CHR YS ANTHEM VMS. 5 3 1 



pose. It is, however, very much cheaper ; and this, in the esti- 

 mation of many, more than compensates for the less convenient 

 form. Certain it is that much more cement than felt is used as a 

 non-conducting covering. 



The paint finds extensive application ; a layer of it, while not 

 rendering a wooden surface absolutely fire -proof, is yet proof 

 against sparks and slight flames, and thus prevents the spread 

 and increase of many an incipient fire. 



In the form of rope it is used in the construction of fire-escapes 

 and supports that may have to withstand fire. We have also 

 asbestus paper. As a wall-paper it aids in rendering a building 

 fire-proof. In the form of writing and printing paper it presents 

 a fire-proof paper that may be used in valuable legal and com- 

 mercial documents. 



Not only does our mineral resist high temperatures, but it is 

 also proof against the action of the majority of chemicals. It 

 therefore forms a very valuable substance for use in filtering 

 apparatus, especially where acid and alkaline liquids which cor- 

 rode ordinary filtering paper and cloth have to be dealt with. As 

 a filtering medium it is used not only in chemical laboratories, 

 but in manufacturing establishments as well. 



Though the asbestus industry is only in its infancy, many other 

 uses might be mentioned ; but, bearing in mind that it is possible 

 to produce from it fire-proof fabrics of any form or shape, there 

 will readily occur to the mind of the reader many other possible 

 applications of this curious product of Nature's laboratory which 

 has waited so long for an opportunity to minister to the comfort, 

 convenience, and safety of man. 



CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 



By JEAN DYBOWSKI. 



EVERY season has its peculiar flowers. Even in our ex- 

 tremely irregular climate there are few times in the year 

 when we can not have some pretty blossom to admire. The 

 explorations that are made into all the quarters of the globe, 

 with importations that have followed them, have endowed our 

 flora with such a number of varieties that we may say we have 

 only to choose from among them to get the handsomest there 

 are. There are few flowers that do not wear an infinite charm, 

 and very few are those which fail to make an impression with 

 their elegant form and fresh colors. Some among them, however, 

 unite in themselves such combinations of qualities that they are 

 lifted above their fellows, and occupy a place of honor among 



