Preservation of Fish by Sugar. 391 
dried, became absolutely uninfammable, and consequently 
unfit to communicate fire. They carbonize or char when 
they are exposed to a very intense flame, but the carbo- 
nization does not extend beyond the focus of heat in 
which they are plunged. . 
Jour. of Science &c. 1822. 
35. Animal Electricity—Mr. Glover has published the 
following method of receiving the electrical shock from a 
cat. Place the left hand under the throat, with the middle 
finger and. the thumb slightly pressing the bones of the 
animal’s shoulder—then gently passing the right hand 
along the back, sensible electrical shocks will be felt in 
the left hand. _ Phil. Mag. Vol. X. 
36. Silk Worm.—In a communication to the society for 
Arts and Manufactures, (Vol. 4. p. 163) it is stated by Miss 
Henrietta Rhodes. that one line of the silk worm. when 
unwound, measured 404 yards, and, when dry, weighed 3 
grains. Hence it follows that one pound avoirdupois of 
the thread as spun by the worm, may be extended into a 
line 535 miles long, and that a thread which would encom- 
pass the earth would weigh no more than 47 pounds. 
37. Preservation of Fish by Sugar.—Dr. MacCullochin a 
letter to Dr. Brewster states that fish may be preserved in 
a dry state, and perfectly fresh, by means of sugar alone, 
and even with a very small quantity of it. I have thus 
kept salmon, whitings, and cod, for an indefinite time, and 
with the best effect. The sugar gives no disagreeable 
taste. If desired as much salt may be used as to give the 
taste that may be required ; but this substance does not 
conduce to their preservation. 
In the preparation it is barely necessary to open the fish, 
and to apply the sugar to the muscular part, placing it ina 
horizontal position for 2 or 3 days, that this substance may 
penetrate. After this it may be dried, and it is only fur- 
ther necessary to wipe and ventilate it occasionally to 
prevent mouldiness. A table-spoonful of brown sugar is 
sufficient in this manner, for a salmon of five or six pounds 
weight : and if salt is desired, a tea spoonful or more may 
he added. Edinb. Phil. Jour. Vol. VII. 
