flesSca ya3fii!&r' WV -V , THE ANIMAL WORLD Lions and Timers Get on a Glorious Spree From Indulging in a Little Sprig of Catnip. MONKEYS AKD THE PHONOGRAPH. A Sperm Whale Follows a Steamer Oyer a Thousand lilies and Then Gires it np in Disgust FOXES THAT DO KOT FEAE MEN. Tie Tcrk'i TTiy of Inducing i Donkey to Abandon Eii Hcsietl Istlinitioni. "Catnip has a decidedly queer effect on all animals of the feline specie," said Head Keeper Byrne, of the Philadelphia Zoolog ical Gardens,to a .Record reporter. "It makes them drunk just as surely as whisky will make a human being drank. If you are inclined to doubt this statement cet a little catnip and try it on the household pussy. She will show you an amusine time." The other day the lions and the tigers went en a hie drnnk at the expense of Mr. Byrne, and they certainly had a high old time. Their intoxicant did not consist of the red, red wine; neither was it the foamy lager. It was simply catnip, and the noble beasts took it straight "Before I start the pets on their spree," said Mr. Byrne, "I'm going to give them a little dose of castor oil. They'll make all sorts of wry faces if they take it, and maybe they won't take it at all. They're just like children when it comes to castor oil." The head keeper cut off three or four lumps of meat about the size of walnuts. On each piece he poured a few drops of castor oil and then fired a couple of pieces iuto each cage. It was almost feeding time and the animals were ravenously hungry. Bic "Dan," he of the shaggy mane and fierce demeanor, gulped down his bit of meat and a moment later was the most dis gusted looking lion in the world. He made a wry face of the most comical description, gagged two or three times and then, when he realized how completely he had been fooled, he let ont a roar that made the build ing shake. The others acted in the same manner and then sat down in dejected atti tudes in different corners of the cages. ".Now let's go on a druuk, my pets," said Mr. Byrne, standing close to the cage and takinir fron his pocket a package of dried catnip. : Instantly every lion and tieer in sight braced up and took a fresh hold of hie. Tbey made for the catnip much alter the fashion of an old-timer at tacking his matutinal cocktail, and alter eating a little, began to roll about in it, while a satisfied expression stole over each face. Big "Dan" and his helpmeet seemed to have the most fun. For a little while they rolled about the floor of the cages for all the world like little puppies at play, and then tney grew somewhat boisterous. Good natured growls filled the air, until "Dan" In the exurberance of his spirits rose up and hit his better half i most unchivalrous blow with his mighty paw. But this did not seem to interrupt the harmony of the occasion in the least for the lioness proved to be one of the amiable kind for whom there is not a cross word or a blow in a whole bale of catnip. She did cot resent the crnel slap, but kept right on having plenty of fun. A game ol leap-frog fol lowed" the rolling about, and it was the most exciting episode of the entire spree. Bur "Xan" did most of the Jeaninr. and the way he would shake his shaggy mane and fly through the air high over his mate, rai a sight to put an exDert acrobat to the blush. But the ticrers. the unamiable brntes. didn't appear to have a bit of fun. No sooner had the catnip been thrown into their cages than tbey settled down to have a clawing and snarling match. In about two minutes the canes looked like sections of Donnybrook Pair. The beasts clawed and yelled at one another, but, like most fights of the kind, no blond was spilled. Mr. Byrne said it was only a way they had of snowing now tney loved one another, and the noise was all in fun. The chances are no headache followed the catnip orgie, for when feeding time arrived a little time later every beast showed up with his appetite all polished and oiled and in splendid running order. Cak Monkeys Talk? The linguistic abilitv of monkeys, writes Bene Bache, was the sulject the other day ot what was prob ably the funniest scientific experiment ever conducted by the Smithsonian Institution. Prof. Garner, one of the honorary curators, had charge ot the test. The conversational power of monkeys has for years been his special hobby, and it occurred to him that it would be a good idea to take down some o! their remarks by means of the graph ophone. Accordingly he procured a port able instrument and secured the co-operation ol the Secretary ol the Smithsonian and of about a dozen other men of science attached to that learned establishment in the carry ing out of this remarkable trial. It was a treat sight to behold the croup of eminent doctors and professors gathered jn front of the monkey cage at the Zoo in the rear of tne Smithsonian builaiutr, senonslv waitlne results, wliile Prof. Gamer ground awav at the hand granhophone with its crank at tachment, and the keeper of the animals jioked the monkeys up with a stick to make them talk. One monkey was tame and the other one wild. The wild one could not be induced by the most vigorous poking to make any remarks worth mentioning. An occasional ecreamof rage was all that could be elicited lrom him. The tame monkey did nothing but chatter and eibber most unintelligibly, as it seemed to the rest of the audience; but Prof. Garner was inclined to think that this was really conversation worth taking down and so he ground away vicorously at his in srrunient.usiiig up half-a-dozen cyliuders in obtaioing the records he desired. A big tin born attached to the graphophone was in serted through the door of tne monkey cage during the performance. Pro-. Garner was very far from imagining that he would be able to understand this monkey talk, but his notion was to record the remarks ol one monkey and grind them out through the horn lor the benefit of the other uioukey, so as to observe what sort of responses the second would make. By com paring the original observations and the re plies, he hoped to get some lew clews that would eventually enable him to translate the monkey language. TJnlortunately, the wild monkey would only scream angrily, andthus the experiment was in a measure a lailare, though the Proiessor is convinced that he has obtained on his cylinders some really useful simiau observations, it he conld only tell what they were about This is, in lact, the only difficulty remaining, and he docs not despair. A Pltjckt WHAH-Dr. Mannington Gaflyn writes lrom Adelaide to the Pall Hall Jfudget as follows: As far as I can learn it its the rarest thing for a whale not to fear a steamer. On the morning of July 17 in Witituue 42 S., longitude 78 P.. Captain JHepworth, B. IT. It, of the steamship Port Adelnde, was taking his sight when he nOnticed a large sperm whale alongside, bo cld.se that hit, spouting wetted the deck. Thje creature had evidently losthis"ehool," andl miitaken us for one of his own species. He remained with us for lour days and nisfchts, and traveled 890 niutical or 1,025 statute miles without a rest and, as far as onfe could gather, without lood. He was fldWer more than 70 yards away, and for the