212 Miscellanies. 



of 



It is probably known to 



most cultivators of meteorology in America, that Prof. J. P. Espy, for- 

 merly of Philadelphia, has become connected with one of the departments 

 of the War Office at Washington City. He has published blank forms 

 for recording meteorological phenomena, and is ready to distribute them 

 gratis to all who will take the trouble to keep a register and return it 

 monthly to him, directed to the Adjutant General's Office, endorsed on 

 one corner " Meteorology." His object is to collect the greatest possible 

 amount of meteorological matter, and particularly records of violent storms 

 of wind and rain. His position at the seat of government, with the power- 

 ful aid of the War Office, and the regular monthly returns of the mete- 

 orological registers kept at all our military posts, as well as those forward- 

 ed by colleges, academies, schools, and individuals, will enable him to 

 command more extensive and valuable materials than have ever been in 

 the possession of any single observer in this country. 



We strongly recommend to all whose observations are not promised in 

 another channel, to throw their efforts into the common cause. Copies 

 of all registers kept for other purposes, are also most earnestly desired. 



From such a mass of materials as can in this way be collected, great 



results must be expected, when 



by 



some generally accepted and unobjectionable mode. For by whatever 



only the truth. 



the facts 



i 



12. Copal* — This resin is found upon the coast of Africa. There 

 are no trees in the vicinity, nor any thing to indicate that there ever 

 were any. It is found a few inches below the surface of the ground, 

 in beds resembling lava. The natives who gather it can give no ac- 

 count of its origin. When taken from the bed, the gum is covered 

 with a black earthy substance, which nothing can remove but the strong- 

 est lye. As the only establishment known to exist for cleansing it, is 

 at Salem, Mass., all the gum brought to this country is sent there. It is 

 placed in vast vats, into which strong lye is poured, and after remain- 

 ing there some days, it is removed, spread upon boards, and dried in 

 the sun. The action of a stiff brush then removes the coating, and ren- 

 ders it fit for use. It is then assorted, the clear (which is the first qual- 

 ity) separated from the dark and the spotted ; and it is then packed in 

 boxes, and sent to all parts of the world. 



By removing the native coating, the gum is left with a pale gold col- 

 or. But by cutting with a knife through the second coating, a brilliant 

 surface is presented, that nearly equals the brilliancy of precious stones. 

 In many pieces of gum insects are found, large, perfect and beautiful ; 

 also fluids, some transparent, some colored. 



This is an anonymous MS. communication to the Editors. 



