with a view to prevent any injurious action, the emission of a noxious gas, rather than to exact compensation for an injury committed. But this principle was introduced tentatively; it applied to one acid gas only, and to that gas only when it was produced in one specified chemical process-the muriatic acid gas of the alkali works. All other chemical works in the country, and all other processes from which noxious vapours might arise were left untouched by the Act. In consequence of this limitation many curious anomalies arose. The muriatic acid generated in an alkali works must be condensed; if more than 5 per cent. of that generated was allowed to escape, the manufacturer became liable to a fine of £50 for the first offence, and £100 for the second; but if from a neighbouring factory, not an alkali works, the same acid escaped, the Act was inoperative, for the inspector had no power to interfere; or if from an alkali works any other acid than hydrochloric acid escaped, the inspector then could not interfere. And even closer

than this the line was drawn. The Act of 1863 spoke only of hydrochloric acid when generated in the process of the alkali manufacture, but other processes generating this acid might be, and sometimes were, carried on by the same manufacturer, and on the same premises with the alkali manufacture, so that hydrochloric acid from two sources might be passing along through the same flue and issuing through the same chimney into the atmosphere. In such a case the inspector was actually obliged to estimate these separately. If, on testing the gases passing up the chimney, he found that an amount was escaping which exceeded the limit prescribed in the Act, he had to go back to the flue bringing in hydrochloric acid from some process other than that of alkali making, and deduct that from the total he had first found; if then the residue exceeded in quantity the legal limit it was his duty to complain, but not otherwise. So we had legal and illegal hydrochloric acid. I fear that when such a mixture reached the farmers' crops or the neighbouring oaks no such difference was made, but the desolation inflicted was in proportion to the amount of acid, without distinction of origin.

With regard to all other acid gases, some of them equally injurious with hydrochloric acid, the first Alkali Act was silent, whether these gases proceeded from an alkali or other works. Still the principle had been introduced of empowering inspectors to enter the works uninvited, and without giving notice of their visit, in order to ascertain if the condensation of hydrochloric acid, as provided in the Act, was carried out.

The act worked well; the inspectors' visits were not resented. Their business was to study one thing-the condensation of hydrochloric acid-and in this they became proficient. They could detect errors in the works that had escaped the eye of the foreman or manager less persistently directed towards them, their advice was sought in the erection of apparatus, and before long, under their influence, the forms of furnaces, condensers, and other appliances, were so much modified that the provisions of the Act were, with very few exceptions, habitually observed, and the statutory standard more than maintained. The standard in the Act was five per cent., but the amount of hydrochloric acid allowed to escape was reduced on the average to less than two per cent. Encouraged by this success, an amended Act was passed in 1874, which gave to the inspectors increased facility in controlling the escape of hydrochloric acid gas, and a modified power over some other gases from alkali works. The escape of hydrochloric acid had been limited to five per cent. of that generated; now a new method of measurement was introduced, the amount of acid escaping must also not exceed two-tenths of a grain in a cubic foot of the escaping air in chimney or flue.

Still the inspections were limited to alkali works; the gases or noxious vapours from all other sources untouched.

were

To remedy this abnormal position, and to inquire into the subject generally, a Royal Commission was issued in 1876. Their inquiries extended over the whole kingdom, and a full report was issued in 1878. In this they recommended further legislation; and in 1881 the present Alkali, etc., Works Regulation Act became law. The main provisions in it which differ from those of the two preceding Acts are:

1. The Act is made to apply to some other works than alkali works.

2. All noxious gases proceeding from alkali works are dealt with.

3. The principle is introduced of requiring that the best

practicable method shall be employed in the repression of a nuisance.

