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[O&ober, 
NOTES. 
Literary Notice. — Mr. A. H. Swinton, author of “ Insedt 
Variety,” is preparing for publication a Table of Sun-Spots and 
Earthquake Phenomena, by means of which many public cala- 
mities may be safely predicted. Any public institution or private 
individual desirous to assist in the publication of these useful 
observations, extending over the Christian Era, will kindly inti- 
mate the amount of their subscription, for which copies will be 
sent. The money will be returned unless the expense of publi- 
cation is fully covered. Address, “ Binfield House, Waterden 
Road, Guildford.” 
According to the daily papers at the Congress of Librarians 
recently held at Cambridge, Mr. E. B. Nicholson, the Bodleian 
Librarian, proposed a resolution in favour of the opening of 
libraries, museums, and art-galleries on Sundays, but it was not 
discussed, the “ previous question ” being carried by acclama- 
tion. Some of our contemporaries seem to regard this acftion as 
the outcome of a blameworthy selfishness. We rarely, however, 
find men of any class eager for an increase of duties without any 
corresponding increase of remuneration. Those who wish for 
the Sunday opening of museums, &c., should set their face, 
above all things, against the introduction of refreshment-rooms 
in such establishments. This modern blunder — we believe of 
South Kensingtonian origin — enlists a numerous, earnest, and 
well-organised body against the proposed Sunday opening. 
We learn that a joint Annual Meeting of the two “Anti-Vivi- 
section ” Societies took place at the end of August. Besides the 
Rev. Mr. Grove and the inevitable Mr. Jesse there were present 
three men, four women, a small girl, and four reporters ! 
M. D. van Monckhoven (“ Comptes Rendus ”) says the ex- 
pansion of the central rays of hydrogen is absolutely independent 
of temperature, and is simply due to pressure. 
A single shock of earthquake was felt at Couchey, in the C6te 
d’Or, early in the morning of August 14th. The barometer re- 
mained stationary, and domestic animals showed no disquietude 
either before or after the occurrence. 
Prof. Wiesner, of Vienna, has continued the researches of 
Darwin on the power of movement in plants, and has brought to 
light many interesting facfts. 
According to “ Ciel et Terre ” the birds of passage which re- 
turn early in the season, up to April 13th were, almost without 