xndst part close against the ship, under her qnairter, where the draught made swimming easier for him. The length of the animal was about 47 feet The first day he was very lively, diving frequently beneath the ship's bottom, on one occasion scratching himself severely. After that he kept close alongside like a tired Newfoundland dog. When be did come up, the children amused themselves by throw ing potatoes into his "blow holes!" which were ejected again with great force. If this monstrous mammal (who appears to have been forgotten when the rest were given legs) has any capacity for sorrow it must have been a pathetic moment with him when at last after his gallant struggle to stay with us hejbod to throw up the sponge and remain alone in the center of the Indian Ocean. A Sea-Going Goat When the cruiser Baltimore lclt New York as a funeral barge, says the New York Sun. she carried a well-known cayy pet who was entered in the shipping papers as "William Goat; oc cupation, mascot" Mr. Goat was origin ally Mr. Kid, and as such was picked up in a foreign port by the old Galena. This was four or five years ago, but even then he ex hibited traits which have since developed into something like actual intelligence. As he grew older he became so particular upon certain points of naval etiquette that when ever it was thought good to take him ashore, he would stubbornly refuse to go in any save a certain cntter. So great was his attachment to the Galena that when, a few months ago, it was decided to transfer him to the Baltimore, the opera tion was accomplished by main force. He soon became acclimated in his newqnarters, however, and in a short time had developed a wonderful fondness for attending each divine service held aboard. He listens with great gravity to the words of the chaplain, and alter the sermon is concluded goes amoug the sailors begging for a chew oi to bacco to relieve his agitated conscience. The tobacco is readily obtained, and be mas ticates it with a proficiency that is found only in sea-going society. He has never been known to be seasick and in the habits above mentioned finds his chief solace for abandoning a life ashore. Foxes Too Tame fob Game. Mr. William Palmer, of the National Museum, Washington, gives a great deal of informa tion about the Fox Seal Islands, ol Behring Sea, which he recently visited. Foxes were so tame at the time ot his visit that they often circled about him in rheer curiosity, barking defiance at a distance of only a few feet One very fine example, quite unlike anything seen by the natives before, and probably a cross between the blue ind the white iox, is among the rarities oi his collec tion. This fox was killed after a most ex citing experience. Mr. Palmer began firing at him, with bis cane gnn, at a distance of GO yards, but could not bring the bullet and the animal into the desired conjunction, and the fox was very much interested in the whizz of the ball. Whenever a buliet came near enough he wonld bark turiously knd run around in a circle seeking to discover the cause of the strange noise, the gunner being entirely con cealed behind some tall grass on one of the sand dunes. Gradually the fox drew nearer to the unseen hunter, and everything seemed to point to a speedy and successful termina tion of the hunt but unluckily in trying to remove a tight shell Mr. Palmer palled off the head, leaving the cylinder in the breech. Then began a lively struggle to extract the shell in a hurry. The excitement was so intense, however, that the fox approached almost within arm's length before the obstrnction was gotten rid of and a new cartridge inserted. Then, while the fox was chattering away most earnestly. Mr. Palmer, not wishing to spoil the skull, took aim behind the fore leg; but the bullet, ranging a little too far ahead, crashed through the legs without killing the animal, which struggled off behind a sand dun and was apparently lost beyond recovery. The collector, however, circled around in ji direction opposite to that taken by the fox, and unexpectedly came upon him at very short range, and "this time sent a bullet squarely into one of his eyes and ended the singular chase. Young foxes were frequently seen, but were difficult to kill before escaping into their burrows. Eescued His Adversary. The New fouudland dog is a particular favorite of mine, says a writer in hongman s Magazine. He is the most magnanimous fellow in the world, and small dogs may insnlt him with impunity unless a river happens to be near, when one too venturesome and impudent will sometimes experience an involuntary bath. On one occasion lately, a particularly fine one was sitting on a wooden bridge dis cussing a bone, when a predatory mastiff came along, and, being unable or unwilling to distinguish between meum et tuum, a smart altercation arose. So violent became the debate that both suddenly overbalanced and fell into the stream beneath. The near est landing place was 100 yards down, and to it the Newfoundland betook himself without much difficulty, and, after a good shake, was preparing to depart, when he suddenly became aware that the other dog, who wan more of a soldier than a sailor, was wildly beating the water, and drowning as last as he could drown. One look was enough. In went he of the shaggv coat and, seizing the other by the collar, brought his late enemy safe to land. The two dogs then eyed each other with a per ectly indescribable expression for some seconds, then silently aud solemnly wagged their caudal appendages, and with dignity departed. Some will, no doubt, say that this was but instinct; aud tbey may be right bat I prefer to give my four-looted iriend the benefit ot the doubt. Can Count Three Bufi Lester, says the Oglethorpe, Ga., cho come to the front with the smartest dog named one that can count It has been the custom with the cook for the family to make old Wade (that's the dog's name) catch chickens three in number each day tor the table. The other day it was decided that two chickens would be sufficient for that dav, and when the dog had caught that number the cook took them in. When she reached the kitchen Wade was not far behind her with another low! in his month, making the number that he had been accustomed to catch each day. And so it is that Buff claims that his dog can count A Vanquished Fiohter Sullivan is an intelligent bulldog, who is a part ot Oil City's fire department He is as deat as a post a great rounder and wears the scalps of a score or more canines of the neighbor hood at his belt metaphorically speaking. Sullivan has a unique way of fighting. He takes a good solid hold around the neck and then goes to sleep until he is clubbed away. Sullivan has never been "licked" that is, he had never been "licked" up to a few nights ago. But then he met bis Waterloo by a little insignificant animal which Sulli van depised, and now, as he meditates on the lading glory of a past prestige, he has a greater respect lor this animal, which he would have crushed and forgotten. A few nights ago it was chilly, and the guardian oi the hose house dozed by the stove with one eye open as has become this ancient