mation on the subject. If the claims made by its writer are correct, Tockolith has all other paints beaten for bridgework.

Speaking of the claims of paint manufacturers and agents concerning the excellence of their products, reminds the author of an amusing story once told him by Dr. Sabin; and, as it has never yet appeared in print, it is here put on record.

The late Mr. D. D. Carrothers, of the Baltimore and Ohio Railway, used to tell of a well-known paint manufacturer, a most accomplished and adroit salesman, who persuaded him to buy a considerable quantity of bridge-paint, which did not turn out well. When he came around the next year, the engineer told him to get out; his paint was worthless. "I know that," was the unexpected reply; "don't you suppose I know all about my own paint? We tested that paint thoroughly, as I thought; but, when it came to practical use, it developed unforeseen defects, and I have had trouble—the utmost trouble—in finding their cause. But we have found and corrected it, and now I have a paint that is absolutely all right; but I had a dreadful time with it last year." He was so plausible, convincing, and persistent that he went away with another good order; which, however, turned out no better than the first lot. "But," said Mr. Carrothers, "I expect he will sell me some more this year!"

Linseed Oil Alone for Shop Coat

A quarter of a century ago it was quite usual to employ boiled linseed oil without any pigment therein for the shop coat on structural steelwork; and, in conformity with the fashion, the author followed the custom when building the Union Loop and the Northwestern Elevated Railroads of Chicago. In so doing he learned by sad experience the fallacy of the practice; for, owing to a sudden shortage of funds, the Company had to close down all work instanter, leaving a mile or more of metalwork erected and unpainted. When construction was resumed a year or two later the steel was in an awful mess, and required an immense amount of labor to clean it. In all. probability, that portion of the structure actually lost a portion of its vitality through this unfortunate circumstance. Thereafter, of course, the author refused to allow linseed oil alone to be used for a shop coat; and eventually the custom went out of fashion.

Climatic Influences on Paints

Two decades ago very few persons recognized that climate had anything to do with the durability of bridge paint, and that a brand which was effective in one locality might fail utterly in another, even if the material were taken from the same barrel. During the late nineties the author secured very good results from the Detroit Superior Graphite paint, finding that it could be relied upon for five years before a new coat was needed. All the bridges where he employed it, however, were located in the north