Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
6 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau
6 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
NATURAL HISTORY NOTES.
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NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. « WHAT A JUMP! A flea can jump over a barrier 500 times his own height. At that rate a man could 11 jump over a wall nearly a mile high. EIG CATERPILLARS. Caterpillars from ten to twelve inches long are said to be not uncommon in Australia, while species which vary in length from six to eight inches are stated to be numerous. THE BUTTERFLY. The butterfly does not eat, it has no mouth, but simply a curled up proboscis suited only for sipping liquid sweets; its two eyes, very large for the size of the insect, are composed of at least twenty thousand convex lenses, each supposed to be a distinct and effective eye THEY "hLJJ NOT TOUCH CASTOR OIL. No sort of bird, beast, or creeping thing will touch a castor oil plant. It seems to be a rank poison to all the animal world. Even a goat wiil starve before biting off a leaf, and a horse will sniff at it and turn up his upper lip as though it bad the most detestable odour on the face of the earth. Army worms and the locusts will pass it by, though they may eat every other green thing in sight, and there is no surer way to drive moles away from a lawn than to plant a few castor oil beans here and there. Even the tobacco worm will refuse to be fed on its leaves. There is hardly another instance in natural history of a plant being so universally detested by the animal world. THE HORSE AND ITS TEETH. At five years of age a horse has 40 teeth- 24 molar or jaw teeth twelve incisors, or front teeth; and four tusks, or canine teeth,: between the molars and incisors, but usually wanting in the mare. At birth only the two nippers, or middle incisors, appear, and when a year old the incisors are all visible of the first or milk set. Before reaching the third year the permanent nippers have come through; a year later the permanent dividers, next to the nippers, are out. A t I five the mouth is perfeot, the second set of teeth having been completed. At six the hollow under the nippers called the "mark" has disappeared from them and diminished in the dividers, and at seven the mark has dis- appeared from the dividers, and the next teeth, or corners, are level, though showing the mark; at eight the mark disappears alio- i gether. SPIDERS' THREADS. Three kinds of thread are spun by spiders. One is of great strength, of the radiating or 11 spoke lines of the web. The cross lines, or what a sailor might call the ratlines, are finer and are tenacious-that is, they have upon them little specks or globules of a very sticky gum. These specks are put on with even I interspaces. They are set quite thickly along the line, and are what, in the first instance, catch and bold the legs or wings of a fly. Once caught in this fashion, the prey is held secure by threads flung over it somewhat in the manner of a lasso. The third kind of silk is that which the spider throws out in a mass of flood, by which it suddenly envelopes any prey of which it is somewhat afraid, as, for example, ft wasp. A scientific experi- menter once drew out from the body of a single spider 3,480 yards of thread or spider silk-a length little short of two miles. THE STUPIDITY OF SHEEP. An experienced sheep-raiser affirms that no animal who walks on four legs is as big a fool as a sheep. We have to watch them every minute, and if vigilance is relaxed for an instant the entire flock is likely to practically commit suioide. If caught in a storm on the plains they will drift before the wind and di of cold and exposure rather than move one hundred yards to windward, to obtain shelter in their oorral. To drive sheep against the wind is absolutely impos- sible. I onoe lost over one thousand head because I could not drive them to a corral not 200ft. away. In the corral they are still more foolish. If a storm comes up they all move down wind until stopped by the fence. Then begins the proceeding, so much dreaded by sheepmen, known a& I piling.' The sheep will climb over each other's backs until they are heaped up 10ft. high. Of oourse, all those at the bottom are smothered. Not one has sense enough to seek shelter under the lee of the fence, as a horse or a dog would do. Again, if a sheep gets into a quicksand, its fate teaohes nothing to those that come immediately after, but the whole flock will follow ita leader to destruction. No more exasperatingly atupid brute than a sheep exists." THE RIVAL IN THE MIRROR, Who has not laughed to see a cat face her- self in the mirror ? Miss Puss puts her back up, ruffles her fur, may be spits a little, but always in the end gives up the problem as beneath her contempt, and goes to sleep. Not so the monkey. His ire may not be so great, but his curiosity is not thus easily satisfied. At a zoological garden recently a gentleman passed into the monkey house a live oent mirror, with a tinfoil back. lit was seized by a long-tailed monkey with ecru points and Watteau plaits around his ears. Immediately he