Knowledge, has had the good effect of causing many to turn their attentions to the improvement of steel in this important quality.

It is well known that an addition of twenty-six per cent, nickel increases the life of steel about three times, but this alloy cannot easily be made into pipe. The first process which has been shown to be effective and commercially practicable in prolonging the life of steel is one adopted over a year ago by the National Tube Company.

Details of the treatment have not yet been made public, but the process is described as a mechanical working or kneading of the metal with the object of removing imperfections, densifying its texture, and lessening the tendency to pit.

According to Professor Howe, pipe made of this grade of steel shows unusually even corrosion, and when immersed in hot salt water loses on the average initial corrosion fifteen per cent, less than wrought-iron.

While the difference in corrosion is not great, it is on the right side, under conditions which all seem to agree are relatively unfavorable to steel as usually made.

Other improvements will doubtless follow, both in the quality of pipe steel and in protective coatings for pipe, so that in the near future there will be available a pipe material that is strong, durable and easy to work.