Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-17

signed only WIN 1nlClalS. ASKING LIlat
the answers appear in the newspaper.
The space is limited and would not
accommodate q fraction Of such re-
quests. The answers published are ones
that may interest many readers. rather
than the one who asks the question
only. All questions should be accom-
panied with the writer's name and ad-
dress and 2 cents in coin or stamps
for reply. Send your question to The
Evening Star Information Bureau, Fred
eric J. Haskin, Director, Washington,
d. G.
@. Can canaries be interbred without
producing inferior birds?-J. j. t.
A. Interbreeding between various
forms. even though they differ widely
in color, results in revers1on OF the
original type. which was spotted or
striped greenish bird, certain proof of
the common origin of all.
@. OF what is incense made?--
H. j. M.
A. Incense is a mixture of gums.
spices, etc. In Europe frankincense is
commonly employed as incense. In
America the modern ingredients are
usually benZoin, gum ollbanum ana
styrax, and sometimes balsam and pow
dered bark of cascarilla. This mixture
is allowed to fall on hot charcoal In
the censor and burns promptly.
@. Does aging Of glass give it pur-
pie tint?-G. M. P.
A The Bureau of Standards says
that the purple color in glass is sup
posed to be due to a change of cond1-
ton in the manganese content of the
glass. which is a coloring oxide under
certain conditions. This is supposed to
be caused by certain rays of the sun
which produce difference In the ae-
gree of oxidation of the manganese
present.
Q. Do sheep contract tuberculosis
E. G. v.
A. Cattle, swine, sheep and poultry
are all subject to tuberculosis.
@. Did Byrd take any chewing gum
with him to the South Pole?-F. B. X.
A. The Antarctic expedition is equip
ped with 10000 sticks of chewing gum.
@. How large is the Vatican and
how many acres are in the gardens?-
C.. A. B.
A. The area of the Vatican gardens
is so acres. The palace covers about
Is acres and contains l 100 rooms.
O. How can one enter the soap
sculpture competition?-I. M G.
A. Entries should be sent to the Ma
tional Small Sculpture Committee. 80
East Eleventh street, New York City.
This competition opens February /,
1929, and closes May /, 1929.
@. In England and France is the
death rate higher than the birth rate?-
A. E. S.
A. The birth rate in Great Britain in
1925 was 1877 per 1000, the death rate
1874 per 1000. In 1927 the number of
births in England and Wales was
654 500, the number of deaths 484, 636.
In France in 1926 the living births num-
bered 766, 226, the deaths 713,458.
@. How long should most vegetables
be cooked, particularly cabbage?-M.
D. M.
A. Many vegetables may be cooked in
short time. Young cabbage may cook
sufficiently in less than eight minutes,
while IL minutes is the maximum time
necessary. Corn on the cob cooks in
from to IL minutes, according to Its
size. For Brussels sprouts and cauli-
flower 8 to 10 minutes only are needed.
Salt added during cooking improves the
flavor without affecting the texture or
food value. From one to one and one
half teaspoonfuls of salt to each quart
of water is a good proportion.
@. Were the painters called the Little
Dutchmen small in stature?-F. E. M.
A. No. The name was applied be-
cause these artists painted small pic
lures.
@. What was the life and property
loss in Porto Rico from the hurricane
and tidal wave about 1899?-H. L. Mel
A. The hurricane to which you refer
occurred in August, 1899. In this storm
over 1000 we're killed. 5000 injured
The property damage was estimated at
500, 100000.
@. Is there any duty on undressed
furS brought into this country?-C. l.. C.
A. There is no duty on raw or I'M
dressed skins. excepting silver and black
fox pelts. The duty on dressed skins is
Is per cent. The duty on silver and
black fox pelts, undressed or dressed, is
20 per cent.