The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1881-04-22
POPULAR SCIENCE NOTES.

Herr H. Reulaux describes a singular phe-
nomenon existing in the valley in the Rhine
Province. He terms the region 1.-THE Sing
ing Valley of Thronecken," from enduring
sounds like the ringing of bells which he
says others claimed to have heard many
times upon visiting that section. The sup
position is that the strange sounds are pro-
duced by the passage of the wind which is
said to be always strong in that district
through the valley, and some popularity of the
character of the rocky lodges and the forma-
ton of the heavily wooded lands. He states
that upon one occasion the impression of the
music was so strong as to hold him almost
breathless then new wave would sweep
up, beginning like the soft breathing of an
ergsa-pipe, rising to the swell Of harp, and
closing with the overtone Of the octave-the
great sounds swelling up and dying away
continually and never wholly ceasing.
The first mission station on the west side
of Lake Tanganyike, Africa, was recently
established by Messrs. Griffith and Huntley,
at Atlowa, near the mouth of the Lukuga
river. These gentlemen, In communications
sent back from that country, speak of there
being marked difference in the habits and
beliefs of the tribes on the east and the west
sides of the lake. Those on the west side
are reported as great worshippers of idols,
while on the east side these heather gods are
seldom seen, the Inhabitants being OF more
civilized nature. The images Of the tribes in
the former section, which they call Ukissi,
meaning Spirit, are in imitation Of the human
figure, and greet the eye of the African
traveller at the entrance Of all villages, while
others are to be seen inside.
An Antarctic exploring expedition was re-
gently organized by the Italian Geographical
Society, ami has already started upon its
hazardous Journey, with Lieutenant Beve in
command. There being but little known
concerning the Antarctic region, numerous
problems are in store for this expedition to
solve, and the ultimate result of their trav-
els will doubtless be lsoked forward TO with
much anxiety. II is TO be hoped that Lieu.
tenant Beve and his companions may be
more successful than have been their few
predecessors, in giving to the world more
definite idea of the character of the country
in the South Pole region.
NJ. De Lesseps proposes, as the best and
quickest method of bringing about civiliza-
ton in Africa, the establishment of numer-
GUS telegraph stations at points between the
coasts and the interior, for entertainment
aud scientific purposes. The planting OF
these stations, he maintains will be speedily
followed By the building of railways, and
that the two combined will become for Afri-
ca, as they we're across our western plains,
and are for Australia and the Russians OF
~ A.. oE lsVof inn
Through treaty now pending between the
King of Corea and several other more civ
liked nations, it is hoped to pave the way
for interesting geographical researches in
country hitherto almost wholly unknown to
the civilized world. Already exploring ex-
petitions have been formed and are but
awaiting the consummation OF the negotia-
tons when they will launch forth upon their
mission to that country.
There are at the present time thirty Bggp-
tan Obelisks at various points in Europe,
and. as eur readers are aware, one in Amer
les. Rome has eleven, four of which are
higher than the one in New York city. The
highest one Of those ia Rome stands before
the Church of st. John Lateran, and, in
Guiding the pedestal. is $50 feet high. The
one in the piazza of st. Peters is 81 feet 9
inches in height, and is mounted on PEE
destal some so feet high.
A bronze vase containing number OF
coins bearing the efigies Of Petricus I. and
Petrieus H. third century,, and case OF
surgical instruments of that epoch, have
been discovered in the Moufetard quarter
by Partisan archeologist, who has refused
an offer of large sum Of money for them.
There is coal mine near Coal Castle,
schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, that has
been burning now forty.fve years, and an.
other near Mauch Chunk, in same state, fol
twenty-five years, Notwithstanding that large
sums of money have been expended in fruit
less eforsA to extinguish the flames in eac5
A learned Professor Of Heidelburg pre-
sents numerous statistics, showing that rail
road engineers are not only rendered color
blind by reason of their occupation, but sr'
particularly subject 10 affections of the ear
which might.comprOmise@ the safety Of ..trav
elers.