the mineral from which the zirconium was obtained. So
scarce was it that it would become dearer than platinum and more
valuable than gold if the lamp came into general use. The light which
the lamp gave out, though it possessed intensity, was deficient in
diffusibility as compared with that given out from ordinary flat flame
gas burners, and this was another objection to it. He argued at some
length against the financial aspects of the scheme which was being
promoted to buy up the Welsbach patents, and to introduce the lamp into
this country. His advice to his friends was not to have anything to do
with the Welsbach company, and, as investors, to be very careful in
accepting all the statements made about the light, which he predicted
would not be a financial success.

Mr. McCrae was strongly opposed to any discussion being raised in regard
to the question being considered in its financial aspects. They, as gas
engineers, did not require to trouble themselves with the doings of
investors. He regarded the Welsbach burner as an improved appliance for
consuming gas. It was an invention which was quite new to him, and as he
was not in possession of any facts which would enable him to condemn it,
he thought they ought, at least, to give it a fair trial. Referring to
the fragile nature of the "mantle," he remarked that there were minds at
work aiming at giving a purer and more brilliant light from gas, and so
far he was of opinion that the light before them was a success. His
opinion as to the diffusibility of the light emitted from the burner
differed from that of Mr. Nelson, as he considered the light possessed
that quality in a high degree. He had no doubt that the minds already at
work on the incandescent light would seek out means for improving the
burner.

* * * * *

To varnish chromos, take equal quantities of linseed oil and oil of
turpentine; thicken by exposure to the sun and air until it becomes
resinous and half evaporated; then add a portion of melted beeswax.
Varnishing pictures should always be performed in fair weather, and out
of any current of cold or damp air.

* * * * *

THE NEW BRITISH COINAGE AND JUBILEE MEDAL.

An important addition will be made to the coins now in circulation by
the issue of the double florin, the design of which is shown in one of
our engravings. The reverse is composed of crowned shields, bearing the
arms of