ate it thoroughly by turning the bottle upside down. As the sulphurous
acid gas accumulated in the air space over the water is absorbed by the
water, a partial vacuum is created, and when the stopper is eased an inrush
of air may be noted. When, after passing fresh gas through the liquid for
some minutes, no further inrush of air is noted on easing the stopper as
before described after agitating the bottle, it may be concluded that the
water is thoroughly saturated with sulphurous acid and is strong enough for
immediate use. More gas can be generated by adding more dilute sulphuric
acid to the hypo until the latter is decomposed; then it should be thrown
aside, and a fresh charge put in the bottle. On preparing the solution it
is well to set the bottles on the outside ledge of the window, or in some
other open situation where no inconvenience will result from the escape of
the excess of sulphurous gas as it bubbles through the water.

The solution of sulphurous acid, if preserved at all, ought to be kept in
small bottles, completely filled and perfectly closed; but as it is very
easy to saturate a considerable quantity of water with sulphurous acid gas
in a short time, there is but little inducement to use a solution which may
possibly have become weakened by keeping.

Care should be taken not to add too much dilute acid to the hypo at a time,
else excessive effervescence will occur, and the solution will froth over
the top of the bottle.

* * * * *

THE NATIONAL MONUMENT AT ROME.

About three years ago the Italian Government invited the architects and
artists of the world to furnish competitive designs for a national monument
to be erected to the memory of King Victor Emanuel II. at Rome. More than
$1,800,000 were appropriated for the monument exclusive of the foundation.
It is very seldom that an artist has occasion to carry out as grand and
interesting a work as this was to be: the representation of the creator of
the Italian union in the new capitol of the new state surrounded by the
ruins and mementos of a proud and mighty past. Prizes of $10,000, $6,000,
and $4,000 were donated for the first, second, and third prize designs
respectively. Designs were entered, not only from Italy, but also from
Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, England, and America, and even from
Caucasus and Japan.

[Illustration: THE UNION OF ITALY. SACCONI'S PRIZE DESIGN FOR THE
NATIONAL MONUMENT, ROME,