L \on8* 7 
water within the tube was ona level 
with the brim of the jar; always 
taking hold of the glafs tube by 
means of a piece of linen folded 
five or fix times, and thoroughly 
imbibed with water, to prevent the 
warmth of my hand communicating 
itfelf to the glafs tube. 
Though | ftill think that Abbé 
Eontanas method of examining at- 
yet, ¢ as I gre it more in view to trace 
nature in the operation of vegeta- 
bles than to examine the degree of 
Malubrity of the common air, I en- 
deavoured to abridge this trial as. 
much as pofiible, on purpofe to fave 
time. For this reafon, I got at laft 
in the habit of _ making this trial 
in the time of a minute or two, 
= and found a furprizing accuracy in 
the refit This mode is in fome- 
es degree — 