tamilv's custom. Suddenly his other ye opened, and his brow wrinkled. He perceived an invader, a little black skunk over in the corner by the door. As quick as a flash he made for the skunk, and it darted through a small hole in the door. Sullivan grabbed it just as the hindquarters ol his skunkship were abont to disappear, and as quickly let him go. He drew back ward, wrinkled bis brow again, shut one eye, lifted his nose, gave a -snort and looked long and meditatively at a cobweb on the ceiling. The fall appreciation of the sweet aroma then struck him all in a lump; with a shriek of terror, disunited and vanquished, he fled at a furious rate for three blocks in a rein effort to outrun the scent Grip, his yellow companion, approached Sullivan and then retreated. From a nook in the stable he viewed with a tnoughtlul air, as much as to say: Run bow yon will, do what yon will. The aroma of polocat will ding round yon stilt Sullivan rolled on the ground, snorted, vomited and repeated these performances for a half hour. Hit face grew long with the intensity of disgust Suddenlyjt all changed to anger; his hair brhtlsd, ha ut THET tered ominous growls and went ont to thrash every dog in the vicinity, but these anticipated his approach and fled to quar ters of saiety. Sullivan no longer wears the proud air of a conqueror, but is an humble and meek bull dog. Horse in a Street Car. A remark able accident occurred at Cincinnati a short time ago. A hook and ladder wagon, going at full speed to a fire, ran against a street car which was jnst rounding a corner. The pole of the truck struck the car and the horses rose on their hind leet By this rear ing of the horecs the pole was raised and passed through the upper part of the last window, went on through, and came out on the other side. It tore a large piece out of the side of the car, lilted the roof up and made a hole large enough to admit the off horse. The animal plunced madly about and finally got entirely inside the car. He would not back out, but turned around and stood lengthwise of the car. The only way he could be got out was to break the sides of the car. There were five passengers in the car and their escape was miraculous. The Latest Tioeh Story. There is no end to tiger stories, but here is one that takes the cake. It comes lrom that lovely region, the Soutbal Pergnnnahs, all jungle and mud: A man was seated on a tree at night watching his fields, when he noticed a tiger prowling and sniffing the air, and gradually approaching his perch, until it actually came nnder the machan, which it tried to pull down. The Southalee, bold by nature, sat fearlessly looking on, consider ing all the while as to what he should do. Quick as thought he took a redhot iron, and as the hungry man-eater, with open mouth, leaped to catch his hanging leg, he dropped the bolt into his month, and the tiger at once swallowed it with what result it is needless to say, except that beast was found not far off the next morning "stark and stiff Silencing the Donkey Those who do not like to hear the donkey bray will be glad to know of the plan that the Turks use to prevent Neddy lrom displaying his vocal powers. It seems that belore the donkey can deliver his hee-haws he must hold his head np in the air, and raise his tail on a level with his backbone. Now observe what the cunning Tnrk does. He ties a pretty heavy stone to the creature's tail, and calmly waits for the resnlt When the donkey is inclined to bray, he trieds to bring his tail to the usual height, but finding that he can not do this he postpones his performance until another and more fitting opportunity presents itself. And there is peace in the neighborhood for a time. Tricks or Bats. There is something almost "uncaunv" about the skill of rats. A box of figs lies on the table; the question that the rat mind has to solve is how to get the frnit in the quickest time. One of the gang climbs the table, pushes the box to the edge and then upsets it on the floor, where the figs lie scattered about in all directions, to the great delight ot his mates. There is no doubt that a rat will nearly empty an oil flask by first of all taking out the cork aud then dipping his long tail again and again into the nil, licking it of course each time, nntil it has drained np every drop within reach. This is neater, cleaner, but more laborions than knocking the flask down like the fig box. Bats will carry eggs from the area cellar to the attic of a house. In this job they seem to work in couples. It is simple enongh to get the eggs along a flat surface, but it is hard and ticklish to carry them upstairs. Still, it can be done, and this is how they do it. The first rat standing head downward, as if it were going to turn a somersault, pushes the egg as far up the step as it can. Thesecond rat standing on the step or twisting its tail round a rail, leans downs and lilts the egg with its fore feet Imagine this process re peated at every step in every stair from top to bottom of a house, and it seems scarcely credible. Sullivan's Bite Deadly. Charles N. Buggies, liveryman of Bridgeport, Conn., is mourning the death ot his pet Bussian dog, which he has owned for the past seven years. A short time ago, when John L. Sullivan was in town, he called at Buggies' stable with a few friends and wanted to hire a team. Buggies was not in. John L. became indignant at delay, and so the story goes seized the heavy Bussian dog, lifted it up the ears and bit its nose. Buggies was indignant when he heard of it. Now that the dog is dead he declares that "John L.'s bite imparted alcoholic hydro phobia." Death in Animals. The laws of nature are all directed by Divine Wisdom for the purpose of preserving life and in creasing happiness, says the New York Ledger. Pain seems in all cases to precede the mutilation or destruction of those organs which are essential to vitality and tor the end of preserving them, but the mere process of dying seems to be the falling into a deep slumber; and in animals, who have no fear of death dependent uponimagination, it can hardly be accompanied by very intense suf fering. In the human being moral and in tellectual motives constantly operate in en hancing the fear of death, which, without these motives in a reasoning being, would probably become null, and the love of life be lost upon every slight occasion of pain or distrust; but imagination is creative with respect to both these passions, which, if they exist in animals, exist'independent of reason, or as instincts. Pain seems intended by an All-wise Providence to prevent the dissolu tion of organs, and cannot iollow their destrnction. There have been several instances in which the process of death has been ob served, even to its termination, by philoso phers, aud the instances are worth reneat- ing: Dr. Cullen, when dying, is said to have faintly articulated to one of his inti mates: "I wish I had thejower of writing or speaking, for then I would describe to you howpleasant a thing it is to die." Dr. Black, worn ont by age and a disposition to pulmonary hemorrhage, which obliged him to live very low, while eating his customary meal of bread &nd milk, fell asleep, and died in so tranquil a manner that he had not even spilt the contents of the spoon which he held in his hand. And Sir Charles Blagden, while at a social meal with his friends M. and lime. Ber thollet and Gay-Lussac, died in his chair so quietly that not a drop ol the coffee in the cup which he held in his hand was spilt Hla Merlon Mistake. New York Herald, l Fat Old Boggs Ahl one of the fair sex. Whewl what a size! I ought to make an impression here. But rlrcnmstanre i ahangsd his mind. 