National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-04-06
GEORGE METKIFF,
DLSCOEERLES IN SICILY.

Inc journal deS OeodtS puDnSneS an account
of recent discoveries made by an italian, sIgncr
Antonio Profeta-Ranfaldi, among the ruins Of
the celebrated city of Erbita, near Aidone,
province of Catania, in Sicily, which was de-
stroyed in. the year 800. The most recent dis
coveries have been made in the small 81 pulchres
which were in use among the Etruscsas. Early
in january last sarcophagus, constructed
without cement, was uncovered. This tomb
was composed of hewn sandstone taken from
the island quarries. Among its contents were
the customary urns, lamps amulets, arms, Or
namented vases Of difersRt sizes, and statuettes
representing the godS6r heroes, all manufac-
tured Of baked clay,
upon some Of the larger vases was the de-
vice of the losos, the symbol of the Lotophad,
who dwelt fp Sicily at very remote period;
and ancss the ornamental vases found in
otbersepulchres some presented fragments Of
masks, invented, according to Homer, by
Thespis, but more probably by the Egyptians.
Among other objects found were files, bronze
nails, small knives, gold rings, pieces of money,
and two well-preserTed skulls, which were dis
covered among number Of bones which indi-
Gated that the rate t6 which they belonged
possessed \ powerful muscular development.
These bones, &c, will be sent to the eminent
Professor Mantegazza, in order that he may
determine the type of men wb9 have lived In
the island at different epochs. The cemetery is
nearly mile square, and the excavations of
the site Of Erbits have gply commenced.
KEEP AMMONIA Nv THE HOUSE.
No housekeeper should be without a bottle
0f of Co. tie
value, it is invaluable for household purposes.
It is nearly as useful as soap, and its cheapness
brings 1t within reach of all. Put a tesspoonfuI
of ammonia to quart of warm soap-suds, dip
in flannel cloth and wipe of the dust and fly
specks, and see for yourself how much labor It
will save. No scrubbing will be needful. Il
will cleanse and brighten silver wonderfully.
To pint of suds mix q teaspoonful of the
spirits, dip in your silver spoons, forks, &C.,
rub with a brush and polish with chamois skins
For washing mirrors and windows it is very
desirable; put few drops of ammonia on 3
piece of paper, and it will readily take of every
spot or finger mark on the glass. 1t will take
out grease spots from every fabric; put on the
ammonia nearly clear, lay plotting paper over
the place and press hot fat-iron on ii for q
few moments. A few drops of water VIII
clean laces. and whiten them as well ; also
muslins. Then it is most refreshing agent at
the toilet table; few drops In basin Of
water will make better bath than pure water,
and If the skin is oily it will remove all glossi
ness and disagreeable odors. Added to foot
bath 1t entirely absorbs all noxious smell so
otter arising from the feet in warm weather,
and nothing is better for cleaning the hair
from dandruff and dust. For cleaning hair and
nail brushes it is equally good.
Put teaspoonful of ammonia into one pint
of water, and shake the brushes through the
water. When they LOOK white rinse them in
water and put them in the sunshine, or in o
warm place to dry. The dirtiest brushes viii
come out of this bath white and clean. For
medicinal purposes ammonia is always unri-
vailed. For the headache it is desirable slim
ulant, and frequent inhaling of its pungent
odors will often entirely remove catarrhal colds.
There is no better remedy for heartburn and
dyspepsia, and the aromatic spirits of ammonia
is especially prepared for these troubles. Ten
drops of it in a wine-glass of water are often
great relief. The spirits of ammonia can be
taken in the same way, but it is no. palatable.
In addition to all these uses, the effect of
| ammonia on vegetation is beneficial. If you
desire roses, geraniums, fuchsias, &C., to be-
come more fourishing, you can try it upon
them by adding five or six drops to every pint
Of warm water tina. you give them, but don't
repeat the dose oftener than once in five or six
days, lest you stimulate them too highly So
be sure and keep a large bottle of it in the
house and have glass stopper for Il, as it is
every evanescent and also injurious to eorks.