The prize offer in the December number produced such a large number of articles that the judges have been able to make only the awards for the first two prizes, as follows:

First prize, Elmer C. Hutchinson, Philadelphia, Pa.

Second prize, H. K. Carruthers, Otawa, Ont.

The third prize will be announced in the next number. The article by Mr. Hutchinson, "A Combined Circular Saw and Boring Machine," was published in the January number. The one by Mr. Carruthers, "A Water Motor," will appear in the March number. Other interesting articles received in this competition will be published in early issues.

Owing to the very successful results from this plan of obtaining articles of interest, we are now arranging for similar competitions, but shall allow a longer time for preparation, as several competitors have advised us that the previous offer did not allow enough time to enable the writers to prepare articles requiring considerable drawing and taking off of dimensions, and that some of the articles sent in could not have been finished in time, had they not been in preparation before the offer. In anticipation of subsequent offers, readers having any machine or device which they think would be likely to be of interest, will find it advisable to get the descriptions and drawings in hand, so that when an offer is made the preparation of an article can be given the necessary attention so that it will be complete in both a literary and mechanical way.

It is not customary for us to refer to our advertisements in this column, but owing to the character of the one received from the General Electric Co., West Lynn, Mass., and its importance to many of the younger readers of this magazine, we do so for the purpose of emphasizing the exceptional opportunity offered to young men desiring to learn a trade. A personal visit by the editor of this magazine to the works of this company, shows that the company have provided a most complete equipment of tools, and well selected class of work for those entering their employ. In addition, a school is maintained, with regular instruction periods, the instruction being given by practical mechanics who have shown special fitness for that work. Especially noticeable was the intelligent and gentlemanly character of the young men at work, ensuring proper and agreeable companionship to anyone joining their ranks. Our purpose in mentioning this matter in this was is that those at a distance, who have not the opportunity of personal investigation, may rest assured that everything connected with the learning of a trade will be found entirely satisfactory. We hope to publish in an early issue a full illustrated description of the system, which we are sure will interest a large number of our readers. Those who have the matter of learning a trade under consideration, but have hesitated because of lack of knowledge of a suitable place, should obtain further information by applying to the company.

Anyone scanning the Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office will find much interesting information, which is not quite submerged beneath queer spelling and rudimentary grammar, says the "Mining Press." This record of the inventive minds of the country is eloquent of the multifarious channels into which its energies are directed. Apparently drinking is an important function of our people, for the non-refillable bottle is the elusive goal of so many ingenious people and next to it comes its complement the bottle-stopper. The importance of railroad operations is reflected on the pages of the Gazette, for nut-locks, automatic switches, car-couplings, and signaling apparatus are invented every month. The farmer is in the mind of the inventors who take out patents for disc-harrows and self-closing gates. While the art of printing and the multiplication of writings has progressed rapidly, there is hope of further advance, for printing devices and typewriting machines are commonly found among the new patents. Toys bespeak a love for the little ones and it is satisfactory to observe that the amusement of children should be regarded as a profitable business. Finally, the childlike in man is expressed in the many garment supporters, clothes-presses, and hat-hangers which are designed each month. It argues at least a regard for neatness, to which cleanliness is allied, and a growth of taste in one of the small, but salient features, of the manner of living usually termed civilization.