliged to him for his kind hint; and while admitting that I am a Scotsman (not “ Seotchman”), I have no doubt but that a common interest anda generous emulation are far better for us all than the perpetuation of the old phrase—now happily long dead—‘ our old inemeis of Ingland,” with its accompanying rivalry and war- fare. As to the simple pressure of the air or gas in soil or drain-pipes forcing itself up a properly-put-in siphon trap or cesspool, such as G above, [ do not remember an instance ; but Ihave come across many eases where the action of the water flowing through improperly-fitted and unventilated pipes, has drawn the Water out of siphon-trap. This often happens— e.g., in the case shown by Fig. 3, where the action of water from H when in use flow- ing down pipe J draws out water from I in passing, and thus allows gas to get free ingress up through I. In the ease of a ventilated pipe, I lately cut a hole as at K, and put alighted candle close to hole, when the draught blew it out. Yet I have no reason to suppose that after again closing up hole at K the air would move water in siphon to any sensible degree, and at all events not to any deleterious degree. The value of ventilation may be shown by the following simple experiment. (Fig. 4.) I took a small empty essence of coffee bottle din. high, and put apiece of jin. gas-pipe 6in. long into it, and after putting in about 2in. of cold water I made it tight round top with putty. I then put bottle into a small pot as shown and poured hot water on bottle, wpon which the water rose up pipe and flowed over, but whenever small needlehole was made through putty, the water sunk back pipe at once. In conclusion, I have to ask Mr. Sorby to excuse me for considering that ‘‘ cesspool” as used by him at page 415, Dec. 22, meant a siphon-trap.—I am, &e., PLUMBER. THE NEW LAW COURTS. Srr,—After carefully reading your excellent account of the plans as designed by Mr. Street, there can be but little doubt that he has bestowed much care and attention on the general arrangement for the accommodation of those for whom the building is intended. But this is not the question with the public, who haye to contri- bute the funds. It is the front facing the Strand which appears to beso objectionable, and falls short of general expectation. It is from the circumstance of its being cut up intoso many small parts and features, without any grand or telling parts or lines. There are evidently too many pointed roofs and gables, &c. If, instead of the pointed roofs to the towers on each side of the great hall, they were carried up as lofty square towers, they would tell better in the composition and assist the other parts. Again, the centre great window appears too meagre in its general character, The square-headed windows without mullions appear woefully poor. The small angle turrets also appear out of place. If Mr, Street would endeavour to obviate some of the objec- tions made all might still go well; but, for the Goyern- ment and its officials to set the public opinion at de- fiance will not be tolerated, as there are still high authorities who will havea voice. Therefore, ere it is too late, let Mr. Street give more attention and grander features to the Strandfront, and all may still thrive.— Iam, &c., A LooKER-On. SUSPENDED, OR ONE-RAIL RAILWAY. Sr1r,—I have just seen a copy of your journal dated December 8th, in which you illustrate and describe in detail a “‘One-Rail Railway,” the idea being claimed by Mr. Haddan. The plan isa very oldone. When I was in Melbourne in the beginning of last year (1870) I met Mr. Joseph Dyer, who showed me a model of a railway he proposed as far back as 1857, a description of which he published in that year’s December number’ of the Sydney Magazine of Science and Art. Except that your illustration shows a roof and cushioned seats to the car, it is an exact copy of the model which I believe is still to be seen in the Melbourne Exhibition Building. If Mr. Haddan will refer to the Engineer for February 24 and March 7, 1871, and the Melbonrne Argus, December 14, 1870, and April 13 and 14, 1871, he will find letters from Mx. Dyer and myself relating to this plan of railways. The Argus can be seen at Messrs. Gordon & Gotch’s, in Holborn.—I am, &e,, JOHN BLACKBOURN. Cairo and §. Louis Railroad, $8. Louis, Missouri, December 50th, 1871. ee LEGAL INTELLIGENCE. INFRINGEMENT OF A PATENT.—Judgment was delivered on Saturday morning by Vice-Chancellor 3acon in the suit of Murray v. Clayton, the hearing of which occupied many days in December last. The object of the suit was to restrain the defend- ants, manufacturers of bricks, from using a brick- cutting machine which the plaintiff alleges is an in- fringement of a patent granted to him for his inven- tion. The defendants pleading that they were justi- fied in the alleged infringement by the fact that their machine, similar to but not identical with that of the plaintiff, was really prior to the plaintiff's patent, it became necessary for the plaintiff to establish the novelty of his invention. If the novelty which he claimed should prove to be no more than a new ar- rangement and combination of common elementary mechanical materials previously known and used, and by which no new result was produced, then his claim could not be sustained. His Honour went through the evidence given on both sides, both by affi- davit and vivd vocein court, and, in the result, came to the conclusion that the plaintiff's claim could not be sustained, on the ground, amongst others, of the in- sufficiency of his specification. The bill, therefore, must be dismissed. His Honour regretted that he had been obliged to occupy so long a period of valu- able time (the judgment took an hour and a half to read) with a matter really so simple. G Shtercommunication, ge QUESTIONS. [2450.