188 'scientific note. 



piece. These bangles are not removed at death, and hence there is a con- 

 tinual demand for them, many wearing several, both on the legs and arms. 



Segment of Shell, and Bangle, or Ornamented Bracelet of United Segments of 



Shell. 



Petroleum, Kerosine, Photogene, or Rock and "Well Oil. — The 

 introduction of this article is taking tremendous strides. If the rocks and 

 wells of Pennsylvania, Canada, and other districts contirrae their exudation 

 at the present rate of supply, the value of the trade in this oil may even 

 approach that of American cotton. Montreal (internally and perhaps ex- 

 ternally by this time) is lighted with the white refined. The oil gas dis- 

 tilled from the raw petroleum is iTn-m p.-nsp.1y superior, and much more 

 brilliant than our own coal gas. For years we have sent coals to America 

 for her gas works, and it will be a singular freak of events if she and 

 Canada should now supply us with a better expedient. The merits of the 

 petroleum will be better understood when importers are informed that, 

 be sides the uses already named, lubricating oils of every colour and specific 

 gravity can be obtained from it ; wax also, for the manivfacture of paraffin 

 candles ; naphtha, and consequently benzole (from which the fashionable 

 dyes Magenta, rosenine, analine, &c, are obtained) ; pitch, &c, all of them 

 having several other applications. It is reported, on the very best authority, 

 that they have discovered from it now an available substitute for spirits of 

 turpentine for paints, and also a solvent for india-rubber — results, I under- 

 stand that they have not effected in America or Canada, and the importance 

 of which cannot be ovex-estimated. In my first circular it was stated that 

 some 7,000 barrels of crude and refined were on the way to this country, 

 and the Times of the 13th Dec. mentions 8,000 barrels on the way to London. 

 There are 10,000 barrels coming to Liverpool, and 2,000 barrels to Glasgow, 

 in all about 20,000 barrels. American hostilities and the ice in the St 

 Lawrence (although we have still St John, New Brunswick open) may stop 

 supplies to some extent, but that the future will vindicate the best expec- 

 tation recpiires little prescience to affirm. — ' Circular of Mr A. S. Macrae, 

 of Liverpool.' 



