Answers to Queries. rir 
boracic acid yields nearly as good results. Dr. Schonland (Gar 
dener’s Chronicle) recommends, as an improvement on the method 
of using sulphurous acid for preserving the colours, that in the 
case of delicate flowers they might be placed loosely between 
sheets of vegetable parchment before immersion in the liquid, so 
as to preserve their natural form. 
Cleaning Brass.—It is a great mistake to clean brass with acid. 
It very soon becomes dull after such treatment. Sweet oil and 
putty powder, followed by soap and water, is one of the best 
mediums for brightening brass and copper. To frost brass-work, 
and give it an ornamental finish, boil the article in caustic potash, 
rinse in clean water, and dip in nitric acid, till all oxide is 
removed ; then wash quickly, dry in warm box-wood sawdust, and 
lacquer while warm. 
Care of the Eyes.—When the eyes have been used for a long 
time by artificial light and become fatigued, it is a useful plan to 
have at hand a lotion composed of rose or elder-flower water, 2 
ounces; wine of opium, 4 drachm; French brandy, 1 drachm. 
Mix and occasionally bathe the eye with a fine piece of sponge. 
The grateful sensation of relief will be at once evident. It will 
allay inflammation and preserve the sight. 
Answers to Queries. 
234.—Age of Animals.—Whales live about 400 years, tortoises 
150. Camels live about 50 years, oxen 20, sheep 8, dogs 14, 
horses 30. Elephants have been known to live 130 years after 
being captured. They are said to live 300 years. Eagles and 
swans sometimes live over 100 years. Carp have been kept over 
200 years, trout for 50, pike for go. J; A. Hoce; 
262.—Coccus Vitis Vinifera.—The Coccus V. V. is unfor- 
tunately not at all uncommon in England at the present day. 
According to the “ Vine Manual,” this insect is the same species 
which occasionally attacks the peach, nectarine, and plum. It has 
a long, brown body, which in old age becomes of a blackish-brown 
colour, wrinkled, and short. The females are shield-shaped, 
convex above, flat below. ‘They have six legs, which become part 
of the body with age. The insect is provided on the under side 
with a sucker, wherewith it extracts the juices of the plant. Soon 
after impregnation the insect dies, and her body becomes a shield 
