I. AGRICULTURE AND RURAL ECONOMY. 347 



greater than that required to keep the body in statu quo along 

 with a normal growth of wool, but not to an extent which 

 had any real significance. The atmosphere contributed only 

 one sixth part to the material received, but, on the other hand, 

 laid claim to nearly one half of the material excreted. More 

 than one half of the organic substance of the food fell, direct- 

 ly or indirectly, to the process of respiration, while the growth 

 of new wool absorbed not one per cent, of it. About eight 

 ninths of the residue were found in the faeces, and one ninth 

 in the urine. 



The oxygen excreted in the form of carbonic acid was near- 

 ly equal to that removed from the atmosphere, which is a 

 general characteristic of herbivorous animals. The distribu- 

 tiou of various mineral constituents of food, on their reap- 

 pearance in the faeces and urine, corresponds on the whole, 

 though not exactly, with their respective solubilities and cly- 

 alitic relations. The two alkaline earths, lime and magnesia, 

 appeared in relatively large proportions in the faeces the lime 

 in greater proportion than the magnesia. Similarly with the 

 two alkalies and the urine, the potash was recovered there- 

 from in greater proportion than the soda. Of the phosphoric 

 acid scarcely more than a trace was found in the urine. 

 Ql A,Augic8t;18ll;l29. 



ACCLIMATION OF THE ANGORA GOAT IN AUSTRALIA. 



A strong desire to have Angora goats more generally in- 

 troduced and acclimated in Australia has lately been excited 

 in that country by the appearance at an exhibition in Syd- 

 ney of a flock of these valuable animals accompanied by their 

 kids. These goats are hardy and prolific, while their hair, be- 

 ing used, in combination with silk, for the manufacture of the 

 most costly fabrics, commands a high price. Owing to the 

 ease with which they can be kept, the rearing of Angora goats 

 would seem likely to render quite profitable the vast area of 

 poor land in Australia. 7 C, 1871, 187. 



MARITIME EXPOSITION AT NAPLES. 



A maritime exposition has lately taken place at Naples, 

 which was well attended by delegates from different nations, 

 and many subjects of general importance were considered 

 during the session. The principal topics discussed were, 



