Scientific Intelligence. ^^ Arts, 205 



and the application of the platus to be extremely simple ; but 

 the roof should be more substantially fixed to the rafter than 

 is proposed by the patentee. Upon making a model of these 

 plates, there appears to be a Want of cover at every angular 

 junction of four plates, by which an opening, whose area will 

 depend upon the nicety with which the plates are fitted, is left 

 at each end of the upper edge of the plates of the sunk row. 

 At this junction, some additional cover seems necessary to en- 

 sure a water-tight roof. Perhaps, for our climate, the flanges of 

 these plates should be three or four, instead of two inches deep, 

 as in coverings a drip of even three is found to be small enough. 

 The price of old iron seems also to be overrated, at least it sel- 

 dom, in Scotland, brings more than a one-fifth of its original 

 value. With regard to the period assigned for the duration of 

 slates, it may be mentioned, that, for good slates, even 100 

 years would be considered as a safe calculation. Upon the 

 whole, we are of opinion that it would be well to practise this 

 mode of roofing upon sheds and other temporary erections, un- 

 til experience shall have shewn it to be an efficient water-tight 

 covering. 



STATISTICS AND GEOGRAPHY. 



41. Civilization of the Aborigines of Newfoundlands — Our ac- 

 tive and enterprising friend Mr W. E. Cormack,whose interesting 

 journey across Newfoundland appeared in a former Number of the 

 Journal, is about to embark in another undertaking, which will, 

 we hope, prove successful. He writes to us as follows: " Ex- 

 ploits^ Neiofoundland^ October 27. 1827. — I have been looking 

 forward to communicate with you on the condition of the Baeo- 

 thicks or Red Indians, the aborigines of Newfoundland. I am 

 here with three Indians, — a Micmack, a mountaineer, and a 

 Bennakee (Canadian),— -equipped and ready to set off into tlie 

 interior, in search of some of the Boeothicksy to endeavour to 

 obtain a friendly interview with them, as a step to commence 

 bringing about their civilization. I leave the sea-coast to-mor- 

 row, and intend to devote a month in traversing those parts of 

 the country where they are most likely to be met with. The 

 season of the year will not admit my traversing every place 

 where they may be found, but I expect to come up with some 

 of their encampments within a month hence. Government made 



