730 The Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal. [May-, SOLAR VENTILATOR. There is no more troublesome thing than a smoky chimney and there has been no more difficult matter than the obtaining a perfect cure for, or protection against such a nuisance. Architects and Civil Engineers have, time out of mind, been straining the faculty of invention to overcome this barrier to many an other- wise desirable design. The U. S. Light House Board is well acquainted with the troubles which await on this subject: For, if ever nicety of ventilation, unac- companied with the slightest fluctuation of flame, was required in anything it is in the lantern of the light-house, where the smoke of the lamp must have per- fect freedom of egress, and at the same time all wind being completely excluded, so as to ensure the steadiness of the flame. For now-a-days but one light is used (in the Fresnel apparatus) and hence the danger of its extinction. Numerous, therefore have been the inventions of ventilators to suit the wants of the light- house ; and as a matter of course, the requirements of all chimneys. But, one and another have failed to meet the end, and now we chronicle the appearance of a fresh candidate for fame, The Solar Ventilator is founded on true principles, namely, the expansion by heat of the air in the ventilator, and consequently the production of draft and non-admission of external air. The heat- ing here alluded to is produced by the action of the direct rays of the sun upon a triple circle of glass-lenses, or " burners " two inches in diameter each, placed in the widest part of a metal cone attached to an inverted metal cone on the chimney top. Above the upper cone is a cap, also conical in shape, which oscillates on a ball and socket joint, and when the wind strikes it from one quarter it at once opens a wide aper- ture opposite for the egress of the smoke, which is assisted in its exit by the power of the passing wind. Whether in blustry or in steadily-blowing weather this solar ventilator, as it is called, must act, and, indeed, we cannot see any adverse circumstance save destruc- tion of its parts that can control its action. Where the ventilator is connected with the chimney flue, a necking is cov- ered by an India-rubber band that effect- ually cuts off the transmission of any unpleasant noise from the striking of the oscillating cap against the upper cone. The Architects of Boston and New York are disposed to patronize this new patent ventilator, and we have no doubt but its use will eventually become uni- versal. WIRE ROPE MANUFACTURE. Here is one of the most decided im- provements on the ideas of our grand- fathers that is entitled to attention in our enlightened age. It has ever been the dread of housekeepers, that snapping of a sash-cord, which leaves a window a heavy burden on all connected with it. But this wire sash cord at once ensures the most nervous against such accidents. For clothes-lines the voire rope must super- sede the old hempen arrangement ; for it is not alone strong, but everlasting. Dumb-waiters find in it a reliable means of elevating themselves without fear of disconnection. Pictures in costliest frames may hang most favorabty from silvered cords that look like shining thread of lightest gossamer. And speaking of gossamer reminds us that wire cloth is manufactured by the same company that makes the iron, copper and | silvered sash cord, and the other articles 1 we have alluded to. Even lightning- rods are formed of copper-wire so plaited as to be continuous, and therefore not apt to puzule the electric fluid with a single joint in its free and cas} r passage to the earth. In fact this manufacture is as com- prehensive as it is useful and curious.