'M I 1 PITTSBURG - . DISPATCH, EVERT DAY SCIENCE. Statistics Show That There's a Good Time Ahead for Farmers. EXERCISE AND HEART DISEASE. Traveling Eighty lilies Per Hour on an English Railroad. UTILIZATION OF COMMON COAL GAS iWEiraif roa thi dispatch. 1 The population of this country is increas ing to such an extent, and so much of the old land has gone ont of cnlti vation, that it has been suggested that within ten years it may be found neeessary to import large quantities of wheat to feed the ever-increasing population."'' The acreage of cnltivated farm land is rapidly decreasing, Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts being full of abandoned farms on which the trees are again encroaching, and Massachusetts has to-day as mnch wooded land as when it was first settled, and far more than a cen tury ago. The statistics which have been issued by the American Department of Ag riculture for the year 1889 contain some in teresting figures on the state of agriculture in the United States during the past ten years, a period which commenced in great prosperity and ended in great depression. There has been a great decline, not only in yield of crops, but also in prices, during this period. Now, however, prices seems to be recovering not only in the case of wheat, but also for farm stock, and calculations have been made to show that by January, lf94, a population oi 72,000,000 will require in staple crops an area oi' 226,800,000 acres; and, allowing an addition of 12,000,000 acres to be made to the cultivated laud in the in terval, there wonld be, by the time named, a deficit of nearly 4,000,000 acres, which, of course, will go on increasing at a very rapid rate. If these calculations be correct, they show that farmers are about to enter on a new era of prosperity, and that a most im portant industry will be again placed on a solid basis. Rrmovlnir Motes From the Eye. The following is a simple and expeditions way of removing Bpecs from the eye. The only instrnment needed is a wooden tooth pick or match, made sharp at the point Hard wood, however, is preferable. The sufferer stands in a good light and rests the body and head against a door post or some fixed object With the thumb and a finger the operator holds the eyelids sufficiently apart to see plainly the front of the eye, and also to prevent winking. If the speck be on the corner it may be very difficult to see it, and it can then only be found by chang ing the direction of sight until a favorable position is secured. The most difficult part of the business is to have the inexperienced person fix the sight on some object and hold the eye per: ectly quiet If this can be done only for a fenr seconds the operator ap proaches the mote with the point of the stick, still holding the eyelids, and with gentle passes and gradual advances soon touches the speck and brings it away. The transparency of the eye makes it necessary to approach the surface with care, or it will be reached before it is expected. If the mote be hidden underneath the npper eye lid the eyelash should be gently raised, while the upper partof the lid is held down ward with the stick. When turned the stick is withdrawn and thelid is held in this position by the eyelash. Where iron is worked particles ot metal are sametimes al lowed to remain in the eye for several hours, when they seem to rust fast and cannot be removed by a stick. In such cases the point of a penknife blade, made quite sharp, is used, and it it is magnetized so mnch the better. Tecbnlcjildnrallon. . Some valuable advice was given to young, engineers by W. H. Baity in his address to the students of engineering at the Man chester (England) Technical School. "The study of engineering history," he said, "is the quickest and surest method of getting at the wisdom ot the past; it will enable yon to understand, compare, value and measure the present, and thus enable yon to assist, ennoble and enrich the fntnre. You may map out the sequence ot events with their relation to each other, and give sys tem and order to their thinking. Such a course of mental discipline will prepare the way for all the logical methods that will en able you to reject the false and discover the good, the true and the beautilul; and if you are fond of essay writing, which by all means you should cultivate, it will enable you to give proper reasons lor the opinions you hold. What is this historical knowl edge but the rich record ol the work oi the best and cleverest and most successful men who have worked in the same direction as that in which you may be engaged? Yon can examine their difficulties, and appre ciate their obstacles, and measure their mis takes and errors of judgment, and not only study their best but also their worst work, and see the wise course which would have been successful, and sometimes why care lessness or want oi judgment led to failure." Shelter on Board. Ship. An invention which will be heartily wel comed by seafaring men is an improved shelter for watchmen or officers on watch on board steamships or sailing vessels. The usual shelter .'or the watch or officers on the bridge or other part of a steamer is com posed of a canvas sheet lashed taut to up rights, top rail and foot board, the canvas being carried to about the height of a man's shoulders, so that his head is exposed to the lorce of the wind, and a serious strain is imposed on his eyesight The invention, which has just been patented, improves the position of the man, shielding him from wind by directing it over bis head, and en abling the shield or screen to be turned to face the wind. A screen frame is pivoted, and, instead of canvas, sheet iron, galvanized, is used as the screen, which is of snch a depth and so curved irom tbe feet downward that the wind becomes pocketed and somewhat compressed. The consequence is that in rising up the hollow of the curve so as to give it an extra impetns upward along the lace of the screen, the wind is forced up over tbe head ot the man or officer on watch. It will be readily understood that such a device will be ot the utmost value in di minishing the physical strain in severe weather, when the duties of the watchman become doubly anxious and onerous. Fire Quenching- at Sen. Investigation into the causes of tbe recent fires on steamships have shown that tbe nse of a very simple means of fire extinction, the injection of carbonic acid gas into the hold, is very often not resorted to when it would be of the utmost service. It is a matter for surprise that this effective safeguard, which requires for its generation only a few bar rels of marble dust and 20 