8o The ] Vest American Scientist. 



EDITORIAL. 



Each year presents a startling- record of terriole loss ot'life and 

 property by the elements. But 18S9 surpasses any previous year 

 in the history of the English race. Early in the year came the 

 news of disaster at Apia, where our American navy sufifered so 

 severely. The sympathy of the whole civilized world is now 

 aroused by the fearful calamity at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on 

 May 31st. Ten thousand people hurled into eternity by the piti- 

 less torrent escaping from the Conemaugh artificial lake, upon 

 its dam giving way, and two thousand more roasted alive in the 

 conflagration that succeeded the flood. Before this loss of life, 

 the twenty-five millions of property destroyed is insignificant. 

 The whole Conemaugh valley is a scene of desolation, not only 

 Jchnstown, but other towns and villages and farm houses along 

 this beautiful river have been washed away with thousands of 

 their inhabitants. It is impossible at this time to estimate the 

 total loss of life and property sustained by this section of country. 



Our contributors will please note that MSS. should reach us as 

 early as the first of the month preceding publication to secure 

 the earliest insertion. Reports of societies and scientific news 

 may be sent later but should reach us as early as possible, that 

 they may not loose in interest by delay- When possible; articles, 

 especially if of a technical character should be prepared by a type- 

 writer. Proofs are not read by the Editor but we have engaged 

 careful and experienced readers for this service. 



Europe, Asia and Africa has each contributed to the Editor's 

 mail of late. As four months were consumed in transit by a let- 

 ter from Asia, we shall not be burdened by correspondence from 

 that quarter, but now that San Diego is likely to be soon' in di- 

 rect communication with China and Japan, through the Peninsula 

 and Oriental Steamship line, we may hope that the Scientist 

 may become still better known in those countries. 



Two or more new steamship lines are being inaugurated be- 

 tween San Diego and Mexican ports, which we hope may soon 

 be in operation. The west coast to the south of us has been but 

 little known to naturalists, and with these increased facilities for 

 tiansportation, we may hope to learn more of its natural history 

 in the near future. Numerous naturalists have already done what 

 they could under existing difficulties, and each has found much 

 of interest in everv branch of science. 



NOTES AND NE WS. 



Tata-albumen is a variety of albumen, studied by Dr.Helbig 

 which is transparent, even when boiled. It was first found in the 

 ^g^ of a certain species of sand marten. Later it was ascertained 

 that by the action of soda or potash, ordinary egg albumen could 



