FLOATS. (1) In angling, the quill or cork from which the bait line is suspended, and whose motion indicates the bite of a fish. (2) An inflated bag or pillow to sustain a person in the water. (3) The small piece of ivory on the surface of the mercury in the basin of a barom eter. (4) The hollow, metallic ball of a self acting faucet, which floats on the water in the cistern or boiler. (5) A raft, or collection of timber fastened together for conveyance down a river. (6) In hydraulic engineering, one of the boards or paddles attached to the radial arms of 'a paddle wheel or water wheel. (7) In machinery, a single-cut file, or one in which the teeth are parallel and unbroken by a second row, of crossing teeth. The usual horizontal obliquity of the teeth relatively to the central One of files is 55 degrees, but single-cut files are much less inclined, ,and the teeth of floats are sometimes square across the face of the file. (8) In plastering, a plasterer's trowel used in spreading or floating the plaster on to a wall or other surface. The long-float is of such a length as to require two men to use it. The hand-float is that in ordinary use. The quick
float is used in finishing moldings. An angle float is shaped to fit the angle formed by the walls of a room. (91 In masonry, a polishing block used in marble working; a runner. (10) In shoe making the serrated plate used by shoe makers for rasping off the ends of the pegs inside the bout ur shoe. (11) In tempering, a contrivance for affording a copious stream of water to the heated steel surface of an object of large bulk, such as an anvil or die in the process of tempering. The rapid production of steam prevents the constant contact of cold water when the object is merely dipped, as a body of steam intervenes. The dashing stream of water constantly exposes a new body of water to the hot surface and makes the harden ing more complete. (12) Theatrical: A stage name for the footlights, .derived from the use of a row of oil-pans, with floating wicks, along the stage front, previous to the invention of gas. (13) A trench for navigation. (14) A notice of intention to occupy lands in tracts of the. United States newly opened for settle ment.