looked in he got mad. It was the first time he had ever seen himself, and he did not oatch on. The presumed rival was so handsome that he was seized with a pang of jealousy, and he went on a still hunt. Holding the glass very still, he suddenly jerked it down and looked—no rival in sight. Then he ducked his head, but the rival ducked, too. lie grew cunning, and peeped in slyly; it was of no avail. He put up his paw, scratched his head, and then tried to grab hia lordship from behind the glass. No game. He now put the glass on the floor, but there was the rival as large as life. He pointed his finger, so did the other, and that raised his temper to the danger pitch. If he grinned, frowned, or chattered, the other did the same. Ah now he had it. That monkey must be between the tinfoil and the glass. He picked at it as it rested against its breast. That fetched him. The monkey showed up with a gash straight across his nose. Another The pit of his stomach was gone. All four fingers at onoe. The monkey was riddled and the victory was won. The ecru monkey was happy once more, and almost wept with joy as he hung from his perch by his lovely blue tail. DEADLY TARANTULAS. It is a fact not generally known that there are two varieties of tarantulas in Arizona and New Mexico, This probably accounts for the conflicting reports about the deadly nature of the tarantula poison. The so-called Texas tarantula is by no means an agreeable bed- fellow, but his bite is by no means fatal. The venomous Texan tarantula, in spite of all dis- cussions to the contrary, does build and live in the trapdoor spider nest. There seems to be a current idea that the trapdoor spider is harmless, which is certainly erroneous. It uses no web net, easily capturing its prey by extraordinary springs. Those who have seen this araohnulan by daylight can have little jdea of its power and fleetness. During the jay it moves slowly and clumsily in the daz- light, but ivheri darkness comes it can move with case and oertaiaty. Credible acoouats have appeared stating that the tarantula can ¡ leap 16ft., says the Ilorence Companion. Re- peated statements have credited it with leaps of 3ft. or more. In 1870, or near that date, three men disturbed several tarantula nes ts near San Diego. They were immediately at- tacked by the huge spiders and had to run for their lives, taking refuge in the water of the bay. On the other band, the poison of the Mygale species is of a fearful nature—more dreaded than that of a rattlesnake—and unless only slightly scratched, and heroic measures used, the result is fatal. Many deaths are on re- cord caused by these spiders, The most pro- longed suffering was that of a San Diego woman. A tarantula sunk its fangs in her hand during the night. The flesh was cut away with a razor, and medical assistance summoned at once. Her life was prolonged for a time, as well as her suffer- ings. For three months she lingered under the effects, her hands constantly creeping and crawling along the bedding in horrible imita- tion of the motions of the tarautula. The Mygale sometimes spreads over six inches square, but more frequently four or five inches. The writer has at the present time a stuffed specimen that extends about six inches and a half. A shaggy coat of hair covers the surface of the great spider. It is supplied with six strong, bony legs and two dangerous pedipalps or strikers, each armed with a sharp sting and poison sac. The strikers are frequently mistaken for two front legs, and from this arises the idea thit the creature has stings on its feet. Two powerful projections, resembling j-ws, protrude from the head. Under each of these is a curved poison fang, similar to a cat's claw, but longer (exactly like those of a rattlesnake), which may be lifted, ex- tended, and hooked into the victim. person thus stung (or bitten?) must cut the tarantula away at once, for the spider does not seem willing to uuhook its fangs. Tarantulas are considered deadly foes to each other, and are seldum found in company. When imprisoned together there is a tight, one succumbs and is eaten by the victor. Nature has done a service in making the tarantula so hideous and formidable a looking object. Indeed, it is owing to this repulsive- ness that no greater number of persons are stung. The sight of the great hairy spider crawling near by will cause a cold, creeping sensation down the back of almost any one. j he deadly foe of Mr. Tarantula is the tarantula hawic. These giant blue wasps, with their fiery wings, are deadly foes to the tarantula, and should be encouraged in every locality. They seem never to rest for a moment, and with tireless energy fly and walk rapidly along the ground, running into every crevice and hole, and examining every suspicious object, after the tarantula. The fate of the great spider when dis- covered by the hawk is certain, and attended with fascinating horror. The winged insect hovers over the victim until it finds a good opportunity to sting. The poison acts in a peculiar manner, the tarantula becoming paralysed. In this state the eggs of the hawk are laid in the spider, who remains alive to be slowly de- voured by the hungry larvte.
