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surface. On holding the water to the t, it will look a little milky, but on ing the smallest drop under the micope, you will find it swarming with dreds of strange animals, that are mming about in it with the greatest acity. These animalcules exist in such titudes, that any efforts to conceive of ir numbers bewilder the imagination. This invisible universe of created being he most wonderful of all the revelais of the microscope. During the ater part of man's existence on the th, while he has been fighting, taming, I studying the lower animals which re visible to his sight, he has been surnded by these other multitudes of the th's inhabitants, without any suspicion their existence! In endless variety of m and feature, they are bustling through ir active lives, pursuing their prey, deding their persons, waging their wars, Itiplying their species, and ending their eers, countless hosts at each tick of the ek passing out of existence, and making y for new hosts that are following in less succession. What other fields of ation may yet, by some inconceivable thods, be revealed to our knowledge!

THE spectrum analysis of flashes of tning, by M. Grandeau, proves the exence of nitrogen and hydrogen in the charges. The yellow ray of sodium is detected.

CURIOUS DETECTION OF A CRIMINAL.t long ago there occurred, in Prussia, e of those cases of detection of crime by entific means which interest a large and elligent class of readers. A quantity of d, packed in boxes, was dispatched by a way train. On arrival at its destina, it was discovered that the gold had en stolen from some of the boxes, which re refilled with sand to make up for the icient weight. Measures were at once en for the discovery of the thief, and t no chance might be lost, Professor renberg was requested to make a micropic examination of the sand. The prosor (who is a member of the Academy Sciences at Berlin, well-known for his earches into minute objects, and his

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of the world), asked that a quantity of sand from every station by which the train had passed should be sent to him. Examining these one after another, he at last came to a sand which was identical with that found in the gold boxes. The name of the station whence this sand had been collected was known, inquiries were set on foot at that station, and among the persons there employed the thief was detected.

SUBSTITUTE FOR GUTTA-PERCHA.-At a late meeting of the French Academy of Sciences, M. Serres gave an account of the valata, a shrub which abounds in Guiana, and affords a juice which he asserts is superior, for many purposes, to guttapercha, but especially as an insulating material for enveloping telegraph wires. The milk or juice is drinkable, and used by the natives with coffee. It coagulates quickly when exposed to the air, and almost immediately when precipitated by alcohol, which also dissolves the resin of the valata juice. All the articles made with gutta-percha can be made with the sap of the valata, and it has no disagreeable smell. When worked up, it becomes as supple as cloth, and more flexible than gutta-percha. M. Serres exhibited a number of articles manufactured of valata milk. Up to the present time it seems, from Serres' account, not to have become an article of commercial export.

A NEW explosive compound has been made in England, by pulverizing separately 47 parts of chlorate of potash, 38 parts of ferro-cyanid of potassium, and 5 parts of sulphur. These are mixed with water, formed into a paste. The water is evapo

rated, and ten parts of India-rubber are added. When mixed and molded, these ingredients form a solid compact body, and are said to answer the purposes of ordinary gunpowder.

IN making experiments with tuningforks, by holding one to each ear at the same time, Herr Fessel, of Cologne, has discovered that ears do not possess the same power of hearing. From numerous trials, it appears that persons hear best with the right ear, but in no case has the

be alike on both

sides of the head. The difference in the sight of the right and left eye is more common than supposed generally, because the impression made upon the weaker eye is absorbed or dissipated by the stronger eye, which has been made more powerful by previous use.

SPONGE is the skeleton of a zoophyte. Its chemical constituents are 1 part of iodine, 3 of sulphur, 5 of phosphorus, and 20 of fibrin. The latter substance is found in the secretions of the silkworm and spider, and contains of carbon 39 parts, hydrogen 31, nitrogen 6, and oxygen 17. On account of the large quantity of fibrin present, the sponge is classed among animals, although a few naturalists still regard it as a plant.

DR. DRAPER's discovery, that all metals reach a red heat at the same temperature,

has been questione vostaye, who detail process of theoretic that different bodies do not become visib ature.

A BELGIUM paper oil lamps are affect note on a brass in out. M. Duhem ex in succession by the He was one of the and is professor at t toire of Music.

