The section, Fig. 3, represents a modification intended for use in vertical cylinders, if considered necessary. The additional center ring, E, is intended to prevent leakage through the cut in the expanded ring and over the face of the unexpanded one, which might occur when the rings and cylinder should become so worn that the rings, when not expanded, should collapse and leave the surface of the cylinder. The rivets, F, shown by the dotted lines, are placed near the cuts in the L-rings, and are intended to hold the outside and inside rings together at that point, and prevent any tendency on the part of the latter to collapse and let steam under that part of the L-rings. Probably, however, if the packing is properly constructed and adjusted in the first instance, these devices will be unnecessary. In horizontal cylinders the weight of the piston, if properly supported on the set screws and gibs, will accomplish these objects, if the cuts in the L-rings are placed near the bottom side of the cylinder. The steam enters the annular space between the beveled edges of the spider flange and follower and the inner periphery of the overhanging part of the L-rings, and acts only on that part. [Illustration: Fig.3] Patented by Nathan Hunt, Sept. 17, 1867. For further information address the patentee, or Sharps, Davis & Bonsall, Salem, Ohio, who will furnish piston heads to order on receipt of size of cylinder and piston rod. * * * * * Improvement in Hand Drills. There are frequent occasions in a machine shop where light drilling is required on work it is inconvenient to bring to the lathe. For this the Scotch or ratchet drill, if the job is heavy, is employed, and if light, the breast drill. The placing and working of the former consumes considerable time, and the labor of drilling with the breast drill is excessive and exhausting. It is difficult also to hold the instrument so steady as not to cramp and break the drill. The combination of the drill with tongs and a pivoted bed piece, as seen in the engraving, obviates these objections. [Illustration: NEVERGOLD & STACKHOUSE'S TONGS DRILL.]