or 30 gallons of hydrochloric acid, with hogsheads for tbe confinement of the gas and hose for its in jection, is not universally employed for the preservation of life and property on the high seas, especially as in the hold of a ves sel, which can be tightly closed, tbe prin ciple of chemical extinction can be applied with almost certain success. The adoption of such a system would resnlt not only in the saving o'f property, but it might at any time prove the means o averting loss of life. ModiScatloM Is War Taette. It ii pointed ont as one of the conse quences of,aniveraal introduction of smoke less powder which is now imminent that, as soldiers will have 1 to seek all possible cover, it will be necessary o multiply the number of orderlies and.m osteogen, and theonmironnVr In ohUWwlII hum to taVn SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, his position in tbe center of action to watch everything, and be readv to modify the original plan, swiftly, if needful. The change from brilliant uniforms to those of somberer and' safer hues will involve such expense tbat-it is likely to be deferred lor awhile, but the glitter of hemlets and bay onets is now so dangerously visible that al ready the French " Minister of War has f;iven orders that in the army of the Bepub io these shall be dulled with bronze. Danger In Excessive Exercise. A surgeon states that of 5,000 decrepit or aged soldiers that have been brought tinder his notice, fully 80 per cent were suffering from heart disease in one form or another, due to the forced physical exertion of the campaigns, and he predicts that as large a percentage of the athletes ot to-day will be fonnd 2S years from now to be the victims of heart disease, engendered by the muscular strains that they lorce themselves to under go. With regard to the effect of exercise on the prolongation of life, it may be said that there are more people living in France to day who have passed the age of 60 than there are in England, the home of athletic sports; and there is probably no nation in Europe more averse to athletic cultivation for its own sake than the French. Great athletes die young, and the mortality list of Oxford men who had rowed in the 'varsity' races, published a few years ago, showed that a comparatively small percentage of them lived out the allotted time. A physi cian has 'compiled some very elaborate statistics to demonstrate that men of thought live, on an average, 3J years longer than men in tbe ordinarv vocations of life. Excellence of Railroad Service. A traveler on the London and North Western Bailway, while going southward from Edinburg by the West Coast route, states that noticing the great speed of the train, he took the trouble to reckon what it was. In the space of six miles he fonnd that it averaged 80 miles an hour. He was sitting in a compartment of an eight wheeled coach weighing abont 19 tons, and notwithstanding the extraordinary speed, there was an entire absence of oscillation, and both the carriage and the permanent way are described as being in a state of perfection. So far as any motion of the carriage was concerned, it was impossible for the passenger to tell whether he was going at the rate of 80 miles an honr or 18. New Use for Conl Gas. A leading English technical jonrnal points ont that now that the electric light is so rapidly suppfanting gas, inventors are eagerly searching (or new fields of useful ness for the older illuminating medium. As a heating agent it is almost perfect, and the bye-products have been utilized to an astonishing extent It is strange that in ventors have overlooked the utility of tbe asphyxiating properties of the nonoxide of carbon contained in coal gas. Workmen in gas works are frequently poisoned by fumes which render them insensible, and have to be brought to by liberal nse of alcohol. It is suggested that this treatment omitting the alcohol might lead to a solution of the problem of the humane execution of crim inals. Latest Form of feubber Pavement. The municipal authorities of Brussels have decided .to experiment on the new compound, "caoutchouc macadam." A portion of one of the principal boulevards of the city is being paved with this material. The compound consists of a mixture of India rnbber and different kinds of stones, ground up together, and converted into a sort of cement by means of heat The material is stated to be hard, elastic and endnrable, and to be unchanged by either heat or cold. It is anticipated that it will prove extremely well adapted for rnnning tracks, and lawn tennis courts. Excavator for hotrer Trenches. A new machine has been designed for the excavation of sewer trenches. The material in this system of excavation is handled but once, and the operation is continuous, a line of loaded buckets passing out, and a line of empty ones returning to be filled at the same time. Ordinary excavating machines require tbe empty buckets to be returned over the same line over which the full ones are sent out, and it is claimed that for this reason the new machine can work more rapidly and cheaply. Composite Landscapes. A suggestive use of photography has been recently made. Landscape features are photographed here and there, figures being posed to fit the theme; the different parts are then collected into an effective group and the assembled groups are rephotograpbed to form one complete picture. Something of this kind has been done by artists in cyclo ramic painting, the different views being grouped together in sections and painted on tbe canvas in connected groups to form a complete representation of a vast stretch of landscape. TBS SENTENCE TO THE CB0SS. r A Facsimile of the Orlslnnl Plate Contain lnr tup Snvlor's Death Order. New York Telefrram. J In an odd collection of bowie knives, pistols and other riff-raff at one of the many museums on the Bowery, a few days ago, I came across a small brass plate, the surface of which was covered with Hebrew charac ters. A small card that hung above it read as follows: The following is a copy of the most mem orable judicial sentence which has ever been pronounced in the annals of the world namely, that of death against the Savior, the knowledge of which must be interesting in the highest degree to every Christian. The sentence is word for word as follows: Sentence pronounced by Pontius Pilate, Intendant o' the Province of Lower Galilee, that Jesus of Nazareth shall suffer death by the cross. In the seventeenth year of the reign of tbe Emperor Tiberius, and on the 25th of the month of March, in the most holy city of Jerusalem, during the Pontifi cate or Annas and uaiapnas, fontius dilate, Intendant of the Province of Lower Galilee, sitting in judgment in tbe Presidental seat of the Praetors, sentences Jesus Christ of Nazareth to death on a cross between two robbers, as the numerous and notorious testi monials of the people prove: One Jesus is a misleader. Two He has excited the people to sedi tion. Three He is an enemy to the laws. Four He calls himself the Son of God. Five He calls himself falsely the King of Israel. Six He went Into the temple followed by a multitude carrying palms in