THE theory of specular iron ore, morphosed condition some earlier age o tinent, upheaved sin

MISCELLANY

Ar a recent party, one of the candles was leaning slightly. Gliffkins, who boasts of his geography, remarked that it represented the Tower of Pisa. "Yes," said facetious Sniff kins, "except that one is a tower in Italy, and the other is a tower in grease."

How near akin laughter is to tears, was shown when Rubens, with a single stroke of his brush, turned a laughing child in a painting, to one crying. And our mothers, without being great painters, have often brought us, in like manner, from joy to grief by a single stroke.

AN Oxford student joined, without invitation, a party dining at an inn. During dinner, he boasted so much of his abilities, that one of the party said: "You have told us enough of what you can do, pray tell us something that you cannot do." 'Faith," said he, "I cannot pay my share in the reckoning."

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WISE parents know that a good education is the best legacy.

He who needs education most, cares least

for it!

MOTHERS are the ers, therefore should

Boaz did not giv corn at once, but kep is the best charity another's poverty as industry.-Fuller.

AN AMERICAN P men who carry in th less energy, the bra ways an enviable one a moral one, but noisy. Such a man with danger of all yielding to fatigues, cles, or to conscience ceive of him as dying nervous protest, which his own judgment, ag pensations of Provide see faces every day, sioned unrest, is utter the calm, long sleep, last-Ik Marvel,

A LITTLE Wrong d great wrong done to o

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= human soul, like the salt sea, befresh and sweet in rising to the sky. ERE is no better looking-glass than an end.

E blush of true modesty is like the f a rose in the heart of a lily. OK-CATALOGUES are to men of letters, the compass and the lighthouse are e mariner, the railroad to the mer, the telegraph-wires to the editor, igested index to the lawyer, the phar-pæia and the dispensatory to the phy1, the sign-post to the traveler, the v and the lever to the mechanic. IE BRAIN.—Allusion has been made he late Mr. Thackeray's large brain. edical friend favors us with a note on subject: "The average weight of the an brain," he says, "is 49 ounces in male, and 44 ounces in the female. In t instances, however, when the indial has been distinguished by great atal power, it has been known to rise ch above the numbers given. The brain Cuvier weighed 64 ounces; Dr. Alex

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ander Crombie's, 63 ounces; Lord Byron's, 62 ounces; and Mr. Thackeray's 58 ounces. In contradistinction to these, may be placed the brain of an idiot, given by Dr. Todd, weighing 16 ounces, and the still more remarkable one described last year by Dr. Gore, barely reaching 10 ounces, 5 grains. Among these unfortunate individuals, it is true, large heads are often met with; but in such cases, the fine filaments and delicate chambers of the brain have been injured by disease, and they are thus, from many of its parts failing to act, or not acting in harmony, converted into beings who live a mere vegetative existence: are guided by dangerous impulses, but still more frequently by the gentler instincts."-Inverness Courier.

A MAN conversant with one particular study, is tempted to seek for a solution of every question, one very subject, by a reference to his own favorite science or branch of knowledge; like a school-boy when first intrusted with a knife, who is for trying its edge on every thing that comes in his way.

LITERARY NOTICES

COMPREHENSIVE GEOGRAPHY: combinng Physical, Mathematical, and Political Geography, with important Historical Facts, and designed to promote the Normal Growth of the Intellect. Illustrated with numerous accurate maps and engravings. By BENJAMIN F. SHAW and FORDYCE A. ALLEN. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co.

The arrangement of this book (the proofheets we have had the pleasure to examine) s logical and sensible. We are introduced o our world as it appeared in the earliest lays of which we have any authentic record: ts physical peculiarities are commented apon; its adaptation to animal and vegetaole life noted; the laws which govern its relations to other members of the great planetary family, are explained-and so explained that they can be understood by those for whom the book is intended.

In the treatment of the political and his

served. We start with man's first habitat; we notice its peculiar ear-marks, the manners of the inhabitants, the influence of externals upon them, the changes and developments to which they and their lodgingplace are subject. We follow the tide of necessity, enterprise, or curiosity Westward.