THE SEARCH FOR THE NORTH !POLE,
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THE SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE, • Another New Proposition. Mr. H. Ekroll, a countryman of Frithjoff Hansen (who will enter upca a journey to the Pole next year), has conceived a new plan of reaching tbe Nottb Pole, and has published a pamphlet in order to explain it. The vehicle invented by Ekroll con- sists of a number of sledges so constructed Hat they may at any time, and with very little trouble, bo fastened together to make a btrge boat. The boat wrl bo used for making progress thougli,Lle open channels among that Polar ice, and, when detached, the sledges will be dragged over the ice itself. It is intended that the pledges shall be drawn by specially-trained dogs. The expedition is to consist of the smalkst po^bla number of men—say six—and the largest posAie number of dogs; the quantity of provisions To be carried will thereby Le lessoned, and the progress over the ico will be all the faster. The travelling speed will also be further increased by the peculiar con- stiuction of the slodges aud by the snow-elioes which will be worn by tbe men. This mode of procedure, which can be altered according to cir- cumstances-now by boat and now by ltJdges- will render the expedition, to a certain extent, in- dependent of wind and weather. A freer choice of route is also offered to the expedition, and the shortest way may be taken. Mr. Ekrull considers that the eastern coast of Spitzbergen—say Cape Mohn-will be the most advantageous point of departure, to which spot all the equipments and provisions necessary for the expedition car. be carried by ship. Froca this point he proposes to set out on liis journey in the year 1893. Instead, however, of making direct. for the Pole, Mr. Ekroll will fi.-st direct his steps to Petermanntland, in order to avoid being carried away by the drift-ice floating in a southerly or south-westerly direction. In a northerly direction from Petermannsland he hopea to And continuous ice-CLeldsp and from thence he will make for the Pole in as direct a line as possible. Should any misfortune befall the expedition, or if beyond Peter- mannsland tho southerly or westerly drift of the ice should prove too strong, the way back to Spitzbergen will remain open, where a reserve of necessaries will be stored; and, if cir- cumstances should be favourable, Ekroll will, after reaching the most northerly point possible, make his way to Greenland, and try to reach either the eastern or western coast, whtr, also, a stock of provisions for wintering there will be waiting for him. Professor Supa.n has an article in Peter- Kiann's Mittheilungen discussing this plan of Mr. Kkroli's. He estimates the whole distance to be travelled by the expedition at 2,480 kilometres. At the average rate of eleven kil imelros per day, therefore, the journey would, undpr favourable circumstances, be accomplished in 225 days.
""""'f-NEW MEN AND WOMEN,
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"f- NEW MEN AND WOMEN, Ir is only tiiose who haya suffered for 1; ng years, and have felt, that life has lecorr.e a burden to them, that can fu!ly apprecia'e the rtturn of good healtii and spirits. Gratefulness prompts them to send iu their thanks, in ono form or another; and it is from these tastiuuoiiia's that SEQUAH (LIMITKD) give the public the oppoituni y of judging as to the merits of their MARVELLOUS PREPARATIONS, which have a larger sale than any other Patent Medicine. AGNES TRANTER, 38, Holtord-jtreet, Livel pool, writes:—" I beg to testify to the healing qualities of your SEQUAH'S OIL and PRAIPIP FLOWKR. I havo been a sufferer from Liver Com- plitii,t tnd piiins in my back for the last five years; aud, hearing from my husband that your medicine bad done a great amount of good, I determined to give the same a trial. I commenced to take your PRAIRIE FLOWKB some six weeks back, as directed, and am pleased to say that I ferl myself quite A NEW MADE WOMAN, being completely free from pain. I may mention that I havs spent many pounds on medicine and doctors, who crnld not effect the cure your Medici no and Oil have doue me. You may make what use you think proper of this." W. HOOPER, Claremont Villa, St. John's-road, Hyde, writesHaving for many years suffered from Iudigestion, and tried all sorts of medicines to effect a cure, but without effect, I was induced to try your PITAIRIE FLOWER, which I am happy to say, has effected a com- plete cure, only one bottle being used. I think the most sceptical must now admIt the superiority of your Remedies over all others, as they effect a rapid and permanent care." SEQUAH'S PRAIRIE FLOWER is the best remedy for Indigestion, Dropsy, and Kidney Complaints SEQUAH'S OIL is the best liniment and embrocation and SEQUAH'S INSTANT RELIEF is the best P'liu-killer. So'd every- where. LC839
