10 
ground are of porous stone of a grey colour, spotted with brown and 
black, and analysis shows that they contain silica, iron oxide, 
aluminium oxide, lime, and magnesia. 
Great satisfaction is expressed by French meteorologists by the 
discovery of the permanent value of the Hiffel Tower for weather 
observations. ‘They are in fact as satisfactory as those obtained in 
the Observatory on the Pic du Midi, the altitude being almost the 
same. ‘Ihe temperature is found to be far more even than on 
terra firma, and while frost was experienced in the streets of Paris, 
the observers on the summit of the Hiffel ‘’ower were enjoying a 
warm breeze. ‘The velocity of the wind is found to be about three 
times as great as on a level with the ground, but whereas the wind 
is usually most noticeable on the earth’s surface from noon to 2.0 
p-m., at great elevations it is strongest from sunset to daybreak, 
and abates toward the noontide. 
The French have recently added captive balloons to their naval 
equipment, and the Mediterranean squadron is now supplied with 
one which can be raised or lowered at will. Lieut. Terpette found 
that by ascending to the height of one thousand two hundred feet 
all the details of the coast from Marseilles to Hyeres, and every 
vessel within thirty miles could be clearly seen. And what may 
prove of equal service in these days of submarine warfare, the sea 
appeared to be transparent to a depth of eighty feet. Thus, in 
calm weather, all treacherous attacks from torpedo boats might be 
effectually guarded against. These swall balloons, which are made 
of China silk, are very strong, and resist the action of the wind. 
They are made at Chalais Mendon. 
A new submarine boat has been invented for the Italian Govern- 
ment by Signor Balsamello, and from the preliminary experiments 
it appears to be highly successful. The unique feature in this new 
vessel is that its form is spherical (balla nautica, as it is called), 
and it can be steered in a direct line, either on or below the surface 
of the water, and it can also be turned with ease. It is fitted with 
lenses, so that those in the vessel can not only see their way, but 
can discover any submerged article they may wish to bring to the 
surface. The exterior of the vessel is provided with grapnels, 
which can be worked from the interior. On the trial tripa large 
beam with weights attached was thrown overboard from an adjacent 
boat. The submarine boat sank after it, and shortly re-appeared 
with the beam, which had been seized by the grapnels. It is hoped 
that much sunken and valuable cargo may thus be rescued by this 
and similar vessels, aud it is also thought that submarine photo- 
graphy may be practised by this means. 
In our own country the first steam lifeboat was launched last 
year, and made a most successful trip. She is named after the. 
