Miscellanies. 189 
those that are tainted, by applying to them, with a brush, a layer of 
pyroligneous acid. They absorb it very speedily, and it occasions no 
injury nor diminution of their value—Rceewil Industrielle. 
11. Action of heat upon razors.—It has been asked, why, in time 
of frost, a razor, unless it be warmed, will not cut without irritating 
the skin? It is because, when it freezes, the edge of arazor, exam- 
ined by a microscope, is like a SAW, and, as soon as warmed, becomes 
smooth.—Idem. 
12. Substitute for India ink.—Boil in water, some parchment or 
pieces of fine gloves, until it is reduced to a paste. 
Apply to its surface while still warm, a porcelain dish which has 
been held over a smoking lamp: the lamp black which adheres to 
it, will become detached and mingle with the paste or glue. Re- 
peat the operation until the composition has acquired the requisite 
color. It is not necessary to grind it. It flows as freely from the 
pencil as India ink, and has the same transparency. 
13. To destroy caterpillars.—To 15 gallons of water, add 14]bs. 
of common soap, the sane quantity of flowers of sulphur, and 2lbs. 
of mushroons (the poisonous kind). Put the whole over a moderate 
fire and keep it stirring. Caterpillars, grubs, &c. watered with this 
liquor, immediately perish. 
This recipe is said to come from Germany, where it has extraor- 
dinary success. _Degre 
aii? 
Notices by Dr. Alexander Jones, of Mobile, bine cee ddr essed. to the Eiitor.) 
14. American Gypsies.—l see Pr of. eceeane hes erciaieddtion 
the “ Revue Encyclopedique’ an article on “ Gypsies” for your Jour-~~ 
nal, in which he remarks that there are no “Gypsies” in America or 
that, ‘‘ they have never appeared in America.” In this, the writer is 
mistaken. There is a colony of “Gypsies” on Biloxi Bay in Lou- 
isiana, who were brought over and colonized by the French at a very 
early period of the first settlement of that state. They are French 
“ Gypsies” and speak the French language, they call themselves 
“ Egyptians,” or “Gypsies.” ‘The French eall them indifferently, 
“ Koyptians” or “ Bohemiens.” 
What is remarkable, since their colonization in this country, they 
have lost the distinctive character of their idle and wandering habits. 
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