Advertising
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FOR a sustaining, comforting, an.) i.ouxisbing 1 beverage, drink (".PI/VRY's COCOA. It ii ABSOLUTELY pure. Lc5 I A SKIN DISEASE 25 YEARS CUILIIEIL A. SKIN DISEASE 25 YEAlS CURED SKIN DISEASE 25 YEARS CURED '%ry i,e lias b.-en a sufTerer from a ?kin diseasa ever since she was i.bout eight years old, and he* age ia now thirty-three. In spite of all the advic« of many eminent physicians, L !i of pi ivat# consultations and at tho Oily itals. and hec father having spent many ponn i in advice antl medicines, she has ntver'had an;, relief from i& until list year, through the use ol \ei;r CirncuBA KBUKDIES. Her bojy, arms, K and fac< were literally covered at tha roach of cold weather with a kind of scab, in resenM bling a severe burn, and would itch frightfully, the hands and wrists would irutk with deeff furrows, and none of t;ie doctors consulted coala give it a name or a remedy. I assure you I did no believe in patent medicines at ali. and refused t4 try yours or any other until a coiMin of my wife^ who was similarly ifliated, trisd the CUTlCt: nKMltDIKS, and the cure of her seem d so very plain that I concluded to try them. Iprgi cured the COTICURA, CUTICUR.1 So: f aud Cl'TlCUtLt EESOLYEST, and am now more thaI. thankful, botll for the comfort of my wife and <1,'SJ for her appearance, to say that the fCiibs d; rightawayi- even during the continuance of th c ild weather.^ This occurred in the winter at Ltat y r.r. but I would, not be satisfied until this ",ir,t: ,¡,ne, to assure myself thgit she was entirely cun- and yet this winter not a sign of the wret, diease has appeared after, say, twenty-four obstinate visitation; and this was obtained by one tnx of CUTICURA. two cakes of CuTieuRA SOAP, and one bottle CUTICURA. KESOLVENT. My wife's complexion and that of her cousin are now most wonderfully improved. ALFRED MILLER, 33, Aieher-street, Westbuurne-grove. BY TIIE CUTICURA REMEDIES BY THE CUTICURA REMEDIES BY THE CUTICURA REMEDIES Every disease of the blood, skin, and scalp, fro% infancy to age, whether itching, burn;ns, bleeding, scaly, crusted, pimply, blotchy, or scrr.fulous, wiitt loss of hair, is speedily, permanently, and economi- cally cured by CUTICURA KKIIEDIKS, consisting of CUTICURA, the great, skin cure, CUTICURA SOAP, an exquisite skin beautifier, and CUTICURA llXSOLVKNT, the greatest of humour remedies, when physicians and Ilospi: als fail. Sold by all chemists. Piice CenCi 2s. 3d. KESOLVEXT. 4s. 6i; *OAP, 1; or i set, post free, for 7s. 9d., of F. NEWBERY Soss, 1, King Edward-street, Nawgate-stiv London, B.C., depdt for Potter Drug and Ciiomical Cor- poration. Send for How to Cure Sitiri and Blood Diseases," 64 p;iges, fully illustrat. <1. PIMPLES, blotches, blackheads, i> i, rough, chapped, aud oily skin prevented NV CUTICURA iOap. LS.02-3 c OLII,A-IANys J^IEBIG'S TRACT OF iEAT AND ^JAl/r -yiflNE,, Or WINCARNIS" (New Name Registered to Prevent Fraudulent Imita- tions), Is a delicious Beverage and Tonic made from Port Wine. Liebig's Extract of Meat and Extract of Malt; Nutri- tious, Strengthening, Stimulating, Flesh-forming, and Health-restoring; suitable for the Robuat in Health as well as the Invalid. STRONGLY llECOMMENDEDBY TIlE MEDICAL FACULTY, Important Unsolicited Testimonial from T. RRGLXALD JOXES, M.R.C S., L.L M., K.Q.C.P.I., IC. OVER ONE THOUSAND Have been received from Medical Men. 26, LORXK-HOAD, HAXILTOt-SQUARE. BIRKKJTHKAD, 21st September, 1883. GHXTtHMfiN,—I desire in view of certain statement made by another Firm to express to you how highly pleased I am with your preparation of Meat and Wine. I have over andover again witnessed its effects with my patients, for whom I always order it. In many cases it has acted like a charm.and in a way that ordinary Wine (I mean Wine without Meat) could not do. Not only so, but I use it myself when I feel low or wearied by over work, and I never knew it fail. I remain, gentlemen, yours sincerely, T. REGINALD JONES, M.R.C.8..L.L.M., K Q.C.P.I,, Ac. Sol.1 by all Druggists, Wine Merchants, and Patent Medicine Vendors iu the United Kingdom, in Bottles Is., 29. 