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This machine, for clearing railway tracks of snow, consists of a wheel carrying radial plates, provided on the ends and forward edges with reversible cutters, to admit of revolving the wheel in either direction. Upon the forward end of a shaft journaled in bearings carried by a flat car, propelled by a locomotive, are mounted a disk and spider having radial arms. The disk and arms are grooved radially to receive plates, which fill the space between the arms and disk. At the outer edge of each plate is pivoted a two-edged cutter. By means of a lever these cutters can be turned so as to bring either edge into position for use. To the front surface of each spider arm is also pivoted a two- edge cutter, either edge of which can be brought into service. The shaft is driven by gearing operated by an engine carried by the car. As the wheel is rotated, the snow taken up by the knives is received into the triangular compartments in the wheel and thrown outward by centrifugal force, the impetus being sufficient to carry it out of the vicinity of the track. Where the track is built on a mountain side, the wheel can be made to revolve so as to project the snow from the open side of the track. This invention has been patented by Mr. L. J. Bergendahl, whose address is lock box 555, Pendleton, Oregon. Petroleum in Denver. While sinking an artesian well on the premises of Ex-Governor Evans, in the heart of Denver, petroleum was struck at a depth of 1,100 feet. Oil men from Pennsylvania are disposed to believe that the prospects are good for an abundant flow. The well will probablybe sunk several hundred feet deeper.
