Domestic Intelligence. 193 



der with oil, and diluting it after it has stood a few minutes. 

 The heavier particles will form a sediment to be rejected. It 

 is used on all kinds of machinery, where it is necessary to ap- 

 ply any unctuous substance to diminish friction ; and it is said 

 to be an excellent substitute for the usual compositions appli- 

 ed to carriage wheels. 



Some idea of the value of soapstone, in this use of it, may 

 be formed from the following fact, communicated by D. 

 Moody, Esq. the superintendent of the Tar Works on the 

 Mill Dam, near this city. Connected with the rolling ma- 

 chine of that establishment, there is a horizontal balance 

 wheel, weighing fourteen tons, which runs on a step of five 

 inches diameter, and makes from seventy-five to a hundred 

 and twenty-five revolutions in a minute. About a hundred 

 tons of iron are rolled in this machine in a month ; yet the 

 wheel has sometimes been used from three to five weeks, with- 

 out inconvenience, before the soapstone has been renewed. 

 The superintendent thinks, however, that it ought to be more 

 frequently applied. 



This use of soapstone was discovered at Lowell, by an 

 accident, the circumstances of which it is not necessary now 

 to repeat. It is sufficient to say, that it is regarded by those 

 who have used it, as an invaluable discovery. I have been 

 assured that it has never been known to fail of producing the 

 desired result, when applied to machinery which had begun 

 to be heated, even in those cases where nothing else could 

 be found which would answer the purpose. 



Very respectfully your friend, &c. 



Ebens. Bailey. 



[A Fragment by Professor Eaton.] 

 2. On Forest Trees, Orchard Trees, fyc. 



TO PROFESSOR SILLIMAN. 



If I do not misconceive the design of your Journal, one 

 object is, to form a repository of insulated, as well as connect- 

 ed facts, which may be advantageously used by system- 

 atic authors. In accordance with this construction, I con- 

 tinue to send you items, which may be ranked among " the 

 scientific mites which, in skilful hands, make up the grand 

 phalanx of human knowledge." 



Effects of Light. — Clouds and rain have obscured the 

 hemisphere during the last six days. In that time the leaves 



Vol. XIII.— No. 1. 25 