4. An annual registration fee is chargeable on the owners of works.

The Act of 1881 is thus a great advance on those of 1863 and 1874, especially in that the principle is introduced of throwing on the manufacturer an obligation to employ the best known methods for preventing the escape of a noxious gas, or otherwise avoiding a nuisance. Where a fixed standard is to be adopted there is great difficulty in adjusting it. At first probably it is felt to be sufficiently tight and repressive, but as improved methods of manufacture are introduced it becomes loose and far below the average standard actually reached-for instance, the standard of 0 20 grain per cubic foot as the limit of the amount of hydrochloric acid which may escape. For the last three years the quantity which actually escaped, as shown by the average of all the tests taken by all the inspectors throughout the country, has been o'10 grain per cubic foot. The standard fixed as the limit of the amount of sulphuric acid escape is 4 grains in a cubic foot of air. The average amount actually escaping last year was 1'40 grair.

These standards, though felt to be sufficiently high at the time they were fixed, are now evidently much below those actually reached by manufacturers. An obligation, however, to adopt the best practicable method for the avoidance of a nuisance is an elastic band which is always tight, for it tightens with the increase of knowledge, and with the introduction of improved processes, a change which is always going on. Moreover, this is an obligation which no one can reasonably repudiate, as no one can object to be called on to do the best that can be done to shelter his neighbours from the injurious effects of his operations.

It may, however, be urged that this clause is not definite enough for the inspector. Who is to say what is the best practicable method in a particular case? Fortunately, a direct answer to this question is not required. If in the case of sulphuric acid the inspector finds that a manufacturer habitually allows his exit gases to contain 20 grains acid per cubic foot, while the average amount is below 1 grain, it may safely be asserted that the best method for the condensation or retention of this acid has not been employed.

Moreover, the phrase not only goes beyond and is independent of definite fixed standards-it also constructs them. If it can be shown, after prolonged observation, that in conducting some process of manufacture a certain amount of success in controlling noxious emanations is usually achieved, this result becomes a basis for the future, a standard to which all are expected to conform; and this standard has the great advantage over one rigidly fixed by Act of Parliament, that it is one which accommodates itself to the varying conditions of manufacture and the changing light which knowledge brings to bear on it. In that the Act of 1881 embodies this principle, and enjoins in conducting certain manufacturing processes that the best practicable means shall be used for preventing the discharge into the atmosphere of all noxious gases evolved in such work, it makes a great advance over the past legislation on this subject.

Another point where the last Alkali Act made advances beyond those which had preceded it, is the increase in the number of manufacturing processes brought within its scope. The first Alkali Act touched alkali works only. In the last Act are included also those for the manufacture of sulphuric acid, chemical manure, nitric acid, sulphate and muriate of ammonia, chlorine, salt, and cement. The attempt, however, to enumerate those works which should be scheduled in such an Act as that now under our consideration can never be wholly successful. Scarcely is the ink dry with which such a list is written than works are established or processes are added to those already existing, which, had they been known sooner, would certainly have been included. As an instance of this might be given a process for preparing hydrate of strontia from the sulphate. This substance has lately been largely employed in the refining of sugar. In the course of its preparation the sulphide of strontium is decomposed, and torrents of sulphuretted hydrogen are set free. These might easily be retained, but the inspector has no power to interfere, although in a neighbouring works, where, perhaps, sulphate of ammonia is made, he complains if only a trace of that noxious gas is allowed to escape, and at once insists on a rectification of the apparatus.

(To be continued.)

A

PATENT HYGIENIC CONCRETE.

SAMPLE of this article has been sent to us, which we understand has been down for two or three years as a pavement in Dublin, and the portion sent to us was only taken up to show how completely it retained the disinfecting qualities which form its peculiar distinction. We understand that specimens of this pavement have within the last week or two been experimented on in London with most satisfactory results.

The concrete is saturated with carbolic acid, and probably with some other disinfectant, and when consolidated and laid down in the form of flags it becomes not only an antimalarious, but an antizymotic pavement of an economic and permanent character.

There is no doubt that germs of typhoid fever and of other zymotic diseases are the outcome of soil exhalations, and any agent that will effectually kill them, and so purify the atmosphere as to render it harmless, especially to children, would be a most desirable factor in promoting the sanitary condition of centres of population.