One peculiarity, patent on every page, calls for special commendation. A rare judgment is evident in the selection of facts, and in the language in which they are conveyed. Every thing is succulent and nutritious. Prominence is given to the important alone. Indeed, we remember no school-book in which what is really valuable is presented in so concise and yet so manageable a form. To be sure, one may not find the exact length of the toe-nails of the Samoyedes given; nor do we now recollect that the town of Weissnichtwo is definitely located. The mighty creek, Minimus, may likewise have been overlooked. Let who will mourn these deprivations, we are not of the number, content that nothing has been neglected which is

30000SORY to a full and comprehensive view

A word now touching the illustrations. Saving a few views of cities, all are introduced to elucidate the text; and we unhesitatingly assert that the equals of these engravings, in point of artistic finish and appropriateness, adorn the pages of no school-book hitherto published in this country. The "Primary Geography," by Prof. Allen, excited great interest, upon its appearance, by reason of this feature; but the "Comprehensive" leads that by a full length. The ingenuity displayed in associating with each country, by means of cuts, its peculiar flora and fauna, will assuredly suggest imitation. The distinct relief in which the coast line, mountains, undulations, and prominences are brought out in the various physical maps, will be eminently serviceable in fixing in the mind correct impressions as to the external appearance of the different countries thus represented. Add to this

the fact, that all the maps are drawn upon a graduated relative scale, so that the comparative extent of each country is indicated, as well as its mere outline.

Interspersed, as needed, are satisfactory definitions of words, technical and otherwise, which seem to the experienced teacher to require such information. We are glad to see, in this respect, that it has been taken for granted that the pupil knows something; and, consequently, that he is spared those impudent attempts at explanation which disfigure too many text-books. The correct pronunciation of the various proper names, in accordance with the best modern authorities, is also indicated.

But enough of detail. Whoever is curious in the premises will examine for himself. We have but hinted, that others may be tempted to investigate. The work is passing rapidly through the press, and will soon be "ready."

It should be examined by every teacher. We congratulate Messrs. Shaw and Allenthe former of whom we know well as a gentleman of excellent literary taste, who has devoted no little time and research to geography and cognate studies, while the latter represents an experience of twenty-five years in the school-room, some results of which are already in the possession of the public in his popular "Primary Geography" -upon having deserved success, even though they do not obtain it.

Should it prove to be the fact, that, with all our boasts of progress and improvement, the educators of the land are not yet mature enough to appreciate such a book, then-so much the worse for the fact.

BARNARD'S AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EDUCATION issued on the 15th of March, June, September, and December, making one volume of 824 pages octavo, with four portraits and 200 wood-cuts. Terms, $3 per annum, in advance. Single number, $1. By HENRY

BARNARD, LL.D., Common-schools in sioner of Public S and Chancellor of consin.

All of Dr. Barna by the publishers of TIONAL MONTHLY.

Of Watson's Hand Gymnastics (publis Bancroft & Co., 130 0 George Sherwood, mail, $1 75), the edit writes as follows:

"Richly illustrated and printed on fine t best style, this volu valuable works of Vocal Gymnastics, is and eminently practi tion, vocal culture, a amples employed to and rules, and the p lected with admirabl contrivance of the a recitation with calis movements. Frequer ly in the open air, it v strengthen the lungs lowness, and purity to division, Calisthenics, beautiful and effective that are to be execu These exercises, which sary elementary lesso ing, are admirably a primary instruction. tics, embraces the m exercises, that are to paratus. They insur taneous activity of physical powers, givi to the lungs, the voice the sinews, and the treatise is introduced paratus, affording an of carefully elaborate the movements may b connection with count tions, singing, or instru teen pieces of appropri are introduced in the The book can not be to ed to schools, families invalids.

STANDARD EDUCATION cing the History, Syst Methods of Education ers, and in the best S America, with Biogr Eminent Teachers, P factors of Education.

