, and hence the three slide
rests, will be operated; while, if the catch be placed in one of the
notches on the wheel, B, both the screws, A and C, will act to operate
the rests. When, therefore, the operator is cutting screws, he sets
the catch, E, into one of the notches so soon as the tools are
properly adjusted to the work; and then lifting the catch, E, he turns
the wheel, B, so that the catch falls into the next notch, and this
puts the cut on. When the tool has taken that cut, and while the
latter saddle is traveling back, the catch is placed in the next
notch, and so on, the cut for the forward travel always being put on
as above while the saddle is traveling back. Thus is insured an
exactly equable amount of cut on the whole three rests. When the
lever, D, is not in use, the catch is removed from the wheel, B, and
is allowed to rest against the pins, G or A, provided for that
purpose. For piston rods, or for work such as cutting jack screws,
this lathe is very useful. It is obviously, however, a special tool.

* * * * *

NATURAL ORNAMENTS IN WINTER.

Now that the hedges are no longer green, and the trees stand black and
bare on the landscape, is the time to seek for endless variety and
beauty waiting to be admired in its turn. What miniature fairy glens
and grottoes are distributed over the hedge banks of our country
lanes! Mosses, delicate and beautiful, may be found in the interstices
of any old wall, or at the foot of almost any tree or shrub. In the
winter time mosses and lichens are found in fruit, and are beautiful
objects. A pocket microscope lens is essential for their proper
observation; and though the delicate carmine cups of the species known
as the cup moss, and the familiar gray and yellow mosaic appearance we
see on twigs and branches on our way, are easily recognized, the study
of this form of winter vegetation is an inexhaustible one, and is an
occupation for a lifetime, if earnestly pursued. We do not however,
suggest that every one who endeavors to recognize the different
species of moss, lichens, or fungi should necessarily do so through
the medium of the microscope; but it will greatly add to the pleasure
of making a collection out of doors if there be a good microscope at
home, so that when the contents of the basket be turned out, after the
winter's walk, there should be interest even in the fragments left,
after a little pile of varied bits has be