The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-10-17
SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE.

1t is stated that several species Of canary seet
are now used as food for race horses, on accouo
of the large percentage OF nutritive matter which
such seed contains, unmixed with any objection
| able substances.
The Paris Administration Society has received
a quantity Of seeds OF Reana tlrnidns, a grass
| from Guatemala, said to be of value as forage
plant. According to NJ. D. de Maisonneauve,
single tuft viii supply an OK with food for day
| In its native country it is perennial plant
forming enormous tufts; the leaves resemble
those of Indian corn, but are much broader.
1t is curious fact that no water has been
found in the storage cells OF camels which have
died in Eng land, although, as is well-known, the
CT II compartment of the camel's stomach is used
in the East by the animal as reservoir of watt r
whence it draws it's requisite supply for drinking
on Long journeys across burning deserts Ma
turaists suppose that the water-stt ring process
ceases when the Weubelng OF the Creature Ao
longer requires it.
In several shops in Munich various objecss OF
art have lately been displayed which are remark
able for their brilliant silver hue. 1t appears
that they are mere plaster models covered WI Il
thin coat of mica powder, which perfectly re-
places the ordinary metallic substances The
MICA plates are list cleaned and bleached by
fire. boiled by hydrochloric acid, and washed and
dried. The material is then finely powdered,
sfted and mingled with collodion, which serves
as vehicle for applying the compound with a
paint brush. The mica can be easily tinted IN
different coors, thus adding to the beauty OF the
ornamentation.
Prof. Palmieri has discovered new inssru-
ment. which he calls ''diagometer," and which
is constructed for the rapid examination OF oils
and textures by means CT electricity. What the
apparatus will do, Prof. Palmieri details thus ::
l. 1t will show the quality of olive oil. 2. 1t will
distinguish olive oil from seed oil. 3. 1t will IN
dictate whether olive OIL although of the best ap-
pearance. has been mixed with seed oil. 4. It
will show the quality OF seed oil. 5. Finally, it
will indicate the presence of cotton in silken or
wooden textures. The professor has been COM
plimented for this invention by the Chamber OF
Arts and Commerce, at Naples, who have pub
lished full description Of the apparatus, with
instructions for use.
That immense body of sandstone on the east
bank of the Monongahela River, about one mile
below the old town of New Geneva, Pa, known
as the Pictured Rocks is Ii BILE to be des rOyed
or broken up for building purposes. A consider
able portion of the Part next to the river was
knocked away during the winter. An attempt
should certainly be made to preserve the out
lines, at least, of these interes ing remains.
There ere tracks, apparently fresh Of the elk,
fawn, bear, turkey, goose, craze and the bare
human foot. or the LITTER, there is a six toed
specimen, meat uring seven and half inches in
length. five and a half in breadth at the toe and
three and a half at the heel. Near this is a hand
with thumb and five fingers all long and
slender. There were formerly very clear mecca
sin marks, but a recent sealc ca shows that they
have been destroyed.
pecul1,r feature IN the WOrBlng or the UetH-
berg Railway, mountain line in Swiizerla I'D, is
the use of a jet OF water against the rails in
front of the wheels Of the locomotive, sufficient
to wash the rails completely. 1t was observed
long ago that the influence ON adhesion of
slis ht humidity, such as that deposited by fog,
and that Of veritab!e layer of water d. posted
by rain, are entirely different. On the Swiss
Central Railroad a jet of water is used on the
front wheels of certain engines to facilitate the
passage around curves, and the eff ct on the
durability OF the tires has been remarkable; but
this jet Of water which was intended 10 lubricat
the whole surface in contact with the tire. No
modification OF the adhesion has been observed
as the result of this. This jet of water does not
dispense with the use of sand, while on the Uetli
berg absolutely no use is made OF sand, but water
is employed exclusively. -Scientiic american.