Direct experiments on the action of lye on wood at various
pressures

Burning Brick with Crude Oil Fuel.--The use of petroleum in
brick kilns.--Its advantages, cleanliness, and cheapness.

Chlorine Gas and Soda by the Electrolytic Process.--The decomposition
of common salt solution into chlorine and caustic soda
on the commercial scale

How Enameled Letters are Made.--The manufacture of separate
enameled letters as conducted in London.--5 illustrations

How Mechanical Rubber Goods are Made.--Hose, corrugated
matting, packing, and jar rings.--Processes of their production

* * * * *

THE LIVING JERBOA IN THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN OF BERLIN.

Like other strangely formed quadrupeds, the jerboas are counted among
the curiosities of the animal kingdom, and as such are described in
natural history; but, nevertheless, there has never been a good
exhibition of them, for the simple reason that live jerboas are seldom
seen in Europe, as they usually die during the journey hither or soon
after their arrival. After some hesitation I decided to purchase a
pair that I happened to find mentioned in the price list of Mr. C.
Reiche, of Alfeld, as one of the most interesting specimens obtained
during his expedition to South Africa the year before; but I, also,
found the sensitiveness and delicacy of the jerboa very trying, for
the short journey from Alfeld to this city caused the death of the
female and reduced her mate to such a condition that when it arrived
there seemed little hope that it could ever be utilized for scientific
research or artistic life studies.

[Illustration: JERBOA IN THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN OF BERLIN.--DRAWN FROM
LIFE BY G. MUTZEL.]

My anticipation and pleasure were changed to vexation and grief. The
most careful nursing--the stiff, weak little legs were dipped into and
rubbed with French brandy--and a warm pen with a dry sanded floor
directly over a heater, did their work. As the new-comer got on his
feet again my hope gained new life, and now our jerboa is my delight.
It is, indeed, a curious animal. One who saw it only in the day time
asleep would scarcely know what he had before him, for he would see
little more than a mass of soft, bright sandy hair. The coming of the
keeper with the dish of food and the unfastening of the door of the
cage bring life to the ball of hair in the corner; a part of it is
unroll