their hands. Orders The first centurion, Quintus Cor nelius, to bring him to the place of execu tion , lorbids ail persons, rich or poor, to prevent the execution of Jesus. The wit nesses who have signed the execution against Jesus are: One, Daniel Bobani, Pharisee; two, John Zorobabel; three, Baphael Bobani; four, Capet Jesus to be taken out of Jerusalem through the gates of Tourne.i. - A card below the plate states that the translation is literal, and that the plate, once owned by one of tbe commissaries of art in tbe French army in Italy, is a fac simile of the original plate, which was dis covered in the year 1280, in the city of Aquill, in tbe kingdom ol Naples. The original relic is now kept in the Chapel of Caserta. MILLIONS IN IT. How Ames Got the Idi-a of the Lone Han dled ""hovel Hs BXanofactarcs. Detroit free Press. Ames, of long-handled shovel fame , did not invent the implement A boy who was digging ont a woodchnck, broke tbe handle ot his shovel and fitted in a temporary one of donbls the length. Ames happened to pass oy, ana noueing how much easier tne hovel was handled, he caught on and started a laotory. The boy got a dollar hat and the woorlahnok ont of it 1890- THE DANCING BEAUTY A Sage Disquisition on What Becomes of (he Ballet Girls. THET HAVE BEEN KH0W5 TO DIE. Tiraclons Talk of One Who Knows Lights and Shadows. the GLIMPSES BEHIND STAGE TINSEL tCOBBXSPOSDINCI OJ THI DISPATCH. 1 NewToee, October 4. What becomes of the ballet girls? There is a superstition prevalent among a certain class of old timers having a maximum of cheek and a minimum of hair that the ballet girl never dies, never ceases to be a "girl," and never quits dancing. They are led to this conclu sion irom the close observation of years in the front rows at the physical drama. Bnt then this is a biased judgment Certain it is that nobody ever saw a dead ballet girl. But who, except those who have been in the army, where mules were sometimes killed, ever saw a dead mule? What becomes of mules? Do they gradually grow old and wither away at a breath? It is true, there is no parallel between a ballet dancer and a mnle beyond the fact that both are well known as eccentric kickers and as tough as Joey B. If the in ducement of assured perennial youth were not sufficient this fact of never ceasing to exist in the garish atmosphere of the foot lights is enough to attract the rising female generation. It is the fate of womanhood in in the ordinary walks of life to marry and become old. If they do not marry they are soon old anyhow, and are a neglected, if not a despised, lot she's always admibed. Not so the ballet girl. She may be mar ried or not and she frequently is the mother of a family of young kickers she may be 15 or 60, or anywhere along between those interesting extremes she always has her share of admirersA If fairly good-looking she has many of tpem. Why, men will sacrifice restful nights, money, sweethearts, wives, at the shrine ot the ballet girl is one ot those mysterious things to be decided after this life. But it is a fact that they will, and do, and a fact quite well known to the ballet girl herself. Who has not, for that matter, at some period of his life, lingered wistfully in the shadow of the stage door? The ballet girl may be said to remind ns of a mule in another respect she is born and not made. No woman grown was ever molded over into a ballet girl. She may become a famous actress she may be made into a lay figure for the spectacular, get a job as a chorus girl, or have a thinking part in a modern farce comedy become a ballet girl, never! Yon might as well talk of taking a brakesman off the railroad and turning him into a contortionist OKE BEAUTY' STOBY. "My mother was a dancer before me," said one charming yonng ballet girl the other evening. She referred to the fact with a sigh. She had done a matinee and evening turn at Palmer's in the "Bed Hussar" and was just polishing off a lunch of broiled chicken and beer. Her appetite is enough to throw a shade of sickly green over the worn out men-of-the-world who can scarcely eat a single square meal a day. "I began dancing when I was a mere child. My mother was dancing with the grown-up ballet as I am now. I danced in children's parts. Ton might say I was a born dancer, for my mother had been filling an engagement, which she resumed as soon as possible. "Yes, mother is living now, but not dancing," she laughingly retorted in answer to tbe stereotyped joke. "So that disposes of at least one branch-of the popu lar superstition. She is too stoat One of the evils of the many we have to contend with is the early tendency to stoutness. When yon first saw me I was a slender slip of 17; now look at mel" She has undeniably broadened and thick ened during these six years, though the obange improves her personal appearance. ' STOPS AT rWENTY-THBEE. "If I keep on growing stouter I shall have to diet myself,and that will break my heart I'm now 23 don't give it away. I wish to remain 23, see?" "What becomes of the girls? Oh, some are with the Kiralfys. Emma's with some show in the West; Kate is married, so is Sophy, and" ''No, no; what becomes of them finally?" "Why, dear mel how do I know? Die, and go to Heaven? Not if there's dancing there, I hope. It is quite enough to be a ballet girl here all your lilel Nearly all of the girls I knew when a child dancer are still alive and kicking. In fact, I don't ac tually know if any ot them are dead. They are about all in the business, too." "Yes, they have a good many offers of mar riage. Some marry, but they nearly all get bacK to tne stage. The girls can't stand tbe yoke very well, yon see. The quietude of mar riedli.e would soon kill most ol them. We get awiul tired of this, but from the experiences of those who have quit the staje to marry, I should say there are worse things. If mar riage is the thing it's cracked up to be, why do they all come back? Answer me that!" MATHIMONIAI. PHILOSOPHY. Her black eyes fairly snapped. She had evidently been considering the matrimonial problem on her own account The next ob servation of this philosophical maiden made that certain. "The trouble is that the kind of a man I would have is the kind who will probably never ask me to marry him, and tbe kind who does ask I wouldn't have. That's It up to date I Having been born and bred to this business. I scarcely know how 1 would manage to live any other way. But, dear me I There are two sides to this matter. Look at the kind of men we meet I What sort of a husband is a man likely to make who gets wild over the ballet? Why not give ns credit for some womanhood; with some tastes, good desires, feelings, ambition, the same as is accorded other gjrls who must work lor a living ? These saTme girls, who are spoken of contemptuously as only ballet girls, are made of better stuff than most women ot good society. Now, I do wish you wonld say a good word for us," plead' ingly. "There is rarely anything printed about us except slurs, insinuations and con temptuous sneers about our calling. Not that it really makes any difference, because it doesn't. Only it would be refreshing to read something