We present herewith a cut of R. D. Wood & Co.’s patent indicator valve post, which shows plainly to every passer-by whether the valve is open or shut. It avoids the delay of hunting for a flush-gate-box hidden under snow or dirt, or the delay of opening a frozen gate-box cover. Turning the spindle screws the tell-tale up or down so proper sign appears at opening or window in head of post. The square spindle slides freely in a square hole extending through the screw. Thus settlement or lifting by frost does not affect tell-tale. There are two tell-tales on opposite sides of the post. Letters are one and one-half inches high, of black enamel, fused on a white ground of porcelain-enamel—very distinct and durable. All the bearings and rubbing surfaces are rust-proof, being bushed with brass. In city streets, the posts can be set at curbstone line, like a hydrant, and thus form no obstruction. A lock-hasp, to seal the valve against tampering, is furnished if desired. This indicator post can be applied to any ordinary make of valve up to 16-inch, and is furnished combined with the valve, or separate, or can be applied to valves already in use. At a recent large fire at Waterbury, Conn., an important water pipe was broken by falling material soon after the commencement of the fire, and that the full supply from the water-works wasted through this break, rendering the city hydrants nearby utterly useless. The break occurred at mid-

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