House and Garden 
readers of the terrible nature of the hail¬ 
storm which occurred in his district 
recently. The storm passed over the 
greater part of the districts of Mozuffer- 
pore and Durbungah, but it appears to 
have concentrated itself with special 
fury over the indigo factory called 
Dholi. Here the storm was terrific, 
even for tropical regions, the hailstones 
weighing as much as five ounces. On 
an average they were as large, if not 
larger, than cricket balls. It can be 
easily understood that the damage done 
was great. Not a whole tile was to be 
found in the roofs, trees were uprooted, 
birds were killed, and general destruction 
wrought all around. What is more 
astounding, the corrugated iron roofing 
over many of the factory buildings was 
riddled as if it had been shelled by a 
battery. We can quite imagine, as our 
correspondent informs us, that no storm 
like it has ever occurred in the district. 
Hailstones have, however, had the same 
terrific force in Africa, a sample of 
corrugated iron pierced in a like manner 
having been recently shown in London.- 
Scientific American. 
EARLY HISTORY OF THE FUSIBLE 
STRIP 
ITT ERE is an interesting little story 
A about the fusible strip. November 
1879, was a momentous time at Menlo 
Park, N. J. Mr. Edison had invited 
the New York aldermen, a number of 
prominent officials and well-known elec¬ 
tricians, to be present at his laboratory 
to witness the trial of the incandescent 
light. He had invented his three-wire 
system and carbon-filament lamp, and 
was about to show the world what could 
be done with them. The party was 
invited to be present at night. On 
the morning of that day one of his faith¬ 
ful assistants remarked: “What will 
happen to us if somebody should lay a 
bar of metal across these wires ? It 
would short-circuit the whole business, 
the lamps would burn out and the thing 
would be a fizzle.” Mr. Edison pon¬ 
dered over the matter for a few minutes, 
and saw the importance of the question. 
It was all the more important as it was 
known that some of the guests who were 
invited were not Mr. Edison’s warmest 
friends. After thinking the matter over 
for a few minutes, Mr. Edison retired, 
and in an hour came back and ordered 
the wires to be cut in several places. 
Dexter Table 
(Suggestion) 
Our Specialty is Cottage Furniture 
(Simple in line and well built) 
Adapted to Shore and Country 
Houses. Can be furnished un¬ 
finished or stained to match interior 
decorations. 
A request will bring a package 
containing 200 distinctive patterns. 
Visitors are invited to inspect 
specimen pieces displayed in our 
ware rooms. 
WILLIAM LEAVENS 4 CO. BOSTON 
A NEW BUILDING METHOD 
This diagram shows the principles of our 
organization, which directs, co-ordinates and 
controls every part of a building operation. 
It includes under a single contract the ser¬ 
vices of the architect, builder, decorator and 
furnisher, and places the responsibility for 
every detail of the work on a single firm. 
"The Way to Build" mailed on request. 
HOGGSON BROTHERS 
CONTRACTING DESIGNERS OF 
Residences, Banks, Clubs, Libraries 
7 EAST 44th STREET, NEW YORK 
AGENTS WANTED 
We want a bright active agent to represent HOUSE 
AND GARDEN permanently in every city and town in the 
United States. We have a special offer, covering both new 
subscriptions and renewals, by which a permanent and profitable 
business can be established with little work. Experience not 
necessary. Write for our Special Offer. 
Subscn ption Department 
HOUSE AND GARDEN 
1006 Arch Street Philadelphia 
Mantel Design in Colored Mat 
Glaze Tile 
Made by 
mkwood ponmy co. 
CINCINNATI 
In writing to advertisers please mention House and Garden. 
17 
