The sources from which modern wood-working machinery is obtained are various. Notable firms of machinists throughout this country, in America, and on the Continent, are drawn upon, each of whom, although not furnishing complete installations of wood-working machinery, are distinguished for some “special make” of one or other of the machines necessary. In the plentitude of firms whose names suggest themselves in this connection, it may be invidious to single out any for special mention, yet, of firms in this country, Messrs M‘Dowall & Sons, of Johnstone, and Messrs T. Robinson & Son, Rochdale; and of firms in America, Messrs J. A. Fay & Co., of Cincinnati, may be noticed as having furnished many machines which are highly valued in shipyards. Notwithstanding the recent advancement in this direction, there is still scope for improved wood-working machinery, and for machines to overtake additional work in shipyards. A single, though perhaps not particularly striking, instance may be given. While attempts have been made to supply it, there is not yet, so far as the author knows, a machine for planing decks after the planking has been laid, and the seams caulked and payed. Those acquaint with the laborious and unskilled nature of the work to be done, will readily concede the fitness of applying, if possible, mechanical means to achieve it. Attention may here be directed to the subject of improvements in shipyard machines and methods of work, directly due to the careful study of results from every-day practice. Workmen themselves have too seldom been instrumental in effecting such improvements, although in many respects the most fitting mediums through which improvements could come. A lingering antipathy to new machinery on the score of its supplanting hand work, and perhaps the want of proper knowledge of scientific principles, have prevented many from taking part in this way. To encourage the exercise of the inventive faculty amongst workmen, as well as to reap personal advantage, Messrs Denny & Brothers instituted in 1880 a scheme of rewards for invention in their establishment, which has been attended with gratifying success, and has since been copied in other quarters. Particulars of this scheme will be given in the following chapter, thus making detailed reference here unnecessary. It may be said briefly, however, that awards ranging from £12 to £3 are paid to workmen who submit inventions, and when any one has been successful in obtaining five awards he receives a premium of £20, and when he has obtained ten awards he is paid a further premium of £25—the premiums increasing by £5 for every additional five awards received. During the time it has been in vogue as many as 200 claims have been entered, over 110 of which have received awards, representing in all the disbursement by the firm of about £500. The majority of the awards made have been concerned with improvements in the joinery departments. Some of the