Mr. Carter commenced by observing that Earth-boring having become a matter of considerable importance in relation to objects of public utility and private enterprise, any improvements in the art of boring—especially of artesian wells—was peculiarly interesting and valuable. Tie machine of which he had to speak was that of Messrs. Mather and Platt, engineers, Salford, the chief novelties of which were the construction of the boring head and shell pump, and the mode of acquiring the percussive motion. Mr. Carter explained the principle of the machine by the aid of an admirable model placed upon the table; of which a full description, with figures, of the apparatus is given in the “Journal of the Society of Arts” for June 1, 1855. He spoke in the highest terms of its successful results, as tested in various kinds of soil and rock, whether looked upon with regard to expedition, efficiency, or economy; and he added that it afforded nearly the same facilities for boring 1,000 feet deep as it did at a depth of only 100 feet. The Chairman, who said that he had had some experience in boring, expressed his warm approval of this machine, which was a very great improvement upon any method of boring he had ever seen before. Mr. Carter, in reply to a question; said that the machine could be worked with a portable engine, which would be formed sufficient for the purpose. The Chairman said that in the ordinary rod-boring, the cost was increased ...