9d., and 4s. 6d. each. Ask for COLEHAX'S LIEBIG'S EXTRACT OF MEAT AND MALT WISE, or WINCARNlt: and see that you get it. If there is any difficulty in getting the Wine writ direct to the manufacturers, who will forward Sample Pint Bottle Free by Post on receipt of 33 stamps. Dozen "Hail 30s. Sole Manufacturers, COLEMAN AND CO. (Limited), St. Gtorge's, Norwich A" 3, NEW LONDON-STREET, LONDON. E.C. Sole Proprietors of OSMAZONthe New Beef Tea sold in bottles by Grocers and Chemists everywhere LC51 ITY.,L0*4)VPI *VON WAW; sm COEOSSAL ^yATCU AND JEWELLERY I^STABLIS HM ENT, 8, NEW BRIDGE-STREET, LUDGATE CIRCUS, LONDON, E.G. W11ERK 50,000 WATCHES ARE ALWAYS KEPT IN STOCK. AND OVER 2EQ VARIETIES SUITABLE FO WATCHES! WATCHES! WA', KNGLLStf, AMERICAN, and SWU- WONDEBFUL VALUE. HENRY E. PECK, 8, New Bridge-street, Ludgate-circus, London, E.C.. opposite Chatham aud Dover Railway Station, will supply, on receipt of Post-office Order for the amount* specified below, securely packed, and by return of post, registered, eithet of the following Watches All Post-office Otders to be made payable to H, TZy PBCK, Ludgate.-ciicus Post-office, London, E.C. Superior, OWN MAKE, Hall-marked, Solid Si'vee Lever casts, weighing 2oz., and the finest workmanship ever put into a watch; jewelled movements, Ac., Acj Strongest and Best English Lever ever offered, with fiv* years' warranty, and one week's free trial, £ 3 12s. 6d. Patent Lever J Plate, Chronometer Balance; jewelled in 15 actions; Sterling Silver Cases, £ 2 2s. Od, LTdie»l or Gent's. WORTH DOUBLE. A Handsome Ladies' or Gent's | Plate Watch 8 hoicS jewelled; of best finish; Hall-marked, Silver Case#: hard White Enamel Dial; Gold or Steel Hands. L&diest Watch, with ;beautiful Engraved Cases, White or Fanc^ Dial, as preferred, with three years' warranty and on« week's free trial, and WILL LAST A LIFETIME* £ 1 lCs. 0.1. MONEY CHEERFULLY. RETURNED IF NOT APPROVED WITH EACH OF THE ABOVE WATCtfES. ABSOLUTELY FHBE, we give a Coupon entitling purchaser to £ 200 it they meet with death through 4 Railway Accident, or £ i per week for si* weeks it disabled whilst travelling as au ordinary passenger, effected with the STANDARD ACCIDENT INSURANCH CO., 42, Poultry, Cheapside, London, E.C. S. D. Waddy, Esq., Q.C., M.P., Chairman. We are now supplying 300 Coupons daily to pur« Chasers of our Watche!. Each coupon is available for 12 months from date of purchase. COEOSSAL ^yATCU AND JEWELLERY I^STABLIS HM ENT, 8, NEW BRIDGE-STREET, LUDGATE CIRCUS, LONDON, E.G. W11ERK 50,000 WATCHES ARE ALWAYS KEPT IN STOCK. AND OVER 2EQ VARIETIES SUITABLE FO WATCHES! WATCHES! WA', KNGLLStf, AMERICAN, and SWU- WONDEBFUL VALUE. HENRY E. PECK, 8, New Bridge-street, Ludgate-circus, London, E.C.. opposite Chatham aud Dover Railway Station, will supply, on receipt of Post-office Order for the amount* specified below, securely packed, and by return of post, registered, eithet of the following Watches All Post-office Otders to be made payable to H, TZy PBCK, Ludgate.-ciicus Post-office, London, E.C. Superior, OWN MAKE, Hall-marked, Solid Si'vee Lever casts, weighing 2oz., and the finest workmanship ever put into a watch; jewelled movements, Ac., Acj Strongest and Best English Lever ever offered, with fiv* years' warranty, and one week's free trial, £ 3 12s. 6d. Patent Lever J Plate, Chronometer Balance; jewelled in 15 actions; Sterling Silver Cases, £ 2 2s. Od, LTdie»l or Gent's. WORTH DOUBLE. A Handsome Ladies' or Gent's | Plate Watch 8 hoicS jewelled; of best finish; Hall-marked, Silver Case#: hard White Enamel Dial; Gold or Steel Hands. L&diest Watch, with ;beautiful Engraved Cases, White or Fanc^ Dial, as preferred, with three years' warranty and on« week's free trial, and WILL LAST A LIFETIME* £ 1 lCs. 0.1. MONEY CHEERFULLY. RETURNED IF NOT APPROVED WITH EACH OF THE ABOVE WATCtfES. ABSOLUTELY FHBE, we give a Coupon entitling purchaser to £ 200 it they meet with death through 4 Railway Accident, or £ i per week for si* weeks it disabled whilst travelling as au ordinary passenger, effected with the STANDARD ACCIDENT INSURANCH CO., 42, Poultry, Cheapside, London, E.C. S. D. Waddy, Esq., Q.C., M.P., Chairman. We are now supplying 300 Coupons daily to pur« Chasers of our Watches. Each coupon is available for 12 months from date of purchase. FREE TO ALL. THE CITY < F LONDON WATCIT CLUB COMPANY. CLUB DEPARTMENT. AGENTS WANTED KYEKYWHERE. In every Factory, Workshop, Po?t-office, Mine, <fcc.. in Great Britain and Ireland where 50 employed, Wanted, a RELIABLE and JSKBBGBUUj-. PEKSON taintroduce a Watch, <fcc., Club tor ike C.ty of London Watch Club Co., thus securing members accurate Watchea and ustful an Responsible persons cin have by post oar 1.0C0 illustrations. Please my where employed an<J number of hands. Address IJENIiY E. PECK, MANAGER, No. P, NEW JBKIDOE-STRBET, LCD GATE-CI KG CIS[ LONDON B.C. (Two Minutes' Walk from St. Paul« CUheiVM.) j .j Mention LC87G ■* KflhP.vA^r'>C«RED by COLMAN's Concert rat«SL SlusxArr .1{¡,.1 y all nnd?$ £ Hottie. L5
