140 Queries. 
more plentifully.” Can you tell me if you know of anyone who 
has tried Parkinson’s plan, with his hens, and if so, did he obtain 
the desired result ? 
387.—Pear Grafting.— Virgil, in the “‘Georgics,” speaks of pear 
being grafted on mountain ash (orvzus). I tried the pear scion on 
the mountain ash stock two years ago, but without success. My 
failure may have been due to want of vigour in the stock. Will 
any reader who has tried grafting pear on mountain ash tell me 
what was the result of the trial ? 
388.—Violet Stones.—The name given to certain stones found 
upon high mountains, as in Thuringia, upon the Harz Mountains, 
and the Riesengebirge, which in consequence of being covered 
with what is called violet moss, emits a smell like that of violets. 
They retain this smell for a long time, and it is increased by 
moistening. The violet moss (Byssws Jolithus), which some 
botanists have been inclined to rank with lichens and others with 
fungi, consists of simple articulated threads, and spreads over the 
stones in the form of a delicate incrustation, which at first is red- 
dish brown, but ina more advanced stage yellowish green. It 
was formerly in use as a popular remedy for feverish cutaneous 
eruptions. 
The above is an extract from Chambers’ “ Encyclopedia.” 
Can anyone give a fuller account of the subject, especially of the 
Byssus Lolithus ? I WaG 
389.—-Chemical—Can anyone recommend a good cheap 
manual of Agricultural Chemistry, with the chemical examination 
of soils? (Not “Church’s Laboratory Guide.”) J. A. Hoee. 
390.—Names of Fish.—I have scales of the following fish 
from Mentone:—Menora, Lodola, Laserto, and Bolta di Mare. 
Would someone kindly give the scientific names of each, as these 
are evidently the local Italian appellations? HH. W. Lert, M.A. 
391.—Mounting Parasites.—I soaked several specimens of a 
parasite from holly in spirit of wine for several days, then I 
mounted in balsam. All the specimens when dry were surrounded 
by a fringe. Why was this? Were they not soaked long 
enough P H. “We EB. 
392.—Snow Crystals.—How may snow crystals as depicted in 
text books be shown to friends in an ordinary room? Some 
means of course must be devised to prevent the snow from 
melting. S. 
393.—Liquid Wanted.—Wanted a liquid, not too expensive, 
boiling at a temperature of from 98° to 100° F. B, acueeae 
394.—Pineal Eye.—I have seen allusions lately to the “ pineal 
eye” ; can anyone tell me clearly what this organ. is? ENQUIRER. 
