The use of a pair of conical drums in reversed position, and connected by a band, as shown in the cut, has been known for several years to a few, but yet are not extensively known, and but few of them have been seen in operation in this country. It will be seen that if the band be removed laterally, either to the right or left, the relative motion of drums will be materially varied. These drums being arranged to constitute a connection of motion between the driving power and driven machine, may be made to render the motion of the latter either regular or irregular at the option of the operator. If the band connecting the drums, is governed by a shifting lever connected with a governor, it may be so adjusted as to keep the motion of the machine regular, although the driving power should be irregular in its motion, as is the case with a wind-wheel. But if the operator is engaged, requires a more rapid motion at one time than at another, he can accommodate himself by shifting the position of the cone-band, to the right or left, as occasion may require. This is very convenient for turners, whose business requires at some times a rapid speed of the mandrill, and at other times a slow or gentle motion. These drums, as represented, must be swelled in the centre, that the band may be kept uniformly straight.

A Remarkable Mineral Spring.

It may not perhaps be generally known even to our own citizens that there is in the town of Riga, N.Y., one mile east of Churchville, on the farm of Linus Pierson, a Mineral Spring, the gases from which are sufficiently combustible to burn as clear and brightly as a lamp, at all times of the day and night, and which is never exhausted. The spring is located near the bathing-house on the farm, and a tube has been constructed, leading from the spring to the rooms, by means of which the house is made sufficiently light without the use of lamps. Some time ago the State Geological Surveyors paid this spring a visit, and analyzed the gas, which was found to be composed of sulphurated and carbonated hydrogen. The water is strongly impregnated with iron.

Cool Forethought.

One of the most admirable instances of prudential forethought we ever heard of, occurred in Boston a few days since. Three Irishmen were engaged in taking down a wall in Mount Vernon Street. The wall fell upon and buried them. A lady from the opposite side of the street rushed out, and calling to those who were rescuing the poor fellows, said, "Bring them in here. Bring them in here. I have been expecting this all day." The men were carried into her house, and, true enough, she had "every thing ready," bandages, lint, laudanum, and all. If this be not an instance of cool forethought, we know not what is.

It May Be So.

It is stated in a Cincinnati paper, that the body of a drowned child has been discovered by means of a loaf of bread in which was deposited a quantity of quicksilver. The loaf was sent afloat in the canal, and after floating some distance, remained stationary, and beneath the spot thus indicated, the child was found. That mercury may have a natural attraction towards a human body, is possible; but the use of the loaf of bread in combination, indicate a superstitious faith rather than real science.

Several rich lead mines have recently been discovered on the Mississippi River, a few miles above Bellevue. The unusual low state of the river lead to the discovery.