Messrs. David H. Seymour and Henry R. A. Boys, of Barrie, Ontario, Canada, have patented an improvement in that class of devices that are designed to be applied to steam cylinders for introducing oil or tallow into the cylinder and upon the cylinder valves. It consists of an oil cup provided with a gas escape, a scum breaker, an interior gauge, and an adjustable feed pipe extension. Mr. John H. Conrad, of Charlotte, Mich., has patented a portable sliding gate which will dispense with hinges and which can be used in any width of opening. It may be readily connected with a temporary opening or gap made in the fence. An improved reversible pole and shaft for vehicles has been patented by Mr. Francis M. Heuett, of Jug Tavern, Ga. The object of this invention is to so combine the parts of shafts for vehicles that they may be readily transposed and re-employed to form the tongue without removing the thill arms or hounds from the Mr. William Jones, of Kalamazoo, Mich., has patented an improved box which is useful for various purposes, but is particularly intended for shipping fourth class mail matter. The feature of special novelty is the means of fastening the hinged cover. Mr. Louis J. Halbert, of Brooklyn, N. Y., has patented an improved slate cleaner, which is simple, convenient, and effective. An improved boot, which is simple in its make, fits well, and is convenient to put on and take off, has been patented by Ellene A. Bailey, of St. Charles, Mo. The boot is provided with side seams, one of which is open at its lower end, and is provided with lacing, buttons, or a like device, so that it can be closed when the boot is on the wearer's foot. * * * * * THE HERCULES BEETLE. In the handsome engraving herewith are shown the male and female of the Hercules beetle (_Dynastes hercules_) of Brazil. The family of the _Dynastidae_ comprises some of the largest and most beautiful of the beetle race, and all of them are remarkable for enormous developments of the thorax and head. They are all large bodied and stout limbed, and by their great strength abundantly justify their generic name, _Dynastes_, which is from the Greek and signifies powerful. The larvae of these beetles inhabit and feed upon decaying trees and other rotting vegetable matter, and correspond in size with the mature insects. Most of them inhabit tropical regions, where they perform a valuable service in hastening the destruction of dead or fallen timber.