In Number 43 of this Journal for January, 1862, we gave a description and illustrations of these useful articles, which much facilitate the launching and hauling up of heavy boats and their transport for short distances on the shore.

A great improvement to them has, however, been introduced by engine-turning the axle-bolts, round which the rollers revolve, and the corresponding holes through the rollers; and by making them self-lubricating.

This improvement was made by Mr.

BARNES, of Great Yarmouth, where it has been adopted by the local boatmen.

As boats can be drawn over these rollers by a much less number of men than on the ordinary ones, the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION has adopted them, not only in the roller-skids at its life-boat stations, but in the keelways of its life-boat carriages, to facilitate the operation of launching from them.

IMPROVED LIFE-BOAT ROLLER SKIDS.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THEIR CARE AND USE.

The rollers of these skids are self-lubricating, being cast with a cavity in their centre (a), having a small hole (6) leading to it from the surface. To lubricate them, 'pour about two tablespoonfuls of sweet oil into the hole, and cork it tightly in at (c). The oil will then settle in the lower part of the interior cavity, and when in use, as the roller revolves the oil will be earned round within it, and lubricate the axle-bolt.

The rollers should be examined about every six months, by having the corks withdrawn and some more oil poured in, if that previously there should be found to be exhausted; and at least once annually (at the time of the summer refit), the axlebolts should be withdrawn, examined, and cleaned.

Three skids are supplied with each lifeboat, one of them being fitted so that it can be used as a turntable when required to be so. Where the keelways of the life-boat carriages are fitted with these improved rollers, the above treatment is equally applicable to them.

It will be found that their adoption, both in the portable skids and the carriages, very much lessens the amount of labour in moving heavy boats.