1856.] Crompressing the Bulk of Flour, 379 



death. On examination, I found the trunks full of borers, and more 

 than half the surface eaten off. I made the application twice. Both 

 trees revived, and made new wood the same season. This spring I 

 have treated every other tree with the application. These trees are in 

 bloom, and the wounds made by the insect rapidly healing over. I 

 would not now, without trial, recommend the application to any other 

 than the apple, quince and peach." 



Compressing the Bulk of Flour.— The Albany Journal states 

 that Louis Napoleon, in 1853, conceived the idea that it would be 

 practicable to compress flour so as to diminish the bulk and yet not 

 injure its quality. In July of that year, an experiment was made by 

 his command, to test his views. Flour, subjected to a hydraulic pressure 

 of three hundred and sixty tons, was reduced in volume more than 

 twenty-four per cent. On close examination, it was found to possess 

 all the qualities it had previous to its violent treatment. It was then 

 put into zinc boxes and sealed up. At the same time, other flour 

 manufactured from the same wheat, but not compressed, was sealed up. 

 In October thereafter, several boxes containing both kinds of flour, 

 were opened and examined. The pressed was pronounced to be the best! 

 Twelve months after this, in October, 1854, another examination took 

 place, with the same result. The two kinds were kneaded into loaves 

 and baked. The pressed flour made the best bread. In March, 1855 

 more of the zinc boxes were opened, and on examination, the loose 

 flour showed moldiness, while the pressed was sweet, and retained all 

 Its qualities. Made into bread, the same differences were observable. 



It is related of the witty Theodore Hook, that strolling along the 

 Strand one day, in company with a friend, he observed a dandy 

 approaching them, dressed in the first style of fashion, and sailing 

 down the street with the air of an emperor, passing by the ordinary 

 mortals who surrounded him with immeasurable disdain. Just as he 

 came near, Hook stepped up to the exquisite, and humbly inquired,- 

 "I beg your pardon, sir, but are you anybody in particular?" The 

 disconcerted beau looked at the grave querist in utter amazement, and 

 walked away without a particle of dignity left. 



