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Cincinnati Society of Natural History. 



contrary to the general rule of substances, water expands instead of 

 contracting when it is cooled. If a goblet of water be placed un- 

 der certain conditions, it will not freeze, even if cooled several 

 degrees before freezing point. But if agitated ever so slightly, by 

 jarring, for example, congelation immediately ensues. Snow- 

 flakes are always six-sided, or have six rays. The expansive power 

 of water when freezing, was shown by experiments made at Que- 

 bec. -An iron bombshell was filled with water, and a peg driven 

 into the hole. After a few hours exposure to a temperature of 

 25 below zero, it was found that the peg had been driven out of 

 the hole to a distance of one hundred feet, and a core of ice six 

 inches long was shot out of the aperture. The method of making 

 artificial ice was explained, as was also regelation, or the freezing 

 of .two pieces of ice when brought into contact. The pasticity of 

 ice and the movements and appearance of glaciers was spoken of. 

 The lecture was illustrated by magic lantern views. 



On January 9th, Dr. W. A. Dun gave a talk upon some magic 

 lantern pictures. He prefaced the exhibition by remarks upon the 

 necessity of a Natural History Museum, and showed what a chance 

 there was for some of the rich men of the citv to rise and put the 

 Museum of this Society on a firmer basis, and thus erect for him- 

 self a durable and magnificent monument. The views shown were 

 of the Zuni Indians, and scenes from various parts of this country 

 and Europe. 



On January 16th, Prof. J. W. Hall, Jr., lectured on "Gems and 

 Minerals." He explained many of the popular superstitions con- 

 cerning minerals. The ancients believed them to be alive, be- 

 cause, said they, they become ill, decay and die. The opal was 

 formerly regarded as a lucky stone, preserving the owner and 

 wearer from many ills. Now it is regarded as a gem of ill-omen, 

 and even people of intelligence refuse to wear opals because of the 

 fear of bringing misfortune upon themselves. The history of the 

 diamond was fully entered on. It is, like coal, pure carbon, only 

 having undergone some peculiar treatment which makes it what it 

 is. The etymology of "diamond," the manner of finding the 

 stones, and a history of the most celebrated gems were given. All 

 the more noted diamonds have had eventful histories, in which 



