176 QUERIES. 



renewed, wheii the maid related what had happened ; but no 

 disposition was shewn by my friend to prosecute a candle-light 

 search among loose straw and other ignitable substances. In 

 the morning he was the first stirring, and the first discoverer of 

 Tabby's petreat, which was near her formerly selected spot, but 

 more elevated. There he found her, insensible to call or caress, 

 for she lay cold and lifeless. 



Although in this paper, much of feline instinct has been 

 omitted, from forgetfulness, I may be excused an expression of 

 my friend's feelings, beyond the assurance, that never was a 

 favorite cat more deeply lamented. Its memory is however 

 cherished. The skin is preserved as a wrapper or wallet, in 

 which are inclosed, " to this day," all little ctirious quisquilUa ; 

 and whenever shewn, the high character of its once /air possessor 

 is sure to form a very amusing half-hour's detail. 



John R. B. 



QUERIES. 



To the Editor of the " South Devon Monthly Museum'' 



Sir, The insertion of the following queries will greatly oblige, 



Yours &c. 

 A Constant Reader. 



1st. On what principle can we account for the apparently in- 



. creased magnitude of the Moon's disc, at the time of her rising, 



when viewed under ordinary circumstances; while at the same 



time if viewed through a tube or even tlirougli a hand partly 



closed, she appears no larger than when on the meridian ? 



2nd. What causes the change of color in polished steel, while 

 undergoing the process of tempering ? 



3rd. What law of mechanics, will account for the superior 

 power of a long screw-driver, though the handle be no larger than 

 that of a short one ? 



4tli. \Miy does a wedge shaped piece of timber require less 

 force to draw it through water, with the butt end than with the 

 sharp end foremost ? 



5th. In what manner do the rays of the Sun act, to produce 

 that deadening influence, so observable when they shine on the fire ? 



