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In war vessels the increase has been equally marked. In 1881 the maximum
power seems to have been in the Inflexible, namely, 8,485 indicated
horse-power. The following will give an idea of the recent advance made:
Howe (Admiral class), 11,600 indicated horse-power; Italia and Lepanto,
19,000 indicated horse-power; Re Umberto, 19,000 indicated horse-power;
Blake and Blenheim (building), 18,000 indicated horse-power; Sardegna
(building), 22,800 indicated horse-power. It is thus evident that there
are vessels at work to-day having about three times the maximum power of
any before 1881.

_General Conclusions_.--The progress made during the last ten years
having been sketched out, however roughly, the general conclusions may
be stated briefly as follows: First, the working pressure has been about
doubled. Second, the increase of working pressure and other improvements
have brought with them their equivalent in economy of coal, which is
about 20 per cent. Third, marked progress has been made in the direction
of dimension, more than twice the power having been put into individual
vessels. Fourth, substantial advance has been made in the scientific
principles of engineering. It only remains for the writer to thank the
various friends who have so kindly furnished him with data for some of
the tables which have been given; and to express the hope that the next
ten years may be marked by such progress as has been witnessed in the
past. But it must be remembered that, if future progress be equal in
merit or ratio, it may well be less in quantity, because advance becomes
more difficult of achievement as perfection is more nearly approached.

* * * * *

THE LITTLE HOUSE.

BY M.M.

One of the highest medical authorities is credited with the statement
that "nine-tenths of the diseases that afflict humanity are caused by
neglect to answer the calls of Nature."

This state of affairs is generally admitted, but is usually attributed
to individual indolence. That, doubtless, has a great deal to do with
it, but should not part of the blame be laid upon the often unpleasant
environments, which make us shrink as from the performance of a painful
duty?

In social life, unless from absolute necessity or charity, people of
refined habits do not call on those whose surroundings shock their sense
of decency; but when they g