GENERAL INFORMATION,
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GENERAL INFORMATION, PATENT-LEATHER BOOTS. Patent-leather boots are test cleaned with thi9 prevents their cracking, and Seeps them bright. CURE FOR CREAKING HINGES. A remedy for creaking hinges is mutton J&llow rubbed on the joint. A great many locks that refuse to do their work are simply rusted, and will be all right if carefully oiled. WHAT IS A "CARAT"? In speaking of gold a carat is simply the twenty-fourth part of any particular mass of it, and does not denominate any fixed weight. Thus, 22-carat gold consists of 22 parts of Pure gold and 2 parts of other metals; 18-carat gold consists of 18 parts of pure gold and C parts of other metals-an alloy of 25 Per cent. The value of gold varies slightly. Pure gold is at present worth t4 4s. Illd. 2 Per ounce and 22-carat gold JE3 17s. lO}l. per ounce. A SIMPLE TEST FOB DIAMONDS, It has long been known that certain d7larlionds not only exhibit phosphorescence When warmed in the hand or rubbed, but also lyben exposed for a time in a bright light. Mr. G. F. Kunz, an American man of science, haa, moreover, shown quite recently that all diamonds emit light after being rubbed on Wood, cloth, or metal. As paste diamonds Ittid other clear, hard stones do not behave in this way, the fact becomes a test for the true gem, which can be applied by the tyro. Emeralds also give out light under friction.— Cassells Magazine. A PASTE THAT WILL STICK ANYTHING, A paste which will stick anything is said by Professor VVinchell to be made as follows: Take of clear gum arabic 2oz., fine starch Hoz., and white sugar foz. Dissolve the gum 1 2 arabic in as much water as the laundress Would use for the quantity of starch indi- cated. Mix the starch and sugar with the raucilage; then cook the mixture in a vessel suspended iu boiling water until the staroh becomes clear. The cement should be as thick as tar and kept so. It can be kept clear and from spoiling by the addition of oamphor or a little oil of cloves. ENGLISH WORDS WITHOUT RHYME. The number of English words which have no rhyme in the language is very large. Of the words in Walker's Rhyming Dic- tionary," 5,000 or 6,000 at least are without rhymes, and consequently can be employed at the end of the verse only by transporting the accent, coupling them with an imperfeot consonance, or constructing an artifioial rhyme out of two words. Among other words to which there are no rhymes may be Mentioned month, silver, liquid, spirit, chim- ney, warmth, gulf, sylph, musio, breadth, width, depth, honour, iron, echo. MAKE YOUR OWN LUMINOUS PAINT. In order to make luminous paint, oyster shells should be washed and cleaned well in Warm water, and put into a fire for half an "Our and then taken out. When quite cool, Pound them fine, taking away the grey parts, as they are no use, put the powder into a crucible in alternate layers with flowers of sulphur, put on the lid, seal up with a paste of sand and beer when dry, plaoe on the fire, and bake for an hour: when cold, take off the cover separate all grey parts; mix into a thin paint with fine varnish, Previous to applying, the article to be painted to have two coats of white lead and turpentine, to form a body ground for the luminant. SIMILARITY OF PROVERBS. Examples of ideas which seem to be indi- jt^uous to all countries occur to the mind in "fcwildering redundancy. lt One swallow does make a spring," we find alike in English, Grerman, and Russian. Jn the sunny South it takes the form, One flower does not make a garland." In Italy we find, "He who grasps all less gets in France, He who embraces too much binds badly"; and in our own country, Grasp all, lose all." Our Birds of a feather flock together is represented by the Italian Every tke covers its like," the Greek A comrade loves a comrade," the French Qui se rassemble, s'assemble." Plato declared more than 2,000 years ago that A beginning is half of all," and be has found an echo in our What's begun is half done," and In the Italian Who commences well is at the half of the task.
