The preservation of wood is a problem which is attracting increased attention, as year by year diminishes the material supply of timber, and consequently gradually increases its price. Among other methods employed, the impregnation of wood by the vapors of tar, creosote, petroleum, etc., has been tried, and one of the practical difficulties met with has been the obtaining of suitable apparatus for the purpose. [Illustration] The engraving annexed is an invention intended to supply this want. The wood is inclosed, in a tank kept hot by a steam jacket which surrounds it, as shown. A boiler at one end is used to heat the substance with which it is desired to impregnate the wood. An air pump is also employed to remove the steam, generated in the heated timber, and the air from the tank. The pores of the wood being thus rendered vacuous, the hot liquid or vapors from the heating tank readily penetrate the entire substance, and thoroughly impregnate it. This apparatus is the invention of George Pustkuchen, of Hoboken, N. J. * * * * * BOARDMAN'S COMBINED TOOL. This tool, of which our engraving is a good representation, comprises a screw wrench, a pipe wrench, a hammer, a nail claw, a screw-driver, and a bit handle, or socket wrench. The bit handle is the entire tool, the square socket or opening being made in the end of the handle, in which the shanks of bits may be inserted. The screw driver is formed on the end of the screw bar, attached to the outer jaw of the wrench, and is taken out from the hollow of the handle when required for use. The use of the other parts of the tool will be apparent from the engraving. The tool is very compact, and has this advantage over the ordinary screw wrench, that its leverage increases as it is opened to receive nuts of larger size. [Illustration] This invention is protected by two patents, dated respectively, May 30, 1865, and July 10, 1866. For further information address B. Boardman & Co., Norwich, Conn. * * * * * BELT TIGHTENER. [Illustration] This instrument will be found of great service in bringing together the ends of belts, the weight of which is so great that they cannot be held together by the hand while lacing. A strap engages with holes made in the belt, at the back of the holes punched for lacing, the tightening strap being provided with claws or hooks, as shown. A winch axle and ratchet, adjusted in a frame as shown, are then employed to pull the ends of the belt together and hold them firmly till the lacing is completed. This is the invention of T. G. Stansberry, of Medora, Ill. Patented in September, 1867. * * * * * SOME THINGS I DON'T WANT IN THE BUILDING TRADES. I don't want my house put in repair, or rather out of repair, by a master who employs "Jacks of all Trades."