In one of the old tracts preserved in the library of the London Institution there is a very curious representation of a steam-boat, constructed by an engineer of the name of Hulls. And this individual, now so little known, was undoubtedly the first who applied a steam-engine to the purpose of navigation. To impel a vessel by this means, two paddle wheels, like those used in an under-shot water-wheel, are connected by means of a long axis and crank, with the working beam of the steam-engine; and if this motion is not found sufficiently rapid, a wheel and pinion are added, which, although it _decreases_ the effective power of the engine, yet _increases_ the velocity of the paddle wheels. To illustrate the great advantages possessed by the steam-engine, even in its rudest state, over every other species of prime mover yet enumerated, it may now be advisable to examine its effective force when employed in the working of pumps. It has been found that one hundred weight of coals burned in an engine on the old construction, would raise at least _twenty thousand cubic feet_ of water twenty-four feet high; an engine with a twenty-four inch cylinder doing the work of _seventy four horses_. An engine on Capt. Savery's plan, constructed by Mr. Keir, has been found to raise nearly _three millions_ of pounds of water, and Mr. Watt's engine, upwards of _thirty millions_ of pounds the same height. To the mining interests this valuable present of science to the arts has been peculiarly acceptable; as a large portion of our now most productive mineral districts must long ere this have been abandoned, had not the steam-engine been employed as an active auxiliary in those stupendous works. In the draining of fens and marsh lands, this machine is in the highest degree valuable; and in England, particularly, it might be rendered still more generally useful. In practice it has been ascertained that an engine of six-horse power will drain more than eight thousand acres, raising the water six feet in height; whilst the cost of an engine for this species of work, including the pumps, will not exceed seven hundred pounds. This is more than ten windmills could perform, at an annual expenditure of several hundred pounds; while, in the former case, the outgoings will not exceed one hundred and fifty pounds per annum. To the mariner also, the steam-engine offers advantages of a no less important and novel nature than those which have already been described. By its use he is enabled to traverse the waters both against wind and tide, with nearly as much certainty, and, as the machinery is now constructed, with much less danger, than by the most eligible road conveyance. It too frequently, however, happens that the faults of any new invention are unjustly magnified, while its real advantages are seldom duly appreciated; and this axiom has been fully verified, in the clamour so unjustly raised against the application of the steam-engine to nautical purposes. Accidents are