National Education School Architecture, $

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7, cloth, $2; Object-Teaching, etc., in at Britain, $2; German Schools and agogy, $2 50; Aphorisms on Education, -0; Pestalozzi and Pestalozzianism, $2 50; lish Pedagogy, $2 50; Ascham, Bacon, ton, Milton, Locke, Spencer, etc., on cation, $1 50; Reformatory Education Schools, $2; Military Schools and Eduon in France and Prussia, $3; PolytechSchool of France, $1; Common School em of Connecticut, $1 50; Education of dren in Factories, 50c.; Gallaudet and Mutes, $1 50; Portraits of Eminent chers, 25c. each; Raumer's German Uniities, $2; Russell's Normal Training, 1, $1 25; Hill's True Order of Studies, ; Thayer's Letter to a Young Teacher, ; Huntingdon's Unconscious Tuition, ; Mansfield's History of U. S. Military demy, 50c.; American Teachers and cators, $3; German Educational Reners-Sturm, Luther, Melancthon, Raa, Comenius, Basedow, Francke, and der, $3; French Schools and Educators enelon, Montaigne, Rousseau, Guizot, sin, Wilm, Marcel and others, $3; Conticut Common School Journal, 1838-42, 50; Journal of R. I. Institute of Instruc, 1845-49, $3 50; American Journal of ication, Single No., $1; Do., do., single

in cloth, $3; Do., do., Vols. 1 to 12, h, $30; Do., do., Do., do., half-goat, $36.

APERS FOR THE TEACHER.-Including American Pedagogy; (2) Object-Teachand Methods of Primary Instruction in at Britain; (3) German Schools and agogy; (4) Educational Aphorisms and gestions; (5) English Pedagogy; (6) talozzi and Pestalozzianism, 6 vols., in -h binding, $10.

HE Kindergarten Journal (published by Society for the Advancement of True ucation), No. 1, May, 1864, contains, ast thou Need?" a poem ; "What is a dergarten ?""Primary Schools" (creditto the AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL MONTH; "Sympathy," a poem; "Kindergarten rnal;" "Guardian Angels;" "Miscely"-a choice selection of paragraphs; hildren's Department"-containing little ries, etc., adapted to children; "Society promoting Good Habits;" "Language," nd one page devoted to the "Amusing.' is is a new monthly, and it bids fair to omplish great good in its sphere. Terms: dollar per annum in advance-ten cents a single number. All communications it should be addressed to Kindergarten urnal, Box 4740, New York City.

STUDENT AND SCHOOL-MATE, for May, tains “Trials and Triumphs; or, Paul fford in trouble"-continued; "Over the eam," a poem; "Sea-weeds;" Organ at

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Luzerne;""Discoveries by the Microscope;" "John Chinaman in California;" April Fool's Day" "The Cathedral at Milan;" "Sweet Influences;" "Effect of Light;" "Physical Training;" "Our Nation's Hope" -a declamation, fully illustrated with diagrams for position and gesture; "Humors of the Draft"-a dialogue, very suggestive and amusing; "The Oath," a poem;

"Teacher's Desk"-containing familiar talks with boys and girls, book-table, enigmas, "pithy and pointed" sentences, and "curious and amusing paragraphs ;" "Home"music and words.

The Student and School-mate, and Forrester's Boys' and Girls' Magazine, for 1864, WILLIAM T. ADAMS (Oliver Optic), editor, is now in its thirteenth volume, and it has met with a success rarely attained by any similar publication. The publisher maintains the high standard which has given the work its present popularity, and he will continue to employ writers of acknowledged ability to supply its pages with first-class juvenile matter and appropriate illustrations. The magazine contains stories for children, which possess sufficient interest to challenge the attention of young readers, while they impart the highest moral lessons. Scientific subjects are treated in a familiar style, and the facts and phenomena of natural history, natural philosophy, astronomy, and chemistry presented in an attractive manner, and upon the level of the child's understanding. History, biography, and current topics receive a due share of attention, and are rendered attractive by careful preparation, expressly for the pages of this work. A speech for declamation, illustrated, and marked for emphasis and gesture by a competent teacher-a feature of the Student and School-mate which has been highly commended by practical instructors appears in each number. An original dialogue, adapted to the wants of schools, associations, and social circles-a department in which this Magazine has been without a rival, and which has been universally appreciated among those for whom it is intended-is published every month. The Teacher's Desk contains a great variety of rebuses, puzzles, enigmas, and charades, which have in former years made it the favorite department of thousands of its young readers, and a collection of "pithy and pointed" maxims, and "curious and amusing" facts, conundrums, and anecdotes. Each number also contains a piece of music, suitable for use in the school and in the family.

Price, $1 per annum, in advance. Specimen number sent for 10 cts.

By special arrangement, the publishers of the AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL MONTHLY are able to offer, for the present, their own MONTHLY and the Student and School-mate, for one year, at $1 50.

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