148 
THE YOUNG SCIENTIST. 
shaped bodies, similar to the curious 
anchors found in the skins of the so-called 
sea cucumbers. 
It is only in a certain class of sponges 
that these flinty spicules are found. They 
are not found in the common sponge, and, 
indeed, if present there, they would de- 
tract greatly from the value of this useful 
article, which is prized chiefly for its soft- 
ness and the flexibility and elasticity of 
its parts. Sponge spicules are often 
found in a fossil state amongst diatoms, 
and have given rise to the most curious 
speculations. They are generally found 
mixed with diatoms, and have remained 
after all the fleshy parts of the plants and 
animals have disappeared. 
These spicules are not only curious, but 
beautiful objects under the microscope, 
and it is well for those who are beginning 
the study of objects with this instrument, 
to become familiar with these curious 
forms, so that they may be able to know 
them when they see them. 
miUxmt §0U^ 
The Close of the Volume. 
THIS number brings the third volume 
of The Young Scientist to a close, 
and on reviewing the labors of the year, 
we feel certain that our unpretentious 
volume will compare favorably with any 
similar amount of matter that can be ob- 
tained for the same price. Some of our 
articles may perhaps have been a little 
beyond the grasp of the average reader, 
but, on the other hand, we are glad to know 
that some who began with us three years 
ago, have made wonderful progress in 
practical scientific work, and are now 
able to put in practice things far more 
difficult than anything we have yet pub- 
lished. 
The Young Scientist for 1881, opens 
with encouraging prospects. We have 
made arrangements for a large number of 
practical articles of great value, and we 
hope to present to our readers twelve 
numbers of unequalled interest and use- 
fulness. Amongst the articles which we 
shall publish at an early day, will be one on 
iceboats and how to make them ; a series 
of elementary articles on the lathe, and 
how to use it; several practical articles 
on carpenter's tools; on the use of the 
microscope, and the preparation of ob- 
jects, etc., etc. Simple scientific experi- 
ments which afford both instruction and 
amusement, and which are free from dan- 
ger, will also be a feature of the Young 
Scientist for 1881. With such a bill of 
fare we look for a larger subscription list, 
and trust that all will aid us to achieve 
this very desirable end. 
Postage Stamps. 
WE again call the attention of our sub- 
scribers to the fact, that while we take 
postage stamps of small denominations 
at full value, those of higher denomina- 
tions are of no use whatever to us. We 
cannot sell them, except at a very great 
loss, and the post office will not exchange 
them for smaller denominations. There- 
fore, please do not send them. 
Removal of Strong Odors from the 
Hands. 
Ground mustard, mixed with a little water, 
is an excellent agent for cleansing the hands 
after handling odorous substances, such as cod- 
liver oil, musk, valerianic acid and its salts. 
Scale pans and vessels may also be readily 
freed from odor by the same method. A. 
Huber states that all oily seeds, when powdered, 
will answer this purpose. In the case of al- 
monds and mustard, the development of ether- 
eal oil, under the influence of water, may per- 
haps be an additional help to destroy foreign 
odors. The author mentions that the smell of 
carbolic acid may be removed by rubbing the 
hands with damp flax-seed meal, and that 
cod-liver oil bottles may be cleansed with a 
little of the same, or olive oil.— Druggist's Cir- 
lar. 

Ceresine.— This is a new substitXite for bees- 
wax, obtained by chemical processes from a waxy- 
mineral known as ozokerite. It is sold in thin 
white cakes, and is pure white, scentless, harder 
than wax, and partially translucent. It cannot be 
softened in warm water, and is not liable to the 
action of acids or caustic alkalies. It is volatile 
at a high temperature, and can be distilled un- 
changed. For many purposes it will doubtless 
prove of great value, and it is to be hoped that 
our dealers will soon have it for sale in this 
country. 
