232 Gleanings. 
the hive, (a glass one,) through a small hole in a platform, on 
which the hive was placed. The glass vessel was then placed in 
a larger vessel of warm water, by which the vapor was subtilized. 
In seven minutes the vapor completely stupefied the bees, who 
fell inanimate to the bottom of the hive. The hive was then re- 
moved. The atmospheric air revived the bees in about ten mi- 
nutes, and in a short time after they were fully recovered. The 
same effects were then produced by the fumes of burnt nitre in 
another glass hive. The stupefaction of the bees was more im- 
mediate; but their recovery, on exposure to the atmospheric air 
was obtained. Another experiment was tried on a third hive, by 
igniting the species of dried fungus called a powder puff, and 
the result was similar. The use of ether, however, appeared more 
tractable, the strength being more capable of regulation than that 
of either the nitre or the powder puff. It was, moreover, more 
cleanly, and less likely to occasion accidents. The honey is not 
likely, it is said, to be affected by the vapor of ether. It is so ex- 
tremely volatile that its powers are dispersed by the atmospheric 
air almost immediately." 
Lunar Influence — The belief that the moon exercises a power- 
ful influence upon the changes of weather on the surface of the 
globe, is one of the most popular errors of our times, and scarcely 
can foul weather of any continuance occur, that thousands of eyes 
are not directed to the pages of the almanac for the intelligence 
of a sunshining sky. The following extracts from the Atheneum, 
we think, will throw some light upon the truth or falsehood of its 
predictions: 
" In the year 1843 I was one of the meteorological observers 
of the Royal Agricultural Society of England; and made careful 
observations on this particular branch of the science. The result 
arrived at was, that there was no foundation for the opinion in 
question. Since the above year, and also for some time previous 
to 1843, meteorological observations have been carried on here, 
and at the close of each year, an examination of the papers has 
strengthened my mind more and more against this prejudice. In- 
deed, as far as I am myself concerned, my papers are quite suffi- 
cient to show that the moon does not influence the changes in the 
weather.'''' — Edward Joseph Lowe. 
M. James Glaisher, Esq., of the Royal Observatory, Green- 
wich, says: 
" As you are aware, since the year 1840, magnetical and me- 
teorological observations have been taken every two hours, night 
and day, with the exception of Sundays, upon which days the ob- 
servations have been less frequently made. We may therefore 
look upon these volumes (Greenwich Observations) as recording 
