80 The West American Scientist. 
EOLA OTR Ae 
Each year presents a startling record of terriple loss of life and 
property by the elements. But 1889 surpasses any previous year 
in the history of the English race. Early in the year came the 
news of disaster at Apia, where our American navy suffered so 
severely. The sympathy of the whole civilized world is now 
aroused by the fearful calamity at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on 
May 31st. Ten thousand people hurled into eternity by the piti- 
less torrent escaping from the Conemaugh artificial lake, upon 
its dam giving way, and two thousand more roasted alive in the 
conflagration that succeeded the flood, Before this loss of life, 
the twenty-five millions of property destroyed is insignificant. 
The whole Conemaugh valley is a scene of desolation, not only 
Jchnstown, but other towns and villages and farm houses along 
this beautiful river have been washed away with thousands of 
their inhabitants. It is impossible at this time to estimate the 
total loss of life and property sustained by this section of country. 
Our contributors will please note that MSS. should reach us as 
early as the first of the month preceding publication to secure 
the earliest insertion. Reports of societies and scientific news 
may be sent later but should reach us as early as possible, that 
they may not loose in interest by delay. When possible, articles, 
especially if ofa technical character should be prepared by a type- 
writer. Proofs are not read by the Editor but we have engaged 
careful and experienced readers for this service. 
Europe, Asia and Africa has each contributed to the Editor’s 
mail of late. As four months were consumed in transit by a let- 
ter from Asia, we shall ‘not be burdened by correspondence from 
that quarter, but now that San Diego is likely to be soon in di- 
rect communication with China and Japan, through the Peninsula 
and Oriental Steamship line, we may hope that the SCIENTIST 
may become still better known in those countries. 
Two or more new steamship lines are being inaugurated be- 
tween San Diego and Mexican ports, which we hope may soon 
be in operation. The west coast to the south of us has been but 
little known to naturalists, and with these increased facilities for 
transportation, we may hope to learn more of its natural history 
in the near future. Numerous naturalists have already done what 
they could under existing difficulties, and each has found much 
of interest in every branch of science. 
NOTES LAND NES. 
TATA-ALBUMEN is a variety of albumen, studied by Dr.Helbig 
which is transparent, even when boiled. It was first found in the 
egg of a certain species of sand marten. Later it was ascertained 
that by the action of soda or potash, ordinary egg albumen could 