To all appearances, and if we may judge from the high testimony of such eminent chemists as Sir Chas. Cameron and Professor Tichbourne, the specimen of hygienic concrete here before us is the very thing that will meet the case.

We do not know the price, but we understand it is as cheap or cheaper than any other make, and of a quality quite as durable. It is well worth the serious attention of all sanitary authorities, and of public bodies generally.

GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.

BY THE RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
CHEMICAL TRADE JOURNAL."

GLASGOW, April 21.

HIS Exhibition, which is to be opened by the Prince of

THI Wales on the 8th of May, was to-day subjected to the

practised scrutiny of an exceptionally strong force of journalists, representing papers not only at home, but a few stationed so far afield as the continent and America. The occasion was the press view day, and fully a hundred pressmen put in appearance in response to the challenge of the Executive Council. The birth of the project for an exhibition on a large scale in the industrial metropolis of Scotland took place two years ago, and vigorous health has characterised the undertaking ever since. The guarantee fund speedily amounted to £300,000, and the high patronage of the Queen and the Prince of Wales was readily procured. Kelvin Grove Park, or the West End Park, as it is commonly called, was chosen as the site, the Corporation giving the temporary use of nearly seventy acres of its area, of which fully fourteen acres are by this time occupied by the main and subsidiary buildings of the exhibition, erected at an estimated cost of £70,000. The style of the structure is Eastern, with lofty dome and attendant towers and minarets crowning the roof, while the interior plan (also Saracenic in decoration) takes the well-known form of grand nave and intersecting transepts, these giving off to right and left into numerous courts or bays. Operations, as shown in the view to-day, are well advanced within the province of the architect and building contractors, but there remains a large bulk of work for the exhibitors to get through. Some of the exhibits are complete, but these do not comprise more than a fourth, or perhaps a sixth, of the whole; still, short as the interval is, there is time before the 8th of May, with the force of workmen at present available (3,000 it is said), to have the whole in apple-pie order.

The exhibiting range of the great Glasgow display is a very wide one, and includes all the classes within the category of such an organ as the Chemical Trade Journal; but in the absence of catalogue aid, and particularly having regard to the embryonic condition of most of the courts, more than very general criticism is now impossible. The chemical, drysaltery, paint, oil, and mineral sections are found, for the most part, within the court to the south of the main avenue, a central and most favourable position. Rather more representative than numerous are the exhibits forward within these sections, but this is perhaps not a circumstance at which it would be seemly to grumble. Even the mineral oil companies of Scotland, whose headquarters may be said to be Glasgow itself, are to be select in the show they make rather than abundant, and of these the Broxburn Company is one of the comparatively few with stand complete-a really beautiful array of the artistic possibilities latent in the rude-looking shale dug from the pits. In the close neighbourhood of this is the trophy of Price's Patent Candle Company (also complete), Brunner, Mond, and Co. (incomplete), A. G. Kurtz and Co., St. Helens, and the Widnes Alkali Company (both complete), and the latter putting forth chemical samples of a varied and comprehensive character. Sadler and Co. are exhibitors of tar products, ammonia, etc., from the northeast of England, and a collective stand of extra size, surmounted by a bust of Leblanc, will prove a striking feature here as illustrating the chemical industries of Tyneside. Exhibits on the mechanical and engineering sides of chemical science and industries will be found fairly well to the front by the day of opening, but as yet few of these are in completed position, and of course there is nothing in motion. Particularly strong in number and variety will be the sections, or divisions of sections, devoted to the display of sanitary appliances, some of which are already placed. Detailed criticism is necessarily held in reserve.

One exhibit of what may be called an accidental and informal kind may possibly prove unexpectedly effective, and that is the River Kelvin itself, which divides the seventy acres of exhibition area in twain, and flows right underneath the northern or main façade of the building. From the condition of the Kelvin may be deduced some data concerning the operation in Scotland of the act for the prevention of rivers pollution, an act which has been a good many years in force without (in Scotland at least) performing much in justification of its existence. Last summer this river, which has numerous polluting works in its upper reaches, smelt so badly when low of volume with the drought, that park

frequenters of only ordinary nostrils ran risk of being driven away altogether. The Executive Council of the exhibition early directed a wise attention to the shortcomings of the stream, deepening its bed, and freeing it from all sewage outfall, at least on the side of the city of Glasgow, but it has been impossible to deal fully with the upper dyeing and other factories, and there is room still for a little anxiety. By means of a weir, some distance down, the river is kept calm and placid while passing the building, bearing all the appearance of a strip of canal; and as gondolas from the Adriatic, electric propellers, and what not are to ply on its bosom, it is in the highest degree desirable that, in a sanitary sense, it should be on good behaviour. If the exertions of the council meet with due reward it will be on good behaviour, and thus show what can be done toward maintaing the purity of rivers where there is a will.

SOCIETY OF CHEMICAL INDUSTRY.

LONDON SECTION.

A paper was read by Mr. C. T. Kingzett, entitled "Notes

on the manufacture of chlorine, with special reference to the use of magnesia in that process, and its economy." The paper contained the results of a series of laboratory experiments undertaken with a view of elucidating certain phenomena underlying the Weldon-Pechiney process recently described by Professor Dewar. The author has patented a process for the production of chlorine by the passage of heated air and hydrochloric acid over a mass of porous material containing magnesium oxide, the latter being used indefinitely.

The second paper was by Messrs. C. F. Cross and E. J. Bevan, on "Further notes on M. Hermite's process of electrolytic bleaching."

The paper gives the results of a series of laboratory investigations of the electrolysis of magnesium chloride, undertaken with a view of elucidating the complicated reactions which the authors pointed out in their paper of March 7th, 1887.

Since this paper was read, Dr. Hurter published a paper in which he pointed out as the result of his experiments that Messrs. Cross and Bevan's estimate of the cost of bleaching by means of electricity, instead of being cheaper than the ordinary method with bleaching powder, was in reality from three to six times as great. Considerable space is devoted in the present paper to a refutation of Dr. Hurter's statements, which the authors state appeared so highly improbable to them that they felt no pressing necessity to vindicate themselves from their effect.

The method of experimenting consisted in passing a current of electricity through a copper voltameter into an electrolyser containing solution of magnesium chloride. The electrolyser was so arranged that the gaseous products of the electrolysis were conducted away to a Lunge's nitrometer, where they could be measured and examined. By means of a small fan worked by an electromotor the magnesium chloride was kept in circulation.

The chief results of the investigation are that only a relatively small amount of chlorate of magnesia is formed, and that perchlorate is entirely absent. The authors further show that the formation of perchlorate when magnesium chlorate is electrolysed depends entirely on the size of the electrodes as compared with the current passing. They further show that even in some of Dr. Hurter's experiments no perchlorate is formed. The numbers given show a minimum efficiency of 73 per cent. available chlorine, which the authors state is sufficiently high to ensure the economical success of the process. They point out, however, that they have reason to believe that a much higher efficiency is attainable on a large scale.

The paper contains the results of a trial of the process for linen yarns made in Belfast comparatively with the ordinary method, showing a cost of about one to three in favour of the electrolytic method. Another important feature is that the bleaching is effected in about one-fourth the time necessary with bleaching powder.

The paper concludes with a criticism of Dr. Hurter's method of investigation, which the authors point out was eminently calculated to give bad results. The authors also criticised his explanation of the course of the electrolysis.

The original estimate of the cost of bleaching by the process is confirmed by the results as well as by experience of working on the large scale.

Correspondence.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

H. C.-There is no doubt about it whatever. The game will be tried soon, but it will not succeed.

E. J. R.-Apply to the advertisers. We cannot tell his prices for large orders; they would certainly be less than for single tons.

J. J-Yes. We think what we say, but we do not always say what we think.

TARTAR.-The rumour is that the owner will endeavour to turn the concern into a limited company. If so we pity the shareholders.

J. LOCK.-Yes, he was promptly dismissed, but the reasons for this step have not been made public.

H. R.-There are too many chemists in existence now. We would advise you to try some other profession.

J. C. It is a close trade. If you were to start the existing makers would soon run you off the road.

CLAREMONT.-Have nothing to do with it unless you wish to lose your

money.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

THE INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY.

To the Editor of the Chemical Trade Journal. Sir, The report of the proceedings at the last annual meeting of the Institute, held in London, and published in your valuable journal, ought to be sufficient to show the country Fellows that they will never get any wishes they may desire attended to, for directly a Fellow from the country raises his voice a clique of London Fellows is formed to back up the council in all its misdeeds, or rather in the absence of deeds of any kind at all. It may be argued that as the council is composed of members from all parts of the kingdom country members have every opportunity of expressing their views through their representatives; but when it is known that all council meetings are held in London, and that the majority of members present at those meetings are residents, it will be seen at once that country Fellows can never expect to have a proper voice in matters.

We have in the provinces waited patiently for the past ten years for the Institute to develop, and what is the position to-day? The Institute has obtained its charter-charter for what? Will it enable the council to stop unqualified persons from practising? Will it stop all those who are not Fellows from giving scientific evidence in the law courts? Will it stop manufacturers from employing untrained chemists, who are not Fellows or Associates of the Institute, in their works? If the charter will not enable the Institute to do either or all of these things, pray what will it enable the council to do? If it will only enable it to declare that no one who has not been trained in one or more of certain schools or colleges will be admitted to examination then we have a measure of its worth, and it is well that all who put F.I.C. after their names should well consider the worth of these mystic figures. The Institute did not do much before its possession of a charter to add either to the dignity or the welfare of the Institute, and after the possession of this coveted treasure what has it done? Positively gone to the wayside and dragged in the poor, the maim, the halt, and the blind, without examination, as during the past year anyone could be admitted if he metaphorically could produce a signature or two to show that he was a jolly good fellow.

The result of the last annual meeting shows clearly enough that the council will have the tune played their own way even if others have to pay the piper, and I would therefore suggest to those who cannot see any good in the present administration to stop the supplies by ceasing to pay the subscription. I know of several Fellows who have not paid their subscription for years, and yet they are not struck off the roll. I am not sure whether all analysts in public practice are eligible for membership to the Society of Public Analysts or whether this society is solely composed of analysts appointed under the Adulteration Acts. Perhaps if this letter meets the eye of Mr. A. H. Allen, who, I believe, is the president of that society, he would inform your readers and myself on that point. I am of opinion that that society is doing far more useful work than the Institute of Chemistry, and that it would be well supported by chemists generally; and I also believe that many Fellows of the Institute would transfer their subscriptions to the Society of Public Analysts if they knew they were eligible for membership.

It seems at present as if we all had to pay an annual tax to enable a special few to air themselves on special occasions, and, what is worse, to support a project to endeavour to fill certain schools and colleges with students. I say, for one, have a severe examination, superintended by a committee, and have not a single care as to how, where, or when the candidate obtained his information. Reform is certainly required. Will nobody come forward to rid us of this oligarchy."-I am, etc., A COUNTRY FELLOW.

Trade Notes.

IT WAS A SURPRISE FOR HIM.-A correspondent writes:"Under the idea that I was reading a back number of The Chemical Trade Journal, I read of bleaching wood with peroxide of hydrogen, bleaching wool with peroxide of hydrogen, aaline black (which should be aniline black), indigo in China, bleaching cotton with hydrogen peroxide, bleaching silk with hydrogen peroxide, bleaching sponge with hydrogen peroxide, all of which articles have appeared in your journal, when to my surprise I found I was reading the Dyer and Calico Printer of April 16th, and all these articles appeared without acknowledgment."

We are much obliged to our correspondent for pointing out this incident, it is a pretty big haul for the Dyer, but we do not grieve; it is better to laugh than to cry over the follies of mankind, and this case is not so bad as that of a canvasser for advertisements of another paper (which copied, even to a printer's error, our account of the Hargreaves engine), and who entered the office of one of our advertisers with the words, "if you give me an advertisement I will see you get a prominent notice in the body of the journal. Look at this notice of the Hargreaves engine." I wrote it myself!!!-ED. C. T. J.