|—Charcoal as a Deodoriser.—Can any reader inform me what description of charcoal is found to be the most effectual deodoriser? I find ordinary wood charcoal is not efficient.—C. L. (2431.]—Ventilating Drains.—I am building several cottages, the sinks and water-closets of every three being drained into one cesspool. Will the drains be sufficiently ventilated by taking a pipe from the top of the cesspool, up the walls, to the top of the chimney stack ? or can any one suggest a better plan ?— G. Yenc: [2432.|—Sanitary Engineering.—A reply from some qualified engineer to the following query will oblige :—In utilising sewage by the process known as irrigation, is it not very probable that, in the excessive dilution of the sewage, along with the advanced stage of decomposition the sewage must be in prior to being run on the land, its chemical properties as a fertilising agent is much inferior to the ordinary contents from midden privies? My object in advancing this question is:—Is it not possible that sanitary engineers are all the while attacking the effect and not the cause, both as regards the ventilation of sewers and the utilisation of sewage? Because, in the first place, in my opinion, the quality of the sewage, after passing through the sewers, is much inferior as a fertilising ingredient, consequent upon excessive dilution and decomposi- tion; and, in the second place, the immense cost and danger resulting from the use of sewers, as at present constructed. It must not be supposed that I approve of the construction and use of the common middens, as generally made; but I do approve of the kind of middens constructed now in Manchester, under the plans and directions of the city surveyor. I may add that the bottoms of the middens are made of earthen- ware, and the sides, for the height of 9in. or 12in., also of earthenware. Asa consequence, there is no perco- lation into the subsoil of sewage ; and, the middens being air-tight and ventilated, no nuisance arises from their use; and, what is of perhaps the most vital importance, the contents will be admitted by all to be a rich manure for our already sadly-impoverished land. —W. H.C. [2433.]—Cesspools.—In country villas where the soil-pipes are taken to a cesspool or pit, does the cess- pool fill up and become a nuisance? How may this be prevented ?—SANITARY. [2434.]—An Assistants’ Institute. — Could any correspondent inform me how the title of ‘‘ Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects” is obtained, and whether there could not be a similar title obtain- able by architectural assistants who haye not the means of gaining the first? Would not a course of examinations be beneficial to the assistant, both as an incentive to diligence, and a guarantee of his ability in case he required a situation? I think if the former titled professionals were to give their aid in forming an institution for the assistants, it would be creditable to themselves and a great boon to the assistant, as well as a means of developing the artistic minds of the majority. Suppose, for instance, the assistants’ insti- tution were to be called “The Assistant Institute of British Architects,” and to gain that affix to his present plain piping, sucker, spout, &c. (there being some assistants who require but the handle to make them as good pumps as their masters), he should be required to make an original set of drawings, with quarter full- sized details, and a few ornamental sketches of metal work, along witha specification, estimate, and a few remarks upon construction, &c., for the examination of an authorised committee, and do these to their satisfaction; it would, I think, be deserving of the afore- said title. Of course others may think a stricter examination advisable; if so, they might give their ideas as well as myself, and thus bring the course of preparation to a definite crisis. I should like the opinions of some other assistants, as well as F.R.1.B.A.’s, if they would not consider it beneath their notice, or in any way injurious to themselves. I wouldhaye the assistant’s title to be gained purely by merit, and not commission, as I fear where money assists in accom- plishing such matters there are many handles, but few with the piping, sucker, &c., though they may even have a beautifully-polished casing, giving them all the appearances of an able and efficient pump. There would necessarily be a fee to pay for the means of carrying out the examinations, but further than that I consider all might be done by labour and study.— Pump. [2435.]—The Pugin Studentship.—Could you give me full particulars as to what examinations one would have to pass to gain the Pugin ‘Trayelling Studentship of the R.I.B.A. ?—PuGrn. [2436.]—Removing Varnish Stains from Tiles and Marble.—What can be applied to remove varnish stains from encaustic tiles? Also, what will take out grease stains from marble ?—K. [2437.] Rendering Account of Stewardship. —Is it customary or judicious on the part of architects to furnish proprietors with the detailed bills of extras and omissions upon completion of works entrusted to them, or would a general summary meet all the require- ments of the case ?—F.