now made by good firms, are really fire-proof
under ordinary circumstances. Watch movements, bank bills, diamonds and
jewelry, all came out in good order from most of them, though in some
cases the outside plates were red hot. In one safe was a delicate lace
shawl, worth $1,500, which was quite uninjured.

Two French astronomers, MM. Andre and Angot, have asked to be sent to
San Francisco to observe the transit of Mercury on May 5, 1878. They
hope to obtain data which will make the next transit of Venus more
fruitful.

During the last year the Signal Service extended its telegraph lines
across the Staked Plain to San Diego, California. Two continuous lines
of telegraph now extend across the country, one in the northern and one
in the southern region.

Additions of interesting animals are frequently made to the New York
Aquarium. The blind Proteus from Austria, Axolotl from Mexico,
Salamanders from Germany, and some curious fish from China are among the
latest additions to the tanks.

The combined Signal and Life-Saving Service at Cape Henry is reported to
have saved $500,000 worth of property in the storms which marked the end
of March. Telegraphic connection is found indispensable to efficient
work in watching the coast.

The bullion product of the United States from July 1, 1875, to June 30,
1876, was about $85,250,000, of which $46,750,000 was gold and
$38,500,000 silver. The annual gold product of the world is supposed to
be about $25,000,000 greater than that of silver.

The copper-bearing rocks of Lake Superior are reported by the geologist
of Wisconsin to extend almost uninterruptedly across that State. In the
Nemakagon river masses of native copper have been found, and that
country may become a rich copper region.

The second congress of Americanistes will meet in Luxembourg September
10 to 13 next. Information and tickets may be had in England of Mr. F.
A. Allen, 15 Fitzwilliam Road, Clapham, S.W. It is to be hoped there
will be less speculation and more research than at the last congress.

Persons desirous of procuring brook and salmon trout for restocking the
waters of New York State can do so by addressing Seth Green at
Rochester, who will send them on the payment of the travelling expenses
of a messenger and the giving of full directions as to route and whom to
call on.

A class in plain cooking was lately formed at the New York Cooking
School. The course consisted of twelve les