River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1891-09-03
GENERAL.


same facility of motion in the air which
he now has on land and water. The
more easily men move about, other
things being equal, the more civilized
they become.
One day Mrs. w. s. Wallace, of
Butler, Fla decided to tear up and
renoyate an old pin-cushion that she
first made over thirty-nine years ago.
It had on it nine coverings, that had
been put there from time to time.
From the inside of the pin-cushion she
got ninety whole needles, besides sew
eral broken ones and number of pins.
The Xeorobates Agassizi, the
grass-eating turtle of the Moiave des-
ert, is said to be the only one of the
turtle species which lives by grazing
like a horse or an OK. Xerobates digs a
hole in the sand to escape the intense
heat; is about ten inches in length
when full grown, and weighs from six
to eight pounds. Coast dealers in Curl
osities value them at five dollars each.
"A young woman belonging in Swan
vile. Waldo county, Me-, who taught
school at Mason's Mills the past term,
deserves credit for being hustler. On
Saturday last, after closing a success
full term of school. she led flag rails
ing, directed a concert, presided at
picnic, for which she did most of the
cooking, and then, taking her twin
babies, which she had left in care of
her boarding mistress during the festiv-
tiles, trudged home.
"A new machine for taking the con-
tour CT country in a short time is in
course of construction. 1t is bicycle
which is simply wheeled on the ground.
and which, as it rises over hill or de-
scends into hollow, traces the curve
of the surface on a sheet of paper by
means of an adjusted pencil. The
theory of the machine is too mathemat-
zeal to enter into; but engineers in try
ing climates will be glad to avail them
selves of an instrument so convenient.
A simple and excellent plan to pre-
serve and strengthen the eyes is this:
Every morning pour some cold water
into your washing BOWL at the bottom
of the bowl place silver coin or some
other bright object; then put your face
in the water with your eyes open and
fixed on the object at the bottom; move
your head from side 10 side gently, and
you will find that this morning bath
will make your eyes brighter and
stronger, and preserve them beyond
the ordinary allotted time.
"A strange metamorphosis in the
heavens was visible at Wassamoneta,
o., the other evening. An immense
cylinder cloud, overlooking from west
to east and travelling with great rapid
ty, passed over the town in the same
direction. 1t was black and gray in
color and as it revolved its colors
changed. What it was no one seems to
know, but it attracted hundreds into
the streets and housetops, VINO watched
it until it disappeared in the western
heavens.
To make something that looks like
gold: Take 100 parts (by weight) of
pure copper IL parts zinc or tin, 6 parts
magnesia, So parts sal-ammoniac, IS
parts quicklime, parts cream of tar
tar. Melt the copper, and add gradual
ly the magnesia, sal-ammoniac, quick
lime and cream of tartar, each by itself,
in the form of powder Stir the whole
for half an hour, add the zinc or tin in
small pieces, and stir again tilt he
whole is melted. Cover the crucible.
and keep the mixture in a molten con-
dition for thirty-five minutes. Remove
the dross and pour the metal into
molds. 1t has a fine grain, is malleable
and does not easily tarnish.
The tanning of elephant hides is
comparatively new industry, accord
ing to the Boston journal of Commerce.
The method employed is practically the
same as in the tanning of cow hide, ex-
cept that stronger ombination of the
fannie ingredients is required, and
greater length of time - about six
months-is necessary to perform the
work. When the hide is taken ont of
the vat it is an inch and half thick
Among the articles made of elephant
leather are pocket-books, small satch-
els. cigar-cases, and similar articles,
and they are said to be expensive luxr-
ries In finishing the hide, no attempt
is made to glaze or polish it, every
thing being done to preserve its natural
color and appearance. The leather is
very enduring, several years wear hav-
ing but little effect upon it.