diflereut" THE SALARY PABT OF IT. "The ballet business with the 'Bed Hussar' is easy tor us," went on the ballet girl; "I mean compared with our work with the Kiral ys. There is no danger of grow ing over stout with the Kiralfys. When tbe brothers were at the outs and fighting each other they used to bid for us to keep us awav from one another. Bnt they made us work bard, for the ballet was always the principal feature. Good dancers in any con siderable number are bard to get in this country, and two big spectacular shows like the ballet at the Madison Square Garden and 'Nero' uses np nearly all the material. That is the reason you see in the front nearly all of the same girls. "We have only two short dances here, and it is considered a good engagement We get 20 a wees. Tbe chorus girls get $15. Any kind of a prettv girl can be put in the chorus. We never have anything to do with them, on or off the stagel (This with some show of pride.) They are probably very nice girls, though. The managers know all of us, and they make engagements with ns the samo as are made with actors and actresses for the presentation ot tbe regnlar drama." Bnt what a lile I To those who must live it the thing is a matter of course. To nine tenths of tbe mothers and fathers of the great world of quiet homes, the spectacle of these yonng girls amid snob, dally and Rightly associations would carry with it the sentiments of profound sorrow and com miseration. Charles T. Mubbay. THE ELECTRICAL WORLD. Late Appllcntlona ofihe Myaterloni Carreat to IInn' Progress and Comfort. I WU1TTIX POK THE DISPATCH, i BeCENT experiments have suggested vari ous directions in which the nse of tbe search light can be extended. One of these is the vertical projection of the light rays, by a special adjustment of the lamp, so as to throw a brilliant shaft of light, high into tbe air. It is said that this beam can be seen further than any other analogons mode of communication. The explanation of its effectiveness is that a fog does not exist ex cept close to the water, and that the beam can be seen by looking np into the air not much ob scured by fog: so that the amount of fog which the sight has to penetrate to gain a view of this soaring beam. Is not so great as that be hind which tbe ship is hidden. Testimony to tbe value of the search light is afforded in the fact that many of the steamers on tbe large in land lakes, ad the steamers Rhode Island and Connecticut of the Providence Line, plylne on Long Island Sound, are fitted with it for nse in fogs. .. The number of electrical appliances for wearing upon the human body in tbe efficacy of which people are deluded into believing is legion, and notwithstanding all the warning that have been given, and the exposes that have been made of these flagrant frauds, there are many who still imagine that electrical belts, brushes, combs, etc., have a strong curative power. In the same line with these delusions is that of the man. now every day met with, who carries in his pocket a bit ot electric arc light carbon, so that some of the lingering electricity may soalc into his body ana drive away hts rheumatic twinges. All these notions have noc the least foundation; a person may stand close to the most powerful magnet and never feel the slightest magnetism, and tlia prevalent theory that the magnetism attracts the iron m tbe bloud ana thus Induces a more vigorous circu lation is absolutely fallacious. There is a great deal In tbe ust and tbe abuse of imagination, and it has been said that people who are taken violently ill after riding a lew blocks on the electric cars are ready to be rated as first-class cranks, as far as Imagination is concerned. A enrrent of electricity, properly adjusted as to strength and duration, may be very adranta geously passed through tbe body under certain conditions, bnt magnetism has no effect what ever upon the human system. Prop. W. D. Mark's prophecy, which has been going the rounds ot the papers, that within ten years the journey from New York to Philadelphia will be made in 36 minutes, on a train going at the rate of 150 miles an hour, is by no means an extrava gant one. In point of fact the length of time given for the accomplishment of this distinct progress in modern rapid transit gires a very wide and safe margin. A car can be seen to-day propelled over a track at a speed of 120 miles an hour, and when the important problem of dealing with the excessive resist ance ol the atmosphere at such high speeds, which is now engaging the attention of some of tbe first electricians of the country. Is solved, there is every reason to believe that this same car will be made to travel at the rate of 180 miles an hour. Electricity is nowadays supposed to be capable of doing everything under tbe sun. bnt in the matter o( its applica tion to rapid transit, It is difficult to exagger ate the possibilities which lie la the near future. a. It is noted, as showing that even the greatest and wisest of men sometimes make mistakes; that abont 12 years ago Mr. Ed ison stated that the carbon would not make an efficient filament for an incandescent lamp, and that the only reliable material to nse was platinum. Experience, however, has taught Mr. .dison that carbon makes the very best filament obtainable, and now, in fact, he uses nothing else. . Captaln Brophy, chief inspector of the Electrical Mutual Insurance Company, in an address on electric light wires, and the protection of firemen from injnry by the electric cunent, avoids the error into which many electricians fall in writing or address ing a miscellaneous audience, or employing a mass of technical phrases, which serve only to bemuddle and embarrass many of. tbe persons whom they are designed to instruct. Cap tain Brophy made a point of insisting that the generation of the electrio current or tbe pro duction of light and power is not snrrounaed with that degree of myBtery that most of those wbo do not, and some of those who shonld know better, wonld have tbe public believe. The law ot the electric current. Its generation and distribution, is just as oimple as are the laws of hydraulics or mechanics. Tbe electric light is the result of the conversion of the energy of tbe steam engine or other source of power. A 2,000 candle power arc light ab sorbs something le-s than one horse-power while bnrmng, or to speak accurately, 67-100 of an electrical horse-pen-er. Fifty arc lamps in series wonld Tequire 33 horse-power, inde pendent of tbe power required to overcome the resistance ot tbe wire and friction of the moving parts of the engine, dynamo and shaft ing. To grap the cross-head, crank-arm or rim of a fly-wheel while the engine is running at fall speed wonld be an act of madness, and it may to som suggest the force of electricity when it is stated that to place one's self in the path of the rurrent from a SO light arc dyntmo would be equivalent to attempting to stop a So horse-power engine in tne manner just de scribed. A well-knowit electrical authority of the- United Stales navy, in allnding to the important part which electricity is destined to play in the naval warfare ol the future, says