454 ANNUAL RECORD OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 



this, each piece by itself, so that no one touches another. A 

 sheet of paper is to be placed on the top of this layer of fruit, 

 and then a second layer of lime sifted in. In this way, lime, 

 paper, and fruit are to alternate until the box is filled. The 

 corners are then to be filled with finely powdered charcoal. 

 By covering the box with a tightly fitting top, the fruit can, 

 it is said, be kept fresh for at least a year. 10 C, March, 

 1872,43. 



DECOLORIZATION OF FRUIT SIRUPS. 



Carbonate of iron, it is reported, furnishes an excellent ma- 

 terial for decolorizing sirups, fruit juices, oils, and even gases. 

 15 (7, vii., 112. 



use of ammonia in making preserves. 



We learn that very satisfactory experiments have been 

 made in using ammonia to lessen the amount of sugar re- 

 quired in preserving acid fruits. In the course of the opera- 

 tion a small quantity of ammonia is to be stirred in, and its 

 effect carefully noted. The alkali of the ammonia, combin- 

 ing with the acid of the fruit, produces a neutral reaction, 

 which permits the sugar to have its full effect. An excess 

 of ammonia can be remedied by the introduction of a little 

 vinegar. 5 C, xlii., 336. 



IMPROVEMENT OF POTATOES. 



A German writer remarks that the first early potatoes 

 contain proportionally a great deal of water and but little 

 mealy matter, which renders them less palatable than when 

 ripe. He mentions, however, that by a more careful treat- 

 ment during boiling they can be considerably improved. 

 This may be accomplished by heating a second kettle of wa- 

 ter at the same time with that containing the potatoes, so 

 that, after the latter have been boiled for some time, the wa- 

 ter is to be poured off, and that from the other kettle substi- 

 tuted, and the cooking completed. A great improvement in 

 the potatoes will be found to be the result. Indeed, it is not 

 early potatoes alone that are benefited by this process, but 

 those of any age, and whether peeled or not. Landunrth- 

 schaftliche Mitth. Cassel,YUi., 1871. 



