Items and Noveltitzs. 15

more abundant at greater depths, and it follows from this that four times more, at least, must die and shed their tests in 4,000 fathoms than in 1,000 fathoms.

The most marked temperature phenomenon observed in these two sections was the presence of a surface layer of water of an average depth of 80 fathoms, and a temperature above ‘77 deg. Fahr., extend- ing northwards from the coast of New Guinea about 20 deg., and westward as far as the meridian of the Pellew Islands. The greater part of this huge mass of warm water is moving with more or less rapidity to the westward. The trawl was used seven times between New Guinea and Japan, but, owing to the great depth and the nature of the sea-bottom, the results were not large. Nearly every haul brought up, besides a few of the characteristic deep-sea creatures, lumps of water-logged pumice, many of them with small shells attached .--English Mechanics World of Science.

Preservation of Plaster Casts.-%, The thorough saturation of plaster in melted paraffin will, I have reason to believe, preserve it from the weather in this country. An example so treated by me lay for some years on a marble block, in my garden here, in the open air, and remained uninjured. On the occasion, a good many years since, of a fancy fair fdr the benefit of the Female School of Art, connected with South Kensington, I contributed several specimens of small art works thus treated. This application of paraffin to plaster works of art was subsequently to this tried on a larger scale at South Kensing- ton, without however any consultation with me, but from the want of proper treatment, it resulted in failure. The examples I have, and am ready to show, are apt to get rather too yellow, like yellow ivory, but my friend, Mr. G. F. Wilson, F.R.S., who obtained the paraffin for me in the first instance, tells me he thinks that if it were quite pure, it would retain its color.

The mode of saturation is no secret, as it is similar to that employed in the saturation of plaster casts in stearine. I am, etc.,

JOHN BELL.

15 Dour0 Place, Victoria-road, Kensington, W, June 12, 1875.

P. S.-The paraffin hardens the plaster so much that the nail will scarcely scratch it. It increases its weight considerably, and gives it an appearance approaching transparency, like ivory, and preserves it in repeated washings. -Jownal of the Society of Ark