I NATIONAL ODDITIES. .¡
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Rhannu
NATIONAL ODDITIES. Peculiar Characteristics of the World's Peoples. WOMEN ARE NEVER MENTIONED. Woman is a subject never mentioned in fiJoroooo. It would be a terrible breach of etiquette to ask a man after his wife or wivea. PREPARING FOR THE ORDEAL. In certain South American tribes, on the day of his marriage, while the festivities are going on, the bridegroom's hands are tied up In a bag containing a number of fire-ants. If he bears the torture unmoved, he is declared a fit candidate for matrimony. To COOL HIS PERTURBEO SPIRIT. AVhen an Arab widow has determined to toarry she waits until the night before the hridal day, and then repairs ta the grave of the dear departed, accompanied. only by a donkey, which bears two goat skins full of Water. First she kneels upon the grave and lEnPlores the spirit of her lord not to be Wroth with her because of what she is about to (Jo, and then pours the water over his Rrave in order that, if he is wroth," there InrLy be something to cool the spirit and make it more comfortable. CHINESE MARRIAGE SUPERSTITIONS. Domestic troubles are sure to come upon one who marries within 100 days after a ftiperal. If a young mother goe3 to see a bride the visitor is looked upon as the cause of any calamity that may follow. A bride toay be brought home while a coflin is in her husband's house, but not within 100 days after a coffin is carried out. If the bride bretks the heel of her shoe in going from her father's to her husband's house it is ominous of unhappiness in her new relations. A piece of bacon and a parcel of sugar are 11 hung on the back of the bride's sedan chair as a sop to the demons who rniglit molest her while on her journey. A bridp., while putting on her wedding garments, stands in a round, shallow basket. This conduces to her leading a placid, well- rounded life in her future home. A bride must not, for four months after her marriage, enter any house in which there has recently been a death or a birth, for .if she does so there will surely be a quarrel between her and the groom. A girl who is partaking of the last meal she is to eat in her father's house previous to her marriage sits at table 'With her parents and brothers, but she must eat no more than half the bowl of rice set before her, else her departure will be followed hy a continual scarcity in the domicile slie is IWin. To SECURE A BRIDE. An Eskimo youth is qualified to marry when he has succeeded in killing a Polar bear unaided, for the courageous feat prores him capable of providing for the wants of a family. He starts forth at night to secure a wife, which he does by seizing the first girl he can surprise unawares. She naturally screams, and draws the whole village population about her, who, by raining seal-skin scourges on his shoulders, aid the maiden in escaping. He pursues, running the gauntlet of kick and buffet, until he again secures his ladylove and, should she once more escape and be re- taken a third time by the amorous pursuer, the maiden accepts her fate, and becomes the young man's wife. The aboriginal Australian adopts a brutally forcible mode of wooing. When he wants a wife he looks about for a likely helpmate, and, finding one to his liking, knocks her down with his club and carries her home. In Singapore the bridegroom must secure his bride in a race, and this custom of bride-chasing is quite common throughout Southern and Eastern Asia. In Singapore a circular course is marked out, half of which is traversed by the inai "eri-er.umbered only with a waist- band—ere the word is given for the would-be possessor to go in pursuit, in the hope of overtaking her before she has thrice com- passed the circle; that achieved, she has no choice but to take the victor for her lord. The water-chase in canoes, another marriage cere- monial of Singapore, is very similar to the foot- race, and both are usually of short duration, for the fair quarry is only too willing to be caught. The late Colonel Burnaby tells us that when a Turcoman belle is to be settled in life the whole of the tribe turns out, and the young lady, being allowed the choice of horses, gallops away from her suitors. She avoids those she dislikes, and seeks to throw herself in the way of the object of her affec- tions. he moment she is caught she becomes the wife of her oaptor, who, dispensing with fui ther ceremony, takes her to his tent. The bride-race is also an established custom amongst the Kalmucks, and the girls are such excel- lent horsewomen that, we are told, it would be impossible to catoh one against her will. A VISIT TO A JAPANESE THEATRE. For three nights we sat heroically on our heels at the Japanese theatres, witnessing the performances which so delight the Yokohama public. If you can put up with the pins and needles," which come into the hapless lower limbs of the European after about an hour of this position upon matting, there is much to interest in such places. They