12 AUGUST 1865, Page 3

Mr. Thomas Walesby declares that Big Ben has never been

repaired since it was cracked. It has only been turned round, and a hammer of 71 cwts. exchanged for a hammer of little more than half that weight. Consequently the sound is a little too much like that of a gong, but Mr. Walesby thinks the mere existence of the bell sufficient proof of his theory that excessive weight is not advis- able in a hammer. If his argument pleases himself, we do not know that anybody will feel much interest in contesting it. Prima facie one would argue that the best hammer was that which made most noise with least damage, but there may be scientific reasons for a contrary opinion.