110 ON THE SUPPOSED CAPABILITY OF THE 
it was weighted to keep it steady, and put into a 
tub containing cold water, which rose within a few 
inches of its top. The temperature of the water 
was further reduced by causing to be speedily dis- 
solved in it finely pulverized muriate of ammonia 
and nitrate of potash mixed in equal quantities, 
the degree of cold produced in the glass jar being 
ascertained by means of a small thermometer in- 
cluded within it. Experiments of this kind were 
soon perceived to be too uncertain in their results 
to effect the purpose for which they were insti- 
tuted ; for though the Dormice sometimes became 
perfectly lethargic, yet it frequently happened that 
no such consequence followed, the rapid fluctuations 
in the temperature of the water, and the motion 
unavoidably attendant upon the process, combining to 
stimulate the animals and prevent torpidity. 
Disappointed in this attempt, I resolved to rely 
on the natural temperature of the atmosphere 
solely ; and on suspending a cage containing two of 
the Dormice in the open air, from a window having 
a north aspect, whenever the thermometer was un- 
usually low for the season, I had the satisfaction to 
find that by this simple expedient they were ren- 
dered completely torpid at intervals in every month 
of the year 1824, the other three Dormice con- 
tinuing quite alert on those occasions if subjected 
to the influence of a high degree of temperature. 
After constructing a comfortable bed of flax and 
