The Mineral argus., 1885-03-12
xhinRs In General.

laid down by another Judge in Natal
He went 80 far rs to say that all repor-
tiers should he excused from serving on
jury because, through their presence
ut preliminary examinations and in
quiries, for the purpose of publishing
the same as news, they might be in DOS
session of facts which might come out
in evidence, and probably they would
have preJadged the case.
The theatrical business, so all the pa
pers declare. has been very disastrous.
This year companies have gone to peices
on all sides, and actors are walking
back to New York from every direction.
The theatres OF the metropolis are do
ing badly enough, but outside Of tho
city the business is even worse.
A deaf family in New Hampshire has
been traced back to the Fourteenth CEN
fury in England. and in all that time
has regularly shown q succession Of
deaf mutes. In Maine there is family
in which there are ninety-five deaf mutes
oil Of which are connected by blood or
marriage.
The greatest depth so far discovered
in the ocean is -, $50 feet, five miles,
or about ., 300 feet less then the height
of the worlds loftiest mountain peak.
Mount Everest. one Of the Himalaya
chain, which is found to be not less.
and apparently little more, than -.
900 feet above tho sea level.
Rosewood trees are found in South
America and in the East Indies and
islands. There are half a
dozen kinds. The name is not taken
from the color Of the wood as is general
ly supposed. but by reason of roselike
fragrance which it possesses when first
rut. Some of the trees grow so large
that planks four feet broaI and ten feet
in length can be cut from them. The
broad planks are princip lily used TO
make tops for pianofortes. The rose
wood tree is remarkable for its beauty.
Such il its value IN manufactures ms an
wood that some of the
forests where it once grew abundantly
have now scarcely single specimen.
that the supply will not be exhausted.
In France, by refinement of judicial
cruelty, tho date Of execution is not
known until the previous evening. No.
ices are then sent to the Governor Of
he Jail. executioner, and chaplain.
From the hour of his sentence the crimi-
nal is dead to the world. Environed by
guards, ne is taken to the cell with two
beds. one of which is occupied by .
(prison spy. He is put into
Iuit at rough canvas shirt, wooden
trousers, and felt shoes. A short waist
,oat - canvas, opening behind and Sc
cured ~ leather straps, il fixed over
his suit, and the long sleeves are attach
ID to . cord which passes round the
highs, 80 that he cannot lift his hands
beyond certain height. and is almost
helpless to perform the most ordinary.
His food In taken with
wooden spoon. A warder and gendarme
Keep perpetual watch. He may sleep
DR. smoke or eat, but no visitors are all
nitted nor any tidings from the outer
world.
Birthdays in Germany are never neg
ected. From the first one, when the
infant receives the presents from the
god parents, instead OF at the time OF
he baptism, the thing goes on from year
o year, and people of all ages and ranks
consider themselves sighted il even an
does not duly appear with
he usual congratulatory Offering OF
lowers, etc. The custom is really tax
o many, for all members Of house
lold consider themselves entitled TO
gifts on their birthdays. Even
servants expect to DO substantially re-
and, as ON their entrance
nto the establishment they are legally
obliged to render II full account oi the
line and place Of their birth. there is
10 pleading ignorance as an excuse for
to notice the day.
A resident of Ronkonkoma L. L., pos
esses o gold watch which formerly be-
orged to the Inflated Marie Antoin-
tie. 1t is about the size of trade dol
ar in circumference, and is open faced.
IN the back 1t bears the device of the
French Queen, o cupid on cloud, work
d in gold and silver. The features of
he boy god are nearly effacei by long
year. A wreath of Guinea gold anil
me Of Roman gold surround the disk.
The hours on the dial are marked in
Nd looking Arabic numbers, The por-
,elain shows the ravages Of time in mi
lute cracks at the edges, and the silver
lands nearly black with age, are thickly
tudded with diamonds. The legend the
,wner gives is that the watch was the