714 Transactions of the American Institute. 



Batavia, which is by rail thirty-seven miles from the foot of Lake 

 Erie, and is thus described by a correspondent of Rochester Union : 

 " While we were admiring a golden sunset (the eastern horizon at the 

 same time arched by the bow of promise), the waters of Lake Erie 

 rose upon our vision in a mirage so perfect and brilliant that it was 

 difficult to believe that we were not in the region of enchantment. 

 The phenomenon in its full brilliancy lasted about half an hour. It 

 was witnessed by several citizens in Buffalo. At one time eleven 

 vessels were distinctly visible, even a steam tug was seen, with steam 

 issuing from the smoke-stack. Large bodies of ice covering what 

 appeared to be several acres, each were seen openly floating toward 

 the source of the Niagara. The Bufialo gentlemen w^ere naturally 

 enthusiastic, and declared that they had never seen the. lake of their 

 pride exhibit itself in more natural habiliments, not even from their 

 Rialto, yclept, the docks. The mirage above described was remark- 

 able for its great strength." 



In relation to this item read by the chairman. Gen. E. M. Barnuni 

 said : When the Pacific railroad is completed, the people will have 

 an opportunity of witnessing the most wonderful mirage known. 

 That portion of the continent lying between the great Salt lake and 

 Sierra jSTevada mountains, the eastern boundary of California, is a 

 continued succession of hills, running north and south. The appear- 

 ance of the mirage here is exceedingly grand. He had often noticed 

 its peculiar effects on the thirsty and foot -sore animals. The lake in 

 the distance seemed so natural that the animals if left to themselves 

 to move of their own accord, would often travel some fifty miles; 

 they would start themselves towards the mirage. This is probably 

 the most beautiful mirage on this continent. ' 



Dr. J. V. C. Smith remarked that he had seen the mirage on the 

 desert of Arabia, and the camels were as much deceived b}'^ it as he 

 himself was, and this occurred day after daj„ This was on the 

 Iladjii route. 



Alazarine. 

 Taking advantage of M. Schutzenberger's investigation of madder, 

 which was proved to contain five pigments, M. Martin has lately per- 

 fected and patented in France a process for transforming four of them 

 into the only one (alazarine) yielding an unalterable dye. The seve- 

 ral coloring matters are first dissolved in concentrated sulphuric acid, 

 and then zinc is added. The reaction is accelerated by the use of 