that a comparison of the art of electricity in warfare at its present stage with that pre vailing five years ago shows how comparative ly Insignificant application may come to be a matter of supreme importance. He takes this as an Indication also of the tendency In mod ern warfare to accomplish a desirable end by any effective means, no matter how complex or how expensive. If a ship is to go into a fight she mast whip. A lost battle is a national regret for ever. So modern ships are coming to be the foremost examples of the application of science to practical things. Science is dally coming more Into our live, bnt in no depart ment of life is she making more progress than in warfare, and in warfare no branch of sci ence is making more progress than electricity. Edward Bellamy, in his recent paper "First Steps Toward Nationalism," advo cates the assumption by the Government of the existing telegraph lines. He says: "As to the advantages to the people which would result from a Government telegraph service, it is sufficient to refer to the fact that the cor poration which at present does nearly all the telegraph business of the country, pays ont of its profits a good interest on a canital about four times as great as the expenditure which would be required to duplicate the entire plant, tne latter ngure oeing aumiiLeuiy icss iuaa t20.000.000. Tbe Government telegraph service conld then be fnrnlshed at one-fourth the cost of tbe present service, even asanming that tbe same Interest would be paid od tbe investment, which is an unnecessary assumption, as there would be no need to issue bonds for tbe small sum required to buy or build tbe lines." The fact is ignored that where Governments have taken possession of telegraph lines in tbe past, the remit has not by any means been an unmixed blebslng. Mr. Bellamy aI-o says: "Nationalists everywhere are agitating In favor of tbe assumption and conduct by municipalities of local pnblic services such as tran-it. lighting, beating and tbe water supply, which are now rendered by corporations: and tbey vehemently oppose tbe granting of any f rancblses for such purposes." So far as tbe item of lighting Is concerned, it is well known that tbe assnmption by municipalities in this country of city electric lighting plants has been a comple failure. A city In South Carolina baa recently sold oat Its municipal electric lighting station, tbe purchasers agreeing to relieve tbe city of all pending liabilities In connection with the light plant. Negotiations are pending In several other cities (or a sale of their plants to the local or private electric lighting company, as they bave found that it was impossible to produce tbe light, when managed by politicians with no interest in tbe business, as cheaply as conld be dune by a private corporation whose managerawere financially interested In its suc cess. . Paper tubes are coming Into use for carrying gss, water and electrio cables, and some ot the latest samples of these pipes now being exhibited in Vienna, are highly spoken of. The method of their manufacture is curious and Interesting. Tbe width of tbe paper Is equal to tbe length of a given pipe. The paper runs first through molten asphalt, and u rolled upon a mandril of wood, the size of which determines the Inside diameter of the pipe. Wben cool tbe mandril is rrmoved, and tbe inside of the tube is covered with a kind of enamel, the composition of which is kept secret. The outside is covered with a bitumin ous lacquer and sand, and it is said that a com psrstiteiy thin pips will withstand a vsry pow erful oreuura. 15 C0CHIME.1L AJTD COFFEE. Tbe Crlmaon But Urn Attacked I to Ffcxt Where Cacta Isn't Crown. In many places in South and Central America, where tbe cochineal bug was formerly grown with care, the cultivation has been abandoned owing to the introduc tion of aniline dyes, which has all but ousted cochineal as a dye stuff from the market But tbe abandonment of coch ineal cnltnre has bad a curions consequence on the coffee plantations which have been substituted for the cactus previously grown lor the sustenance of the crimson bug. In Guatemala, according to the report of the British Consul in that place, the coffee plant has recently been attacked by a dis ease which was previously unknown. In vestigation, however, has shown that the supposed disease is nothing more or less than an attack of the cochineal insect, which, in default of the cactus previously provided for its use, has adapted itself to the coffee plant MADAME A. RUPPERT Complexion Specialtis. Mme. A. Rnppert's world-renowned fae. bleach Is tbe only face tonic in tne worlrt which positively removes freckles, moth patches, blackheads, pimples, birthmarks, eczema and all blemishes of the skin, and when applied cannot be observed by anyone. Thousands of ladles and gentlemen are uine It daily in Pitts burg, and in all pans of the world, with pleas ing results. Call at bit office aDd see testi monials from ladies of Pittsburg and vicinity wbo do not wish their names published. The face bleach can only be had at my branch office. No. 93 Fifth avenne. Hamilton building, rooms 203 and 204, Pittsburg, or sent to any address on receipt of price. Sold at 52 per bottle, or three bottles, usually required to clear the complex ion, $5. Send! cents postage for full particulars. Jyl6-101-Su MME. A BOPPEBT. Planta Beatrice, Produces a Beautiful Complexions "Whitens a Sallow Skin, Bemoves Moth and Liver Spots, Prevents Sunburn and Taa To Travelers it is Indispensable. Keeps the Skin Perfect in Any Climate, PLANTA BEATRICE, per jar J125 FLESH WORM PASTE Skin Rjefinerand Pimple Remover. Will refine a Coarse, Rough. Forous Skin. A positive cure for Pimples, Eruptions; removes that disagreeable Bednes3 with which so many are afflicted. FLESH "WORM PASTE, per jar. Jl 60 Our complete line of toilet requisites and manicure goods are absolutely pure, and caa be obtained at tbe following representative druggists. Ezger's Pharmacies, 11 Smithfield street, 172 Ohio street, 299 Ohio street. Bankin's Pharmacy, corner Penn avenna and Sixth street Markell Brothers, Central Drng Store, 6219 Penn avenue. Drs. S. M. & O. M". Goldburg, Sixtfc street. Or of Sole Manufacturers, LONDON TOILET BAZAAB CO., Wholesale Office: 20 East Seventeenth St. 33 and 40 West Twenty-third street, New York. Treatise on tbe complexion at above ad dress free, or sent to any address on receipt of 4 cents. jyl3-73-E0Su ' -i-rfrry,"'tf ' Thank you, no other dressing for ma bnt WoIff'sAGMEBIacking If yoa and jour customers are dissatisfied with ix, ttUbecaoM 70a did not fciou Aow ta km tCn m pan " ' Atk in Faint, Drug amt Ilmim TimiMxg Stamftr Pik-Ban, Khich wiu. Stain Old & tw ruxniTunc TarnUli will Stain Class and Chinawaiic at th WILL STAIN TINWARE aM will Stain toun old baskets time W'LL STAIN OAST'S COACH AND ON rsjr7. W0L77 & RANDOLPH, Philadelphia. se22-TTSSTI 1 Like my Wife to use ' MEDICATED ismf ii! Because it improves her looks and is as fra- -,. grant as violets. v jfS WHAT Mh m m caw s THAT OMt 1 tJLjLfLff JtA, k.L. JHk .JtritotaiJfcsJssttiiiiilii
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers