Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-01-28

conclusion that the musk beetle (Ar0micd
moschata) has the power of emitting or
suppressing its odor at pleasure, but that
when dying the scent is continuous and
very powerful. He mentions case in
which scent of roses has been known to
proceed from the human body in fatigue
and weakness. Similar instances are given
by another writer.
In Cape Colony the extensive planting
| of the common tomato is recommended, as
it is alleged that insects shun the land on
which it is grown. The suggestion is
made, however, that the same effect may
not be produced in cooler countries.
Liquefied oxygen is lighter than water,
and little heavier than alcohol, according
to French chemist, who has calculated its
specific gravity as 0.ss8.
An Australian naturalist has discovered
the nervous system of the sponges.
Work IN Hor PLAcEs.-The limit of
temperature at which men can work de-
ponds upon the length Of their exposure,
the amount of exertion they put forth,
their condition, and the nature of the at
mosphere, particularly as to its degree Of
moisture. Men have been employed on
railways at 1O4 degrees; in mines-under
very favorable conditions-at 1875 degrees,
and are said to work occasionally in the
stoke-h.e55fss OF tropical steamers at 1856 de-
grees. Prof. Du Bots Raymond has esti-
mated that temperature of 1872 degrees
can be endured when the air is as dry as
possible, but that even 104 degrees is fkely
to be fatal in an atmosphere saturated with
moisture. 1t is considered certain that
men cannot become accustomed to stand,
for any considerable time, higher tenn
perature than from 140 to 1855 degrees, even
when they keep perfectly still and are in
quite pure air.
A factory is said to have been established
in Sweden for making into paper the half
decomposed moss which has accumulated
in many places in Norway and Sweden to
thickness of foot or more. The sub
stance may be pressed into boards, which
have the desira BILE qualities of wood with
out such defects as warping and splitting.
The juice of the curious ink plant of
New Granada requires no preparation be-
fore being used for writing. The color is
reddish when first applied to paper, but
soon becomes deep black. which is very
durable. This Ink is now used for public
records and documents.
A French investigator has found that
the sugar beet gradually loses it's sugar
when grown a second year, the quantity
being very small when the seeds are fully
ipened.
A member of the Royal Meteorological
Society urges more uniform system of
measuring wind force.
THE BALTIC's LEvEL.-In 1850 a series
Of water-marks was established along the
entire length of the coasts of Sweden; aud
these marks or guages were renewed in
1851, and again in 1884. They have been
nspected at short intervals, systematic
record of the observations being preserved
Tbe results have shown that in the 1874
years the northern part of Sweden has
,sen seven feet, the elevation gradually
growing less southward until, at Bornhom.
point is reached WHICH remains at ~;
,.,..o level as III the middle of the last cen
t4y The average elevation of the Swe
Sh coast has been abopt fifts-six i,ch-s
During the same period the coast limiting
t. Baltic on the south has been steadil,
sinking.
ing DR.. Koch's comma bacillus which has
been found only in the contents of the in
testin,s, to be insufficient to account for
cholera, DR.. Rudolf Emmerich, Bavarian
pathologist, has sought for more potent
germs in the tissues and organs of the
body. AS result of his investigations, he
has reported the discovery of bacteria, re-
sembling in form and size those found in
diphtheria, in the blood of cholera patients,
and, Furthermore, he has described expert
nents in which he appears to have pro
duced the disease in guinea-pigs by inecu-
lation with these bacteria.
A project has been brought before the
French Academy of Sciences for the con-
struction of sewer about 100 miles long,
o convey the sewage Of Paris to the sea,
pumping stations being established at two
places. 1t is estimated that during two
thirds of the year almost the whole guam
tity of sewage would be absorbed by irri-
CATION without its reaching the sea at ALL
A new metal has been discovered by
Prof Websky as one of the components Of
native vanadate of lead. He proposes
calling it s'idunium.'
THE VITALITY OF SEEDS The seeds Of
the willow will not terminate after having
been once dry. The seeds of coffee ann
various other plants do not terminate aft
having been kept. for any consider b,
time. Wheat over two centuries old has
been found quite fit for food, but the grains
usually lose their power Of gro with after
lapse of seven years. Specimens of rye
and wheat known to be 1S5 years old could
no be induced to germinaEe. "The stories
of mummy wheat sprouting after having
lain dormant in Egyptian tombs for thou
sands of years, are, to say the least CT
them, very dubious" declares Dr.. sRober.
Brown, F. L. S. "No observation-disclosures
instances of such finds are extant, while
among other articles sold by the Arabs to
credulous travellers, as coming out of the
same tomb as the ancient wheat. have