Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-24
cal experiments andsuggestions which have

cal experiments andsuggestions which have
been brought before us by the marvellous
progress of electrical invention.
Prot. Kinnicutt of the Polytechnic 1nsti-
tute OF Worcester, Mass, has recently made
some interesting inquiries into the origin
and nature of several cases of poisoning
brought about by the use Of milk in which
the chemical compound tyrotoxicon has
been generated. The milk came from
herd of well conditioned Jersey cows which
supply some 40 families. The disease hap
pened in but one OF these households. In
the household where the malady appeared
portion of the milk which had been
placed in an earthen vessel was
used with no poisonous effect. The poison
was evidently developed in tin can which
had not been kept clean. A portion of the
fluid that adhered to the interior of the ves-
sci had probably undergone process Of de-
composition which produced the poisonous
quality. So far Prof. Kinnicutt thinks that
we Know nothing of the chemistry in the
process which engenders the poison in the
milk. His researches, however, make it
pretty. clear that the danger comes only
from old milk, and that all risk of poison
may be avoided by perfect cleanliness Of
the vessels in which it is kept.
THE CHEAT PLAIN OF CANADA.
At recent meeting of the National Geo
graphical Society in Washington. Mr.. G. E.
Kennaston, a competent observer, gave an
account Of "the great plain Of Canada, that
vast territory extending from the eastern
face OF the Cordilleras to the region about
Hudson's bay, and northwardly from the
borders of the United States to near the Arc
tic circle. This large part of the continent
continues to the western plains OF the Missis-
sippi valley northward to the Arctic Ocean.
The question as to its habitabillty is one of
very great Importance to the interests of the
industrial progress of this continent as well
as to the people of the old world who seek
homes IN the western world or are fed by its
grain products. The natural grain districts
Of the United States are now substantially
occupied by soil tillers. 1t is not likely
that the grain production OF this country
will hereafter increase in much more
rapid measure than the population grows.
1t appears from the testimony of Mr..
Kennason that this area contains over
20, 000, 900 acres. where the conditions of soil
as well as the character of the seasons are
fit for the growing of smaller grains. I'M
probable as this latent fertility of that
high northern country may seem, the
evidence of all the observers who have
attentively studied it, seems clearly to
point to the conclusion that it is ft for
the growth of grain and that it only
awaits the ways of communication to
become the seat of very extended agri-
culture. 1t appears yet doubtful, however,
whether the variety of crops winable in that
climate will be sufficiently great to permit
permanently profitable tiilage. Expert
ence with the lands of the United States is
that after score or two Of years the product
of small grains diminishes, and the farmer
can make only fair profit by resorting to
other crops. Time alone will show whether
cattle will do well in this region, and
whether there are other farm products than
grain to afford a proper basis for the sup
port Of farmers. PROF. n. S. SHALER.