MOUNT VESUVIUS. 345 



then requires only a little rubbing over the palm of the hand, 

 and a dip in warm water, to make it ready for use. 



The rationale of this mode I thus explain : The edge of a 

 razor ought to preserve a perfect polish, and this is best done, 

 by letting it lye with a small portion of an oily substance, such 

 ks generally is on strops ; but which cannot be, if laid by with 

 the vapour or moisture used in shaving, so readily favouring a 

 disposition to contract rust. Rubbing on the hand takes off 

 the small oily matter on the edge, and probably removes a 

 Vv'ire edge, common on razors much honed, besides preparing 

 it to receive a small additional warmth and temper from the 

 warm water. 



A considerable time ago a razor powder was advertised A razor pmv» 

 here, under the title of the «* Egyptian Razor Powder."* It ^''itiVn noTETen- 

 is not now publicly sold ; but having on its first appearance tioned. 

 procured a quantity, I am enabled to speak of it from experi- 

 ence. At first I used it, as directed, in a dry state on the 

 strop ; but for a long time past 1 have mixed it with a small 

 quantity of oil, and found it the best composition for giving an 

 edge to razors, of any I ever tried. For above three years I 

 have never used a hone, nor had a razor ground ; and now find 

 a few motions over the i^trop, after shaving, fully sufficient to 

 preserve my razor, (having never occasion to use a second) ^ in 

 good order. 



To some, this may appear a trifling subject i but with rnanyj 

 who, like the addresser, have found a stiff beard and bad ra- 

 zor, very grating attendants on declining years, it will be of 

 st)rae value. 



Dublin, July gt/i, I806. H. K. 



XII. 



Account of the late Eruption of Mount Vesuvius,^ 



vL/N the 31st of last May, we enjoyed, for the first time, the Late eruption 



of Mount Ve- 



* Was this the black powder obtained by triturating tin with a suivius. 

 little mercury ? I have heard such a powder praised, but have not 

 tried it.— N. 



t From the Moniteur of June 22, 1306. 



Vol. XIV,— August, 180^, Yy specta- 



