88 THE WEST AMEEICAN SCIENTIST. 



During recent years, great loss to farmers of Norway has resulted from a dis* 

 .ease affectiug the roots of barley. This proves to be due to a microscopic round 

 worm, Tylenehus hordei, which also attacks the roots o: the bind-grass of the Nor- 

 wegian and Scotch coasts. A remedy his still to be sought. 



The quantity of coloring matter which must be mixed with a perfectly white 

 powder — such as carbonate of magnesia — before the human eye can detect it, has 

 lately been the subject of some interesting experiments, from which it appears that 

 red and yellow are most easily detected, sixteen and seventeen parts respectively 

 being sufficient to perceptibly tinge 100,000,000 parts of white. 



A new method of lighting, called the pneumatic system, has been described by 

 a Frenchman, M. Bender. He employs the fatty residues obtained from the rectifi- 

 cation of crude mineral oils, through which he passes a current of air. The air 

 takes up a definite quantity of this hydro-carbon, and the flame produced is very 

 brilliant, giving off no smoke. Cheapness and immunity from explosions are advan- 

 tages claimed. 



It has been an extensive belief in France that the drinking ef water in consid- 

 erable quantities has a tendency to reduce obesity, by increasing the activity of ox- 

 idizations in the system and favo ing the burning away of accumulated fat. The 

 error of this idea has just been shown by Dr. Debove who has proven that the 

 quantity of water taken has no influenca on nutrition or body weight so long as 

 the solid diet remains unchanged. 



The lowest temperature at which the seeds of common cultivated plants germi- 

 nate has been determined by Mons. Hellriegel. Barley and oats were found to start 

 in soil having a temperature of 35 degrees; ryes and wheat, at 32 degrees; Indian 

 corn, at 48 degrees; the turnip, at 32 degrees; flax, at 32 degrees; the pea and clover, 

 at 35 degrees; the bean and lupin, at 38 degrees; asparagus, at 35 degrees; the car- 

 rot, at 38 degrees and the beet at 40 degrees. 



Prof. Germain See, the eminent French physiologist, declares that man is omni- 

 vorous, and is destined to live on the elements furnished by the three kingdoms of 

 nature. He cannot maintain robust health on meat alone as food, nor can he live 

 on vegetables alone. The practice of pure vegetarianism is simply impossible, and 

 the so-called vegetarians are compelled to make up the deficiency in their food by 

 consuming a quantity of such animal substances as milk, eggs and butter. From 

 the mineral kingdom must be had pure water, which cm be replaced by no other 

 fluid. 



As the result of an experimental inquiry. Dr. Sandras, a physician of Paris, 

 claims to be able to change the nature, intensity, pitch and extent of the voice in a 

 surprising degree by the use of different inhalations. A few inspirations of alco- 

 holic vapor imparts a decided hoarseness, some vapors weaken the voice while 

 others strengthen it to such an extent that it acquires new notes, high and low. If 

 the same effects are produced upon people generally, this curious discovery must 

 prove of great practical value to public speakers, singers, and all who use the voice 

 considerably. 



