An improved finger ring has been patented by Mr. David Untermeyer, of New York city. The object of this invention is to furnish finger rings so constructed that they can be opened out to represent serpents, and which, when being worn, will give no indication of being anything more than rings. An improved heel skate-fastener has been patented by Mr. Elijah S. Coon, of Watertown, N.Y. This invention consists, essentially, of a screw threaded hollow plug or thimble, a dirt plate for covering the opening in the plug, and a spring for holding the dirt plate in place. This fastener possesses several advantages over one that is permanently attached to the heel. Being cylindrical, it is more easily connected, because the hole for its reception can be made with a common auger or bit without the necessity for lasting the boot or shoe or using a knife or chisel. Being screw threaded it can be readily screwed into place with a common screwdriver; this also enables it to be screwed either in or out, in order to make it fit the heel key. The screw thread permits of screwing it in beyond the surface of the heel, so as to prevent it from wearing out by the ordinary wearing of the shoe. An improved velocipede has been patented by Messrs. Charles E. Tripler and William H. Roff, of New York city. The object of this invention is to obtain a more advantageous application of the propelling power than the ordinary cranks, to avoid the noise of pawls and ratchets, and to guard the velocipedes against being overturned should one of the rear wheels pass over an obstruction. Mr. Philip H. Pax on, of Camden, N. J., has patented a machine that will cut lozenges in a perfect manner, and will not be clogged by the gum and sugar of the lozenge dough. Mr. John H. Robertson, of New York city, has patented an improved mat, which consists of longitudinal metal bars provided with alternate mortised and tenoned ends, and composed of series of sockets united by webs and of wooden transverse rods entered through said sockets and held therein by vertical pins. Mr. Charles F. Clapp, of Ripon, Wis, has patented a novel arrangement of a desk attachment for trunks. The desk and tray may be lifted from the trunk when the desk is either raised or lowered. A combined scraper, chopper, and dirter has been patented by Messrs. Francis A. Hall and Nathaniel B. Milton, of Monroe, La. The object of this invention is to furnish an implement so constructed as to bar off a row of plants, chop the plants to a stand, and dirt the plants at one passage along the row, and which shall be simple, convenient, and reliable. Mr. Hermann H. Cammann, of New York city, has patented a basket so constructed that it can be compactly folded for transportation or storage.