EXHIBITION OF GAS APPARATUS.-The directors of the Bristol United Gas Light Co. propose to give an exhibition of gas apparatus in the Drill Hall, Bristol, during the fortnight ending May 26th next. Space will be granted to intending exhibitors on application, and on sending an estimate of the space required to Mr. Jas. V. Green, the secretary.

WORKMEN'S WAGES IN BELGIUM.-The following table, comprising the daily pay of several classes of workmen, is extracted from the return made by the proprietors of the celebrated works of John Cockeril and Co., at Seraing, near Liege :

1872 1875 1878 1881 1884 1886

THE SALT BEDS OF NEW YORK.-The product of salt reservation at Syracuse, N.Y., for 1887, was 5,695,797 bushels, and there was a deficit of $3,500. The average output has been 7,000,000 bushels per year, and this deficiency is a serious matter, especially as it appears to be not merely temporary. It is due partly to the decreasing strength of the brine, partly to the fact that salt in Michigan is produced at less cost for fuel, and partly to the fact that the mining of salt is now practicable in other counties of the State. At the Syracuse reservation there are five groups of wells, but only about 75 per cent. of the total number are available. The average income to the State for forty years has been about $18,000, and last year the reduction in revenue was $4,059'60. Two wells driven 1,600ft. and 2,000ft. failed to strike rock salt, but the Legislature is asked to appropriate funds for new wells. The salt beds of western New York are about 120 miles east and west by forty to fifty miles north and south; the area of the district is about 5,000 square miles, and the beds average 40ft. in thickness.-Engineer.

GRAIN CARRIed for NotHING.-Reference has been made to the fact that one of the passenger steamers carrying from New York to Great Britain has accepted a part cargo of grain as ballast-without payment. A year ago the rate was low-it was 2 d. per bushel at the beginning of April-about one-half of what it had been some three months previously. Some years ago, grain was for a month or two carried for nothing from America, but the number of steamers taken from the trade soon restored payment, if not payable rates, and it will probably be so now. Still the prospect is not brilliant for large steamers.

THE REGISTRATION OF FIRMS.-The proposal for the compulsory registration of firm names has been brought before parliament this year by Sir Albert Rollit, M.P. According to this scheme every firm that carries on business under à firm-name not consisting of the full or usual names of all the partners or all the acting partners without any addition would have to be registered; as also would every person that carries on business under any firm-name consisting of or containing a name or addition other than his own full or usual name. The particulars required by the Bill to be registered are (1) the firm-name; (2) the nature of the business; (3) the place or places of the business; (4) the full name, usual residence, and other occupation (if any) of the person or persons engaged in it; and (5) where a business is commenced in the future or a new place of business opened, the date of such an event. The statement of these particulars is to be written and signed by the persons themselves, or is to be acknowledged in the presence of a magistrate or a solicitor, by whom the signatures or acknowledgments are to be attested. And whenever a change occurs in the constitution of a firm it is to be registered, as also is any change in the name. For default in registration the maximum fine is fixed at £1 for each day during which it continues; and for knowingly making false returns the punishment may be imprisonment with hard labour for a term not exceeding two years. The register is to be kept by the registrar of joint-stock companies; and he will send abstracts of the statements to the registrars of County Courts in whose districts the places of business are, and they will also keep indices, etc. The statements thus registered are to be open to any one's inspection on payment of a small fee. After registration the registered name is directed to be used in all matters relating to the business carried on.