are wholly unlike any temple of the drama at home. The first odd sight is an ante-room, where everybody hangs up hia or her clogs and worojis. Just imagine 600 pairs of muddy pattens on pegs! iNext is a teapot-room, where scores of teapots are suspended for the refreshment of the audience; since at every pause in the performance attendants go about shouting irroshai ka," and o cha o cli(i which is Give your orders," and Who wishes for the honourable tea ?" The pit is a sloping floor covered with matting, and the gallery is divided into little square pens with railings a foot high, all nicely matted, and hither you bring your cushion, your tobacco-mono," your charcoal fire, your pipe, your baby- when you have one-and see at your ease alternately a comic piece and the successive acts of some tremendous mediseval tragedy. Everybody goes about in the building as he likes-especially the children, who lift up the curtain and survey the preparation for the next scene, scamper about the stage, and play all sorts of private games until the acting re-com- mences, when they are as good and quiet as mice. The performers come on from the "boot and shoe room," along a side stage, the women's parts being taken by boys. The dresses are rich and the acting intelligent, though extravagant accom- panied almost always by a wild instrumental recitative of strings and drum. Changes of the scene and general business of the stage are accomplished by persons who flit on and off in black habiliments, which are supposed to render them totally invisible to the spec- tators. These are, like Japanese everywhere, attentive, patient, easily pleased, and imagi- native to the highest degree, They are abun- dantly content to see a forest where two small shrubs in pots are placed upon the boards, and an impenetrable wall where a split bamboo or a couple of stones have been deposited. The great character of most pieces ia the snmuvai, the two-sworded swashbuckler, who comes prancing in with a terrific swagger, and ends by drawing his glittering blades to engage in fiery combat. Everybody smokes everywhere in a Japanese theatre, no one hustles for his plaoe, or wants more than his own heels to sit upon. STONE FIGHTS IN COREA. The Corean correspondent of a Japan paper gives an acoount of a curious popular practice in Corea. Kite-flying, which is universal in that country, ceases suddenly on the 15th of the first Corean month, and the next day stone fights take its place as the chief public amusement. In the eastern part of Seoul, the capital, there are large open spaces that have not been built upon, and here occur the most serious and interesting fights. One section of the city is pitted against another, but anyone can take a hand on either side at pleasure. There are no recognised leaders, but the mass of fighters readily follow the lead of anyone who shows himself to be a little more rEckless than the rest. Two mobs, consisting of 50, 70, or 100 men each, are drawn up against each other, with an interval of, per- haps, fifty yards between them, There is an incessant shower of stones, and each man's business is to hit as many men as he can, and especially to avoid all the stones fdirected at him. From ten to twenty men on each side are armed with stout clubs, and wear thick wadded helmets. These form the skirmish- ing line. They sally out from their respec- tive sides, and, meeting in mid career, strike cut viciously at each other's heads, each man holding up his cloak with his left hand as a shield to ward off the blows of his adversary. After the club fight has lasted about thirty seconds, one side or the other begins to give way, which is the signal for a rush of the others. Almost invariably the other side breaks and runs, and sometimes are chased into their houses, bnt generally some of the pursuing party press too closely upon the fugitives. Then the latter suddenly turn and deal a few staggering blows, which check the pursuers, and in a second the tables are turned, and those who a moment ago were flushed with victory are now in full flight with thoir enemies. Thus the battle goes back and forth across the fields, while the neighbouring embankments are crowded with spectators. ° The effect of the thundering cheers of the spectators upon the combatants is marvellous. They charge upon each other as if in actual battle, and show what would be bravery if exerted in some useful cause. Near the river are numerous villages, numbering from 100 to 500 houses each. I hev, are situated along the banks at intervals of about half amile. These keep up a continual series of flights among themselves during the season, one village being arrayed against another. The defeated party fly across the marshy fields to their oivn village, followed by their enemies, who uter after them, seizing any- thing on which they can lay tbeir banis- it on, files, doors—to mark their victory. Then the whole village rises against the invaders, and they fly, glad if they can get back with- out broken beads..