K. DOMESTIC AND HOUSEHOLD ECONOjNIY. 419 



the new process was found to be, contrary to all expectation, 

 about double that of the old system. The removal and con- 

 densation of the enormous percentage of water contained in 

 the animal refuse was found to be a source of great practical 

 inconvenience, involving the use of an enormous cooling ap- 

 paratus. One of the chief economical features of the coal 

 system, namely, the production of coke, which not only suf- 

 fices to run the works, but to return an income from the sale 

 of the surplus, is wanting in the new process, for the opera- 

 tion of which the fuel must be bought. But perhaps the 

 gravest objection to the new system lies in the fact that the 

 refuse materials employed contain large quantities of nitro- 

 gen, sulphur, and phosphorus, and their compounds enter the 

 gas produced as ammonia, sulphuretted hydrogen, and phos- 

 phuretted hydrogen in such unusual quantities as compared 

 with the old system that their removal, which is absolutely 

 necessary, demands mechanical arrangements of so complex a 

 character as to become quite impracticable of successful oper- 

 ation upon a large scale. For the reasons specified, the proc- 

 ess has doubtless been abandoned. The results of this trial, 

 though unfavorable, are both interesting and valuable, as 

 demonstrating the existence of grave and perhaps insupera- 

 ble difficulties in the way of the utilization of such refuse 

 matters as illuminants. There is still great room for improve- 

 ments in the methods for their conversion into fertilizers. 



WALKING-CANE CONTAINING A CANDLE. 



A very simple walking-cane, with a candle inclosed, which 

 might be convenient for use in dark passages, or even for 

 reading in railroad-cars, has been introduced by a German 

 firm. The top portion consists of a hollow cylinder screwed 

 on, and containing a spring to press upward, as fast as con- 

 sumed, a candle placed in it. It is closed by a screw cap, 

 which forms a convenient top. 12 (7, X., 1875, 2. 



A REFLECTING-PLATE FOR OPEN GRATE FIRES. 



A recent novelty among adjuncts to stoves and fire-places 

 consists in the employment of a bright nickel-plated sheet of 

 metal, suspended over the fire, and adjusted in proper posi- 

 tion by a crank, the rod of which passes through the side of 

 the stove or fire-place. While the fire is being kindled, the 



