TURNER'S PATENT TENTS.
Without good tents, an army is soon decimated, or worse. The pe- rusal of the disastrous intelligence from the seat of war in the East, show- ing the state of the army during fir, -sinter of 1854 and 1865, first sug- gested to Mr. Turner the idea of effecting improvements in tents and canvass constructions generally; and we have examined the model which is the result of his inventive studies. The principle upon which Mr. Turner has proceeded differs materially from that of Major Rhodes. Tho Major constructs his tents on the curvilinear principle, the roofs being distended by wooden ribs, like those of an umbrella. In Mr. Turner's tents the roof slants directly from the apex to the top of a perpendicular wall of some six feet in height, which surrounds the tent. The tent is secured in its place by means of patent galvanized wire card fitted to the centre pole. These stays or lines lead to the ground, and are secured by lanyards to galvanized iron pegs or dogs screwed into the earth ; and, as may be imagined, the fastening will bear a very great strain. Warming and cooking accommodation is obtained by making the tent pole an iron tube or flue, in one or more 1)4:aces, as may be require& The bottom part of this flue is fitted on to the top of a triangle. On cross bars between the legs of the triangle is planed a stove ; the flue of which joins the centre flue or tent pole. The stove is made to burn any kind of fuel. The saucepans are circular in form, and stand on a plate round the brazier, and when all are in use they completely encircle it, converting it into a close stove.
The covering for the tent is composed of a patent mineralized fabric, or other waterproof material, which resists the action of the cold or heat. Or the ordinary dnek or canvass can be used. The seams of the material are fastened by means of light rivets instead of sewing, which adds greatly to the strength. Ventilation is secured by making an aperture in the covering immediately around the supports or tubes. Over this aperture is placed a hood, which can be raised or lowered at pleasure by small pullies from underneath. The tent is provided with hammocks or cots, which are suspended by struts or rods to the stays and supports. When they are down and in use, the weight tends all to one common centre, and positively adds to the strength and stability of the tent. These hammocks are easily detached from the tents, and form ambulance litters of an excellent description ; the bearers being able to carry their rifles, and use them too if required, without placing their burden on the
Md.
r. Turner claims for his tent, " lightness, increased cubical space and superficial area, thorough ventilation, and perfect stability when pitched." We are informed that the Government intends to make use of Mr. Turner's tents.
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