NATURAL GAS AT NEWCASTLE.-Last June a "blower" of natural gas was struck in the underground workings of the Hebburn Colliery, near Newcastle-on-Tyne, and remained for fully six months a source of annoyance and danger to all in the pit. At the commencement of the present year-as the flow seemed likely to be permanent-it was decided to utilise it by running a 6-in. pipe from the "blower" to the surface, and burning the gas in one or more boilers. On the 26th of February the gas was successfully lighted in a large Lancashire boiler, which has continued to work steadily ever since. It is believed that the flow is sufficient to supply four boilers, and three others are accordingly to be connected with the gas main. The gas is introduced to the boiler flue by an annular burner, the flame being afterwards broken up and spread by a brick bridge placed about 7ft. from the front end. The evaporative power of the gas is great, and the arrangement, when complete, is expected to result in a saving for fuel and labour of about £3,000 per annum.— Industries.

THE FALL IN VALUE OF SILVER.-As exemplifying in a striking manner the effect of the fall in the value of silver on investments, it may be mentioned that in 1876 a local house advanced $70,000 for investment in the East, the money being paid in sterling money by

$1.63

64

£13.552 Is. 8d. At the time it was stipulated that when called up the money should be repaid by bills upon London for a like sterling amount. At the present time the loss to the borrower through the fall in silver is $17.905, and on the sterling value at the current rate for exchange, £2,760 8s. 3d. Since 1876 interest at the rate of 8 per cent. has been paid on the original sum.

THE CHARACTER-NOTE SYSTEM.-The following circular has been issued to workmen on Tyneside:

"Fellow Workmen,-For several years past a great many of our shopmates have had to suffer great privation and want through the character-note system. If any of us is bold enough to get up in the shop or on a public platform to advocate the elevation of the class to which we belong, he is immediately marked by our employers, and by means of this system he is prevented from getting work anywhere in the district or even in the county. The system is so widespread that wherever we go, the same thing is only too easily seen. As several of our fellow workers are suffering from it at the present moment, we shall be glad to meet you in Lockhart's Cocoa Rooms, Clayton-street, on Saturday, April 7, at 7-30 p.m., when a scheme will be laid before you for your consideration, whereby we may support our leaders and at the same time show that we can appreciate pluck, honesty, and truth. We remain, yours in unity-THE COMMITTEE."

IMPORTANT TO THE LARD TESTERS.-A new product of the saponification of cottonseed oil has recently been described in the Comptes Rendus by M. Ernest Milliau. The chemical substance which is not observed in the fatty acids of olive oil, is so sensitive that by its means the presence may easily be detected of 1 per cent. of cotton oil in olive oil. All risk of error is removed, as the operation is effected, not on the oil itself, but on the fatty acids free from all impurity.

THE IRISH EXHIBITION IN LONDON.-The exhibition of Irish industries, which is to be held during the summer at Olympia, Kensington, will open on the 4th June and close at the end of October.

VOLAPÜK.-There are Volapükists in St. Petersburgspeakers of the new universal language called Volapük. But up till now, they could have no Volapükist literature, it being the law of the land to proscribe all books which the Censors cannot read. The obstacle is being surmounted, however. Through the consideration of the Government, one learned in the Volapük is to be, if he has not actually been, appointed to the Censure. Henceforward, the Volapükists will have free scope in the Empire to spend both time and breath for nought.

MARGARINE. Does a rose under another name smell as sweet? At any rate, the substance once sold as oleo-margarine, until lately sold as butter, and now sold as simple margarine, tickles the public palate and slides down the public œsophagus with equal pleasantness and ease, no matter what the name. The Board of Trade returns show how much mistaken they were who anticipated that the new law, forbidding the preparation from beasts' fat to be sold as butter and ordering it to be called margarine, would diminish the demand for that substance and increase the demand for home-made butter. There is no falling off, however, in the importation of margarine.

TAXING" AND THE RESULT.-Carlisle Council recently went to Parliament for enlarged powers. The cost of the Act which was procured was £3.715. There was "taxed" off two accounts the sum of £48. 17s. 6d. But the "costs of taxation" came to £47. 2s. 8d., so that the Council gained very little by the process of taxing. Even with the slight reduction in the cost, the Act was produced at an expense of £3.713. 16s. 2d.—a tolerably large sum to pay.